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Corus Entertainment Inc.

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FY2018 Annual Report · Corus Entertainment Inc.
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annual report 2018

1   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

“
Our assets consistently deliver 
strong free cash flow, providing 
the fuel that powers the Corus 
engine and enabling us to 
strategically invest to create 
the future, strengthen our 
balance sheet and return  
”
cash to shareholders.

- Doug Murphy and Heather Shaw -
from the Message to Shareholders

2   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

table of contents

financial highlights 4
message to shareholders 7
maximizing audiences 10
monetizing audiences 12
rationalizing our operating model 13
our brands 14
board of directors 16
officers 16
executive leadership team 16
management’s discussion and analysis 17
management’s responsibility for 50   
financial reporting
independent auditors’ report 51
consolidated statements of financial position 52
consolidated statements of income and 53   
comprehensive income
consolidated statements of changes in equity 54
consolidated statements of cash flows 55
notes to consolidated financial statements 56
corporate information 97

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   3

$349 
million

$293 
million

2017

2018

free cash flow
up 19%

$578 
million

$576 
million

2017

2018

consolidated  
segment profit
~flat

3.46x
2017

3.28x
2018

net debt to 
segment profit
at August 31

$1,679 
million

$1,647 
million

2017

2018

consolidated 
revenue
down 2%

34%

35%

2017

2018

consolidated segment 
profit margin
up 1%

financial
highlights

4   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

ANNUAL SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION(1)
The following table presents summary financial information for Corus for each of the listed years ended August 31:

(in millions of Canadian dollars, except percentages and per share amounts)

Revenues
Segment profit (2)
Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders
Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders (2)

Basic earnings (loss) per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share (2)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share

Total assets

Long-term debt (inclusive of current portion)

Cash dividends declared per share

Class A Voting

Class B Non-Voting

Notes:
(1) For further information, refer to the Annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis on page 17.
(2) As defined in Key Performance Indicators section on page 29.

2018  

1,647.3

575.6

(784.5)

238.4

$(3.77)

$1.14

$(3.77)

4,883.0

1,983.9

$1.1350

$1.1400

2017

1,679.0

578.1

191.7

220.5

$0.95

$1.10

$0.95

6,067.8

2,091.6

$1.1350

$1.1400

FISCAL 2018 FINANCIAL PROFILE

Business Segment  
Revenues

Sources of Revenue

Business  
Segment Profit

television

91%

advertising

63%

radio

9%

television

93%

merchandising,
distribution
and other

6%

subscriber

31%

radio

7%

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
maximize
our audiences

maximize
our audiences

maximize
our audiences

“
monetize
our audiences

maximize
our audiences

monetize
our audiences

monetize
our audiences

rationalize
our operating model

maximize
our audiences

monetize
our audiences

rationalize
our operating model

rationalize
our operating model

Continuous cost savings will enable us to make the necessary investments to diversify 
rationalize
monetize
our revenues. In concert with our strategic priorities, actively pursuing these principles 
our operating model
our audiences
is how we will position Corus to compete and win over the long term.”
rationalize
our operating model
Doug Murphy
President and CEO

Heather Shaw
Executive Chair

maximize
our audiences

monetize
our audiences

rationalize
our operating model

6   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

message to 
shareholders

Corus is clear-eyed about the challenges and opportunities of an evolving 
media  marketplace.  Shifts  in  audience  behaviour  and  demand  for  more 
targeted  advertising  solutions  are  driving  unprecedented  change  in  our 
industry. What has not changed is that audiences still delight in and consume 
great content as they engage with their favourite shows and brands. 

The  transformation  of  Corus  began  nearly  three  years  ago  when  we 
acquired  Shaw  Media,  providing  us  with  the  scope  and  scale  needed  to 
succeed. We continue to execute against our three strategic priorities with 
discipline and focus. These priorities are to:

1. Own and control more content; 
2. Engage our audiences; and 
3. Expand into new and adjacent markets.

The  pursuit  of  these  priorities  is  paired  with  an  unyielding  commitment 
to  optimize  our  operations  and  our  core  business.  Think  of  this  as  the 
continuous  tuning  of  a  powerful  engine:  as  we  leverage  our  asset  base 
and execute our strategic priorities, we have the added horsepower from 
our  core  business—a  leading  portfolio  of  powerful  brands  and  engaging 
content—to attract and monetize big, high-value audiences.

Corus  is  Canada’s  largest  pure  play  media  and  content  company.  In  that 
context, we have embraced three foundational first principles: to maximize 
audiences,  to  monetize  those  audiences  and  to  continually  rationalize 
our  operating  model.  Continuous  cost  savings  will  enable  us  to  make 
the necessary investments to diversify our revenues. In concert with our 
strategic priorities, actively pursuing these principles is how we will position 
Corus to compete and win over the long term. 

Our national conventional network, Global, is home to some of Canada’s 
most-watched shows and news programming. Our 44 specialty channels 
include many of Canada’s biggest brands, such as W Network, Showcase, 
HGTV Canada, HISTORY®, Treehouse and YTV. We have a major presence 
in eight of Canada’s 10 largest English-language radio markets, with 39 
radio stations across the country. 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   7

 
 
 
Corus is investing in the creation of more original content through Nelvana and Corus 
Studios. These investments attract significant audiences for our core media business 
in Canada while providing revenue diversification from content sales in global markets.

This year, we increased our owned content slate with many new and returning series. Nelvana 
announced  partnerships  with  some  of  the  world’s  leading  content  producers,  including 
Discovery  Kids,  Sesame  Workshop  and  Sumitomo,  that  will  further  expand  our  global 
children’s  animated  content  footprint.  In  addition  to  continuing  our  production  of  leading 
lifestyle programming, Corus Studios successfully ventured into new genres with promising 
new series like Rust Valley Restorers and Fire Masters, both of which are proving to have broad 
appeal in the international marketplace.

As  our  industry  evolves,  we  are  innovating  our  product  offerings  as  we  strive  to  follow 
audiences where they consume content. This past year, we launched a premium video-
on-demand  (VOD)  product,  now  available  for  sale  to  our  distribution  partners  on  10  of 
our  biggest  television  brands.  While  this  is  an  emerging  opportunity,  early  results  are 
encouraging:  total  on-demand  views  on  our  new  premium  VOD  offering  have  nearly 
doubled and advertiser interest for dynamic ad insertion within VOD content is strong. 

Corus  is  working  with  our  industry  in  Canada  to  seize  an  opportunity  to  align  around  a 
shared technology roadmap that would optimize our future revenues with the emerging 
advertising  opportunities  resulting  from  the  next  generation  of  video  distribution 
platforms. In doing so, we aim to set industry standards and enable best-in-class solutions 
that will jointly benefit advertisers, distributors and broadcasters.

In  addition  to  our  new  premium  VOD  offering,  Global  Entertainment  and  Global  News 
continued to expand and broaden their presence with Canadians. We experienced significant 
growth at globalnews.ca, as well as on our Global GO app, which launched this year on Apple 
TV and Google Chromecast.

Social  media  presents  a  unique  opportunity  for  Corus  to  engage  audiences  on  new  and 
emerging  platforms.  Our  new  social  digital  advertising  agency  so.da,  which  launched  this 
past summer, is expanding our presence on these growing platforms, not only by offering 
immersive brand experiences and compelling content on Corus-owned brands, but also by 
leveraging our deep social expertise to support advertisers with social strategies and content 
development. In doing so, so.da will create incremental revenue streams. 

As we work to maximize our audiences, we are taking concrete steps to better monetize 
them.  We  aim  to  be  indispensable  to  our  advertising  clients  by  making  targeted 
investments to enhance our suite of advanced advertising and data analytics capabilities, 
while building strong, solution-oriented relationships.

Audience-based  buying  has  proven  to  be  a  clear  winner  for  us,  as  we  change  the  way 
television  advertising  is  sold.  This  new  approach  will  gain  traction  in  the  coming  years 
with  the  full-scale  launch  of  Cynch,  our  supply-side  buying  platform  that  simplifies  and 
automates the buying experience. Our ambition is that Cynch will be an essential element 
of an industry solution that offers advertisers a common definition of audience segments 
in an easy-to-use interface. 

8   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

This  past  year,  the  Corus  team  managed  our  operations  with  diligence  and  discipline  to 
offset revenue challenges. As a result, Corus delivered record free cash flow of $349 million, 
up from $293 million in fiscal 2017. Our assets consistently deliver strong free cash flow, 
providing the fuel that powers the Corus engine and enabling us to strategically invest 
to create the future, strengthen our balance sheet and return cash to shareholders. 

In  a  clear  demonstration  of  our  unrelenting  commitment  to  expense  control,  Corus 
delivered essentially flat segment profit and impressive segment profit margins of 35 per 
cent, while contending with a revenue decline of two per cent. 

Our revised capital allocation policy strikes the right balance between paying down debt, 
funding our dividend and investing to diversify our revenues. Corus has made continuous 
progress on debt repayment and de-levering as we pursue our leverage target of below 3.0 
times net debt to segment profit. We made significant progress in fiscal 2018, ending the 
year at 3.28 times net debt to segment profit, and we will continue to pay down our bank 
debt to achieve further financial flexibility.

Our strong free cash flow, impressive segment profit margins and steady progress toward 
our leverage target underpin our commitment to returning value to shareholders. We will 
continue to focus on these metrics as we evolve our business and execute our plan.

We  cannot  see  around  the  corner  and  the  complete  implementation  of  our  plan  will 
take  time.  There  will  also  be  variability  quarter-to-quarter  as  we  drive  Corus  along  a 
road  to  long-term  stability  and  resilience.  That  said,  our  sights  are  firmly  focused  on 
where we need to go as a company and industry, inclusive of advertisers, broadcasters, 
distributors  and  producers,  especially  as  governments  and  regulators  evaluate  and 
implement policy changes. 

This  year,  our  team  throughout  the  company  demonstrated  impressive  commitment 
and resiliency as we embraced the challenges and opportunities presented by our rapidly 
evolving and dynamic marketplace. We firmly believe we have the vision, plan and team in 
place to build for a strong, sustainable and winning future.

Doug Murphy
President and CEO

Heather Shaw
Executive Chair

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   9

maximizing audiences

Corus consistently delivers high-value audiences—
but we won’t stop there.

own more content
The  Corus  Advantage  remains  at  the  centre  of  our  Own  More  Content  strategy:  we  continue  to 
maximize our required Canadian programming spending to create owned, original content that attracts 
audiences  to  our  powerful  media  brands  in  Canada,  while  delivering  revenue  diversification  through 
increased sales in international markets. 

Nelvana increased its strong slate of programming
Fourteen animated children’s series were in various stages of production at the end of the year, including 
Esme & Roy and Hotel Transylvania: The Series, as well as returning fan-favourite Max & Ruby.
 We announced innovative new co-production partnerships with Discovery Kids, Sesame Workshop and 
Sumitomo, which are expected to further accelerate our Own More Content strategy.

Corus Studios expanded into new lifestyle content genres
We greenlit 11 new or continuing series for production this year, as we expand into new genres, such 
as travel and escape, food, fashion, automotive and science, in addition to renewing new seasons of 
international hits, such as Masters of Flip, Backyard Builds and Home to Win.

Fire Masters

Esme & Roy

Rust Valley Restorers

Kids Can Press continued to produce award-winning books
The Way Home in the Night by Akiko Miyakoshi enjoyed international success and The Most Magnificent 
Thing by Ashley Spires sold 500,000 copies worldwide, which Nelvana has now produced as a feature 
film-quality, short-form animated special for sale in fiscal 2019.

Source: 
1.  Numeris PPM Data, Broadcast Year 2017-2018 (Aug 28/17 to Aug 26/18), Mon-Su 2a-2a, Adults 25-54 Average Minute 

Audience (000), Canadian Commercial English Specialty + Digital excluding sports, Total Canada. 

2.  Numeris PPM Data, Broadcast Year 2017-2018 (Aug 28/17 to Aug 26/18), Mon-Su 2a-2a, Women 25-54 Average Minute 

Audience (000), Canadian Commercial English Specialty + Digital excluding sports, Total Canada 

3.  Numeris PPM Data, Broadcast Year 2017-2018 (Aug 28/17 to Aug 26/18), Mon-Su 2a-2a, Kids 2-11 Average Minute 

Audience (000), Canadian Specialty Digital English Kids Specialty Only, Total Canada

10   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

engaging our audiences
The core of our business is the strength of Global and our powerful suite of specialty television services.

1

top

of

4 5

Specialty Channels
Among Adults

2

top

of

4 5

Specialty Channels 
Among Women

3

top

of

8 10

Specialty Channels 
Among Kids

stream anytime

The success of our leading conventional and specialty television channels has been meaningfully enhanced  
and  broadened  as  we  expand  onto  new  platforms.  Audiences  are  increasingly  able  to  watch  our  content 
where and when they want.

This year, Corus launched our most widely-distributed app, Global GO, on Google Chromecast and Apple TV while 
Global News built on its powerful online presence with globalnews.ca. The success of Global GO and globalnews.ca is 
a clear demonstration that we are committed to following our audiences as we diversify our revenues. 

Corus launched our new premium video-on-demand (VOD) offering with Rogers and Shaw 
this  year.  Total  VOD  views  since  launch  of  this  product  with  Rogers  have  nearly  doubled,  
a clear indication of the growth potential on this platform.

premium

VOD

The Most Magnificent Thing

FBI

so.da’s production studio

so.da
In  June  2018,  Corus  launched  so.da,  our  new,  full-service  social  digital  advertising  agency,  to 
help grow our audiences on new platforms and, in doing so, create incremental revenue streams. 
With some of the best social marketing experts, and a clear track record of success with social 
engagement, we are leveraging these skills to further optimize our core.

CuriousCast
This  past  summer,  Corus  launched  a  new  podcast  network,  CuriousCast.  Our  great  brands, 
content and talent extend seamlessly into the podcasting platform where millions of listeners 
consume  and  engage  with  great  content.  In  a  few  short  months,  CuriousCast  has  had  more 
than 1 million downloads per month of its more than 35 shows.

so.da and CuriousCast are two examples of how Corus is using our talent, team and asset base to further 
engage  our  audiences.  They  are  part  of  a  larger  plan  to  make  strategic  investments  as  we  continue  to 
discover more opportunities to leverage the power of our core business.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   11

monetizing audiences

In a changing media landscape, we need to be indispensable to 
our advertising clients, now more than ever.

audience-based buying and Cynch
Over  the  past  several  years,  we  have  broken  new  ground  with  audience-based  buying  and  have  made 
strategic investments to enhance our suite of advanced advertising and data analytics capabilities.

Audience-based buying is changing how we sell television ads by providing greater targeting capabilities 
using  more  relevant  audience  segments,  such  as  “fashionistas”  or  “empty  nesters.”  We  were  the  first 
broadcaster in Canada to offer audience-based buying and it has proven to be a clear differentiator for 
Corus in the marketplace. We anticipate the launch of Cynch, our audience-based buying platform, will 
accelerate this shift.

Cynch makes it easier than ever to buy targeted audiences in a brand-safe and trusted environment, while 
at the same time providing our advertising customers with up-to-date data on the performance of their 
campaigns. This technology is the cornerstone of how Corus will compete with the transactional efficiency 
of digital advertising while providing the distinctive reach, impact and value of television advertising.

Cynch  is  in  beta  testing  and  feedback  from  our  advertising  partners,  which  has  been  very  positive,  is 
informing our future roadmap. Corus is refining this new and exciting platform as we work toward a full 
launch in the coming year.

The  launch  of  Cynch,  Corus’  audience-based  buying  platform,  will  accelerate  the  shift  to  selling 
television  ads  with  greater  targeting  capabilities  using  more  relevant  audience  segments,  while  also 
making it easier than ever for advertisers to buy targeted audiences.

12   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

revenue diversification
As Corus maximizes and monetizes our audiences, revenue diversification is an essential component of how we build 
long-term stability.

Leveraging  our  Own  More  Content  strategy,  Corus  is  delivering  revenue  diversification  with  international  sales  in 
more than 160 countries through Nelvana and Corus Studios. 
 Corus continues to build stronger partnerships with local advertising clients. Total spending from duplicated accounts 
across both television and radio increased 22 per cent compared to the previous year, up nearly $9 million as we build 
on the Power of Local.
 Last year, we expanded our presence in the important Asian animation market. Our animation software subsidiary 
Toon Boom opened a new Tokyo sales office to capitalize on the continued growth in the Japanese anime market.1 
Toon  Boom  also  announced  a  talent  development  partnership  called  China  Tales  Incubator  with  WeKids  for  the 
Chinese animation market.

Corus’ original content is  
distributed in more than
160 countries  
worldwide

rationalizing our  
operating model

In addition to maximizing and monetizing our audiences, 
we must continually rationalize our operating model to 
improve efficiencies and reduce our cost structure.

Corus  is  making  targeted  investments  in  technologies  like  artificial  intelligence  to  grow 
audiences and automate manual processes. This will result in the transformation of how we run 
our business and evolve Corus into a consumer centric, data-driven company. 

Over the past year, we have continued to work with industry-leading innovators like Integrate 
A.I. and IBM Watson to make smarter and faster decisions in a variety of ways. These include 
ensuring  advertising  is  placed  within  a  relevant  context,  enhancing  the  effectiveness  of  the 
marketing of our channels and shows, closed captioning and cybersecurity. 

The result is a more efficiently run business that continuously rationalizes our operating model 
while driving out costs.

Source: 
1. www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/japans-anime-industry-grows-record-177b-boosted-by-your-name-exports-1058463

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   13

Corus Television

Conventional Stations

B.C.
Okanagan  
Lethbridge 
Calgary 
Edmonton 

Saskatoon 
Regina 
Winnipeg 
Toronto
Durham 

Peterborough 
Kingston 
Montreal 
New Brunswick 
Halifax

CMYK: 47 | 72 | 0 | 0

Lifestyle

Drama

Kids

Original Content

studios

Multi-Platform Presence

*

14   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

* Corus Entertainment owns less than a 50% equity position

Corus Radio

Vancouver, British Columbia

CHMJ-AM
AM730 All Traffic  
All The Time

CKNW-AM
Global News Radio  
980 CKNW

CFMI-FM
Rock 101

CFOX-FM
The World  
Famous CFOX

Calgary, Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta

Winnipeg, Manitoba

CHQR-AM
Global News Radio  
770 CHQR

CFGQ-FM
Q107

CKRY-FM
Country 105

CHED-AM
630 CHED

CHQT-AM 
Global News Radio
880 Edmonton

CISN-FM
CISN COUNTRY  
103.9

CKNG-FM 
92.5 Fresh Radio

CJOB-AM
Global News Radio  
680 CJOB

CJGV-FM
Peggy @ 99.1

CJKR-FM
Power 97

Barrie/Collingwood, Ontario

CHAY-FM
93.1 Fresh Radio

CIQB-FM 
101.1 BIG FM

CKCB-FM
95.1 The Peak FM

Kitchener, Ontario

Cornwall, Ontario

CJDV-FM
107.5 DAVE ROCKS

CKBT-FM
91.5 The Beat

CFLG-FM
104.5 Fresh Radio

CJSS-FM
boom 101.9

Guelph, Ontario

Kingston, Ontario

CJOY-AM 
1460 CJOY

CIMJ-FM 
Magic 106.1

CKWS-FM
104.3 Fresh Radio

CFMK-FM
96.3 BIG FM

Hamilton, Ontario

CHML-AM 
Global News Radio 
900 CHML

CING-FM
95.3 Fresh Radio

CJXY-FM
Y108

London/Woodstock, Ontario

CFPL-AM 
Global News Radio 
980 CFPL

CFHK-FM
103.1 Fresh Radio

CFPL-FM 
FM96

CKDK-FM 
Country 104

Ottawa, Ontario

Peterborough, Ontario

CKQB-FM
JUMP! 106.9

CJOT-FM
boom 99.7

CKRU-FM
100.5 Fresh Radio

CKWF-FM
THE WOLF 101.5 FM

Toronto, Ontario

CFMJ-AM
Global News Radio 
640 Toronto

CFNY-FM
102.1 the Edge

CILQ-FM
Q107

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   15

board of  
directors

Heather Shaw
Chair of the Board of Directors 
Chair of the Executive Committee

Doug Murphy
Member of the Executive Committee

Fernand Bélisle
Independent Lead Director 
Member of the Human Resources and  
Compensation Committee

Peter Bissonnette
Member of the Executive Committee

Jean-Paul Colaco
Member of the Corporate Governance Committee

Michael D’Avella
Member of the Audit Committee

Trevor English

John Frascotti
Member of the Human Resources and  
Compensation Committee

Mark Hollinger
Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee 
Member of the Audit Committee
Member of the Executive Committee

Barry James
Chair of the Audit Committee 
Member of the Executive Committee

Catherine Roozen
Chair of the Human Resources and  
Compensation Committee 
Member of the Executive Committee

Julie Shaw
Vice Chair of the Board of Directors 
Member of the Corporate Governance Committee

officers

Heather Shaw
Executive Chair

Doug Murphy
President and Chief Executive Officer

Judy Adam, CPA, CA
Senior Vice President, Finance

John Gossling, FCPA, FCA
Executive Vice President  
and Chief Financial Officer

Dale Hancocks
Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Gary Maavara
Corporate Secretary

Greg McLelland
Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

executive  
leadership  
team

Doug Murphy
President and Chief Executive Officer

Colin Bohm
Executive Vice President,  
Business Development and Corporate Strategy

Cheryl Fullerton
Executive Vice President,  
People and Communications

John Gossling, FCPA, FCA
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Dale Hancocks
Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Shawn Kelly
Executive Vice President, Technology

Greg McLelland
Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

16   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the financial position and results of operations for the year ended 
August 31, 2018 is prepared at October 18, 2018. The following should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 
August 31, 2018 audited consolidated financial statements and notes therein. The financial highlights included 
in the discussion of the segmented results are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements. All 
amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless specified otherwise.

Corus Entertainment Inc. (“Corus” or the “Company”) reports its financial results under International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) in Canadian dollars. Per share amounts are calculated using the weighted average 
number of shares outstanding for the applicable period.

USE OF NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

The  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  contains  references  to  certain  measures  that  do  not  have  a 
standardized  meaning  under  IFRS  as  prescribed  by  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board  and  are 
therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures 
are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing a further understanding 
of operations from management’s perspective. Accordingly, non-IFRS measures should not be considered in 
isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of financial information reported under IFRS. The Company presents 
non-IFRS measures, specifically, segment profit, adjusted segment profit, adjusted net income, adjusted basic 
earnings per share, free cash flow, net debt and net debt to segment profit. 

The Company believes these non-IFRS measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other 
interested parties as measures of financial performance and to provide supplemental measures of operating 
performance and thus highlight trends that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial 
measures. A reconciliation of the Company’s non-IFRS measures is included in this report which is available on 
Corus’ website at www.corusent.com. 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

To the extent any statements made in this document contain information that is not historical, these statements 
are forward-looking statements and may be forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable 
securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking information”). Forward-looking information relates to, among 
other things, our objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, plans, estimates and outlook, including advertising, 
distribution, merchandise and subscription revenues, operating costs and tariffs, taxes and fees, currency 
value fluctuations and interest rates. Forward-looking information is predictive in nature and can generally be 
identified by the use of words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “may” and other 
similar expressions. The forward looking information contained in this document includes, but is not limited 
to: statements that refer to expectations regarding the Company’s anticipated dividend payment schedule 
and rate commencing in December 2018; expected timing for certain legislative changes; Corus’ anticipated 
indebtedness and pro forma leverage and dividend yield targets. In addition, any statements that refer to 
expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances may be considered 
forward-looking information. 

Although Corus believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, 
such statements involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties and undue reliance should not be placed 
on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied with respect to the forward-looking 
information above, including without limitation: the estimates and judgments set out under the heading “Use 
of Estimates and Judgments”, in this document; factors and assumptions regarding general market conditions 
and general outlook for the industry, interest rates, stability of the advertising, distribution, merchandise and 
subscription markets, operating costs and tariffs, taxes and fees, currency value fluctuations, interest rates, 
technology developments and assumptions regarding the stability of laws and governmental regulation and 
policies and the interpretation or application of those laws and regulations, consistent application of accounting 
policies, segment profit growth rates, future levels of capital expenditures, expected future cash flows and 
discount rates, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among 
other things: our ability to attract and retain advertising and subscriber revenues; audience acceptance of 
our television programs and networks; our ability to recoup production costs, the availability of tax credits 
and  the  existence  of  co-production  treaties;  our  ability  to  compete  in  any  of  the  industries  in  which  we 
do business; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by us; conditions in 
the  entertainment,  information  and  communications  industries  and  technological  developments  therein; 
changes in laws, regulations and policies or the interpretation or application of those laws and regulations; 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   17

our ability to integrate and realize anticipated benefits from our acquisitions and to effectively manage our 
growth; our ability to successfully defend ourselves against litigation matters arising out of the ordinary course 
of business; and changes in accounting standards. Additional information about these factors and about the 
material assumptions underlying such forward-looking information are set out under the heading “Risks and 
Uncertainties” in this document and under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Information Form. Corus 
cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. 

When relying on our forward-looking information to make decisions with respect to Corus, investors and others 
should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Unless otherwise 
specified, all forward-looking information in this document speaks as of the date of this document. Unless 
otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Corus disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update 
or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, events or circumstances that 
arise after the date thereof or otherwise. 

The following discussion describes the significant changes in the consolidated results from operations. 

OVERVIEW

Corus Entertainment Inc. (“Corus” or the “Company”) is a diversified Canadian-based integrated media and 
content company that creates and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences 
in Canada and around the world. The Company’s portfolio of multimedia offerings encompasses 44 specialty 
television networks, 15 conventional television stations, 39 radio stations and a global content business, digital 
assets, book publishing, animation software, media and technology services. 

Corus  operates  through  two  reporting  segments:  Television  and  Radio.  The  Corporate  results  represent 
the incremental cost of corporate overhead in excess of the amount allocated to the operating segments. 
Generally, Corus’ financial results depend on a number of factors, including the strength of the Canadian national 
economy and the local economies of Corus’ served markets, local and national market competition from other 
broadcasting stations, platforms and other advertising media, government regulation, market competition from 
other distributors of animated and unscripted lifestyle programming and Corus’ ability to continue to provide 
popular programming.

TELEVISION
The Television segment is comprised of 44 specialty television networks, 15 conventional television stations and 
the Corus content business, which includes the production and distribution of films and television programs, 
merchandise licensing, book publishing, animation software, and media and technology services. On February 
28, 2018, Corus ceased operations of the Sundance channel. On April 1, 2016, Corus acquired 100% of Shaw 
Media Inc. (“Shaw Media”) from Shaw Communications Inc. (“Shaw”), which included 19 specialty television 
networks,  12  Global  Television  branded  conventional  television  stations,  Global  News,  globalnews.ca,  and 
HistoryGO and GlobalGO mobile apps (the “Acquisition”). On February 29, 2016, Corus ceased operations of 
its pay television business.

Revenues for the specialty television networks are generated from both advertising and subscribers, while 
revenues from the conventional television stations are derived primarily from advertising. Revenues for the 
content  business  are  generated  from  licensing  of  proprietary  films  and  television  programs,  merchandise 
licensing, book publishing, animation software, and media and technology service sales. For both advertising 
and subscriber revenues, it is critical that the Company offer Canadians entertaining content that engages 
them. The Company’s content is available to Canadians through a variety of platforms, including conventional 
or specialty television, online websites or mobile apps. Catering to consumer demand for quality and choice, the 
Company strives to offer the best content available, to Canadians when and where they choose to consume it. 

RADIO
The Radio segment is comprised of 39 radio stations across Canada situated primarily in high-growth urban 
centres  in  English  Canada,  with  a  concentration  in  the  densely  populated  area  of  Southern  Ontario.  The 
Company’s primary method of distribution is over-the-air, analog radio transmission, with additional delivery 
platforms including HD Radio, websites and mobile apps. 

Revenues for the Company’s radio business are derived primarily from advertising.

18   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisANNUAL SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table presents summary financial information for Corus for each of the listed years ended August 31:

% Increase (Decrease)

2018 over 
2017

2017 over 
2016

(1.9)

(0.4)

43.3

40.7

(in millions of Canadian dollars, except percentages and per share amounts)

Revenues

Segment profit (1)

Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders

Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders (1)

Basic earnings (loss) per share

Adjusted basic earnings per share (1)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

2018  

2017 

2016

  1,647.3  

1,679.0 

1,171.3

575.6  

(784.5)  

238.4  

  $(3.77)  

$1.14  

  $(3.77)  

578.1 

191.7 

220.5 

$0.95 

$1.10 

$0.95 

411.0

125.9

129.9

$0.96

$0.98

$0.96

Total assets

  4,883.0  

6,067.8 

6,093.4

Long-term debt (inclusive of current portion)

  1,983.9  

2,091.6 

2,196.0

Cash dividends declared per share

Class A Voting

Class B Non-Voting

Notes:

(1) As defined in “Key Performance Indicators” section.

  $1.1350   $1.1350  $1.1350

  $1.1400   $1.1400  $1.1400

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   19

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table presents summary financial information for Corus’ operating segments and a reconciliation 
of segment profit to net income for each of the listed years ended August 31:

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)

2018  

2017

2018 over 2017

% Increase (Decrease)

Revenues

Television

Radio

Direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses

Television

Radio

Corporate

Segment profit (loss) (1)

Television

Radio

Corporate

Depreciation and amortization

Interest expense

Broadcast license and goodwill impairment

Business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs

Other expense (income), net

Income (loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net income (loss) for the year

Net income (loss) for the year attributable to:

Shareholders

Non-controlling interest

Net income (loss) for the year

(1) As defined in Key Performance Indicators section

(2.0)

(0.8)

(1.9)

(0.8)

(1.8)

(74.9)

(2.7)

(4.0)

2.0

(74.9)

(0.4)

1,499,322  

1,529,792

148,025  

149,216

1,647,347  

1,679,008

957,533  

107,717  

6,469  

965,425

109,689

25,811

1,071,719  

1,100,925

541,789  

40,308  

(6,469)  

575,628  

81,861  

127,346  

1,013,692

17,071  

5,692  

(670,034)  

88,129  

(758,163)  

564,367

39,527

(25,811)

578,083

91,750

156,716

—

31,983

(8,953)

306,587

82,498

224,089

(784,509)  

26,346  

(758,163)  

191,665

32,424

224,089

(509.3)

(18.7)

(438.3)

FISCAL 2018 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2017
For a discussion on the Company’s results of operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we refer you to 
Corus’ Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2018 Report to Shareholders filed on SEDAR on October 19, 2018.

