Consolidated revenue, EBITDA and net income growth of 4.2, 9.8 and 31 per cent, respectively (including impact of IFRS 16 in 2019)
Robust subscriber growth of 186,000 new customer additions, up 33 per cent and driven by customer service excellence and broadband network leadership
Strong wireless customer additions of 154,000, up 45 per cent, including 82,000 mobile phone additions, up 19 per cent, and 72,000 mobile connected devices additions
Consistent and industry-leading wireline customer additions of 32,000, reflecting 25,000 Internet and 16,000 TELUS TV net additions, and low residential voice losses of 9,000
Industry-leading customer loyalty with mobile phone churn of 1.01 per cent, along with low combined churn across mobile phone, Internet and TV
More than two million premises PureFibre enabled, representing approximately 64 per cent of our high speed broadband footprint and approaching 70 per cent by year-end
Awards from Ookla and Tutela confirm our global network excellence, and build on the numerous major global network awards received consistently over recent years
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 02, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELUS Corporation today released its unaudited results for the second quarter of 2019. For the quarter, consolidated operating revenue of $3.6 billion increased by 4.2 per cent over the same period a year ago, driven by both wireless and wireline data services revenue growth. Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 9.8 per cent to $1.4 billion due to higher wireless network revenue growth and wireless equipment margins, growth in wireline data service margins, higher EBITDA contribution from our customer care and business services (CCBS) and TELUS Health businesses, and the effects of implementing IFRS 16. This growth was partly offset by declines in wireline legacy voice and legacy data services. When excluding restructuring and other costs, Adjusted EBITDA was up 9.0 per cent. Applying a retrospective IFRS 16 simulation to fiscal 2018 results, pro forma Adjusted EBITDA growth was approximately 4.5 per cent, representing a margin of 39.0 per cent, up 20 basis points over last year.
For the quarter, net income of $520 million increased by 31 per cent over the same period a year ago due to EBITDA growth and lower income taxes, including a $121 million benefit from the revaluation of the deferred income tax liability for the multi-year reduction in the Alberta provincial corporate tax rate. This growth was partly offset by higher depreciation and amortization due to growth in our asset base, including from investments in our broadband technologies and business acquisitions, as well as increased financing costs, in part driven by higher foreign exchange losses due to the fluctuation in the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, $46 million of the increase in depreciation and $16 million of the increase in financing costs resulted from the application of IFRS 16 as we did not retrospectively adjust amounts reported for periods prior to fiscal 2019. Basic earnings per share (EPS) of $0.86 rose by 30 per cent over the same period last year. When excluding restructuring and other costs, as well as favourable income tax-related adjustments, Adjusted net income of $416 million was essentially unchanged over the same period a year ago, while adjusted basic EPS was $0.69.
“TELUS reported strong second quarter results, including robust subscriber net additions across our portfolio of growth services. This was anchored by the TELUS teams’ efforts to deliver a superior performance in respect of wireless and wireline customer loyalty,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO. “Industry-leading second quarter mobile phone churn of 1.01 per cent, and continued improvements in wireline loyalty, drove a low combined churn rate across mobile phone, Internet and TV of 1.05 per cent. Moreover, we realised the fewest residential voice losses in 15 years. These achievements contributed to strong customer growth in concert with continued value-creating financial results, supported by our team’s relentless focus on providing the best customer experience on our world-leading broadband networks. Indeed, earlier this week, TELUS was recognised as having the best mobile network in Canada, inclusive of the fastest speed and most expansive coverage, by Ookla. Furthermore, for the second quarter in a row, Tutela ranked TELUS number one for mobile experience in Canada. These accolades complement the additional major network awards TELUS has earned from J.D. Power, PCMag and OpenSignal – each received consecutively for two or more years – and reinforce the consistent superiority of our networks and the value of the ongoing generational investments we are making in broadband technologies.”
Mr. Entwistle added, “In early July, TELUS took a significant step forward in its unwavering commitment to put customers first by becoming the first national carrier to launch three innovative programs in combination, providing more value, simplicity and transparency to Canadians than ever before. Thanks to the passion and skill of our TELUS team, we launched Peace of Mind endless data rate plans, alongside our TELUS Family Discount offering and Easy Payment device financing. In addition to facilitating an enhanced customer experience on the path to 5G, these new mobility service offerings will support sustainable and profitable customer growth, enhanced bundling options and long-term financial performance. Moreover, the simplification attributes and device payment transparency will enable significant opportunities to further improve our cost structure and support operating margins.”
