TVA Group, Inc.TSX: TVA.B

TVA Group Reports $9.2 Million Net Income Attributable to Shareholders in Q4 2017

· Issued by TVA Group, Inc. via CNW

MONTREAL, March 1, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - TVA Group Inc. ("TVA Group" or the "Corporation") announced today that it recorded net income attributable to shareholders in the amount of $9.2 million or $0.21 per share in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared with net income attributable to shareholders of $5.7 million or $0.13 per share in the same quarter of 2016.

Fourth quarter operating highlights:

  • Consolidated adjusted operating income1 of $22,968,000, a favourable variance of $984,000 (4.5%) from the same quarter of 2016.
  • $16,232,000 adjusted operating income1 in the Broadcasting & Production segment, an unfavourable variance of $1,213,000 mainly because of a 9.5% decrease in the adjusted operating income1 of TVA Network.
  • $2,482,000 adjusted operating income1 in the Magazines segment, a favourable variance of $343,000 (16.0%) mainly because of the implementation of rationalization plans in recent quarters and the discontinuation of some titles in 2016, partially offset by a decrease in operating revenues.
  • $4,254,000 adjusted operating income1 in the Film Production & Audiovisual Services segment ("MELS"), a favourable variance of $1,854,000 essentially because of an increase in adjusted operating income1 from soundstage and equipment rental and a decrease in the adjusted operating loss1 of visual effects, partially offset by lower adjusted operating income1 from postproduction.

"We are satisfied with our results for the last quarter of our financial year. The Broadcasting & Production segment was impacted by a negative adjustment to the revenues of the Corporation's specialty channels, notably an adjustment made following the CRTC decision on the rate payable by Bell for distribution of the "TVA Sports" channel. Nevertheless, our specialty channels' advertising revenues continued to grow, increasing by 9.8% compared with the same quarter of 2016. TVA Group's total market share rose 0.9 point to 36.4% in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared with 35.5% in the same period of 2016.2 TVA Network had a 24.3% market share and 7 shows that attracted more than a million viewers, including the grand finale of La Voix Junior which peaked at 2,476,0003 viewers," commented France Lauzière, President and CEO of the Corporation.

"The various rationalization plans implemented in recent quarters enabled the Magazines segment to grow its adjusted operating income1 and post a 10.3% profit margin. During the last quarter, TVA Publications' titles were honoured with six Canadian Online Publishing Awards. The recognition for Coup de Pouce, Elle Québec, Elle Canada and Clin d'œil confirmed the soundness of our approach to digital content," added Ms. Lauzière.

"Lastly, the Film Production & Audiovisual Services segment's financial results improved for the third consecutive quarter, mainly because of the use of our soundstages and equipment by local and international producers. As well, postproduction, visual effects and distribution services globally grew their adjusted operating results1 compared with the same quarter of 2016. We are also very proud of the four Canadian Screen Awards nominations picked up by Nous sommes les autres, Hochelaga, Land of Souls and All You Can Eat Buddha for "Achievement in Visual Effects" and "Achievement in Overall Sound," categories to which MELS contributed," concluded Ms. Lauzière.

2017 financial year results

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Corporation's consolidated adjusted operating income1 was $66,381,000, compared with $45,401,000 in the previous year, a 46.2% favourable variance. There was an 87.1% favourable variance in adjusted operating income1 in the Broadcasting & Production segment and a 27.5% decrease in the Magazines segment, due mainly to the decrease in operating revenues. In the Film Production & Audiovisual Services segment, adjusted operating income1 increased by 57.7%, mainly as a result of significantly higher volume of activities in soundstage and equipment rental. The Broadcasting & Production segment posted a $19,488,000 favourable variance in adjusted operating income,1 due primarily to a 55.8% reduction in the adjusted operating loss1 of "TVA Sports," a 4.3% increase in the adjusted operating income1 of TVA Network, and a 7.8% increase in the adjusted operating income1 of the other specialty services.

Consolidated operating revenues amounted to $589,707,000 in fiscal 2017, compared with $590,866,000 in the previous year, a slight 0.2% decrease. The Corporation's net loss attributable to shareholders for the year totalled $15,951,000 or $0.37 per share, compared with $39,855,000 or $0.92 per share in 2016.

