VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
-- (Marketwired)
-- 08/07/15
(TSX: T)(NYSE: TU) - TELUS Corporation's consolidated operating revenue grew 5.1 per cent to $3.1 billion in the second quarter of 2015, from a year earlier, while earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased 0.7 per cent. Significant restructuring and other like costs of $59 million, reflecting in part non-core retail real estate rationalization, impacted EBITDA and earnings this quarter. EBITDA excluding restructuring and other like costs increased by 5.1 per cent to $1.1 billion.
"Our strong second quarter results demonstrate the significant benefits of the TELUS team's unwavering focus of putting customers first, each and every day," said Darren Entwistle, Executive Chair. "Through our long-term and consistent approach to investing in core broadband technology and meaningful customer service and employee engagement initiatives, our team has delivered strong financial performance and unmatched customer loyalty, as illustrated by two consecutive years of wireless postpaid customer churn below one per cent."
Mr. Entwistle added, "In addition to an ongoing focus of doing what is right for customers, the TELUS team's track record of executing on a winning strategy has anchored our ability to return significant amounts of cash to shareholders through our ongoing multi-year dividend growth model and share purchase programs. In this regard, TELUS has returned $1.1 billion to investors in the first seven months of 2015; $3.4 billion over the past two years and $12.9 billion or more than $21 per share since 2000, reflecting our strong commitment to shareholder value creation."
TELUS President and CEO Joe Natale said, "The TELUS team's relentless focus on putting customers first has translated into industry-leading loyalty and retention that continues to underpin our solid financial performance. Through years of a company-wide commitment to genuinely earn customer loyalty, we continue to gain the trust of our customers as exemplified by this quarter's North American-leading customer loyalty measure of a 0.86 per cent monthly postpaid wireless churn rate."
Mr. Natale added, "Over the past two years, this focus has allowed TELUS to gain nearly 50 per cent of all net new wireless postpaid, high-speed Internet and TV customers versus its five major Canadian peers including an additional 115,000 in the second quarter. In this very dynamic and competitive Canadian marketplace, TELUS' consistent performance demonstrates how expecting more from ourselves translates into strong results for our customers and shareholders."
John Gossling, TELUS Executive Vice-President and CFO said, "Our strong operational and financial results have allowed us to effectively manage through the peak spectrum investment cycle the telecom industry has absorbed in 2015. In the second quarter, this included acquiring 40 MHz of 2500 MHz spectrum nationally in Industry Canada's 2500 MHz spectrum auction, which are core investments needed to support future growth in our business. Moving forward, we will remain focused on the appropriate balanced approach to capital allocation including shareholder friendly initiatives, measured investments in our core businesses, and maintaining investment grade credit ratings."
Net income of $341 million was down 10.5 per cent, while basic earnings per share (EPS) declined by 9.7 per cent to $0.56. Both net income and EPS were negatively impacted by significantly higher restructuring and other like costs, unfavourable income tax-related adjustments resulting primarily from higher enacted corporate income tax rates in Alberta and an asset retirement charge for the planned retail real estate rationalization. Excluding these three items, net income increased by 4.9 per cent to $406 million and EPS was higher by 4.8 per cent to $0.66.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
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C$ and in millions, except per Three months ended
share amounts June 30 Per cent
(unaudited) 2015 2014 change
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Operating revenues 3,102 2,951 5.1
Operating expenses before
depreciation and amortization 2,021 1,878 7.6
EBITDA(1) 1,081 1,073 0.7
EBITDA excluding restructuring and
other like costs(1)(2) 1,140 1,084 5.1
Net income 341 381 (10.5)
Adjusted net income(3) 406 387 4.9
Basic earnings per share (EPS) 0.56 0.62 (9.7)
Adjusted EPS(3) 0.66 0.63 4.8
Capital expenditures 664 636 4.4
Free cash flow(4) 300 210 42.9
Total customer connections(5) 13.941 13.599 2.5
(1) EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB.
We have issued guidance on and report EBITDA because it is a key
measure used to evaluate performance at a consolidated and segmented
level. For further definition and explanation, see Section 11.1 in the
accompanying 2015 second quarter Management's discussion and analysis.
(2) For the second quarter of 2015 and 2014, restructuring and other like
costs were $59 million and $11 million respectively.
(3) Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS do not have any standardized
meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB. These terms are defined in this news
release as excluding (after income taxes): 1) restructuring and other
like costs; 2) income tax-related adjustments; and 3) asset retirement
costs from the planned closure of all Black's Photography retail
stores. For further analysis of the aforementioned items see Section
1.3 in the accompanying 2015 second quarter Management's discussion and
analysis.
(4) Free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by
IFRS-IASB. For definition and explanation, see Section 11.1 in the
accompanying 2015 second quarter Management's discussion and analysis.
(5) The sum of active wireless subscribers, network access lines (NALs),
high-speed Internet access subscribers and TELUS TV subscribers (Optik
TV and TELUS Satellite TV® subscribers), measured at the end of
the respective periods based on information in billing and other
systems. Effective January 1, 2014, subscriber connections have been
restated to exclude 25,000 dial-up Internet subscribers and include
222,000 Public Mobile prepaid subscribers in the opening subscriber
balances. TELUS acquired 100 per cent of Public Mobile, a Canadian
wireless communications operator focused on the Toronto and Montreal
markets, in November 2013.
TELUS continued to generate consolidated revenue growth as a result of higher data revenue in both wireless and wireline operations. Wireless data revenue increased 18 per cent, leading to overall network revenue growth of 6.1 per cent, while wireline data revenue increased 7.8 per cent from a year ago leading to 2.4 per cent growth in external wireline revenue. In wireless, data revenue was driven by subscriber growth, an increased proportion of higher-rate two-year rate plans in the subscriber mix, higher data usage from the continued adoption of smartphones and other data-centric devices, increased data roaming and the expansion of TELUS' LTE network coverage across Canada. Wireline data revenue growth was generated by an increase in Internet and enhanced data service revenue from continued high-speed Internet subscriber growth and higher revenue per customer, growth in business process outsourcing services, TELUS TV subscriber growth and higher TELUS Health revenues.
In the quarter, TELUS attracted 115,000 net wireless postpaid, high-speed Internet and TV customers. This included 76,000 wireless postpaid customers, 22,000 high-speed Internet subscribers, and 17,000 TELUS TV customers. These gains were partially offset by the loss of wireless prepaid customers and traditional telephone network access lines. TELUS' total wireless subscriber base is up 3.3 per cent from a year ago to 8.35 million, high-speed Internet connections are up 6.2 per cent to 1.5 million, and TELUS TV subscribers are up 10 per cent to 954,000.
TELUS' continued focus on putting customers first delivered an industry-leading postpaid wireless subscriber monthly churn of 0.86 per cent, a year-over-year improvement of 4 basis points. This is the eighth consecutive quarter, or two consecutive years, that this important metric was below one per cent.
Free cash flow of $300 million was higher by $90 million or 43 per cent from a year ago as higher EBITDA excluding restructuring and other like costs and lower income tax payments offset higher capital expenditures related to TELUS' ongoing strategic investments in wireless and wireline broadband infrastructure to support TELUS' long-term growth.
In the second quarter of 2015, TELUS returned $378 million to shareholders including $243 million in dividends paid and $135 million in share purchases under its 2015 normal course issuer bid (NCIB) program. Through the end of July, TELUS has returned $1,064 million to shareholders, including $740 million in dividends paid and the purchase of approximately 7.9 million shares for $324 million under its 2015 NCIB program.
TELUS is updating its 2015 consolidated capital expenditures guidance, as described in TELUS' fourth quarter 2014 results and 2015 financial target news release issued on February 12, 2015. TELUS now anticipates full year consolidated capital expenditures of approximately $2.5 billion compared to its previously estimated 2015 target of 'similar to 2014' ($2.359 billion). The additional capital investments reflect continued investments in broadband infrastructure to support the increasing demand for data services and higher network speeds. 2015 EPS will be negatively impacted by net unfavourable income tax-related adjustments, including the revaluation of deferred income tax liabilities from the recent increase in corporate income tax rates in Alberta, as well as a $50 million increase to our original restructuring and other like cost assumption. However, excluding these items, TELUS still expects full year EPS to be within our original range of $2.40 to $2.60.
In addition, the assumptions for TELUS' 2015 annual targets, as described in Section 9, General trends, outlook and assumptions, in TELUS' 2015 annual MD&A, remain the same, except as updated below:
-- Economic growth in Canada in 2015 revised to a range of 1.0 to 1.5 per
cent from the original assumption of 2.1 per cent.
-- Restructuring and other like costs revised to approximately $125
million, from the original assumption of approximately $75 million, to
support ongoing operational efficiency initiatives, with other margin
enhancement initiatives to mitigate pressures from technological
substitution and subscriber growth.
-- Cash income tax payments assumption revised down to a range of $200
million to $260 million, from the original assumption of $280 million to
$340 million, due to the deferral of the 2015 instalments to 2016 and
higher refunds from the settlement of prior years' income tax-related
matters.
The preceding disclosure with respect to TELUS' 2015 financial targets, guidance and assumptions contains forward-looking information and is fully qualified by the 'Caution regarding forward-looking statements' at the beginning of the accompanying Management's discussion and analysis for the second quarter of 2015 and are based on management's expectations and assumptions as set out in TELUS' fourth quarter 2014 results and 2015 financial target news release and in Section 9 entitled 'General trends, outlook and assumptions' in TELUS' 2014 annual MD&A.
This news release contains statements about financial and operating performance of TELUS (the Company) and future events, including with respect to future dividend increases and normal course issuer bids through 2016 and the 2015 annual targets and guidance that are forward-looking. By their nature, forward-looking statements require the Company to make assumptions and predictions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual future performance and events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, this news release is subject to the disclaimer and qualified by the assumptions (including assumptions for the 2015 annual targets and guidance, semi-annual dividend increases through 2016 and our ability to sustain and complete our multi-year share purchase program through 2016), qualifications and risk factors referred to in the first and accompanying second quarter Management's discussion and analysis and in the 2014 annual report, and in other TELUS public disclosure documents and filings with securities commissions in Canada (on SEDAR at sedar.com) and in the United States (on EDGAR at sec.gov). Except as required by law, TELUS disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, and reserves the right to change, at any time at its sole discretion, its current practice of updating annual targets and guidance.
Corporate Highlights
TELUS makes significant contributions and investments in the communities where we live, work and serve and to the Canadian economy on behalf of customers, shareholders and team members by:
-- Paying, collecting and remitting a total of $481 million in taxes during
the second quarter of 2015 to federal, provincial and municipal
governments in Canada consisting of corporate income taxes, sales taxes,
property taxes, employer portion of payroll taxes and various regulatory
fees. Since 2002, the Company has remitted approximately $17 billion in
these taxes.
-- Purchasing 40 MHz of spectrum nationally in Industry Canada's 2500 MHz
wireless spectrum for $479 million in the second quarter of 2015. Since
the beginning of 2014, TELUS has purchased 70 MHz of wireless spectrum
nationally for $3.1 billion in the 700 MHz, AWS-3 and 2500 MHz spectrum
auctions. In addition, TELUS has paid annual spectrum renewal fees of
$117 million to the Canadian federal government since the beginning of
2014. Since 2002, total tax and spectrum remittances to federal,
provincial and municipal governments in Canada have totaled over $21
billion.
-- Investing $664 million in capital expenditures in communities across
Canada and more than $27 billion since 2000.
-- Spending $1.9 billion in total operating expenses, including goods and
service purchased of $1.3 billion, and since 2000, spent $87 billion and
$57 billion respectively in these areas.
-- Generating a total team member payroll of $728 million, including
payroll taxes of $138 million, and since 2000, total team member payroll
totaled $35 billion.
-- Paying $740 million in dividends in 2015 through July to individual
shareholders, mutual fund owners, pensioners and institutional
investors, and purchasing approximately 7.9 million shares for $324
million on behalf of shareholders under TELUS' 2015 share purchase
program.
-- Returning $11.8 billion to shareholders through TELUS' dividend and
share purchase programs from 2004 through July 2015, including $7.1
billion in dividends and $4.7 billion in share buybacks.
Second Quarter 2015 Operating Highlights
TELUS wireless
-- Wireless network revenues increased by $90 million or 6.1 per cent to
$1.57 billion in the second quarter of 2015, when compared to the same
period a year ago. This growth was driven by an 18 per cent increase in
data revenue, reflecting subscriber growth, increased proportion of
higher-rate two-year plans in the subscriber mix, higher data usage from
a continued adoption of smartphones and other data-centric devices,
increased data roaming and the expansion of TELUS' LTE network coverage.
-- Blended ARPU increased by 2.9 per cent to $63.48, reflecting TELUS'
nineteenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth.
-- Monthly postpaid subscriber churn declined 4 basis points year-over-year
to an industry-leading 0.86 per cent and blended monthly churn was down
20 basis points to reach a low 1.17 per cent. TELUS' low blended churn
rate reflects the Company's successful customers first culture and clear
and simple approach, investments in customer retention as well as a
greater proportion of postpaid clients in TELUS' subscriber base.
-- Total wireless net additions of 63,000 increased by 14,000 over the same
period a year ago. Postpaid net additions of 76,000 decreased by 2,000,
while prepaid net losses of 13,000 improved by 16,000 year-over-year.
The total wireless subscriber base was up 3.3 per cent or 264,000 from a
year ago to 8.35 million. Higher-value postpaid subscribers represent
approximately 86.5 per cent of TELUS' total subscriber base.
-- Wireless EBITDA excluding restructuring and other like costs increased
by $44 million or 6.3 per cent over last year to $755 million due
primarily to network revenue growth and operational efficiency
initiatives including the integration of Public Mobile, partially offset
by a 13 per cent increase in retention volume resulting in higher
retention costs and higher customer service and distribution channel
expenses.
-- Wireless EBITDA was impacted by significant restructuring and other like
costs of $36 million, which primarily related to the planned closure of
Black's Photography retail stores. Wireless EBITDA less capital
expenditures increased by $12 million to $492 million in the quarter due
to higher EBITDA.
TELUS wireline
-- External wireline revenues increased by $33 million or 2.4 per cent to
$1.38 billion in the second quarter of 2015, when compared with the same
period a year ago. This growth was generated by increased data service
revenue, partially offset by continued declines in legacy voice and
equipment revenues and lower business activity.
-- Data revenues increased by $67 million or 7.8 per cent, due to higher
Internet and enhanced data revenues from continued high-speed Internet
subscriber growth and higher revenue per customer, growth in business
process outsourcing services, higher TELUS TV revenues from continued
subscriber growth and increased TELUS Health revenues.
-- Total TV net additions of 17,000 were lower by 6,000 from the same
quarter last year, as expansion of TELUS' addressable high-speed
broadband footprint, increasing broadband speeds and improvements in
customer churn rate, was offset by lower business additions, the effects
of slower subscriber growth for paid TV services and increasing
competition from over-the-top services.
-- High-speed Internet net additions of 22,000 increased by 7,000 over the
same quarter a year ago. The high-speed subscriber base of 1.5 million
is up 89,000 or 6.2 per cent from a year ago, reflecting expansion of
our broadband coverage, including fibre to the premises and the pull-
through effect of Optik TV.
-- Total network access lines (NALs) declined by 29,000 in the quarter
compared to a loss of 15,000 a year ago. Residential NAL losses of
20,000 compared to a loss of 19,000 in the same period a year ago, while
business NAL losses of 9,000 compared to a net gain of 4,000 a year ago.
Stable residential NAL losses reflects the ongoing success of TELUS'
customers first initiatives and bundling strategy, offset by ongoing but
moderating wireless and Internet substitution and competition. Business
losses reflect increased competition in the business sector as well as a
slowdown in the business market associated with the national and
regional economies.
-- Wireline EBITDA excluding restructuring and other like costs of $385
million increased by $12 million or 2.9 per cent year-over-year. The
improvement reflects improving margins in data services, including
Internet, TELUS Health, TELUS TV and business process outsourcing
services, as well as ongoing operating efficiency initiatives. Wireline
EBITDA excluding restructuring and other like costs margin improved 0.2
points to 27.0 per cent.
-- Wireline EBITDA less capital expenditures decreased by $32 million to
$(75) million as higher EBITDA was more than offset by higher capital
expenditures that are supporting TELUS' long-term growth. Capital
expenditures increased over the same period last year due to continued
strategic investments in broadband network infrastructure, including
connecting more homes and businesses directly to our fibre optic network
and investments in system and network resiliency and reliability.
Dividend Declaration
The TELUS Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of 42 cents ($0.42) Canadian per share on the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company payable on October 1, 2015 to holders of record at the close of business on September 10, 2015.
This third quarter dividend represents a four cent or 10.5 per cent increase from the $0.38 quarterly dividend paid on October 1, 2014.
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T)(NYSE: TU) is Canada's fastest-growing national telecommunications company, with $12.3 billion of annual revenue and 13.9 million customer connections, including 8.4 million wireless subscribers, 3.1 million wireline network access lines, 1.5 million high-speed Internet subscribers and 954,000 TELUS TV customers. TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services, including wireless, data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, television, entertainment and video, and is Canada's largest healthcare IT provider.
In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed more than $396 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered and more than 6 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Created in 2005 by Executive Chairman Darren Entwistle, TELUS' 11 Canadian community boards and 4 International boards have led the Company's support of grassroots charities and will have contributed more than $54 million in support of over 4,800 local charitable projects by the end of 2015, enriching the lives of more than 2.1 million children and youth. TELUS was honoured to be named the most outstanding philanthropic corporation globally for 2010 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, becoming the first Canadian company to receive this prestigious international recognition.
For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.
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, and our full 2014 annual report at telus.com/investors.
TELUS' second quarter 2015 conference call is scheduled for August 7, 2015 at 11:00am ET (8:00am 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. A telephone playback will be available on August 7 until September 18 at 1-855-201-2300. Please use reference number 1182479# and access code 65844#. 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.
TELUS CORPORATION
Management's discussion and analysis
2015 Q2
Caution regarding forward-looking statements
This document contains forward-looking statements about expected events and the financial and operating performance of TELUS Corporation. The terms TELUS, the Company, we, us and our refer to TELUS Corporation and where the context of the narrative permits or requires, its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements include statements relating to annual targets, outlook, guidance and updates, our multi-year dividend growth program, our multi-year share purchase program, and trends. 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, predict, could, expect, intend, may, plan, seek, should, strive and will. By their nature, forward-looking statements do not refer to historical facts, are subject to inherent risks and require us to make assumptions. There is significant risk that forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. An update to our assumptions for 2015 is presented in Section 9 Update to assumptions in this Management's discussion and analysis (MD&A).
Factors that could cause actual performance to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein and in other TELUS filings include, but are not limited to, the following:
-- Competition including: continued intense rivalry across all services
among established telecommunications companies, new entrants, cable-TV
providers, other communications companies and over-the-top (OTT)
services; the potential entry of new competitors; competition for
wireless spectrum; competition from global players for international
roaming services; our ability to continue to retain customers through an
enhanced customer service experience; network access line (NAL) losses;
subscriber additions and retention volumes and associated costs for
wireless, TV and high-speed Internet services; pressures on wireless
average revenue per subscriber unit per month (ARPU) from market
conditions and government actions, customer usage patterns, flat-rate
pricing trends for voice and data, inclusive long distance plans for
voice, and increasing availability of Wi-Fi networks for data; and our
ability to obtain and offer content on a timely basis across multiple
devices on wireless and TV platforms at a reasonable cost.
-- Regulatory decisions and developments including: the federal
government's stated intention to further increase wireless competition,
including through a fourth national wireless provider, and reduce
roaming costs on wireless networks in Canada; the Canadian Radio-
television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) wireless wholesale
services review that determined the CRTC will regulate wholesale GSM-
based domestic roaming rates; future spectrum auctions (including
limitations on established wireless providers, spectrum set-aside
favouring new entrant carriers and other advantages provided to new and
foreign participants, and the amount and cost of spectrum acquired);
restrictions on the purchase, sale and transfer of spectrum licences;
the undetermined long-term impact of the CRTC wireline wholesale
services review that concluded wholesale competitors shall receive
regulated access to fibre-to-the-premises facilities owned by incumbent
internet providers; increased subsidy requirements for
telecommunications facilities in Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest
Territories, and possible changes to the scope and nature of basic
service obligations, including higher minimum Internet access speeds;
the CRTC's new code of conduct for TV services; vertical integration by
competitors into broadcast content ownership and timely and effective
enforcement of related regulatory safeguards; ongoing monitoring and
compliance with restrictions on non-Canadian ownership of TELUS Common
Shares; modification, interpretation and application of tower sharing
and roaming rules; and the non-harmonization of provincial consumer
protection legislation, particularly in light of the CRTC's mandatory
national Wireless Code (the Code) in effect since December 2, 2013, and
pressures on retention costs and other operational challenges resulting
from the retroactivity of the Code, which led to two-year and three-year
customer contracts ending coterminously starting in June 2015.
