e6vk
 

 
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of October 2007
Shaw Communications Inc.
 
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
Suite 900, 630 — 3rd Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 4L4 (403) 750-4500
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
     Form 20-F o Form 40-F þ
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o
     Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
     Yes o No þ
     If “ Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-
 
 

 


 

SIGNATURE
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant, Shaw Communications Inc., has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
Date:
  October 26, 2007    
 
  Shaw Communications Inc.    
 
       
By: /s/ Steve Wilson    
 
       
     
Steve Wilson
   
Sr. V.P., Chief Financial Officer
   
Shaw Communications Inc.    

 


 

(SHAW LOGO)
NEWS RELEASE
Shaw announces solid fourth quarter results and 9% dividend increase
Calgary, Alberta (October 26, 2007) – Shaw Communications Inc. today announced results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended August 31, 2007. Consolidated service revenue of $715 million and $2.77 billion for the three and twelve month period improved 13.2% and 12.8%, respectively, over the comparable periods last year. Total service operating income before amortization1 of $326 million and $1.24 billion increased by 18.5% and 15.0% respectively, over the same periods in 2006. Funds flow from operations2 increased to $273 million for the quarter and $1.03 billion for the year compared to $221 million and $847 million in the same periods last year.
During the quarter Digital Phone lines grew by 41,604 to 385,357. Internet and Digital customers increased by 29,857 to 1,451,756 and 15,709 to 763,140, respectively. Basic cable subscribers decreased by 2,057 to 2,226,841 and DTH customers were up 1,686 to 879,585.
Free cash flow1 for the quarter was $76 million bringing the annual total to $356 million. This compares to $55 million and $265 million for the same periods last year, an improvement of $21 million and $91 million, respectively. The growth in free cash flow was primarily related to higher service operating income before amortization, partially offset by increased capital investment.
Chief Executive Officer Jim Shaw commented, “Solid fourth quarter results conclude a year of significant accomplishments: Our service operating income before amortization grew 15% in fiscal 2007 and has grown in excess of 25% over the last two fiscal years. This pace has been driven by customer growth, value enhancements which support pricing, and the rapid penetration of Digital Phone. Despite tight labour markets, we have increased our workforce by over 1,500 employees over the last two years, to approximately 9,000 in total, in order to ensure that we deliver on our promise to provide exceptional customer service, which we believe remains a key differentiator. During the year, we reduced net debt and strengthened our credit metrics, repurchased over $100 million of shares, and more than doubled our dividend rate. We lead the North American cable industry in dividend yield and currently rank in the top 30 high-yielding corporations included in the S&P/TSX 300 Index. Our shareholders were rewarded for this success with a total annual return of over 50% on their shares. Looking forward, we are off to a solid start in fiscal 2008 and our outlook for the year calls for continued earnings growth.”
Net income of $136 million or $0.31 per share for the quarter ended August 31, 2007 compared to $210 million or $0.49 per share for the comparable quarter last year. Net income for the year was $388 million or $0.90 per share compared to $458 million and $1.05 per share last year. The current and comparable three and twelve month periods included non-operating items which are more fully detailed in Management’s Discussions and Analysis (MD&A). These included a gain on the sale of a portfolio investment in the third quarter of 2006, as well as tax recoveries related

 


 

to reductions in enacted income tax rates in each of the first, third and fourth quarters of 2006 as well as the current quarter. Excluding the non-operating items, net income for the three and twelve month periods ended August 31, 2007 would have been $100 million and $346 million compared to net income of $60 million and $212 million in the comparable periods.3
Cable division service revenue for the three and twelve month period of $542 million and $2.08 billion was up 16.0% and 15.2%, respectively, over the same periods last year. The improvement was primarily driven by customer growth and rate increases. Service operating income before amortization increased 23.0% to $267 million for the quarter and 16.1% to $996 million for the year.
Satellite division service revenue of $173 million and $692 million for the three and twelve month period, respectively, increased 5.3% and 6.3% over the comparable periods. The improvement was primarily due to rate increases and customer growth. Service operating income before amortization for the quarter and year were up 2.0% to $59 million and 10.7% to $244 million, respectively
Looking forward, Mr. Shaw noted: “For fiscal 2008, we expect service operating income before amortization to grow in an approximate range of 10% – 12%. Capital expenditures are forecasted to exceed $650 million as we continue to invest to ensure our network will support and maintain our leading broadband business, grow telephony products and provide next generation services for our customers. We plan to manage capital expenditures in line with business growth in order to target free cash flow generation of $450 million or better.”
Mr. Shaw continued, “Our Board of Directors has approved a 9% increase in the equivalent annual dividend rate to $0.72 on Shaw’s Class B Non-Voting Participating shares and $0.7175 on Shaw’s Class A Participating shares. This new rate represents an annual yield of approximately 2.8% based on the current trading price and will be effective commencing with the monthly dividend paid on December 28, 2007.
During the quarter, shareholders approved a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s outstanding Class A Participating Shares and Class B Non-Voting Participating Shares which became effective on July 30, 2007.
During the quarter, Shaw repurchased 4,408,400 of its Class B Non-Voting Shares for cancellation for $105 million. The Company plans to renew its normal course issuer bid in early November.
In closing, Mr. Shaw summarized: “As we head into our new fiscal year we look forward to what lies ahead and are confident that with our leading network infrastructure and the dedicated efforts of our employees we are ready to meet the challenge of a competitive market and deliver another year of solid results.”
Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications company whose core business is providing broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Digital Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business Solutions) and satellite direct-to-home services (through Star Choice). The Company serves 3.3 million customers, including almost 1.5 million Internet subscribers, through a reliable and extensive network, which comprises over 575,000 kilometres

2


 

of fibre. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX — SJR.B, NYSE — SJR).
This news release contains forward-looking statements, identified by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend” and “potential”. These statements are based on current conditions and assumptions and are not a guarantee of future events. Actual events could differ materially as a result of changes to Shaw’s plans and the impact of events, risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of these factors, refer to Shaw’s current annual information form, annual and quarterly reports to shareholders and other documents filed with regulatory authorities.
For more information, please contact:
Shaw Investor Relations Department
Investor.relations@sjrb.ca
 
1   See definitions and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in MD&A.
 
2   Funds flow from operations is before changes in non-cash working capital as presented in the unaudited interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
 
3   See reconciliation of Net Income in Consolidated Overview in MD&A

3


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
AUGUST 31, 2007
October 25, 2007
Certain statements in this report may constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Included herein is a “Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” section which should be read in conjunction with this report.
The following should also be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Company’s August 31, 2006 Annual Report and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto and the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of the current quarter.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FOURTH QUARTER ENDING AUGUST 31, 2007
SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
                    Change                   Change
    2007   2006   %   2007   2006   %
 
($000’s Cdn except per share amounts)
                                               
Operations:
                                               
Service revenue
    715,471       631,888       13.2       2,774,445       2,459,284       12.8  
Service operating income before amortization (1)
    326,052       275,127       18.5       1,239,625       1,077,917       15.0  
Funds flow from operations (2)
    272,545       220,617       23.5       1,028,363       847,197       21.4  
Net income
    135,932       210,369       (35.4 )     388,479       458,250       (15.2 )
Per share data:
                                               
Earnings per share – basic
  $ 0.31     $ 0.49             $ 0.90     $ 1.05          
                         – diluted
  $ 0.31     $ 0.48             $ 0.89     $ 1.05          
Weighted average participating shares outstanding during period (000’s)
    433,864       432,795               432,493       435,332          
 
 
(1)   See definition under Key Performance Drivers in Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
 
(2)   Funds flow from operations is before changes in non-cash working capital as presented in the unaudited interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
SUBSCRIBER HIGHLIGHTS
                                         
            Growth
            Three months ended   Year ended
    Total   August 31,   August 31,
    August 31, 2007   2007   2006   2007   2006
 
Subscriber statistics:
                                       
Basic cable customers
    2,226,841       (2,057 )     2,766       20,521       41,281  
Digital customers
    763,140       15,709       9,630       90,556       71,253  
Internet customers (including pending installs)
    1,451,756       29,857       25,907       134,301       138,581  
DTH customers
    879,585       1,686       3,221       10,377       24,546  
Digital Phone lines (including pending installs)
    385,357       41,604       43,744       172,650       156,144  
 

4


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
  As at August 31, 2007 Digital Phone was available to approximately 82% of our homes passed. The footprint was expanded in British Columbia in the quarter with launches in Nanaimo, Cloverdale, Port Moody, Summerland, and several of their surrounding areas. Most recently the service was launched in Duncan, British Columbia and Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.
  During the quarter Digital Phone lines grew by 41,604 to 385,357. Internet and Digital customers increased by 29,857 to 1,451,756 and 15,709 to 763,140, respectively. Basic cable subscribers decreased by 2,057 to 2,226,841 and DTH customers were up 1,686 to 879,585.
  Consolidated service revenue of $715.5 million and $2.77 billion for the three and twelve month period improved 13.2% and 12.8%, respectively, over the comparable periods last year. Total service operating income before amortization of $326.1 million and $1.24 billion increased by 18.5% and 15.0% respectively, over the same periods in 2006.
  Consolidated free cash flow1 for the quarter was $76.1 million bringing the annual total to $356.2 million. This compares to $54.9 million and $265.4 million for the same periods last year, an improvement of $21.2 million and $90.7 million, respectively.
  During the quarter shareholders approved a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s outstanding Class A Participating Shares and Class B Non-Voting Participating Shares which became effective on July 30, 2007.
  The Board of Directors approved a 9% increase in the equivalent annual dividend rate to $0.72 on Shaw’s Class B Non-Voting Participating shares and $0.7175 on Shaw’s Class A Participating shares. This new rate will be effective commencing with the monthly dividend paid on December 28, 2007.
  Shaw repurchased 4,408,400 of its Class B Non-Voting Shares for cancellation during the quarter for $104.8 million ($23.76 per share). The Company plans to renew its normal course issuer bid in early November.
Consolidated Overview
Consolidated service revenue of $715.5 million and $2.77 billion for the quarter and year, respectively, increased by 13.2% and 12.8% over the same periods last year. The improvements in both periods were primarily due to customer growth and rate increases. Consolidated service operating income before amortization for the three and twelve month period was up 18.5% and 15.0% over the comparable periods to $326.1 million and $1.24 billion. The increases were driven by overall revenue growth.
Net income was $135.9 million and $388.5 million for the three and twelve months ended August 31, 2007, compared to $210.4 million and $458.3 million for the same periods last year. A number of non-operating items affected net income in each of the periods including future tax recoveries mainly related to reductions in corporate income tax rates which contributed $35.5 million to net income in the current quarter and annual period, and $150.0 million and $204.8