In the third quarter of 2017, the Corporation recognized a $29,993,000 non‑cash goodwill impairment charge in the Magazines segment, including $1,489,000 without any tax consequences ($40,100,000 without any tax consequences in 2016) and a $12,412,000 non‑cash charge for impairment of intangible assets, including $3,103,000 without any tax consequences (nil in 2016).

Definition

1 Adjusted operating income (loss) ("Adjusted operating results")

In its analysis of operating results, the Corporation defines adjusted operating income (loss) as net income (loss) before depreciation of property, plant and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, financial expenses, impairment of goodwill and of intangible assets, operational restructuring costs and others, income taxes and share of income of associated corporations. Adjusted operating income (loss) as defined above is not a measure of results that is consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Neither is it intended to be regarded as an alternative to other financial performance measures or to the statement of cash flows as a measure of liquidity. This measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other performance measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. This measure is used by management and the Board of Directors to evaluate the Corporation's consolidated results and the results of its segments. This measure eliminates the significant level of impairment, depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets and is unaffected by the capital structure or investment activities of the Corporation and its segments. Adjusted operating income (loss) is also relevant because it is a significant component of the Corporation's annual incentive compensation programs. The Corporation's definition of adjusted operating income (loss) may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Conference call for investors

TVA Group will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full‑year 2017 results on March 2, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. EST. There will be a question period reserved for financial analysts. To access the call, please dial 1‑877‑293‑8052, access code for participants 66581#. A tape recording of the call will be available from March 2 to June 2, 2018 by dialling 1-877-293‑8133, conference number 1228603#, access code for participants 66581#.

Forward‑looking information disclaimer

The statements in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward‑looking statements and are subject to important known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause the Corporation's actual results for future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the forward‑looking statements. Forward‑looking statements generally can be identified by the use of the conditional, the use of forward‑looking terminology such as "propose," "will," "expect," "may," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "plan," "foresee," "believe" or the negative of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Certain factors that may cause actual results to differ from current expectations include seasonality, operational risks (including pricing actions by competitors and the risk of loss of key customers in the Film Production & Audiovisual Services segment), programming, content and production cost risks, credit risk, government regulation risks, government assistance risks, changes in economic conditions, fragmentation of the media landscape, risk related to the Corporation's ability to adapt to fast‑paced technological change and to new delivery and storage methods, and labour relation risks.

Investors and others are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive and that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward‑looking statements. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the Corporation's actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the Corporation's public filings, available at www.sedar.com and http://groupetva.ca, including in particular the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Corporation's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the "Risk Factors" section in the Corporation's 2017 annual information form.

The forward‑looking statements in this news release reflect the Corporation's expectations as of March 1st, 2018 and are subject to change after this date. The Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise any forward‑looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required to do so by the applicable securities laws.

TVA GROUP

TVA Group Inc., a subsidiary of Quebecor Media Inc., is a communications company engaged in the broadcasting, film and audiovisual production, and magazine publishing industries. TVA Group Inc. is North America's largest broadcaster of French‑language entertainment, information and public affairs programming and one of the largest private‑sector producers of French‑language content. It is also the largest publisher of French‑language magazines and publishes some of the most popular English‑language titles in Canada. The Corporation's Class B shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TVA.B.

_______________________________
1 See definition of adjusted operating income (loss) below.
2 Source: Numeris, French Quebec, October 1 to December 31, 2017, Mon‑Sun, 2 am–2 am, t2+
3 Source: Numeris, French Quebec, Sunday, November 19, 2017, 7 pm–9 pm

TVA GROUP INC.

Consolidated statements of income (loss)

(unaudited)

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per‑share amounts)

Three-month periods
ended December 31

Years ended
December 31

2017

2016

2017

2016

Revenues

$

155,256

$

169,522

$

589,707

$

590,866

Purchases of goods and services

96,968

104,603

373,404

384,349

Employee costs

35,320

42,935

149,922

161,116

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangible assets

8,365

9,639

34,874

35,961

Financial expenses

480

804

2,449

3,378

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

−

−

42,405

40,100

Operational restructuring costs and others

1,408

4,163

6,390

5,940

Income (loss) before tax expense (recovery) and share of income of associated corporations

12,715

7,378

(19,737)

(39,978)

Tax expense (recovery)

3,493

1,946

(3,631)

542

Share of income of associated corporations

(117)

(226)

(445)

(829)

Net income (loss)

$

9,339

$

5,658

$

(15,661)

$

(39,691)

Net income (loss) attributable to:

Shareholders

$

9,210

$

5,717

$

(15,951)

$

(39,855)

Non-controlling interest

129

(59)

290

164

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share attributable to shareholders

$

0.21

$

0.13

$

(0.37)

$

(0.92)

TVA GROUP INC.