-- Technological substitution including: reduced utilization and increased
commoditization of traditional wireline voice local and long distance
services from impacts of OTT applications and wireless substitution, and
overall slower subscriber growth in the wireline segment; the increasing
number of households that have only wireless and/or Internet-based
telephone services; continuation of wireless voice ARPU declines
through, among others, substitution to messaging and OTT applications;
substitution to Wi-Fi services from wireless services; and OTT Internet
protocol (IP) services that may displace TV and entertainment services
or impact revenue.
-- Technology including: subscriber demand for data that challenges
wireless networks and spectrum capacity levels; our reliance on legacy
systems and information technology; technology options, evolution paths
and roll-out plans for wireline and wireless networks (including
broadband initiatives, such as fibre to the premises, and wireless
small-cell deployment); our reliance on wireless network access
agreements; choice of suppliers and suppliers' ability to maintain and
service their product lines; supplier concentration and market power for
network equipment, TELUS TV and wireless handsets; the performance of
long-term evolution (LTE) wireless technology; our expected long-term
need for additional spectrum capacity through future spectrum auctions
and from third parties to address increasing demand for data; deployment
and operation of new wireless networks and success of new products, new
services and supporting systems; network reliability and change
management (including migration risks, related to technology and
customer retention, to new, more efficient Internet data centres (IDCs)
and realizing the expected benefits); timing of decommissioning of
certain legacy wireline networks, systems and services to reduce
operating costs; timing of decommissioning of CDMA and iDEN wireless
networks to redeploy spectrum and reduce operating costs, and the
associated subscriber migration costs and customer retention risks;
availability of resources and ability to build out adequate broadband
capacity; and success of upgrades and evolution of TELUS TV®
technology, which depend on third-party suppliers.
-- Economic growth and fluctuations including: the state of the economy in
Canada that may be influenced by economic developments outside of
Canada; future interest rates; inflation; impacts from low oil prices;
pension investment returns, funding and discount rates; and Canada: U.S.
dollar exchange rates.
-- Capital expenditure levels and potential outlays for spectrum licences
in spectrum auctions or from third parties due to our ongoing deployment
of wireless LTE and future technologies, utilizing newly acquired
spectrum, our wireline broadband initiatives including connecting more
homes and businesses directly to fibre, investments in network
resiliency and reliability, subscriber demand for data, new IDC
initiatives, evolving systems and business processes, implementing
efficiency initiatives, supporting large and complex deals, and future
Industry Canada wireless spectrum auctions.
-- Financing and debt requirements including our ability to carry out
refinancing activities and ability to maintain investment grade credit
ratings in the range of BBB+ or the equivalent.
-- Ability to sustain our dividend growth program of circa 10% per annum
through 2016 and ability to sustain and complete our multi-year share
purchase program through 2016. These programs may be affected by factors
such as regulatory decisions and developments, the competitive
environment, economic performance in Canada, our earnings and free cash
flow, and our levels of capital expenditures and spectrum licence
purchases. Quarterly dividend decisions are subject to our Board of
Directors' (Board) assessment and determination based on the Company's
financial position and outlook. The share purchase program may be
affected by a change in our intention to purchase shares and the
assessment and determination of our Board from time to time.
Consequently, there can be no assurance that these programs will be
maintained through 2016.
-- Human resource matters including: recruitment, retention and appropriate
training in a highly competitive industry; the future outcome of
collective bargaining for the contract with the Telecommunications
Workers Union (TWU), United Steel Workers Local Union 1944, which
expires at the end of 2015; and the level of engagement of employees.
-- Ability to successfully implement cost reduction initiatives and realize
planned savings, net of restructuring and other like costs, without
losing customer service focus or negatively affecting business
operations. Initiatives include: our earnings enhancement program to
drive improvements in earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); business integrations; business
process outsourcing; internal offshoring and reorganizations;
procurement initiatives; and real estate consolidation.
-- Process risks including: our reliance on legacy systems and ability to
implement and support new products and services and business operations;
our ability to implement effective change management for system
replacements and upgrades, process redesigns and business integrations;
implementation of complex large enterprise deals that may be adversely
impacted by available resources, system limitations and degree of co-
operation from other service providers; our ability to successfully
manage operations in foreign jurisdictions; information security and
privacy breaches, including data loss or theft of data; intentional
threats to our infrastructure and business operations; and real estate
joint venture re-development risks.
-- Tax matters including: complex tax laws that may be subject to
interpretation by the tax authorities that may differ from our
interpretations; changes in tax laws, including tax rates; elimination
of income tax deferrals through the use of different tax year-ends for
operating partnerships and corporate partners; and international tax
complexity and compliance.
-- Business continuity events including: our ability to maintain customer
service and operate our networks in the event of human error or human-
caused threats, such as electronic attacks and equipment failures that
could cause various degrees of network outages; supply chain
disruptions; natural disaster threats; epidemics and pandemics; and the
completeness and effectiveness of business continuity and disaster
recovery plans and responses.
-- Litigation and legal matters including: our ability to defend
successfully against investigations, claims and lawsuits, including
class actions pending against us; and the complexity of legal compliance
in domestic and foreign jurisdictions.
-- Acquisitions or divestitures including: our ability to successfully
integrate acquisitions or complete divestitures in a timely manner and
realize expected strategic benefits.
-- Health, safety and environmental developments and other risk factors
discussed herein and listed from time to time in our reports and public
disclosure documents, including our annual report, annual information
form and other filings with securities commissions or similar regulatory
authorities in Canada (on SEDAR at sedar.com) and in our filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States,
including Form 40-F (on EDGAR at sec.gov). Section 10 Risks and risk
management in our annual 2014 MD&A, our 2015 Q1 MD&A and this 2015 Q2
MD&A are incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement.
Management's discussion and analysis
August 7, 2015
Contents
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Section Description
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1. Introduction 1.1 Preparation of the MD&A
1.2 The environment in which we operate
1.3 Consolidated highlights
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2. Core business and strategy
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3. Corporate priorities for
2015
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4. Capabilities 4.1 Principal markets addressed and
competition
4.2 Operational resources
4.3 Liquidity and capital resources
4.4 Changes in internal control over
financial reporting
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5. Discussion of operations 5.1 General
5.2 Summary of consolidated quarterly results
and trends
5.3 Consolidated operations
5.4 Wireless segment
5.5 Wireline segment
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6. Changes in financial
position
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7. Liquidity and capital 7.1 Overview
resources 7.2 Cash provided by operating activities
7.3 Cash used by investing activities
7.4 Cash provided (used) by financing
activities
7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures
7.6 Credit facilities
7.7 Sale of trade receivables
7.8 Credit ratings
7.9 Financial instruments, commitments and
contingent liabilities
7.10 Outstanding share information
7.11 Transactions between related parties
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8. Accounting matters 8.1 Critical accounting estimates
8.2 Accounting policy developments
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9. Update to assumptions
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10. Risks and risk management 10.1 Regulatory matters
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11. Definitions and 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures
reconciliations 11.2 Wireless operating indicators
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1. Introduction
Our discussion in this section is qualified in its entirety by the Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this Management's discussion and analysis (MD&A).
1.1 Preparation of the MD&A
The following sections are a discussion of the consolidated financial position and financial performance of TELUS for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and should be read together with TELUS' June 30, 2015 condensed interim consolidated financial statements (subsequently referred to as the interim consolidated financial statements). The generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) we use are the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Our interim consolidated financial statements comply with IFRS-IASB and Canadian GAAP and have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting. Our use of the term IFRS in this MD&A is a reference to these standards. In our discussion, we also use certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), to evaluate our performance, monitor compliance with debt covenants and manage our capital structure. These measures are defined, qualified and reconciled with their nearest GAAP measures in Section 11.1. All amounts are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified.
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management on a timely basis, so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosure. This MD&A and the interim consolidated financial statements were reviewed by TELUS' Audit Committee and authorized by the Board of Directors for issuance on August 7, 2015.
1.2 The environment in which we operate
Economic growth
We estimate that economic growth in Canada will be in the range of 1.0% to 1.5% in 2015, based on a composite of estimates from Canadian banks and other sources. Our growth assumption for 2015 reflects a decrease from our original assumption of 2.1% (see Section 9 Update to assumptions). The Bank of Canada's July 2015 Monetary Policy Report estimated economic growth for Canada at just over 1% in 2015 and 2.5% in 2016. In respect of the national unemployment rate, Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey reported a rate of 6.8% for June 2015 (6.6% reported for December 2014 and 7.1% reported for June 2014).
Regulatory developments
There were a number of important regulatory developments in the second quarter of 2015. See Section 10.1 Regulatory matters.
1.3 Consolidated highlights
AWS-3 and 2500 MHz spectrum auctions
In March 2015, we purchased 15 wireless spectrum licences across Canada's most-populated provinces in Industry Canada's AWS-3 wireless spectrum auction (1755 - 1780 MHz and 2155 - 2180 MHz bands). The licences, acquired for $1.5 billion ($3.02/MHz/POP, where POP refers to person of population), equate to a national average of 15 MHz and are complementary to the 16.1 MHz of national AWS spectrum we purchased in 2008 that is now the foundation of our 4G wireless network. The AWS-3 acquisitions increased our national spectrum holdings by 16% by adding 20 MHz of spectrum in each of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec, as well as 10 MHz of spectrum in Southern Ontario. AWS-3 spectrum is well-suited for delivering both coverage and added capacity in urban and rural environments. Moreover, we expect to incorporate this spectrum into our existing network within the next three years, once international standards for the spectrum frequencies are established and associated equipment is available. We paid a $302 million deposit in the first quarter of 2015 for these AWS-3 spectrum licences and remitted the balance of $1,209 million in April 2015.
In May 2015, we purchased 122 wireless spectrum licences covering every region across Canada in Industry Canada's 2500 MHz spectrum auction (2500 - 2690 MHz band). The licences, acquired for $479 million or $0.36/MHz/POP, equate to 40 MHz of spectrum nationally and were fully paid for during the second quarter of 2015. This spectrum is ideal for carrying large amounts of data, making it especially valuable in urban centres, and will complement TELUS' existing low band spectrum, which is able to penetrate deeper into buildings and elevators and also travels farther in rural areas. We expect to commence the deployment of this spectrum into our existing network in the near future.
In aggregate, as a result of the three recent Industry Canada wireless spectrum auctions (700 MHz, AWS-3 and 2500 MHz), we have utilized new and existing debt facilities to acquire more than 70 MHz of spectrum nationally for $3.1 billion. As a consequence of this atypical number of spectrum auctions, we currently exceed our net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs long-term objective range of 2.00 to 2.50 times (see Liquidity and capital resource highlights below). However, in the medium term, we will endeavour to return this ratio within the objective range as we believe that this range is supportive of our long-term strategy.
$1 billion fibre-optic network investment in Edmonton
In June 2015, we announced a $1 billion investment to bring our state-of-the-art fibre-optic network to Edmonton over the next six years, making it the first major urban centre in Western Canada to have access to a gigabit-capable network. When the service is launched in some areas of Edmonton later this year, local residents and businesses will be able to take advantage of Internet speeds of up to 150 megabits per second (mbps) - a dramatically faster service made possible by a direct fibre-optic network connection to the premises. In coming years, we plan to offer families and businesses in Edmonton increasingly higher speeds over this gigabit-enabled network. This investment is part of our broader fibre-optic strategy to bring our network of the future to communities across British Columbia, Alberta and Eastern Quebec. The fibre-optic network will ensure speed and capacity for many generations to come, and create the foundation for access to future solutions like the connected home, smart cities, Internet of Things services and our health applications. In addition, increased deployment of fibre networks is expected to help reduce costs of providing service over time.
Changes to the Board of Directors
At the 2015 annual general meeting on May 7, 2015, Sabi Marwah was elected to our Board of Directors. Sabi retired as the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) in 2014. As Vice Chairman, he was actively involved in developing the bank's strategic plans and was responsible for its financial and administrative functions. Also, Charlie Baillie, an independent director who served as a TELUS director since 2003, retired from our Board of Directors on May 7, 2015. In addition to his other duties as a Board and committee member, Charlie served as Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee from 2007 to 2014, regularly meeting with representatives from the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance and other shareholder advocacy groups to learn from their perspective when guiding TELUS' executive compensation practices and disclosure.
Consolidated highlights
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Second quarters ended June Six-month periods ended
30 June 30
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($ millions, unless
otherwise noted) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
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Consolidated
statements of
income
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Operating revenues 3,102 2,951 5.1% 6,130 5,846 4.9%
Operating income 617 629 (1.9)% 1,296 1,243 4.3%
Income before
income taxes 507 514 (1.4)% 1,069 1,026 4.2%
Net income 341 381 (10.5)% 756 758 (0.3)%
Net income per
Common Share
Basic earnings per
share (basic EPS)
($) 0.56 0.62 (9.7)% 1.25 1.22 2.5%
Adjusted basic
EPS(1)($) 0.66 0.63 4.8% 1.37 1.24 10.5%
Diluted ($) 0.56 0.62 (9.7)% 1.24 1.22 1.6%
Dividends declared
per Common Share
($) 0.42 0.38 10.5% 0.82 0.74 10.8%
Basic weighted-
average Common
Shares outstanding
(millions) 605 617 (1.9)% 606 619 (2.1)%
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Consolidated
statements of cash
flows
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Cash provided by
operating
activities 943 855 10.3% 1,661 1,453 14.3%
Cash used by
investing
activities (2,377) (1,517) (56.7)% (3,303) (2,344) (40.9)%
Capital
expenditures
(excluding
spectrum
licences and
non-monetary
transactions)(2) (664) (636) (4.4)% (1,299) (1,132) (14.8)%
Cash provided
(used) by
financing
activities (68) 667 n/m 1,659 612 171.1%
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Other highlights
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Subscriber
connections(3)
(thousands) 13,941 13,599 2.5%
EBITDA(1) 1,081 1,073 0.7% 2,216 2,150 3.1%
Restructuring and
other like costs
included in
EBITDA(1) 59 11 n/m 76 19 n/m
EBITDA - excluding
restructuring and
other like
costs(1) 1,140 1,084 5.1% 2,292 2,169 5.6%
EBITDA - excluding
restructuring and
other like costs
margin(4) (%) 36.8 36.7 0.1 pts. 37.4 37.1 0.3 pts.
Free cash flow(1) 300 210 42.9% 571 501 14.0%
Net debt to EBITDA
- excluding
restructuring and
other like
costs(1) (times) 2.67 2.21 0.46
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Notations used in MD&A: n/m - Not meaningful; pts. - Percentage points.
(1) Non-GAAP and other financial measures. See Section 11.1.
(2) Capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences and non-monetary
transactions) include assets purchased, but not yet paid for, and
consequently differ from cash payments for capital assets, excluding
spectrum licences and non-monetary transactions, on the interim
consolidated statements of cash flows.
(3) The sum of active wireless subscribers, network access lines (NALs),
high-speed Internet access subscribers and TELUS TV subscribers (Optik
TV and TELUS Satellite TV® subscribers), measured at the end of
the respective periods based on information in billing and other
systems. Effective January 1, 2014, subscriber connections have been
restated to exclude 25,000 dial-up Internet subscribers and include
222,000 Public Mobile prepaid subscribers in the opening subscriber
balances. TELUS acquired 100% of Public Mobile, a Canadian wireless
communications operator focused on the Toronto and Montreal markets, in
November 2013.
(4) EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs, as a percentage
of operating revenues.
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Operating highlights
-- Consolidatedoperating revenues increased year over year by $151 million
or 5.1% in the second quarter of 2015 and by $284 million or 4.9% in the
first six months of 2015. Wireless network revenue increased year over
year by $90 million or 6.1% in the second quarter of 2015 and $182
million or 6.2% in the first six months of 2015, while wireless
equipment and other revenues increased year over year by $28 million or
22% in the second quarter of 2015 and $53 million or 22% in the first
six months of 2015. The increase in wireless network revenue resulted
from growth in the wireless subscriber base, an increased proportion of
higher-rate two-year plans in the revenue mix, increased data roaming,
and higher wireless data usage from the continued adoption of
smartphones and other data-centric wireless devices. This increase was
partly offset by a decline in wireless voice revenue due to the
increased adoption of unlimited nationwide voice plans and continued,
but moderating, substitution of voice to data services. Wireline data
revenues increased year over year by $67 million or 7.8% in the second
quarter of 2015 and $128 million or 7.5% in the first six months of
2015, due to revenue growth in Internet and enhanced data services,
business process outsourcing, TELUS TV and TELUS Health services, net of
lower equipment sales. The increase in wireline data revenues was partly
offset by ongoing declines in legacy wireline voice service and
equipment revenues.
Wireless blended average revenue per subscriber unit per month (ARPU)
was $63.48 in the second quarter of 2015 and $62.91 in the first six
months of 2015, reflecting year-over-year increases of $1.79 or 2.9% for
the quarter and $1.86 or 3.0% for the first six months. These increases
were driven by the effects of higher-rate two-year plans, growth in data
usage, and a more favourable postpaid subscriber mix and increased data
roaming, partly offset by a decline in voice revenue. Postpaid
subscribers represented 86.5% of the total subscriber base as at June
30, 2015, compared to 85.0% as at June 30, 2014.
-- During the 12-month period ended June 30, 2015, our subscriber
connections increased by 342,000 or 2.5%. This reflects a 12-month
increase in wireless subscribers of 3.3%, TELUS TV subscribers of 10%
and high-speed Internet subscribers of 6.2%, partly offset by a 3.1%
decline in total network access lines (NALs).
Our postpaid wireless subscriber net additions were 76,000 in the second
quarter of 2015 and 113,000 in the first six months of 2015,
representing decreases of 2,000 and 13,000, respectively, from the same
periods in 2014. The decreases reflect slower market growth and
increased competitive intensity, partly offset by a reduction in our
postpaid wireless churn rate. Our monthly postpaid wireless subscriber
churn rates were 0.86% in the second quarter of 2015 and 0.88% in the
first six months of 2015, as compared to 0.90% in the second quarter of
2014 and 0.94% in the first six months of 2014. Our blended wireless
churn rate was 1.17% in the second quarter of 2015 and 1.23% in the
first half of 2015, as compared to 1.37% in the second quarter of 2014
and 1.44% in the first six months of 2014. These improvements in churn
rates were a result of our continued focus on customers first
initiatives, our clear and simple approach and our retention programs.
-- Consolidated EBITDA increased year over year by $8 million or 0.7% in
the second quarter of 2015 and $66 million or 3.1% in the first six
months of 2015. Significant restructuring costs of $59 million were
recorded in the second quarter of 2015, which related to the planned
closure of all Black's Photography retail stores (see Section 2 Core
business and strategy), real estate rationalization, and other
efficiency initiatives (see Section 9 Update to assumptions for 2015 and
revised outlook on restructuring and other like costs). EBITDA -
excluding restructuring and other like costs increased year over year by
$56 million or 5.1% in the second quarter of 2015 and $123 million or
5.6% in the first six months of 2015. The increases in EBITDA -
excluding restructuring and other like costs reflect growth in wireless
network revenues and wireline data revenues, improving Internet, TELUS
Health, TELUS TV and business process outsourcing service margins, and
executing on our operational efficiency initiatives. These increases
were partially offset by higher wireless retention costs arising from
greater retention volumes, including the impacts of the coterminous
expiration of two-year and three-year contracts beginning in June 2015,
and higher per-unit subsidy costs, as well as continued declines in
legacy wireline voice revenues.
-- Operating income decreased year over year by $12 million or 1.9% in the
second quarter of 2015 and increased year over year by $53 million or
4.3% in the first six months of 2015. In the second quarter, year-over-
year growth in EBITDA was more than offset by an increase in total
depreciation and amortization expenses resulting from growth in capital
assets and intangible asset base, and asset retirements from the planned
closure of all Black's Photography retail stores.
-- Income before income taxes decreased year over year by $7 million or
1.4% in the second quarter of 2015 and increased year over year by $43
million or 4.2% in the first six months of 2015, reflecting changes in
operating income noted above, as well as increases in financing costs.
The increases in financing costs resulted from the increase in average
long-term debt outstanding, partly offset by a lower weighted average
cost of long-term debt, capitalized interest on debt used to acquire
spectrum licences which will be incorporated into our network in future
periods, and interest income related to the settlement of prior years'
income tax-related matters. (see Financing costs in Section 5.3).