5


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
million in the comparable quarter and annual period, respectively. Also during fiscal 2006 the Company reported higher gains related to the sale of several portfolio investments which contributed an additional $49.9 million before taxes. Outlined below are further details on these and other operating and non-operating components of net income for each quarter.
                                                 
    Year ended                   Year ended        
            Operating net   Non-           Operating net   Non-
 ($000’s Cdn)   August 31, 2007   of interest   operating   August 31, 2006   of interest   operating
 
Operating income
    766,510                       579,566                  
Interest expense
    (245,043 )                     (254,303 )                
 
Operating income after interest
    521,467       521,467             325,263       325,263        
Gain on sale of investment
    415             415       50,315             50,315  
Debt retirement costs
                      (12,248 )           (12,248 )
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt
                      5,369             5,369  
Fair value loss on foreign currency forward contract
                      (360 )           (360 )
Other gains
    9,105             9,105       6,205             6,205  
 
Income before income taxes
    530,987       521,467       9,520       374,544       325,263       49,281  
Income tax expense (recovery)
    142,871       175,488       (32,617 )     (83,662 )     113,537       (197,199 )
 
Income before the following
    388,116       345,979       42,137       458,206       211,726       246,480  
Equity income on investees
    363             363       44             44  
 
Net income
    388,479       345,979       42,500       458,250       211,726       246,524  
 
                                                 
    Three months ended                   Three months ended        
            Operating net   Non-           Operating net   Non-
($000's Cdn)   August 31, 2007   of interest   operating   August 31, 2006   of interest   operating
 
Operating income
    205,479                       152,368                  
Interest expense
    (60,387 )                     (62,721 )                
 
Operating income after interest
    145,092       145,092             89,647       89,647        
Gain on sale of investments
                      3,180             3,180  
Debt retirement costs
                      (4,125 )           (4,125 )
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt
                      9             9  
Other gains
    580             580       935             935  
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    145,672       145,092       580       89,646       89,647       (1 )
Income tax expense (recovery)
    9,997       45,299       (35,302 )     (120,486 )     30,041       (150,527 )
 
Income before the following
    135,675       99,793       35,882       210,132       59,606       150,526  
Equity income on investees
    257             257       237             237  
 
Net income
    135,932       99,793       36,139       210,369       59,606       150,763  
 

6


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
The changes in net income are outlined in the table below.
                         
    Increase (decrease) of August 31, 2007
    net income compared to:
    Three months ended   Year ended
    May 31, 2007   August 31, 2006   August 31, 2006
 
(000’s Cdn)
                       
Increased service operating income before amortization
    15,304       50,925       161,708  
Decreased (increased) amortization
    (3,351 )     2,186       25,236  
Decreased interest expense
    831       2,334       9,260  
Change in net other costs and revenue (1)
    (7,031 )     601       (39,442 )
Decreased (increased) income taxes
    38,521       (130,483 )     (226,533 )
 
 
    44,274       (74,437 )     (69,771 )
 
 
(1)   Net other costs and revenue include: gain on sale of investments, foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt, fair value loss on a foreign currency forward contract, debt retirement costs, other gains and equity income on investees as detailed in the unaudited interim Consolidated Statements of Income and Deficit.
Earnings per share of $0.31 for the quarter and $0.90 for the year compares to $0.49 and $1.05, respectively, in the same periods last year. The comparable periods benefited from higher future tax recoveries primarily related to reductions in corporate income tax rates of $114.5 million and $169.3 million, respectively, as well as increased gains related to the sale of portfolio investments which contributed, on a before tax basis, $3.2 million and $49.9 million, respectively. These items were partially offset by improved service operating income before amortization in the current three and twelve month period of $50.9 million and $161.7 million, respectively, decreased amortization of $2.2 million and $25.2 million, respectively, and decreased interest expense of $2.3 million and $9.3 million, respectively. These improvements were partially offset by increased income taxes of $15.3 million and $62.0 million, respectively, that resulted from taxes in the current periods related to higher service operating income before amortization.
Net income in the current quarter improved $44.3 million over the third quarter of fiscal 2007. The increase was due to a tax recovery, mainly related to reductions in corporate income tax rates, of $35.5 million and improved service operating income before amortization of $15.3 million. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in net other costs and revenues of $7.0 million in the current quarter. The change in net other costs and revenues was primarily due to gains reported in the prior period related to the sale of certain corporate assets and foreign exchange.
Funds flow from operations was $272.5 million in the fourth quarter compared to $220.6 million in the comparable quarter, and on an annual basis was $1.03 billion compared to $847.2 million in 2006. The improvement over the respective quarterly and annual comparative periods was principally due to increased service operating income before amortization and reduced interest expense.
Consolidated free cash flow for the quarter of $76.1 million improved $21.2 million over last year. Annual free cash flow of $356.2 million was up $90.7 million over the prior year. The growth over the respective quarterly and annual comparative periods was principally due to increased service operating income before amortization of $50.9 million and $161.7 million, respectively, partially offset by increased capital investment of $30.6 million and $82.1 million,

7


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
respectively. The Cable division generated $54.3 million of free cash flow for the quarter compared to $34.7 million in the comparable period. The Satellite division achieved free cash flow of $21.8 million for the quarter compared to free cash flow of $20.2 million in the same period last year.
The Company anticipates growth to continue in fiscal 2008 and announced preliminary guidance. The preliminary view is for service operating income before amortization to grow in an approximate range of 10% — 12%. Capital expenditures are forecasted to exceed $650 million as Shaw continues to invest to ensure the network will support and maintain its leading broadband business, grow telephony products and provide next generation services for its customers. The Company plans to manage capital expenditures in line with business growth in order to target free cash flow generation of $450 million or better.
Today Shaw’s Board of Directors approved a 9% increase in the equivalent annual dividend rate to $0.72 on Shaw’s Class B Non-Voting Participating shares and $0.7175 on Shaw’s Class A Participating shares. This new rate will be effective commencing with the monthly dividend paid on December 28, 2007.
The significant growth in net income before taxes over the past several years has reduced the Company’s tax loss carryforwards. Shaw anticipates these will be fully utilized during fiscal 2009 and the Company will commence being cash taxable at that time. The Company has tax loss carryforwards at the end of 2007 of approximately $900 million.
During the quarter, shareholders approved a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s outstanding Class A Participating Shares and Class B Non-Voting Participating Shares which was effective on July 30, 2007.
During the quarter Shaw repurchased 4,408,400 of its Class B Non-Voting Shares for cancellation for $104.8 million ($23.76 per share). For the year, share repurchases represent 1.0% of Class B Non-Voting Shares outstanding at August 31, 2006.
Key Performance Drivers
The Company’s continuous disclosure documents may provide discussion and analysis of non-GAAP financial measures. These financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by Canadian GAAP or US GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The Company utilizes these measures in making operating decisions and assessing its performance. Certain investors, analysts and others, utilize these measures in assessing the Company’s financial performance and as an indicator of its ability to service debt. These non-GAAP financial measures have not been presented as an alternative to net income or any other measure of performance required by Canadian or US GAAP.
The following contains a listing of the Company’s use of non-GAAP financial measures and provides a reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measurement or provides a reference to such reconciliation.

8


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
Service operating income before amortization and operating margin
Service operating income before amortization is calculated as service revenue less operating, general and administrative expenses and is presented as a sub-total line item in the Company’s unaudited interim Consolidated Statements of Income and Deficit. It is intended to indicate the Company’s ability to service and/or incur debt, and therefore it is calculated before amortization (a non-cash expense) and interest. Service operating income before amortization is also one of the measures used by the investing community to value the business. Operating margin is calculated by dividing service operating income before amortization by service revenue.
Free cash flow
The Company utilizes this measurement as it measures the Company’s ability to repay debt and return cash to shareholders. Free cash flow for cable and satellite is calculated as service operating income before amortization, less interest, cash taxes paid or payable on net income, capital expenditures (on an accrual basis) and equipment costs (net). Consolidated free cash flow is calculated as follows:
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
 
($000’s Cdn)
                               
Cable free cash flow (1)
    54,286       34,694       237,601       193,398  
Combined satellite free cash flow (1)
    21,783       20,158       118,591       72,047  
 
Consolidated
    76,069       54,852       356,192       265,445  
 
(1)   The reconciliation of free cash flow for both cable and satellite is provided in the following segmented analysis.
CABLE
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
                    Change                   Change
    2007   2006   %   2007   2006   %
     
($000’s Cdn)
                                               
Service revenue (third party)
    542,171       467,252       16.0       2,082,652       1,808,583       15.2  
 
Service operating income before amortization (1)
    266,584       216,802       23.0       995,694       857,466       16.1  
Less:
                                               
Interest
    51,056       51,955       (1.7 )     205,062       210,758       (2.7 )
Cash taxes on net income
          (1,357 )     (100.0 )           1,761       (100.0 )
 
Cash flow before the following:
    215,528       166,204       29.7       790,632       644,947       22.6  
 
Capital expenditures and equipment costs (net):
                                               
New housing development
    23,105       18,199       27.0       90,016       79,230       13.6  
Success based
    22,763       18,830       20.9       82,238       87,365       (5.9 )
Upgrades and enhancement
    65,041       59,740       8.9       254,786       192,875       32.1  
Replacement
    14,510       8,702       66.7       44,489       38,807       14.6  
Buildings/other
    35,823       26,039       37.6       81,502       53,272       53.0  
 
Total as per Note 2 to the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements
    161,242       131,510       22.6       553,031       451,549       22.5  
 
Free cash flow (1)
    54,286       34,694       56.5       237,601       193,398       22.9  
 
 
                                               
Operating margin
    49.2 %     46.4 %     2.8       47.8 %     47.4 %     0.4  
 
(1)   See definitions and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

9


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
  During the quarter Digital Phone lines grew by 41,604 to 385,357. Service expansion continued in the quarter with launches in British Columbia in Nanaimo, Cloverdale, Port Moody, and Summerland and each of their surrounding areas. Most recently the service was made available in Duncan, British Columbia and Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.
 