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)

(unaudited)

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Three-month periods
ended December 31

Years ended
December 31

2017

2016

2017

2016

Net income (loss)

$

9,339

$

5,658

$

(15,661)

$

(39,691)

Other comprehensive items that may be reclassified to income:

Cash flow hedge:

Gain on valuation of derivative financial instruments

8

91

168

294

Deferred income taxes

(2)

(25)

(45)

(79)

Other comprehensive items that will not be reclassified to income:

Defined benefit plans:

Re-measurement gain

1,150

31,296

1,150

11,296

Deferred income taxes

(308)

(8,369)

(308)

(3,027)

848

22,993

965

8,484

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

10,187

$

28,651

$

(14,696)

$

(31,207)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:

Shareholders

$

10,058

$

28,710

$

(14,986)

$

(31,371)

Non-controlling interest

129

(59)

290

164

TVA GROUP INC.

Consolidated statements of equity

(unaudited)

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Equity attributable to shareholders

Equity
attributable
to non-
controlling
interest

Total
equity

Capital
stock

Contributed
surplus

Retained
earnings

Accumula-
ted other
comprehen-
sive (loss)
income

Balance as at December 31, 2015

$

207,280

$

581

$

107,369

$

(6,474)

$

676

$

309,432

Net (loss) income

–

–

(39,855)

–

164

(39,691)

Other comprehensive income

–

–

–

8,484

–

8,484

Balance as at December 31, 2016

207,280

581

67,514

2,010

840

278,225

Net (loss) income

–

–

(15,951)

–

290

(15,661)

Other comprehensive income

–

–

–

965

–

965

Balance as at December 31, 2017

$

207,280

$

581

$

51,563

$

2,975

$

1,130

$

263,529

TVA GROUP INC.

Consolidated balance sheets

(unaudited)

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

December 31,
2017

December 31,
2016

Assets

Current assets

Cash

$

21,258

$

17,219

Accounts receivable

144,913

142,663

Income taxes

596

3,966

Programs, broadcast rights and inventories

79,437

77,628

Prepaid expenses

3,736

3,870

249,940

245,346

Non-current assets

Broadcast rights

43,031

44,684

Investments

12,851

12,756

Property, plant and equipment

200,510

205,843

Intangible assets

15,120

32,493

Goodwill

7,892

37,885

Defined benefit plan asset

2,873

4,250

Deferred income taxes

14,015

3,351

296,292

341,262

Total assets

$

546,232

$

586,608

Liabilities and equity

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

104,505

$

105,523

Income taxes

6,314

1,250

Broadcast rights payable

69,244

92,627

Provisions

8,937

6,638

Deferred revenues

18,728

19,847

Short-term debt

9,844

6,562

217,572

232,447

Non-current liabilities

Long-term debt

52,708

62,561

Defined benefit plan liability

1,686

1,904

Other liabilities

9,946

9,675

Deferred income taxes

791

1,796

65,131

75,936

Equity

Capital stock

207,280

207,280

Contributed surplus

581

581

Retained earnings

51,563

67,514

Accumulated other comprehensive income

2,975

2,010

Equity attributable to shareholders

262,399

277,385

Non-controlling interest

1,130

840

263,529

278,225

Total liabilities and equity

$

546,232

$

586,608

TVA GROUP INC.