-- Income taxes increased year over year by $33 million or 25% in the
second quarter of 2015 and $45 million or 17% in the first six months of
2015. Income taxes in the second quarter of 2015 included a $48 million
non-cash adjustment to revalue deferred income tax liabilities as a
result of an increase to the Alberta provincial corporate income tax
rate from 10% to 12% effective July 1, 2015. Partly offsetting this
revaluation in the second quarter of 2015 was a $19 million recovery
related to the settlement of prior years' income tax-related matters
(excluding related interest income).
-- Net income decreased year over year by $40 million or 11% in the second
quarter of 2015 and $2 million or 0.3% as a result of the factors
described above. Excluding the effects of restructuring and other like
costs, income tax-related adjustments and asset retirement from the
planned closure of all Black's Photography retail stores (see Section 2
Core business and strategy), net income increased year over year by $19
million or 4.9% in the second quarter of 2015.
Analysis of Net income
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Second quarters ended Six-month periods ended
June 30 June 30
------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
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Net income 341 381 (40) 756 758 (2)
Add back (deduct):
Restructuring and other
like costs, after income
taxes 44 8 36 56 14 42
Unfavourable (favourable)
income tax-related
adjustments 15 (2) 17 15 (2) 17
Asset retirement from
planned closure of
Black's, after income
taxes 6 - 6 6 - 6
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Adjusted net income 406 387 19 833 770 63
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-- Basic earnings per share (basic EPS) decreased year over year by $0.06
or 9.7% in the second quarter of 2015 and increased by $0.03 or 2.5% in
the first six months of 2015. The decrease year over year in the second
quarter is due to lower net income, which included significant
restructuring and other like costs, unfavourable income tax-related
adjustments and asset retirement from the planned closure of all Black's
Photography retail stores. The reduction in the number of shares
outstanding resulting from our NCIB program, net of share option
exercises, contributed approximately $0.01 and $0.03 year over year in
basic EPS in the second quarter of 2015 and first six months of 2015,
respectively. Excluding the effects of restructuring and other like
costs, income tax-related adjustments and asset retirement from Black's,
basic EPS increased year over year by $0.03 or 4.8% in the second
quarter of 2015 and $0.13 or 10% in the first six months of 2015.
Analysis of basic EPS
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Second quarters ended Six-month periods ended
June 30 June 30
------------------------------------------------
($) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
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Basic EPS 0.56 0.62 (0.06) 1.25 1.22 0.03
Add back (deduct):
Restructuring and other
like costs, after income
taxes, per share 0.07 0.01 0.06 0.09 0.02 0.07
Unfavourable (favourable)
income tax-related
adjustments, per share 0.02 - 0.02 0.02 - 0.02
Asset retirement from
planned closure of
Black's, after income
taxes, per share 0.01 - 0.01 0.01 - 0.01
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Adjusted basic EPS 0.66 0.63 0.03 1.37 1.24 0.13
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-- Dividends declared per Common Share were $0.42 in the second quarter of
2015 and $0.82 in the first six months of 2015, reflecting increases of
11% from the second quarter and first six months of 2014, consistent
with our multi-year dividend growth program described in Section 4.3. On
August 6, 2015, the Board declared a third quarter dividend of $0.42 per
share on the issued and outstanding Common Shares, payable on October 1,
2015, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September
10, 2015. The third quarter dividend reflects a cumulative increase of
$0.04 per share or 11% from the $0.38 per share dividend declared one
year earlier.
Liquidity and capital resource highlights
-- Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs was
2.67 times as at June 30, 2015, up from 2.21 times as at June 30, 2014,
as the increase in net debt, primarily from the purchase of spectrum
licences, was only partly offset by growth in EBITDA - excluding
restructuring and other like costs (see Section 7.5 Liquidity and
capital resource measures). Our long-term objective range for this ratio
is from 2.00 to 2.50 times, which we believe is consistent with
maintaining investment grade credit ratings in the range of BBB+, or the
equivalent, and providing reasonable access to capital. At the end of
the second quarter of 2015, this ratio was outside of the long-term
objective range due to purchases of spectrum licences during the
atypical concentration of Industry Canada wireless spectrum auctions in
2014 and 2015. These acquired licences have nearly doubled our national
spectrum holdings, aligning with our top corporate priority of putting
customers first by offering one of the fastest and most reliable
wireless networks in the world. We will endeavour to return this ratio
to within the objective range in the medium term, as we believe that
this range is supportive of our long-term strategy. While the ratio
currently exceeds our long-term objective range, we are well in
compliance with the leverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities,
which states that we may not permit our net debt to operating cash flow
ratio to exceed 4.00:1.00 (see Section 7.6 Credit facilities).
-- Cash provided by operating activities increased year over year by $88
million or 10% in the second quarter of 2015 and $208 million or 14% in
the first six months of 2015. The increases primarily reflect higher
consolidated EBITDA and lower income tax payments, partly offset by
higher interest paid.
-- Cash used by investing activities increased year over year by $860
million or 57% in the second quarter of 2015 and $959 million or 41% in
the first six months of 2015, mainly due to increased capital
expenditures and larger expenditures for auctioned spectrum licences,
net of a decrease in cash used for acquisitions and related investments.
Capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences and non-monetary
transactions) increased year over year by $28 million in the second
quarter of 2015 and $167 million in the first six months of 2015, mainly
due to our continued investment in wireless and wireline broadband
infrastructure to enhance our network coverage, speed and capacity to
support growth in wireless and data services. These investments include
continuing the deployment of 700 MHz spectrum, expansion of our LTE
network and fibre-optic network, and readying the network and systems
for the future retirement of legacy technologies.
-- In the second quarter of 2015, Cash used by financing activities was $68
million, reflecting an increase in short term borrowings that was more
than offset by $349 million in cash returned to our shareholders through
dividend payments and share purchases under our NCIB program. In the
first six months of 2015, Cash provided by financing activities was
$1.66 billion, primarily as a result of the $1.75 billion in senior
unsecured notes issued in March 2015 and an increase in short term
borrowings, which were partly offset by $749 million in dividend
payments and share purchases.
In the comparative periods of 2014, Cash provided by financing
activities was $667 million in the quarter and $612 million in the first
six months, primarily from debt issued in April 2014 for $1.0 billion,
net of dividend payments and share purchases in the aggregate of $401
million and $782 million in the quarter and first six months,
respectively. For additional details on our multi-year dividend growth
and share purchase programs, see Section 4.3 and Section 7.4.
-- Free cash flow was $300 million in the second quarter of 2015 and $571
million in the first six months of 2015, reflecting a year-over-year
increase of $90 million in the quarter and a year-over-year increase of
$70 million in the six-month period. These increases primarily reflect
EBITDA growth, lower income tax payments and lower restructuring costs
net of disbursements, partly offset by higher capital expenditures
(excluding spectrum licences and non-monetary transactions) and interest
paid.
2. Core business and strategy
Our discussion in this section is qualified in its entirety by the Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this MD&A.
Our core business was described in our annual 2014 MD&A. The following are business updates grouped under our strategic imperatives.
Focusing relentlessly on growth markets of data, IP and wireless
External wireless revenues and wireline data revenues totalled $5.2 billion in the first six months of 2015, up by $363 million or 7.5% from the same period in 2014, while wireline voice and other revenues and Other operating income totalled $905 million in the first six months of 2015, down $79 million or 8.0% from the same period in 2014. Combined wireless revenues and wireline data revenues represented 85% of TELUS' consolidated revenues for the first six months of 2015, as compared to 83% in the same period in 2014.
Providing integrated solutions that differentiate TELUS from our competitors
In June 2015, we announced a free public Wi-Fi service available to both TELUS and non-TELUS customers at more than 8,000 hotspots across B.C. and Alberta. Since early 2014, we have been actively expanding our public Wi-Fi network by working with thousands of businesses and many major sporting and entertainment venues. This public Wi-Fi service is part of our network strategy to deploy small cells that integrate seamlessly with our 4G wireless network, automatically shifting our smartphone customers to Wi-Fi and off-loading data traffic from our wireless spectrum to increasingly available Wi-Fi hotspots.
In July 2015, we launched US Easy Roam to empower customers to stay connected and save while travelling to the United States. Available to customers on TELUS consumer monthly wireless postpaid rate plans, US Easy Roam is an optional service giving customers the ability to use their existing rate plan while in the United States for $7 a day.
Building national capabilities across data, IP, voice and wireless
In March 2015, we were a successful bidder on 15 wireless spectrum licences across the most populous Canadian provinces in Industry Canada's AWS-3 wireless spectrum auction. AWS-3 spectrum is a valuable addition to our spectrum portfolio and is vital to handling the growing demand of streaming video and other data-intensive features of the latest smartphones. In May 2015, we purchased 40 MHz of wireless spectrum in every region of Canada in Industry Canada's 2500 MHz spectrum auction. This spectrum is ideal for carrying large amounts of data, making it especially valuable in urban centres, and will complement TELUS' existing low band spectrum, which is able to penetrate further into buildings and elevators and also travels farther in rural areas.
In June 2015, we announced a $1 billion investment in Edmonton to connect more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses directly to the company's state-of-the-art fibre-optic network over the next six years. Once the network is launched in some areas of Edmonton later this year, local residents and businesses will have access to dramatically faster Internet speeds of up to 150 megabits per second. In coming years, we plan to offer families and businesses in Edmonton increasingly higher speeds over this gigabit-capable network. This investment is part of our broader fibre-optic strategy to bring our network of the future to communities across British Columbia, Alberta and Eastern Quebec. Moreover, this investment provides a distinct advantage to Edmonton and its citizens by stimulating employment and economic growth, and allows healthcare providers, educators and technology companies to reimagine how they deliver services and develop entirely new solutions.
Partnering, acquiring and divesting to accelerate the implementation of our strategy and focus our resources on core business
In May 2015, we partnered with a major Schedule I Canadian bank to launch a new co-branded credit card that allows customers to earn reward points on everyday card purchases, which can be redeemed for a selection of TELUS products and services.
In May 2015, we made a strategic investment in Sprout, a Canadian-based organization helping companies engage employees to improve their health and wellness and measure the positive impact to their business. Moreover, we have expanded our suite of personal health tracking technology solutions by entering into a reseller arrangement with Sprout that allows us to promote their Wellness Engagement Platform as part of our Self-Health online portal for large enterprise customers aimed at increasing health and wellness for their employees.
In June 2015, we announced the planned closure of all our Black's Photography retail stores across Canada by August 2015. Technological innovations have changed the way Canadians take and share photographs, with fewer of them using retail photo outlets. As a result, we have determined that Black's is not core to our future operations and have planned the closure of the remaining 59 retail stores that have not already closed or transitioned to the TELUS or Koodo brands.
In July 2015, we entered into an agreement with Les Pros de la Photo (Les Pros), a Quebec-based photo imaging company, to sell the Black's trademark and online and mobile businesses effective August 4, 2015. As a result, Les Pros will carry forward the Black's brand, serving the online photo needs of Canadians.
3. Corporate priorities for 2015
Our corporate priorities for 2015 were listed in our annual 2014 MD&A.
4. Capabilities
Our discussion in this section is qualified in its entirety by the Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this MD&A.
4.1 Principal markets addressed and competition
For a full discussion of our principal markets and an overview of competition, please refer to Section 4.1 of our 2014 annual MD&A.
4.2 Operational resources
For a discussion of our Operational resources, please refer to Section 4.2 of our 2014 annual MD&A. The following discussion reflects changes that have occurred since our 2014 annual MD&A.
In 2015, we continued to deliver leading customer churn on a global basis. The second quarter of 2015 represents the eighth consecutive quarter that our monthly postpaid churn rate was below 1%. Blended churn of 1.17% and postpaid churn of 0.86% in the second quarter of 2015 are among our lowest quarterly churn rates since we became a national carrier 15 years ago. This further exemplifies the success of our differentiated customers first culture and our ongoing focus on delivering outstanding customer service, coupled with attractive new products and services.
Wireless segment
During the first quarter of 2015, we acquired 15 wireless licences equating to a national average of 15 MHz in Industry Canada's AWS-3 wireless spectrum auction. We expect to incorporate these licences into our existing network within the next three years, once international standards for the spectrum frequencies are established and associated equipment is available. Moreover, in the second quarter of 2015, we acquired 122 wireless licences equating to a national average of 40 MHz in Industry Canada's 2500 MHz wireless spectrum auction. We expect to commence the deployment of these spectrum licences into our existing network in the near future. For additional details on wireless spectrum licence acquisitions in 2015, see Section 1.3 Consolidated Highlights.
As well, in 2014, we acquired and commenced the deployment of the 700 MHz wireless spectrum, which we have begun to operationalize for the benefit of our customers. Since the middle of 2013, we have invested more than $3.5 billion to acquire wireless spectrum licences in Industry Canada spectrum auctions and other transactions, which has nearly doubled our national spectrum holdings, in support of our top corporate priority of putting customers first. Wireless data consumption has been increasing rapidly and we have responded by investing to extend the capacity of our network to support the additional data consumption and growth in our wireless customer base.
As at June 30, 2015, our 4G LTE network covered 95% of Canada's population, up from more than 84% of the population covered as at June 30, 2014. Outside of LTE coverage areas, the LTE devices we offer also operate on our HSPA+ network, which covered 99% of Canada's population as at June 30, 2015.
Wireline segment
We continue to invest in urban and rural communities with commitments to deliver broadband network capabilities to as many Canadians as possible. We are expanding our fibre footprint by connecting more homes and businesses directly to fibre. Our investment in fibre is analyzed on a community basis to ensure each project will generate appropriate economic value. We have also increased broadband Internet speeds, expanded our IP TV video-on-demand library and high-definition content, and enhanced marketing of data products and bundles. As well, we have continued to invest in our state-of-the art Internet data centres (IDCs), creating an advanced and regionally diverse computing infrastructure in Canada. As at June 30, 2015, our high-speed broadband coverage reached more than 2.8 million households in B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec.
4.3 Liquidity and capital resources
Capital structure financial policies
Our objective when managing capital is to maintain a flexible capital structure that optimizes the cost and availability of capital at acceptable risk.
In the management of capital and in its definition, we include Common Share equity (excluding Accumulated other comprehensive income), Long-term debt (including long-term credit facilities, commercial paper backstopped by long-term credit facilities and any associated hedging assets or liabilities, net of amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income), Cash and temporary investments, and securitized trade receivables.
We manage our capital structure and make adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of our telecommunications infrastructure. To maintain or adjust our capital structure, we may adjust the amount of dividends paid to holders of Common Shares, purchase shares for cancellation pursuant to our normal course issuer bids (NCIBs), issue new shares, issue new debt, issue new debt to replace existing debt with different characteristics and/or increase or decrease the amount of trade receivables sold to an arm's-length securitization trust.
We monitor capital utilizing a number of measures, including the net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs ratio and the dividend payout ratios. See definitions in Section 11.1.
Financing and capital structure management plans
Report on financing and capital structure management plans
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pay dividends to the holders of Common Shares under our multi-year dividend
growth program
In May 2013, we announced an intention to target ongoing semi-annual
dividend increases, with the annual increase in the range of circa 10%
through to the end of 2016, extending the policy announced in May 2011.
Notwithstanding this, dividend decisions will continue to be subject to our
Board's assessment and determination of our financial situation and outlook
on a quarterly basis. Our long-term dividend payout ratio guideline is 65 to
75% of prospective sustainable net earnings. There can be no assurance that
we will maintain a dividend growth program through 2016. See Caution
regarding forward-looking statements - Ability to sustain our dividend
growth program of circa 10% per annum through 2016.
On August 6, 2015, a third quarter dividend of $0.42 per share was declared
on our issued and outstanding Common Shares, payable on October 1, 2015, to
shareholders of record at the close of business on September 10, 2015. The
third quarter dividend for 2015 reflects a cumulative increase of $0.04 per
share or 11% from the $0.38 per share dividend paid in October 2014.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase Common Shares under our multi-year NCIB
On September 23, 2014, we received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange
(TSX) for a new NCIB program (2015 NCIB) to purchase and cancel up to 16
million of our Common Shares with a value of up to $500 million over a 12-
month period, commencing October 1, 2014. Such purchases are made through
the facilities of the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and
alternative trading platforms or otherwise as may be permitted by applicable
securities laws and regulations. This represents up to 2.6% of the Common
Shares outstanding at the date of the 2015 NCIB notice to the TSX. The
Common Shares will be purchased only when and if we consider it advisable.
As of July 31, 2015, we have purchased approximately 10.7 million Common
Shares for cancellation for $439 million under this NCIB, at an average
price of $40.98 per share.
We have also entered into an automatic share purchase plan (ASPP) with a
broker for the purpose of permitting us to purchase our Common Shares under
our NCIB program at times when we would not be permitted to trade in our
shares, including regularly scheduled quarterly blackout periods. Such
purchases will be determined by the broker in its sole discretion based on
parameters that we established prior to any blackout period, in accordance
with TSX rules and applicable securities laws. The ASPP has been approved by
the TSX, was implemented on October 1, 2014 and may be implemented from time
to time thereafter. During the month ended July 31, 2015, 0.7 million of our
Common Shares were purchased under the ASPP at a cost of $33 million. All
other purchases under the 2015 NCIB will be at the discretion of the
Company.
There can be no assurance that we will complete our 2015 NCIB or renew the
NCIB program for 2016. See Caution regarding forward-looking statements -
Ability to sustain and complete our multi-year share purchase program
through 2016.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Use proceeds from securitized trade receivables (Short-term borrowings),
bank facilities, commercial paper and cash retained through dividend
reinvestment, as needed, to supplement free cash flow and meet other cash
requirements
During the second quarter of 2015, our Board approved an increase to our
commercial paper program up to a maximum aggregate amount of $1.4 billion
(December 31, 2014 - $1.2 billion), as well as authorized a U.S. dollar
denominated commercial paper program of up to $1.0 billion within this
maximum aggregate amount. As at June 30, 2015, we had $NIL commercial paper
outstanding, compared to $130 million as at December 31, 2014.
Proceeds from securitized trade receivables were $500 million as at June 30,
2015, compared to $100 million as at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintain compliance with financial objectives
Except for Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs
ratio, we comply with our objectives:
Maintain long-term investment grade credit ratings in the range of BBB+ or
the equivalent - On August 7, 2015, investment grade credit ratings from the
four rating agencies that cover TELUS were in the desired range.
Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs ratio of
2.00 to 2.50 times - As at June 30, 2015, this ratio was outside of the
range due to funding of spectrum licences acquired in Industry Canada
auctions during 2014 and 2015. We will endeavour to return the ratio to
within this objective range in the medium term, as we believe that this
range is supportive of our long-term strategy. See Section 7.5 Liquidity and
capital resource measures.
Dividend payout ratio of 65 to 75% of sustainable net earnings on a
prospective basis - See Section 7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures.
Generally maintain a minimum $1 billion in unutilized liquidity - See
Section 7.6 Credit facilities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.4 Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
5. Discussion of operations
Our discussion in this section is qualified in its entirety by the Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this MD&A.
5.1 General
Our operating segments and reportable segments are wireless and wireline. Segmented information in Note 5 of the interim consolidated financial statements is regularly reported to our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (the chief operating decision-maker).