The following discussion describes the significant changes in the consolidated results from operations for the 
year ended August 31, 2018 compared to the prior year.

REVENUES
For the year ended August 31, 2018, consolidated revenues of $1,647.3 million decreased 2% from $1,679.0 
million in the prior year. On a consolidated basis, advertising revenues decreased 3%, merchandising, distribution 
and other revenues increased by 5%, and subscriber revenues were consistent with the prior year. Revenues 
decreased in Television and Radio by 2%, and 1%, respectively, in the current year compared to the prior year. 
Further analysis of revenue is provided in the discussions of segmented results. 

20   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECT COST OF SALES, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
For the year ended August 31, 2018, direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses of $1,071.7 
million decreased 3% from $1,100.9 million in the prior year. On a consolidated basis, direct cost of sales were 
consistent  with  the  prior  year,  while  employee  costs  decreased  6%  and  other  general  and  administrative 
expenses decreased by 3%. The decrease in employee costs was primarily due to a reduction in share-based 
compensation expense. Further analysis of expenses is provided in the discussion of segmented results. 

SEGMENT PROFIT
For the year ended August 31, 2018, consolidated segment profit was $575.6 million, relatively consistent with 
$578.1 million in the prior year. Segment profit margin of 35% for the year ended August 31, 2018 was up from 
34% in the prior year. Further analysis is provided in the discussion of segmented results. 

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
For the year ended August 31, 2018, depreciation and amortization expense was $81.9 million, down from $91.8 
million in the prior year due primarily to lower capital expenditures in the current year. 

INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense for the year ended August 31, 2018, was $127.3 million, a decrease from $156.7 million in 
the prior year. The decrease reflects lower interest on bank debt of $14.0 million due to a lower interest rate 
margin resulting from reduced leverage, and lower bank debt in the current year. Imputed interest decreased 
by $8.3 million compared to the prior year as a result of the reduction of long-term liabilities associated with 
program rights, trade marks and Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (“CRTC”) 
benefit obligations.

The effective interest rate on bank loans for the year ended August 31, 2018 was 4.3% compared to 4.7% in 
the prior year. The decrease in the effective rate for the year was attributable to a lower interest rate margin 
resulting from reduced leverage. 

BROADCAST LICENSE AND GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT
Broadcast licenses and goodwill are tested for impairment annually as at August 31 or more frequently if events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that they may be impaired. In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, management 
identified indicators of impairment at the enterprise level, notably a significant decline in the Company’s share 
price from August 31, 2017, which resulted in the Company’s carrying value being significantly greater than 
its current market enterprise value. Accordingly, interim goodwill impairment testing was required for both 
the Television and Radio cash generating units (“CGUs”). As a result of these tests, the Company recorded a 
non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $1,000.0 million in the Television operating segment in the third quarter 
of fiscal 2018. No goodwill impairment was identified in the Radio operating segment CGU (refer to note 11 of 
the audited consolidated financial statements for further details). 

In addition, certain Radio markets had actual results and revised financial projections that fell short of previous 
estimates, indicating that interim broadcast license impairment testing was required. As a result of these tests, 
the Company recorded non-cash broadcast license impairment charges of $13.7 million in the Radio segment 
(refer to note 11 of the audited consolidated financial statements for further details).

The Company has completed its annual impairment testing of broadcast licenses and goodwill and determined 
that there were no further impairment charges required or recoveries at August 31, 2018. 

BUSINESS ACQUISITION, INTEGRATION AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS
For the year ended August 31, 2018, the Company incurred $17.1 million of business acquisition, integration 
and restructuring costs compared to $32.0 million in the prior year. The current fiscal year costs are related to 
restructuring costs associated with employee exits as well as costs associated with the denial of the sale of 
Historia and Séries+, and shutdown of the Sundance Channel. The prior year costs were attributable to ongoing 
integration activities, including an onerous premise lease provision of approximately $7.0 million for the previous 
Shaw Media offices in Toronto, which were fully vacated during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. These costs are 
excluded from the determination of segment profit.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   21

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET
Other expense for the year ended August 31, 2018 was $5.7 million compared to income of $9.0 million in the 
prior year. In the current year, other expense includes a foreign exchange loss of $5.4 million, equity losses from 
associates of $1.6 million, offset by income of $1.2 million from the settlement of certain regulatory fees and 
the benefit of miscellaneous interest and other income. The prior year includes a foreign exchange gain of $12.2 
million, a venture fund distribution of $2.9 million, and interest income of $1.0 million, offset by equity losses 
from associates of $2.7 million and impairment charges related to certain investments of $5.3 million.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company entered into a series of forward foreign exchange contracts 
totalling $98.0 million USD, to fix the foreign exchange rate and therefore cash flows related to a portion of USD 
denominated liabilities. This resulted in unrealized foreign exchange gains of $3.8 million for the year, which 
offset foreign exchange losses recorded related to the period end revaluation of USD denominated liabilities. 
Further discussion of this can be found in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this report under the 
heading Derivative Financial Instruments. 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE 
The effective tax rate for the year ended August 31, 2018 was a negative 13.2% as compared with the Company’s 
26.5% statutory tax rate. The effective tax rate for the year ended August 31, 2017 was 26.9% compared to 
the Company’s 26.5% statutory rate. The lower effective tax rate in the current year is primarily a result of the 
non-taxable portion of broadcast license and goodwill impairments taken in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS AND EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Net loss attributable to shareholders for the year ended August 31, 2018 was $784.5 million ($3.77 loss per share 
basic), as compared to net income attributable to shareholders of $191.7 million ($0.95 per share basic) in the 
prior year. Net loss attributable to shareholders for fiscal 2018 includes radio broadcast license and television 
goodwill impairment charges of $1,013.7 million ($4.85 per share) and business acquisition, integration and 
restructuring costs of $17.1 million ($0.06 per share). Adjusting for the impact of these items results in an 
adjusted net income attributable to shareholders of $238.4 million ($1.14 per share basic) for the current fiscal 
year. Net income attributable to shareholders for the year ended August 31, 2017 includes business acquisition, 
integration and restructuring costs of $32.0 million ($0.12 per share) and investment impairments of $5.3 million 
($0.03 per share). Adjusting for the impact of these items results in an adjusted net income attributable to 
shareholders of $220.5 million ($1.10 per share basic) for the prior year. 

The weighted average number of basic shares outstanding for the year ended August 31, 2018, was 208,257,000 
compared to 201,065,000 in the prior year. The number of shares outstanding increased from the issuance of 
shares from treasury under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan.

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF INCOME TAX
Other comprehensive income for the year ended August 31, 2018 was $25.1 million, compared to $33.4 million 
in the prior year. For the year ended August 31, 2018, other comprehensive income includes an actuarial gain 
on post-employment benefit plans of $11.6 million, an unrealized gain on the fair value of cash flow hedges 
of $12.9 million and an unrealized gain from foreign currency translation adjustments of $0.7 million, offset 
by an unrealized loss on the fair value of available-for-sale investments of $0.1 million. The prior year other 
comprehensive income includes an unrealized gain associated with remeasuring the fair value of cash flow 
hedges  of  $27.4  million,  an  actuarial  gain  on  post-employment  benefit  plans  of  $6.9  million,  offset  by  an 
unrealized loss from foreign currency translation adjustments of $0.6 million, and an unrealized loss on the fair 
value of a venture fund investment of $0.3 million. 

22   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisTELEVISION
The Television segment is comprised of 44 specialty television services, 15 conventional television stations and 
the Corus content business, which consists of the production and distribution of films and television programs, 
merchandise licensing, book publishing, animation software, media and technology services. 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

(thousands of Canadian dollars)

Revenues

Advertising

Subscriber

Merchandising, distribution and other

Total revenues

Expenses

Segment profit (1)

Segment profit margin (1)

(1) As defined in the “Key Performance Indicators” section

Year ended August 31,

2018  

2017

903,420  

507,756  

88,146  

1,499,322  

957,533  

541,789  

36%  

939,843

506,666

83,283

1,529,792

965,425

564,367

37%

For the year ended August 31, 2018, total revenues decreased 2% from the prior year as a result of a 4% decrease 
in advertising revenues, while subscriber revenues remained flat and merchandising, distribution and other 
revenues increased 6%. The decline in television advertising revenues reflects soft television advertising market 
conditions and lower audience levels, as well as and the negative impact of the 2018 Winter Olympics, which 
was broadcast on competitor services. The increase in merchandising, distribution and other revenues reflects 
higher production and distribution revenues from increased deliveries and higher merchandising revenues, 
offset by lower revenues from studio service work. 

For the year ended August 31, 2018, total expenses decreased by 1%. Direct cost of sales were flat compared 
to the prior year and general and administrative expenses decreased by 1%. Amortization of program rights 
increased slightly during the year by 1% and were offset by lower film amortization expense at Nelvana. The 
decrease in general and administrative expenses for the year reflects continued cost containment efforts, offset 
by incremental investment in Advanced Advertising initiatives and higher costs for Global’s morning shows, 
which were previously covered by CRTC benefit spending obligations that ceased as of August 31, 2017. 

Segment profit(1) decreased 4% for the year. Segment profit margin(1) was 36% for the year compared to 37% 
in the prior year.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment of $1,000.0 million 
with respect to the Television segment. The impairment charge resulted from the recoverable amount being 
lower than the carrying amount. The non-cash goodwill impairment charge is excluded from the determination 
of segment profit (refer to note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for further details). 
(1) As defined in the “Key Performance Indicators” section 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   23

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RADIO
The Radio segment is comprised of 39 radio stations situated primarily in high-growth urban centres in English 
Canada, with a concentration in the densely populated area of Southern Ontario. Corus is one of Canada’s 
leading radio operators in terms of audience reach. 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(thousands of Canadian dollars)

Revenues

Expenses

Segment profit (1)

Segment profit margin (1)

(1) As defined in the “Key Performance Indicators” section

Year ended August 31,

2018  

148,025  

107,717  

40,308  

27%  

2017

149,216

109,689

39,527

26%

For the year ended August 31, 2018, revenues decreased 1% compared to the prior year. The majority of the 
decline was driven by ratings challenges and advertising softness in the western markets, offset by growth in 
the Ontario markets. 

Direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses decreased 2% for the year ended August 31, 2018. 
The decrease in general and administrative costs reflects continued focus on cost containment and operational 
efficiencies, particularly with the Global News operations. 

For the year ended August 31, 2018, segment profit increased 2% and segment profit margin of 27% was an 
improvement compared to 26% in the prior year.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges in broadcast licenses 
of $13.7 million with respect to three Radio markets where revised financial projections fell short of previous 
estimates; thereby, causing the recoverable amounts to be lower than the carrying amounts at each of the 
CGUs. The non-cash broadcast license impairment charges are excluded from the determination of segment 
profit (refer to note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for further details). 
(1) As defined in the “Key Performance Indicators” section 

CORPORATE
The Corporate results are comprised of the incremental cost of corporate overhead in excess of the amount 
allocated to the operating divisions. 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(thousands of Canadian dollars)

Share-based compensation

Other general and administrative costs

Year ended August 31,

2018  

(7,818)  

14,287  

6,469  

2017

8,266

17,545

25,811

Share – based compensation includes expenses related to the Company’s stock options and other long – term 
incentive plans (such as Performance Share Units – “PSUs”, Deferred Share Units – “DSUs”, and Restricted Share 
Units – “RSUs”). The expense fluctuates with changes in assumptions, primarily regarding the Company’s share 
price and number of units estimated to vest. 

The decrease in share-based compensation expense for the year ended August 31, 2018 reflects the decline 
in the Company’s share price from the prior year. Other general and administrative costs were lower, reflecting 
continued focus on cost containment. 

24   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS
Corus’ operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations that can significantly impact quarter-to-quarter 
operating results. The Company’s advertising revenues are dependent on general advertising revenues and 
retail cycles associated with consumer spending activity, accordingly the first and third quarter results tend to 
be the strongest and second and fourth quarter results tend to be the weakest in a fiscal year. The Company’s 
merchandising  and  distribution  revenues  are  dependent  on  the  number  and  timing  of  film  and  television 
programs delivered as well as the timing and level of success achieved of associated merchandise licensed 
in the market, which cannot be predicted with certainty. Consequently, the Company’s results may fluctuate 
materially from period-to-period and the results of any one period are not necessarily indicative of results for 
future periods. 

The following table sets forth certain unaudited data derived from the Company’s interim condensed consolidated 
financial statements for each of the eight most recent quarters ended August 31, 2018. In Management’s 
opinion, these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis 
consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report for the years 
ended August 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017.

(thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

  Net income (loss)  

 Adjusted net income  

Earnings per share

  Revenues  

  Segment 
profit (1) 

attributable to 
shareholders  

attributable to 
shareholders (1) 

Basic  

  Diluted  

  Adjusted (1)

2018

4th quarter  

379,084 

   114,561  

3rd quarter  

441,410 

   170,421  

2nd quarter  

369,465 

   112,759  

1st quarter  

457,388 

   177,887  

2017

4th quarter  

381,212 

   107,601  

3rd quarter  

461,628 

   175,813  

2nd quarter  

368,187 

   102,683  

1st quarter  

467,981 

   191,986  

(1) As defined in “Key Performance Indicators”.

33,675  

(935,899) 

40,042  

77,673  

28,919  

66,719  

24,881  

71,146  

39,534  

78,112  

41,880  

78,885  

43,944  

70,141  

25,577  

80,826  

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

0.16  

(4.49) 

0.19  

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

0.16  

(4.49) 

0.19  

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

0.38  

 $ 

0.38  

 $ 

0.14  

0.33  

0.12  

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

0.14  

0.33  

0.12  

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

0.36  

 $ 

0.36  

 $ 

0.19

0.37

0.20

0.38

0.22

0.35

0.13

0.41

SIGNIFICANT ITEMS CAUSING VARIATIONS IN QUARTERLY RESULTS

• Net income attributable to shareholders for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 was negatively impacted by 

business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $7.7 million ($0.03 per share).

• Net loss attributable to shareholders for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 was negatively impacted by non-cash 
radio broadcast license and television goodwill impairment charges of $1,013.7 million ($4.84 per share) and 
business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $5.3 million ($0.02 per share).

• Net income attributable to shareholders for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was negatively impacted by 

business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $2.5 million ($0.01 per share).

• Net income attributable to shareholders for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was negatively impacted by business 

acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $1.6 million ($nil per share).

• Net income attributable to shareholders for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 was negatively impacted by 
business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $13.3 million ($0.05 per share) and investment 
impairments of $5.3 million ($0.03 per share).

• Net income attributable to shareholders for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was negatively impacted by business 

acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $4.6 million ($0.02 per share).

• Net income attributable to shareholders for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 was negatively impacted by 

business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $0.9 million ($0.01 per share).

• Net income attributable to shareholders for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 was negatively impacted by business 

acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $13.2 million ($0.05 per share). 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   25

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets at August 31, 2018 were $4.9 billion compared to $6.1 billion at August 31, 2017. The following 
discussion describes the significant changes in the consolidated statements of financial position since August 
31, 2017. 

Current assets at August 31, 2018 were $507.6 million, down $17.8 million from August 31, 2017. 

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $1.1 million from August 31, 2017. Refer to the discussion of cash flows 
in the next section. 

Accounts receivable decreased $19.7 million from August 31, 2017. The accounts receivable balance is subject 
to seasonal trends. Typically, the balance is higher at the end of the first and third quarters and lower at the 
end of the second and fourth quarters as a result of the broadcast revenue seasonality. The Company carefully 
monitors the aging of its accounts receivable. 

Tax credits receivable decreased $0.1 million from August 31, 2017 as a result of tax credit receipts exceeding 
accruals relating to film productions.

Investments and other assets increased $17.7 million from August 31, 2017, primarily as a result of additional 
investments in venture funds, certain post employment benefit plans being in a net asset position, unrealized 
gains relating to interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, offset by net cash proceeds of 
$24.6 million on interest rate swaps which were terminated on November 28, 2017. In the second quarter of 
fiscal 2018, the Company entered into a series of forward foreign exchange contracts totalling $98.0 million USD, 
to fix the foreign exchange rate and therefore cash flows related to a portion of the Company USD denominated 
liabilities. Further discussion of this can be found in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this report 
under the heading Derivative Financial Instruments. 

Property, plant and equipment decreased $28.9 million from August 31, 2017 as a result of depreciation expense 
exceeding additions. 

Program  rights  decreased  $110.0  million  from  August  31,  2017,  as  additions  of  acquired  rights  of  $408.4 
million were offset by amortization of $516.3 million and impairment charges of $2.1 million resulting from the 
shutdown of the Sundance Channel. 

Film investments increased $2.7 million from August 31, 2017, as film additions (net of tax credit accruals) of 
$18.9 million were offset by film amortization of $16.2 million. 

Intangibles decreased $33.7 million from August 31, 2017, primarily as a result of impairment charges recorded 
on certain Radio broadcast licenses of $13.7 million and amortization of finite life intangibles exceeding additions. 

Goodwill decreased $1,000.0 million as a result of impairment charges related to the Television segment in the 
third quarter of fiscal 2018. 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $9.9 million from August 31, 2017, as a result of lower accrued 
liabilities and accruals for dividends payable and film production, offset by higher accruals for program rights and 
trade marks. The decrease in accrued liabilities relates primarily to the reduction in short-term compensation 
accruals, capital asset purchases, the short-term portion of tangible benefits and CRTC fees, offset by other 
working capital accruals.

Provisions, including the long-term portion, at August 31, 2018 were $19.0 million compared to $27.5 million at 
August 31, 2017. The decrease of $8.5 million from August 31, 2017 is primarily a result of restructuring related 
payments exceeding additions.

Long-term debt, including the current portion, as at August 31, 2018 was $1,983.9 million compared to $2,091.6 
million as at August 31, 2017. As at August 31, 2018, the $106.4 million classified as the current portion of 
long-term debt reflects the mandatory repayments on the debt in the next twelve months. During the year 
ended August 31, 2018, the Company repaid bank loans of $108.6 million, deferred $4.1 million of financing fees 
and amortized $5.1 million of deferred financing charges. 

Other long-term liabilities decreased $147.1 million from year end, primarily from decreases in long-term 
program  rights  payable,  trade  marks  payable,  post-employment  benefit  plans,  and  long-term  employee 
obligations, offset by an increase in intangible liabilities and unearned revenues. 

Share  capital  increased  $38.7  million,  primarily  as  a  result  of  the  issuance  of  shares  from  treasury  under 
the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan. Contributed surplus increased $0.7 million due to share-based 
compensation expense.

26   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CASH FLOWS
Overall, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents position increased by $1.1 million from the prior year end. Free 
cash flow for the year ended August 31, 2018 increased to $349.0 million, from $292.7 million in the prior year. A 
reconciliation of free cash flow to the consolidated statements of cash flows is provided in the Key Performance 
Indicators section.

Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended August 31, 2018 was $370.9 million, compared to 
$298.1 million in the prior year. The increase of $72.8 million from the prior year arises from net proceeds of 
$24.6 million from the termination of interest rate swaps, lower CRTC benefit payments of $27.4 million, and 
lower cash used in working capital of $37.4 million, offset by higher payments on both program rights of $3.2 
million and film investments of $9.1 million.

Cash used in investing activities for the year ended August 31, 2018 was $25.6 million, compared to $20.9 million 
in the prior year. The current year includes additions to property, plant and equipment of $16.1 million, offset 
by proceeds of $0.8 million on the disposal of surplus land, and net cash outflows for intangibles, investments 
and other assets of $10.3 million. The prior year includes additions to property, plant and equipment of $27.0 
million, and net cash outflows for intangibles, investments and other assets of $6.3 million, offset by proceeds 
of $5.3 million on the sale of a non-controlling interest in the Cooking Channel, a return of capital from a venture 
fund of $4.1 million, and receipt of $3.0 million from Shaw. 

Cash used in financing activities for the year ended August 31, 2018 was $344.2 million, compared to $254.9 
million in the prior year. The increase in the current year of $89.3 million is primarily due to the increase in 
dividends paid during the fiscal 2018 year.

LIQUIDITY 
The Company’s capital management objectives are to maintain financial flexibility in order to pursue its strategy 
of organic growth combined with strategic acquisitions and to provide returns to its shareholders. The Company 
defines capital as the aggregate of its shareholders’ equity and long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents. 

The Company manages its capital structure in accordance with changes in economic conditions. In order to 
maintain or adjust its capital structure, the Company may elect to issue or repay long-term debt, issue shares, 
repurchase shares through a normal course issuer bid, pay dividends or undertake any other activities as deemed 
appropriate under the specific circumstances. 

The Company monitors capital using several key performance metrics, including: net debt to segment profit 
ratio and dividend yield. The Company’s stated long-term objectives are a leverage target (net debt to segment 
profit ratio) below 3.0 times and to maintain a dividend yield in excess of 2.5%. In the short term, the Company 
may  permit  the  long-term  leverage  range  to  be  exceeded  (for  long-term  investment  opportunities),  but 
endeavours to return to the leverage target range as the Company believes that these objectives provide a 
reasonable framework for providing a return to shareholders and is supportive of maintaining the Company’s 
credit ratings. As at August 31, 2018, the Company’s leverage ratio was 3.28 times net debt to segment profit, 
down from 3.46 times at August 31, 2017. The Company is currently focused on deleveraging towards 3.0 times 
net debt to segment profit. 

On June 26, 2018, the Company announced a new dividend framework with respect to its revised Capital 
Allocation Policy. Future dividend payments are subject to Board of Directors approval. The new dividend policy 
as approved by the Board of Directors is as follows:

• Effective September 1, 2018, Corus’ annual dividend rate will be adjusted to $0.24 per Class B Share and 
$0.235 per Class A Share, in line with both the Company’s long-term goal of maintaining a dividend yield in 
excess of 2.5% and current industry peer benchmarks.

• The dividend payment schedule will be changed from monthly to quarterly to be more consistent with 

industry practices.

• As permitted under Corus’ Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), in lieu of issuing new shares, Corus 
will satisfy its share delivery obligation under the Plan by purchasing Class B Shares on the open market. In 
addition, Corus will move to a 0% discount for shares delivered under the plan. 

On November 30, 2017, the Company’s credit facilities with a syndicate of banks were amended. The principal 
amendments were the extension of the maturity dates to November 30, 2021 for the Revolving Facility and Term 
Facility Tranche 2, to November 30, 2022 for the Term Facility Tranche 1, and the fixing of mandatory repayments 
on the Term Facility to 1.25% per quarter. Interest rates on the Company’s facilities fluctuate with Canadian 
bankers’ acceptances and LIBOR. 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   27

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAs at August 31, 2018, the Company had available approximately $300.0 million under the Revolving Facility, all 
of which could be drawn, and was in compliance with all loan covenants. As at August 31, 2018, the Company 
had a net cash balance of $94.8 million. 

For further details on the credit facilities amended on November 30, 2017 refer to note 14 of the Company’s 
audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2018.

Management believes that cash flow from operations and existing credit facilities will provide the Company with 
sufficient financial resources to fund its operations for the next twelve months. 

TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
As at August 31, 2018, total capitalization was $3,565.9 million, a decrease of $1,031.5 million from August 31, 
2017. The decrease is primarily attributable to the decrease in retained earnings (deficit) arising from broadcast 
license and goodwill impairment charges recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, as well as the issuance of 
$38.6 million in shares from treasury under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan, and an increase of cash 
of $1.1 million, offset by lower net debt resulting from the repayment of debt of $108.6 million during the year. 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
On November 28, 2017, the Company terminated the swap agreements that fixed the interest rate on an initial 
$457.0 million and $1,414.0 million of its outstanding term loan facilities at 1.076% and 1.195%, respectively 
plus applicable margins to February 28, 2019 and February 26, 2021. As a result, the Company received $24.6 
million, net of interest, in cash upon settlement of these swaps, which was the fair value upon termination. The 
fair value of $24.6 million was recorded in other comprehensive income and is being amortized as non-cash 
interest income in the consolidated statements of income (note 17). 

On November 28, 2017, the Company entered into new interest swap agreements to fix the interest rate on 
the majority of its outstanding term loan facilities. The counterparties of the swap agreements are highly rated 
financial institutions and the Company does not anticipate any non-performance. The fair value of future cash 
flows of interest rate swap derivatives change with fluctuations in market interest rates. The estimated fair 
value of these agreements as at August 31, 2018 was $23.2 million, which has been recorded in the consolidated 
statements of financial position as a long-term asset (note 5). 

On January 5, 2018, the Company entered into a series of forward foreign exchange contracts totalling $98.0 
million USD, to fix the foreign exchange rate and therefore cash flows related to a portion of the Company’s 
USD denominated liabilities. The forward contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes; 
they are measured at fair value at each reporting date by reference to prices provided by the counterparty. 
The counterparty of the forward contracts is a highly rated financial institution and the Company does not 
anticipate any non-performance. The estimated fair value of future cash flows of the USD forward contract 
derivatives change with fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate of USD to Canadian dollars. The estimated fair 
value of these agreements as at August 31, 2018 was $3.8 million, which has been recorded in the consolidated 
statements of financial position as a long-term asset (note 5), and within other expense (income), net in the 
consolidated statements of income (note 20). 

CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS
The Company has the following undiscounted contractual obligations at August 31, 2018:

(thousands of Canadian dollars)

Total debt (1)

Purchase obligations (2)

Operating leases (3)

Other obligations (4)

Financing leases

Total Within 1 year

2 - 3 years

4 - 5 years More than 5 years

2,021,125 

907,699 

407,797 

158,701 

5,464 

106,375 

525,236 

30,480 

49,296 

3,794 

212,750 

1,702,000

289,554 

58,889 

74,522 

1,670

91,731 

56,619 

33,975 

—

—

1,178

261,809

908

—

Total contractual obligations

3,500,786 

715,181 

637,385 

1,884,325 

263,895

(1) Principal repayments

(2) Purchase obligations are contractual obligations under contracts relating to program rights, satellite and signal transport costs, and 

various other operating expenditures, that the Company has committed to for periods ranging from one to ten years.

(3) Operating leases included office, equipment and automobile leases.

(4) Other obligations included financial liabilities, trade marks, other intangibles and CRTC commitments.

28   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In addition to the contractual obligations in the table above, the Company will pay interest on any bank debt 
outstanding in future periods. In fiscal 2018, the Company incurred interest on bank debt of $89.0 million (2017 
– $103.1 million).

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The Company measures the success of its strategies using a number of key performance indicators. These 
have been outlined below, including a discussion as to their relevance, definitions, calculation methods and 
underlying assumptions. In addition to disclosing results in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), the Company also provides supplementary non-IFRS measures as a 
method of evaluating the Company’s performance. Certain key performance indicators are not measurements 
in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other measure of 
performance under IFRS. These non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed 
by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. 

REVENUE
Revenue is a measurement defined by IFRS. Revenue is the gross inflow of economic benefits arising in the 
course of the ordinary activities of an entity that results in increases in equity, such as cash, receivables or 
other consideration arising from the sale of products and services and is net of items such as trade or volume 
discounts and certain excise and sales taxes. It is one of the bases upon which free cash flow, a key performance 
indicator defined below, is determined; therefore, it measures the potential to deliver free cash flow as well as 
indicating the level of growth in a competitive marketplace.

The primary sources of revenues for the Company are outlined in the Overview section.

The Company’s sources of revenue are well diversified, with revenue streams for the year ended August 31, 2018 
derived primarily from three areas: advertising 63%, subscriber fees 31% and merchandising, distribution and 
other 6% (2017 – 64%, 30%, and 6%, respectively).

DIRECT COST OF SALES, AND GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Direct cost of sales, and general and administrative expenses include amortization of program rights (costs of 
programming intended for broadcast, from which advertising and subscriber revenues are derived); amortization 
of film investments (costs associated with internally produced and acquired television and film programming, 
from which distribution and licensing revenues are derived); other cost of sales relating to merchandising, studio 
service work, book publishing, marketing (research and advertising costs); employee remuneration; regulatory 
license fees; and, selling, general administration which includes overhead costs. For the year ended August 31, 
2018, consolidated direct cost of sales, and general and administrative expenses were comprised of direct cost 
of sales 52%, employee remuneration 29%, and general and administrative expenses 19% (2017 – 51%, 30%, 
and 19%, respectively). 

SEGMENT PROFIT AND SEGMENT PROFIT MARGIN 
Segment profit is calculated as revenues less direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses as 
reported in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Segment profit 
and segment profit margin may be calculated and presented for an individual operating segment, a line of 
business, or for the consolidated Company. The Company believes these are important measures as they allow 
the Company to evaluate the operating performance of its business segments or lines of business and its ability 
to service and/or incur debt; therefore, it is calculated before (i) non-cash expenses such as depreciation and 
amortization; (ii) interest expense; and (iii) items not indicative of the Company’s core operating results, and 
not used in management’s evaluation of the business segment’s performance, such as: goodwill and broadcast 
license impairment; significant intangible and other asset impairment; debt refinancing; non-cash gains or 
losses; business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs; gain (loss) on disposition; and certain other 
income and expenses as included in note 20 to the audited consolidated financial statements. Segment profit 
is also one of the measures used by the investing community to value the Company and is included in note 22 to 
the audited consolidated financial statements. Segment profit margin is calculated by dividing segment profit 
by revenues. Segment profit and segment profit margin do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by 
IFRS and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Segment profit 
and segment profit margin should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income prepared in 
accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   29

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)

Revenues

Direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses

Segment profit

Segment profit margin

2018  

1,647,347  

1,071,719  

575,628  

2017

1,679,008

1,100,925

578,083

35.0% 

34.0%

FREE CASH FLOW 
Free cash flow is calculated as cash provided by operating activities less cash used in investing activities, as 
reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows, and then adding back cash used specifically for business 
combinations and strategic investments and deducting net proceeds from dispositions. Free cash flow is a key 
metric used by the investment community that measures the Company’s ability to repay debt, finance strategic 
business acquisitions and investments, pay dividends, and repurchase shares. Free cash flow does not have any 
standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by 
other companies. Free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash flows prepared 
in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

(thousands of Canadian dollars)

Cash provided by (used in):

Operating activities

Investing activities

Add back: cash used for business combinations and strategic investments (1)

Free cash flow

2018  

2017

370,907  

(25,580) 

345,327  

3,680  

349,007  

298,133

(20,908)

277,225

15,435

292,660

(1) Strategic investments are comprised of investments in venture funds and associated companies.

ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND ADJUSTED BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Management uses adjusted net income and adjusted basic earnings per share as a measure of enterprise-wide 
performance. Adjusted net income and adjusted basic earnings per share are defined as net income and basic 
earnings per share before items such as: non-recurring gains or losses related to acquisitions and/or dispositions 
of investments; costs of debt refinancing; non-cash impairment charges; and business acquisition, integration 
and restructuring costs. Management believes that adjusted net income and adjusted basic earnings per share 
are useful measures that facilitate period-to-period operating comparisons. Adjusted net income and adjusted 
basic earnings per share do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are not necessarily 
comparable  to  similar  measures  presented  by  other  companies.  Adjusted  net  income  and  adjusted  basic 
earnings per share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income and basic earnings 
per share prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

(thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders

Adjustments, net of income tax:

Investment in associates impairment

Broadcast license and goodwill impairment charges

Business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs

Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders

Basic earnings (loss) per share

Adjustments, net of income tax:

Investment in associates impairment

Broadcast license and goodwill impairment charges

Business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs

Adjusted basic earnings per share

2018  

(784,509) 

—  

1,010,061

12,859  

238,411  

($3.77) 

—  

4.85

0.06  

$1.14  

2017

191,665

5,250

—

23,573

220,488

$0.95

0.03

—

0.12

$1.10

30   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
NET DEBT
Net  debt  is  calculated  as  long-term  debt  less  cash  and  cash  equivalents  as  reported  in  the  consolidated 
statements of financial position. Net debt is an important measure as it reflects the principal amount of debt 
owing by the Company as at a particular date. Net debt does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by 
IFRS and is not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. 

(thousands of Canadian dollars)

Total bank debt

Cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

2018  

2017

1,983,933  

2,091,580

(94,801) 

(93,701)

1,889,132  

1,997,879

NET DEBT TO SEGMENT PROFIT
Net debt to segment profit is calculated as net debt divided by segment profit. It is one of the key metrics 
used by the investing community to measure the Company’s ability to repay debt through ongoing operations. 
Net debt to segment profit does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is not necessarily 
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. 

(thousands of Canadian dollars)

Net debt (numerator)

Segment profit (denominator) (1)

Net debt to segment profit

2018 

1,889,132 

575,628 

3.28 

2017

1,997,879

578,083

3.46

(1) Reflects  aggregate  amounts  for  the  most  recent  four  quarters,  as  detailed  in  the  table  in  the  “Quarterly  Consolidated  Financial 

Information” section.

ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT
Corus’ enterprise risks are largely derived from the Company’s business environment and are fundamentally 
linked to Corus’ strategies and business objectives. Corus strives to proactively mitigate its risk exposures 
through rigorous performance planning, and effective and efficient business operational management. Residual 
exposure for certain risks is mitigated through appropriate insurance coverage where this is judged to be 
efficient and commercially available. 

Corus strives to avoid taking on undue risk exposures whenever possible and ensures any potential risks are 
aligned with business strategies, objectives, values and risk tolerance.

RISK GOVERNANCE
The Company’s Board of Directors has overall responsibility for risk governance and ensures that there are 
processes in place to effectively identify, assess, monitor, and manage principal business risks to which the 
Company is exposed. This includes oversight of the implementation of enterprise risk management procedures 
and the development of entity level controls. The Board carries out its risk management mandate primarily 
through the support of Board Committees and senior management as follows:

• The Audit Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the Company’s policies and processes designed 
to mitigate and manage applicable regulatory compliance risk, including the adequacy of internal control 
over financial reporting;

• The Human Resources and Compensation Committee, which is responsible for the Company’s policies and 
processes designed to mitigate and manage risks associated with the Company’s compensation plans;
• The Corporate Governance Committee, which is responsible for maintaining and monitoring the Company’s 

governance processes, including its Code of Conduct; 

• The Executive Leadership Team, which is responsible for the establishment of enterprise risk management 

processes (which is carried out by the Company’s Risk Management Committee).

In addition, entity level controls, (including the Company’s Code of Conduct which is required to be reviewed 
and signed to confirm compliance annually by directors, officers and certain other employees of the Company), 
financial controls and other governance processes are in place and monitored regularly by the Company’s Risk 
and Compliance group, which functions independently from management and provides the Audit Committee 
and management with objective evaluations of the Company’s risk and control environment. 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   31

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

The Company has established an Enterprise Risk Management Framework (“ERM”) which includes identifying, 
assessing, managing, monitoring and communicating the principal business risks that impact the Company. 

A strategic risk assessment is conducted as part of the Company’s strategic planning process to identify and 
assess the principal business risks facing the Company and their potential impact on the achievement of the 
Company’s strategic objectives. Emerging risks are included in the assessment and risks are prioritized using 
standard risk assessment criteria.

The Risk Management Committee (“RMC”), which reports to the Executive Leadership Team, is mandated to 
maintain the Company’s ERM for identifying, assessing, managing, monitoring, and reporting the principal risks 
that impact the Company. The RMC is comprised of various senior managers from across the organization, with 
all key operating segments and functions represented. The Committee meets on a quarterly basis to review 
financial, hazard, operational and strategic risks to the Company. The likelihood and impact of these risks are 
ranked on a high, medium and low basis. These risks are reviewed by the Company’s Disclosure Committee, the 
Executive Leadership Team, and finally, with the Board as part of the quarterly risk review process.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
This section provides a summary description of the principal risks and uncertainties that could have a material 
adverse effect on the business and financial results of the Company. This discussion is not exhaustive and any 
discussion about risks should be read in conjunction with the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking 
Information”. 

A. GENERAL RISKS

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
The Company’s operating performance is affected by general Canadian and worldwide economic conditions. 
Changes in economic conditions or economic uncertainty may affect discretionary consumer and business 
spending, resulting in increased or decreased demand for Corus’ product offerings. These factors may negatively 
affect the Company through reduced advertising, lower demand for our products and services or decreased 
profitability. Current or future events caused by volatility in domestic or international economic conditions or 
a decline in economic growth may have a material adverse effect on Corus, its operations and/or its financial 
results. 

COMPETITION AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Corus operates in an open and highly competitive marketplace. The television production industry and television 
and radio broadcasting services have always involved a substantial degree of risk. There can be no assurance of 
the economic success of the Company’s radio stations, music formats, talent, television programs or networks 
because the revenues derived from such services and products depend upon audience acceptance of these or 
other competing programs released into, or networks existing in, the marketplace at or near the same time, 
the availability of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, general economic conditions, 
public tastes generally and other intangible factors, all of which could rapidly change, and many of which are 
beyond Corus’ control. The lack of audience acceptance for Corus’ radio stations, television programs, specialty 
television networks and conventional television stations would have an adverse impact on Corus’ businesses, 
results of operations, prospects and financial condition. Corus’ failure to compete in these areas could materially 
adversely affect Corus’ results of operations.

Corus also faces competition from both regulated and unregulated players using existing or new technologies 
and from illegal services. The rapid deployment of new technologies, services and products have reduced the 
traditional lines between internet and broadcast services and further expanded the competitive landscape. 
The Company may also be affected by changes in customer discretionary spending patterns, which in turn 
are  dependent  on  consumer  confidence,  disposable  consumer  income  and  general  economic  conditions. 
New or alternative media technologies and business models, such as video-on-demand, subscription-video 
-on-demand,  high-definition  television,  personal  video  recorders,  mobile  television,  internet  protocol 
television, over-the-top internet-based video entertainment services, digital radio services, satellite radio and 
direct-to-home satellite compete with, or may in the future compete with, Corus’ services for programming and 
audiences. As well, mobile devices like smartphones and tablets allow consumers to access content anywhere, 
anytime and are creating consumer demand for mobile, portable or free content. These technologies and 
business models may increase audience fragmentation, reduce subscribers to Corus’ services, reduce Corus’ 
linear television and radio ratings or have an adverse effect on advertising revenues from local and national 
audiences. Technological developments may also disrupt traditional distribution platforms by enabling content 

32   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and Analysisowners to provide content directly to consumers, thus bypassing traditional content aggregators. While Corus 
invests in infrastructure, technology and programming to maintain its competitive position, there can be no 
assurance that these investments will be sufficient to maintain Corus’ market share or performance in the future.

Television – Broadcast Business
The financial success of Corus’ specialty television services depend on obtaining revenues from advertising 
and subscribers, while Corus’ conventional television services depend on obtaining revenues from advertising. 
These services are also dependent on the effective management of programming costs. Any failure by Corus’ 
discretionary and basic television services to compete effectively could materially adversely affect Corus’ results 
of operations.

i) Advertising and Subscriber Revenues
The conventional and specialty television business and the advertising markets the Company operates in is 
highly competitive. Numerous broadcast and specialty television networks, alternative forms of entertainment, 
as well as online advertising platforms and websites, and “over-the-top” digital distribution services that are 
not regulated by the CRTC compete with Corus for advertising and subscriber revenues. The CRTC also no 
longer requires the licensing of new discretionary services. These services can be launched at any time using 
the CRTC’s exemption order which further increases competition. Corus’ services also compete with a number 
of foreign programming services which have been authorized for distribution in Canada by the CRTC, such as 
A&E and CNN. This competition is for both supply of programming and also for audiences and can affect both 
the costs and revenues of a network. In addition, competition among specialty television services in Canada is 
highly dependent upon the offering of prices, marketing and advertising support and other incentives to cable 
operators and other distributors for carriage so as to favourably position and package the services to subscribers 
to achieve high distribution levels.

Corus’ ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including its ability to secure popular 
television  and  other  programming  rights  for  all  platforms,  including  traditional  linear  broadcast  rights  and 
non-linear rights, in order to achieve audience acceptance, high distribution levels and attract advertising. Corus’ 
ability to continue to attract advertising customers also depends on its ability to meet the evolving expectations 
of its advertising customers. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that Corus’ television services will be able 
to maintain or increase their current share of audience and advertising revenues as well as maintain or increase 
current levels of subscriber distribution and penetration.

ii) Programming Expenditures / Audience Acceptance
Programming costs are one of the most significant expenses in the Television segment. Although the Company 
has processes to effectively manage these costs, increased competition in the television broadcasting industry 
due to factors mentioned above, changes in viewer preferences and other developments could impact the 
availability of premium content and/or increase the cost of programming content which could have a material 
adverse effect on Corus’ operations and/or financial results. 

In addition, programming content may be purchased or commissioned for broadcast one or two years in advance, 
making it more difficult to predict how such content will perform in terms of audience acceptance. Audience 
acceptance cannot be accurately predicted. The success of a program also depends on the type and extent of 
promotional and marketing activities, the quality and acceptance of competing programs, general economic 
conditions and other intangible factors, all of which can rapidly change and many of which are beyond Corus’ 
control. A failure to select and obtain content demanded by viewers or otherwise a lack of audience acceptance 
of Corus’ television programming could have a material adverse effect on Corus’ operations and/or financial 
results.

Commission of original television programs requires a significant amount of capital. Factors such as labour 
disputes, technology changes or other disruptions affecting aspects of production may affect Corus or its 
independent production partners and cause cost overruns and delay or hamper completion of a production 
(see RELIANCE ON KEY SUPPLIERS AND CUSTOMERS). 

Television – Content Business
The production and distribution of television, books and other media content is very competitive. There are 
numerous suppliers of media content, including vertically integrated major motion picture studios, television 
networks, independent television production companies and book publishers around the world. Many of these 
competitors  are  significantly  larger  than  Corus  and  have  substantially  greater  resources,  including  easier 
access to capital. Corus competes with other television and motion picture production companies for ideas and 
storylines created by third parties as well as for actors, directors and other personnel required for a production.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   33

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisFurther, vertical integration of the television broadcast industry worldwide and the creation and expansion of 
new networks, which create a substantial portion of their own programming, have decreased the number of 
available timeslots for programs produced by third-party production companies. There also continues to be 
intense competition for the most attractive timeslots offered by those services. There can be no assurances 
that Corus will be able to compete successfully in the future or that Corus will continue to produce or acquire 
rights to additional successful programming or enter into agreements for the financing, production, distribution 
or licensing of programming on terms favourable to Corus or that Corus will be able to increase or maintain 
penetration of broadcast schedules.

Radio
The financial success of each of Corus’ radio stations is dependent principally upon its share of the overall 
advertising revenues within its geographic market, its promotional and other expenses incurred to obtain the 
revenues and the economic strength of its geographic market. Radio advertising revenues are highly dependent 
upon audience share (derived from interest in on-air talent, music formats, and other intangible factors). Other 
stations may change programming formats at any time to compete directly with Corus’ stations for listeners and 
advertisers or launch aggressive promotional campaigns in support of already existing competitive formats. If a 
competitor, particularly one with substantial financial resources, were to attempt to compete in either of these 
fashions, ratings at Corus’ stations could be negatively impacted, resulting in lower net revenues.

Radio broadcasting is also subject to competition from other media, such as television, outdoor advertising, 
print  and  internet  as  well  as  alternative  media  technologies,  such  as  satellite,  music  streaming  and  music 
downloading services. Potential advertisers can substitute advertising through the broadcast television system 
(which can offer concurrent exposure on a number of networks to enlarge the potential audience) or through 
daily, weekly and free-distribution newspapers, outdoor billboard advertising, magazines, other print media, 
direct mail marketing, the Internet and mobile advertising. Competing media commonly target the customers 
of  their  competitors,  and  advertisers  regularly  shift  dollars  from  radio  to  these  competing  media  and  vice 
versa. In markets near the U.S. border, such as Kingston, Ontario, Corus also competes with U.S. radio stations. 
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that Corus’ radio stations will be able to maintain or increase their current 
audience share and advertising revenue share.

B. BUSINESS RISKS

RELIANCE ON KEY SUPPLIERS AND CUSTOMERS
Corus procures its content from a limited number of key third party suppliers, some of whom are global in scale 
and have significant negotiating leverage. While Corus may have alternate sources of content, there can be no 
assurance that Corus would be able to source alternate content desirable to the Company’s viewers. The loss of 
a key supplier may adversely affect Corus’ operations and/or its financial results. Suppliers may also experience 
business difficulties, privacy and/or security incidents, restructure their operations, be consolidated with other 
suppliers, discontinue products or sell their operations or products to other vendors, which could affect the 
future development and support of the Company’s services.

Corus enters into long-term agreements with various Broadcasting Distribution Undertakings (“BDUs”) for the 
distribution of its television services. Corus derives most of its subscriber revenue from its relationships with a 
small number of the largest BDUs. As these contracts expire, there could be negative effect on Corus’ operations 
and/or its financial results if Corus is unable to renew them on acceptable terms or at all, including revenues 
per subscriber and packaging that affects the networks’ subscriber reach. Similarly, the majority of Corus’ 
advertising revenues are derived from a small number of large advertising agency “upfront commitments”. Any 
significant change in volume, rates and/or other terms associated with these sales commitments may have a 
positive or negative effect on Corus’ operations and/or financial results.

Corus relies on certain information technology providers, telecommunications carriers and certain utilities to 
conduct Corus’ business. Any disruption to the services provided by these suppliers, including labour strikes and 
other work disruptions, bankruptcies, technical difficulties or other events affecting the business operations of 
these information technology providers, telecommunications carriers and utilities may affect Corus’ ability to 
operate and therefore have a negative impact on its operations and/or its financial results.

34   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisINFORMATION SYSTEMS AND INTERNAL BUSINESS PROCESSES

The day-to-day operations of Corus are highly dependent on information technology systems and internal 
business processes and the ability of Corus and its service providers to protect the Company’s networks and 
information technology systems. An inability to operate or enhance information technology systems could have 
an adverse impact on Corus’ ability to produce accurate and timely invoices, manage operating expenses and 
produce accurate and timely financial reports. Although Corus has taken steps to reduce these risks, there can 
be no assurance that potential failures of, or deficiencies in, these systems or processes will not have an adverse 
effect on the Corus operations and/or its financial results.

An inability to protect the Company’s systems, applications and information repositories against cyber threats, 
which include cyber attacks such as, but not limited to, hacking, computer viruses, denial of service attacks, 
industrial espionage, unauthorized access to confidential, proprietary or sensitive information, unauthorized 
access to corporate or network information technology systems or other breaches of security could result in 
service disruptions to, or could have an adverse impact on, the Company’s business operations and could harm 
the Company’s brand, reputation and customer relationships. Although the Company has taken steps to reduce 
these risks, there can be no assurance that future cyber threats, if to occur, will not have an adverse effect 
on the Company’s operating results. Establishing response strategies and business continuity protocols to 
maintain operations if any disruptive event materializes is critical to the Company. A failure to complete planned 
and sufficient testing maintenance or replacement of the Company’s networks, equipment and facilities as 
appropriate, could disrupt the Company’s operations or require significant resources.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS / PIRACY

Television / Radio – Broadcast Business
Corus pays significant licence fees to acquire rights to content and branding on an exclusive basis. 

From time to time, various third parties may contest or infringe upon these owned or licensed rights. Any such 
infringement, including increasingly rampant online piracy and illegal distribution of copyrighted television 
content, may have a material adverse impact on Corus’ operations and financial results. Corus takes commercially 
reasonable  efforts  to  minimize  these  risks  including  negotiating  and  enforcing  protective  covenants  in  its 
content licensing agreements.

There are systems in place to track proper registration and renewal of Corus’ owned trade mark portfolio, and 
to have notice of third-party applications that may potentially conflict with Corus’ trade marks, all with a view to 
ensuring that Corus’ registrable intellectual property is afforded the maximum protection under applicable law.

Upon notice of a potential infringement of its owned or licensed intellectual property, Corus reviews these 
matters to determine what, if any, steps may be required or should be taken to protect its rights, including legal 
action, negotiated settlement and/or seeking remedies from intellectual property licensors. There can be no 
assurance that the steps that Corus takes to establish and protect its intellectual property will be adequate to 
prevent or eliminate infringement of its intellectual property and protect Corus’ ability to competitively market 
and brand its television and digital services and/or be the exclusive distribution source of key licensed content 
in Canada.

Corus’  linear  television  and  digital  platforms  and  services  broadcast,  make  available,  distribute  and  may 
contain many forms of content including licensed audio-visual programming, text, news, graphics, databases, 
photographs,  recipes,  audio  files  (music  or  otherwise)  and  rich  interactive  content,  blog  content,  and 
user-generated  content  including  story  comments,  and  internal  and  external  links.  Corus  takes  steps  to 
ensure that procedures are in place to clear rights and to monitor user-generated content. There remains a 
risk, however, that some potentially defamatory or infringing content can be posted on a Corus website. Corus 
carries insurance coverage against this risk but there remains an exposure to liability for third-party claims.

Television – Content Business
Corus must be able to protect its trade marks, copyrights and other proprietary rights to competitively produce, 
distribute and licence its television programs and published materials and market its merchandise. Accordingly, 
Corus devotes the Company’s resources to the establishment and protection of trade marks, copyrights and 
other proprietary rights on a worldwide basis.

From time to time, various third parties may contest or infringe upon the Company’s intellectual property rights. 
The Company reviews these matters to determine what, if any, actions may be required or should be taken, 
including legal action or negotiated settlement. There can be no assurance that the Company’s actions to 
establish and protect trade marks, copyrights and other proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent imitation 
or unauthorized reproduction of the Company’s products by others or prevent third parties from seeking to block 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   35

Management’s Discussion and Analysissales, licensing or reproduction of these products as a violation of their trade marks, copyrights and proprietary 
rights. Moreover, there can be no assurance that others will not assert rights in, or ownership of, the Company’s 
trade marks, copyrights and other proprietary rights, or that the Company will be able to successfully resolve 
these conflicts. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect proprietary rights to the same 
extent as do the laws of the United States or Canada.

NEWS
Global News’ primary directive is to report accurate, balanced, timely and comprehensive news and information 
in the public interest. Independence is a fundamental Global News value and, accordingly, Global News will resist 
attempts at censorship or pressure to alter news content, real or apparent. Integrity, fairness and transparency 
are at the foundation of the Company’s newsgathering process, and Global News is committed to reporting 
news without distortion or misrepresentation.

In support of this directive, the Company has promulgated and has in effect a comprehensive set of Journalistic 
Principles and Practices setting out guidelines and standards for all news staff in their dealings with frequently 
asked editorial, ethical and legal, and professional conduct questions. These Journalistic Principles and Practices 
adhere  closely  to,  amongst  other  things,  the  Radio  Television  Digital  News  Association  Canada’s  Code  of 
Ethics and Professional Standards, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Code of Ethics and the Canadian 
Association of Journalists Ethics Guidelines.

Due  to  the  unique  nature  of  news-gathering  and  news-reporting,  a  number  of  risks  may  also  arise  in  the 
ordinary course of Global News investigation and reporting on the activities of individuals, corporations and 
governments. These include legal and ethical risks such as claims in respect of defamation, invasion of privacy, 
misrepresentation, and infringement of other rights (for example, Intellectual Property Rights and Piracy). A 
significant part of news-gathering and reporting arises in the context of court proceedings. Certain mandatory 
publication bans apply to criminal proceedings and, in addition, a court may impose a discretionary publication 
ban or sealing order in respect of the proceedings or materials used or related to investigations leading to 
a criminal charge. Where Global News has not otherwise successfully overturned or reduced the scope of a 
publication ban or sealing order through proper legal process, its policy is to fully comply with court-ordered 
publication bans and sealing orders. However, because there is no formalized publication ban notice system in 
place in most provinces, and because publication bans can often be subject to different interpretations, there 
is no assurance that Global News will not inadvertently breach a publication ban or sealing order and if that 
happens, there is a risk that Global News may be held to be in contempt of court. Similarly, Global News’ policy 
is to resist production orders, warrants and subpoenas for its footage and other materials through proper 
legal process but, where this is not successful, Global News will comply with production orders, warrants and 
subpoenas of proper scope and detail.

Due to Global News’ strong commitment to editorial independence, certain news-reporting may pose a risk to the 
Company’s advertising revenue streams if advertisers are displeased with their portrayal in news programming 
and, as a result, choose to reduce or withdraw entirely, their advertising business with the Company.

The deliberate deployment of journalists to dangerous and hostile environments may expose employees and the 
Company to risks related to kidnapping, injury and death, as well as costs related to medical care and emergency 
repatriation of employees.

The Journalistic Principles and Practices articulate appropriate ways to deal with the above risks and describes 
proper protocol when such risks arise. In addition, news staff are provided with regular training to mitigate these 
risks and the Company carries customary and appropriate insurance to further mitigate risks. However, there 
can be no assurances that the Journalistic Principles and Practices comprehensively mitigate such risks. Events 
out of the Company’s control may affect the Company’s ability to operate and therefore have a negative impact 
on its operations and/or its financial results.

PRODUCTION OF FILM AND TELEVISION PROGRAMS
Each production is an individual artistic work and its commercial success is determined primarily by the size 
of the market and audience acceptance. The latter cannot be accurately predicted. The success of a program 
is also dependent on the type and extent of promotional and marketing activities, the quality and acceptance 
of other competing programs, general economic conditions and other ephemeral and intangible factors, all of 
which can rapidly change and many of which are beyond Corus’ control.

Production of film and television programs requires a significant amount of capital. Factors such as labour 
disputes, technology changes or other disruptions affecting aspects of production may affect Corus or its 
co-production partners and cause cost overruns, and delay or hamper completion of a production.

36   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisFinancial risks exist in productions relating to tax credits and co-production treaties. The aggregate amount 
of government tax credits a project may receive can constitute a material portion of a production budget and 
typically can be as much as 30% of total budgeted costs. There is no assurance that government tax credits and 
industry funding assistance programs will continue to be available at current levels or that Corus’ production 
projects will continue to qualify for them. As well, a significant number of Corus’ productions are co-productions 
involving international treaties that allow Corus to access foreign financing and reduce production risk as well as 
qualify for Canadian government tax credits. If an existing treaty between Canada and the government of one 
of the current co-production partners were to be abandoned, one or more co-productions currently underway 
may also need to be abandoned. Losing the ability to rely on co-productions would have a significant adverse 
effect on Corus’ production capabilities and production financing.

Results of operations for the production and distribution business for any period are dependent on the number, 
timing and commercial success of television programs and feature films delivered or made available to various 
media, none of which can be predicted with certainty.

Consequently, revenues from production and distribution may fluctuate materially from period to period and 
the results of any one period are not necessarily indicative of results for future periods. Cash flows may also 
fluctuate and are not necessarily closely correlated with revenue recognition.

Revenues from the film library can vary substantially from year to year, both by geographic territory and by year 
of production. The timing of the Company’s ability to sell library product in certain territories will depend on 
the market outlook in the particular territory and the availability of product by territory, which depends on the 
extent and term of any prior sale in that territory.

MERCHANDISING
Success  of  merchandising  brands  depends  on  consumers’  tastes  and  preferences  that  can  change  in 
unpredictable ways. The Company depends on the acceptance by consumers of its merchandising offerings, 
therefore, success depends on the ability to predict and take advantage of consumer tastes in Canada and 
around the world. In addition, the Company derives royalties from the sale of licensed merchandise by third 
parties. Corus is dependent on the success of those third parties. Factors that negatively impact those third 
parties could adversely affect the Company’s operating results.

PEOPLE
Employee Retention, Recruitment and Engagement

Corus’  operations  depend  on  the  expertise,  efforts  and  engagement  of  its  employees.  The  industry  is 
competitive in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. The loss of key employees, through attrition or 
retirement or any deterioration in overall employee morale and engagement resulting from organizational 
changes, unresolved collective agreements or other events could have an adverse impact on Corus’ operations 
and/or financial results. As well, failure to establish an effective succession plan could impair operations until 
qualified replacements are found.

Unionized Labour

As at August 31, 2018, 28% of the Company’s employees were employed under one of six collective agreements 
represented by two unions. Renegotiating collective bargaining agreements could result in higher labour costs, 
project delays and work disruptions. If work disruptions occur, it is possible that large numbers of employees 
may be involved and that the Company’s business may be disrupted, causing negative effect to the Company’s 
operations and/or financial results.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Several areas of our operations further raise environmental considerations such as fuel storage, greenhouse 
gas emissions, disposal of hazardous residual materials, and recovery and recycling of end-of-life electronic 
products. The Company also own or leases a variety of properties, including its transmitter sites. Some or all 
of these sites may contain fuel storage systems for backup power generation. Leaks or spills from any of these 
storage tanks may pose an environmental risk or result in adverse environmental conditions that could result 
in liability for the Company. Failure to recognize and adequately respond to changing governmental and public 
expectations on environmental matters could result in fines, remedial costs, missed opportunities, additional 
regulatory scrutiny or harm Corus’ brand and reputation.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   37

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisC. FINANCIAL RISKS

LEVERAGE RISK
The Company’s stated long-term objectives are a leverage target (net debt to segment profit ratio) below 
3.0 times and to maintain a dividend yield in excess of 2.5%. In the short-term, the Company may permit the 
long-term leverage range to be exceeded (for long-term investment opportunities), but endeavours to return 
the leverage target range as the Company believes that these objectives provide a reasonable framework for 
providing a return to shareholders and is supportive of maintaining the Company’s credit ratings.

The Company’s maintenance of increased levels of debt could adversely affect its financial condition and results 
of operations. In addition, increased debt service payments could adversely impact cash flows from operating 
activities,  thereby  reducing  the  amount  of  cash  flows  available  for  working  capital,  capital  expenditures, 
acquisitions,  future  business  opportunities,  and  other  general  corporate  purposes,  as  well  as  limiting  the 
Company’s ability to pay dividends at current levels. 

DIVIDEND PAYMENTS
Payment of dividends on the Company’s Class A Voting Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares is dependent on 
the cash flow of the Company and subject to change. In fiscal 2018, the Company paid monthly share dividends 
on both its Class A Voting Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares in amounts approved quarterly by the Board 
of Directors. Effective September 1, 2018, the Company’s annual dividend rate was adjusted to $0.24 per Class 
B Non-Voting Share and $0.235 per Class A Voting Share and dividend payments are expected to be quarterly 
commencing in December 2018 for the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Declarations and payments of dividends 
are subject to approval of the Board of Directors. While the Company expects to generate sufficient free cash 
flow in fiscal 2019 to fund the Company’s annual dividend rate for fiscal 2019, actual results may differ from the 
Company’s expectations and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue dividend 
payments at the currently anticipated rate or at all in the future. A reduction or cessation of the payment of 
dividends could materially affect the trading price of the Class B Non-Voting Shares.

MARKET VOLATILITY
The market price for the Class B Non-Voting Shares may be volatile and subject to fluctuations in response to 
numerous factors, may of which may be beyond Corus’ control. Financial markets have experienced significant 
price and volume fluctuations that have been particularly affected by the market prices of equity securities 
of companies and that have often been unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or 
prospects of such companies. The market price for the Company’s Class B Non-Voting Shares may decline in 
the future, even if the Company’s operating results, underlying asset values or prospects have not changed.

CAPITAL MARKETS
The Company may require continuing access to capital markets to sustain its operations. Disruptions in the 
capital markets, including changes in market interest rates or lending practices or the availability of capital, 
could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s ability to raise or refinance debt. There can be no 
assurances that additional financing could be available to the Company when needed or on terms that are 
acceptable. The Company’s inability to raise or refinance capital when required to fund on-going operations or 
capital expenditures could limit growth and may have a material adverse effect on Corus, its operations and/or 
its financial results.

TAXES
Corus’ business is subject to various tax laws, changes to tax laws and the adoption of new tax laws, regulations 
thereunder and interpretations thereof, which may have adverse tax consequences to the Company. While 
Corus believes it has adequately provided for all income and commodity taxes based on information that is 
currently available, the calculation and the applicability of taxes in many cases require significant judgment in 
interpreting tax rules and regulations. In addition, Corus’ tax filings are subject to government audits which 
could result in material changes in the amount of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities and other 
liabilities which may, in certain circumstances, result in the assessment of interest and penalties.

INTEREST RATE RISK
The Company utilizes long-term financing extensively in its capital structure, which includes a banking facility, as 
more fully described in note 14 to the audited consolidated financial statements. Interest rates on the balance 
of the bank loans fluctuate with Canadian bankers’ acceptances and/or LIBOR. As such, Corus is exposed to risk 
on the interest rate of the Company’s debt.