Mr. Entwistle further commented, “Through the consistent execution of our longstanding strategy, we are continuing to build on our track record of providing investors with the industry’s best multi-year dividend growth program, targeting annual dividend growth between seven and 10 per cent through to 2022 that is underpinned by our expectation of strong cash flow generation and growth from TELUS over this period. Indeed, our proven history of delivering on our industry-leading shareholder-friendly initiatives from the strong cash flow generated by our strategic investments, is underscored by TELUS having now returned $17 billion to shareholders, representing approximately $28 per share since 2004.”
“Importantly, we believe there is a truly synergistic relationship between what we do in business, in terms of driving positive outcomes for our customers and shareholders, and what we do to create healthier and more caring communities for our fellow citizens. This year, we are celebrating our 14th annual TELUS Days of Giving, and in the second quarter, more than 33,000 team members, retirees, family and friends volunteered at events in Canada and around the globe. Our team’s incredible compassion, giving with their hearts and their hands, is helping to make TELUS the most giving company in the world,” Mr. Entwistle concluded.
Doug French, Executive Vice-president and Chief Financial Officer said, “Our strong second quarter results for 2019 build on our solid execution in the first quarter and position our year-to-date financial performance in line with our 2019 consolidated financial targets. Free cash flow before income taxes is higher by 8 per cent for the first six months, driven by EBITDA growth and stable capital expenditures as we continue to make the right strategic investments to drive sustainable and profitable subscriber growth across our diverse and expanding product portfolios.”
“During the quarter, we took advantage of strong credit market conditions, successfully executing two financings used to early redeem our $1 billion Series CH notes due in July 2020. Subsequent to the early redemption and recent bond issues, the average term to maturity of our long-term debt stands at 12.8 years, our average weighted interest rate is down to a record low of 3.98 per cent, and we have no maturities in 2020, all of which further strengthens our balance sheet. As we look to the back half of 2019 and beyond, we will strive to continue balancing the interests of all our stakeholders as we execute on our strategy to further position TELUS for long-term success,” concluded Mr. French.
In wireless, external revenue increased by 2.8 per cent, reflecting network revenue growth of 1.7 per cent and equipment and other service revenue growth of 7.3 per cent. Network revenue growth was driven by a 5.4 per cent increase in our subscriber base, partly offset by lower mobile phone ARPU from declining chargeable data usage, the competitive environment and changes in our customer mix.
In wireline, external revenue increased by 5.9 per cent driven by data services revenue growth of 12 per cent, reflecting higher customer care and business services (CCBS) revenues due to increased business volumes from expanded services for existing customers as well as customer growth, increased Internet and enhanced data service revenues from higher revenue per customer and continued Internet subscriber growth, increased TELUS Health revenues driven by business acquisitions and expanded services for existing customers, revenues from our home and business smart technology (including security) service offerings and increased TELUS TV revenues from subscriber growth.
In the quarter, we added 195,000 new wireless, Internet and TELUS TV customers, up 45,000 or 30 per cent over the same quarter a year ago. The higher net additions included 82,000 mobile phones, 72,000 mobile connected devices, 25,000 Internet subscribers and 16,000 TELUS TV customers. Our total wireless subscriber base of 9.9 million is up 5.4 per cent over the last twelve months, reflecting a 3.2 per cent increase in our mobile phones subscriber base to over 8.5 million and a 21 per cent increase to our mobile connected devices subscriber base to more than 1.3 million. Our Internet connections of 1.9 million are up 7.1 per cent and our TELUS TV subscriber base of 1.1 million is higher by 7.1 per cent.
Consolidated capital expenditures of $770 million declined by 2.7 per cent. At the end of the quarter, approximately 2.04 million premises, or 64 per cent of our high-speed broadband footprint of approximately 3.2 million premises, were covered by TELUS PureFibre. This is an increase of approximately 390,000 PureFibre premises over the last twelve months.
Free cash flow of $324 million decreased by 1.5 per cent over the same period a year ago as EBITDA growth was offset by higher cash income taxes paid and increased interest paid due to an increase in our long-term debt balances outstanding, partly offset by a decrease in the effective interest rate. Free cash flow before income taxes increased by 17 per cent to $446 million.