5.2 Summary of consolidated quarterly results and trends
Summary of quarterly results
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ millions, except per
share amounts) 2015 Q2 2015 Q1 2014 Q4 2014 Q3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues 3,102 3,028 3,128 3,028
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
Goods and services purchased 1,372 1,284 1,476 1,333
Employee benefits expense 649 609 651 630
Depreciation and
amortization 464 456 468 459
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses 2,485 2,349 2,595 2,422
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 617 679 533 606
Financing costs 110 117 115 124
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 507 562 418 482
Income taxes 166 147 106 127
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income and Net income
attributable to Common
Shares 341 415 312 355
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income per Common Share:
Basic (Basic EPS) 0.56 0.68 0.51 0.58
Adjusted basic EPS(1) 0.66 0.70 0.53 0.64
Diluted 0.56 0.68 0.51 0.58
Dividends declared per
Common Share 0.42 0.40 0.40 0.38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional information:
EBITDA(1) 1,081 1,135 1,001 1,065
Restructuring and other like
costs included in EBITDA(1) 59 17 26 30
EBITDA - excluding
restructuring and other
like costs(1) 1,140 1,152 1,027 1,095
Cash provided by operating
activities 943 718 917 1,037
Free cash flow(1) 300 271 337 219
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of quarterly results
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ millions, except per
share amounts) 2014 Q2 2014 Q1 2013 Q4 2013 Q3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues 2,951 2,895 2,948 2,874
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
Goods and services purchased 1,268 1,222 1,349 1,237
Employee benefits expense 610 596 648 602
Depreciation and
amortization 444 463 461 445
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses 2,322 2,281 2,458 2,284
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 629 614 490 590
Financing costs 115 102 110 109
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 514 512 380 481
Income taxes 133 135 90 125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income and Net income
attributable to Common
Shares 381 377 290 356
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income per Common Share:
Basic (Basic EPS) 0.62 0.61 0.47 0.56
Adjusted basic EPS(1) 0.63 0.62 0.49 0.58
Diluted 0.62 0.60 0.46 0.56
Dividends declared per
Common Share 0.38 0.36 0.36 0.34
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional information:
EBITDA(1) 1,073 1,077 951 1,035
Restructuring and other like
costs included in EBITDA(1) 11 8 33 15
EBITDA - excluding
restructuring and other
like costs(1) 1,084 1,085 984 1,050
Cash provided by operating
activities 855 598 726 1,084
Free cash flow(1) 210 291 136 365
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. See Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trends
The consolidated revenue trend continues to reflect year-over-year increases in: (i) wireless network revenues generated from a growing subscriber base and higher average revenue per subscriber unit (ARPU) driven by an increased proportion of higher-rate two-year plans, growth in data usage, a more favourable postpaid subscriber mix and increased data roaming, partly offset by a decline in voice revenue; (ii) wireless equipment revenue that has generally increased due to sales of higher-value smartphones and higher retention volumes, especially in 2015 as two-year and three-year customer contracts began to expire coterminously; and (iii) growth in wireline data revenues, driven by Internet, enhanced data services, business process outsourcing, TELUS TV and TELUS Health services. This growth was partially offset by the continued declines in wireless voice revenues and wireline voice and other revenues.
Increasing wireless network revenues reflect growth from subscriber additions, an increased proportion of higher-rate two-year plans, growth in data usage and higher data roaming revenues, partly offset by declines in voice revenue. Data revenue growth reflects increased data consumption driven by the higher adoption of smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices, as well as greater use of applications and other wireless data, and the expansion of our LTE network. Consequently, monthly blended ARPU has increased year over year for 19 consecutive quarters. The data revenue growth trend is impacted by competitive pressures driving larger allotments of data provided in rate plans, including data sharing, unlimited messaging rate plans and off-loading of data traffic from our wireless network to increasingly available Wi-Fi hotspots. We introduced two-year wireless rate plans in July 2013, which have impacted acquisition and retention trends, as well as data usage, as subscribers optimize unlimited talk and text and shared data plans, and which we expect will increase the frequency of subscribers updating their devices and services. ARPU is expected to continue to increase over time, though at lower growth rates, as our customer base renews to the two-year plans that recover device subsidies in two years instead of three years and as data usage continues to grow. However, the level of ARPU is highly dependent on competition and consumer behaviour, government decisions, device selection and other factors. The Code applies to all wireless contracts as of June 3, 2015, even when the contracts were signed before the Code's implementation on December 2, 2013 (see CRTC's national Wireless Code/Provincial consumer protection legislation in Section 10.1 Regulatory matters). We may experience a negative impact on our wireless segment financial results in the near term as we expect retention volume and related handset subsidy costs to increase in the second half of the current year and subsequent periods. We may also experience a negative financial impact as some of our remaining clients on three-year contracts, who are subject to the Wireless Code, may choose to terminate their contracts early. Accordingly, our wireless segment operating results in the first six months of 2015 may not be reflective of those in the last six months of 2015.
Historically, there has been significant third and fourth quarter seasonality due to higher wireless subscriber additions, an increase in related acquisition costs and equipment sales, and higher retention costs due to contract renewals. Typically, these impacts can also be more pronounced around iconic device launches. Wireless EBITDA usually decreases sequentially from the third to the fourth quarter, due to seasonal loading volumes. Subscriber additions have typically been lowest in the first quarter. Historically, monthly wireless ARPU has experienced seasonal sequential increases in the second and third quarters, reflecting higher levels of usage and roaming in the spring and summer, followed by seasonal sequential declines in the fourth and first quarters. This seasonal effect on ARPU is expected to diminish in the future, as unlimited nationwide voice plans become prevalent and chargeable usage and long distance spikes become less pronounced.
The trend of increasing wireline data revenue reflects growth in high-speed Internet and enhanced data services, including increases in usage and adoption of higher-speed services, the continuing but moderating expansion of the TELUS TV subscriber base (up 10% in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2015), growth in business process outsourcing, growth in TELUS Health solutions and certain rate increases. Higher Internet service revenues are due to a larger high-speed Internet subscriber base (up 6.2% in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2015), bundling of offers with Optik TV and certain rate increases. A general trend of declining wireline voice revenues and network access lines (NALs) is due to competition from voice over IP (VoIP) service providers (including cable-TV competitors), resellers and facilities-based competitors, as well as technological substitution to wireless and IP-based services and applications. Business NALs have continued to decline due to increased competition in the small and medium-sized business market, the impact of the economic slowdown in the business market and associated customer right-sizing of services, as well as conversion of voice lines to more efficient IP services. The impact of this conversion has been to increase NAL losses without a similar decline in revenues. As such, the relevance of legacy business NALs as a performance indicator of current and future revenues is diminishing.
The trend in Goods and services purchased expense reflects increasing wireless equipment expenses associated with higher-value smartphones in the sales mix and higher retention volumes, and increasing content costs due to a growing wireline TELUS TV subscriber base, partly offset by lower wireless network operating expenses from operational efficiency initiatives.
The trend in Employee benefits expense reflects increases in compensation, partly offset by a decrease in wireless full-time equivalent (FTE) employees and higher capitalized labour costs associated with increased capital expenditures, as described in Section 7.3. Employee benefits expense includes employee-related restructuring costs, which tend to fluctuate from quarter to quarter.
The general trend in depreciation and amortization reflects slight increases due to growth in capital assets from acquisitions, the expansion of our broadband footprint and enhanced LTE network coverage, partially offset by adjustments related to our continuing program of asset life studies.
The general trend in financing costs reflects an increase in long-term debt outstanding associated with significant investments in wireless spectrum licences acquired in Industry Canada auctions in 2014 and 2015. Financing costs include long-term debt prepayment premiums of approximately $13 million in the third quarter of 2014. Financing costs also include the Employee defined benefit net interest expense that has increased for 2015, primarily due to the increase in the defined benefit plan deficit at December 31, 2014, as compared to the defined benefit plan surplus at December 31, 2013. Employee defined benefit plan net interest had decreased in 2014, relative to 2013, due to a decrease in the discount rate for the employee defined benefit pension plans and their associated deficit at the end of 2012 moving to a nominal surplus at the end of 2013. Moreover, commencing in the second quarter of 2015, financing costs are net of capitalized interest related to spectrum licences acquired during the spectrum auctions held by Industry Canada, which we expect to incorporate into our existing network in future periods. Financing costs for the eight periods shown include varying amounts of foreign exchange gains or losses and varying amounts of interest income, including $20 million of interest income in the second quarter of 2015 from the settlement of prior years' income tax-related matters.
The trend in net income reflects the items noted above, as well as non-cash adjustments arising from legislated income tax changes and adjustments recognized in the current period for income tax of prior periods, including any related after-tax interest on reassessments. The trend in basic earnings per share (basic EPS) also reflects the impact of share purchases under our 2015 NCIB program.
The trend in cash provided by operating activities reflects growth in consolidated EBITDA and lower income tax payments in 2015, net of higher interest expenses related to our financing activities. The trend in free cash flow reflects the factors in cash provided by operating activities, as well as increases in capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences and non-monetary transactions), but excludes the effects of certain changes in working capital, such as trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable.
5.3 Consolidated operations
The following is a discussion of our consolidated financial performance. Segmented information in Note 5 of the interim consolidated financial statements is regularly reported to our CEO (the chief operating decision-maker). We discuss the performance of our segments in Section 5.4 Wireless segment,Section 5.5 Wireline segment and capital expenditures in Section 7.3 Cash used by investing activities.
Operating revenues
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
--------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service 2,884 2,749 4.9% 5,713 5,451 4.8%
Equipment 208 189 10.1% 390 361 8.0%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues arising from
contracts with customers 3,092 2,938 5.2% 6,103 5,812 5.0%
Other operating income 10 13 (23.1)% 27 34 (20.6)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,102 2,951 5.1% 6,130 5,846 4.9%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Operating revenues increased by $151 million or 5.1% in the second quarter of 2015 when compared to the second quarter of 2014, and increased by $284 million or 4.9% in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the first six months of 2014.
-- Service revenue increased year over year by $135 million or 4.9% in the
second quarter of 2015 and $262 million or 4.8% in the first six months
of 2015. The increases reflect growth in the wireless subscriber base;
an increased proportion of higher-rate two-year plans in the wireless
network revenue mix; higher wireless data usage from continued adoption
of smartphones and other data-centric wireless devices; higher wireline
Internet, enhanced data and TELUS TV services revenues due to subscriber
growth; and increased wireline business process outsourcing and TELUS
Health services revenues; all of which were partly offset by continuing
declines in wireless and wireline voice revenues.
-- Equipment revenue increased year over year by $19 million or 10% in the
second quarter of 2015 and $29 million or 8.0% in the first six months
of 2015. The increase in wireless equipment revenues was $29 million for
the second quarter and $57 million for the first six months, reflecting
increased retention volumes and higher-value smartphones in the sales
mix, partly offset by lower gross additions. Wireline data and voice
equipment revenues decreased by $10 million for the second quarter and
$28 million for the six-month period due to declines in business and
government activity.
-- Other operating income decreased year over year by $3 million or 23% in
the second quarter of 2015 and $7 million or 21% in the first six months
of 2015 mainly due to a decrease in current period amortization of
deferred revenue in respect of the regulatory price cap deferral account
for provisioning broadband Internet services to eligible rural and
remote communities, and a reduction in recoveries of employee costs
under eligible government-sponsored programs.
Operating expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
--------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goods and services
purchased 1,372 1,268 8.2% 2,656 2,490 6.7%
Employee benefits expense 649 610 6.4% 1,258 1,206 4.3%
Depreciation 361 348 3.7% 708 694 2.0%
Amortization of intangible
assets 103 96 7.3% 212 213 (0.5)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,485 2,322 7.0% 4,834 4,603 5.0%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Operating expenses increased by $163 million or 7.0% in the second quarter of 2015 when compared to the second quarter of 2014 and increased by $231 million or 5.0% in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the first six months of 2014.
-- Goods and services purchased increased year over year by $104 million or
8.2% in the second quarter of 2015 and $166 million or 6.7% in the first
six months of 2015. This reflects an increase in wireless subscriber
retention costs to 12.1% of wireless network revenue in the second
quarter and first six months of 2015 as compared with 10.8% in the
second quarter and 10.7% in the first six months of 2014. The increase
in Goods and services purchased also reflects an increase in wireless
customer service and distribution channel expenses, higher TELUS TV
content costs, and higher non-labour restructuring and other like costs
from the planned closure of all Black's Photography retail stores (see
Section 2 Core business and strategy), real estate rationalization and
other efficiency initiatives, net of a decrease in wireless network
operating costs and lower wireline equipment cost of sales associated
with lower equipment revenues.
-- Employee benefits expense increased year over year by $39 million or
6.4% in the second quarter of 2015 and $52 million or 4.3% in the first
six months of 2015. Wages and salaries increased year over year by $19
million in the second quarter and $35 million in the six-month period,
mainly from higher costs to support increased business process
outsourcing revenue, net of a decrease in the number of wireless FTE
employees from ongoing operational efficiency initiatives, including the
integration of Public Mobile. Labour restructuring expenses increased
year over year by $19 million in the second quarter and $16 million in
the six-month period, mainly from the planned closure of all Black's
Photography retail stores and other efficiency initiatives. Employee
defined benefit pension plan expenses increased year over year by $4
million in the second quarter and $10 million in the six-month period.
Share-based compensation expenses increased year over year by $3 million
in the second quarter and $7 million in the six-month period. These
increases were partly offset by year-over-year increases in capitalized
labour costs of $8 million for the second quarter and $19 million for
the six-month period.
-- Depreciation increased year over year by $13 million or 3.7% in the
second quarter of 2015 and $14 million or 2.0% in the first six months
of 2015, as growth in capital assets (such as broadband, TELUS TV-
related assets and the wireless LTE network) and asset retirements of $9
million associated with the planned closure of all Black's Photography
retail stores (see Section 2 Core business and strategy) was partially
offset by the impact of our continuing program of asset life studies.
-- Amortization of intangible assets increased year over year by $7 million
or 7.3% in the second quarter of 2015 and decreased by $1 million or
0.5% in the first six months of 2015. The increase in the quarter was
primarily from growth in the intangible asset base. The year-over-year
decrease in the first six months of 2015 reflects software asset life
adjustments from our continuing program of asset life studies, partly
offset by growth in the intangible asset base.
Operating income
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
617 629 (1.9)% 1,296 1,243 4.3%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income decreased year over year by $12 million or 1.9% in the second quarter of 2015, reflecting growth in wireless EBITDA of $11 million for the quarter (see Section 5.4), offset by a decline in wireline EBITDA of $3 million (see Section 5.5) and increases in depreciation and amortization expenses of $20 million for the quarter discussed above. In the first six months of 2015, operating income increased year over year by $53 million or 4.3% from growth in wireless EBITDA of $65 million and growth in wireline EBITDA of $1 million, partly offset by a net increase in total depreciation and amortization expenses of $13 million discussed above.
Financing costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
--------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross interest expenses 132 113 16.8% 249 215 15.8%
Capitalized long-term debt
interest (9) - n/m (9) - n/m
Employee defined benefit
plans net interest 6 - n/m 13 1 n/m
Interest (income) and
foreign exchange (gains)
losses (19) 2 n/m (26) 1 n/m
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
110 115 (4.3)% 227 217 4.6%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing costs decreased by $5 million or 4.3% in the second quarter of 2015 and increased by $10 million or 4.6% for the first six months of 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014.
-- Gross interest expenses increased year over year by $19 million or 17%
in the second quarter of 2015 and $34 million or 16% in the first six
months of 2015, primarily due to the increase in average long-term debt
balances outstanding, partly offset by a reduction in the effective
interest rate.
-- Capitalized long-term debt interest is in respect of spectrum licences
acquired during spectrum auctions held by Industry Canada, which we
expect to incorporate into our existing network in future periods.
Capitalization of long-term debt interest will continue until such
spectrum is deployed in our network.
-- Employee defined benefit plans net interest is calculated for each year
based on the net defined benefit surplus (deficit) at December 31 of the
respective previous year. Employee defined benefit net interest expense
increased year over year by $6 million in the second quarter of 2015 and
$12 million in the first six months of 2015, primarily due to the
increase in the defined benefit plan deficit at December 31, 2014, as
compared to the defined benefit plan surplus at December 31, 2013.
-- Interest (income) and foreign exchange (gains) losses fluctuate from
period to period. Interest income was $21 million in the second quarter
and first six months of 2015, primarily from the settlement of prior
years' income-tax related matters, as compared to $NIL in the second
quarter of 2014 and $1 million in the first six months of 2014. The
balance of amounts were foreign exchange related losses and (gains).
As a result of financing activities over the past 12 months, our weighted average interest rate on long-term debt (excluding commercial paper) was 4.42% as at June 30, 2015, as compared to 4.89% one year earlier. For additional details on our financing activities, see Long-term debtissues and repayments in Section 7.4.
Income taxes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
--------------------------------------------------------
($ millions, except
tax rates) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic blended income
tax expense at
weighted average
statutory income
tax rates 134 135 (0.7)% 282 269 4.8%
Revaluation of
deferred income tax
liability to
reflect future
statutory income
tax rates 48 - n/m 48 - n/m
Adjustments
recognized in the
current period for
income taxes of
prior periods (19) (2) n/m (19) (2) n/m
Other 3 - n/m 2 1 n/m
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income taxes 166 133 24.8% 313 268 16.8%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blended weighted
average federal,
provincial and non-
Canadian statutory
tax rate (%) 26.6 26.3 0.3 pts. 26.5 26.2 0.3 pts.
Effective tax rate
(%) 32.7 25.9 6.8 pts. 29.3 26.1 3.2 pts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income tax expense increased by $33 million or 25% in the second quarter of 2015 and $45 million or 17% in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due to a $48 million non-cash adjustment in the second quarter of 2015 to revalue deferred income tax liabilities arising from an increase to the Alberta provincial corporate tax rate from 10% to 12% effective July 1, 2015. Partly offsetting this adjustment is a $19 million recovery recorded in the second quarter of 2015 related to the settlement of prior years' income tax-related matters (excluding related interest income).
Comprehensive income
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 341 381 (10.5)% 756 758 (0.3)%
Other comprehensive
income (loss) (net of
income taxes):
Items that may be
subsequently
reclassified to
income (3) (9) 66.7% - (3) 100.0%
Item never
subsequently
reclassified to
income - Employee
defined benefit
plans re-
measurements (122) 59 n/m 115 221 (48.0)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income 216 431 (49.9)% 871 976 (10.8)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income decreased by $215 million or 50% in the second quarter of 2015 and $105 million or 11% in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014. This was primarily due to decreases in employee defined benefit plan re-measurements and net income. Items that may be subsequently reclassified to income are composed of changes in the unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, foreign currency translation adjustments arising from translating financial statements of foreign operations, and changes in the unrealized fair value of available-for-sale investments.
5.4 Wireless segment
Wireless operating indicators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at June 30 2015 2014(1) Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribers
(000s):
Postpaid 7,221 6,877 5.0%
Prepaid 1,131 1,211 (6.6)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 8,352 8,088 3.3%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postpaid
proportion of
subscriber
base (%) 86.5 85.0 1.5 pts.
HSPA+
population
coverage(2)
(millions) 35.7 35.2 1.4%
LTE population
coverage(2)
(millions) 33.9 29.8 13.8%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
--------------------------------------------------------------
2015 2014(1) Change 2015 2014(1) Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscriber
gross
additions
(000s):
Postpaid 249 247 0.8% 472 481 (1.9)%
Prepaid 106 132 (19.7)% 210 270 (22.2)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 355 379 (6.3)% 682 751 (9.2)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscriber net
additions
(000s):
Postpaid 76 78 (2.6)% 113 126 (10.3)%
Prepaid (13) (29) 55.2% (42) (67) 37.3%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 63 49 28.6% 71 59 20.3%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blended ARPU,
per
month(3)($) 63.48 61.69 2.9% 62.91 61.05 3.0%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Churn, per
month(3)(%)
Blended 1.17 1.37 (0.20) pts. 1.23 1.44 (0.21) pts.
Postpaid 0.86 0.90 (0.04) pts. 0.88 0.94 (0.06) pts.
Cost of
acquisition
(COA) per
gross
subscriber
addition(3)
($) 404 371 8.9% 398 359 10.9%
Retention
spend to
network
revenue(3)
(%) 12.1 10.8 1.3 pts. 12.1 10.7 1.4 pts.
Retention
volume(3)
(000s) 506 448 12.9% 991 894 10.9%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Effective January 1, 2014, prepaid subscribers, total subscribers and
associated operating statistics (gross additions, net additions,
blended ARPU, blended churn and COA per gross subscriber addition) have
been adjusted for the inclusion of 222,000 Public Mobile subscribers in
the opening subscriber balances and subsequent Public Mobile subscriber
changes.
(2) Including network access agreements with other Canadian carriers.
(3) See Section 11.2 Wireless operating indicators. These are industry
measures useful in assessing operating performance of a wireless
company, but are not measures defined under IFRS-IASB.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues - Wireless segment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Network revenues 1,568 1,478 6.1% 3,103 2,921 6.2%
Equipment and other 154 126 22.2% 291 238 22.3%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
External operating
revenues 1,722 1,604 7.4% 3,394 3,159 7.4%
Intersegment network
revenue 14 13 7.7% 28 26 7.7%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating
revenues 1,736 1,617 7.4% 3,422 3,185 7.4%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data revenue to
network revenues (%) 55 49 6 pts. 54 48 6 pts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total wireless operating revenues increased by $119 million or 7.4% in the second quarter of 2015 and $237 million or 7.4% in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014. The increases reflect growth in both network and equipment revenues.
Network revenues from external customers increased year over year by $90 million or 6.1% in the second quarter of 2015 and $182 million or 6.2% for the first six months of 2015. Data network revenue increased year over year by 18% in the second quarter of 2015 and 19% in the first six months of 2015, reflecting growth in the subscriber base, an increased proportion of higher-rate two-year plans in the revenue mix, higher data usage from continued adoption of smartphones and other data-centric wireless devices, increased data roaming and the expansion of our LTE network coverage. Voice network revenue decreased year over year by 5.3% in the second quarter and first six months of 2015 due to the increased adoption of unlimited nationwide voice plans and continued but moderating substitution to data services.