Consolidated statements of cash flows

(unaudited)

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Three-month periods
ended December 31

Years ended
December 31

2017

2016

2017

2016

Cash flows related to operating activities

Net income (loss)

$

9,339

$

5,658

$

(15,661)

$

(39,691)

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortization

8,414

9,715

35,071

36,243

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

−

−

42,405

40,100

Share of income of associated corporations

(117)

(226)

(445)

(829)

Deferred income taxes

(206)

1,726

(12,024)

(494)

Others

(740)

1

(738)

303

Cash flows provided by current operations

16,690

16,874

48,608

35,632

Net change in non-cash balances related to operating activities

(14,317)

(11,603)

(15,319)

6,023

Cash flows provided by operating activities

2,373

5,271

33,289

41,655

Cash flows related to investing activities

Additions to property, plant and equipment

(4,081)

(5,063)

(21,621)

(29,081)

Additions to intangible assets

(358)

(796)

(1,795)

(2,285)

Business disposal

−

−

−

222

Disposal of property, plant and equipment

740

−

740

−

Change in investments

−

−

350

(895)

Cash flows used in investing activities

(3,699)

(5,859)

(22,326)

(32,039)

Cash flows related to financing activities

Repayment of long-term debt

(2,530)

(1,395)

(6,768)

(4,190)

Repayment of derivative financial instruments

(37)

(60)

(156)

(203)

Cash flows used in financing activities

(2,567)

(1,455)

(6,924)

(4,393)

Net change in cash

(3,893)

(2,043)

4,039

5,223

Cash at beginning of period

25,151

19,262

17,219

11,996

Cash at end of period

$

21,258

$

17,219

$

21,258

$

17,219

Interests and taxes reflected as operating activities

Interests paid

$

493

$

766

$

2,315

$

2,570

Income taxes paid (received) (net of refunds or of payments)

413

277

(42)

(1,271)

TVA GROUP INC.
Segmented information

(unaudited)
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Management made changes to the Corporation's management structure at the beginning of 2016. Some Broadcasting & Production segment operations formerly conducted by TVA Accès inc. (now Mels Dubbing Inc.) were transferred to other units of the Corporation. Commercial production remained in the Broadcasting & Production segment, while custom publishing, commercial print production and premedia services were integrated into the operations of the Magazines segment and dubbing became part of the Film Production & Audiovisual Services segment.

The Corporation's operations consist of the following segments:

  • The Broadcasting & Production segment includes the operations of TVA Network (including the subsidiary and divisions TVA Productions Inc., TVA Nouvelles and TVA Interactif), specialty services, the marketing of digital products associated with the various televisual brands, commercial production services and distribution of audiovisual products.
  • The Magazines segment through its subsidiaries, notably TVA Publications Inc. and Les Publications Charron & Cie inc., publishes magazines in various fields including the arts, entertainment, television, fashion, sports and decorating, markets digital products associated with the various magazine brands and provides custom publishing, commercial print production and premedia services.
  • The Film Production & Audiovisual Services segment through its subsidiaries Mels Studios and Postproduction G.P. and Mels Dubbing Inc. provides soundstage and equipment rental, dubbing, postproduction, visual effects and distribution services.

(unaudited)

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Three-month periods
ended December 31

Years ended
December 31

2017

2016

2017

2016

Revenues

Broadcasting & Production

$

117,016

$

128,194

$

439,149

$

427,627

Magazines

24,207

29,120

94,583

115,829

Film Production & Audiovisual Services

16,701

15,189

67,073

59,320

Intersegment items

(2,668)

(2,981)

(11,098)

(11,910)

155,256

169,522

589,707

590,866

Adjusted operating income(1)

Broadcasting & Production

16,232

17,445

41,867

22,379

Magazines

2,482

2,139

10,020

13,830

Film Production & Audiovisual Services

4,254

2,400

14,494

9,192

22,968

21,984

66,381

45,401

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangible assets

8,365

9,639

34,874

35,961

Financial expenses

480

804

2,449

3,378

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

−

−

42,405

40,100

Operational restructuring costs and others

1,408

4,163

6,390

5,940

Income (loss) before tax expense (recovery) and share of income of associated corporations

$

12,715

$

7,378

$

(19,737)

$

(39,978)

(1)

The Chief Executive Officer uses adjusted operating income (loss) as a measure of financial performance for assessing the performance of each of the Corporation's segments. Adjusted operating income (loss) is defined as net income (loss) before depreciation of property, plant and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, financial expenses, operational restructuring costs, impairment of assets and others, income taxes and share of income of associated companies. Adjusted operating income (loss) as defined above is not a measure of results that is consistent with IFRS.

SOURCE TVA Group

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2018/01/c1172.html

Denis Rozon, CPA, CA, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, (514) 598‑2808Copyright CNW Group 2018

View original source (CNW)TVA Group, Inc. on 6ix

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