Consolidated Financial Highlights | |||
C$ millions, except per share amounts | Three months ended June 30(1) | Per cent | |
(unaudited) | 2019 | 2018 | change |
Operating revenues | 3,597 | 3,453 | 4.2 |
Operating expenses before depreciation and amortization | 2,224 | 2,202 | 1.0 |
EBITDA(2) | 1,373 | 1,251 | 9.8 |
Adjusted EBITDA(2)(3) | 1,402 | 1,286 | 9.0 |
Net income | 520 | 397 | 31.0 |
Adjusted net income(4) | 416 | 414 | 0.5 |
Net income attributable to common shares | 517 | 390 | 32.6 |
Basic EPS | 0.86 | 0.66 | 30.3 |
Adjusted basic EPS(4) | 0.69 | 0.70 | (1.4) |
Capital expenditures(5) | 770 | 791 | (2.7) |
Free cash flow before income taxes(6) | 446 | 381 | 17.1 |
Free cash flow(6) | 324 | 329 | (1.5) |
Total subscriber connections(7)(8) (thousands) | 14,165 | 13,503 | 4.9 |
(1) | Our results for 2019 reflect the application of IFRS 16, Leases. Our results for periods prior to fiscal 2019 have not been retrospectively adjusted. |
(2) | EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB. We issue guidance on and report EBITDA because it is a key measure used to evaluate performance. For further definition and explanation of this measure, see ‘Non-GAAP and other financial measures’ in this news release. |
(3) | Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarters of 2019 and 2018 excludes restructuring and other costs of $29 million and $35 million respectively. |
(4) | Adjusted net income and adjusted basic EPS are non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB. These terms are defined in this news release as excluding from net income attributable to common shares and basic EPS (after income taxes), restructuring and other costs and favourable income tax-related adjustments. For further analysis of adjusted net income and adjusted basic EPS, see ‘Non-GAAP and other financial measures’ in this news release. |
(5) | Capital expenditures include assets purchased, excluding right-of-use lease assets, but not yet paid for, and consequently differ from Cash payments for capital assets, excluding spectrum licences, as reported in the interim consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 31 of the interim consolidated financial statements for further information. |
(6) | Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB. For further definition and explanation of this measure, see ‘Non-GAAP and other financial measures’ in this news release. |
(7) | The sum of active mobile phone subscribers, mobile connected device subscribers, Internet access subscribers, residential voice subscribers and TELUS TV subscribers, measured at the end of the respective periods based on information in billing and other systems. Fourth quarter 2018 opening mobile phone subscriber connections have been adjusted to exclude an estimated 23,000 subscribers impacted by the CRTC’s final pro-rating ruling in June 2018, which was effective October 1, 2018. In addition, second quarter of 2018 mobile phones were corrected to reflect an adjustment for temporary subscribers in connected devices, instead of mobile phones. All associated second quarter of 2018 operating statistics (average revenue per subscriber per month, or ARPU, average billing per subscriber per month, or ABPU and churn) were also updated. During the first quarter of 2019, we adjusted cumulative Internet subscriber connections to add approximately 16,000 subscribers from acquisitions undertaken during the quarter. |
(8) | Effective for the first quarter of 2019, with retrospective application, we have revised our definition of a wireless subscriber and now report mobile phones and mobile connected devices as separate subscriber bases. As a result of the change, total subscribers and associated operating statistics (gross additions, net additions, churn, ABPU and ARPU) were adjusted to reflect (i) the movement of certain subscribers from the mobile phones subscriber base to the newly created mobile connected devices subscriber base, and (ii) the inclusion of previously undisclosed IoT and mobile health subscribers in our mobile connected devices subscriber base. For additional information on our subscriber definitions, see Section 11.2 Operating indicators in our second quarter 2019 Management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A). |
Second Quarter 2019 Operating Highlights
TELUS wireless
TELUS wireline
Dividend Declaration
The TELUS Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5625 per share on the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company payable on October 1, 2019 to holders of record at the close of business on September 10, 2019.
TELUS amends pricing of shares under the dividend reinvestment program
Effective October 1, 2019 TELUS will issue shares from treasury at a two per cent discount from the average market price for shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends. These changes will apply to the dividends payable on October 1, 2019 to shareholders of record on September 10, 2019. Shares acquired with optional cash payments will be issued from treasury at 100 per cent of the average market price.
Shareholders who currently participate in the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan (DRISP) will automatically have the discount applied to the reinvestment of their dividends on the October 1, 2019 payment date. Registered shareholders of record residing in Canada and the United States wishing to join the plan can enrol online or access the DRISP enrollment form at Computershare’s shareholder services website www.investorcentre.com, by calling 1-800-558-0046 or by visiting TELUS.com/drisp. In order to participate in time for the October 1, 2019 dividend payment date, enrollment forms from registered holders must be received by Computershare Trust Company of Canada, 8th floor, 100 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1 before the close of business on September 10, 2019.