-- Monthly blended ARPU was $63.48 in the second quarter of 2015 and $62.91
in the first six months of 2015, reflecting year-over-year increases of
$1.79 or 2.9% for the quarter and $1.86 or 3.0% for the six-month
period. The increases were due to the effects of higher-rate two-year
plans, growth in data usage, a more favourable postpaid subscriber mix
and increased data roaming revenues, partly offset by declines in voice
revenue due to the increased adoption of unlimited nationwide voice
plans and the elimination of charges for paper bills.
-- Gross subscriber additions were 355,000 in the second quarter of 2015
and 682,000 in the first six months of 2015, reflecting year-over-year
decreases of 24,000 for the quarter and 69,000 for the six-month period.
Postpaid gross additions were 249,000 in the second quarter of 2015 and
472,000 in the first six months of 2015, reflecting a year-over-year
increase of 2,000 for the quarter and a year-over-year decrease of 9,000
for the six-month period. These changes were due to market pressures
from slower market growth and industry-wide efforts to focus on
retaining subscribers, which led to fewer customers switching carriers,
offset by our customers first initiatives and our clear and simple
approach. Prepaid gross additions were 106,000 in the second quarter of
2015 and 210,000 in the first six months of 2015, reflecting year-over-
year decreases of 26,000 for the quarter and 60,000 for the six-month
period, primarily due to higher Public Mobile gross additions in the
comparable periods of 2014.
-- Net subscriber additions were 63,000 in the second quarter of 2015 and
71,000 in the first six months of 2015, reflecting year-over-year
increases of 14,000 for the quarter and 12,000 for the six-month period
due to a reduction in our blended monthly churn rate, partly offset by
lower gross subscriber additions. Postpaid net additions were 76,000 in
the second quarter of 2015 and 113,000 for the first six months of 2015,
down year over year by 2,000 for the quarter and 13,000 for the six-
month period due to factors described above in gross subscriber
additions, partly offset by a reduction in our postpaid monthly churn
rate (see next paragraph). Prepaid subscribers decreased by 13,000 in
the second quarter of 2015 and 42,000 in the first six months of 2015,
as compared to decreases of 29,000 in the second quarter of 2014 and
67,000 in the first six months of 2014. Prepaid losses reflect
conversions to postpaid services, market saturation with respect to
prepaid services and continued competitive intensity in the lower end of
the market typically served by prepaid plans.
-- Our average monthly postpaid subscriber churn rate was 0.86% in the
second quarter of 2015 and 0.88% for the first six months of 2015, as
compared to 0.90% in the second quarter of 2014 and 0.94% in the first
six months of 2014. Our blended monthly subscriber churn rate was 1.17%
in the second quarter of 2015 and 1.23% in the first six months of 2015,
as compared to 1.37% in the second quarter of 2014 and 1.44% in the
first six months of 2014. The churn rates are among our lowest quarterly
churn rates since we became a national carrier and their improvement was
due to our continued focus on our customers first initiatives and our
clear and simple approach, which differentiates TELUS in an intensely
competitive market, as well as due to our retention efforts. The
improvement in the blended churn rate also reflects a greater proportion
of postpaid clients in our subscriber base.
Equipment and other revenues increased year over year by $28 million or 22% in the second quarter of 2015 and $53 million or 22% in the first six months of 2015, mainly due to increased retention volumes and higher-value smartphones in the sales mix, partly offset by lower gross additions.
Intersegment revenue in the wireless segment represents network services provided to the wireline segment. Such revenues are eliminated upon consolidation along with the associated expenses.
Operating expenses - Wireless segment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goods and services
purchased:
Equipment sales
expenses 370 315 17.5% 718 609 17.9%
Network operating
expenses 188 195 (3.6)% 372 388 (4.1)%
Marketing expenses 104 96 8.3% 194 179 8.4%
Other(1) 178 140 27.1% 336 279 20.4%
Employee benefits
expense(1) 177 163 8.6% 339 332 2.1%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating
expenses 1,017 909 11.9% 1,959 1,787 9.6%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes restructuring and other like costs. See Section 11.1 Non-GAAP
and other financial measures.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireless segment expenses increased by $108 million or 11.9% in the second quarter of 2015 and $172 million or 9.6% in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014.
Equipment sales expenses increased year over year by $55 million or 18% in the second quarter of 2015 and $109 million or 18% in the first six months of 2015, reflecting increased retention volumes and higher-value smartphones in the sales mix, partly offset by lower gross additions.
-- Retention costs as a percentage of network revenue were 12.1% in the
second quarter and the first six months of 2015, as compared to 10.8% in
the second quarter of 2014 and 10.7% in the first six months of 2014.
The increases were driven by greater retention volumes and associated
commissions, as well as higher per-unit subsidy costs due to increased
competitive intensity and a continued preference for higher-value
smartphone devices. Greater retention volumes included early renewals
and upgrades, which were partly driven by the coterminous expiration of
two-year and three-year contracts beginning in June 2015.
-- COA per gross subscriber addition was $404 in the second quarter of 2015
and $398 in the first six months of 2015, reflecting year-over-year
increases of $33 for the quarter and $39 for the six-month period. The
increases were mainly due to higher per-unit subsidy costs reflecting
increased competitive intensity, a greater proportion of postpaid gross
additions and higher-value smartphones in the sales mix, and higher
commissions.
Network operating expenses decreased year over year by $7 million or 3.6% in the second quarter of 2015 and $16 million or 4.1% in the first six months of 2015. The decreases were due to lower network maintenance and support costs resulting from turning down the Public Mobile CDMA network in the third quarter of 2014, as well as lower data content share fees, partly offset by higher roaming costs driven by volume increases.
Marketing expenses increased year over year by $8 million or 8.3% in the second quarter of 2015 and $15 million or 8.4% in the first six months of 2015. The increases were primarily due to higher commission expenses driven by higher retention volumes, as well as an increase in advertising and promotions expenses.
Other goods and services purchased increased year over year by $38 million or 27% in the second quarter of 2015 and $57 million or 20% in the first six months of 2015. The increases reflect higher non-labour restructuring and other like costs primarily from the planned closure of all Black's Photography retail stores (see Section 2 Core business and strategy), as well as higher bad debt provisions to support the growing subscriber base, the expansion of our distribution channels, and increases in external labour and administrative costs.
Employee benefits expense increased year over year by $14 million or 8.6% in the second quarter of 2015, reflecting higher labour restructuring costs from the planned closure of all Black's Photography retail stores and other efficiency initiatives, higher share-based compensation and lower capitalized labour costs. In the first six months of 2015, employee benefits expense increased $7 million or 2.1%, reflecting higher labour restructuring costs and share-based compensation noted above, partly offset by lower wages and salaries mainly from a reduction in the number of FTEs as a result of our ongoing operational efficiency initiatives, including the integration of Public Mobile.
EBITDA - Wireless segment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
--------------------------------------------------------------
($ millions,
except
margins) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA 719 708 1.5% 1,463 1,398 4.6%
Restructuring
and other
like costs
included in
EBITDA 36 3 n/m 42 6 n/m
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA -
excluding
restructuring
and other
like costs 755 711 6.3% 1,505 1,404 7.1%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA margin
(%) 41.4 43.8 (2.4) pts. 42.8 43.9 (1.1) pts.
EBITDA margin
- excluding
restructuring
and other
like costs
(%) 43.5 44.0 (0.5) pts. 44.0 44.1 (0.1) pts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireless EBITDA increased by $11 million or 1.5% in the second quarter of 2015 and $65 million or 4.6% in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014. Wireless EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs increased year over year by $44 million or 6.3% in the second quarter and $101 million or 7.1% in the first six months of 2015. The increases in EBITDA reflect network revenue growth driven by a larger customer base and higher ARPU, as well as ongoing operational efficiency initiatives including the integration of Public Mobile, partly offset by higher retention spend, increased customer service and distribution channel expenses, and higher restructuring and other like costs.
5.5 Wireline segment
Wireline operating indicators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at June 30 (000s) 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
High-speed Internet
subscribers 1,520 1,431 6.2%
TELUS TV subscribers 954 865 10.3%
Network access lines (NALs):
Residential 1,516 1,600 (5.3)%
Business 1,599 1,615 (1.0)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total NALs 3,115 3,215 (3.1)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total wireline subscriber
connections 5,589 5,511 1.4%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------
2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
High-speed Internet
subscriber net additions 22 15 46.7% 45 36 25.0%
TELUS TV subscriber net
additions 17 23 (26.1)% 38 50 (24.0)%
Net NAL gains (losses):
Residential (20) (19) (5.3)% (40) (43) 7.0%
Business (9) 4 n/m (14) 4 n/m
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total NAL losses (29) (15) (93.3)% (54) (39) (38.5)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total wireline subscriber
connections net additions 10 23 (56.5)% 29 47 (38.3)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues - Wireline segment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data service and
equipment 928 861 7.8% 1,831 1,703 7.5%
Voice service 383 410 (6.6)% 765 823 (7.0)%
Other services and
equipment 57 63 (9.5)% 113 130 (13.1)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues arising from
contracts with
customers 1,368 1,334 2.5% 2,709 2,656 2.0%
Other operating income 12 13 (7.7)% 27 31 (12.9)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
External operating
revenues 1,380 1,347 2.4% 2,736 2,687 1.8%
Intersegment revenue 43 44 (2.3)% 86 85 1.2%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating
revenues 1,423 1,391 2.3% 2,822 2,772 1.8%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total wireline operating revenues increased by $32 million or 2.3% in the second quarter of 2015 and $50 million or 1.8% in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014. The increases reflect continued growth in data revenue resulting from a larger high-speed Internet and TELUS TV subscriber base and growth in our business process outsourcing services and TELUS Health, partly offset by ongoing declines in legacy voice and equipment revenues, as well as continued competitive pressures in the business sector and from over-the-top (OTT) services.
Revenues arising from contracts with customers increased year over year by $34 million or 2.5% in the second quarter of 2015 and $53 million or 2.0% in the first six months of 2015.
-- Data service and equipment revenues increased year over year by $67
million or 7.8% in the second quarter of 2015 and $128 million or 7.5%
in the first six months of 2015. The increases were primarily due to:
(i) increased Internet and enhanced data service revenues resulting from
an 6.2% increase in high-speed Internet subscribers over 12 months,
higher revenue per customer from upgrades to faster high-speed and
larger usage rate Internet plans, subscribers coming off of promotional
offers, the introduction of usage-based billing and certain rate
increases in late 2014; (ii) growth in business process outsourcing
revenues; (iii) increased TELUS TV revenues resulting from a 10%
subscriber growth over the last 12 months; and (iv) increased TELUS
Health revenues. These increases were partly offset by declines in
managed services, video-conferencing revenues and equipment sales,
largely reflecting lower business and government activity.
-- Voice service revenues decreased year over year by $27 million or 6.6%
in the second quarter of 2015 and $58 million or 7.0% in the first six
months of 2015. The decreases reflect the ongoing decline in legacy
revenues from technological substitution, increased competition, greater
use of inclusive long distance plans and lower long distance minutes of
use. We experienced a 3.1% decline in NALs in the 12-month period ended
June 30, 2015.
-- Wireline subscriber connections net additions were 10,000 in the second
quarter of 2015 and 29,000 in the first six months of 2015, reflecting
year-over-year decreases of 13,000 for the quarter and 18,000 for the
six-month period.
-- Net additions of high-speed Internet subscribers were 22,000 in the
second quarter of 2015 and 45,000 in the first six months of 2015,
reflecting year-over-year increases of 7,000 in the quarter and
9,000 in the six-month period. The increases resulted from the
expansion of our high-speed broadband footprint in urban and rural
communities, and the pull-through impact from the continued adoption
of Optik TV. Net additions of TELUS TV subscribers were 17,000 in
the second quarter of 2015 and 38,000 in the first six months of
2015, reflecting year-over-year decreases of 6,000 in the quarter
and 12,000 in the six-month period, as expansion of our addressable
high-speed broadband footprint, increasing broadband speeds and
improvements in our customer churn rate were offset by business
additions in the first half of 2014, the effects of slower
subscriber growth for paid TV services and increasing competition
from OTT services. Continued focus on expanding our addressable
Optik TV and high-speed Internet footprint, connecting more homes
and businesses directly to fibre, and bundling these services
together, resulted in combined Internet and TV subscriber growth of
178,000 or 7.8% over the last 12 months.
-- Residential NAL losses were 20,000 in the second quarter 2015 and
40,000 in the first six months of 2015, as compared to 19,000 NAL
losses in the second quarter of 2014 and 43,000 in the first six
months of 2014. The residential NAL losses continue to reflect the
ongoing, but moderating, trend of substitution to wireless and
Internet-based services, including losses to competitors, partially
mitigated by the success of Optik TV and bundled service offerings.
-- Business NAL losses were 9,000 in the second quarter of 2015 and
14,000 in the first six months of 2015 as compared to a net gain of
4,000 in second quarter and first six months of 2014. This continues
to reflect increased competition in the business sector as well as
the impact of the economic slowdown in the business market. NAL
losses also reflect conversion of voice lines to more efficient IP
services, thus expanding the NAL decline without a similar decline
in revenue. As such, the correlation of legacy business NALs to
current and future revenues has weakened and as a consequence we are
reconsidering the future reporting of business NALs.
-- Other services and equipment decreased year over year by $6 million or
9.5% in the second quarter of 2015 and $17 million or 13% in the first
six months of 2015. The decreases mainly reflect the elimination of
charges for paper bills and declines in voice equipment sales.
Other operating income decreased year over year by $1 million or 7.7% in the second quarter of 2015 and $4 million or 13% in the first six months of 2015. The decreases were mainly a result of a reduction in current period amortization of deferred revenue in respect of the regulatory price cap deferral account for provisioning broadband Internet services to eligible rural and remote communities, and a decrease in recoveries of employee costs under eligible government-sponsored programs.
Intersegment revenue represents services provided to the wireless segment. Such revenue is eliminated upon consolidation along with the associated expenses.
Operating expenses - Wireline segment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goods and services
purchased(1) 589 579 1.7% 1,150 1,146 0.3%
Employee benefits
expense(1) 472 447 5.6% 919 874 5.1%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating
expenses 1,061 1,026 3.4% 2,069 2,020 2.4%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes restructuring and other like costs. See Section 11.1 Non-GAAP
and other financial measures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total wireline operating expenses increased by $35 million or 3.4% in the second quarter of 2015 and $49 million or 2.4% in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014.
-- Goods and services purchased increased year over year by $10 million or
1.7% in the second quarter of 2015 and $4 million or 0.3% in the first
six months of 2015. This increase reflects growth in our subscriber
base, including higher TV content costs, higher non-labour restructuring
and other like costs, and higher administrative costs, partly offset by
a decrease in equipment cost of sales associated with lower equipment
revenues and reduced advertising and promotions costs.
-- Employee benefits expense increased year over year by $25 million or
5.6% in the second quarter of 2015 and $45 million or 5.1% in the first
six months, primarily due to year-over-year increases in wages and
salaries mainly to support increased business process outsourcing
revenue, as well as year-over-year increases in employee defined benefit
pension plan expense, share-based compensation expenses and labour
restructuring costs. These increases were partly offset by increases in
capitalized labour costs.
EBITDA - Wireline segment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
-------------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA 362 365 (0.9)% 753 752 0.2%
Restructuring
and other like
costs included
in EBITDA 23 8 187.5% 34 13 161.5%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA -
excluding
restructuring
and other like
costs 385 373 2.9% 787 765 2.9%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA margin
(%) 25.4 26.2 (0.8) pts. 26.7 27.1 (0.4) pts.
EBITDA -
excluding
restructuring
and other like
costs margin
(%) 27.0 26.8 0.2 pts. 27.9 27.6 0.3 pts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireline EBITDA decreased by $3 million or 0.9% in the second quarter of 2015 and increased by $1 million or 0.2% in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014. EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs increased year over year by 2.9% in the second quarter of 2015 and first six months of 2015, as compared to year-over-year revenue increases of 2.3% for the quarter and 1.8% for the six-month period reflecting improving margins in data services, including Internet, TELUS Health, TELUS TV and business process outsourcing services.
6. Changes in financial position
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial position June 30 Dec. 31 Change Change includes:
as at:
------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets
Cash and temporary 77 60 17 28% See Section 7
investments, net Liquidity and
capital resources
Accounts receivable 1,336 1,483 (147) (10)% A decrease in days
outstanding in
wireless and
wireline, offset by
an increase in
operating revenues
Income and other 30 97 (67) (69)% Refund received as
taxes receivable well as Income and
other taxes payable
for the current year
offset against
Income and other
taxes receivable for
prior years
Inventories 365 320 45 14% An increase in the
average unit costs
resulting from a
higher-value mix of
smartphones
Prepaid expenses 381 199 182 91% Prepayment of
statutory employee
benefits, property
taxes, wireless
licence fees and
maintenance
contracts net of
amortization
Real estate joint 140 - 140 n/m% Amounts reclassified
venture advances from Non-current
assets
Derivative assets 21 27 (6) (22)% Decrease due to
maturation of
restricted stock
units partially
offset by increase
in U.S. currency
hedging items
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities
Short-term 500 100 400 n/m% See Section 7.7Sale
borrowings of trade receivables
Accounts payable 1,960 2,019 (59) (3)% Decrease in payroll
and accrued and other employee-
liabilities related liabilities,
restricted stock
unit liability and
timing of accounts
payable payments,
partly offset by
increased accrued
liabilities for the
normal course issuer
bid (NCIB) automatic
share purchase plan
(ASPP) and capital
expenditures
Income and other 3 2 1 50% Increase is due to
taxes payable current income tax
expense in excess of
instalments
Dividends payable 253 244 9 4% Increase in our
dividend rate,
offset by a
reduction in shares
outstanding as a
result of our NCIB
program
Advance billings 739 753 (14) (2)% Decrease arising
and customer from a lower number
deposits of wireless handsets
shipped to external
distribution
channels and
decrease in customer
deposits
Provisions 156 126 30 24% Primarily non-
employee-related
restructuring
expenses in excess
of associated
disbursements
Current maturities 725 255 470 n/m% Amounts reclassified
of long-term debt from long-term debt.
Increase is due to
upcoming maturity of
the $600 of our
3.65% Notes, Series
CI in May 2016,
partially offset by
a decrease in
commercial paper
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working (1,986) (1,313) 673 51% Working capital
capital(Current increased due to an
assets subtracting increase in Prepaid
Current expenses, amounts
liabilities) from Real estate
joint ventures
advances
reclassified as
current assets, an
increase in
Inventories, and a
decrease in Accounts
payable and accrued
liabilities.
Working capital
decreased due to an
increase in Current
maturities of long-
term debt, an
increase in Short-
term borrowings, a
decrease in Accounts
receivable, and a
decrease in Income
and other taxes
receivable/payable
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-current assets
Property, plant and 9,455 9,123 332 4% See Capital
equipment, net expenditures in
Section 7.3 Cash
used by investing
activities and
Depreciation in
Section 5.3
Intangible assets, 9,839 7,797 2,042 26% See Capital
net expenditures in
Section 7.3 Cash
used by investing
activities and
Amortization of
intangible assets in
Section 5.3
Goodwill, net 3,761 3,757 4 -% An increase due to
an acquisition of an
electronic medical
records (EMR)
provider
Real estate joint - 120 (120) (100)% The reclassification
venture advances of real estate joint
venture advances to
Current assets
Real estate joint 24 21 3 14% See Transactions
ventures between related
parties in Section
7.11
Other long-term 269 213 56 26% An increase in
assets pension and post-
retirement assets
resulting from
returns on plan
assets and higher
investment net
additions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-current
liabilities
Provisions 356 342 14 4% A portion of other
restructuring costs
expensed in the
period was
classified as non-
current and an
increase in asset
retirement
obligations arising
from interest
accretion
Long-term debt 10,598 9,055 1,543 17% See Section 7.4 Cash
provided (used) by
financing activities
for a discussion of
our financing
activities
Other long-term 862 931 (69) (7)% Primarily a
liabilities reduction in pension
and post-retirement
plan deficits
resulting from
returns on plan
assets, partially
offset by an
increase in the
accrual for share-
based compensation
Deferred income 2,012 1,936 76 4% Primarily a re-
taxes measurement of
temporary
differences recorded
in Other
Comprehensive Income
and revaluation of
the deferred tax
liability for the
increase in the
Alberta corporate
income tax rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owners' equity
Common equity 7,534 7,454 80 1% Net income of $756
and Other
comprehensive income
of $115, net of
dividend
declarations of $496
and share purchase
activity under our
NCIB program of $296
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Liquidity and capital resources
Our discussion in this section is qualified in its entirety by the Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this MD&A.