38   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
The Company manages its exposure to floating interest rates through the maintenance of a balance of fixed rate 
and floating rate debt or through the use of interest rate swap contracts to fix the interest rate on its floating 
rate debt. As at August 31, 2018, 80% (2017 – 81%) of the Company’s consolidated long-term debt was fixed 
with respect to interest rates. Increases in interest rates could materially increase the cost of its financing and 
have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial performance.

CREDIT RISK
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to credit risk from its accounts receivable from 
customers. The carrying amounts for accounts receivable are net of applicable allowances for doubtful accounts, 
which are estimated based on past experience, specific risks associated with the customer and other relevant 
information. 

As at August 31, 2018, the Company’s trade receivables and allowance for doubtful accounts balances were 
$367.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK
A portion of the Company’s revenues and expenses are in currencies other than Canadian dollars and, therefore, 
are subject to fluctuations in exchange rates. Approximately 4% of Corus’ total revenues in fiscal 2018 (2017 – 
3%) were in foreign currencies, the majority of which was U.S. dollars. Approximately $162.4 million of Corus’ 
total payables at August 31, 2018 (2017 – $194.1 million) were denominated in foreign currencies and are 
comprised of predominantly U.S. dollars. Accordingly, fluctuations in the Canadian dollar - U.S. dollar exchange 
rate may adversely affect Corus’ financial results.

The Company manages its exposure to foreign exchange risk on U.S. dollar payments through the use of foreign 
exchange forward contracts to fix the exchange rate on a portion of its U.S. denominated payables. As at August 
31, 2018, $88.4 million (2017 – nil) of the Company’s U.S. denominated payables were fixed with respect to 
foreign exchange rates.

The impact of foreign exchange gains and losses are described in note 24 to the audited consolidated financial 
statements.

ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS
The Company may, from time to time, make strategic acquisitions which involve significant risks and uncertainties. 
As such, the Company may experience difficulties in realizing the anticipated benefits, incur unanticipated 
expenses and/or have difficulty incorporating or integrating the acquired business, the occurrence of which 
could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
Substantially  all  of  Corus’  business  activities  are  operated  by  its  subsidiaries.  As  a  holding  company,  the 
Company’s ability to meet its financial obligations is dependent primarily upon the receipt of interest and 
principal payments on intercompany advances, management fees, cash dividends and other payments from its 
subsidiaries together with proceeds raised by the Company through the issuance of equity and the incurrence 
of debt, and from proceeds received on the sale of assets. The payment of dividends and making of loans, 
advances and other payments to the Company by its subsidiaries may be subject to statutory or contractual 
restrictions, are contingent upon the earnings of those subsidiaries and are subject to various business and 
other considerations.

D. OWNERSHIP RISK

CONTROL OF CORUS BY THE SHAW FAMILY
A  majority  of  the  outstanding  Class  A  Voting  Shares  are  held  by  Shaw  Family  Living  Trust  (“SFLT”)  and  its 
subsidiaries. As at August 31, 2018, SFLT and its subsidiaries held 2,885,530 Class A Voting Shares, representing 
approximately 84% of the outstanding Class A Voting Shares, for the benefit of descendants of JR and Carol 
Shaw. JR Shaw controls these shares and controls 4,500 additional Class A Voting Shares. The sole trustee 
of SFLT is a private company owned by JR Shaw and having a board comprised of seven directors, including 
as at August 31, 2018, JR Shaw as Chair, Heather Shaw, Julie Shaw, three other members of JR Shaw’s family 
and one independent director. The Class A participating shares are the only shares entitled to vote in most 
circumstances. Accordingly, SFLT and its subsidiaries are able to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of 
Corus and to control the vote on matters submitted to a vote of Corus’ Class A participating shareholders.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   39

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisGOVERNANCE AND INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT

On January 13, 2016, the Company entered into an acquisition agreement with Shaw Communications Inc. 
(“Shaw”), a related party to Corus subject to common voting control, to acquire 100% of its media subsidiary, 
Shaw Media (the “Shaw Media Acquisition”). The purchase price for the Shaw Media Acquisition was satisfied 
by Corus through a combination of cash consideration and the issuance by the Company to Shaw of 71,364,853 
Class B Non-Voting Shares (“Consideration Shares”). Concurrent with the closing of the Shaw Media Acquisition 
and following the issuance of the Consideration Shares to Shaw, Corus and Shaw entered into the Governance 
and Investor Rights Agreement (“GIRA”), pursuant to which Corus granted certain rights to Shaw, giving it 
influence over the Company including the right to nominate individuals to be elected or appointed to the board 
of directors of the Company and nominees to the executive committee of the Company (subject to certain 
ownership thresholds set out in the GIRA) and registration rights and pre-emptive rights. As a result, Shaw 
may have the ability to influence the conduct of business and affairs of the Company in ways that may not be 
aligned with the interests of other shareholders. For further details on the GIRA, please refer to the 2017 Annual 
Information Form filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

MARKET OVERHANG

Corus’ dual class share structure could result in a lower trading price for, or greater fluctuations in, the trading 
price of the Class B Non-Voting Shares. Sales of a significant number of the Company’s Class B Non-Voting 
Shares could harm the market price of the Class B Non-Voting Shares. As additional shares of Class B Non-Voting 
Shares become available for resale in the public market, the supply of the Class B Non-Voting Shares would 
increase, which could decrease the market price of the Class B Non-Voting Shares. In addition, if the Company’s 
shareholders sell a substantial amount of Class B Non-Voting Shares in the public market, it could create a 
circumstance  commonly  referred  to  as  “overhang”  in  anticipation  of  which  the  market  price  of  the  Class 
B Non-Voting Shares could fall. Under the GIRA, certain restrictions limited Shaw’s ability to sell its Class B 
Non-Voting Shares. However, these restrictions have expired and Shaw may now or in the future seek to sell 
some or all of its Class B Non-Voting Shares. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred 
or are occurring, could also make it more difficult for the Company to raise additional financing through the 
sale of equity or equity related securities in the future at a time or price that the Company deems appropriate.

E. REGULATORY RISKS

IMPACT OF REGULATION
Corus’  Radio  and  Television  business  activities  are  regulated  by  the  Canadian  Radio-television  and 
Telecommunications Commission (“CRTC” or the “Commission”) under the Broadcasting Act. Accordingly, 
Corus’ results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in regulations, policies and decisions by 
the CRTC. These changes may relate to, or may have an impact on, among other matters, licensing, license 
renewal, competition, the television programming services the Company must distribute, infrastructure access 
and the potential for new or increased fees or costs, described below. In addition, costs of providing services 
may be increased from time to time as a result of compliance with industry or legislative initiatives to address 
consumer protection concerns or Internet-related issues as copyright infringement, unsolicited commercial 
e-mail, cybercrime, and lawful access. There can be no assurance that future regulatory requirements will not 
be imposed on Corus. Any changes in the regulatory regime could have a material adverse effect on Corus and 
its reputation, as well as Corus’ results of operations and future prospects.

The CRTC, among other things, issues licences to operate radio and television stations. The Company’s CRTC 
licences must be renewed from time to time and cannot be transferred without regulatory approval. Corus’ radio 
stations must also meet technical operating requirements under the Radiocommunications Act and regulations 
promulgated under the Broadcasting Act.

The CRTC imposes a range of obligations upon licensees, including exhibition (number of hours broadcast) 
requirements for Canadian content, Canadian content expenditure requirements and access obligations (i.e. 
closed captioning or descriptive video). Any failure by the Company to comply with conditions of a licence could 
result in a revocation or forfeiture of the licence or imposition of mandatory orders from the Federal Court that 
could lead to the imposition of fines.

Canadian content programming is also subject to certification by various agencies of the Canadian federal 
government. If programming fails to so qualify, the Company’s television licensees would not be able to use the 
programs to meet its Canadian content programming obligations and Corus’ Nelvana operations might not 
qualify for certain Canadian tax credits and industry incentives.

Corus’ radio, conventional television and specialty television undertakings rely upon blanket licences held by 
rights-holding collectives in order to make use of the music component of the programming and other uses 

40   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and Analysisof works used or distributed by these undertakings. Under these licences, Corus is required to pay a range of 
tariff royalties established by the Copyright Board pursuant to the requirements of the Copyright Act (Canada) 
(“the “Copyright Act”) to collectives (which represent the copyright owners) and individual copyright owners. 
These royalties are paid by these undertakings in the normal course of their business. The levels of the tariff 
royalties payable by Corus are subject to change upon application by the collecting societies and approval by 
the Copyright Board. The Government of Canada may, from time to time, make amendments to the Copyright 
Act to implement Canada’s international treaty obligations and for other purposes. Any such amendments 
could result in Corus’ broadcasting undertakings being required to pay additional royalties for these licences.

Refer also to the Canadian Communications Industry – Regulatory Environment section of the Company’s Annual 
Information Form for further information.

CRTC Policy Review
A series of CRTC policy statements in 2015 and 2016 and substantive decisions under the overall mantle 
known  as  “Let’s  Talk  TV”  have  introduced  several  changes  to  the  regulatory  framework  governing  BDUs 
and  Broadcasting  Undertakings.  Corus  recommends  that  readers  review  the  CRTC  source  documents  at  
www.CRTC.gc.ca for a complete understanding of the proposed changes. Information contained on, or accessible 
through, third party websites is not deemed to form a part of, or be incorporated by reference into, this MD&A.

On May 15, 2017, the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (“CRTC “) issued its 
license  renewal  decisions  for  TV  licenses  held  by  Corus.  All  Corus  English-language  and  French-language 
television services were given new five-year license terms, which began on September 1, 2017 and will end on 
August 31, 2022. The Canadian Programming Expenditure (“CPE”) requirement for Corus’ English-language 
services were set at 30% and expenditures towards programs of national interest (“PNI”) were set at 5%, while 
the CPE for Corus’ French-language group of services were set at 26% and the PNI requirement was set at 15%. 
The CRTC also removed the vestiges of legacy conditions of license in accordance with the Commission’s Let’s 
Talk TV policy.

Following the Group Based License (”GBL”) renewal decisions in May 2017, a number of parties in the creative 
community appealed the decisions to the Cabinet of the Canadian federal government. In particular, these 
parties focused on the level of expenditure obligations toward programming of public national interest and 
contributions to original French-language programming. 

On August 30, 2017, the CRTC requested that the large media groups file information and/or amend their 
original applications. The Commission decided to forego an oral hearing and make a decision based on the 
written record. The CRTC clarified that for the 2017-2018 broadcast year, the May 2017 GBL decisions would 
apply without modification.

On August 30, 2018, the CRTC published its reassessed baseline spending requirements for PNI expenditures 
for English-language services. The CRTC increased the PNI expenditure requirements for the Company to 
8.5% which will apply September 1, 2018 through the rest of the five year term to August 31, 2022. The CRTC 
also increased the minimum threshold for French-language services on CPE to 50% for the period September 
1, 2018 through August 31, 2019 and to 75% for the remaining years of the license term (September 1, 2019 
- August 31, 2022).

The Company is still assessing the potential impact of these recent amendments to its television broadcast 
licenses and no assurance can be made that compliance will not materially adversely impact Corus’ business, 
results of operations, prospects and financial condition.

More information can be found at www.crtc.gc.ca. Information contained on, or accessible through, third party 
websites is not deemed to form a part of, or be incorporated by reference into, this MD&A.

Telecommunications Act, Radiocommunications Act, and Broadcasting Act Review
In September 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage directed the CRTC to prepare a report on the future 
of programming and distribution models. The CRTC launched a two-phase consultation process to gather 
input from the public. Phase I was completed in December 2017 and Phase II in February 2018. Following this 
consultation, the CRTC released its report titled, “Harnessing Change” on May 31, 2018. On June 5, 2018, 
the Government of Canada launched a review of the Broadcasting Act, the Telecommunications Act and the 
Radiocommunications Act. The review will be conducted by a panel of seven independent experts. 

On September 25, 2018, the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel launched its 
consultation process with the release of “Responding to the New Environment: A Call for Comments”. The deadline 
for written submissions from stakeholders and other interested parties is November 30, 2018. The Panel has 
identified four broad themes for its consultation process which are:

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   41

Management’s Discussion and Analysis• Reducing barriers to access by all Canadians to advanced telecommunications networks;
• Supporting creation, production and discoverability of Canadian content;
• Improving the rights of the digital consumer; and
• Renewing the institutional framework for the communications sector.

The potential outcome of this process is difficult to predict and as such, the impact is not determinable at this 
time but could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial performance.

More information can be found at www.canada.ca. 

PROPOSED PROHIBITIONS ON FOOD ADVERTISING TO CHILDREN
On October 6, 2017, Bill S-228 (the “Bill”), an Act to Amend the Food and Drugs Act (proposed federal legislation 
that  limits  unhealthy  food  and  beverage  advertising  directed  at  children),  was  tabled  for  First  Reading  in 
Parliament and has since moved forward. On September 19, 2018, the Bill passed Third Reading in the House 
of Commons, and now awaits Royal Assent. Upon receipt of Royal Assent, the Bill will become law, but will not 
come into force until two years after the date of Royal Assent, which means that new restrictions will not come 
into force until October 2020, at the earliest. As Parliament has been considering the Bill, Health Canada has 
been conducting the process of drafting the regulations that will accompany the law. During the summer of 
2018, Health Canada conducted a public consultation on its proposed regulatory approach. Corus participated 
in  providing  an  industry  response  from  the  Canadian  Association  of  Broadcasters  on  July  18,  2018.  Draft 
regulations are expected to be proposed later this year and Health Canada will be holding an information session 
on November 5, 2018 in which further detail will be provided. Absent further detail regarding the regulations, 
the impact is not determinable at this time. 

DIGITAL TRANSITION AND REPURPOSING OF SPECTRUM
In July 2009, the CRTC identified the major markets where it expected conventional television broadcasters 
to convert their full-power over-the-air (“OTA”) analog transmitters to digital transmitters by August 31, 2011. 
The conversion from analog to digital liberated spectrum for government auction to mobile providers. Shaw 
Media completed the digital transition in all mandatory markets with a view to completion in 2016, which was 
a condition of the CRTC’s approval of Shaw’s acquisition of Canwest Global. On December 18, 2014, Industry 
Canada (now known as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (“ISED”)) launched a consultation 
to consider repurposing some of the 600 MHz spectrum band currently used by the Company’s conventional 
television stations and other broadcasters for OTA transmission. At the same time, Industry Canada introduced 
a moratorium on applications to modify existing television broadcasting certificates and on any new licensing 
in the spectrum band pending the consultations and related processes. In March 2016, the CRTC approved the 
request from the Company to extend the timeline to complete the full slate of analog to digital conversions to 
August 31, 2019.

On August 14, 2015, the Government of Canada confirmed its intent to proceed with repurposing some of the 
600 MHz spectrum band and to jointly establish a new allotment plan in collaboration with the United States. 
ISED has aligned with the US Federal Communications Commission to participate in a spectrum redistribution 
plan that will require broadcasters to vacate spectrum in TV channels 37-51 (608-692 MHz), as that will be 
consumed by mobile use. Accommodating this change will require Corus to install new equipment or reconfigure 
existing equipment at affected sites and may have an impact on signal quality and coverage. ISED has not yet 
committed to reimbursing broadcasters for the costs of facilitating this transition. Corus is working with the 
Canadian Association of Broadcasters on getting funding from the proceeds of the spectrum auction to pay 
for costs related to repurposing the 600MHz spectrum. Corus’ first round of impacted transmitters, located in 
Ontario, is expected to transition out of the 600MHz frequency by June 2019. 

The potential outcome of this process is difficult to predict and as such, Corus is unable to quantify the potential 
impacts at the present time. These could be materially adverse to the Company’s financial results.

ANTI-SPAM / PRIVACY PROTECTION LEGISLATION
Canada’s  anti-spam  legislation  (together  with  the  related  regulations,  “CASL”)  sets  out  a  comprehensive 
regulatory  regime  regarding  online  commerce,  including  requirements  to  obtain  consent  prior  to  sending 
commercial electronic messages and installing computer programs. CASL is administered primarily by the 
CRTC, and non-compliance may result in fines of up to $10 million. Corus has in place a compliance program 
with respect to CASL including electronic communications guidelines to minimize risk of non-compliance.

42   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”) sets out the standard for obtaining 
consent for the collection, use and retention of personal information. Privacy protection of personal information 
is an area of law that is fast evolving in order to keep pace with technological and business model changes. Corus 
believes it takes reasonable and prudent steps to comply with PIPEDA and other privacy legislation, including 
having appointed a Privacy Officer to manage all privacy issues relating to Corus’ business activities. 

There can be no assurance that the Company’s compliance procedures will prevent a non-compliance event, 
which could materially adversely impact Corus’ results of operations. 

RESTRICTIONS ON NON-CANADIAN OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL
The Company is subject to Canadian ownership and control restrictions, including restrictions on the ownership 
of the Class A Voting Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares under the Broadcasting Act. Although the Company 
believes it to be in compliance with the relevant legislation, there can be no assurance that a future CRTC 
determination, or events beyond the Company’s control, will not result in Corus ceasing to be in compliance 
with the relevant legislation. If such a development were to occur, the ability of Corus’ subsidiaries to operate 
as Canadian carriers under the Broadcasting Act could be jeopardized and the Company’s business could be 
materially adversely affected.

D. CONTINGENCIES 
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course and conduct of its 
business from time to time. The Company recognizes liabilities for contingencies when a loss is probable and 
capable of being estimated. As at August 31, 2018, there were no actions, suits or proceedings pending or 
against the Company or its subsidiaries which would, in management’s estimation, likely be determined in such 
a manner as to have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company. Should any litigation in which 
the Company becomes involved be determined against the Company, such a decision could adversely affect the 
Company’s ability to continue operating as well as the trading price of the Class B Non-Voting Shares.

TRANSACTION WITH RELATED PARTIES 
Related party transactions are reviewed by Corus’ Corporate Governance Committee, the majority of whom 
are independent directors. The following sets forth the certain transactions in which the Company is involved.

CONTROL OF THE COMPANY BY THE SHAW FAMILY

As at September 30, 2018, Shaw Family Living Trust (“SFLT”) and its subsidiaries hold approximately 84% of the 
outstanding Class A Voting Shares of the Company, for the benefit of descendants of JR and Carol Shaw. The 
sole trustee of SFLT is a private company owned by JR Shaw and having a board comprised of seven directors, 
including, as at September 30, 2018, JR Shaw as Chair, Heather Shaw, Julie Shaw, three other members of JR 
Shaw’s family and one independent director. JR Shaw controls the Class A Voting shares held by SFLT and its 
subsidiaries. The Class A Voting Shares are the only shares entitled to vote in all shareholder matters except 
in limited circumstances as described in the Company’s Annual Information Form. Accordingly, SFLT is, and 
as long as it holds a majority of the Class A Voting Shares will continue to be, able to elect a majority of the 
Board of Directors of the Company and to control the vote on matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s 
Class A shareholders.

SFLT is also the controlling shareholder of Shaw, and as a result, both Shaw and Corus are subject to common 
voting control. 

SHAW

The Company and Shaw are subject to common voting control. During fiscal 2016, the Company entered into 
the following transactions with Shaw:

ACQUISITION OF SHAW MEDIA 
On April 1, 2016, the Company acquired the shares of Shaw Media from Shaw for approximately $2.65 billion, 
subject to certain post-closing adjustments, satisfied by the Company through a combination of: a) $1.85 billion 
of cash consideration; and b) the issuance by the Company to Shaw of 71,364,853 Class B Non-Voting Shares 
(the “Consideration Shares”) at a value per share of $11.21 per share for an aggregate value of $800.0 million. 
These shares, were valued for accounting purposes at $833.5 million, which reflects the opening price of the 
Company’s stock on April 1, 2016 of $11.68 per share. 

The Acquisition was a business combination between entities under common control and was accounted for by 
the Company using the acquisition method. The purchase price allocation was finalized as at February 28, 2017. 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   43

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisGOVERNANCE AND INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT
Concurrent with the closing of the Acquisition and following the issuance of the Consideration Shares to Shaw, 
Corus and Shaw entered into the Governance and Investor Rights Agreement (“GIRA”), pursuant to which Corus 
granted certain rights to Shaw. For further details on the GIRA, please refer to the 2017 Annual Information Form 
filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

NORMAL COURSE TRANSACTIONS
The Company has transacted business in the normal course with Shaw These transactions are measured at the 
exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties, and 
have normal trade terms. 

During the year, the Company received cable subscriber, programming and advertising fees of $144.0 million 
(2017 – $131.4 million), and production and distribution revenues of $2.0 million (2017 – $1.1 million) from 
Shaw. In addition, the Company paid cable and satellite system distribution access fees of $12.3 million 
(2017 – $13.1 million) and administrative and other fees of $2.0 million (2017 – $2.3 million) to Shaw. As at 
August 31, 2018, the Company had $24.8 million (2017 – $34.6 million) receivable and $0.1 million (2017 – $0.4 
million) payable to Shaw.

Shaw holds a 38% interest in the Company. As a result, dividends of $91.9 million (2017 – $88.0 million) were 
paid to Shaw for the year ended August 31, 2018. 

The Company provided Shaw with interactive impressions, radio and television spots in return for television 
advertising. No monetary consideration was exchanged for these transactions and no amounts were recorded 
in the accounts.

OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at October 18, 2018, 3,419,192 Class A Voting Shares and 208,577,866 Class B Non-Voting Shares were 
issued and outstanding. Class A Voting Shares are convertible at any time into an equivalent number of Class B 
Non-Voting Shares. The Class B Non-Voting Shares are convertible into an equivalent number of Class A Voting 
Shares in limited circumstances as described in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form.

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
There have been no standards issued by the IASB that took effect in the current year. 

PENDING ACCOUNTING CHANGES

IFRS 9 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: CLASSIFICATION AND MEASUREMENT
In July 2014, the IASB issued the final version of IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments, which reflects all phases of the 
financial instrument project and replaces IAS 39 – Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and all 
previous versions of IFRS 9. IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured 
at amortized cost or fair value, replacing the multiple rules in IAS 39. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how 
an  entity  manages  its  financial  instruments  in  the  context  of  its  business  model  and  the  contractual  cash 
flow characteristics of the financial assets. Two measurement categories continue to exist to account for 
financial liabilities in IFRS 9, fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) and amortized cost. Financial liabilities 
held-for-trading are measured at FVTPL, and all other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost unless 
the fair value option is applied. The treatment of embedded derivatives under the new standard is consistent 
with IAS 39 and only applied to financial liabilities. IFRS 9 uses a new expected loss impairment model and also 
uses a new model for hedge accounting aligning the accounting treatment with risk management activities. 
The measurement of impairment of financial assets is based on an expected credit loss model. It is no longer 
necessary for a triggering event to have occured before credit losses are recognized. IFRS 9 is effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The new classification and measurement requirements will be 
applied by adjusting the Company’s consolidated financial statements on September 1, 2018, the date of initial 
application, with no restatement of comparative period financial information. The Company has assessed the 
impact of IFRS 9 on the consolidated financial statements and has determined that the adoption of IFRS 9 will 
enhance disclosure requirements, but will not have a material impact on the expected lifetime credit losses for 
the Company’s trade and other receivables. The classification investments in venture funds is still under review. 
These investments must be classified as FVTPL or fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) 
with no recycling of gains and losses upon derecognition. The Company will continue to revise, refine and validate 
the impact of this standard leading up to first quarter reporting date of November 30, 2018. 

44   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisIFRS 15 – REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

In  May  2014,  the  IASB  issued  IFRS  15  –  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers,  which  outlined  a  single 
comprehensive model to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will replace the majority 
of existing IFRS requirements on revenue recognition including IAS 18 – Revenue. The core principles of IFRS 15 
is to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the 
consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The standard 
provides a single, principles-based five-step model that will apply to revenue earned from a contract with a 
customer, regardless of the type of revenue transaction or industry. The standard will also provide guidance on 
the recognition and measurement of gains and losses on the sale of some non-financial assets that are not an 
output of the entity’s ordinary activities. The standard also specifies that direct incremental costs of obtaining 
and fulfilling a contract that are expected to be recovered should be capitalized and amortized over the expected 
obligations, changes in contract asset and liability account balances between periods and key judgments and 
estimates made. The Company will be implementing IFRS 15, using the modified retrospective approach where 
IFRS 15 will be applied to 2019 results, beginning September 1, 2018 without restating comparative periods. 

The standard specifies that an entity recognizes revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to 
customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those 
goods or services. Depending on whether certain criteria are met, revenue is recognized either over time, in a 
manner that depicts the entity’s performance, or at a point in time, when control is transferred to the customer. 
The company has assessed its revenue streams and underlying contracts with customers. The majority of 
revenues within the scope of IFRS 15 are earned through the sale of advertising time and from subscriber fees. 
The Company has not identified any significant differences in the timing or amount of recognition of revenue as 
a result of IFRS 15, and therefore the changes to revenue earned on customer contracts is not expected to be 
significant. The Company continues to assess the impact of required disclosures around revenue recognition in 
the notes to the consolidated financial statements and any necessary policy and process changes, in preparation 
for adoption. Transition adjustments, if any, will be disclosed in the Q1 2019 interim condensed consolidated 
financial statements. 

AMENDMENTS TO IFRS 2 – SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 
IFRS 2 – Share-based Payments stipulates new conditions on the accounting for three main areas: the effects of 
vesting conditions on the measurement of a cash-settled share-based payment transaction; the classification 
of a share-based payment transaction with net settlement feature for withholding tax obligations; and the 
accounting of a modification to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment that changes the transaction 
from cash-settled to equity-settled. IFRS 2 is applied prospectively; retroactive application is only permitted if 
the application can be performed without using hindsight. Requirements to apply IFRS 2 are effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Company has determined there is no impact to adoption of 
the standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

IFRS 16 – LEASES
On January 13, 2016, the IASB published a new standard, IFRS 16 – Leases. The new standard will eliminate the 
distinction between operating and finance leases and will bring most leases onto the balance sheet for lessees. 
Lessees must recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The right-of-use asset is treated similarly to 
other non-financial assets and depreciated accordingly, and the liability accrues interest. The lease liability is 
initially measured at the present value of the lease payments payable over the lease term, discounted at the rate 
implicit in the lease. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election, by class of underlying asset, 
to apply a method like IAS 17’s operating lease accounting and not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for 
leases with a lease term of 12 months or less, and on a lease-by-lease basis, to apply a method similar to current 
operating lease accounting to leases for which the underlying asset is of low value. IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17 
– Leases and its related Interpretations, and is effective for period beginning on or after January 1, 2019, which 
will be September 1, 2019 for Corus and is to be applied retrospectively. The Company has not yet determined 
the impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

IFRIC 23 – UNCERTAINTY OVER INCOME TAX TREATMENTS
IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments, provides guidance when there is uncertainty over income 
tax treatments including (but not limited to) whether uncertain tax treatments should be considered separately; 
assumptions made about the examination of tax treatments by tax authorities; the determination of taxable 
profit, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits, and tax rates; and, the impact of changes in facts and 
circumstances.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   45

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
The new interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and will be adopted 
by the Company effective September 1, 2019. The company is currently assessing the impact of the new 
interpretation on its consolidated financial statements. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in note 3 to the fiscal 2018 audited consolidated 
financial statements and notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The preparation of 
these fiscal 2018 consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, assumptions and 
judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and related disclosure of contingent assets 
and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
expenses during the reporting periods. 

Management  uses  estimates  when  accounting  for  certain  items  such  as  revenues,  allowance  for  doubtful 
accounts,  amortization  of  film  investments,  useful  lives  of  capital  assets,  asset  impairments,  provisions, 
share-based compensation plans, employee benefit plans, deferred income taxes and impairment of goodwill 
and intangible assets. Estimates are also made by management when recording the fair value of assets acquired 
and liabilities assumed in a business combination.

Estimates are based on a number of factors, including historical experience, current events and other assumptions 
that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. By their nature, these estimates are subject 
to measurement uncertainty and actual results could differ. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed 
on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are 
revised and in any future periods affected. 

Actual results could differ from those estimates. Critical accounting estimates and significant judgments are 
generally discussed with the Audit Committee each quarter. 

The most significant estimates and judgments made by management are described below.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

At each reporting date, the Company assesses its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, 
program rights, film investments, goodwill and intangible assets, for potential indicators of impairment, such as 
an adverse change in business climate that may indicate that these assets may be impaired. If any impairment 
indicator exists, the Company estimates the asset’s recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is determined 
for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those 
from other assets, in which case the asset is assessed as part of the cash generating unit (“CGU”) to which it 
belongs. An asset’s or CGU’s recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in 
use. The determination of the recoverable amount in the impairment assessment requires estimates based 
on quoted market prices, prices of comparable businesses, present value or other valuation techniques, or a 
combination thereof, necessitating management to make subjective judgments and assumptions.

Goodwill is allocated to a CGU or group of CGUs for the purposes of impairment testing based on the level 
at which management monitors it, which is not larger than an operating segment. The Company records an 
impairment loss if the recoverable amount of the CGU or the group of CGUs is less than the carrying amount. 
Goodwill and indefinite-life assets, such as broadcast licenses, are not amortized but are tested for impairment 
at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have 
occurred. 

The Company completes its annual impairment testing process for broadcast licenses and goodwill during the 
fourth quarter each year.

The test for impairment of either an intangible asset or goodwill is to compare the recoverable amount of the 
asset or CGU (or group of CGUs in the case of goodwill) to the carrying value. The recoverable amount is the 
higher of an asset’s or CGU’s (or group of CGUs in the case of goodwill) fair value less costs to sell and its value 
in use. The recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset unless the asset does not generate cash 
inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets (such as broadcast licenses 
and goodwill) and the asset’s value in use cannot be determined to equal its fair value less costs to sell. If this is 
the case, the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU to which the asset belongs.

In calculating the recoverable amount, management is required to make several assumptions including, but not 
limited to, segment profit growth rates, future levels of capital expenditures, expected future cash flows and 
discount rates. The Company’s assumptions are influenced by current market conditions and general outlook 
for the industry, both of which may affect expected segment profit growth rates and expected cash flows. The 

46   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisCompany has made certain assumptions for the discount and terminal growth rates to reflect possible variations 
in the cash flows; however, the risk premiums expected by market participants related to uncertainties about the 
industry, specific CGU or groups of CGUs may differ or change quickly depending on economic conditions and 
other events. Changes in any of these assumptions could have a significant impact on the recoverable amount 
of the CGU or groups of CGUs and the results of the related impairment testing.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $13.7 million related 
to broadcast license impairment charges related to certain CGUs in the Radio segment and $1,000.0 million 
related to goodwill impairment in the Television segment. An increase of 50 basis points in the pre-tax discount 
rate, a decrease of 50 basis points in the earnings growth rate each year, or a decrease of 50 basis points in the 
terminal growth rate, each used in isolation to perform the Radio broadcast license and Television goodwill 
impairment tests, would not have resulted in a material change in the broadcast license impairment in the Radio 
segment, however would have resulted in an additional incremental goodwill impairment charge in the Television 
operating segment of between $10.0 million and $190.0 million. 