  Internet penetration of basic now exceeds 65% and as at August 31, 2007 Shaw had 1,451,756 customers, adding 29,857 in the quarter. Digital customers increased by 15,709 to 763,140 and Basic cable subscribers decreased by 2,057 to 2,226,841.
 
  During 2007 the Company completed acquisitions of several cable systems that complement existing operations adding approximately 20,000 cable subscribers.
 
  Free cash flow for the three and twelve month periods of $54.3 million and $237.6 million, respectively, compares to $34.7 million and $193.4 million in the same periods last year.
Cable service revenue improved 16.0% and 15.2% over the comparable quarter and annual periods last year to $542.2 million and $2.08 billion. Customer growth, rate increases and the impact of acquisitions completed since June, 2006 accounted for the increase. During the current quarter rate increases were implemented on most stand-alone cable and internet services, packages and specialty services. The increases, which were partially implemented in July, are expected to generate additional revenues of approximately $6.5 million per month. Service operating income before amortization increased 23.0% and 16.1%, respectively, over the comparable three and twelve month period to $266.6 million and $995.7 million. The increase was mainly driven by improved revenue partially offset by costs related to the revenue growth.
Service revenue was up 2.9% or $15.3 million over the third quarter of fiscal 2007 mainly due to the rate increase implemented in the quarter. Service operating income before amortization improved 7.9% or $19.4 million over this same period primarily due to the revenue related growth.
Total capital investment of $161.2 million and $553.0 million for the three and twelve month period increased $29.7 million and $101.5 million, respectively, over the same periods last year.
Investment in the Upgrade and Enhancements and Replacement categories combined increased $11.1 million and $67.6 million, respectively, for the quarter and annual period over the same periods last year. These increased investments expand plant capacity to support digital phone and internet growth, as well as Video-On-Demand (“VOD”), digital cable and high definition (“HD”) TV initiatives.
Buildings and Other spending increased $9.8 million and $28.2 million for the quarter and annual period, respectively, over the same periods last year. The increase in both periods was primarily due to investments to upgrade certain corporate assets and various facilities projects.
Success based capital increased over the comparable quarter by $3.9 million and decreased $5.1 million on an annual basis. Internet success based capital was up during both periods as a result of increased promotions. The annual impact of these promotions was more than offset by

10


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
reduced success based capital related to sales of digital cable terminals (“DCT”) as a result of price increases implemented during the latter part of fiscal 2006.
In fiscal 2007 the Company completed acquisitions of several cable systems in British Columbia and Ontario that complement existing cable systems adding approximately 20,000 cable subscribers. The systems acquired provide synergies with existing operations and represent growing markets.
During the quarter Shaw announced several additions to its channel line-up, continuing to enhance its available sports programming. With the recent launch of the Setanta International Sports Pak, the Company now delivers the best in professional soccer and rugby, and commencing with the 2007/08 hockey season started to offer NHL Centre Ice. Setanta viewers are able to follow the most popular soccer teams and with the Centre Ice package, hockey fans have access to at least 1,000 regular season and selected play-off games, with over 200 of these being available in HD. Shaw currently has over 200,000 HD capable cable customers.
SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS
                                                 
                    August 31, 2007
                    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,           Change           Change
    2007   2006(1)   Growth   %   Growth   %
     
CABLE:
                                               
Basic service:
                                               
Actual
    2,226,841       2,206,320       (2,057 )     (0.1 )     20,521       0.9  
Penetration as % of homes passed
    64.6 %     65.4 %                                
Digital terminals
    1,016,564       856,797       31,054       3.2       159,767       18.6  
Digital customers
    763,140       672,584       15,709       2.1       90,556       13.5  
 
 
                                               
INTERNET:
                                               
Connected and scheduled
    1,451,756       1,317,455       29,857       2.1       134,301       10.2  
Penetration as % of basic
    65.2 %     59.7 %                                
Standalone Internet not included in basic cable
    182,569       158,475       7,075       4.0       24,094       15.2  
 
                                               
DIGITAL PHONE:
                                               
Number of lines(2)
    385,357       212,707       41,604       12.1       172,650       81.2  
 
(1)   August 31, 2006 statistics are restated for comparative purposes to adjust subscribers as if the acquisitions of cable systems in British Columbia and Ontario had occurred on that date.
 
(2)   Represents primary and secondary lines on billing plus pending installs.
                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
Churn (3)   2007   2006   2007   2006
     
Digital customers
    4.3 %     4.2 %     14.3 %     14.7 %
Internet customers
    4.8 %     4.5 %     15.2 %     14.9 %
 
(3)   Calculated as the number of new customer activations less the net gain of customers during the period divided by the average of the opening and closing customers for the applicable period.
Digital and On-Demand services continue to grow and the Digital customer base has increased from 30% of basic customers at August 31, 2006 to almost 35% at the end of fiscal 2007. Earlier this year the Company launched a new low priced digital terminal and with this, and on-going demand for HD along with enhancements and expansion of the available programming, the Company anticipates continued growth in this area.

11


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
Digital Phone service expansion continued in the quarter with launches in British Columbia in Nanaimo, Cloverdale, Port Moody, and Summerland and each of their surrounding areas. Most recently the service was made available in Duncan, British Columbia and Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. The Company also enhanced the service adding several new features, included at no additional charge, which allow customers more flexibility to manage unsolicited phone calls.
Shaw has recently launched a commercial voice service for small to medium sized businesses in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, and plans to continue roll-outs in its other major centres in fiscal 2008.
SATELLITE (DTH and Satellite Services)
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
                    Change                   Change
    2007   2006   %   2007   2006   %
     
($000’s Cdn)
                                               
Service revenue (third party)
                                               
DTH (Star Choice)
    151,491       143,652       5.5       605,176       567,807       6.6  
Satellite Services
    21,809       20,984       3.9       86,617       82,894       4.5  
 
 
    173,300       164,636       5.3       691,793       650,701       6.3  
 
Service operating income before amortization (1)
                                               
DTH (Star Choice)
    48,048       46,338       3.7       196,404       175,401       12.0  
Satellite Services
    11,420       11,987       (4.7 )     47,527       45,050       5.5  
 
 
    59,468       58,325       2.0       243,931       220,451       10.7  
Less:
                                               
Interest (2)
    8,979       10,408       (13.7 )     38,563       42,100       (8.4 )
Cash taxes on net income
          (68 )     (100.0 )           98       (100.0 )
 
Cash flow before the following:
    50,489       47,985       5.2       205,368       178,253       15.2  
 
Capital expenditures and equipment costs (net):
                                               
Success based (3)
    24,667       19,833       24.4       73,504       85,341       (13.9 )
Transponders and other
    4,039       7,994       (49.5 )     13,273       20,865       (36.4 )
 
Total as per Note 2 to the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements
    28,706       27,827       3.2       86,777       106,206       (18.3 )
 
Free cash flow (1)
    21,783       20,158       8.1       118,591       72,047       64.6  
 
Operating Margin
    34.3 %     35.4 %     (1.1 )     35.3 %     33.9 %     1.4  
 
(1)   See definitions and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
 
(2)   Interest is allocated to the Satellite division based on the actual cost of debt incurred by the Company to repay Satellite debt and to fund accumulated cash deficits of Shaw Satellite Services and Star Choice.
 
(3)   Net of the profit on the sale of satellite equipment as it is viewed as a recovery of expenditures on customer premise equipment.

12


 

Shaw Communications Inc
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
    Free cash flow of $21.8 million and $118.6 million for the three and twelve month periods, respectively, compares to $20.2 million and $72.0 million for the same periods last year.
 
    During the quarter Star Choice added 1,686 customers and as at August 31, 2007 customers now total 879,585.
Service revenue was up 5.3% and 6.3% over the comparable quarter and annual period last year to $173.3 million and $691.8 million, respectively. The improvement was primarily due to rate increases and customer growth. Service operating income before amortization increased 2.0% and 10.7% for each of the comparable three and twelve month period, respectively, to $59.5 million and $243.9 million. The improvements in both periods were driven by the growth in service revenue while the annual period also benefited from lower sales related expenses and reduced bad debt. Improvements in both periods were partially offset by higher costs related to increased transponder capacity.
Service revenue declined marginally over the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and this change, combined with higher sales related expenses in the current quarter contributed to a decrease of $4.1 million in service operating income before amortization.
Capital investment of $28.7 million for the quarter compared to $27.8 million in the same period last year. Spending of $86.8 million in the annual period decreased $19.4 million over the prior year.
Quarterly success based capital increased $4.8 million over the comparable period last year mainly due to upgrade projects undertaken in the quarter as well as promotions in the quarter that provided more favorable pricing to retailers. On an annual basis, success-based capital decreased $11.8 million over the comparable period due to favorable pricing of receivers and reduced activations. Spending in Transponders and Other for the three and twelve month period of $4.0 million and $13.3 million, respectively, decreased $4.0 million and $7.6 million over the same periods last year. The decline in the quarter was attributable to higher facilities spending in the same quarter last year, while the comparable annual period also included increased investments related to additional transponder capacity.
Star Choice expanded their channel line up during the fourth quarter adding Setanta International Sports Pak, delivering professional soccer and rugby from the English Premier League, the Rugby World Cup and the Aussie Football League, and most recently launched NHL Centre Ice.
During the fourth quarter Star Choice started several upgrade projects to expand its HD capacity. These projects were completed early in fiscal 2008 and included moving to a more advanced technology for HD signals which allows for an increase in the number of HD channels per transponder. During fiscal 2007 Star Choice increased the number of HD channels offered from 14 to 25 and since August 31, 2007 has added an additional 7 channels to currently offer 32 HD channels. Star Choice now has over 140,000 HD capable customers.