7.1 Overview
In the first six months of 2015, we paid $1.5 billion for the wireless spectrum licences acquired in the AWS-3 spectrum auction that took place in the first quarter of 2015 and $479 million for the wireless spectrum licences acquired in the 2500 MHz auction that took place in the second quarter of 2015. In March 2015, we publicly issued $1.75 billion in senior unsecured notes in three series with the proceeds mainly used to fund the AWS-3 spectrum licences, whereas we utilized existing Short-term borrowings and long-term credit facilities to fund the 2500 MHz spectrum licences.
In addition, we paid dividends of $487 million to the holders of Common Shares and returned $262 million of cash to shareholders through share purchases under our 2015 NCIB. On July 2, 2015, we paid dividends of $253 million to the holders of Common Shares and during the month of July 2015, purchased 0.7 million of our Common Shares by way of the automatic share purchase plan (ASPP) at a cost of $33 million.
Our capital structure financial policies, financing plan and report on financing and capital structure management plans are described in Section 4.3.
Cash flows
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by
operating activities 943 855 10.3% 1,661 1,453 14.3%
Cash used by investing
activities (2,377) (1,517) (56.7)% (3,303) (2,344) (40.9)%
Cash provided (used)
by financing
activities (68) 667 (110.2)% 1,659 612 171.1%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in
Cash and temporary
investments, net (1,502) 5 n/m% 17 (279) 106.1%
Cash and temporary
investments, net,
beginning of period 1,579 52 n/m% 60 336 (82.1)%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and temporary
investments, net, end
of period 77 57 35.1% 77 57 35.1%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.2 Cash provided by operating activities
Cash provided by operating activities increased year over year by $88 million or 10% in the second quarter of 2015 and $208 million or 14% in the first six months of 2015.
Analysis of changes in cash provided by operating activities
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) Second Six-month
quarter period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by operating activities, three-month
and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 855 1,453
Year-over-year changes:
Higher EBITDA (see Section 5.4 Wireless segment
and Section 5.5 Wireline segment) 8 66
Lower (higher) share-based compensation cash
outflows, net of expense 2 (37)
Lower employer contributions to defined benefits
plans, net of expense 5 13
Lower restructuring disbursements, net of
restructuring expenses 46 54
Higher interest paid (5) (29)
Higher interest received 3 2
Lower income taxes paid, net of recoveries
received 59 168
Other operating working capital changes (30) (29)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by operating activities, three-month
and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 943 1,661
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Employer contributions to employee defined benefit plans decreased as a
result of returns on plan assets, changes in discount rates and the
utilization of letters of credit.
-- Income taxes paid, net of recoveries received, decreased in the second
quarter and first six months of 2015. The decrease for the quarter
reflects lower required instalments as well as higher refunds received.
The decrease for the six-month period also includes a lower final income
tax payment for the 2014 income tax year than was required in the
comparable periods of 2014 for the 2013 income tax year.
7.3 Cash used by investing activities
Cash used by investing activities increased year over year by $860 million or 57% in the second quarter of 2015 and $959 million or 41% in the first six months of 2015. The changes included the following:
-- Year-over-year increases in Cash payments for capital assets (excluding
spectrum licences) of $90 million in the second quarter of 2015 and $155
million in the first six months of 2015. These increases were composed
of:
-- Year over year increases in capital expenditures of $28 million in
the second quarter of 2015 and $167 million in the first six months
of 2015 (see table and discussion below)
-- Comparative decrease in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities of
$62 million in the second quarter of 2015 and increase of $12
million in the first six months of 2015, which reflect payment
timing differences in respect of capital expenditures.
-- Payments for wireless spectrum licences in the second quarter of 2015
relate to the AWS-3 spectrum auction and the 2500 MHz spectrum auction
(please refer to the following table for additional details).
Comparatively, in 2014, we had payments for wireless spectrum licences
related to the 700 MHz spectrum auction. This reflects the atypical
concentration of wireless spectrum auctions over an 18-month period,
which has allowed us to nearly double our national spectrum holdings.
Payments for wireless spectrum licences
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
700 MHz Industry Canada spectrum auction - 914 - 1,143
AWS-3 Industry Canada spectrum auction 1,209 - 1,511 -
2500 MHz Industry Canada spectrum
auction 479 - 479 -
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Total 1,688 914 1,990 1,143
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-- Payments for business acquisitions and related investments to complement
our existing lines of business, totalling $1 million in the second
quarter of 2015 (second quarter of 2014 - $3 million) and $5 million in
the first six months of 2015 (first six months of 2014 - $40 million).
-- Advances and contributions to the real estate joint ventures, net of
receipts, in the amount of $15 million in the second quarter of 2015
(second quarter of 2014 - $10 million) and $22 million in the first six
months of 2015 (first six months of 2014 - $24 million), which primarily
reflect advances under construction credit facilities commensurate with
construction progress.
Capital expenditure measures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
---------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital
expenditures
excluding spectrum
licences and non-
monetary
transactions(1)
Wireless segment 227 228 (0.4)% 475 393 20.9%
Wireline segment 437 408 7.1% 824 739 11.5%
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Consolidated 664 636 4.4% 1,299 1,132 14.8%
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EBITDA less capital
expenditures
(excluding
spectrum licences
and non-monetary
transactions)(2) 417 437 (4.6)% 917 1,018 (9.9)%
Wireless segment
capital intensity
(%) 13 14 (1) pt. 14 12 2 pts.
Wireline segment
capital intensity
(%) 31 29 2 pts. 29 27 2 pts.
Consolidated
capital
intensity(2)(%) 21 22 (1) pt. 21 19 2 pts.
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(1) Capital expenditures include assets purchased, but not yet paid for,
and therefore differ from Cash payments for capital assets, as
presented on the interim consolidated statements of cash flows. See
Note 25(b) of the interim consolidated financial statements.
(2) See calculation and description in Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other
financial measures.
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Wireless segment capital expenditures were essentially unchanged year over year in the second quarter of 2015, reflecting our continued investment in wireless broadband infrastructure to enhance our network coverage, speed and capacity, including the ongoing deployment of 700 MHz spectrum. In the first six months of 2015, wireless capital expenditures increased year over year by $82 million or 21% mainly from higher investments in wireless broadband infrastructure as the deployment of 700 MHz spectrum commenced in the second quarter of 2014. We also continue to invest in system and network resiliency and reliability in support of our ongoing customers first initiatives and to ready the network and systems for future retirement of legacy assets. Wireless EBITDA less capital expenditures was $988 million for the first six months of 2015, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of $17 million as the increase in capital expenditures was only partially offset by growth in EBITDA.
Wireline segment capital expenditures increased year over year by $29 million or 7.1% in the second quarter of 2015 and $85 million or 12% in the first six months of 2015. The increases were primarily due to continuing investments in broadband infrastructure, including connecting more homes and businesses directly to our fibre-optic network. This investment supports our high-speed Internet and Optik TV subscriber growth, as well as our customers' demand for faster Internet speeds, and extends the reach and functionality of our healthcare solutions. We also continued our investments in system and network resiliency and reliability. Wireline EBITDA less capital expenditures was $(71) million in the first six months of 2015, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of $84 million as increases in our strategic investment in broadband infrastructure exceeded the growth in EBITDA.
7.4 Cash provided (used) by financing activities
Net cash used by financing activities was $68 million in the second quarter of 2015, as compared to $667 million net cash provided by financing activities in the second quarter of 2014. Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.7 billion in the first six months of 2015, as compared to $612 million net cash provided by financing activities in the first six months of 2014. Financing activities included the following:
Dividends paid to the holders of Common Shares
Dividends paid to the holders of Common Shares were $243 million in the second quarter of 2015 or an increase of $19 million from the second quarter of 2014. Dividends paid for the first six months of 2015 were $487 million or an increase of $41 million from the first six months of 2014. The increases reflect higher dividend rates under our dividend growth program (see Section 4.3), offset by lower outstanding shares resulting from shares purchased and cancelled under our 2015 NCIB program.
Purchase of Common Shares for cancellation
Under our 2015 NCIB, we purchased approximately 3.3 million shares in the second quarter of 2015 and approximately 7.1 million shares in the first six months of 2015, for $135 million in the quarter and $291 million for the six-month period. During the month-ended July 31, 2015, we purchased approximately 0.7 million shares for $33 million. In 2014, we purchased approximately 4.8 million shares in the second quarter and approximately 9.1 million shares in the first six months under our 2014 NCIB, for $188 million in the quarter and $349 million for the six-month period. See Section 4.3 for details of our planned multi-year share purchase program through 2016.
Normal course issuer bid in 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period Common Increase
Shares Average (decrease)
purchased purchase Purchase in Accounts
and price per costs ($ payable ($ Cash outflow
cancelled share ($) millions) millions) ($ millions)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
First quarter 3,793,200 41.06 156 - 156
Second quarter 3,322,600 40.74 135 29 106
July 746,100 44.16 33 (27) 60
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Total 7,861,900 41.22 324 2 322
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Short-term borrowings
Short-term borrowings are composed primarily of amounts advanced to us from an arm's-length securitization trust pursuant to the sale of trade receivables in securitization transactions (see Section 7.7 Sale of trade receivables). Such proceeds were $100 million throughout the first quarter of 2015 and increased to $500 million during the second quarter of 2015. In comparison, such proceeds were $100 million throughout the second quarter of 2014, after being reduced by $300 million to $100 million in the first quarter of 2014.
Long-term debt issues and repayments
Long-term debt repayments, net of issues, were $119 million in the second quarter of 2015, whereas long-term debt issues, net of repayments, were $2.0 billion in the first six months of 2015, and were composed of:
-- A March 24, 2015, public issue of $1.75 billion in senior unsecured
notes in three series: a $250 million offering at 1.50% due March 27,
2018, a $1.0 billion offering at 2.35% due March 28, 2022, and a $500
million offering at 4.40% due January 29, 2046. The net proceeds were
used to fund a portion of the $1.5 billion purchase price of the AWS-3
wireless spectrum licences and the remainder was used for general
corporate purposes.
-- Net decreases in commercial paper of $519 million in the second quarter
of 2015 and $130 million in the first six months of 2015, to a balance
of $NIL, as at June 30, 2015.
-- Net increases in amounts drawn on our five-year revolving credit
facility of $400 million in the second quarter of 2015 and first six
months of 2015 ($NIL at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014). See
Section 7.6 Credit facilities.
In comparison, Long-term debt issues, net of repayments, were $1.1 billion in the second quarter of 2014 and $1.7 billion in the first six months of 2014. On April 4, 2014, we issued $1.0 billion in senior unsecured notes in two series: a $500 million offering at 3.20% due April 5, 2021 and a $500 million offering at 4.85% due April 5, 2044. The net proceeds were used to repay the approximately $914 million of indebtedness drawn to fund a portion of the purchase price of the 700 MHz spectrum licences and the remainder was used for general corporate purposes.
These debt issues, combined with those in the third quarter of 2014, increased our average term to maturity of long-term debt (excluding commercial paper) to approximately 10.9 years as at June 30, 2015, compared to approximately 10 years as at June 30, 2014. Additionally, our weighted average cost of long-term debt (excluding commercial paper) was 4.42% as at June 30, 2015, as compared to 4.89% as at June 30, 2014, as a result of our 2014 and 2015 re-financing activities.
7.5 Liquidity and capital resource measures
Net debt was $11.8 billion as at June 30, 2015, an increase of $2.5 billion when compared to one year earlier, resulting from our re-financing activities in 2014 and incremental debt issued (primarily for the acquisition of 700 MHz, AWS-3, and 2500 MHz spectrum licences), as well as an increase in Short-term borrowings, as discussed above.
Fixed-rate debt as a proportion of total indebtedness was 92% as at June 30, 2015, up from 91% one year earlier, due to our 2014 re-financing activities and financing of 700 MHz and AWS-3 spectrum licence purchases with fixed-rate debt, partly offset by an increase in Short-term borrowings and draws from our revolving credit facility, which emulate floating-rate debt during the second quarter of 2015.
Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs ratio was 2.67 times for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2015, up from 2.21 times one year earlier. Our long-term objective for this measure is 2.00 to 2.50 times, which we believe is consistent with maintaining investment grade credit ratings in the range of BBB+ or the equivalent and providing reasonable access to capital. At the end of the second quarter of 2015, this ratio was outside of the long-term objective range due to the issuance of incremental debt for the acquisition of spectrum licences, which has been auctioned in unprecedented amounts and in atypical concentrations during 2014 and 2015, partly offset by growth in EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs. These acquired licences have nearly doubled our national spectrum holdings and represent an investment to extend our network capacity to support continuing data consumption growth, as well as growth in our wireless customer base. We will endeavour to return to within the objective range in the medium term, as we believe that this range is supportive of our long-term strategy. While this ratio currently exceeds our long-term objective range, we are well in compliance with the leverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities, which states that we may not permit our net debt to operating cash flow ratio to exceed 4.00:1.00 (see Section 7.6 Credit facilities).
Liquidity and capital resource measures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at, or 12-month periods ended, June 30 2015 2014 Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Components of debt and coverage ratios(1)
($ millions)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt 11,795 9,272 2,523
EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other
like costs 4,414 4,203 211
Net interest cost(2) 451 408 43
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Debt ratios
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed-rate debt as a proportion of total
indebtedness (%) 92 91 1 pt.
Average term to maturity of long-term debt
(excluding commercial paper) (years) 10.9 10.0 0.9
Net debt to EBITDA - excluding
restructuring and other like costs(1)
(times) 2.67 2.21 0.46
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Coverage ratios(1)(times)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings coverage 5.1 5.7 (0.6)
EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other
like costs interest coverage(2) 9.8 10.3 (0.5)
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Other measures (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend payout ratio of adjusted net
earnings(1) 71 68 3 pts.
Dividend payout ratio(1) 72 67 5 pts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
( 1) See Section 11.1 Non-GAAP and other financial measures.
(2) The figure for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2014 has been
restated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings coverage ratio for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2015 was 5.1 times, down from 5.7 times one year earlier. Higher borrowing costs reduced the ratio by 0.8, while growth in income before borrowing costs and income taxes increased the ratio by 0.2.
EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs interest coverage ratio for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2015 was 9.8 times, down from 10.3 times one year earlier. An increase in net interest costs (including the September 2014 long-term debt prepayment premium) reduced the ratio by 1.0, while growth in EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs increased the ratio by 0.5. See Section 7.6 Credit facilities.
Dividend payout ratios: Our financial objective is 65 to 75% of sustainable earnings on a prospective basis. The basic and adjusted dividend payout ratios for the 12-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were consistent with the objective range.
7.6 Credit facilities
As at June 30, 2015, we had available liquidity of $1.9 billion from unutilized credit facilities, which adheres to our objective of generally maintaining at least $1 billion of available liquidity.
Revolving credit facility
We have a $2.25 billion (or U.S. dollar equivalent) revolving credit facility with a syndicate of 15 financial institutions that was renewed in the second quarter of 2014 and expires on May 31, 2019. The revolving credit facility is used for general corporate purposes, including the backstop of commercial paper, as required.
TELUS credit and other bank credit facilities at June 30, 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ millions) Outstanding Backstop for
undrawn commercial
letters of paper Available
Expiry Size Drawn credit program liquidity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five-year
revolving May 31,
facility(1) 2019 2,250 400 - - 1,850
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Canadian dollars or U.S. dollar equivalent.
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Our revolving credit facility contains customary covenants, including a requirement that we not permit our consolidated leverage ratio to exceed 4.00 to 1.00 (our ratio was approximately 2.67 to 1.00 as at June 30, 2015) and not permit our consolidated coverage ratio (EBITDA to interest expense on a trailing 12-month basis) to be less than 2.00 to 1.00 (approximately 9.79 to 1.00 as at June 30, 2015, and expected to remain well above the covenant) at the end of any financial quarter. There are certain minor differences in the calculation of the leverage ratio and coverage ratio under the revolving credit facility, as compared with the calculation of Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs and EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs interest coverage. Historically, the calculations have not been materially different. The covenants are not impacted by revaluation of Property, plant and equipment, Intangible assets or Goodwill for accounting purposes. Continued access to our credit facilities is not contingent on maintaining a specific credit rating.
Commercial paper
TELUS Corporation has an unsecured commercial paper program, which is backstopped by our revolving credit facility and is to be used for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and investments. During the second quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors approved an increase to our commercial paper program up to a maximum aggregate amount of $1.4 billion (December 31, 2014 - $1.2 billion), as well as authorized a U.S. dollar denominated commercial paper program up to $1.0 billion within this maximum aggregate amount. Our ability to reasonably access the commercial paper market in Canada and the U.S. is dependent on our credit ratings (see Section 7.8 Credit ratings).
Other letter of credit facilities
As at June 30, 2015, we had $198 million of letters of credit outstanding (December 31, 2014 - $164 million), issued under various uncommitted facilities. We are also able to provide letters of credit pursuant to our committed bank credit facility. In addition, we had arranged incremental letters of credit of $198 million that allowed us to participate in Industry Canada's AWS-3 auction and 2500 MHz auction, which were held in March 2015 and in April-May 2015, respectively. Concurrent with funding the purchase of the spectrum licences, these incremental letters of credit were extinguished.
7.7 Sale of trade receivables
TELUS Communications Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of TELUS, is a party to an agreement with an arm's-length securitization trust associated with a major Schedule I Canadian bank, under which it is able to sell an interest in certain trade receivables for an amount up to a maximum of $500 million. The agreement is in effect until December 31, 2016, and as at June 30, 2015, we had drawn the maximum amount of $500 million. (See Note 19 of the interim consolidated financial statements.) Sales of trade receivables in securitization transactions are recognized as collateralized Short-term borrowings and thus do not result in our de-recognition of the trade receivables sold.
TELUS Communications Inc. is required to maintain at least a BB credit rating by DBRS Ltd. or the securitization trust may require the sale program to be wound down prior to the end of the term. The necessary credit rating was exceeded as of August 7, 2015.
7.8 Credit ratings
On May 7, 2015, DBRS Ltd. announced a downgrade to its long-term rating of TELUS, but such revised rating is still consistent with our objective of maintaining investment grade credit ratings in the range of BBB+ or the equivalent. DBRS also downgraded its short-term credit rating for TELUS. DBRS cited changes in the Company's financial risk profile from our issuance of debt to fund the acquisition of the AWS-3 spectrum licences as a factor when announcing the rating changes. DBRS's announcement limits our ability to access the commercial paper markets in Canada. We expect to be able to continue to access short-term funding from other available sources, including the U.S. commercial paper market. We believe adherence to most of our stated financial objectives and the resulting investment grade credit ratings, coupled with our efforts to maintain a constructive relationship with banks, investors and credit rating agencies, continue to provide reasonable access to capital markets.
7.9 Financial instruments, commitments and contingent liabilities
Financial instruments
Our financial instruments and the nature of certain risks that they may be subject to were described in Section 7.9 of our 2014 MD&A.
Liquidity risk
As of the date of this MD&A, we can offer $1.25 billion of debt or equity securities pursuant to a shelf prospectus that is effective until December 2016.
As at June 30, 2015, we had credit facilities available, including a $2.25 billion facility expiring on May 31, 2019 (see Section 7.6 Credit facilities). We also had $77 million in cash and temporary investments as at June 30, 2015. We believe that our investment grade credit ratings contribute to reasonable access to capital markets.
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Purchase obligations
As at June 30, 2015, our contractual commitments related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment were $430 million over a period ending December 31, 2017, as compared to $321 million over a period ending December 31, 2015 reported in our 2014 annual report, primarily driven by the increase in commitments related to broadband expansion.
Indemnification obligations
At June 30, 2015, we had no liability recorded in respect of indemnification obligations.
Claims and lawsuits
A number of claims and lawsuits (including class actions) seeking damages and other relief are pending against us. As well, we have received or are aware of certain possible claims (including intellectual property infringement claims) against us and, in some cases, numerous other wireless carriers and telecommunications service providers.
Management is of the opinion, based upon legal assessment and information presently available, that it is unlikely that any liability, to the extent not provided for through insurance or otherwise, would have a material effect in relation to our financial position and the results of our operations, excepting items disclosed in Note 23 of the interim consolidated financial statements.