A  significant  portion  of  the  Company’s  total  assets  are  long-lived  intangible  assets  and  goodwill.  As  at 
August 31, 2018, 70% of the Company’s total assets were long-lived intangible assets. The Company records 
impairment losses on its long-lived assets when it believes that their carrying value may not be recoverable. 
Recoverability  is  highly  dependent  on  the  projected  operating  results  of  the  Company.  There  can  be  no 
assurance that the Company will not record impairment charges in the future that could materially adversely 
impact Corus’ financial results. 

The Company has completed its annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets in 
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 and concluded that there were no additional impairment charges required. The 
Company also assessed for indicators that previous impairment losses had decreased. There were no previously 
recorded impairment charges reversed.

INCOME TAXES

The Company is subject to income taxes in Canada and foreign jurisdictions. The calculation of income taxes 
in many cases, however, requires significant judgment in interpreting tax rules and regulations. The Company’s 
tax filings are subject to audits which could materially change the amount of current and deferred income tax 
assets and liabilities and could, in certain circumstances, result in the assessment of interest and penalties.

Additionally, estimation of the income tax provision includes evaluating the recoverability of deferred tax assets 
based on the assessment of the Company’s ability to use the underlying future tax deductions before they 
expire against future taxable income. The assessment is based upon existing tax laws, estimates of future 
profitability and tax planning strategies. If the future taxable results of the Company differ significantly from 
those expected, the Company would be required to increase or decrease the carrying value of the deferred tax 
assets with a potentially material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position and 
consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reassessed 
at each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits 
will be available to utilize all or part of the deferred tax assets. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are recognized 
to the extent that it is more likely than not that taxable profit will be available against which deferred tax assets 
can be utilized.

POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has various registered defined benefit plans for certain unionized and non-unionized employees 
and two supplementary executive non-registered retirement plans which provide pension benefits to certain 
of its key senior executives. The amounts reported in the financial statements relating to the defined benefit 
plans are determined using actuarial valuations that are based on several assumptions including the discount 
rate, rate of compensation increase, trend in healthcare costs, and expected average remaining years of service 
of employees. While the Company believes these assumptions are reasonable, differences in actual results or 
changes in assumptions could affect employee benefit obligations and the related income and comprehensive 
income statement impact. The differences between actual and assumed results are immediately recognized 
in other comprehensive income (loss). The most significant assumption used to determine the present value 
of the future cash flows that is expected will be needed to settle employee benefit obligations and is also used 
to calculated the interest income on plan assets. It is based on the yield of long-term, high-quality corporate 
fixed income investments closely matching the term of the estimated future cash flows and is reviewed and 
adjusted as changes are required. The following table illustrates the incremental increase on the accrued benefit 
obligation and pension expense of a 1% decrease in the discount rate:

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   47

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(thousands of Canadian dollars)

Weighted average discount rate – registered plans

Weighted average discount rate – non-registered plans

Impact of: 1% decrease – registered plans

Impact of: 1% decrease – non-registered plans

  Accrued benefit obligation 
at August 31, 2018

 Pension expense for the year 
ended August 31, 2018

3.70% 

3.70% 

$36,388  

$4,808  

3.60%

3.57%

$2,902

($46)

The significant assumptions used on the benefit obligation are disclosed in note 29 of the audited consolidated 
financial statements.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

In the evaluation of the fair value of stock options, Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”), Performance Share Units 
(“PSUs”), and Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) granted to eligible officers, directors and employees, the Company 
makes estimates and assumptions. Critical estimates and assumptions related to stock options include their 
expected life, the risk-free interest rate and the expected volatility of the market price of the shares. Critical 
estimates and assumptions related to DSUs, PSUs and RSUs include number of units expected to vest, the 
estimated dividend equivalents, and the achievement of specific vesting conditions. The Company believes 
that the assumptions used are reasonable based on information currently available, but changes to these 
assumptions could impact the fair value of stock options, DSUs, PSUs and RSUs and therefore, the share-based 
compensation costs recorded in direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Management, under the supervision of the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Vice 
President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls 
and procedures, as defined in National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and 
Interim Filings, and have designed such disclosure controls and procedures (or have caused it to be designed 
under their supervision) to provide reasonable assurance that material information with respect to Corus, 
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to them. Disclosure controls and procedures ensure 
that information required to be disclosed by Corus in the reports that it files or submits under the provincial 
securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required. Corus 
has adopted or formalized such disclosure controls and procedures as it believes are necessary and consistent 
with its business and internal management and supervisory practices.

Management  evaluated,  under  the  supervision  of  and  with  the  participation  of  the  CEO  and  CFO,  the 
effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by 
these annual filings, and have concluded that, as of August 31, 2018, the Company’s disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective.

MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

Management,  under  the  supervision  of  the  CEO  and  CFO,  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining 
adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined by National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of 
Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, and have designed such internal control over financial reporting (or 
have caused it to be designed under their supervision) to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS.

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements 
on a timely basis. Also, projections of any of the effectiveness of internal control are subject to the risk that the 
controls or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate. Therefore, even 
those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the financial 
statement preparation and presentation.

Management evaluated, under the supervision of and with the participation of the CEO and CFO, the effectiveness 
of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of August 31, 2018, based on the criteria established 
in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on its evaluation under this framework, management concluded that 
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as at August 31, 2018 

48   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during fiscal 
2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control 
over financial reporting.

The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the 
likelihood of certain events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals 
under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Company, including the Annual Information Form, can be found on SEDAR 
at www.sedar.com.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   49

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisMANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Corus Entertainment Inc. (“Corus” or the “Company”) 
and all of the information in this Annual Report are the responsibility of management and have been approved 
by the Board of Directors (the “Board”).

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). When alternative accounting methods exist, management has chosen 
those  it  deems  most  appropriate  in  the  circumstances.  Financial  statements  are  not  precise  since  they 
include certain amounts based on estimates and judgments. Management has determined such amounts on a 
reasonable basis in order to ensure that the consolidated financial statements are presented fairly in all material 
respects. Management has prepared the financial information presented elsewhere in this Annual Report and 
has ensured that it is consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

Corus maintains systems of internal accounting and administrative controls of high quality, consistent with 
reasonable cost. Such systems are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial information is 
relevant, reliable and accurate, and that the Company’s assets are appropriately accounted for and adequately 
safeguarded.  During  the  past  year,  management  has  maintained  the  operating  effectiveness  of  internal 
control over external financial reporting. As at August 31, 2018, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and 
Chief Financial Officer evaluated, or caused an evaluation of, under their direct supervision, the design and 
operation of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in National Instrument 52-109 
- Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings) and, based on that assessment, determined that 
the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were appropriately designed and operating effectively.

The Board is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and is 
ultimately responsible for reviewing and approving the consolidated financial statements. The Board carries out 
this responsibility through its Audit Committee (the “Committee”).

The Committee is appointed by the Board, and all of its members are independent unrelated directors. The 
Committee meets periodically with management, as well as with the internal and external auditors, to discuss 
internal  controls  over  the  financial  reporting  process,  auditing  matters  and  financial  reporting  items,  to 
satisfy itself that each party is properly discharging its responsibilities, and to review the Annual Report, the 
consolidated financial statements and the external auditors’ report. The Committee reports its findings to the 
Board for consideration when approving the consolidated financial statements for issuance to the shareholders. 
The Committee also considers, for review by the Board and approval by the shareholders, the engagement or 
re-appointment of the external auditors.

The consolidated financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the external auditors on behalf 
of the shareholders. Ernst & Young LLP has full and free access to the Committee.

Douglas D. Murphy
President and
Chief Executive Officer

John R. Gossling, FCPA, FCA
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

50   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

To the Shareholders of Corus Entertainment Inc.

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Corus  Entertainment  Inc., 
which  comprise  the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  as  at  August  31,  2018  and  2017,  and  the 
consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows 
for the years then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management 
determines  is  necessary  to  enable  the  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  that  are  free  from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

AUDITORS’ RESPONSIBILITY
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We 
conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards 
require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the 
consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgment, including the 
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to 
fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditors consider internal control relevant to the entity’s 
preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures 
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness 
of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies 
used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a 
basis for our audit opinion. 

OPINION
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position 
of Corus Entertainment Inc. as at August 31, 2018 and 2017, and its financial performance and its cash flows 
for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Toronto, Canada 
October 18, 2018

Chartered Professional Accountants 
Licensed Public Accountants

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   51

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

ASSETS

Current

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable (note 4)

Income taxes recoverable

Prepaid expenses and other

Total current assets

Tax credits receivable

Investments and other assets (note 5)

Property, plant and equipment (note 6)

Program rights (note 7)

Film investments (note 8)

Intangibles (notes 9 and 11)

Goodwill (notes 10 and 11)

Deferred income tax assets (note 21)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 12)

Provisions (note 13)

Current portion of long-term debt (note 14)

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt (note 14)

Other long-term liabilities (note 15)

Provisions (note 13)

Deferred income tax liabilities (note 21)

Total liabilities

Share capital (note 16)

Contributed surplus

Retained earnings (deficit)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (note 17)

Total equity attributable to shareholders

Equity attributable to non-controlling interest

Total shareholders’ equity

Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (notes 14 and 28)

See accompanying notes

As at August 31, 

As at August 31,

2018  

2017

94,801  

388,751  

3,305  

20,723  

507,580  

18,047  

82,213  

231,192  

538,357  

43,424  

2,012,086  

1,387,652  

62,403  

4,882,954  

405,762  

11,175  

106,375  

523,312  

93,701

408,443

1,388

21,870

525,402

18,172

64,559

260,068

648,346

40,728

2,045,813

2,387,652

77,104

6,067,844

415,661

15,791

172,500

603,952

1,877,558  

1,919,080

295,206  

7,801  

502,274  

3,206,151  

2,330,477  

12,119  

(856,668) 

36,460  

1,522,388  

154,415  

1,676,803  

4,882,954  

442,349

11,707

491,235

3,468,323

2,291,814

11,449

114,492

22,938

2,440,693

158,828

2,599,521

6,067,844

52   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the years ended August 31,

(in thousands of Canadian dollars except per share amounts)

Revenues

Direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses (note 18)

Depreciation and amortization (notes 6 and 9)

Interest expense (note 19)

Broadcast license and goodwill impairment (notes 9 and 10)

Business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs (note 13)

Other expense (income), net (note 20)

Income (loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense (note 21)

Net income (loss) for the year

Net income (loss) attributable to:

Shareholders

  Non-controlling interest

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to shareholders:

Basic

  Diluted

2018  

1,647,347  

1,071,719  

81,861  

127,346  

1,013,692

17,071  

5,692  

(670,034) 

88,129  

(758,163) 

2017

1,679,008

1,100,925

91,750

156,716

—

31,983

(8,953)

306,587

82,498

224,089

(784,509) 

26,346  

(758,163) 

191,665

32,424

224,089

($3.77) 

($3.77) 

$0.95

$0.95

Net income (loss) for the year

(758,163) 

224,089

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes (note 17):

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to income:

  Unrealized change in fair value of cash flow hedges

  Unrealized change in fair value of available-for-sale investments

  Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment

Items that will not be reclassified to income:

  Actuarial gain on post-employment benefit plans

Comprehensive income (loss) for the year

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:

Shareholders

  Non-controlling interest

See accompanying notes

12,916  

27,448

(118) 

724  

13,522  

11,550  

25,072  

(733,091) 

(759,437) 

26,346  

(733,091) 

(298)

(643)

26,507

6,874

33,381

257,470

225,046

32,424

257,470

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   53

 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Share 
capital 
(note 16)

Contributed 
surplus

Retained 
earnings 
(deficit)

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income (loss) 
(note 17)

Total equity 
attributable 
to 
shareholders

Non-
controlling 

interest Total equity

As at August 31, 2018

2,330,477

12,119 (856,668)

36,460

1,522,388

154,415

1,676,803

As at August 31, 2017

2,291,814

11,449

114,492

Comprehensive income (loss)

Dividends declared

—

—

— (784,509)

— (198,201)

Issuance of shares under dividend 

reinvestment plan

38,578

Issuance of shares under stock 

option plan

Actuarial gain on post-retirement 

benefit plans

Share-based compensation 

expense

Funding of equity interest

85

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

— 11,550

(11,550)

670

—

—

—

—

—

As at August 31, 2016

2,168,543

10,444

142,499

Comprehensive income (loss)

Dividends declared

—

—

— 191,665

— (231,046)

Issuance of shares under dividend 

reinvestment plan

123,117

Issuance of shares under stock 

option plan

Actuarial gain on post-retirement 

benefit plans

Share-based compensation 

expense

Reallocation of equity interest 

(note 27)

154

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

6,874

(6,874)

1,005

—

—

4,500

—

—

22,938

25,072

—

—

—

(3,569)

33,381

—

—

—

2,440,693

158,828

2,599,521

(759,437)

(198,201)

26,346

(733,091)

(30,809)

(229,010)

38,578

85

—

670

—

—

—

—

—

50

38,578

85

—

670

50

2,317,917

158,430

2,476,347

225,046

32,424

257,470

(231,046)

(35,026)

(266,072)

123,117

154

—

1,005

—

—

—

—

123,117

154

—

1,005

4,500

3,000

7,500

As at August 31, 2017

2,291,814

11,449

114,492

22,938

2,440,693

158,828

2,599,521

See accompanying notes

54   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended August 31,

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income (loss) for the year

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:

Amortization of program rights (notes 7 and 18)

Amortization of film investments (notes 8 and 18)

Depreciation and amortization (notes 6 and 9)

Broadcast license and goodwill impairment (note 11)

Deferred income taxes (note 21)

Intangible and other assets impairment (note 5)

Share-based compensation expense (note 16)

Imputed interest (note 19)

Proceeds from termination of interest rate swap (note 14)

Payment of program rights

Net spend on film investments

CRTC benefit payments

Other

Cash flow from operations

Net change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations (note 25)

Cash provided by operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Additions to property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property

Business combinations, net of acquired cash

Proceeds from disposition of non-controlling interest

Proceeds from disposition of investment

Net cash flows for intangibles, investments and other assets

Cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Decrease in bank loans

Deferred financing costs

Issuance of shares under stock option plan

Dividends paid

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

Other

Cash used in financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents during the year

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year

Supplemental cash flow disclosures (note 25)

See accompanying notes

2018  

2017

(758,163) 

224,089

516,300  

510,716

16,197  

81,861  

1,013,692

16,869  

—  

670  

43,240  

24,644

(513,186) 

(33,722) 

(2,332) 

(6,665) 

399,405  

(28,498) 

370,907  

23,958

91,750

—

17,109

5,250

1,005

51,519

—

(509,979)

(24,579)

(29,740)

2,969

364,067

(65,934)

298,133

(16,117) 

(26,989)

845

—  

—  

—  

(10,308) 

(25,580) 

—

3,000

5,250

4,122

(6,291)

(20,908)

(108,639) 

(110,706)

(4,088)

85  

—

154

(198,808) 

(106,062)

(28,809) 

(3,968) 

(35,026)

(3,247)

(344,227) 

(254,887)

1,100  

93,701  

94,801  

22,338

71,363

93,701

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   55

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. CORPORATE INFORMATION
Corus Entertainment Inc. (the “Company” or “Corus”) is a diversified Canadian-based integrated media and 
content company. The Company is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and its Class B 
Non-Voting Shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) under the symbol CJR.B.

The Company’s registered office is at 1500, 850 – 2nd Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0R8. The Company’s 
executive office is at Corus Quay, 25 Dockside Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 0B5.

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all its subsidiaries and 
joint ventures. The Company’s principal business activities are: the operation of specialty television networks, 
conventional television stations, the operation of radio stations; and the Corus content business, which consists 
of the production and distribution of films and television programs, merchandise licensing, book publishing and 
the production and distribution of animation software, media and technology services. 

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). These consolidated 
financial statements have been prepared using the accounting policies in note 3. 

These consolidated financial statements have been authorized for issue in accordance with a resolution from 
the Board of Directors on October 18, 2018.

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  on  a  cost  basis,  except  for  derivative  financial 
instruments  and  certain  available-for-sale  financial  assets,  which  have  been  measured  at  fair  value.  The 
consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is also the Company’s functional 
currency  and  all  values  are  rounded  to  the  nearest  thousand,  except  where  otherwise  noted.  Each  entity 
consolidated  by  the  Company  determines  its  own  functional  currency  based  on  the  primary  economic 
environment in which the entity operates.

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, 
which are the entities over which the Company has control. Control exists when the entity is exposed, or has 
rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through 
its power over the entity. The non-controlling interest component of the Company’s subsidiaries is included as 
a separate component in equity.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Company obtains 
control, and continue to be consolidated until the date when such control ceases. 

The financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the 
Company, using consistent accounting policies. All intra-company balances, transactions, unrealized gains and 
losses resulting from intra-company transactions and dividends are eliminated in full.

Associates and joint arrangements

Associates are entities over which the Company has significant influence. Significant influence is the power 
to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the associate but is not control or joint control 
over those policies. 

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement in which the parties that have joint control of the arrangement 
have rights to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of 
an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of 
the parties sharing control. 

The considerations made in determining joint control or significant influence are similar to those necessary to 
determine control over subsidiaries. The Company accounts for investments in associates and joint ventures 
using the equity method.

Investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method are originally recognized at 
cost. Under the equity method, the investment in the associate or joint venture is carried on the consolidated 

56   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share information)statements of financial position at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the Company’s share of income and 
other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”), less distributions of the associate. Goodwill on the acquisition of the 
associates and joint ventures is included in the cost of the investments and is neither amortized nor assessed 
for impairment separately.

The financial statements of the Company’s equity-accounted investments are prepared for the same reporting 
period as the Company. Where necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with 
those  of  the  Company.  All  intra-company  unrealized  gains  resulting  from  intra-company  transactions  and 
dividends are eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Company’s interest in the associate. 
Unrealized losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealized gains, but only to the extent that there is no 
evidence of impairment.

After the application of the equity method, the Company determines at each reporting date whether there 
is any objective evidence that the investment in the associate or joint venture is impaired and consequently, 
whether it is necessary to recognize an additional impairment loss on the Company’s investment in its associate 
or joint venture. If this is the case, the Company calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between 
the recoverable amount of the associate and its carrying value and recognizes the amount in the consolidated 
statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Business  combinations  are  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition  method  of  accounting,  which  requires  the 
Company to identify and attribute values and estimated lives to the identifiable intangible assets acquired based 
on their estimated fair value. These determinations involve significant estimates and assumptions regarding 
cash flow projections, economic risk and weighted average cost of capital. The purchase consideration of an 
acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition-date fair 
value and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. 

For each business combination, the acquirer measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at 
fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition costs incurred are 
expensed and included in business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs.

When the Company acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate 
classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent 
conditions as at the acquisition date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts 
by the acquiree.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held 
equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date in the consolidated statements 
of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). 

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognized at fair value at the acquisition 
date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be a financial 
asset or liability will be recognized in accordance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 39 – Financial 
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement  either  in  profit  or  loss  or  as  a  change  to  OCI.  If  the  contingent 
consideration is classified as equity, it should not be remeasured until it is finally settled within equity.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period in which the advertising is aired 
on the Company’s television and radio stations or posted on various websites and when collection is reasonably 
assured.

Subscriber fee revenues are recognized monthly based on estimated subscriber levels for the period-end, which 
are based on the preceding month’s actual subscribers as submitted by the broadcast distribution undertakings.

The Company’s revenues related to production and distribution revenues from the distribution and licensing 
of film rights; royalties from merchandise licensing, publishing and music contracts; sale of licenses, customer 
support, training and consulting related to the animation software business; revenues from customer support; 
and sale of books are recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the 
buyer; the amount of revenue can be measured reliably; it is probable that the economic benefits associated 
with the transaction will flow to the entity; the stage of completion of the transaction at the end of the reporting 
period can be measured reliably; the costs incurred for the transaction and the costs to complete the transaction 
can  be  measured  reliably;  and  the  Company  does  not  retain  either  continuing  managerial  involvement  or 
effective control.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   57

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsCustomer advances on contracts are recorded as unearned revenue until all of the foregoing revenue recognition 
conditions have been met. 

Non-refundable advances, whether recoupable or non-recoupable, on royalties are recognized when the license 
period has commenced and collection is reasonably assured, unless there are future performance obligations 
associated with the royalty advance for which, in that case, revenue recognition is deferred and recognized when 
the performance obligations are discharged. Refundable advances are deferred and recognized as revenue as 
the performance obligations are discharged.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term deposits with maturities of less than three months at 
the date of purchase. Cash that is held in escrow, or otherwise restricted from use, is reported separately from 
cash and cash equivalents.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost,  net  of  accumulated  depreciation  and/or  accumulated 
impairment losses, if any. Such cost includes the cost of replacing part of the property, plant and equipment, 
and borrowing costs for long-term construction projects if the recognition criteria are met. When significant 
parts of property, plant and equipment are required to be replaced at intervals, the Company recognizes such 
parts as individual assets with specific useful lives and depreciation, respectively. Repair and maintenance costs 
are recognized in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) as incurred.

Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

Land and assets not available for use

Not depreciated

Equipment

Broadcasting

Computer

Leasehold improvements

Buildings

Structure

Components

Furniture and fixtures

Other

5 – 10 years

3 – 5 years

Lease term

20 – 30 years

10 – 20 years

7 years

4 – 10 years

An item of property, plant and equipment and any significant part initially recognized are derecognized upon 
disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from their use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising 
on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying 
amount of the asset) is included in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income 
(loss) when the asset is derecognized.
The assets’ residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at least annually and the 
depreciation charge is adjusted prospectively, if appropriate.

BORROWING COSTS

Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of 
funds. Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that 
necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalized as part of 
the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period they are incurred. 

PROGRAM RIGHTS

Program rights represent contract rights acquired from third parties to broadcast television programs, feature 
films and radio programs. The assets and liabilities related to these rights are recorded when the Company 
controls the asset, the expected future economic benefits are probable and the cost is reliably measurable. The 
Company generally considers these criteria to be met and records the assets and liabilities when the license 
period has begun, the program material is accepted by the Company and the material is available for airing. 
Long-term liabilities related to these rights are recorded at the net present value of future cash flows, using an 
appropriate discount rate. These costs are amortized over the contracted exhibition period as the programs or 
feature films are aired. Program and film rights are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. 

58   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The amortization period and the amortization method for program rights are reviewed at least at the end of 
each reporting period. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future 
economic benefits embodied in the assets are accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as 
appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. Amortization of program rights is included in 
direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses and has been disclosed separately in the consolidated 
statements of cash flows.

FILM INVESTMENTS

Film investments represent the costs of projects in development, projects in process, the unamortized costs of 
proprietary films and television programs that have been produced by the Company or for which the Company has 
acquired distribution rights, and third-party-produced equity film investments. Such costs include development 
and production expenditures and attributed studio and other costs that are expected to benefit future periods. 
Costs are capitalized upon project greenlight for produced and acquired films and television programs. The 
Company has segregated its film investments into two categories: current productions and library or acquired 
productions. Current productions are considered library productions immediately subsequent to their initial 
availability for licensing as they are considered completed. 

Current productions have been amortized using a declining balance method at rates ranging from 50 – 75% 
at the time of initial episodic delivery and at annual rates ranging from 15 – 25% thereafter. Library content is 
amortized using a declining balance method at rates ranging from 10 – 25% annually. Acquired rights have been 
amortized using a straight-line method.

The amortization period and the amortization method for film investments are reviewed at least at the end of 
each reporting period. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future 
economic benefits embodied in the assets are accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, 
as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. 

Projects in process represent the accumulated costs of television series or feature films currently in production.

Third-party-produced  equity  film  investments  are  carried  at  fair  value.  Cash  received  from  an  investment 
is recorded as a reduction of such investment on the consolidated statements of financial position and the 
Company records income on the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) 
only when the investment is fully recouped.

Amortization of film investments is included in direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses and has 
been disclosed separately in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. Intangible assets acquired 
in a business combination are measured at fair value as at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, 
intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment charges, if 
any. Internally generated intangible assets such as goodwill, brands and customer lists, excluding capitalized 
program and film development costs, are not capitalized and expenditures are reflected in the consolidated 
statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) in the year in which the expenditure is incurred.

Intangible assets are recognized separately from goodwill when they are separable or arise from contractual or 
other legal rights and their fair value can be measured reliably. The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed 
as either finite or indefinite.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful economic lives and assessed for impairment 
whenever there is an indication that the intangible assets may be impaired. The amortization period and the 
amortization method for intangible assets with finite useful lives are reviewed at least at the end of each reporting 
period. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits 
embodied in the assets are accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and 
are treated as changes in accounting estimates. The amortization expense on intangible assets with finite lives 
is recognized in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) in the expense 
category, consistent with the function of the intangible assets.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   59

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsAmortization is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:

Brand names, trade marks and digital rights

Software, patents and customer lists

Agreement term

3 – 5 years

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized. Broadcast licenses are considered to have an 
indefinite life based on management’s intent and ability to renew the licenses without significant cost and 
without material modification of the existing terms and conditions of the license. The assessment of indefinite 
life is reviewed annually to determine whether the indefinite life continues to be supportable. If not, the change 
in useful life from indefinite to finite is made on a prospective basis. 

Goodwill is initially measured at the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount 
recognized for non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this 
consideration is lower than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference 
is recognized in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of 
impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to a cash 
generating unit (“CGU”) or group of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, 
irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units. The group of CGUs 
is not larger than the level at which management monitors goodwill or the Company’s operating segments.

Where goodwill forms part of a CGU and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill 
associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining 
the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill disposed of in this circumstance is measured based on 
the relative fair value of the operation disposed of and the portion of the CGU retained.

Broadcast licenses, indefinite life intangible assets and goodwill are tested for impairment annually or more 
frequently if events or circumstances indicate that they may be impaired. The Company completes its annual 
testing during the fourth quarter each year. 

Broadcast licenses and indefinite life intangible assets by themselves do not generate cash inflows and therefore, 
when assessing these assets for impairment, the Company looks to the CGU to which the asset belongs. 
The identification of CGUs involves judgment and is based on how senior management monitors operations; 
however, the lowest aggregations of assets that generate largely independent cash inflows represent CGUs for 
broadcast license and indefinite life intangible asset impairment testing. 

CGUs for broadcast license and indefinite life intangible asset impairment testing

For the Television segment, the Company has determined that there are two CGUs: (1) Managed Brands 
consisting  of  conventional  television  stations,  and  specialty  television  networks  that  are  operated  and 
managed directly by the Company; and (2) Other, as these are the levels at which independent cash inflows 
have been identified.

For the Radio segment, the Company has determined that the CGU is a radio cluster whereby a cluster represents 
a geographic area, generally a city, where radio stations are combined for the purpose of managing performance. 
These clusters are managed as a single asset and overhead costs are allocated amongst the cluster and have 
independent cash inflows at the cluster level. 

Groups of CGUs for goodwill impairment testing
For purposes of impairment testing of goodwill, the Company has grouped the CGUs within the Television and 
Radio operating segments and performs the test at the operating segment level. This is the lowest level at which 
management monitors goodwill for internal management purposes.

Other intangible assets

Gains or losses on an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds 
and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognized in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and 
comprehensive income (loss) when the asset is derecognized. 

GOVERNMENT FINANCING AND ASSISTANCE

The  Company  has  access  to  several  government  programs  that  are  designed  to  assist  film  and  television 
production in Canada. Funding from certain programs provides a supplement to a series’ Canadian license 
fee and is recorded as revenue when cash has been received. Government assistance with respect to federal 
and provincial production tax credits is recorded as a reduction of film investments when eligible expenditures 

60   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
are made and there is reasonable assurance of realization. Assistance in connection with internally produced 
film investments is recorded as a reduction in film investments. The accrual of production tax credits on a 
contemporaneous basis with production expenditures are based on a five-year historical trending of the ratio 
of actual production tax credits received to total production tax credits applied for.

Government assistance with respect to digital activities is recorded as a reduction in the related expenses when 
management has reasonable assurance that the conditions of the government programs are met.

Government grants approved for specific publishing projects are recorded as revenue when the related expenses 
are incurred and there is reasonable assurance of realization.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

Assets and liabilities of operations having a functional currency other than Canadian dollars are translated at 
the rate of exchange at the consolidated statements of financial position date. Revenues and expenses are 
translated at average exchange rates for the year. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are 
recognized in OCI.

Foreign  currency  transactions  are  translated  into  the  functional  currency  at  the  rate  of  exchange  at  the 
transaction  date.  Foreign  currency  denominated  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  are  translated  into  the 
functional currency at the rate of exchange at the consolidated statements of financial position date. Gains 
and losses on translation of monetary items are recognized in the consolidated statements of income (loss) 
and comprehensive income (loss).

INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense is comprised of current and deferred income taxes. Income tax expense is recognized in 
the consolidated statements of income (loss), unless it relates to items recognized outside the consolidated 
statements of income (loss). Income tax expense relating to items recognized outside of the consolidated 
statements of income (loss) is recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction in either OCI or equity. 

Current income tax

The Company records current income tax expense or recovery based on taxable income earned or loss incurred 
for the period in each tax jurisdiction where it operates, and for any adjustment to taxes payable in respect of 
previous years, using tax laws that are enacted or substantively enacted at the consolidated statements of 
financial position date.

Management  periodically  evaluates  positions  taken  in  the  tax  returns  with  respect  to  situations  in  which 
applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation. The Company establishes provisions related to tax 
uncertainties, where appropriate, based on its best estimate of the amount that will ultimately be paid to or 
received from taxation authorities.