13


 

Shaw Communications Inc
SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS
                                                 
                    August 31, 2007
                    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31, 2007   August 31, 2006   Growth   %   Growth   %
     
Star Choice customers (1)
    879,585       869,208       1,686       0.2       10,377       1.2  
 
(1)   Including seasonal customers who temporarily suspend their service.
                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
Churn (2)   2007   2006   2007   2006
 
Star Choice customers
    3.3 %     3.0 %     11.3 %     11.5 %
 
(2)   Calculated as the number of new customer activations less the net gain of customers during the period divided by the average of the opening and closing customers for the applicable period.
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE ITEMS:
Amortization
                                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
                    Change                   Change
    2007   2006   %   2007   2006   %
 
($000’s Cdn)
                                               
Amortization revenue (expense) - Deferred IRU revenue
    3,137       3,137             12,547       12,546        
Deferred equipment revenue
    28,408       21,714       30.8       104,997       80,256       30.8  
Deferred equipment cost
    (53,007 )     (49,609 )     6.8       (203,597 )     (200,218 )     1.7  
Deferred charges
    (1,315 )     (1,242 )     5.9       (5,153 )     (5,328 )     (3.3 )
Property, plant and equipment
    (97,796 )     (96,759 )     1.1       (381,909 )     (385,607 )     (1.0 )
 
The increase in amortization of deferred equipment revenue over the comparative periods is primarily due to growth in sales of higher priced HD digital equipment commencing in fiscal 2005.
Interest
                                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
                    Change                   Change
    2007   2006   %   2007   2006   %
 
($000’s Cdn)
                                               
Interest
    60,387       62,721       (3.7 )     245,043       254,303       (3.6 )
 
Interest expense decreased over the comparative year as a result of lower average debt levels. In addition, both the current quarter and twelve month period benefited from the interest earned on short term investments as a portion of the proceeds from the $400 million senior unsecured notes on March 2, 2007 was invested in short term deposits pending the repayment of maturing debt in the fall.

14


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
Investment activity
During the comparative quarter, the Company disposed of its investment in two specialty channels and realized a gain of $3.2 million. The twelve month periods include the sale of minor interests
in publicly traded companies which resulted in gains of $0.4 million and $47.0 million for 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged and hedged long-term debt
                                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
                    Change                   Change
    2007   2006   %   2007   2006   %
 
($000’s Cdn)
                                               
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt
          9       (100.0 )           5,369       (100.0 )
 
In June 2006, the Company amended its existing credit facility and repaid US dollar denominated bank loans. Until that time Shaw recorded foreign exchange gains on the translation of foreign denominated unhedged bank debt. In addition, the Company recorded a foreign exchange gain on the US $172.5 million COPrS prior to entering into a US dollar forward purchase contract in the first quarter of 2006 to hedge the redemption of the issue. Currently the Company does not have any foreign denominated unhedged long-term debt and therefore, does not anticipate recording any further foreign exchange gains and losses.
Under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the Company translates long-term debt at period-end foreign exchange rates. Because the Company follows hedge accounting, the resulting foreign exchange gains or losses on translating hedged long-term debt are included in deferred credits or deferred charges. As a result, the amount of hedged long-term debt that is reported under GAAP is often different than the amount at which the hedged debt would be settled under existing cross-currency interest rate agreements. As outlined in Note 4 to the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements, if the rate of translation was adjusted to reflect the hedged rates of the Company’s cross-currency agreements (which fix the liability for interest and principal), long-term debt would increase by $456.1 million (August 31, 2006 — $408.7 million) which represents the corresponding hedged amounts included in deferred credits.
Other gains
This category consists mainly of realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on US dollar denominated current assets and liabilities, gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment, the Company’s share of the operations of Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership (“the Partnership”) and write-downs on investments.
Debt retirement costs
The debt retirement costs in the prior year arose on the write-off of the remaining deferred financing charges associated with the redemption of the US $172.5 million COPrS and $150.0 million COPrS in the second and fourth quarters of 2006, respectively.

15


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
Income Taxes
Income taxes increased over the comparative periods mainly due to higher future income tax recoveries recorded in fiscal 2006 and increased income taxes on higher service operating income before amortization in the current fiscal year. In the first, third and fourth quarters of 2006, the Company recorded $31.4 million, $23.4 million and $150.0 million, respectively, of future tax recoveries primarily related to reductions in corporate income tax rates. In the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company recorded $35.5 million of future income tax recoveries.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
There have been no material changes in any risks or uncertainties facing the Company since August 31, 2006. A discussion of risks affecting the Company and its business is set forth in the Company’s August 31, 2006 Annual Report under the Introduction to the Business – Known Events, Trends, Risks and Uncertainties in Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets at August 31, 2007 were $8.2 billion compared to $7.7 billion at August 31, 2006. Following is a discussion of significant changes in the consolidated balance sheet since August 31, 2006.
Current assets increased by $238.2 million due to increases in cash and cash equivalents of $165.3 million, accounts receivable of $17.4 million, inventory of $6.6 million and future income taxes of $46.0 million. Cash and cash equivalents increased as a portion of the proceeds from the issue of $400 million senior unsecured notes on March 2, 2007 was invested in short term deposits pending the repayment of maturing debt later in the calendar year. Accounts receivable increased primarily due to customer growth, rate increases and a reduction in allowance for doubtful accounts due to lower bad debt experience, while inventories increased due to timing of purchases and continued growth. Future income taxes increased due to the anticipated use of a higher amount of non-capital loss carryforwards.
Investments and other assets decreased by $10.1 million due to the sale of an interest in a publicly traded company.
Property, plant and equipment increased by $172.8 million as current year capital expenditures exceeded amortization.
Deferred charges increased $16.6 million primarily due to an increase in deferred equipment costs of $15.5 million.
Broadcast rights increased by $84.6 million due to the acquisition of various cable systems.
Current liabilities (excluding current portion of long-term debt) decreased by $28.2 million due to decreases in bank indebtedness of $20.4 million and accounts payable of $19.7 million, both of which were partially offset by an increase in unearned revenue of $12.4 million. Accounts payable decreased mainly due to timing of certain payments while unearned revenue increased due to customer growth and rate increases.

16


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
Total long-term debt increased by $72.2 million as a result of the issuance of $400.0 million senior unsecured notes, partially offset by repayment of bank borrowings and Partnership debt of $280.4 million and a decrease of $47.4 million relating to the translation of hedged US denominated debt. Net long-term debt, after considering the $165.3 million of cash invested in short-term deposits pending the repayment of maturing debt, decreased.
Other long-term liability increased due to the current year defined benefit pension plan expense.
Deferred credits increased by $50.8 million principally due to higher deferred foreign exchange gains on the translation of hedged US dollar denominated debt of $47.4 million and an increase in deferred equipment revenue of $21.3 million, both of which were partially offset by amortization of deferred IRU rental revenue of $12.5 million. Future income taxes increased by $204.0 million due to the impact of cable system acquisitions and the future income tax expense recorded in the current year.
Share capital increased by $76.2 million due to the net impact of issuance and repurchase of Class B Non-Voting Shares. During the year, the Company issued 179,588 Class B Non-Voting Shares for $3.0 million as partial consideration in respect of a cable system acquisition and 5,678,963 Class B Non-Voting Shares were issued for $95.4 million under the Company’s option and warrant plans. During the fourth quarter, the Company repurchased 4,408,400 Class B Non-Voting Shares for cancellation for $104.8 million, of which $22.1 million reduced share capital and $82.7 million increased the deficit. As of September 30, 2007, share capital is as reported at August 31, 2007 with the exception of the issuance of 304,498 Class B Non-Voting Shares upon exercise of options subsequent to the quarter end.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
In the current year, Shaw generated $356.2 million of consolidated free cash flow. Shaw used its free cash flow along with proceeds on issuance of Class B Non-Voting Shares of $92.1 million, the net increase in debt of $99.6 million, proceeds on the sale of various assets of $16.0 million, and other net items of $8.1 million to fund the cash component of cable systems acquisitions of $72.4 million, purchase $104.8 million of Class B Non-Voting shares for cancellation, pay common share dividends of $201.2 million, invest in short term deposits of $165.3 million and fund the net change in working capital requirements of $28.3 million.
On November 14, 2006, Shaw received the approval of the TSX to renew its normal course issuer bid to purchase its Class B Non-Voting Shares for a further one year period. The Company is authorized to acquire up to an additional 30,600,000 Class B Non-Voting Shares, representing approximately 10% of the public float of Class B Non-Voting Shares, during the period November 17, 2006 to November 16, 2007. In the fourth quarter the Company repurchased 4,408,400 Class B Non-Voting Shares for cancellation for $104.8 million.
On March 2, 2007, Shaw issued $400 million of senior unsecured notes at a rate of 5.70% due March 2, 2017. Net proceeds (after issue and underwriting expenses) of $394.8 million were used for repayment of unsecured bank loans, general working capital purposes and to invest in short-term deposits pending the repayment of maturing debt. The notes were issued at a discount of $0.9 million.