Non-registered beneficial holders of TELUS shares (i.e. shareholders who hold their shares through a financial institution, broker, nominee or other intermediary) should consult with that intermediary to determine the procedures for participation in the plan.
Under the plan, shareholders who reside in Canada and in the United States may elect to have the dividends paid on their shares reinvested in shares of TELUS. Holders of shares residing outside of Canada or the United States may be eligible to participate in the plan, subject to proof of compliance with any restrictions in the laws of their country. Full details of the plan are available at telus.com/drisp.
This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy such securities in the United States. TELUS has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form F-3, and a related prospectus, each dated February 26, 2013 with respect to the DRISP. A copy of these filings and any additional registration statements or prospectuses that may be filed from time to time in connection with the DRISP may be obtained under the Company’s profile on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Corporate Highlights
TELUS makes significant contributions and investments in the communities where team members live, work and serve and to the Canadian economy on behalf of customers, shareholders and team members. These include:
Access to Quarterly results information
Interested investors, the media and others may review this quarterly earnings news release, management’s discussion and analysis, quarterly results slides, audio and transcript of the investor webcast call, supplementary financial information at telus.com/investors.
TELUS’ second quarter 2019 conference call is scheduled for Friday, August 2, 2019 at 12:00pm ET (9:00am PT) and will feature a presentation followed by a question and answer period with investment analysts. Interested parties can access the webcast at telus.com/investors. An audio recording will be available on August 2 until September 15, 2019 at 1-855-201-2300. Please use reference number 1247457# and access code 77377#. An archive of the webcast will also be available at telus.com/investors and a transcript will be posted on the website within a few business days.
Caution regarding forward-looking statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements about expected events and the financial and operating performance of TELUS Corporation. The terms TELUS, we, us and our refer to TELUS Corporation and, where the context of the narrative permits or requires, its subsidiaries.
Forward-looking statements include any statements that do not refer to historical facts. They include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our objectives and our strategies to achieve those objectives, our outlook, updates, capital expenditure targets, and our multi-year dividend growth program. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words assumption, goal, guidance, objective, outlook, strategy, target and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as aim, anticipate, believe, could, expect, intend, may, plan, predict, seek, should, strive and will.
By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions, including assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. These assumptions may ultimately prove to have been inaccurate and, as a result, our actual results or events may differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements.
The assumptions for our 2019 outlook, as described in Section 9 General trends, outlook and assumptions, and regulatory developments and proceedings of our 2018 annual MD&A, remain the same, except for the following as updated in our first quarter 2019 MD&A:
The extent to which these economic growth estimates affect us and the timing of their impact will depend upon the actual experience of specific sectors of the Canadian economy.
Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein and in other TELUS filings include, but are not limited to, the following:
These risks are described in additional detail in Section 9 General trends, outlook and assumptions, and regulatory developments and proceedings and Section 10 Risks and risk management in our 2018 annual MD&A. Those descriptions are incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement but are not intended to be a complete list of the risks that could affect TELUS.
Many of these factors are beyond our control or our current expectations or knowledge. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on our financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation. Except as otherwise indicated in this document, the forward-looking statements made herein do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring or special items or any mergers, acquisitions, dispositions or other business combinations or transactions that may be announced or that may occur after the date of this document.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this document describe our expectations and are based on our assumptions as at the date of this document and are subject to change after this date. Except as required by law, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are presented for the purpose of assisting our investors and others in understanding certain key elements of our expected 2019 financial results as well as our objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook. Such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
This cautionary statement qualifies all of the forward-looking statements in this document.
Non-GAAP and other financial measures
We have issued guidance on and report certain non-GAAP measures that are used to evaluate the performance of TELUS, as well as to determine compliance with debt covenants and to manage our capital structure. As non-GAAP measures generally do not have a standardized meaning, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Securities regulations require such measures to be clearly defined, qualified and reconciled with their nearest GAAP measure.
Adjusted Net income and adjusted basic earnings per share: These measures are used to evaluate performance at a consolidated level and exclude items that may obscure the underlying trends in business performance. These measures should not be considered alternatives to Net income and basic earnings per share in measuring TELUS’ performance. Items that may, in management’s view, obscure the underlying trends in business performance include significant gains or losses associated with real estate development partnerships, gains on exchange of wireless spectrum licences, restructuring and other costs, long-term debt prepayment premiums (when applicable), income tax-related adjustments, asset retirements related to restructuring activities and gains arising from business combinations.