Deferred income tax

The  Company  uses  the  liability  method  of  accounting  for  deferred  income  taxes.  Under  this  method,  the 
Company recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for future income tax consequences attributable 
to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their 
respective income tax bases, and on unused tax losses and tax credit carryforwards. The deferred income tax 
assets and liabilities related to intangible assets with indefinite useful lives have been measured based on the 
Company’s expectation that these assets will be recovered through use. The Company measures deferred 
income taxes using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date 
and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax 
liability is settled. 

The Company recognizes deferred income tax assets only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable 
profits will be available against which the deductible temporary differences as well as unused tax losses and tax 
credit carryforwards can be utilized. Deferred income tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are 
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized. Unrecognized 
deferred income tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it 
has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred income tax asset to be recovered. The 
Company recognizes the effect of a change in income tax rates in the period of enactment or substantive 
enactment.

Deferred income taxes are not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill, nor are they 
recognized on temporary differences arising from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction 
that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit nor loss. Deferred 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   61

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statementsincome taxes are also not recognized on temporary differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the 
extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to 
set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity 
and the same taxation authority.

To determine the provision for income taxes, certain assumptions are made, including filing positions on certain 
items and the ability to realize deferred income tax assets. In the event the outcome differs from management’s 
assumptions and estimates, the effective tax rate in future periods could be affected.

CRTC BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The fair value of CRTC benefit obligations committed as part of business acquisitions are initially recorded 
at the present value of amounts to be paid net of any expected incremental cash inflows. The obligation is 
subsequently adjusted for the incurrence of related expenditures, the passage of time and for revisions to the 
timing of the cash flows. Changes in the obligation due to the passage of time are recorded as accretion of  
long- term liabilities and interest expense.

PROVISIONS

Provisions are recognized if the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, 
if it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can 
be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present 
obligation as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial position, taking into account the risks and 
uncertainties surrounding the obligation. In some situations, external advice may be obtained to assist with 
the estimates.

Provisions are discounted and measured at the present value of the expenditure expected to be required to 
settle the obligation, using an after-tax discount rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is 
recognized as interest expense. Future information could change the estimates and thus impact the Company’s 
financial position and results of operations.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial assets within the scope of IAS 39 - Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement are classified 
as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables or available-for-sale (“AFS”), as 
appropriate. The Company determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition.

Financial instruments classified at fair value through profit or loss and financial assets classified as AFS are 
recognized on the trade date, which is the date that the Company commits to purchase or sell the asset.

The Company has classified its financial instruments as follows:

Fair value through 
profit or loss

Loans and receivables Available-for-sale

Other financial liabilities

Derivatives

• Cash and cash 
equivalents.

• Accounts 
receivable;

• Loans and other 

receivables 
included in 
“investments and 
other assets”.

• Other portfolio 
investments 
included in 
“investments and 
other assets”;
• Third-party- 

produced equity 
film investments.

• Accounts payable, 

accrued liabilities and 
provisions;

• Long-term debt;
• Other long-term 
financial liabilities 
included in “Other 
long-term liabilities”.

• Derivatives 
that are part 
of a cash 
flow hedging 
relationship.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized 
in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). 

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs. They are subsequently measured 
at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method less any impairment. Receivables are reduced by 
provisions for estimated bad debts, which are determined by reference to past experience and expectations. 

62   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
Financial assets classified as AFS

Financial assets that are not classified at fair value through profit or loss or as loans and receivables are classified 
as AFS. A financial asset classified as AFS is initially recognized at its fair value plus transaction costs that 
are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. AFS financial instruments are subsequently 
measured at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in OCI and accumulated in accumulated 
other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) until the investment is derecognized or determined to be impaired, 
at which time the cumulative gain or loss is reclassified to the consolidated statements of income (loss) and 
comprehensive income (loss) and removed from AOCI. AFS equity instruments not quoted in an active market 
where fair value is not reliably determinable are recorded at cost less impairment, if any, determined based on 
the present values of expected future cash flows.

Other financial liabilities

Financial liabilities within the scope of IAS 39 are classified as other financial liabilities. The Company determines 
the classification of its financial liabilities at initial recognition. 

Other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Long-term 
debt instruments are initially measured at fair value, which is the consideration received, net of transaction 
costs incurred. Transaction costs related to the long-term debt instruments are included in the value of the 
instruments and amortized using the effective interest rate method. 

Derivatives 

Derivatives that are part of an established and documented cash flow hedging relationship, such as interest rate 
swap agreements and foreign exchange forward contracts, are initially presented at their fair value on the date 
the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. Gains or losses arising 
from the revaluation are included in OCI to the extent of hedge effectiveness. 

Instruments that have been entered into by the Company to hedge exposure to interest rate risk or foreign 
currency risk are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the hedges are still effective and that hedge accounting 
continues to be appropriate. 

Derecognition

A financial asset is derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or when 
the Company transfers its rights to receive cash flows from the asset and the associated risks and rewards to 
a third party. The unrealized gains and losses recorded in AOCI are transferred to the consolidated statements 
of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) on disposal of an AFS asset.

A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires.

Determination of fair value

Fair value is defined as the price at which an asset or liability could be exchanged in a current transaction between 
knowledgeable, willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The fair value of instruments that are 
quoted in active markets is determined using the quoted prices where they represent those at which regularly 
and recently occurring transactions take place. The Company uses valuation techniques to establish the fair value 
of instruments where prices quoted in active markets are not available. Therefore, where possible, parameter 
inputs to the valuation techniques are based on observable data derived from prices of relevant instruments 
traded in an active market. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and 
judgment, the degree of which will depend on the price transparency for the instrument or market and the 
instrument’s complexity.

The Company categorizes its fair value measurements according to a three-level hierarchy. The hierarchy 
prioritizes  the  inputs  used  by  the  Company’s  valuation  techniques.  A  level  is  assigned  to  each  fair  value 
measurement based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three 
levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets 
and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not 
active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. 

Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use 
of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   63

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsThe fair values of cash and cash equivalents are classified within Level 1 because they are based on quoted prices 
for identical assets in active markets.

The fair value of portfolio investments measured at fair value are classified within Level 2 because even though 
the security is listed, it is not actively traded. The Company determines the fair value for interest rate swaps as 
the net discounted future cash flows using the implied zero-coupon forward swap yield curve. The change in the 
difference between the discounted cash flow streams for the hedged item and the hedging item is deemed to 
be hedge ineffectiveness and is recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive 
income (loss). The fair value of the interest rate swap is based on forward yield curves, which are observable 
inputs provided by banks and available in other public data sources, and are classified within Level 2. The fair 
value of foreign exchange forward contracts is based on net discounted future cash flows using projected market 
rates, which are observable inputs provided by banks and available in other public data sources and are classified 
within Level 2. 

The fair value of third-party-produced equity film investments and the related forward purchase obligations 
are classified within Level 3, as there is little to no market activity and the amounts recorded are based on a 
discounted cash flow model and expected future cash flows. 

The fair value of investments in venture funds are not reliably measured because their fair value is neither 
evidenced by a quoted price in an active market for an identical asset nor based on a valuation technique that 
uses only data from unobservable markets. Given the early stage nature of the underlying investments of the 
venture funds, they are measured at cost. 

Both bank credit facilities and interest rate swap agreements are classified within Level 2, as their fair value is 
determined by observable market data. The carrying value of bank credit facilities approximates fair value as the 
debt bears interest at rates that fluctuate with market rates. The fair value of interest rate swap agreements is 
calculated by way of discounted cash flows, using market interest rates and applicable credit spreads. 

HEDGES

Hedge accounting is applied to interest rate swap agreements to fix the interest rate on the term facility.  
In order to apply hedge accounting, a high correlation (which indicates effectiveness) is required in the offsetting 
changes  in  the  values  of  the  financial  instruments  (the  hedging  items)  used  to  establish  the  designated 
hedging relationships at inception and actual effectiveness for each reporting period thereafter. A designated 
hedging relationship is assessed at inception for its anticipated effectiveness and actual effectiveness for each 
reporting period thereafter. Any ineffectiveness is reflected in the consolidated statements of income (loss) 
and comprehensive income (loss) as financing costs within other expense (income), net.

In the application of hedge accounting, an amount (the hedge value) is recorded on the consolidated statements 
of financial position in respect of the fair value of the hedging item. The net difference, if any, between the 
amount recognized in the determination of net income and the amounts necessary to reflect the fair value of 
the designated cash flow hedging items on the consolidated statements of financial position is recognized as 
a component of OCI. 

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has a stock option plan, two Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”) plans, a Performance Share Units 
(“PSUs”) plan and a Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) plan, with certain units under such plans awarded to certain 
employees and directors.

The fair value of the stock options granted which represent equity awards are measured using the Black-Scholes 
option pricing model. For stock options, the model considers each tranche with graded vesting features as a 
separate share option grant. Forfeitures for the stock options are estimated on the grant date and revised if the 
actual forfeitures differ from previous estimates.

This fair value is recognized as share-based compensation expense over the vesting periods, with a related 
credit to contributed surplus. The contributed surplus balance is reduced as options are exercised through a 
credit to share capital. The consideration paid by option holders is credited to share capital when the options 
are exercised.

Eligible executives and non-employee directors may elect to receive DSUs equivalent in value to Class B Non-
Voting Shares of the Company in lieu of certain cash payments. Share-based compensation expense is recorded 
in the year of receipt of the DSUs and changes in the fair value of outstanding DSUs, including deemed dividend 
equivalents, are recorded as an expense in the period that they occur with a corresponding charge to liability. 
These DSUs can only be redeemed once the executive or director is no longer employed with the Company. 

64   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsEligible executives may be granted awards of DSUs, PSUs and RSUs equivalent in value to Class B Non-Voting 
Shares of the Company. DSUs, PSUs and RSUs vest after three to five years and are settled in cash at the end 
of the restriction period or in the case of DSUs when the executive is no longer employed with the Company. 
DSUs, PSUs and RSUs are accrued over the three to five-year vesting period as share-based compensation 
expense and a related liability. 

Forfeitures are estimated on the grant date and revised if the actual forfeitures differ from the estimates.  
The liability is recorded at fair value, which includes deemed dividend equivalents at each reporting date. Accrued 
DSUs, PSUs and RSUs are recorded as long-term liabilities, except for the portion that will vest within 12 months, 
which is recorded as a current liability.

Each DSU, PSU and RSU entitles the participant to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the 20-day 
volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Company’s Class B Non-Voting Shares traded on the TSX at the 
end of the restriction period, multiplied by the number of vested units determined by achievement of vesting 
conditions. The cost of share-based compensation is included in direct cost of sales, general and administrative 
expenses.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains capital accumulation (defined contribution), post-retirement benefit plans and defined 
benefit employee benefit plans. Company contributions to capital accumulation plans and post-retirement 
benefit plans are expensed as incurred.

The defined benefit plans are unfunded plans for certain members of senior management and funded plans 
for certain other employees. The costs of providing benefits under the defined benefit plans are calculated by 
independent actuaries separately for each plan using the projected unit credit method prorated on service and 
management’s best estimate of assumptions of salary increases and retirement ages of employees. On an 
interim basis, management estimates the changes in the actuarial gains and losses based on changes in discount 
rates. These estimates are adjusted when the annual valuation or estimate is completed by the independent 
actuaries. The present value of the defined benefit obligations are determined by discounting estimated future 
cash flows using a discount rate based on high-quality corporate bonds with maturities that match the expected 
maturity of the obligations. A lower discount rate would result in a higher employee benefit obligation. 

Current  service,  interest  and  past  service  costs  and  gains  or  losses  on  settlement  are  recognized  in  the 
consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). Actuarial gains and losses for the 
plans are recognized in full in the period in which they occur in OCI. Such actuarial gains and losses are also 
immediately recognized in retained earnings and are not reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods. The 
asset or liability that is recognized on the consolidated statements of financial position is the present value of 
the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date less the fair value of the plans’ assets. For the funded plans, 
the value of any additional minimum funding requirements (as determined by the applicable pension legislation) 
is recognized to the extent that the amounts are not considered recoverable. Recoverability is primarily based 
on the extent to which the Company can reduce the future contributions to the plans. 

Past service costs are recognized immediately upon the introduction of, or changes to, the defined benefit plans. 

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

At each reporting date, the Company assesses its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, 
program and film rights, film investments, goodwill and intangible assets, for potential indicators of impairment, 
such as an adverse change in business climate that may indicate that these assets may be impaired. If any 
impairment indicator exists, the Company estimates the asset’s recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is 
determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent 
of those from other assets, in which case the asset is assessed as part of the CGU to which it belongs. An 
asset’s or CGU’s recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell (“FVLCS”) and its value in use 
(“VIU”). The determination of the recoverable amount in the impairment assessment requires estimates based 
on quoted market prices, prices of comparable businesses, present value or other valuation techniques, or a 
combination thereof, necessitating management to make subjective judgments and assumptions.

The Company records impairment losses on its long-lived assets when the Company believes that their carrying 
value may not be recoverable. For assets excluding goodwill, an assessment is made at each reporting date as to 
whether there is any indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have 
decreased. If the reasons for impairment no longer apply, impairment losses may be reversed up to a maximum 
of the carrying amount of the respective asset if the impairment loss had not been recognized.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   65

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsGoodwill

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if there are indications that impairment may 
have occurred.

Goodwill is allocated to a CGU or group of CGUs for the purposes of impairment testing based on the level 
at which management monitors it, which is not larger than an operating segment. The Company records an 
impairment loss if the recoverable amount of the CGU or group of CGUs is less than the carrying amount.

Refer to note 11 for further details on the Company’s annual impairment testing for goodwill.

Broadcast licenses and indefinite life intangible assets 

Broadcast licenses and indefinite life intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently 
if there are indications that impairment may have occurred. 

Broadcast licenses and indefinite life intangible assets are allocated to a CGU for the purposes of impairment 
testing. The Company records an impairment loss if the recoverable amount of the CGU is less than the 
carrying amount.

Refer to note 11 for further details on the Company’s annual impairment testing for broadcast licenses and 
indefinite life intangible assets.

Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
The  useful  lives  of  the  intangible  assets  with  definite  lives  (which  are  amortized)  and  property,  plant  and 
equipment are assessed at least annually and only tested for impairment if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that an impairment may have occurred. 

LEASES

The  determination  of  whether  an  arrangement  is,  or  contains,  a  lease  is  based  on  the  substance  of  the 
arrangement at the inception date: whether fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific 
asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset. Where the Company is the lessee, asset 
values recorded under finance leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of expected use. 
Obligations recorded under finance leases are reduced by lease payments net of imputed interest. Operating 
lease commitments, for which lease payments are recognized as an expense in the consolidated statements 
of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic earnings (loss) per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding 
during the year. The computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share assumes the basic weighted average 
number of common shares outstanding during the year is increased to include the number of additional common 
shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued. The dilutive 
effect of stock options is determined using the treasury stock method.

USE OF ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates, 
judgments and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of 
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial 
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates 
and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including 
expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accounting estimates 
will, by definition, seldom equal the actual results. 

The  most  significant  estimates  made  by  management  in  the  preparation  of  the  Company’s  consolidated 
financial statements include estimates related to:

•  the  recoverability  of  long-lived  assets  including  property,  plant  and  equipment,  program  rights,  film 
investments,  goodwill,  broadcast  licenses  and  intangible  assets;  fair  value  assessments  on  acquired 
identifiable assets and obligations;

•  certain actuarial and economic assumptions used in determining defined benefit pension costs, accrued 
pension benefit obligations, pension plan assets, and accrued supplemental post-employment benefit plan 
obligations;

• determining fair value of share-based compensation;
• the estimated useful lives of assets; and 
•  income tax provisions and uncertain income tax positions in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company 

operates.

66   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
The  most  significant  judgments  made  by  management  in  the  preparation  of  the  Company’s  consolidated 
financial statements include judgments related to:

•  assessments  about  whether  line  items  are  sufficiently  material  to  warrant  separate  presentation  in 
the primary financial statements and, if not, whether they are sufficiently material to warrant separate 
presentation in the consolidated financial statement notes; 

• identifying CGUs;
•  the allocation of net assets, including shared corporate and administrative assets, to the Company’s CGUs 

when determining their carrying amounts; 

• determining that broadcast licenses have indefinite lives; 
• determining control for purposes of consolidation of an investment; and
• determining income tax rates for recognition of deferred income tax on broadcast licenses.

The significant assumptions that affect these estimates and judgments in the application of accounting policies 
are noted throughout these consolidated financial statements. 

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

There have been no standards issued by the IASB that took effect in the current year. 

PENDING ACCOUNTING CHANGES

IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement

In July 2014, the IASB issued the final version of IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments, which reflects all phases of the 
financial instrument project and replaces IAS 39 – Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and all 
previous versions of IFRS 9. IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at 
amortized cost or fair value, replacing the multiple rules in IAS 39. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity 
manages its financial instruments in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics 
of the financial assets. Two measurement categories continue to exist to account for financial liabilities in IFRS 9, 
fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) and amortized cost. Financial liabilities held-for-trading are measured at 
FVTPL, and all other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost unless the fair value option is applied. The 
treatment of embedded derivatives under the new standard is consistent with IAS 39 and only applied to financial 
liabilities. IFRS 9 uses a new expected loss impairment model and also uses a new model for hedge accounting 
aligning the accounting treatment with risk management activities. The measurement of impairment of financial 
assets is based on an expected credit loss model. It is no longer necessary for a triggering event to have occurred 
before credit losses are recognized. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. 
The new classification and measurement requirements will be applied by adjusting the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements on September 1, 2018, the date of initial application, with no restatement of comparative 
period financial information. The Company has assessed the impact of IFRS 9 on the consolidated financial 
statements and has determined that the adoption of IFRS 9 will enhance disclosure requirements, but will not 
have a material impact on the expected lifetime credit losses for the Company’s trade and other receivables. 
The classification investments in venture funds is still under review. These investments must be classified as 
FVTPL or fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) with no recycling of gains and losses upon 
derecognition. The Company will continue to revise, refine and validate the impact of this standard leading up 
to first quarter reporting date of November 30, 2018.

IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In  May  2014,  the  IASB  issued  IFRS  15  –  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers,  which  outlined  a  single 
comprehensive model to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will replace the majority 
of existing IFRS requirements on revenue recognition including IAS 18 – Revenue. The core principle of IFRS 15 
is to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the 
consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The standard 
provides a single, principles-based five-step model that will apply to revenue earned from a contract with a 
customer, regardless of the type of revenue transaction or industry. The standard will also provide guidance 
on the the recognition and measurement of gains and losses on the sale of some non-financial assets that 
are not an output of the entity’s ordinary activities. The standard also specifies that direct incremental costs 
of obtaining and fulfilling a contract that are expected to be recovered should be capitalized and amortized 
over  the  contract  term.  Disclosure  requirements  will  increase,  including  disaggregation  of  total  revenues, 
information about performance obligations, changes in contract asset and liability account balances between 
periods and key judgments and estimates made. The Company will be implementing IFRS 15, using the modified 
retrospective approach where IFRS 15 will be applied to 2019 results, beginning September 1, 2018 without 
restating comparative periods. 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   67

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The standard specifies that an entity recognizes revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to 
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those 
goods or services. Depending on whether certain criteria are met, revenue is recognized either over time, in a 
manner that depicts the entity’s performance, or at a point in time, when control is transferred to the customer. 
The Company has assessed its revenue streams and underlying contracts with customers. The majority of 
revenues within the scope of IFRS 15 are earned through the sale of advertising time and from subscriber fees. 
The Company has not identified any significant differences in the timing or amount of recognition of revenue as 
a result of IFRS 15, and therefore the changes to revenue earned on customer contracts is not expected to be 
significant. The Company continues to assess the impact of required disclosures around revenue recognition in 
the notes to the consolidated financial statements and any necessary policy and process changes in preparation 
for adoption. The Company has determined that the application of this standard will have no significant impact 
on its consolidated financial statements. 

Amendments to IFRS 2 – Share-based Payments 

IFRS 2 – Share-based Payments (“IFRS 2”) stipulates new conditions on the accounting for three main areas: the 
effects of vesting conditions on the measurement of a cash-settled share-based payment transaction; the 
classification of a share-based payment transaction with a net settlement feature for withholding tax obligations; 
and the accounting of a modification to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment that changes the 
transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled. IFRS 2 is applied prospectively; retroactive application is only 
permitted if the application can be performed without using hindsight. Requirement to apply IFRS 2 is effective 
for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Company has determined that the application of 
this standard will have no significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

IFRS 16 – Leases

On January 13, 2016, the IASB published a new standard, IFRS 16 – Leases (“IFRS 16”). The new standard will 
eliminate the distinction between operating and finance leases and will bring most leases onto the balance 
sheet for lessees. Lessees must recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The right-of-use asset is 
treated similarly to other non-financial assets and depreciated accordingly, and the liability accrues interest. 
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments payable over the lease term, 
discounted at the rate implicit in the lease. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election, by class 
of underlying asset, to apply a method like IAS 17’s operating lease accounting and not recognize lease assets 
and lease liabilities for leases with a lease term of 12 months or less, and on a lease-by-lease basis, to apply a 
method similar to current operating lease accounting to leases for which the underlying asset is of low value. 
IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17 – Leases and its related interpretations, and is effective for the period beginning on 
or after January 1, 2019, which will be September 1, 2019 for Corus and is to be applied retrospectively. The 
Company has not yet determined the impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments provides guidance when there is uncertainty over income tax 
treatments including (but not limited to) whether uncertain tax treatments should be considered separately; 
assumptions made about the examination of tax treatments by tax authorities; the determination of taxable 
profit, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits, and tax rates; and the impact of changes in facts and 
circumstances.

The new interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and will be adopted 
by the Company effective September 1, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the new 
interpretation on its consolidated financial statements.

4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Trade

Other

Less allowance for doubtful accounts

68   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

2018 

367,885 

25,337 

393,222 

4,471 

388,751 

2017

387,581

25,533

413,114

4,671

408,443

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS

Balance - August 31, 2016

Increase in investment

Equity loss in associates (note 20)

Return of capital from venture funds (note 20)

Investment impairment

Derivative fair value (note 14)

Balance - August 31, 2017

Increase in investments

Equity loss in associates (note 20)

Post-retirement plan asset (note 29)

Derivative fair value (note 14)

Balance - August 31, 2018

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

Investments in associates

Other assets

15,483  

—  

(2,675)

—  

(2,250) 

—  

10,558  

—  

(1,558)

—  

—  

31,276  

3,982  

—  

(1,218) 

(3,000) 

22,961  

54,001  

5,222  

—  

9,987  

4,003  

9,000  

73,213  

Total

46,759

3,982

(2,675)

(1,218)

(5,250)

22,961

64,559

5,222

(1,558)

9,987

4,003

82,213

In  assessing  the  level  of  control  or  influence  that  the  Company  has  over  an  investment,  management 
considers ownership percentages, board representation, as well as other relevant provisions in shareholder 
agreements. The associates that the Company exercises significant influence over have been accounted for 
using the equity method.

6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Broadcasting 
and computer 
equipment

Buildings and 
leasehold 
improvements

Furniture 
and fixtures

Land

Other

Total

Cost

Balance - August 31, 2016

  35,415  

215,339  

162,398  

22,385  

10,862   446,399

Additions

Disposals and retirements

—  

—  

12,179  

(1,002) 

1,798  

(144) 

2,011  

10,883  

26,871

(664) 

(65) 

(1,875)

Balance - August 31, 2017

  35,415  

226,516  

164,052  

23,732  

21,680   471,395

Additions

Disposals and retirements

—  

(860) 

18,540  

(5,333) 

3,239  

2,223  

(9,199) 

14,803

(46) 

(10,582) 

(894) 

(17,715)

Balance - August 31, 2018

  34,555  

239,723  

167,245  

15,373  

11,587   468,483

Accumulated depreciation

Balance - August 31, 2016

Depreciation

Disposals and retirements

Balance - August 31, 2017

Depreciation

Disposals and retirements

Balance - August 31, 2018

Net book value

Balance - August 31, 2017

Balance - August 31, 2018

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

104,629  

32,353  

(414) 

136,568  

27,051  

(5,291) 

158,328  

43,596  

14,353  

1,716   164,294

11,593  

3,232  

1,709  

48,887

(5) 

(627) 

(808) 

(1,854)

55,184  

16,958  

2,617   211,327

10,330  

1,656  

1,180  

40,217

(18) 

(8,081) 

(863) 

(14,253)

65,496  

10,533  

2,934   237,291

  35,415  

  34,555  

89,948  

81,395  

108,868  

101,749  

6,774  

19,063   260,068

4,840  

8,653   231,192

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   69

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in property, plant and equipment are assets under finance lease with a cost of $26,542 as at August 
31, 2018 (2017 – $26,060) and accumulated depreciation of $23,180 (2017 – $23,108).

7. PROGRAM RIGHTS

Balance - August 31, 2016

Additions

Transfers from film investments (note 8)

Amortization

Balance - August 31, 2017

Additions

Transfers from film investments (note 8)

Impairment charges

Amortization

Balance - August 31, 2018

Cost

Accumulated amortization

Net book value

682,268

470,078

6,716

(510,716)

648,346

400,503

7,934

(2,126)

(516,300)

538,357

2017

1,044,532

396,186

648,346

2018 

772,501 

234,144 

538,357 

The Company expects that approximately 44% of the net book value of program rights will be amortized 
during the year ending August 31, 2019. The Company expects the net book value of program rights to be 
fully amortized by November 2024.

8. FILM INVESTMENTS

Balance - August 31, 2016

Additions

Tax credit accrual

Transfer to program rights (note 7)

Amortization

Balance - August 31, 2017

Additions

Tax credit accrual

Transfer to program rights (note 7)

Amortization

Balance - August 31, 2018

Cost

Accumulated amortization

Net book value

45,164

40,921

(14,683)

(6,716)

(23,958)

40,728

42,617

(15,790)

(7,934)

(16,197)

43,424

2018  

2017

1,036,910  

1,011,336

993,486  

43,424  

970,608

40,728

The Company expects that approximately 17% of the net book value of film investments will be amortized 
during the year ending August 31, 2019. The Company expects the net book value of film investments to be 
fully amortized by August 2022.

70   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. INTANGIBLES

Balance - August 31, 2016

Additions

Amortization

Balance - August 31, 2017

Additions

Impairments (note 11)

Amortization

Balance - August 31, 2018

(1) Broadcast licenses are located in Canada.
(2) Other intangibles are comprised of brands, trade marks and software. 

At August 31, 2018, other intangibles with a finite life consisted of:

Cost

Accumulated amortization

Net book value

Broadcast 
licenses (1)  

Other (2)

Total

984,889  

1,091,348  

2,076,237

—  

—  

12,439  

(42,863) 

12,439

(42,863)

984,889  

1,060,924  

2,045,813

—  

21,609  

(13,692)

—  

—  

(41,644) 

21,609

(13,692)

(41,644)

971,197  

1,040,889  

2,012,086

2018  

277,820  

163,730  

114,090  

2017

258,246

124,125

134,121

The Company expects that approximately 41% of the net book value of intangible assets with a finite life will 
be amortized during the year ending August 31, 2019. The Company expects the net book value of intangible 
assets with a finite life to be fully amortized by August 2023.

Indefinite life intangibles, such as broadcast licenses, are tested for impairment annually as at August 31 or 
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they may be impaired. At August 31, 2018, 
the Company performed its annual impairment test for fiscal 2018 and determined that there were no further 
impairments for the year then ended on indefinite life intangibles. 

10. GOODWILL

Balance - August 31, 2016

Adjustment

Balance - August 31, 2017

Impairments (note 11)

Balance - August 31, 2018

Goodwill is located primarily in Canada.

Total

2,390,652

(3,000)

2,387,652

(1,000,000)

1,387,652

Goodwill  is  tested  for  impairment  annually  as  at  August  31,  or  more  frequently  if  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances indicate that it may be impaired. As at August 31, 2018, the Company performed its annual 
impairment test for fiscal 2018 and determined that there were no further impairments for the year then ended.

11. IMPAIRMENT TESTING
At each reporting date, the Company is required to assess its intangible assets and goodwill for potential 
indicators of impairment, such as an adverse change in business climate that may indicate that these assets 
may be impaired. If any such indication exists, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the asset or 
CGU or groups of CGUs and compares it to the carrying value. In addition, irrespective of whether there is any 
indication of impairment, the Company is required to test intangible assets with an indefinite useful life and 
goodwill for impairment at least annually.

For long-lived assets other than goodwill, the Company is also required to assess, at each reporting date, 
whether there is any indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may 
have decreased.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   71

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company completes its annual testing during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. 

The test for impairment of either an intangible asset or goodwill is to compare the recoverable amount of the 
asset or CGU or groups of CGUs to the carrying value. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or 
CGU’s or groups of CGUs FVLCS and its VIU. The recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset unless 
the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups 
of assets (such as broadcast licenses, goodwill, program rights, trade marks and brands) and the asset’s VIU 
cannot be determined to equal its FVLCS. If this is the case, the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU 
or groups of CGUs to which the asset belongs.

The Company has determined the VIU calculation is higher than FVLCS and, therefore, the recoverable amount 
for all CGUs or groups of CGUs is based on VIU.

In determining FVLCS, recent market transactions are taken into account, if available. If no such transactions can 
be identified, an appropriate valuation model is used. These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples, 
quoted share prices for publicly traded companies or other available fair value indicators.

The VIU calculation uses cash flow projections, generally for a five-year period, and a terminal value. The terminal 
value is the value attributed to the CGU’s or groups of CGUs operations beyond the projected period using a 
perpetual growth rate. The key assumptions in the VIU calculations are segment profit growth rates (for periods 
within the cash flow projections and in perpetuity for the calculation of the terminal value) and discount rates.

Segment profit growth rates are based on management’s best estimates considering historical and expected 
operating plans, strategic plans, economic considerations and the general outlook for the industry and markets in 
which the CGU or groups of CGUs operates. The projections are prepared separately for each of the Company’s 
CGUs or groups of CGUs to which the individual assets are allocated and are based on the most recent financial 
budgets approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and management forecasts generally covering a period 
of five years with growth rate assumptions. For longer periods, a terminal growth rate is determined and applied 
to project future cash flows after the fifth year. 

The discount rate applied to each asset, CGU or group of CGUs to determine VIU is a pre-tax rate that reflects 
an optimal debt-to-equity ratio and considers the risk-free rate, market equity risk premium, size premium and 
the risks specific to each asset or CGU’s or groups of CGUs cash flow projections.