17


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
During 2007, the Company extended the term of its $1.0 billion revolving credit facility to May 2012 and had access to $1.0 billion of available credit facilities at August 31, 2007. Based on available credit facilities and forecasted free cash flow, the Company expects to have sufficient liquidity to fund operations and obligations during the current fiscal year. On a longer-term basis, Shaw expects to generate free cash flow and have borrowing capacity sufficient to finance foreseeable future business plans and to refinance maturing debt.
CASH FLOW
Operating Activities
                                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
                    Change                   Change
    2007   2006   %   2007   2006   %
 
($000’s Cdn)
                                               
Funds flow from operations
    272,545       220,617       23.5       1,028,363       847,197       21.4  
Net decrease (increase) in non-cash working capital balances related to operations
    23,080       33,414       (30.9 )     (28,350 )     (324 )     (>100.0 )
 
 
    295,625       254,031       16.4       1,000,013       846,873       18.1  
 
Funds flow from operations increased over comparative periods as a result of growth in service operating income before amortization and lower interest expense. The net change in non-cash working capital balances over the comparative periods is mainly due to timing of payment of accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Investing Activities
                                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
    2007   2006   Increase   2007   2006   Increase
 
($000’s Cdn)
                                               
Cash flow used in investing activities
    (194,767 )     (148,171 )     46,596       (719,777 )     (489,096 )     230,681  
 
The cash used in investing activities increased over the comparative periods due to higher capital expenditures. The twelve month period was also impacted by higher cash outlay on business acquisitions in 2007 and lower proceeds on sale of investments and other assets due to the sale of Canadian Hydro in 2006, both of which were partially offset by lower cash requirements for deferred financing costs in the current year.

18


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
Financing Activities
The changes in financing activities during the comparative periods were as follows:
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
 
(In $millions Cdn)
                               
Bank loans and bank indebtedness – net borrowings (repayments)
          150.7       (300.4 )     (496.3 )
Proceeds on $400 million senior unsecured notes
                400.0        
Proceeds on $300 million senior unsecured notes
                      300.0  
Proceeds on $450 million senior unsecured notes
                      450.0  
Dividends
    (60.8 )     (29.2 )     (201.2 )     (103.3 )
Repayment of Partnership debt
    (0.1 )     (0.1 )     (0.4 )     (0.4 )
Issue of Class B Non-Voting Shares
    19.1       1.9       92.1       2.3  
Purchase of Class B Non-Voting Shares for cancellation
    (104.8 )     (88.6 )     (104.8 )     (146.6 )
Proceeds on bond forwards
                0.2       2.5  
Proceeds on prepayment of IRU
                      0.2  
Cost to terminate forward contracts
                (0.4 )     (15.8 )
Redemption of COPrS
          (150.0 )           (351.9 )
Repayment of long-term debt acquired on business acquisition
          (0.2 )           (0.2 )
 
 
    (146.6 )     (115.5 )     (114.9 )     (359.5 )
 
SUPPLEMENTARY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                         
            Service operating                   Funds flow
    Service   income before           Basic earnings per   from
    revenue   amortization(1)   Net income   share(2)   operations (3)
 
($000’s Cdn except per share amounts)                                
2007
                                       
Fourth
    715,471       326,052       135,932       0.31       272,545  
Third
    702,238       310,748       91,658       0.21       259,470  
Second
    685,730       303,038       79,751       0.18       252,412  
First
    671,006       299,787       81,138       0.19       243,936  
 
2006
                                       
Fourth
    631,888       275,127       210,369       0.49       220,617  
Third
    626,654       279,544       126,410       0.29       221,099  
Second
    611,197       267,924       45,790       0.11       208,273  
First
    589,545       255,322       75,681       0.17       197,208  
 
 
(1)   See definition and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
 
(2)   Diluted earnings per share equals basic earnings per share except in the fourth quarter of 2006 where diluted earnings per share is $0.48.
 
(3)   Funds flow from operations is presented before changes in net non-cash working capital as presented in the unaudited interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Generally, service revenue and service operating income before amortization have grown quarter-over-quarter mainly due to customer growth and rate increases. Net income has generally trended positively quarter-over-quarter as a result of the growth in service operating income before amortization described above, reductions of interest expense as a result of debt repayment and retirement, the impact of the net change in non-operating items such as gains on sale of investments, debt retirement costs and the impact of corporate income tax rate reductions. The exceptions to the consecutive quarter-over-quarter increases in net income are the second

19


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
quarter of 2006 and the first and second quarters of 2007. Net income declined by $29.9 million in the second quarter of 2006 and by $129.2 million in the first quarter of 2007 due to income tax recoveries primarily related to reductions in corporate income tax rates which contributed $31.4 million and $150.0 million to net income in the first and fourth quarters of 2006, respectively. The decline in the second quarter of 2007 was marginal. As a result of the aforementioned changes in net income, basic and diluted earnings per share have trended accordingly.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Update to critical accounting policies and estimates
The Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) included in the Company’s August 31, 2006 Annual Report outlined critical accounting policies including key estimates and assumptions that management has made under these policies and how they affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The MD&A also describes significant accounting policies where alternatives exist. The unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as the most recent annual consolidated financial statements.
CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements included and incorporated by reference herein may constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, intend”, “target”, “guideline”, “goal”, and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), financial guidance for future performance, business strategies and measures to implement strategies, competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of Shaw’s business and operations, plans and references to the future success of Shaw. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Shaw in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with expectations and predictions of the Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These factors include include general economic, market or business conditions; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by Shaw; increased competition in the markets in which Shaw operates and from the development of new markets for emerging technologies; changes in laws, regulations and decisions by regulators in Shaw’s industries in both Canada and the United States; Shaw’s status as a holding company with separate operating subsidiaries; changing conditions in the entertainment, information and communications industries; risks associated with the economic, political and regulatory policies of local governments and laws and policies of Canada and the United States; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Shaw. Should one or more of these risks materialize or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those as described herein. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this report and the documents incorporated by reference herein are qualified by these

20


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by Shaw will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company.
You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement (and such risks, uncertainties and other factors) speaks only as of the date on which it was originally made and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this document to reflect any change in expectations with regard to those statements or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. New factors affecting the Company emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict what factors will arise or when. In addition, the Company cannot assess the impact of each factor on its business or the extent to which any particular factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

21


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
[thousands of Canadian dollars] August 31, 2007 August 31, 2006
 
ASSETS
               
Current
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    165,310        
Accounts receivable
    155,499       138,142  
Inventories
    60,601       53,994  
Prepaids and other
    23,834       20,870  
Future income taxes
    185,000       139,000  
 
 
    590,244       352,006  
Investments and other assets
    7,881       17,978  
Property, plant and equipment
    2,422,900       2,250,056  
Deferred charges
    278,525       261,908  
Intangibles Broadcast rights
    4,776,078       4,691,484  
Goodwill
    88,111       88,111  
 
 
    8,163,739       7,661,543  
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current
               
Bank indebtedness
          20,362  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    441,444       461,119  
Income taxes payable
    4,304       4,918  
Unearned revenue
    118,915       106,497  
Current portion of long-term debt [note 4]
    297,238       449  
 
 
    861,901       593,345  
Long-term debt [note 4]
    2,771,316       2,995,936  
Other long-term liability [note 9]
    56,844       37,724  
Deferred credits
    1,151,724       1,100,895  
Future income taxes
    1,327,914       1,123,938  
 
 
    6,169,699       5,851,838  
 
Contingency [note 10]
               
 
               
Shareholders’ equity
               
Share capital [note 5]
    2,053,160       1,976,966  
Contributed surplus [note 5]
    8,700       5,110  
Deficit
    (68,132 )     (172,701 )
Cumulative translation adjustment
    312       330  
 
 
    1,994,040       1,809,705  
 
 
    8,163,739       7,661,543  
 
See accompanying notes

22


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND DEFICIT
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
[thousands of Canadian dollars except per share amounts]   2007   2006   2007   2006
 
Service revenue [note 2]
    715,471       631,888       2,774,445       2,459,284  
Operating, general and administrative expenses
    389,419       356,761       1,534,820       1,381,367  
 
Service operating income before amortization [note 2]
    326,052       275,127       1,239,625       1,077,917  
Amortization:
                               
Deferred IRU revenue
    3,137       3,137       12,547       12,546  
Deferred equipment revenue
    28,408       21,714       104,997       80,256  
Deferred equipment cost
    (53,007 )     (49,609 )     (203,597 )     (200,218 )
Deferred charges
    (1,315 )     (1,242 )     (5,153 )     (5,328 )
Property, plant and equipment
    (97,796 )     (96,759 )     (381,909 )     (385,607 )
 
Operating income
    205,479       152,368       766,510       579,566  
Interest expense [note 2]
    (60,387 )     (62,721 )     (245,043 )     (254,303 )
 
 
                               
 
    145,092       89,647       521,467       325,263  
Gain on sale of investments
          3,180       415       50,315  
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt
          9             5,369  
Fair value loss on a foreign currency forward contract
                      (360 )
Debt retirement costs
          (4,125 )           (12,248 )
Other gains
    580       935       9,105       6,205  
 
Income before income taxes
    145,672       89,646       530,987       374,544  
Income tax expense (recovery)
    9,997       (120,486 )     142,871       (83,662 )
 
Income before the following
    135,675       210,132       388,116       458,206  
Equity income on investees
    257       237       363       44  
 
Net income
    135,932       210,369       388,479       458,250  
Deficit, beginning of period
    (60,601 )     (291,861 )     (172,701 )     (428,855 )
Reduction on Class B Non-Voting Shares purchased for cancellation
    (82,702 )     (61,971 )     (82,702 )     (97,056 )
Amortization of opening fair value loss on a foreign currency forward contract
                      (1,705 )
Dividends — Class A and Class B Non-Voting Shares
    (60,761 )     (29,238 )     (201,208 )     (103,335 )
 