7.10 Outstanding share information
Outstanding shares as at (millions) June 30, 2015 July 31, 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Shares 602 602
Common Share options 3 3
Exercisable Common Share options 3 3
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7.11 Transactions between related parties
Investments in significant controlled entities
As at June 30, 2015, TELUS Corporation controlled 100% of the equity of TELUS Communications Inc., which, in turn, ultimately controlled 100% of the equity of TELUS Communications Company and TELE-MOBILE COMPANY. This is unchanged from December 31, 2014.
Transactions with key management personnel
Our key management personnel have authority and responsibility for overseeing, planning, directing and controlling our activities, and consist of our Board of Directors and our Executive Leadership Team, including our Executive Chair. Total compensation expense amounts for key management personnel were $13 million and $24 million, respectively, in the second quarter and first six months of 2015, as compared to $13 million and $23 million, respectively, in the second quarter and first six months of 2014. See Note 24(b) of the interim consolidated financial statements for additional detail.
Transactions with defined benefit pension plans
We made employer contributions to defined benefit pension plans as shown in the table in Section 7.2. We also provided management and administrative services to our defined benefit pension plans. Charges for these services were on a cost recovery basis and were immaterial.
Transactions with real estate joint ventures
In the first six months of 2015, we had transactions with real estate joint ventures, which are related parties to us, as set out in Note 18 of our interim consolidated financial statements. As at June 30, 2015, commitments and contingent liabilities for the real estate joint ventures include construction-related contractual commitments through to 2018 (approximately $169 million) and construction credit facilities ($114 million with two Canadian financial institutions as 50% lender and TELUS as 50% lender). The TELUS Garden joint venture has sales contracts in place for substantially all units in the residential tower and, as at June 30, 2015, the proportion of space leased in the office tower was approximately 93%.
Subsequent to June 30, 2015, the TELUS Garden real estate joint venture issued $225 million of 3.4% senior office tower-secured bonds, due 2025; the net proceeds repaid the $189 million drawn on the office tower construction credit facility (one-half of which was repaid to TELUS as a 50% lender), with the balance to fund office tower property cash accounts and to partially refund office tower equity contributions. This is the first time in North America that green mortgage bonds have been used to support real estate financing. In addition, the TELUS Sky real estate joint venture entered into credit agreements with three Canadian financial institutions (as 66-2/3% lender) and TELUS (as 33-1/3% lender) to provide $342 million of construction financing for the project.
8. Accounting matters
8.1 Critical accounting estimates
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the Consolidated financial statements dated December 31, 2014. Our critical accounting estimates and significant judgments are described in Section 8.1 of our annual 2014 MD&A. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS-IASB requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our critical accounting estimates and significant judgments are discussed with the Audit Committee each quarter.
8.2 Accounting policy developments
Revenue from contracts with customers: IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is required to be applied for years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, such date reflecting the one-year deferral approved by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) on July 22, 2015. The IASB and the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the United States worked on this joint project to clarify the principles for the recognition of revenue and to develop the common revenue standard. The new standard was released in May 2014 and supersedes existing standards and interpretations, including IAS 18, Revenue. We are currently assessing the impacts and transition provisions of the new standard.
The effects of the new standard and the materiality of those effects will vary by industry and entity. Like many other telecommunications companies, we currently expect to be materially affected by its application, primarily in respect of the timing of revenue recognition, the classification of revenue, the capitalization of costs of obtaining a contract with a customer and possibly the capitalization of the costs of contract fulfilment (as defined by the new standard). The timing of revenue recognition and the classification of our revenues as either service or equipment, will be affected due to the allocation of consideration in multiple element arrangements (solutions for our customers that may involve the delivery of multiple services and products occurring at different points in time and/or over different periods of time) no longer being affected by limitation cap methodology.
The effects of the timing of revenue recognition and the classification of revenue are expected to be most pronounced in our wireless segment. Although the measurement of the total revenue recognized over the life of a contract will be largely unaffected by the new standard, the prohibition of the use of the limitation cap methodology will accelerate the recognition of such revenue, relative to both the associated cash inflows from customers and our current practice (using the limitation cap methodology). The acceleration of the recognition of revenue relative to the associated cash inflows will also result in the recognition of an asset. Although the underlying transaction economics would not differ, during sustained periods of growth in the number of wireless subscriber connection additions, assuming comparable contract-lifetime per unit cash inflows, revenues would appear to be greater than under current practice (using the limitation cap methodology). Wireline segment results arising from transactions that include the initial provision of subsidized hardware will be similarly affected.
Similarly, the measurement of the total costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment over the life of a contract will be unaffected by the new standard. The new standard will result in our wireless and wireline segments' costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment, to the extent that they are material, being capitalized and subsequently recognized as an expense over the life of a contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. Although the underlying transaction economics would not differ, during sustained periods of growth in the number of customer connection additions, assuming comparable per unit costs of contract acquisition and contract fulfilment, absolute profitability measures would appear to be greater than under the current practice of immediately expensing such costs.
Our operations and associated systems are complex and the accounting for millions of our multi-year contracts with our customers will be affected. Significantly, so as to effect the associated accounting, incremental compilation of historical data will be needed for the millions of our already existing multi-year contracts with our customers that are expected to be in-scope for purposes of transitioning to the new standard. Our current estimate of the time and effort necessary to develop and implement the accounting policies, estimates, judgments and processes (including incremental requirements of our information technology systems) necessary to comply with the new standard is expected to span a period of time ending no earlier than the first half of 2017. As a result, at this time, it is not possible to make reasonable quantitative estimates of the effects of the new standard.
Other issued standards: Other issued standards required to be applied for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2015, are expected to have no significant effect on our financial performance.
9 . Update to assumptions
Our discussion in this section is qualified in its entirety by the Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this MD&A.
The assumptions for our 2015 outlook, as described in Section 9 General trends, outlook and assumptions of our annual 2014 MD&A, remain the same, except as updated below.
-- Our revised estimate for economic growth in Canada is in the range of
1.0% to 1.5% in 2015 (previously 2.1%).
-- Restructuring and other like costs has been revised to approximately
$125 million from approximately $75 million to support ongoing
operational efficiency initiatives, with other margin enhancement
initiatives to mitigate pressures from technological substitution and
subscriber growth.
-- Our cash income tax payments assumption has been revised downward to a
range of $200 million to $260 million, from our original assumption of
$280 million to $340 million, due to the deferral of the 2015
instalments to 2016 and higher refunds from the settlement of prior
years' income tax-related matters.
10. Risks and risk management
Our discussion in this section is qualified in its entirety by the Caution regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of this MD&A. Our principal risks and uncertainties that could affect our future business results and our associated risk mitigation activities were described in our annual 2014 MD&A. Certain updates follow.
10.1 Regulatory matters
The following are updates to Section 10.4 Regulatory matters in our annual 2014 MD&A.
Our telecommunications, broadcasting and radiocommunication services are regulated under federal legislation by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the Minister of Industry and the Minister of Canadian Heritage. This legislation and accompanying regulations relate to, among other matters, rates, terms and conditions for the provision of telecommunications services, licensing of broadcasting services, licensing of spectrum, and restrictions on ownership and control by non-Canadians. The outcome of regulatory proceedings, reviews, appeals, policy announcements, court cases and other developments could have a material impact on our operating procedures and profitability.
Recent court rulings
White c. Chateauguay (Ville de)
On May 30, 2014, the Quebec Court of Appeal (the Court) held that a municipality can determine the location of a radiocommunication system (including communications antennae). The Court also held that there was no judicial authority establishing that a municipal determination of the location of a radiocommunication system would be contrary to federal jurisdiction over radiocommunications and telecommunications. This ruling could impact a wireless carrier's ability to locate and place towers and to operate its network both within the province of Quebec and beyond. Leave to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of Canada was granted on January 29, 2015.
Radiocommunication licences and wireless roaming and tower sharing requirements
Wireless competitive intensity
The level of competitive intensity in the wireless market has increased during the first six months of 2015 and is expected to continue. The results of the 2500 MHz wireless spectrum auction and Industry Canada's approval of a series of certain spectrum licence transfer applications, along with other industry developments, may contribute to this increasing competitive intensity including the possible establishment of a fourth national wireless carrier. We believe we have positioned ourselves to respond to this competition with our 4G wireless networks, our outstanding customer service, and our innovative and differentiated wireless products and services. There can be no assurance that the Company's preparations and responses will be as successful as planned.
Additional wireless spectrum licences to be auctioned in August 2015
On May 1, 2015, the Industry Minister announced that unallocated licences from the recent 700 MHz and AWS-3 spectrum auctions would be made available in a new auction to be held in August 2015. Spectrum to be auctioned includes 30 MHz of AWS-3 spectrum in Saskatchewan and Manitoba as well as 10 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Industry Canada issued the Licensing Framework for the auctions on July 10, 2015.
Health Canada Safety Code 6
On March 13, 2015, Health Canada published revised guidelines for recommended human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (i.e. energy from various electronic devices such as wireless handsets, Wi-Fi and broadcasting and cellular towers). The guidelines are referred to as Safety Code 6 and are among the most rigorous in the world. It is a condition of TELUS' spectrum licences to comply with Safety Code 6 limits. TELUS has reviewed the revised limits and is undertaking necessary measures to ensure compliance.
Compliance with radio authorization conditions and telecommunications regulations
Industry Canada regulates, among other matters, the allocation and use of radio spectrum in Canada and licenses radio apparatus and frequency bands and/or radio channels within various frequency bands to service providers and private users. Industry Canada also establishes the terms and conditions attaching to such radio authorizations, including restrictions on licence transfers, coverage obligations, research and development obligations, annual reporting, and obligations concerning mandated roaming and antenna site sharing with competitors.
While we believe that we are substantially in compliance with our radio authorization conditions, there can be no assurance that we will be found to comply with all radio authorization conditions, or if found not to be compliant, that a waiver will be granted or that the costs to be incurred to achieve compliance will not be significant. Any failure to comply with the radio authorization conditions could result in the revocation of our licences and/or the imposition of fines.
On December 18, 2013, the federal government announced that it would be amending both the Telecommunications Act and the Radiocommunication Act to give the CRTC and Industry Canada the power to impose administrative monetary penalties (AMPs). The generalized AMP amendment to the Telecommunications Act applies to contraventions of provisions of the Act or any decision or regulation made by the CRTC under the Act. The amendment allows the CRTC to impose an administrative monetary penalty on a corporation in an amount not to exceed $10 million for a first contravention and up to $15 million for a subsequent contravention. The Radiocommunication Act AMPs amendment is more focused, applying to unauthorized operation of radio apparatus, contraventions of new requirements concerning jammers and contraventions of auction rules, standards and procedures. On December 16, 2014, Bill C-43, Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 2, received royal assent and the provisions governing administrative monetary penalties are now in effect. On March 27, 2015, the CRTC issued Compliance and Enforcement and Telecom Information Bulletin CRTC 2015-111, Guidelines regarding the general administrative monetary penalties regime under the Telecommunications Act, in which it outlined its approach to compliance and enforcement, as well as how it intends to use its new powers to impose administrative monetary penalties.
Risk mitigation: We continue to strive to comply with all licence and renewal conditions and we plan to participate in future wireless spectrum auctions. We have advocated to the federal government for a level playing field in respect of spectrum auction rules, such that established wireless companies like TELUS can bid on an equal footing with others for spectrum blocks available at auction or are able to purchase spectrum licences available for sale from entrants.
We are reviewing and enhancing our compliance programs, practices and procedures in view of the broadened administrative monetary penalties under the Telecommunications Act and the Radiocommunication Act that are now in effect.
Regulatory and federal government reviews
The CRTC has held public proceedings to review, among other issues, wireline wholesale services (including the appropriateness of mandating competitor access to our fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) facilities), wireless wholesale services and the regulatory framework relating to television broadcasting. It has also initiated a proceeding on basic telecommunications services (including the national contribution mechanism).
Wireline wholesale services review
On July 22, 2015, the CRTC released Review of wholesale wireline services and associated policies, Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-326. This decision updates the Commission's framework for the provision of regulated wireline wholesale services and will remain in place for a minimum of five years. With two key exceptions, the decision substantially preserves status quo established in the Commission's 2008 wireline wholesale framework. First, the Commission has ordered the introduction of a disaggregated wholesale high-speed Internet access service for ISP competitors. This will include access to fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) facilities. This requirement is being phased-in geographically beginning in the largest markets in Ontario and Quebec, i.e. in the serving territories of Bell Aliant, Bell Canada, Cogeco, Rogers and Videotron. The Commission has not established a timeline for the introduction of the new requirements in TELUS' traditional serving territories in Alberta, British Columbia or Quebec. The implementation of this new service will ultimately depend on demand for the service in any given location. Additionally, the Commission determined that the provision of unbundled local loops to competitors will no longer be mandated and will be phased-out over a three-year transition period. Unbundled local loops are the copper lines connecting homes and businesses to the central offices in TELUS' network. The lines are used by competitors to provide voice or lower speed Internet services to their retail customers. TELUS anticipates no material adverse impact from the CRTC's decision in the short term. Given the phased implementation of certain aspects of the decision (including the introduction of a disaggregated wholesale high-speed Internet access service for competitors), it is too early to determine what impact this decision will have on TELUS in the longer term.
Wireless wholesale services review
On June 19, 2014, Section 27.1 of the Telecommunications Act came into effect, which capped wholesale wireless roaming rates charged to Canadian carriers for voice, data and text roaming services. On May 5, 2015, the CRTC issued its decision in its wireless wholesale services review. The main determination is that the CRTC will regulate wholesale GSM-based domestic roaming rates that TELUS, Rogers and Bell charge new entrant wireless carriers. Interim tariffs were filed by TELUS, Rogers and Bell on June 4, 2015 based on the current maximum rate each carrier respectively charged at that time for wholesale GSM-based domestic roaming, and proposed final tariff rates based on the CRTC's Phase II costing approach are to be filed by each of TELUS, Rogers and Bell on November 4, 2015. In light of its decision, the CRTC recommended that the Governor in Council repeal the wholesale roaming cap established by Section 27.1 of the Telecommunications Act. This occurred on July 1, 2015 by way of a Governor in Council Order. It is not expected that the CRTC's decision will have a material impact on TELUS' operations.
Basic telecommunications services
On April 9, 2015, the CRTC issued Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-134 announcing a two-phased proceeding to determine what telecommunications services (e.g. voice and broadband) are required by all Canadians to participate in the digital economy. The first phase of the review is an information-gathering phase in which the CRTC will review its policies on basic telecommunications services and gather information to better understand which telecommunications services are being offered across Canada and whether any areas are underserved or unserved. The first phase closed on July 14, 2015 with the filing of first interventions on issues with answers to CRTC questions. The second phase of the review will begin in the fall of 2015 at which time the CRTC will hold further consultations to collect comments from Canadians regarding the issues identified. The details of this phase will be announced at a later date. Following the second phase, a public hearing will be held commencing April 11, 2016. Among other things, the CRTC will review whether broadband Internet service should be a basic telecommunications service and whether there should be changes to the national contribution fund from which voice service in high-cost servicing areas and video relay service are currently subsidized. It is too early to determine what impact the outcome of this proceeding will have on TELUS.
9-1-1 networks
On July 9, 2015, the CRTC issued Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-305, Matters related to the reliability and resiliency of the 9-1-1 networks. The CRTC announced that it is initiating this proceeding as a preventative measure and will be reviewing the reliability and resiliency of 9-1-1 networks, quality of service standards and other matters to determine whether it is necessary to establish new regulatory measures. It is not expected that the CRTC's review will have a material impact on TELUS' operations.
Public consultation on television broadcasting and distribution (Let's Talk TV review)
In September 2014, the CRTC concluded a review of the regulatory framework relating to television broadcasting. A number of issues were discussed in this proceeding, including the CRTC's proposal to increase the ability of consumers to choose to subscribe to programming services on a service-by-service basis, whether to require contribution payments from currently exempted content providers and how to set wholesale rates for programming services in an environment that promotes greater choice for consumers. The CRTC has now released all of the substantial policy decisions related to this consultation, namely Broadcasting and Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-576 prohibiting 30-day cancellation policies, followed by the January releases of Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-24 relating to over-the-air transmission of television signals and local programming, and Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-25 relating to measures to address issues associated with simultaneous substitution. In March 2015, the CRTC released Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-86, which focused on measures to promote the creation of Canadian content, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-96, which set out a new regulatory framework to promote greater choice for consumers in the selection of programming services, and Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-104, which announced a new consumer code for television services for which the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services (CCTS) would act as ombudsman. TELUS believes its approach to television is very similar to that outlined in these policy decisions and does not expect them to have a material impact on our operations. In an associated development, on June 4, 2015, the CRTC released Broadcasting and Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-239 to review the mandate for the CCTS, including any changes to the CCTS' governance and procedures that might be required so that it could review complaints under a consumer code for television services.
Risk mitigation: We will participate in CRTC follow-up proceedings for the implementation of the new disaggregated wholesale high-speed Internet access service for ISP competitors in Ontario and Quebec, including with respect to service configuration and tariff-related costing, mark-up and cost recovery related issues, in order to influence the implementation of the service in our serving territories, if and when the service is phased in.
We participated in the wireless wholesale services review proceeding to demonstrate that the wireless marketplace is competitive and there is no need for additional CRTC regulation in respect of wireless wholesale services, including roaming rates and rates for access to wireless towers and sites. We will be filing Phase II cost studies to support a proposed tariff containing final wireless roaming rates that would be available to new entrants.
We are participating in the basic telecommunications services review and are opposing any new industry-funded subsidies for broadband or other services in other areas of Canada.
We are participating in the review of 9-1-1 networks to ensure effective access to emergency services critical to the health and safety of Canadians.
We participated in the CRTC's consultation to amend the regulatory framework applicable to television and supported the CRTC's goal to make greater choice available to our TV customers. We focused on changes to the regulatory framework needed to address concerns related to vertical integration in the broadcasting sector and artificially high wholesale prices for programming services maintained through the sale of services in large packages (which does not reflect consumer demand for any specific service in the large bundle). Our approach to television services is very much aligned with the recent CRTC policy decisions that are described above. These decisions assist us in dealing with concerns related to vertical integration in the broadcasting industry.
CRTC's national Wireless Code/Provincial consumer protection legislation
On June 3, 2013, the CRTC issued The Wireless Code, Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2013-271, which established a mandatory code of conduct for providers of retail mobile wireless voice and data services to individuals and small businesses. The Wireless Code applies across Canada and sets baseline requirements for customer rights and service provider responsibilities. It deals with issues such as clarity and content of mobile wireless service contracts, application of early cancellation fees, mandatory caps on data and roaming charges, and removal of cancellation fees after two years.
Although the Wireless Code went into effect on December 2, 2013 and applies to mobile wireless service contracts signed, amended, renewed or extended after that date, the CRTC has also stated that the Wireless Code will apply to all wireless contracts, no matter when they were entered into, on June 3, 2015. This means that, as of June 3, 2015, the Wireless Code applies retrospectively to all retail mobile wireless service contracts with individuals and small businesses, including those in place prior to December 2, 2013. Contracts that have device balances that are reduced over a period greater than 24 months, which is the case for any three-year mobile wireless service contracts that were not yet expired by June 3, 2015, do not comply with the Wireless Code and accordingly, we have eliminated the device balance for the three-year contracts that have been entered into prior to June 3, 2013.
On May 19, 2015, the Federal Court of Appeal determined that the CRTC has the authority to impose the Code on all wireless contracts as of June 3, 2015, even when the contracts were signed before the Code's implementation on December 2, 2013. We may experience a negative impact on our financial results in the near term, as some of our remaining clients on three-year contracts, who are subject to the Wireless Code, may choose to terminate their contracts early. As we stopped offering three-year contracts to consumer clients on July 30, 2013, this potentially applies to remaining three-year contracts with consumers entered into prior to that date, as well as to remaining three-year contracts entered into prior to December 2, 2013 with other clients subject to the Wireless Code. An additional negative impact on our financial results in the near term may result from diminished recovery of cancellation fees that may still be claimed on such contracts if terminated prior to the end of the two-year period, due to the more rapid monthly decline in cancellation fees required under the Wireless Code to satisfy a two-year amortization period.
Several provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, have passed consumer protection legislation relating to wireless services. Since the federal and provincial rules are not fully harmonized, compliance can be complex and difficult to implement across all jurisdictions and there can be no assurance that we will be found to comply with all rules. There is a risk of significant compliance costs for us and other wireless service providers, particularly since the federal and provincial rules are not fully harmonized.