In calculating the VIU, the Company uses an appropriate range of discount rates in order to establish a ranges 
of values for each CGU or group of CGUs.

The pre-tax discount and growth rates used by the Company for the purpose of its VIU calculations of the 
TV group of CGUs generally range from 10% to 12% (2017 – 11% to 13%) and nil to 1% (2017 – 1% to 2%), 
respectively. The pre-tax discount and growth rates included in the VIU calculation of the Radio groups of CGUs 
generally range from 13% to 16% and 1% to 3%, respectively. The rates used for Radio are generally consistent 
with those used in the prior year. 

If the recoverable amount of the CGU or group of CGUs is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is 
recognized. The impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to 
the CGU or group of CGUs and then to the other assets in the CGU or group of CGUs pro rata on the basis of 
the carrying amount for each asset in the CGU or group of CGUs. The individual assets in the CGU cannot be 
written down below their FVLCS, if determinable. 

Except for goodwill, a previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the 
assumptions used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. 
The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor 
exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, had no 
impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the consolidated 
statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).

As a result of the broadcast license impairment testing in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company 
determined that there were broadcast license impairments in certain Radio CGUs. For each of the three 
Radio CGUs, the Company used VIU to determine the recoverable amount, which resulted in an impairment 
charge of $13.7 million, that reduced the carrying value of broadcast licenses within these CGUs to their 
recoverable amount.

As a result of the goodwill impairment testing in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a goodwill 
impairment charge of $1,000.0 million in the Television segment. No goodwill impairment was identified on the 
Radio groups of CGUs.

72   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsIn the fourth quarter, the Company completed its annual impairment testing of goodwill and intangible assets for 
fiscal 2018 and there were no further impairment losses to be recorded as a result of the testing. The Company 
also assessed for any indicators of whether previous impairment losses had decreased. No previously recorded 
impairment losses on broadcast licenses were reversed. 

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions 

An increase of 50 basis points in the pre-tax discount rate, a decrease of 50 basis points in the earnings growth 
rate each year, or a decrease of 50 basis points in the terminal growth rate, each used in isolation to perform 
the Radio broadcast license and goodwill impairment tests, would not have resulted in a material change in the 
broadcast license impairment in the Radio segment, however, would have resulted in an additional incremental 
goodwill impairment charge in the Television operating segment between nil and $20.0 million. 

The carrying amount of goodwill and broadcast licenses allocated to each CGU and/or group of CGUs are set 
out in the following tables:

Broadcast licenses

Television

Managed brands

Other

Radio

Calgary

Edmonton

Toronto

Vancouver

Other (1)

Goodwill

Television

Radio

2018  

2017

852,905  

7,424  

31,341  

21,851  

21,775  

21,303  

14,598  

852,905

7,424

31,341

21,851

21,775

21,303

28,290

971,197  

984,889

2018  

2017

1,320,553  

67,099  

1,387,652  

2,320,553

67,099

2,387,652

(1) Broadcast licenses for Other consist of all other Radio CGUs combined. There is no individual Radio CGU that comprises more than 10% 

of the total broadcast license balance.

12. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Program rights payable

Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Dividends payable

Trade marks and distribution rights

Film investment accruals

Financing leases

2018  

233,838  

136,952  

2,000  

28,937  

881  

3,154  

2017

184,612

162,384

39,183

24,097

2,859

2,526

405,762  

415,661

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   73

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13. PROVISIONS
The Company recorded business acquisition, integration and restructuring charges of $17,071 (2017 – $31,983) 
primarily related to severance and employee related costs as a result of changes to the management structure 
and business operations. The Company anticipates that the portion of the balance related to restructuring at 
August 31, 2018 will be substantially paid in the year ending August 31, 2019.

Balance - August 31, 2016

Additions

Payments

Balance - August 31, 2017

Additions (reductions)

Interest

Payments

Balance - August 31, 2018

Current

Long-term

Balance - August 31, 2018

14. LONG-TERM DEBT

Bank loans

Unamortized financing fees

Total bank loans

Less current portion of bank loans

Restructuring

Onerous lease 
obligation

Asset retirement 
obligation

21,695

24,255

(30,336)

15,614

16,133

—

(20,087)

11,660

9,723

1,937

11,660

—

7,336

(4,444)

2,892

(1,188)

148

(1,852)

—

—

—

—

8,015

392

—

8,407

—

407

(2,083)

6,731

867

5,864

6,731

Other

585

—

Total

30,295

31,983

— (34,780)

585

—

—

27,498

14,945

555

— (24,022)

585

18,976

585

—

585

11,175

7,801

18,976

2018  

1,998,684  

(14,751)  

1,983,933  

(106,375)  

1,877,558  

2017

2,107,299

(15,719)

2,091,580

(172,500)

1,919,080

Interest rates on the balance of the bank loans fluctuate with Canadian bankers’ acceptances and/or LIBOR.  
As at August 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on the outstanding bank loans was 4.5% (2017 – 
3.8%). The effective interest on the bank loans averaged 4.3% for fiscal 2018 (2017 – 4.7%). 

The banks hold, as collateral, a first ranking charge on all assets and undertakings of Corus and certain of 
Corus’ subsidiaries as designated under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 1, 2016 
(the “Facility”). Under the Facility, the Company has undertaken to comply with financial covenants regarding a 
minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum debt to cash flow ratio. Management has determined that the 
Company was in compliance with the covenants provided under the bank loans as at August 31, 2018.

CREDIT FACILITIES

In connection with the closing of the acquisition of Shaw Media (the “Acquisition”), Corus established syndicated 
senior secured credit facilities in the aggregate amount of $2.6 billion consisting of $2.3 billion in term loans 
(the “Term Facility”), all of which was fully drawn at closing, and a $300.0 million revolving facility (the “Revolving 
Facility”), which was not drawn on as part of closing. 

Effective November 30, 2017, the Company’s credit agreement with a syndicate of banks was amended. The 
principal amendments effected were the extension of the maturity for the Revolving Facility and Term Facility 
Tranche 2 to November 30, 2021, for the Term Facility Tranche 1 to November 30, 2022, and fixing the mandatory 
repayment on the Term Facility to 1.25% per quarter effective November 30, 2017. 

Term Facility

The Term Facility consists of two tranches, with the first tranche being in the amount of $700.3 million and having 
a maturity of November 30, 2022, and the second tranche being in the amount of $1,400.6 million and having a 
maturity of November 30, 2021. 

74   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advances under the Term Facility may be outstanding in the form of either prime loans or bankers’ acceptances 
and bear interest at the applicable reference rate plus an applicable margin depending on the type of advance 
and Corus’ total debt to cash flow ratio. 

Voluntary prepayments on the amount outstanding under the Term Facility are permitted at any time without 
penalty, subject to payment of customary breakage costs, if applicable, and provided that advances in the form 
of bankers’ acceptances may only be paid on their maturity. Each tranche of the Term Facility will be subject to 
mandatory repayment equal to 1.25% per quarter at the end of each fiscal quarter of Corus. 

Revolving Facility

The $300.0 million Revolving Facility matures on November 30, 2021. The Revolving Facility is available on a 
revolving basis to finance permitted acquisitions and capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. 
Amounts owing under the Revolving Facility will be payable in full at maturity. The Revolving Facility permits full 
or partial cancellation of the facility and, if applicable, concurrent prepayment of the amounts drawn thereunder 
at any time without penalty, subject to payment of customary breakage costs, if applicable, and provided that 
advances in the form of bankers’ acceptances may only be paid on their maturity.

Advances under the Revolving Facility may be drawn in Canadian dollars as either a prime rate loan, bankers’ 
acceptance or Canadian dollar denominated letters of credit (to a sub-limit of $50.0 million total), or in U.S. 
dollars as either a base rate loan, U.S. LIBOR loan or U.S. dollar denominated letters of credit (to a sub-limit of 
$50.0 million total). Amounts drawn under the Revolving Facility will bear interest at the applicable reference 
rate  plus  an  applicable  margin  depending  on  the  type  of  advance  and  Corus’  total  debt  to  cash  flow  ratio.  
A standby fee will also be payable on the unutilized amount of the Revolving Facility. As at August 31, 2018, all 
of the Revolving Facility was available and could be drawn.

SWAP AGREEMENTS

On November 28, 2017, the Company terminated the Canadian interest rate swap agreements that fixed 
the interest rate on $457.0 million and $1,414.0 million of its outstanding term loan facilities at 1.076% and 
1.195%, respectively, plus applicable margins to February 28, 2019 and February 26, 2021. As a result, the 
Company received a cash payment, net of accrued interest, of $24.6 million in settlement of these interest 
rate swaps, which was the fair value upon termination. The fair value of $24.6 million was recorded in OCI and is 
being amortized over the life of the original swap agreements as non-cash interest income in the consolidated 
statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) (note 19). 

On November 28, 2017, the Company entered into Canadian interest rate swap agreements to fix the interest rate 
on $1,101.0 million and $600.0 million of its outstanding term loan facilities at 1.947% and 2.004%, respectively, 
plus applicable margins to August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2022. The notional value of these swaps reduces 
concurrently with the mandatory repayments of the Term Facility. The counterparties of the swap agreements 
are highly rated financial institutions and the Company does not anticipate any non-performance. The fair value 
of Level 2 financial instruments such as interest rate swap agreements is calculated by way of discounted cash 
flows, using market interest rates and applicable credit spreads. The Company has assessed that there is no 
ineffectiveness in the hedge of its interest rate exposure. As an effective hedge, unrealized gains or losses on 
the interest rate swap agreements are recognized in OCI. The estimated fair value of these agreements as at 
August 31, 2018 is $23.2 million, which has been recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position 
as a long-term asset (note 5). The effectiveness of the hedging relationship is reviewed on a quarterly basis.

FORWARD CONTRACTS

On  January  5,  2018,  the  Company  entered  into  a  series  of  foreign  exchange  forward  contracts  totalling 
$98.0 million USD, to fix the foreign exchange rate and cash flows related to a portion of the Company’s USD 
denominated long-term liabilities. The forward contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes; 
they are measured at fair value at each reporting date. The counterparty of the forward contracts is a highly 
rated financial institution and the Company does not anticipate any non-performance. The estimated fair value 
of future cash flows of the USD forward contract derivatives change with fluctuations in the foreign exchange 
rate of USD to Canadian dollars. The estimated fair value of these agreements as at August 31, 2018 was $3.8 
million, which has been recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position as a long-term asset (note 
5) and within other expense (income), net in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive 
income (loss) (note 20). The Company has the following undiscounted contractual obligations related to foreign 
exchange forward contracts: 

(thousands of Canadian dollars)

Total Within 1 year

2 - 3 years

4 - 5 years More than 5 years

Contractual CDN cash outflows

Contractual USD cash inflows

109,616 

88,400 

24,552 

19,800 

51,212 

41,300 

33,852

27,300

—

—

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   75

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
15. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Program rights payable

Trade mark liabilities

Long-term employee obligations

Post employment benefit plans

Deferred leasehold inducements

Merchandising and intangibles liability

Unearned revenues

Long-term portion of tangible benefits

Financing lease accrual

16. SHARE CAPITAL
AUTHORIZED

2018  

134,908  

58,833  

21,847  

15,597  

20,168  

18,238  

14,055  

9,249  

2,311  

2017

252,504

72,921

31,226

25,030

19,151

14,728

13,116

11,385

2,288

295,206  

442,349

The Company is authorized to issue, upon approval of holders of no less than two-thirds of the existing Class 
A shares, an unlimited number of Class A participating shares (“Class A Voting Shares”), as well as an unlimited 
number of Class B non-voting participating shares (“Class B Non-Voting Shares”), Class A Preferred Shares, and 
Class 1 and Class 2 Preferred Shares.

Class A Voting Shares are convertible at any time into an equivalent number of Class B Non-Voting Shares. 
The Class B Non-Voting Shares are convertible into an equivalent number of Class A Voting Shares in limited 
circumstances.

The Class A Preferred Shares are redeemable at any time at the demand of Corus and retractable at any time at 
the demand of a holder of a Class A Preferred Share for an amount equal to the consideration received by Corus 
at the time of issuance of such Class A Preferred Shares. Holders of Class A Preferred Shares are entitled to 
receive a non-cumulative dividend at such rate as Corus’ Board of Directors may determine on the redemption 
amount of the Class A Preferred Shares. Each of the Class 1 Preferred Shares, the Class 2 Preferred Shares, 
the Class A Voting Shares and the Class B Non-Voting Shares rank junior to and are subject in all respects to 
the preferences, rights, conditions, restrictions, limitations and prohibitions attached to the Class A Preferred 
Shares in connection with the payment of dividends.

The Class 1 and Class 2 Preferred Shares are issuable in one or more series with attributes designated by the 
Board of Directors. The Class 1 Preferred Shares rank senior to the Class 2 Preferred Shares.

In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or other distribution of assets of the 
Company for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the holders of Class A Preferred Shares are entitled to a 
payment in priority to all other classes of shares of the Company to the extent of the redemption amount of the 
Class A Preferred Shares, but will not be entitled to any surplus in excess of that amount. The remaining property 
and assets will be available for distribution to the holders of the Class A Voting Shares and Class B Non-Voting 
Shares, which shall be paid or distributed equally, share for share, between the holders of the Class A Voting 
Shares and the Class B Non-Voting Shares, without preference or distinction.

No Class A Preferred Shares, Class 1 Preferred Shares or Class 2 Preferred Shares are outstanding at August 
31, 2018.

76   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING

Class A Voting Shares Class B Non-Voting Shares

Total

#  

$

#  

$ 

$

Balance - August 31, 2016

  3,425,792  

26,529   192,997,999 

2,142,014  2,168,543

Conversion of Class A Voting Shares to Class B 

Non-Voting Shares

Issuance of shares under stock option plan

Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment 

plan

(4,000) 

—

—

(31) 

—  

4,000 

14,850 

31

154 

—

154

—  

9,818,652 

123,117 

123,117

Balance - August 31, 2017

  3,421,792  

26,498   202,835,501 

2,265,316  2,291,814

Conversion of Class A Voting Shares to Class B 

Non-Voting Shares

Issuance of shares under stock option plan

Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment 

plan

(2,400) 

—

—

(19) 

—  

2,400 

7,975 

19

85 

—

85

—  

5,731,790 

38,578 

38,578

Balance - August 31, 2018

  3,419,392  

26,479   208,577,666 

2,303,998  2,330,477

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator (in thousands) used for the computation of 
the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share amounts:

Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders (numerator)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (denominator)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic

Effect of dilutive securities

Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted

2018  

2017

(784,509)  

191,665

208,257  

201,065

—  

304

208,257  

201,369

The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for fiscal 2018 excluded 6,057 (2017 – 2,487) weighted 
average Class B Non-Voting Shares issuable under the Company’s Stock Option Plan because these options 
were anti-dilutive.

STOCK OPTION PLAN

Under the Company’s Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), the Company may grant options to purchase Class B  
Non-Voting Shares to eligible officers, directors and employees of or consultants to the Company. The number 
of Class B Non-Voting Shares which the Company is authorized to issue under the Plan is 10% of the issued and 
outstanding Class B Non-Voting Shares. All options granted are for terms not to exceed 10 years from the grant 
date. The exercise price of each option equals the closing market price on the TSX of the Company’s stock on 
the trading date immediately preceding the date of the grant. Options vest 25% on each of the first, second, 
third and fourth anniversary dates of the date of grant.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   77

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
A summary of the changes to the stock options outstanding is presented as follows: 

Outstanding - August 31, 2016

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited or expired

Outstanding - August 31, 2017

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited or expired

Outstanding - August 31, 2018

Number of options

Weighted average 
exercise price per share

(#)  

3,753,873  

1,613,000  

(14,850) 

(95,173) 

5,256,850  

1,070,400  

(7,975) 

(261,900) 

6,057,375  

($)

18.24

11.60

10.38

17.55

16.24

12.43

10.38

22.31

15.31

As at August 31, 2018, the options outstanding and exercisable consist of the following:

Range of exercise price ($)

10.38 – 10.99

11.00 – 12.02

12.03 – 12.52

12.53 – 22.64

22.65 – 25.40

Options outstanding

Options exercisable

Number 
outstanding 
(#)

Weighted average 
remaining 
contractual life 
(years)

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
($) 

Number 
outstanding 
(#)

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
($)

1,094,475 

1,613,000 

1,070,400 

1,170,400 

1,109,100 

6,057,375 

4.2 

5.3 

6.7 

1.7 

2.4 

4.1 

10.38  

11.60  

12.43  

19.87  

23.54  

15.31  

535,825 

403,250 

—

1,084,950 

997,525 

3,021,550 

10.38

11.60

—

20.38

23.57

18.49

The fair value of each option granted has been estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option 
pricing model. The estimated fair value of the options is amortized to income over the options’ vesting period 
on a straight-line basis. In fiscal 2018, the Company recorded share-based compensation expense of $670 
(2017 – $1,005). This charge has been credited to contributed surplus. Unrecognized share-based compensation 
expense at August 31, 2018 related to the Plan was $508 (2017 – $609). 

The fair value of each option granted in fiscals 2018 and 2017 was estimated on the date of the grant using the 
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

Granted in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and vesting in fiscal:

2019  

2020  

2021  

Fair value

Risk-free interest rate

Expected dividend yield

Expected share price volatility

Expected time until exercise (years)

$0.52  

$0.52  

$0.52  

1.8% 

9.3% 

1.8% 

9.3% 

1.8% 

9.3% 

2022

$0.52

1.8%

9.3%

21.8% 

21.8% 

21.8% 

21.8%

6  

6  

6  

6

Granted in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and vesting in fiscal:

2018  

2019  

2020  

2021

Fair value

Risk-free interest rate

Expected dividend yield

Expected share price volatility

Expected time until exercise (years)

$ 0.64  

$ 0.59  

$ 0.56  

$ 0.51

0.7% 

10.1% 

27.2% 

5  

0.7% 

10.1% 

26.7% 

6  

0.8% 

10.1% 

26.2% 

6  

0.8%

10.1%

26.1%

7

78   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The expected life of the options is based on historical data and current expectations and is not necessarily 
indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical 
volatility over a period similar to the life of the options is indicative of future trends, which may also not necessarily 
be the actual outcome.

On October 20, 2018, the Company granted a further 1,243,200 options for Class B Non-Voting Shares to 
eligible officers and employees of the Company. These options are exercisable at $4.88 per share.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The following table provides additional information on the employee stock options, PSUs, DSUs and RSUs :

Balance - August 31, 2016

Additions

Deemed dividend equivalents

Forfeitures

Payments

Balance - August 31, 2017

Additions

Deemed dividend equivalents

Forfeitures

Payments

PSUs

#

DSUs

#

1,025,934  

1,002,367  

484,625  

100,687  

(15,930) 

(358,485) 

1,236,831  

399,800  

208,833  

(117,230) 

(303,830) 

221,940  

82,521  

(134,697) 

(30,390) 

1,141,741  

227,978  

184,600  

(34,300) 

(313,210) 

Balance - August 31, 2018

1,424,404  

1,206,809  

RSUs

#

237,483

205,324

25,052

(17,719)

(43,440)

406,700

163,776

72,164

(84,754)

(40,494)

517,392

Share-based compensation expense (recovery) recorded for the fiscal year in respect of these plans was $(7,818) 
(2017 – $8,266). As at August 31, 2018, the carrying value of the liability for PSU, DSU and RSU units was $4,912 
(2017 – $22,068). 

DIVIDENDS

The holders of Class A Voting Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares are entitled to receive such dividends as 
the Board of Directors determines to declare on a share-for-share basis, as and when any such dividends are 
declared or paid. The holders of Class B Non-Voting Shares are entitled to receive, during each dividend period, in 
priority to the payment of dividends on the Class A Voting Shares, a dividend which is $0.005 per share per annum 
higher than that received on the Class A Voting Shares. This higher dividend rate is subject to proportionate 
adjustment in the event of future consolidations or subdivisions of shares and in the event of any issue of shares 
by way of stock dividend. After payment or setting aside for payment of the additional non-cumulative dividends 
on the Class B Non-Voting Shares, holders of Class A Voting Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares participate 
equally, on a share-for-share basis, on all subsequent dividends declared.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   79

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date of record

September 15, 2017

October 16, 2017

November 15, 2017

December 14, 2017

January 15, 2018

February 14, 2018

March 15, 2018

April 16, 2018

May 15, 2018

June 15, 2018

July 16, 2018

August 15, 2018

Date paid

September 29, 2017 

October 31, 2017 

November 30, 2017 

December 28, 2017 

January 31, 2018 

February 28, 2018 

March 29, 2018 

April 30, 2018 

May 31, 2018 

June 29, 2018 

July 31, 2018 

August 31, 2018 

Class A

Amount paid

Class B

Amount paid

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$1.134996 

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$1.140000

Dividend yield based on closing share price of Class B shares

30.81%

Date of record

September 15, 2016

October 17, 2016

November 15, 2016

December 15, 2016

January 16, 2017

February 14, 2017

March 15, 2017

April 14, 2017

May 15, 2017

June 15, 2017

July 17, 2017

August 15, 2017

Date paid

September 30, 2016 

October 31, 2016 

November 30, 2016 

December 30, 2016 

January 31, 2017 

February 28, 2017 

March 31, 2017 

April 28, 2017 

May 31, 2017 

June 30, 2017 

July 31, 2017 

August 31, 2017 

Class A

Amount paid

Class B

Amount paid

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$0.094583 

$1.134996 

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$0.095000

$1.140000

Dividend yield based on closing share price of Class B shares

8.27%

The total amount of dividends declared in fiscal 2018 was $198,201 (2017 – $231,046). 

On October 19, 2018, the Company declared dividends of $0.05875 per Class A Voting Share and $0.06 per Class 
B Non-Voting Share payable on December 28, 2018 to the shareholders of record at the close of business on 
December 14, 2018. 

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN (“DRIP”)

The Company’s Board of Directors had approved a discount of 2% for Class B Non-Voting Shares issued from 
treasury pursuant to the terms of its DRIP to August 31, 2018. In fiscal 2018, the Company issued Class B  
Non-Voting Shares from teasury to satisfy its share delivery obligations under the DRIP, resulting in an increase 
in share capital of $38,578 (2017 – $123,117) .

On June 26, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved removing the discount for the Class B Non-Voting 
Shares and moving to open market purchases to satisfy its share delivery obligations pursuant to the the terms 
of its DRIP effective September 1, 2018. 

80   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Balance - August 31, 2016

7,096  

(94) 

(10,571)

—  

(3,569)

Unrealized 
foreign 
currency 
translation 
adjustment

Unrealized 
change in 
fair value of 
available-for-sale 
investments

Unrealized 
change in 
fair value of 
cash flow 
hedges

Actuarial 
gains (losses) 
on defined 
benefit plans

Total

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to income:

Amount

Income tax

Items that will not be reclassified to income:

Amount

Income tax

Transfer to retained earnings

Balance - August 31, 2017

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to income:

Amount

Income tax

Transfer to net income

Items that will not be reclassified to income:

Amount

Income tax

Transfer to retained earnings

Balance - August 31, 2018

(643)

—  

6,453  

—

—

—

—

—  

37,344

(298) 

(392) 

(9,896)

16,877

—  

—  

—  

36,701

(10,194)

22,938

—

—

—

—

—  

—  

—  

—  

9,352  

9,352

(2,478) 

(2,478)

6,874  

6,874

(6,874) 

(6,874)

6,453  

(392) 

16,877

—  

22,938

724

—  

7,177  

—

—

—

—

—

—  

24,895

(118) 

(510) 

—  

(6,597)

35,175

(5,382)

—  

—  

—  

—  

25,619

(6,715)

41,842

(5,382)

—

—

—

—

—  

—  

—  

—  

15,714  

15,714

(4,164) 

(4,164)

11,550  

11,550

(11,550) 

(11,550)

7,177  

(510) 

29,793

—  

36,460

18. DIRECT COST OF SALES, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Direct cost of sales

Amortization of program rights

Amortization of film investments

Other cost of sales

General and administrative expenses

Employee costs

Other general and administrative

19. INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest on long-term debt

Imputed interest on long-term liabilities

Amortization of deferred gain on settled interest rate swap (note 14)

Other expense (income)

2018  

2017

516,300  

510,716

16,197  

27,349  

23,958

27,614

303,847  

208,026  

324,898

213,739

1,071,719  

1,100,925

2018  

89,026  

43,240  

(7,323)

2,403  

2017

103,054

51,519

—

2,143

127,346  

156,716

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   81

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20. OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

Equity loss of associates

Asset impairment (note 5)

Venture fund distribution

Other

2018  

5,382  

1,558  

—  

—  

(1,248)  

5,692  

2017

(12,157)

2,675

5,250

(2,904)

(1,817)

(8,953)

During the year ended August 31, 2017, the Company received cash proceeds of $4,122 relating to the disposal 
of an investment, of which $1,218 relates to a return on capital, resulting in a gain of $2,904.

21. INCOME TAXES
The significant components of income tax expense are as follows:

Current income tax expense

Deferred income tax expense (recovery)

Resulting from temporary differences

Resulting from the utilization of tax losses

Resulting from tax rate changes

Resulting from the creation of various future tax reserves

Other

2018  

71,260  

7,009  

9,399  

87  

(141)  

515  

2017

65,390

24,467

(6,585)

(526)

899

(1,147)

Income tax expense reported in the consolidated statements of income (loss) 

and comprehensive income (loss)

88,129  

82,498

A reconciliation of income tax computed at the statutory tax rates to income tax expense is as follows:

Income tax at combined federal and provincial rates

  (177,650)  

26.5%  

81,259  

26.5%

2018  

%  

$  

2017

%

$  

Differences from statutory rates relating to:

(Income) loss subject to tax at less than statutory rates

Non-taxable portion of capital gains

Goodwill impairment

Transaction costs

Increase of various tax reserves

Miscellaneous differences

(191)

(88)

—%  

—%  

265,136  

(39.6%)

(29)

450

—%  

—%  

501  

(0.1%)  

(27)

843  

—

(440) 

953  

(90)

—%

0.3%

—%

(0.1%)

0.3%

—%

88,129  

(13.2%)  

82,498  

26.9%

82   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The movement in the net deferred income tax asset (liability) was as follows:

Broadcast 

Accrued 

Fixed 

Non-capital 

Financing 

licenses and other 

compen-

assets and 

Program 

loss carry 

Invest-

and debt 

intangibles

sation

film assets

rights

forwards

ments

retirement

Other

Total

$  

$  

$ 

$  

$  

$  

$  

$  

$

Balance - August 31, 2016

(508,996) 

22,718  

15,594 

33,343  

18,698  

(638) 

16,512  

18,443  

(384,326)

Recognized in profit or loss

(558) 

1,159  

1,804 

(16,312) 

6,585  

170  

4,697  

(14,654) 

(17,109)

Recognized in OCI

Recognized in equity

—  

(2,478)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—  

—

(298) 

(9,896)

—  

(12,672)

—

—  

(24) 

(24)

Balance - August 31, 2017

(509,554) 

21,399  

17,398 

17,031  

25,283  

(766) 

11,313  

3,765  

(414,131)

Recognized in profit or loss

1,102  

(6,382) 

561 

(2,212) 

(9,399) 

1,192  

(6,307) 

4,576  

(16,869)

Recognized in OCI

—  

(4,164)

—

—

—  

(118) 

(4,589)

—  

(8,871)

Balance - August 31, 2018

(508,452) 

10,853  

17,959 

14,819  

15,884  

308  

417  

8,341  

(439,871)

At August 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $70,444 (2017 – $109,941) of non-capital loss carryforwards 
available which expire between the years 2026 and 2038. A deferred income tax asset of $15,884 (2017 – 
$25,283) has been recognized in respect of these losses and an income tax benefit of $1,280 (2017 – $2,568) 
has not been recognized.

At August 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $37,430 (2017 – $36,748) of capital loss carryforwards 
available which have no expiry date. No income tax benefit has been recognized in respect of these losses.

The Company has taxable temporary differences associated with its investments in its subsidiaries. No deferred 
income tax liabilities have been provided with respect to such temporary differences as the Company is able to 
control the timing of the reversal and such reversal is not probable in the foreseeable future. 

There are no income tax consequences attached to the payment of dividends, in either 2018 or 2017, by the 
Company to its shareholders.

22. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company’s business activities are conducted through two segments: Television and Radio. 

TELEVISION

The Television segment is comprised of 44 specialty television networks (2017 — 45), 15 conventional television 
stations, and the Corus content business, which includes the production and distribution of films and television 
programs,  merchandise  licensing,  book  publishing,  animation  software,  media  and  technology  services. 
Revenues are generated from advertising, subscribers fees and the licensing of proprietary films and television 
programs, merchandise licensing, publishing, animation software, media and technology service sales. 

RADIO

The Radio segment is comprised of 39 radio stations across Canada, situated primarily in high-growth urban 
centres in English Canada, with a concentration in the densely populated area of Southern Ontario. Revenues 
are derived from advertising aired over these stations. 

Corporate results represent the incremental cost of corporate overhead in excess of the amount allocated to 
the other operating segments.

Management evaluates each division’s performance based on revenues less direct cost of sales, general and 
administrative  expenses.  Segment  profit  excludes  depreciation  and  amortization,  interest  expense,  debt 
refinancing costs, business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs, impairments and certain other 
income and expenses.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   83

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVENUES AND SEGMENT PROFIT

Year ended August 31, 2018

Revenues

Television

Radio Corporate Consolidated

  1,499,322  

148,025

—  

1,647,347

Direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses

957,533  

107,717  

6,469  

1,071,719

Segment profit (loss)

Depreciation and amortization

Interest expense

Broadcast license and goodwill impairment

Business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs

Other expense, net

Loss before income taxes

Year ended August 31, 2017

Revenues

Direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses

Segment profit (loss)

Depreciation and amortization

Interest expense

Business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs

Other income, net

Income before income taxes

541,789  

40,308  

(6,469)  

575,628

81,861

127,346

1,013,692

17,071

5,692

(670,034)

Television

Radio

Corporate Consolidated

1,529,792 

149,216

—  

1,679,008

965,425 

564,367 

109,689 

25,811  

1,100,925

39,527 

(25,811) 

578,083

91,750

156,716

31,983

(8,953)

306,587

The  following  tables  present  further  details  on  the  operating  segments  within  the  Television  and  Radio 
segments:
Revenues are derived from the following areas:

Advertising

Subscriber fees

Merchandising, distribution and other

2018

1,043,810

507,756

95,781

1,647,347

Revenues are derived from the following geographical sources, by location of customer:

Canada

International

International revenues pertain to customers in the Television segment only.