Deficit, end of period
    (68,132 )     (172,701 )     (68,132 )     (172,701 )
 
Earnings per share [note 6]
                               
Basic
    0.31       0.49       0.90       1.05  
Diluted
    0.31       0.48       0.89       1.05  
 
[thousands of shares]
                               
Weighted average participating shares outstanding during period
    433,864       432,795       432,493       435,332  
Participating shares outstanding, end of period
    431,334       429,884       431,334       429,884  
 
See accompanying notes

23


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                                         
    Three months ended   Year ended        
    August 31,   August 31,        
[thousands of Canadian dollars]   2007   2006   2007   2006        
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES [note 7]
                                       
Funds flow from operations
    272,545       220,617       1,028,363       847,197          
Net decrease (increase) in non-cash working capital balances related to operations
    23,080       33,414       (28,350 )     (324 )        
 
 
    295,625       254,031       1,000,013       846,873          
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Additions to property, plant and equipment [note 2]
    (159,162 )     (111,694 )     (554,565 )     (423,855 )        
Additions to equipment costs (net) [note 2]
    (35,280 )     (21,541 )     (96,516 )     (107,929 )        
Net addition to inventories
    (298 )     (4,124 )     (6,607 )     (8,770 )        
Cable business acquisitions [note 3]
    (136 )     (5,829 )     (72,361 )     (5,829 )        
Proceeds on sale of investments and other assets
    121       3,704       15,970       88,143          
Acquisition of investments
          (6,488 )           (9,392 )        
Additions to deferred charges
    (12 )     (2,199 )     (5,698 )     (21,464 )        
 
 
    (194,767 )     (148,171 )     (719,777 )     (489,096 )        
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness
          20,362       (20,362 )     20,362          
Increase in long-term debt
          270,000       460,000       1,295,000          
Long-term debt repayments
    (115 )     (289,781 )     (340,449 )     (1,414,067 )        
Cost to terminate forward contracts
                (370 )     (15,774 )        
Issue of Class B Non-Voting Shares, net of after-tax expenses
    19,111       1,858       92,058       2,274          
Proceeds on bond forwards
                190       2,486          
Proceeds on prepayment of IRU
                      228          
Purchase of Class B Non-Voting Shares for cancellation
    (104,763 )     (88,686 )     (104,763 )     (146,640 )        
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Non-Voting Shares
    (60,761 )     (29,238 )     (201,208 )     (103,335 )        
 
 
    (146,528 )     (115,485 )     (114,904 )     (359,466 )        
 
Effect of currency translation on cash balances and cash flows
    (6 )           (22 )     (24 )        
 
Increase in cash
    (45,676 )     (9,625 )     165,310       (1,713 )        
Cash, beginning of the period
    210,986       9,625             1,713          
 
Cash, end of the period
    165,310             165,310                
 
Cash includes cash and term deposits
See accompanying notes

24


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Shaw Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”). The notes presented in these unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements include only significant events and transactions occurring since the Company’s last fiscal year end and are not fully inclusive of all matters required to be disclosed in the Company’s annual audited consolidated financial statements. As a result, these unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2006.
The unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as the most recent annual consolidated financial statements.
Applicable share, per share and option amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split of the Company’s Class A and Class B Non-Voting Shares effective July 30, 2007.

25


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
2. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company provides cable television services, high-speed Internet access, Digital Phone and Internet infrastructure services (“Cable”); DTH satellite services (Star Choice); and, satellite distribution services (“Satellite Services”). All of these operations are located in Canada. Information on operations by segment is as follows:
Operating information
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
    $   $   $   $
 
Service revenue
                               
Cable
    543,116       468,014       2,086,066       1,811,579  
DTH
    152,957       145,058       611,713       573,100  
Satellite Services
    22,684       21,869       90,117       86,434  
 
Inter segment -
    718,757       634,941       2,787,896       2,471,113  
Cable
    (945 )     (762 )     (3,414 )     (2,996 )
DTH
    (1,466 )     (1,406 )     (6,537 )     (5,293 )
Satellite Services
    (875 )     (885 )     (3,500 )     (3,540 )
 
 
    715,471       631,888       2,774,445       2,459,284  
 
Service operating income before amortization
                               
Cable
    266,584       216,802       995,694       857,466  
DTH
    48,048       46,338       196,404       175,401  
Satellite Services
    11,420       11,987       47,527       45,050  
 
 
    326,052       275,127       1,239,625       1,077,917  
 
Interest (1)
                               
Cable
    51,056       51,955       205,062       210,758  
DTH and Satellite Services
    8,979       10,408       38,563       42,100  
Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership
    352       358       1,418       1,445  
 
 
    60,387       62,721       245,043       254,303  
 
Cash taxes (1)
                               
Cable
          (1,357 )           1,761  
DTH and Satellite Services
          (68 )           98  
 
 
          (1,425 )           1,859  
 
 
(1)   The Company reports interest and cash taxes on a segmented basis for Cable and combined satellite only. It does not report interest and cash taxes on a segmented basis for DTH and Satellite Services.

26


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
Capital expenditures
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
    $   $   $   $
 
Capital expenditures accrual basis
                               
Cable
    121,979       110,482       471,058       389,138  
Corporate
    29,580       20,179       62,427       43,018  
 
Sub-total Cable including corporate
    151,559       130,661       533,485       432,156  
Satellite (net of equipment profit)
    3,109       7,135       9,807       17,670  
 
 
    154,668       137,796       543,292       449,826  
 
 
                               
Equipment costs (net of revenue received)
                               
Cable
    9,683       849       19,546       19,393  
Satellite
    25,597       20,692       76,970       88,536  
 
 
    35,280       21,541       96,516       107,929  
 
Capital expenditures and equipment costs (net)
                               
Cable
    161,242       131,510       553,031       451,549  
Satellite
    28,706       27,827       86,777       106,206  
 
 
    189,948       159,337       639,808       557,755  
 
 
                               
Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    159,162       111,694       554,565       423,855  
Additions to equipment costs (net)
    35,280       21,541       96,516       107,929  
 
Total of capital expenditures and equipment costs (net) per
                               
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    194,442       133,235       651,081       531,784  
Decrease (increase) in working capital related to capital expenditures
    (3,536 )     27,078       (7,678 )     31,343  
Less: Partnership capital expenditures (1)
                      (1,803 )
Less: IRU prepayments (2)
          (75 )     (7 )     (281 )
Less: Satellite equipment profit (3)
    (958 )     (901 )     (3,588 )     (3,288 )
 
Total capital expenditures and equipment costs (net) reported by segments
    189,948       159,337       639,808       557,755  
 
 
(1)   Consolidated capital expenditures include the Company’s proportionate share of the Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership (“Partnership”) capital expenditures which the Company is required to proportionately consolidate (see Note 1 to the Company’s 2006 Consolidated Financial Statements). As the Partnership is financed by its own debt with no recourse to the Company, the Partnership’s capital expenditures are subtracted from the calculation of segmented capital expenditures and equipment costs (net).
 
(2)   Prepayments on indefeasible rights to use (“IRUs”) certain specifically identified fibres in amounts not exceeding the costs to build the fiber subject to the IRUs are subtracted from the calculation of segmented capital expenditures and equipment costs (net).
 
(3)   The profit from the sale of satellite equipment is subtracted from the calculation of segmented capital expenditures and equipment costs (net) as the Company views the profit on sale as a recovery of expenditures on customer premise equipment.

27


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
Assets
                                 
    August 31, 2007
    Cable   DTH   Satellite Services   Total
    $   $   $   $
 
Segment assets
    6,300,834       894,893       529,411       7,725,138  
         
Corporate assets
                            438,601  
 
                               
Total assets
                            8,163,739  
 
                               
                                 
    August 31, 2006
    Cable   DTH   Satellite Services   Total
    $   $   $   $
 
Segment assets
    5,965,103       896,941       564,044       7,426,088  
         
Corporate assets
                            235,455  
 
                               
Total assets
                            7,661,543  
 
                               

28


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
3. CABLE BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
                         
    August 31, 2007
                    Total
            Issuance of Class B   purchase
    Cash   Non-Voting Shares   price
    $   $   $
 
Cable systems
    72,336       3,000       75,336  
 
     A summary of net assets acquired on cable business acquisitions, accounted for as purchases, is as follows:
         
    $
 
Identifiable net assets acquired at assigned fair values
       
Property, plant and equipment
    8,232  
Broadcast rights
    84,594  
 
 
    92,826  
 
 
       
Working capital deficiency
    2,973  
Future income taxes
    14,517  
 
 
    17,490  
 
Purchase price
    75,336  
 
During the year, the Company purchased four cable systems serving approximately 20,200 basic subscribers in British Columbia and Ontario. The $3,000 value of the 179,588 Class B Non-Voting Shares, issued as partial consideration for one of the acquisitions, was determined based upon the average market price over a short period prior to the date the terms of the purchase were agreed to and announced.