Reconciliation of adjusted Net income | |||
Three months ended June 30 | |||
C$ and in millions | 2019 | 2018 | Change |
Net income attributable to Common Shares | 517 | 390 | 127 |
Add (deduct): | |||
Restructuring and other costs, after income taxes | 22 | 25 | (3) |
Favourable income tax-related adjustments | (123) | (1) | (122) |
Adjusted Net income | 416 | 414 | 2 |
Reconciliation of adjusted basic EPS | |||
Three months ended June 30 | |||
C$, per share amounts | 2019 | 2018 | Change |
Basic EPS | 0.86 | 0.66 | 0.20 |
Add (deduct): | |||
Restructuring and other costs, after income taxes, per share | 0.03 | 0.04 | (0.01) |
Favourable income tax-related adjustments, per share | (0.20) | — | (0.20) |
Adjusted basic EPS | 0.69 | 0.70 | (0.01) |
EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization): We have issued guidance on and report EBITDA because it is a key measure used to evaluate performance at a consolidated level. EBITDA is commonly reported and widely used by investors and lending institutions as an indicator of a company’s operating performance and ability to incur and service debt, and as a valuation metric. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to Net income in measuring TELUS’ performance, nor should it be used as an exclusive measure of cash flow. EBITDA as calculated by TELUS is equivalent to Operating revenues less the total of Goods and services purchased expense and Employee benefits expense.
We also calculate Adjusted EBITDA to exclude items of an unusual nature that do not reflect our ongoing operations and should not, in our opinion, be considered in a valuation metric, or should not be included in an assessment of our ability to service or incur debt.
EBITDA reconciliation | ||
Three months ended June 30 | ||
C$ and in millions | 2019 | 2018 |
Net income | 520 | 397 |
Financing costs | 189 | 150 |
Income taxes | 31 | 145 |
Depreciation | 470 | 411 |
Amortization of intangible assets | 163 | 148 |
EBITDA | 1,373 | 1,251 |
Add restructuring and other costs included in EBITDA | 29 | 35 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 1,402 | 1,286 |
Free cash flow: We report this measure as a supplementary indicator of our operating performance. It should not be considered an alternative to the measures in the condensed interim consolidated statements of cash flows. Free cash flow excludes certain working capital changes (such as trade receivables and trade payables), proceeds from divested assets and other sources and uses of cash, as found in the condensed interim consolidated statements of cash flows. It provides an indication of how much cash generated by operations is available after capital expenditures (excluding purchases of spectrum licences) that may be used to, among other things, pay dividends, repay debt, purchase shares or make other investments. We exclude impacts of accounting changes that do not impact cash, such as IFRS 15 and IFRS 16. Free cash flow may be supplemented from time to time by proceeds from divested assets or financing activities.
Free cash flow calculation | ||
Three months ended June 30 | ||
C$ and in millions | 2019 | 2018 |
EBITDA | 1,373 | 1,251 |
Deduct non-cash gains from the sale of property, plant and equipment | (5) | (8) |
Restructuring and other costs, net of disbursements | 1 | 7 |
Effects of contract asset, acquisition and fulfilment (IFRS 15) | 15 | 4 |
Effects of lease principal (IFRS 16) | (64) | — |
Leases formerly accounted for as finance leases (IFRS 16) | 13 | — |
Items from the condensed interim consolidated statements of cash flows: | ||
Share-based compensation, net | 20 | 35 |
Net employee defined benefit plans expense | 19 | 24 |
Employer contributions to employee defined benefit plans | (12) | (14) |
Interest paid(1) | (147) | (130) |
Interest received | 3 | 3 |
Capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences)(2) | (770) | (791) |
Free cash flow before income taxes | 446 | 381 |
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received | (122) | (52) |
Free cash flow | 324 | 329 |
(1) | Includes $16 million interest paid on lease liabilities for the three months ended June 30, 2019. |
(2) | Refer to Note 31 of the interim consolidated financial statements for further information. |
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications and information technology company with $14.6 billion in annual revenue and 14.2 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video and security. We leverage our global-leading technology to enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. TELUS Health is Canada's largest healthcare IT provider, and TELUS International delivers the most innovative business process solutions to some of the world’s most established brands.
Driven by our passionate social purpose to connect all Canadians for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired our team members and retirees to contribute more than $700 million and 1.3 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world.
For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.
For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.
Investor Relations
Robert Mitchell
(647) 837-1606
ir@telus.com
Media relations
Francois Gaboury
(438) 862-5136
Francois.Gaboury@telus.com