2018  

1,583,879  

63,468  

1,647,347  

2017

1,080,929

506,666

91,413

1,679,008

2017

1,633,466

45,542

1,679,008

84   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEGMENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

2018  

2017

Assets

Television

Radio

Corporate

Liabilities

Television

Radio

Corporate

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES BY SEGMENT

Television

Radio

Corporate

4,373,037  

242,701  

267,216  

4,882,954  

1,105,882  

44,991  

2,055,278  

3,206,151  

2018  

10,498  

3,660  

1,959  

16,117  

5,462,897

260,573

344,374

6,067,844

1,184,239

50,989

2,233,095

3,468,323

2017

14,449

2,135

10,405

26,989

Property, plant and equipment are located primarily within Canada.

23. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Company’s capital management objectives are to maintain financial flexibility in order to pursue its strategy 
of organic growth combined with strategic acquisitions and to provide returns to its shareholders. The Company 
defines capital as the aggregate of its shareholders’ equity and long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents. 
Total managed capital is as follows:

Total bank debt

Cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Shareholders’ equity

2018  

1,983,933  

(94,801)  

1,889,132  

1,676,803  

3,565,935  

2017

2,091,580

(93,701)

1,997,879

2,599,521

4,597,400

The Company manages its capital structure in accordance with changes in economic conditions. In order to 
maintain or adjust its capital structure, the Company may elect to issue or repay long-term debt, issue shares, 
repurchase shares through a normal course issuer bid, pay dividends or undertake any other activities as deemed 
appropriate under the specific circumstances.

The Company monitors capital using several key performance metrics, including: net debt to segment profit 
ratio and dividend yield. The Company’s stated long-term objectives are a leverage target (net debt to segment 
profit ratio) of below 3.0 times and to maintain a dividend yield in excess of 2.5%. In the short-term, the Company 
may permit the long-term range to be exceeded (for long-term investment opportunities), but endeavours 
to return to the leverage target range as the Company believes that these objectives provide a reasonable 
framework for providing a return to shareholders and is supportive of maintaining the Company’s credit ratings. 
The Company is currently operating above these internally imposed objectives and is focused on deleveraging 
towards 3.0 times net debt to segment profit. 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   85

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following tables set out the classification of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities.

As at August 31, 2018

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss

Loans and 
receivables

Available-
for-sale

Other 
financial 
liabilities Derivatives

Cash and cash equivalents

94,801

—

Accounts receivable

—  

388,751

—

—

—

—

—

—

Non-
financial

—  

—  

Total 
carrying 
amount

94,801

388,751

Investments

Intangibles

Other assets

Total assets

—

—

—

—  

45,964

—  

26,964  

9,285  

82,213

—

—

—

—

—

—

—   2,012,086   2,012,086

—   2,305,103   2,305,103

94,801  

388,751  

45,964

—  

26,964   4,326,474   4,882,954

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities 

and provisions

Bank debt

Other long-term liabilities and 

provisions

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—  

416,937

—   1,983,933

—  

288,952

—

—

—   2,689,822

—

—

—  

—  

—  

—  

416,937

—   1,983,933

14,055  

303,007

502,274  

502,274

516,329   3,206,151

As at August 31, 2017

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss

Loans and 
receivables

Available- 
for-sale

Other 
financial 
liabilities Derivatives

Cash and cash equivalents

93,701

—

Accounts receivable

—  

408,443

—

—

—

—

—

—

Non-
financial

—  

—  

Total 
carrying 
amount

93,701

408,443

Investments

Intangibles

Other assets

Total assets

—

—

—

—  

30,289

—  

22,961 

11,309 

64,559

—

—

—

—

—

—

—  

—  

2,045,813 

2,045,813

3,455,328 

3,455,328

93,701 

408,443 

30,289

—  

22,961 

5,512,450 

6,067,844

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities 

and provisions

Bank debt

Other long-term liabilities and 

provisions

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

FAIR VALUES

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—  

—  

—  

—

431,452

2,091,580

440,940

—

—  

2,963,972

—

—

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

431,452

2,091,580

13,116 

454,056

491,235 

491,235

504,351 

3,468,323

The  fair  values  of  financial  instruments  included  in  current  assets  and  current  liabilities  approximate  their 
carrying values due to their short-term nature.

The fair value of publicly-traded shares included in investments and intangibles is determined by quoted share 
prices in active markets. The fair value of other financial instruments included in this category is determined 
using other valuation techniques.

The fair value of bank loans is estimated based on discounted cash flows using year-end market yields, adjusted 
to take into account the Company’s own credit risk. The long-term debt is regularly repriced to floating market 
interest rates and as such, the carrying value of the Company’s bank loans approximate their fair value. 

Periodically, the Company enters into Canadian dollar interest rate swap agreements. The fair value of the 
interest rate swap agreements is calculated by way of discounted cash flows, using market interest rates and 
applicable credit spreads. 

86   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
In fiscal 2018, the Company entered into U.S. dollar foreign currency forward contracts. The fair value of the 
foreign currency forward contracts is calculated by way of discounted cash flows, using market foreign exchange 
rates and applicable discount factors.

The fair values of financial instruments in other long-term liabilities approximate their carrying values as they 
are recorded at the net present values of their future cash flows, using an appropriate discount rate.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information 
about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters 
of significant judgment and therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could 
significantly affect the estimates.

The following tables present information related to the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a 
recurring basis and the level within the guidance hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall as at August 
31 as follows:

As at August 31, 2018

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Interest rate swap

Foreign exchange forward 

contracts

Assets carried at fair value

As at August 31, 2017

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Interest rate swap

Assets carried at fair value

Quoted prices in active markets 
for identical assets or liabilities

Significant other 
observable inputs

Significant 
unobservable inputs

(Level 1) 

(Level 2) 

(Level 3)

94,801

—  

—  

94,801  

—

23,213

3,751

26,964

—

—

—

—

Quoted prices in active markets for 
identical assets or liabilities

Significant other 
observable inputs

Significant 
unobservable inputs

(Level 1) 

(Level 2) 

(Level 3)

93,701

—  

93,701  

—

22,961

22,961

—

—

—

Excluded from the above tables are the Company’s investments that are measured at cost, as fair value is not 
reliably measured.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company is exposed to various risks related to its financial assets and liabilities. These risk exposures are 
managed on an ongoing basis.

Credit risk

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to credit risk from its accounts receivable from 
customers. The carrying amounts for accounts receivable are net of applicable allowances for doubtful accounts, 
which are estimated based on past experience, specific risks associated with the customer and other relevant 
information.

The maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying amount of the financial assets. 

The following tables set out the details of the aging for accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts 
as at August 31 as follows:

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   87

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
Trade

Current

One to three months past due

Over three months past due

Other

Less allowance for doubtful accounts

Balance, beginning of year

Provision for doubtful accounts

Write-off of bad debts

Balance, end of year

2018  

2017

164,284  

139,127  

64,474  

367,885  

25,337  

393,222  

4,471  

388,751  

2018  

4,671  

1,648  

(1,848)  

4,471  

173,937

135,418

78,226

387,581

25,533

413,114

4,671

408,443

2017

3,376

4,340

(3,045)

4,671

The Company earned 9% of its revenues from one related party (2017 – 8%). This related party comprises 6% 
of the accounts receivable balance as at August 31, 2018 (2017 – 6%) (note 30).

Liquidity risk

Liquidity  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  Company  will  encounter  difficulty  in  raising  funds  to  meet  commitments 
associated with financial obligations. The Company manages liquidity risk primarily by maintaining sufficient 
unused capacity within its long-term debt facility, and by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows. 
The unused capacity at August 31, 2018 was $300,000 (2017 – $300,000). Further information with respect to 
the Company’s long-term debt facility is provided in note 14.

The following table sets out the undiscounted contractual obligations as at August 31, 2018:

Total debt (1)

Accounts payable

Other obligations (2)

Total

Less than one year

One to three years

Beyond three years

2,021,125 

405,762 

158,701 

106,375 

405,762

49,296 

212,750 

—

74,522 

1,702,000

—

34,883

(1) Principal repayments and interest payments
(2) Other obligations included financial liabilities, trade marks, other intangibles and CRTC commitments.

In fiscal 2018, the Company incurred interest on bank loans and swaps on credit facilities of $89,026 (2017 – 
$103,054).

Market risk

Market risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate as a result of changes in market 
prices, whether those changes are caused by factors specific to the individual instrument or its issuers or factors 
affecting all instruments traded in the market.

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk through its international content distribution operations and U.S. 
dollar denominated programming purchasing. The most significant foreign currency exposure is to movements 
in the U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate and the U.S. dollar to euro exchange rate. The impact of foreign 
exchange on income before income taxes and non-controlling interest is detailed in the table below:

Direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses

Other expense (income), net

2018  

(82)  

5,382  

5,300  

2017

88

(12,157)

(12,069)

88   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
An  assumed  10%  increase  or  decrease  in  exchange  rates  as  at  August  31,  2018  would  have  an  impact  of 
approximately $18,000 on net income or OCI for the year. As a result of the Company’s exposure to this risk, 
it has entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts, as described in note 14, to fix the foreign 
exchange rate and therefore cash flows related to a portion of the Company’s U.S. dollar denominated liabilities. 

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on the bankers’ acceptances issued at floating rates under its bank 
loan facility. An assumed 1% increase or decrease in short-term interest rates during the year ended August 
31, 2018 would have had a material impact on net income for the year. As a result of the Company’s exposure 
to this risk, it has entered into interest rate swap agreements, as described in note 14, to minimize its exposure 
to changes in floating rates on bankers’ acceptances.

Other considerations

The Company does not engage in trading or other speculative activities with respect to derivative financial 
instruments.

25. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Net change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations consists of the following:

Accounts receivable

Prepaid expenses and other

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Provisions

Income taxes recoverable

Other long-term liabilities

Other

2018  

20,402  

1,147  

(11,374)  

(8,929)  

(1,917)  

(22,918)  

(4,909)  

(28,498)  

Interest paid, interest received and income taxes paid and classified as operating activities are as follows:

Interest paid

Interest received

Income taxes paid

2018  

91,611  

1,244  

66,431  

2017

(26,488)

(3,040)

(22,027)

(5,599)

(3,370)

3,395

(8,805)

(65,934)

2017

105,694

1,045

66,249

26. GOVERNMENT FINANCING AND ASSISTANCE
Revenues  include  $3,584  (2017  –  $8,993)  of  production  financing  obtained  from  government  programs.  
This financing provides a supplement to a production series’ Canadian license fees and is not repayable.

As well, revenues include $1,059 (2017 – $951) of government grants relating to the marketing of books in both 
Canada and international markets. The majority of the grants are repayable if the average profit margin for the 
three-year period following receipt of the funds equals or is greater than 15%.

27. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIVESTITURES 
DISPOSITION OF 29% INTEREST IN THE COOKING CHANNEL (CANADA)

On December 12, 2016, the Company sold a 29% interest in 7202377 Canada Inc. (the “Cooking Channel”), a 
subsidiary, to Scripps Network LLC for $7,500, the fair value at the date of the sale. Cash proceeds of $5,250 
were received upon closing. A further $2,176 was received in fiscal 2018. Control of this subsidiary did not 
change, therefore a business combination did not occur. As such, the Company continues to consolidate the 
Cooking Channel, but the transaction did give rise to a non-controlling interest in the Cooking Channel. In  
accordance with IFRS 10 – Consolidated Financial Statements, an adjustment has been made to the carrying 
amounts of the non-controlling interests in these consolidated financial statements related to the reallocation 
of equity interest to reflect the underlying carrying value of the net assets of the Cooking Channel.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   89

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES

LEASES

The Company enters into operating leases for the use of facilities and equipment. During fiscal 2018, rental 
expenses in direct cost of sales, general and administrative expenses totalled approximately $31,731 (2017 – 
$31,861). Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases at August 31, are as follows:
2017

2018  

Within one year

After one year but not more than five years

More than five years

30,480  

115,508  

261,809  

407,797  

38,786

115,599

277,773

432,158

The Company has entered into finance leases for the use of computer equipment and software, telephones, 
furniture and broadcast equipment. The leases range between three and five years and bear interest at rates 
varying from 2.1% to 8.0%. Future minimum lease payments under finance leases together with the present 
value of the net minimum lease payments are as follows:

Within one year

After one year but not more than five years

More than five years

Total minimum lease payments

Less amounts representing finance charges

Present value of minimum lease payments

2018  

2017

Minimum 
payments

Present value 
of payments

Minimum 
payments

Present value 
of payments

4,110  

1,712  

—

5,822  

358

5,464  

3,794  

1,670  

—

5,464  

—  

5,464  

2,709 

2,407 

—

5,116 

301

4,815 

2,526

2,289

—

4,815

—

4,815

PURCHASE COMMITMENTS
The Company has entered into various purchase commitments at August 31, 2018 as detailed in the following 
table:

Purchase obligations (1)

Other obligations (2)

Total contractual obligations

Total Within 1 year

2 - 3 years

4 - 5 years More than 5 years

907,699 

158,701 

1,066,400 

525,236 

49,296 

574,532 

289,554 

74,522 

364,076 

91,731 

33,975 

125,706 

1,178

908

2,086

(1) Purchase obligations are contractual obligations under contracts relating to program rights, satellite and signal transport costs, and 

various other operating expenditures that the Company has committed to, for periods ranging from one to 10 years.

(2) Other obligations included financial liabilities, trade marks, other intangibles and CRTC commitments.

Generally, it is not the Company’s policy to issue guarantees to non-controlled affiliates or third parties, with 
limited exceptions.

LITIGATION
The Company, its subsidiaries and joint ventures are involved in litigation matters arising out of the ordinary 
course and conduct of its business. Although such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management 
does not consider the Company’s exposure to litigation to be material to these consolidated financial statements.

OTHER MATTERS

Many of the Company’s agreements, specifically those related to acquisitions and dispositions of business 
assets, include indemnification provisions where the Company may be required to make payments to a vendor 
or purchaser for breach of fundamental representation and warranty terms in the agreements with respect 
to matters such as corporate status, title of assets, environmental issues, consents to transfer, employment 
matters, litigation, taxes payable and other potential material liabilities. The maximum potential amount of 
future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnification provisions is not 

90   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
reasonably quantifiable, as certain indemnifications are not subject to a monetary limitation. As at August 31, 
2018, management believed there was only a remote possibility that the indemnification provisions would  
require any material cash payment.

The Company indemnifies its directors and officers against any and all claims or losses reasonably incurred in 
the performance of their service to the Company to the extent permitted by law. The Company has acquired 
and maintains liability insurance for directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries.

29. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLANS

The Company has various defined contribution plans for qualifying full-time employees. Under these plans, 
the Company contributes up to 6% (2017 – 6%) of an employee’s earnings, not exceeding the limits set by the 
Income Tax Act (Canada). The amount contributed in fiscal 2018 related to the defined contribution plans was 
$8,313 (2017 – $7,532). The amount contributed is approximately the same as the expense included in the 
consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). 

NON-REGISTERED DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS

The Company provides supplemental executive retirement plans (“SERP” and “CEO SERP”, which relates to 
the former CEO), which are non-contributory, unfunded defined benefit pension plans for certain of its senior 
executives  that  are  included  in  long-term  employee  obligations  (note  15).  Benefits  under  these  plans  are 
generally based on the employee’s length of service and their highest three-year average rate of pay during their 
most recent 10 years of service, accrued starting from the date of the implementation of the plan, and currently 
includes a benefit for past service for certain senior executives, as applicable under the terms of the plan. 

The table below shows the change in the benefit obligation for these plans.

Accrued benefit obligation and plan deficit, beginning of year

Current service costs

Interest cost

Payment of benefits

Remeasurements:

Effect of changes in financial assumptions

Effect of experience adjustments

Accrued benefit obligation and liability, end of year

2018  

18,575  

1,343  

686  

(484)  

(427)  

(563)  

19,130  

2017

17,662

1,405

609

(484)

(339)

(278)

18,575

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation of the supplemental executive retirement 
plans at August 31, 2018 is 16.2 years.
The tables below show the significant weighted-average assumptions used to measure the pension obligation 
and costs for this plan.

Accrued benefit obligation

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Benefit cost for the year

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

2018  

3.70%  

2.50%  

2018  

3.50%  

2.50%  

2017

3.50%

2.50%

2017

3.60%

3.00%

The following table illustrates the incremental impact on the defined benefit obligation at August 31, 2018 and 
the pension expense for the fiscal year then ended, with respect to the three key factors in determining the 
benefit obligation:

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   91

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sensitivity analysis

Discount rate - 1% decrease

Salary increase - 1% increase

Mortality - one-year increase in the expected future lifetime

Benefit 
obligation at 
August 31, 2018

Pension 
expense for 
fiscal 2018

3,088  

(6,692)  

569  

196

108

68

When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions, the 
present value of the defined benefit obligation has been calculated using the projected benefit method which 
is the same method that is applied in calculating the defined benefit liability recognized in the consolidated 
statements of financial position. The sensitivity analysis presented above may not be representative of the 
actual change in the accrued benefit obligation as it is unlikely that the change in assumptions would occur in 
isolation of one another as some assumptions may be correlated.
The net pension benefit plan expense, which is included in employee costs, is comprised of the following 
components:

Current service cost

Past service cost

Interest cost

Pension expense

REGISTERED PENSION PLANS

2018  

1,343  

—

686  

2,029  

2017

1,405

—

609

2,014

The Company has a number of funded defined benefit pension plans which provide pension benefits to certain 
unionized and non-unionized employees in its conventional television operations. Benefits under these plans 
are based on the employee’s length of service and final average salary. These plans are regulated by the Office 
of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, Canada in accordance with the provisions of the Pension Benefits 
Standards Act and Regulations. The regulations set out minimum standards for funding the plans. 

The following table shows the change in the benefit obligations, change in fair value of plan assets and the funded 
status of these defined benefit plans.

92   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year

Current service cost

Interest cost

Employee contributions

Payment of benefits

Effect of changes in demographic assumptions

Effect of changes in financial assumptions

Effect of experience adjustments

Accrued benefit obligation, end of year

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year

Employer contributions

Employee contributions

Interest income

Payment of benefits

Administrative expenses paid from plan assets

Return on plan assets, excluding interest income

Fair value of plan assets, end of year

Effect of asset ceiling limit

Fair value of plan assets, end of year, net of asset ceiling limit

Accrued benefit liability (asset) and plan deficit (surplus), end of year

2018

208,702

6,104

7,552

964

(10,993)

(590)

(5,903)

(1,141)

204,695

202,435

8,596

964

7,204

(10,993)

(789)

8,231

215,648

(966)

214,682

(9,987)

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation at August 31, 2018 is 17.8 years.
The plan assets at August 31, are comprised of investments in pooled funds as follows:

Equity - Canadian

Equity - Foreign

Fixed income - Canadian

2018

52,644

33,227

129,777

215,648

2017

208,297

6,138

7,408

825

(9,164)

2,387

(5,610)

(1,579)

208,702

200,134

7,532

825

7,024

(9,164)

(1,024)

(2,892)

202,435

(1,496)

200,939

7,763

2017

51,800

33,889

116,746

202,435

The underlying securities in the pooled funds have quoted prices in an active market.

The significant weighted average assumptions used to measure the pension obligation and cost for these 
plans are as follows:

Accrued benefit obligation

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Benefit cost for the year

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

2018

3.70%

2.50%

2018

3.60%

2.50%

2017

3.60%

2.50%

2017

3.60%

3.00%

The following table illustrates the incremental impact on the defined benefit obligation at August 31, 2018 
and the pension expense for the fiscal year then ended, with respect to the three key factors in determining 
the benefit obligation:

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   93

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sensitivity analysis

Discount rate - 1% decrease

Salary - 1% increase

Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation in years

Effective discount rate 1% decrease

As at August 31, 2018

Fiscal 2018

benefit obligation

benefit cost

36,388

(2,189)

2,902

877

17.8

n/a

When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions, the 
present value of the defined benefit obligation has been calculated using the projected benefit method, which 
is the same method that is applied in calculating the defined benefit liability recognized in the consolidated 
statements of financial position. The sensitivity analysis presented above may not be representative of the 
actual change in the accrued benefit obligation as it is unlikely that the change in assumptions would occur in 
isolation of one another as some assumptions may be correlated.

The net pension benefit plan expense, which is included in employee costs, is comprised of the following 
components:

Current service cost

Interest cost

Pension expense

OTHER BENEFIT PLANS

2018

4,926

—

4,926

2017

6,138

429

6,567

The Company provides supplemental post-retirement non-pension benefit plans that provide post-retirement 
health and life insurance coverage to certain employees and are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis. The table 
below shows the change in the accrued post-retirement obligation, which is recognized in the consolidated 
statements of financial position.

The change in the benefit obligation for these plans is as follows:

Accrued benefit obligation and plan deficit, beginning of year

Current service costs

Past service cost

Interest cost

Payment of benefits

Remeasurements:

Effect of changes in financial assumptions

Effect of experience adjustments

Accrued benefit obligation and liability, end of year

2018

17,267

622

(2,939)

575

(547)

(40)

140

15,078

2017

16,829

607

—

590

(568)

(281)

90

17,267

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation of the post-retirement plans at August 31, 
2018 is 13.7 years.
The significant weighted-average assumptions used to measure the pension obligation and costs for this plan 
are as follows:

94   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued benefit obligation

Discount rate

Salary increase

Benefit cost for the year

Discount rate

Salary increase

2018

3.69%

0.00%

2018

3.67%

3.00%

2017

3.65%

0.00%

2017

3.65%

3.00%

The following table illustrates the incremental impact on the defined benefit obligation at August 31, 2018 
and the pension expense for the fiscal year then ended, with respect to the two key factors in determining the 
benefit obligation:

Sensitivity analysis

Discount rate - 1% decrease

Trend rate - 1% increase

Benefit obligation at 
August 31, 2018

Service and 
interest costs 
fiscal 2018

1,720

1,606

(242)

(87)

When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions, the 
present value of the defined benefit obligation has been calculated using the projected benefit method which 
is the same method that is applied in calculating the defined benefit liability recognized in the consolidated 
statements of financial position. The sensitivity analysis presented above may not be representative of the 
actual change in the accrued benefit obligation as it is unlikely that the change in assumptions would occur in 
isolation of one another as some assumptions may be correlated.

The net pension benefit plan expense, which is included in employee costs, is comprised of the following 
components:

Current service cost

Past service cost

Interest cost

Pension expense

30. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDER

2018

622

(2,939)

575

(1,742)

2017

607

—

590

1,197

A majority of the outstanding Class A Voting Shares of the Company are held by entities owned by the Shaw 
Family Living Trust (“SFLT”) and its subsidiaries for the benefit of descendants of JR Shaw and Carol Shaw.  
The  sole  trustee  of  SFLT  is  a  private  company  owned  by  JR  Shaw  and  having  a  board  comprised  of  seven 
directors, including as at August 31, 2018, JR Shaw as Chair, Heather Shaw, Julie Shaw, three other members of 
JR Shaw’s family and one independent director. The Class A Voting Shares are the only shares entitled to vote 
in all shareholder matters, except in limited circumstances as described in the Company’s Annual Information 
Form. Accordingly, SFLT is, and as long as it holds a majority of the Class A Voting Shares, will continue to be, 
able to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of Corus and to control the vote on matters submitted to a 
vote of Corus’ Class A shareholders. 

SFLT is the controlling shareholder of Shaw Communications Inc. (“Shaw”), and as a result, Shaw and Corus are 
subject to common voting control.

NORMAL COURSE TRANSACTIONS
The Company has transacted business in the normal course with Shaw and with entities over which the Company 
exercises significant influence and joint control. These transactions are measured at the exchange amount, which 
is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties and having normal trade terms.

Shaw Communications Inc.

During  the  year,  the  Company  received  subscriber,  programming,  licensing  and  advertising  revenues  of 
$143,971 (2017 – $131,381), and $1,979 (2017 – $1,081) of production and distribution revenues from Shaw. 
In addition, the Company paid cable and satellite system distribution access fees of $12,286 (2017 – $13,097), 

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   95

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
administrative and other fees of $2,036 (2017 – $2,301), and issued dividends of $91.9 million (2017 – $88.0 
million) to Shaw. At August 31, 2018, the Company had $24,774 (2017 – $34,571) receivable from and $34 (2017 
– $429) payable to Shaw.

The Company provided Shaw with interactive impressions, radio and television spots in return for television 
advertising. No monetary consideration was exchanged for these transactions and no amounts were recorded 
in the accounts.

During the yeaSIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES
The following table includes the significant subsidiaries of the Company:

Name

Corus Limited Television Partnership

Corus Media Holdings Inc.

Corus Radio Inc.

Corus Radio Sales Inc.

Corus Sales Inc.

Food Network Canada Inc.

HGTV Canada Inc.

History Television Inc.

Nelvana Limited

Showcase Television Inc.

TELETOON Canada Inc.

W Network Inc.

YTV Canada, Inc.

Jurisdiction  

2018  

2017

Equity interest

Canada  

Alberta  

Canada  

Canada  

Canada  

Canada  

Canada  

Canada  

Ontario  

Canada  

Canada  

Canada  

Canada  

100% 

100% 

100% 

100%

100% 

71% 

67% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100%

100%

100%

—

100%

71%

67%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Key management personnel consists of the Board of Directors and the Executive Leadership Team who have 
the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company. Several 
members of the Executive Leadership Team are also officers of the Company.

Key management personnel compensation, including the Executive Leadership Team, officers and directors 
of the Company, is as follows:

Salaries and benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based compensation (note 16)

2018  

9,755  

2,029  

(7,501)  

4,283  

2017

15,609

1,757

5,292

22,658

Except for the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 
and the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, no member of the Executive Leadership Team 
has an employment agreement or any other contractual arrangement in place with the Company in connection 
with any termination or change of control event, other than the conditions provided in the compensation plans 
of the Company. Generally, severance entitlements, including short-term incentives payable to the Executive 
Leadership Team and officers of the Company, other than the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Executive 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, due to 
their employment agreements with the Company, would be determined in accordance with applicable common 
law requirements. Long-term incentive plans, such as stock options, are exercisable if vested, while DSUs, PSUs, 
RSUs and SERP, would be payable if vested pursuant to the terms of the plans.

31. COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The  comparative  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  reclassified  from  statements  previously 
presented to conform to the presentation of the 2018 consolidated financial statements.

96   |   Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORUS ENTERTAINMENT INC.

Stock Exchange Listing and  
Trading Symbol
Toronto Stock Exchange 
TSX: CJR.B

Registered Office
1500, 850-2nd Street SW 
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R8

Executive Office
Corus Quay 
25 Dockside Drive 
Toronto, Ontario M5A 0B5 
Telephone: 416.479.7000 
Facsimile: 416.479.7007

Website
www.corusent.com

Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP

Shareholder Services
For assistance with the following: 
• Change of address 
• Transfer or loss of share certificates 
•  Dividend payments or direct deposit 

of dividends 

• Dividend Reinvestment Plan

please contact our Transfer Agent  
and Registrar:
AST Trust Company (Canada) 
PO Box 700, Station B 
Montreal, Quebec H3B 3K3 
Telephone: 1.800.387.0825  
Facsimile:  
1.888.249.6189 (in North America)  
514.985.8843 (outside North America) 
www.astfinancial.com/ca-en/

Annual General Meeting
January 16, 2019 
2 p.m. MT/4 p.m. ET  
The Westin Calgary  
Bow Valley Room  
320 4 Avenue S.W.  
Calgary, Alberta T2P 2S6

Dividend Information
Corus Entertainment now pays its 
dividend on a quarterly basis, subject 
to Board approval, and all dividends are 
“eligible” dividends for Canadian tax 
purposes unless indicated otherwise. 
For further information, including 
the latest approved dividends and 
historical dividend information, please 
visit the Investor Relations - Dividends 
section of Corus Entertainment’s 
website (www.corusent.com).

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”)
AST Trust Company (Canada) acts as 
administrator of Corus Entertainment’s 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan, which is 
available to the Company’s registered 
Class A and Class B Shareholders 
residing in Canada. 
To review the full text of the Plan and 
obtain an enrollment form, please 
visit the Plan Administrator’s website 
at www.astfinancial.com/ca-en/ or 
contact them at 1.800.387.0825.

Corporate Social Responsibility 
(“CSR”)
Since the Company’s launch in 1999, 
Corus Entertainment (“Corus”) has 
had a long and successful track record 
of corporate social responsibility 
(CSR) that encompasses community, 
employees, industry engagement  
and environmental initiatives.  
Corus and its employees have 
embraced the philosophy of giving 
back to the community by supporting 
worthwhile causes company-wide  
as well as individually. Under the 
“Corus Cares” banner, our mission is 
to strengthen the communities where 
we live with a focus on supporting the 
health and well-being of families and 
children. 
For more information, please visit 
the Corporate Social Responsibility 
section of Corus Entertainment’s 
website (www.corusent.com).

Corporate Governance
The Board of Directors of the Company 
endorses the principles that sound 
corporate governance practices are 
important to the proper functioning  
of the Company and the enhancement 
of the interests of its shareholders. 
For further information, please visit 
the Investor Relations - Corporate 
Governance section of Corus 
Entertainment’s website  
(www.corusent.com).

Further Information
Financial analysts, portfolio managers, 
other investors and interested parties 
may contact Corus Entertainment at 
416.479.7000 or visit the Company’s 
website (www.corusent.com). 
Corus Entertainment’s Annual 
Reports, Annual Information Forms, 
Management Information Circulars, 
quarterly financial reports, press 
releases, investor presentations and 
other relevant materials are available  
in the Investor Relations section of 
Corus Entertainment’s website  
(www.corusent.com). 
To receive additional copies of  
Corus Entertainment’s Annual Report, 
please email your request to  
investor.relations@corusent.com.

Copyright and Sources
© Corus® Entertainment Inc. 
All rights reserved. 
Trademarks appearing in this  
Annual Report are Trademarks of 
Corus® Entertainment Inc., or a 
subsidiary thereof which might be  
used under license. 
For specific copyright information 
on any images used in this Annual 
Report, or specific source information 
for any media research used in this 
Annual Report, please contact the 
Senior Manager, Communications at 
416.479.7000.

Corus Entertainment Annual Report 2018   |   97