29


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
                                                         
            August 31, 2007   August 31, 2006
            Translated                   Translated        
    Effective   at period               at year        
    interest   end   Adjustment   Translated   end   Adjustment   Translated
    rates   exchange   for hedged   at hedged   exchange   for hedged   at hedged
    %   rate   debt(1)   rate   rate   debt (1)   rate
            $   $   $   $   $   $
Corporate
                                                       
 
  Fixed and                                                
Bank loans (2)
  variable                       280,000             280,000  
Senior notes-
                                                       
Due March 2, 2017 (3)
    5.72       400,000             400,000                    
Due November 16, 2012
    6.11       450,000             450,000       450,000             450,000  
Due May 9, 2016
    6.34       300,000             300,000       300,000             300,000  
Due October 17, 2007
    7.40       296,760             296,760       296,760             296,760  
US $440,000 due April 11, 2010
    7.88       464,728       177,892       642,620       486,332       156,288       642,620  
US $225,000 due April 6, 2011
    7.68       237,645       118,193       355,838       248,693       107,145       355,838  
US $300,000 due December 15, 2011
    7.61       316,860       159,990       476,850       331,590       145,260       476,850  
Due November 20, 2013
    7.50       350,000             350,000       350,000             350,000  
COPrS -
                                                       
Due September 30, 2027
    8.54       100,000             100,000       100,000             100,000  
 
 
            2,915,993       456,075       3,372,068       2,843,375       408,693       3,252,068  
 
 
                                                       
Other subsidiaries and entities
                                                       
 
                                                       
Videon CableSystems Inc. 8.15% Senior
                                                       
Debentures Series “A” due April 26, 2010
    7.63       130,000             130,000       130,000             130,000  
Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership
    6.31       22,561             22,561       23,010             23,010  
 
 
            152,561             152,561       153,010             153,010  
 
Total consolidated debt
            3,068,554       456,075       3,524,629       2,996,385       408,693       3,405,078  
Less current portion (4)
            297,238             297,238       449             449  
 
 
            2,771,316       456,075       3,227,391       2,995,936       408,693       3,404,629  
 
 
(1)   Foreign denominated long-term debt is translated at the period-end foreign exchange rates. Because the Company follows hedge accounting, the resulting exchange gains and losses on translating hedged long-term debt are included in deferred charges or deferred credits. If the rate of translation was adjusted to reflect the hedged rates of the Company’s cross-currency interest rate agreements (which fix the liability for interest and principal), long-term debt would increase by $456,075 (August 31, 2006 — $408,693) representing a corresponding amount in deferred credits. The hedged rates on the Senior notes of US $440,000, US $225,000 and US $300,000 are 1.4605, 1.5815 and 1.5895, respectively.
 
(2)   Availabilities under banking facilities are as follows at August 31, 2007:
                         
                    Operating
    Total   Bank loans(a) (b)   credit facilities(a)
    $   $   $
     
Total facilities
    1,050,000       1,000,000       50,000  
Amount drawn (excluding letters of credit of $492)
                 
     
 
    1,050,000       1,000,000       50,000  
     

30


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
  (a)   Bank loans represent liabilities classified as long-term debt. Operating credit facilities are for terms less than one year and accordingly are classified as bank indebtedness. During the third quarter, the Company terminated the Satellite Services $10,000 demand operating line of credit.
 
  (b)   During the third quarter, the Company extended the term of the $1 billion revolving credit facility by one year to May 31, 2012. The credit facility is unsecured and ranks pari passu with the senior unsecured notes.
 
(3)   On March 2, 2007 the Company issued $400,000 of senior notes at a rate of 5.70%. The effective interest rate is 5.72% due to the discount on issuance. The senior notes are unsecured obligations that rate equally and ratably with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The notes are redeemable at the Company’s option at any time, in whole or in part, prior to maturity at 100% of the principal plus a make-whole premium.
 
(4)   Current portion of long-term debt includes the Senior notes due October 17, 2007 and the amount due within one year on the Partnership’s mortgage bonds.
5. SHARE CAPITAL
Stock split
Effective as of the close of business on July 30, 2007, the Class A and Class B Non-Voting Shares were split on a two-for-one basis. Accordingly, the comparative number of shares and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the two-for-one split.
As a result of the stock split, the number of outstanding options were adjusted, in accordance with existing plan provisions. All prior period number of options as well as weighted average exercise prices and fair values per option have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split.
Issued and outstanding
Changes in Class A and Class B Non-Voting Share capital during the year ended August 31, 2007 are as follows:
                                 
    Class A Shares   Class B Non-Voting Shares
    Number   $   Number   $
 
August 31, 2006
    22,583,864       2,475       407,299,808       1,974,491  
Class A Share conversion
    (20,800 )     (2 )     20,800       2  
Purchase of shares for cancellation
                (4,408,400 )     (22,061 )
Issued upon stock option plans exercises
                5,678,963       95,397  
Issued in respect of acquisition
                179,588       3,000  
Share issue costs
                      (142 )
 
August 31, 2007
    22,563,064       2,473       408,770,759       2,050,687  
 
Purchase of shares for cancellation
During the three months and year ended August 31, 2007, the Company purchased 4,408,400 Class B Non-Voting Shares for cancellation for $104,763 of which $22,061 reduced the state capital of the Class B Non-Voting Shares and $82,702 increased the deficit.

31


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
Stock option plan
Under a stock option plan, directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company are eligible to receive stock options to acquire Class B Non-Voting Shares with terms not to exceed 10 years from the date of grant. Twenty-five percent of the options are exercisable on each of the first four anniversary dates from the date of the original grant. The options must be issued at not less than the fair market value of the Class B Non-Voting Shares at the date of grant. The maximum number of Class B Non-Voting Shares issuable under this plan and the warrant plan described below may not exceed 32,000,000. To date, 5,789,895 Class B Non-Voting Shares have been issued under these plans. During the three months and year ended August 31, 2007, 1,178,009 and 5,642,161 options were exercised for $19,248 and $91,827, respectively.
     The changes in options for the year ended August 31, 2007 are as follows:
                 
            Weighted average
            exercise price
    Number   $
 
Outstanding at beginning of period
    19,117,602       16.30  
Granted
    6,693,500       19.03  
Forfeited
    (2,594,140 )     17.56  
Exercised
    (5,642,161 )     16.28  
 
Outstanding at end of period
    17,574,801       17.08  
 
The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at August 31, 2007:
                                         
    Number                
    outstanding   Weighted average   Weighted   Number exercisable   Weighted
    at   remaining   average   at   average
Range of prices   August 31, 2007   contractual life   exercise price   August 31, 2007   exercise price
 
$8.69
    20,000       6.14     $ 8.69       15,000     $ 8.69  
$14.85 — $22.27
    16,522,801       6.27     $ 16.76       8,221,935     $ 16.32  
$22.28 — $22.32
    1,032,000       9.75     $ 22.32          
 
For all common share options granted to employees up to August 2003, had the Company determined compensation costs based on the fair values at grant dates of the common share options consistent with the method prescribed under CICA Handbook Section 3870, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been reported as the pro forma amounts indicated below:
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
    $   $   $   $
 
Net income for the period
    135,932       210,369       388,479       458,250  
Fair value of stock options
    30       466       119       1,870  
 
Pro forma net income for the period
    135,902       209,903       388,360       456,380  
Pro forma basic earnings per share
    0.31       0.48       0.90       1.05  
 
Pro forma diluted earnings per share
    0.31       0.48       0.89       1.04  
 

32


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
The weighted average estimated fair value at the date of the grant for common share options granted was $4.24 per option (2006 — $2.44 per option) and $3.73 per option (2006 — $1.44 per option) for the quarter and year respectively. The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
 
Dividend yield
    2.44 %     1.91 %     2.79 %     1.91 %
Risk-free interest rate
    4.21 %     4.36 %     4.12 %     3.98 %
Expected life of options
  4 years   4 years   4 years   4 years
Expected volatility factor of the future expected market price of Class B Non-Voting Shares
    22.7 %     17.9 %     26.0 %     20.4 %
 
For the purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options’ vesting period.
Other stock options
In conjunction with the acquisition of Satellite Services, holders of Satellite Services options elected to receive 0.9 of a Shaw Class B Non-Voting Share in lieu of one Satellite Services share which would have been received upon the exercise of an option under the Satellite Services plan.
At August 31, 2007 there were 37,336 Satellite Services options outstanding with an exercise price of $3.88. The weighted average remaining contractual life of the Satellite Services options is 0.75 years. At August 31, 2007, 37,336 Satellite Services options were exercisable into 33,602 Class B Non-Voting Shares of the Company at $4.31 per Class B Non-Voting Share. No options were exercised during the current quarter. During the year ended August 31, 2007, 40,336 options were exercised into 36,302 Class B Non-Voting Shares for $367.
Warrants
Prior to the Company’s acquisition and consolidation of Satellite Services effective July 1, 2000, Satellite Services and its subsidiary Star Choice had established a plan to grant warrants to acquire Satellite Services common shares at a price of $11.25 per share to distributors and dealers. In conjunction with the acquisition of Satellite Services, the warrants became convertible into Class B Non Voting Shares of Shaw.
On September 1, 2006, 500 warrants were exercised for $6 and the remaining 10,700 warrants expired.
Contributed surplus
The changes in contributed surplus are as follows:
                 
    August 31, 2007   August 31, 2006
    $   $
 
Balance, beginning of period
    5,110       1,866  
Stock-based compensation
    6,787       3,272  
Stock options exercised
    (3,197 )     (28 )
 
Balance, end of period
    8,700       5,110  
 

33


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
6. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share calculations are as follows:
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
 
Numerator ($)
                               
Net income for basic earnings per share
    135,932       210,369       388,479       458,250  
Effect of potentially dilutive securities
          1,414             5,658  
 
Net income for diluted earnings per share
    135,932       211,783       388,479       463,908  
 
 
                               
Denominator (thousands of shares)
                               
Weighted average number of Class A and Class B Non-Voting Shares for basic earnings per share
    433,864       432,795       432,493       435,332  
Effect of potentially dilutive securities
    4,562       6,542       3,249       8,054  
 
Weighted average number of Class A and Class B Non-Voting Shares for diluted earnings per share
    438,426       439,337       435,742       443,386  
 
 
                               
Earnings per share ($)
                               
Basic
    0.31       0.49       0.90       1.05  
Diluted
    0.31       0.48       0.89       1.05  
 

34


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
7. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Disclosures with respect to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are as follows:
(i)   Funds flow from operations
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
    $   $   $   $
 
Net income
    135,932       210,369       388,479       458,250  
Non-cash items:
                               