Risk mitigation: We support the CRTC's national Wireless Code requirements to standardize the terms and conditions of service and to reduce compliance costs. The Code went into effect on December 2, 2013 and we adjusted our practices as necessary to achieve compliance with the Code's requirements by the effective date. In addition, we launched new two-year plans on July 30, 2013, ahead of the required implementation date of the right to cancel a contract after two years without penalty. Because we are subject to federal laws and regulations like the Wireless Code, there may be occasions where compliance with provincial legislation is not required. In such cases, we manage our compliance costs by carefully assessing whether compliance with provincial legislation promotes our customers first philosophy and aligns with the federal standards we must follow.
Broadcasting distribution undertakings
We hold licences from the CRTC to operate terrestrial broadcasting distribution undertakings to serve various communities in B.C. and Alberta (renewed in 2009 for a second full seven-year term) and in Eastern Quebec (renewed in 2011 for a second full seven-year term). We also hold a licence to operate a national video on demand undertaking (renewed until August 31, 2016). In July 2014, the CRTC approved our application for a licence to operate a national pay-per-view service (scheduled to expire on August 31, 2020).
Enforcement of vertical integration (VI) framework
In September 2011, the CRTC announced a policy framework to address concerns relating to the potential incentive for anti-competitive behaviour by companies that own both programming services and distribution networks (vertically integrated broadcasting companies). The CRTC subsequently introduced a new code of conduct through amendments to the various broadcasting regulations and exemption orders.
Following the CRTC's Let's Talk TV proceeding discussed above, the CRTC further expanded its ability to deal with anti-competitive conduct by replacing the code of conduct with a new wholesale code that will be made enforceable by regulation. This new wholesale code includes many new provisions to address abusive practices by vertically integrated broadcasting companies regarding the carriage of their programming services. In Broadcasting and Telecom Decision CRTC 2015-26: Complaint against Bell Mobility Inc. and Quebecor Media Inc., Videotron Ltd. and Videotron G.P. alleging undue and unreasonable preference and disadvantage in regard to the billing practices for their mobile TV services Bell Mobile TV and illico.tv, the CRTC directed Bell Mobility and Videotron to stop giving their mobile television services an unfair advantage in the marketplace to the disadvantage of other Internet content by exempting their own mobile television services from their standard monthly data charges. Bell Mobility has sought and been granted leave to appeal this decision at the Federal Court of Appeal.
Without timely and strict enforcement of the vertical integration safeguards, there is a risk that vertically integrated competitors could unfairly raise programming costs for non-vertically integrated companies such as TELUS and/or attempt to withhold content on digital media platforms, such as Internet and mobile platforms, or otherwise disadvantage us in our ability to attract and retain wireless or Optik TV customers.
Risk mitigation: Our strategy is to aggregate, integrate and make accessible content and applications for customers' enjoyment. We do not believe it is necessary to own content to make it accessible to customers on an economically attractive basis, provided there is timely and strict enforcement of the CRTC's regulatory vertical integration safeguards to prevent undue preference by vertically integrated competitors.
We support a regime under the Broadcasting Act that ensures all Canadian consumers continue to have equitable access to broadcast content irrespective of the distributor or platform they choose. We continue to advocate for the timely and strict enforcement of the CRTC vertical integration safeguards and for further meaningful safeguards, as required.
11. Definitions and reconciliations
11.1 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 and its segments, 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 basic earnings per share: This measure is used to evaluate performance at a consolidated level, and exclude items that may distort the underlying trends in business performance. This measure should not be considered an alternative to Basic earnings per share in measuring TELUS' performance. Items that may distort the underlying trends in business performance include significant gains or losses on real estate redevelopment partnerships, restructuring and other like costs, long-term debt prepayment premiums, income-tax related adjustments, and asset retirements related to restructuring activities (see Section 1.3).
Capital intensity: This measure is calculated as capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences and non-monetary transactions) divided by total operating revenues. This measure provides a basis for comparing the level of capital expenditures to those of other companies of varying size within the same industry.
Dividend payout ratio: This basic measure is defined as the quarterly dividend declared per share for the most recently completed quarter, as reported in the interim consolidated financial statements, multiplied by four and divided by the sum of basic earnings per share for the most recent four quarters for interim reporting periods (divided by annual basic earnings per share for fiscal years).
Calculation of Dividend payout ratio
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twelve-month periods ended June 30 ($) 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Numerator - Annualized second quarter dividend
declared per Common Share 1.68 1.52
Denominator - Net income per Common Share 2.33 2.26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio (%) 72 67
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings: More representative of a sustainable calculation is the historical ratio based on reported earnings per share adjusted to exclude income tax-related adjustments, long-term debt prepayment premiums and items adjusted for in EBITDA. Our financial objective for the annual dividend payout ratio is on a prospective basis, rather than on a trailing basis, and is 65 to 75% of sustainable earnings on a prospective basis (see Section 4.3).
Calculation of Dividend payout ratio of adjusted net earnings
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twelve-month periods ended June 30 ($) 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Numerator - Annualized second quarter dividend
declared per Common Share 1.68 1.52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted net earnings ($ millions):
Net income attributable to Common Shares 1,423 1,404
Add back long-term debt prepayment premium after
income taxes 10 -
Add back net unfavourable (deduct net favourable)
income tax-related adjustments 11 (16)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,444 1,388
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Denominator - Adjusted net earnings per share 2.36 2.24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted ratio (%) 71 68
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings coverage: This measure is defined in the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 41-101 and related instruments and is calculated as follows:
Calculation of Earnings coverage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twelve-month periods ended June 30 ($ millions,
except ratio) 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income attributable to Common Shares 1,423 1,404
Income taxes 546 483
Borrowing costs (Interest on Long-term debt plus
Interest on Short-term borrowings and other plus
long-term debt prepayment premium, adding back
capitalized interest) 483 398
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Numerator 2,452 2,285
Denominator - Borrowing costs 483 398
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio (times) 5.1 5.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 and the contribution of our two segments. 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 may also calculate an adjusted EBITDA to exclude items of an unusual nature that do not reflect our ongoing operations, that should not, in our opinion, be considered in a valuation metric or that should not be included in an assessment of our ability to service or incur debt. In respect of the TELUS Garden residential real estate partnership, which is included in the wireline segment, we do not anticipate retaining an ownership interest in the TELUS Garden residential condominium following completion of construction. For the TELUS Garden residential real estate partnership, in the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, we recorded equity losses of $NIL.
EBITDA reconciliation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 341 381 756 758
Financing costs 110 115 227 217
Income taxes 166 133 313 268
Depreciation 361 348 708 694
Amortization of intangible
assets 103 96 212 213
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA 1,081 1,073 2,216 2,150
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs: We report this measure as a supplementary indicator of our operating performance. It is also utilized in the calculation of Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs and EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs interest coverage.
Calculation of EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA 1,081 1,073 2,216 2,150
Restructuring and other like
costs included in EBITDA 59 11 76 19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA - excluding
restructuring and other
like costs 1,140 1,084 2,292 2,169
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs interest coverage: This measure is defined as EBITDA -excluding restructuring and other like costs, divided by Net interest cost, calculated on a 12-month trailing basis. This measure is similar to the coverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities (see Section 7.6).
EBITDA less capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licences and non-monetary transactions): We report this measure as a supplementary indicator of our operating performance. We calculate it as a simple proxy for cash flow at a consolidated level and for our two segments. EBITDA less capital expenditures may be used for comparison to the reported results for other telecommunications companies over time and is subject to the potential comparability issues of EBITDA described above.
Calculation of EBITDA less capital expenditures (excluding spectrum
licences and non-monetary transactions)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA 1,081 1,073 2,216 2,150
Capital expenditures
(excluding spectrum
licences and non-monetary
transactions) (664) (636) (1,299) (1,132)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA less capital
expenditures (excluding
spectrum licences and non-
monetary transactions) 417 437 917 1,018
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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 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 and non-monetary transactions) that may be used to, among other things, pay dividends, repay debt, purchase shares or make other investments. Free cash flow may be supplemented from time to time by proceeds from divested assets or financing activities.
Free cash flow calculation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA 1,081 1,073 2,216 2,150
Restructuring costs net of
disbursements 42 (4) 35 (19)
Items from the interim
consolidated statements of
cash flows:
Share-based compensation 25 23 2 39
Net employee defined
benefit plans expense 26 22 54 44
Employer contributions to
employee defined benefit
plans (21) (22) (48) (51)
Interest paid (129) (124) (214) (185)
Interest received 3 - 3 1
Capital expenditures
(excluding spectrum
licences and non-monetary
transactions) (664) (636) (1,299) (1,132)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free cash flow before income
taxes 363 332 749 847
Income taxes paid, net of
refunds (63) (122) (178) (346)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free cash flow 300 210 571 501
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following reconciles our definition of free cash flow with Cash provided by operating activities.
Free cash flow reconciliation with Cash provided by operating activities
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
-------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free cash flow 300 210 571 501
Add (deduct):
Capital expenditures (excluding
spectrum licences and non-monetary
transactions) 664 636 1,299 1,132
Adjustments to reconcile to Cash
provided by operating activities (21) 9 (209) (180)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by operating activities 943 855 1,661 1,453
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt: We believe that net debt is a useful measure because it represents the amount of Short-term borrowings and long-term debt obligations that are not covered by available Cash and temporary investments. The nearest IFRS measure to net debt is Long-term debt, including Current maturities of Long-term debt. Net debt is a component of the Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs ratio.
Calculation of Net debt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at June 30 ($ millions) 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt including current maturities 11,323 9,185
Debt issuance costs netted against long-term debt 49 39
Cash and temporary investments (77) (57)
Short-term borrowings 500 105
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt 11,795 9,272
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt to EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs: This measure is defined as net debt at the end of the period divided by 12-month trailing EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs. Our long-term policy guideline for this ratio is from 2.00 to 2.50 times.
Net interest cost: This measure is the denominator in the calculation of EBITDA - excluding restructuring and other like costs interest coverage. Net interest cost is defined as financing costs, net of capitalized long-term debt interest, and excludes employee defined benefit plans net interest and recoveries on redemption and repayment of debt, calculated on a 12-month trailing basis. No recoveries on redemption and repayment of debt were recorded in the 12-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Expenses recorded for the long-term debt prepayment premium, if any, are included in net interest cost. Net interest cost was $451 million in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2015 and $408 million in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2014.
Restructuring and other like costs: With the objective of reducing ongoing costs, we incur associated incremental, non-recurring restructuring costs. We may also incur atypical charges when undertaking major or transformational changes to our business or operating models. We include incremental external costs incurred in connection with business acquisition activities in other like costs.
Components of Restructuring and other like costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second quarters Six-month periods
ended June 30 ended June 30
------------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goods and services purchased 30 1 42 1
Employee benefits expense 29 10 34 18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restructuring and other like
costs included in EBITDA 59 11 76 19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.2 Wireless operating indicators
The following measures are industry metrics that are useful in assessing the operating performance of a wireless telecommunications entity, but do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS-IASB.
Average revenue per subscriber unit per month (ARPU) is calculated as network revenue divided by the average number of subscriber units on the network during the period and expressed as a rate per month.
Churn per month is calculated as the number of subscriber units deactivated during a given period divided by the average number of subscriber units on the network during the period and is expressed as a rate per month. A TELUS or Koodo brand prepaid subscriber is deactivated when the subscriber has no usage for 90 days following expiry of the prepaid credits.
Cost of acquisition (COA) consists of the total of the device subsidy (the device cost to TELUS less the initial charge to the customer), commissions, and advertising and promotion expenses related to the initial subscriber acquisition during a given period. As defined, COA excludes costs to retain existing subscribers (retention spend).
COA per gross subscriber addition is calculated as cost of acquisition divided by gross subscriber activations during the period.
Retention spend to network revenue represents direct costs associated with marketing and promotional efforts (including device subsidies and commissions) aimed at the retention of the existing subscriber base, divided by network revenue.
Retention volume represents the number of subscriber units retained in the period through marketing and promotional efforts that result in client upgrades or contract renewals.
Wireless subscriber unit (subscriber) is defined as an active recurring revenue-generating unit (e.g. cellular phone, tablet or mobile Internet key) with a unique subscriber identifier (SIM or IMEI number) that has access to the wireless voice and/or data networks for communication. In addition, TELUS has a direct billing or support relationship with the user of each device. Subscriber units exclude machine-to-machine (M2M) devices (a subset of the Internet of Things), such as those used for asset tracking, remote control monitoring and meter readings, vending machines and wireless automated teller machines.
Condensed interim consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income (unaudited)
Three months Six months
Periods ended June 30
(millions except per share
amounts) 2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING REVENUES
Service $ 2,884 $ 2,749 $ 5,713 $ 5,451
Equipment 208 189 390 361
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues arising from
contracts with customers 3,092 2,938 6,103 5,812
Other operating income 10 13 27 34
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,102 2,951 6,130 5,846
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Goods and services purchased 1,372 1,268 2,656 2,490
Employee benefits expense 649 610 1,258 1,206
Depreciation 361 348 708 694
Amortization of intangible
assets 103 96 212 213
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,485 2,322 4,834 4,603
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME 617 629 1,296 1,243
Financing costs 110 115 227 217
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 507 514 1,069 1,026
Income taxes 166 133 313 268
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME 341 381 756 758
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Items that may subsequently
be reclassified to income
Change in unrealized fair
value of derivatives
designated as cash flow
hedges 2 (3) (2) -
Foreign currency translation
adjustment arising from
translating financial
statements of foreign
operations (5) (6) 5 1
Change in unrealized fair
value of available-for-sale
financial assets - - (3) (4)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) (9) - (3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item never subsequently
reclassified to income
Employee defined benefit
plan re-measurements (122) 59 115 221
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(125) 50 115 218
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 216 $ 431 $ 871 $ 976
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic $ 0.56 $ 0.62 $ 1.25 $ 1.22
Diluted $ 0.56 $ 0.62 $ 1.24 $ 1.22
TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 605 617 606 619
Diluted 606 619 608 621
Condensed interim consolidated statements of financial position (unaudited)
As at (millions) June 30, December 31,
2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and temporary investments, net $ 77 $ 60
Accounts receivable 1,336 1,483
Income and other taxes receivable 30 97
Inventories 365 320
Prepaid expenses 381 199
Real estate joint venture advances 140 -
Current derivative assets 21 27
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,350 2,186
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net 9,455 9,123
Intangible assets, net 9,839 7,797
Goodwill, net 3,761 3,757
Real estate joint venture advances - 120
Real estate joint ventures 24 21
Other long-term assets 269 213
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
23,348 21,031
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 25,698 $ 23,217
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND OWNERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings $ 500 $ 100
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,960 2,019
Income and other taxes payable 3 2
Dividends payable 253 244
Advance billings and customer deposits 739 753
Provisions 156 126
Current maturities of long-term debt 725 255
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4,336 3,499
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-current liabilities
Provisions 356 342
Long-term debt 10,598 9,055
Other long-term liabilities 862 931
Deferred income taxes 2,012 1,936
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,828 12,264
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities 18,164 15,763
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owners' equity
Common equity 7,534 7,454
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 25,698 $ 23,217
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Condensed interim consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited)
Three months Six months
Periods ended June 30
(millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 341 $ 381 $ 756 $ 758
Adjustments to reconcile net
income to cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and
amortization 464 444 920 907
Deferred income taxes 119 32 46 51
Share-based compensation
expense, net 25 23 2 39
Net employee defined
benefit plans expense 26 22 54 44
Employer contributions to
employee defined benefit
plans (21) (22) (48) (51)
Other 18 (21) 14 (43)
Net change in non-cash
operating working capital (29) (4) (83) (252)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by operating
activities 943 855 1,661 1,453
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash payments for capital
assets, excluding spectrum
licences (674) (584) (1,287) (1,132)
Cash payments for spectrum
licences (1,688) (914) (1,990) (1,143)
Cash payments for
acquisitions and related
investments (1) (3) (5) (40)
Real estate joint ventures
advances and contributions (16) (11) (24) (25)
Real estate joint venture
receipts 1 1 2 1
Proceeds on dispositions - - 5 5
Other 1 (6) (4) (10)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash used by investing
activities (2,377) (1,517) (3,303) (2,344)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to holders of
Common Shares (243) (224) (487) (446)
Purchase of Common Shares
for cancellation (106) (177) (262) (336)
Issuance and repayment of
short-term borrowings 400 5 400 (295)
Long-term debt issued 447 3,148 3,294 3,909
Redemptions and repayment of
long-term debt (566) (2,079) (1,277) (2,214)
Other - (6) (9) (6)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided (used) by
financing activities (68) 667 1,659 612
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH POSITION
Increase (decrease) in cash
and temporary investments,
net (1,502) 5 17 (279)
Cash and temporary
investments, net, beginning
of period 1,579 52 60 336
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and temporary
investments, net, end of
period $ 77 $ 57 $ 77 $ 57
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF
OPERATING CASH FLOWS
Interest paid $ (129) $ (124) $ (214) $ (185)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest received $ 3 $ - $ 3 $ 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income taxes paid, net $ (63) $ (122) $ (178) $ (346)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segmented information (unaudited)
Three-month periods ended
June 30 (millions) Wireless Wireline
2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues
External revenue $ 1,722 $ 1,604 $ 1,380 $ 1,347
Intersegment revenue 14 13 43 44
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,736 $ 1,617 $ 1,423 $ 1,391
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(1) $ 719 $ 708 $ 362 $ 365
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPEX, excluding spectrum
licences(2) $ 227 $ 228 $ 437 $ 408
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA less CAPEX,
excluding spectrum
licences $ 492 $ 480 $ (75) $ (43)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three-month periods ended
June 30 (millions) Eliminations Consolidated
2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues
External revenue $ - $ - $ 3,102 $ 2,951
Intersegment revenue (57) (57) - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ (57) $ (57) $ 3,102 $ 2,951
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(1) $ - $ - $ 1,081 $ 1,073
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPEX, excluding spectrum
licences(2) $ - $ - $ 664 $ 636
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA less CAPEX,
excluding spectrum
licences $ - $ - $ 417 $ 437
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues
(above) $ 3,102 $ 2,951
Goods and services
purchased 1,372 1,268
Employee benefits
expense 649 610
--------------------------------------------------
EBITDA (above) 1,081 1,073
Depreciation 361 348
Amortization 103 96
--------------------------------------------------
Operating income 617 629
Financing costs 110 115
--------------------------------------------------
Income before income
taxes $ 507 $ 514
--------------------------------------------------
(1) Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
(EBITDA) does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB
and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures
presented by other issuers; we define EBITDA as operating revenues less
goods and services purchased and employee benefits expense. We have
issued guidance on, and report, EBITDA because it is a key measure that
management uses to evaluate the performance of our business and is also
utilized in measuring compliance with certain debt covenants.
(2) Total capital expenditures (CAPEX).
Six-month periods ended
June 30 (millions) Wireless Wireline
2015 2014 2015 2014
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues
External revenue $ 3,394 $ 3,159 $ 2,736 $ 2,687
Intersegment revenue 28 26 86 85
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 3,422 $ 3,185 $ 2,822 $ 2,772
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(1) $ 1,463 $ 1,398 $ 753 $ 752
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPEX, excluding spectrum
licences(2) $ 475 $ 393 $ 824 $ 739
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA less CAPEX,
excluding spectrum
licences $ 988 $ 1,005 $ (71) $ 13
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six-month periods ended
June 30 (millions) Eliminations Consolidated
2015 2014 2015 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues
External revenue $ - $ - $ 6,130 $ 5,846
Intersegment revenue (114) (111) - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ (114) $ (111) $ 6,130 $ 5,846
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(1) $ - $ - $ 2,216 $ 2,150
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPEX, excluding spectrum
licences(2) $ - $ - $ 1,299 $ 1,132
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA less CAPEX,
excluding spectrum
licences $ - $ - $ 917 $ 1,018
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues
(above) $ 6,130 $ 5,846
Goods and services
purchased 2,656 2,490
Employee benefits
expense 1,258 1,206
--------------------------------------------------
EBITDA (above) 2,216 2,150
Depreciation 708 694
Amortization 212 213
--------------------------------------------------
Operating income 1,296 1,243
Financing costs 227 217
--------------------------------------------------
Income before income
taxes $ 1,069 $ 1,026
--------------------------------------------------
(1) Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
(EBITDA) does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS-IASB
and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures
presented by other issuers; we define EBITDA as operating revenues less
goods and services purchased and employee benefits expense. We have
issued guidance on, and report, EBITDA because it is a key measure that
management uses to evaluate the performance of our business and is also
utilized in measuring compliance with certain debt covenants.
(2) Total capital expenditures (CAPEX).
Contacts:
Media relations:
Shawn Hall
(604) 619-7913
shawn.hall@telus.com
Investor relations:
Paul Carpino
(647) 837-8100
ir@telus.com
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