Amortization
                               
Deferred IRU revenue
    (3,137 )     (3,137 )     (12,547 )     (12,546 )
Deferred equipment revenue
    (28,408 )     (21,714 )     (104,997 )     (80,256 )
Deferred equipment cost
    53,007       49,609       203,597       200,218  
Deferred charges
    1,315       1,242       5,153       5,328  
Property, plant and equipment
    97,796       96,759       381,909       385,607  
Future income tax expense (recovery)
    9,997       (119,061 )     142,871       (85,521 )
Write-down of investment
          145             519  
Gain on sale of investments
          (3,180 )     (415 )     (50,315 )
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt
          (9 )           (5,369 )
Equity income on investees
    (257 )     (237 )     (363 )     (44 )
Fair value loss on a foreign currency forward contract
                      360  
Debt retirement costs
          4,125             12,248  
Stock-based compensation
    1,947       1,261       6,787       3,272  
Defined benefit pension plan
    3,613       3,152       19,120       12,612  
Other
    740       1,293       (1,231 )     2,834  
 
Funds flow from operations
    272,545       220,617       1,028,363       847,197  
 
(ii)   Changes in non-cash working capital balances related to operations include the following:
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
    $   $   $   $
 
Accounts receivable
    (4,508 )     (10,717 )     (16,435 )     (23,561 )
Prepaids and other
    (2,304 )     (4,577 )     (9,563 )     (5,741 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    27,371       49,159       (14,435 )     22,338  
Income taxes payable
    (65 )     (1,419 )     661       (1,348 )
Unearned revenue
    2,586       968       11,422       7,988  
 
 
    23,080       33,414       (28,350 )     (324 )
 

35


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
(iii)   Interest and income taxes paid (recovered) and classified as operating activities are as follows:
                                 
    Three months ended August 31,   Year ended August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
    $   $   $   $
 
Interest
    18,335       28,317       231,513       245,404  
Income taxes
    6       (8 )     (717 )     3,203  
 
(iv)   Non-cash transaction:
The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows exclude the following non-cash transaction:
                 
    Year ended August 31,
    2007   2006
    $   $
 
Issuance of Class B Non-Voting Shares on a cable system acquisition
    3,000        
 

36


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
8. UNITED STATES ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in Canadian dollars in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada (“Canadian GAAP”). The following adjustments and disclosures would be required in order to present these unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”).
                                 
    Three months ended   Year ended
    August 31,   August 31,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
    $   $   $   $
 
Net income using Canadian GAAP
    135,932       210,369       388,479       458,250  
Add (deduct) adjustments for:
                               
Deferred charges (2)
    (6,780 )     7,253       5,672       15,362  
Foreign exchange gains (losses) on hedged long-term debt (8)
    12,931       (3,667 )     47,382       78,937  
Reclassification of hedge gains (losses) from other comprehensive income (7)
    (12,931 )     3,667       (47,382 )     (78,937 )
Capitalized interest (11)
    2,244             2,244        
Income taxes (12)
    (6,632 )     (4,795 )     (10,461 )     (8,990 )
 
Net income using US GAAP
    124,764       212,827       385,934       464,622  
 
 
                               
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation of self-sustaining foreign operations
    (6 )     1       (18 )     (35 )
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (6)
                      (29,728 )
Adjustment to fair value of derivatives (7)
    2,676       (7,316 )     5,730       (62,843 )
Reclassification of derivative losses to income to offset foreign exchange gains on hedged long-term debt (7)
    11,061       3,084       40,215       74,632  
Minimum liability for pension plan (10)
    5,813       3,316       5,813       2,848  
 
 
    19,544       (915 )     51,740       (15,126 )
 
Comprehensive income using US GAAP
    144,308       211,912       437,674       449,496  
 
 
                               
Net income per share using US GAAP
    0.29       0.49       0.89       1.07  
 

37


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
Balance sheet items using US GAAP
                                 
    August 31, 2007   August 31, 2006
    Canadian   US   Canadian   US
    GAAP   GAAP   GAAP   GAAP
    $   $   $   $
 
Property, plant and equipment (11)
    2,422,900       2,425,144       2,250,056       2,250,056  
Deferred charges (2) (9) (10)
    278,525       170,881       261,908       164,053  
Broadcast rights (1) (4) (5)
    4,776,078       4,750,844       4,691,484       4,666,250  
Other long-term liabilities (7) (10)
    56,844       683,722       37,724       612,306  
Deferred credits (8) (9)
    1,151,724       687,913       1,100,895       679,652  
Future income taxes
    1,327,914       1,271,791       1,123,938       1,072,990  
Shareholders’ equity:
                               
Share capital
    2,053,160       2,053,160       1,976,966       1,976,966  
Contributed surplus
    8,700       8,700       5,110       5,110  
Deficit
    (68,132 )     (178,652 )     (172,701 )     (280,675 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
          (126,746 )           (117,176 )
Cumulative translation adjustment
    312             330        
 
Total shareholders’ equity
    1,994,040       1,756,462       1,809,705       1,584,225  
 
The cumulative effect of these adjustments on consolidated shareholders’ equity is as follows:
                 
    August 31, 2007   August 31, 2006
    $   $
 
Shareholders’ equity using Canadian GAAP
    1,994,040       1,809,705  
Amortization of intangible assets (1)
    (130,208 )     (130,208 )
Deferred charges (2)
    (4,215 )     (8,171 )
Equity in loss of investees (3)
    (35,710 )     (35,710 )
Gain on sale of subsidiary (4)
    16,052       16,052  
Gain on exchange of cable television systems (5)
    50,063       50,063  
Foreign exchange gains on hedged long-term debt (8)
    386,075       345,860  
Reclassification of hedge losses from other comprehensive income (7)
    (386,075 )     (345,860 )
Capitalized interest (11)
    1,566        
Income taxes (12)
    (8,068 )      
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (126,746 )     (117,176 )
Cumulative translation adjustment
    (312 )     (330 )
 
Shareholders’ equity using US GAAP
    1,756,462       1,584,225  
 
Included in shareholders’ equity is accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under US GAAP are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity, net of tax. The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following:

38


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
                 
    August 31, 2007   August 31, 2006
    $   $
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
               
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on translation of self-sustaining foreign operations
    312       330  
Fair value of derivatives (7)
    (57,169 )     (103,114 )
Pension liability (10)
    (69,889 )     (14,392 )
 
 
    (126,746 )     (117,176 )
 
Areas of material difference between accounting principles generally accepted in Canada and the United States and their impact on the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements are as follows:
 
(1)   Amortization of intangibles prior to September 1, 2001 is required on a straight-line basis for US GAAP purposes, instead of an increasing charge method.
 
(2)   US GAAP requires the excess of equipment cost deferrals over equipment revenue deferrals to be expensed as incurred instead of being deferred and amortized.
 
(3)   Equity in loss of investees have been adjusted to reflect US GAAP.
 
(4)   Gain on a sale of a subsidiary that was not permitted to be recognized under Canadian GAAP was required to be recognized under US GAAP.
 
(5)   Gain on an exchange of cable systems was required to be recorded under US GAAP but may not be recorded under Canadian GAAP.
 
(6)   US GAAP requires equity securities included in investments to be carried at fair value rather than cost as required by Canadian GAAP.
 
(7)   Under US GAAP, all derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet at fair value with gains and losses recorded in income or comprehensive income (loss).
 
(8)   Foreign exchange gains (losses) on translation of hedged long-term debt are deferred under Canadian GAAP but included in income (loss) for US GAAP.
 
(9)   Subscriber connection fee revenue and related costs are deferred and amortized under Canadian GAAP. Under US GAAP, connection revenues are recognized immediately to the extent of related costs, with any excess deferred and amortized.
 
(10)   Effective August 31, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans”. Under Statement No. 158, the Company is required to recognize the funded status of the non-contributory defined benefit pension plan on the balance sheet and to recognize changes in the funded status in the year which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income. The adoption of this standard resulted in a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income at August 31, 2007 of $61,310, net of income taxes of $26,440.

39


 

Shaw Communications Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
August 31, 2007 and 2006
[all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
 
    Prior to the adoption of Statement No. 158, an additional minimum liability was recorded for the difference between the accumulated benefit obligation and the accrued pension liability. The additional liability was offset in deferred charges up to an amount not exceeding the unamortized past service costs and the remaining difference was recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax. For the year ended August 31, 2007, the Company recorded an increase of $5,813 to other comprehensive income, net of income taxes of $2,520.
 
    Under Canadian GAAP, the over or under funded status of defined benefit plans is not recognized on the balance sheet.
 
(11)   Under US GAAP, interest costs are capitalized as part of the historical cost of acquiring certain qualifying assets which require a period of time to prepare for their intended use. Interest capitalization is not required under Canadian GAAP.
 
(12)   Income taxes reflect the tax effect of the differences identified above, the impact of future income tax rate reductions on those differences and an adjustment for the tax benefit related to capital losses that cannot be recognized for US GAAP.
9. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITY
Other long-term liability is the long-term portion of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan of $56,844 (August 31, 2006 — $37,724). The total benefit costs expensed under the Company’s defined benefit pension were $3,974 (2006 — $3,425), and $20,808 (2006 — $13,700) for the three months and year ended August 31, 2007 respectively.
10. CONTINGENCY
The Company has sought and obtained Intervener status in connection with an appeal to be heard by the Federal Court of Appeal regarding fees charged under Part II of the Broadcasting License Fee Regulations. It is possible that fees currently provided for with respect to all or part of the current year will not be required to be remitted and fees previously remitted may be recovered. The Company has not recorded a recovery for this contingency.
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION
During the third quarter, the Company realized a gain of $2,680 on the sale of certain corporate assets to a company controlled by a Director of the Company. The transaction was recorded at the exchange amount which the parties have agreed represents the fair value of the assets.
12. COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Certain of the comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
The Company repaid the $296,760 notes at maturity on October 17, 2007.

40