#Canada #Montreal #Videotron #Etiya #Quebecor Inc

Quebecor Inc. Reports Strong Financial Growth in Second Quarter of 2026

Quebecor Inc. has recently unveiled its consolidated financial results for the second quarter of 2026, showcasing a significant upward trend in its financial performance compared to the same quarter last year. Key highlights from the results indicate that the corporation has achieved substantial growth across several key metrics, signalling a robust operational execution during this period.

Financial Highlights

During the second quarter of 2026, Quebecor reported free cash flows amounting to $418.7 million, marking an increase of $43.8 million (11.7%) compared to Q2 2025. In addition, revenues rose by $59.8 million (4.3%) to reach $1.44 billion, while adjusted EBITDA saw a robust rise of $22.3 million (3.7%) for a total of $627.4 million. Excluding the unfavorable impact of stock-based compensation expenses, the adjusted EBITDA experienced an even more impressive increase of $61.8 million (9.8%).

The Telecommunications segment was particularly noteworthy, posting an adjusted EBITDA enhancement of $32.2 million (5.3%), illustrating the sector's strong performance. The segment's revenues surged by $47.8 million (4.0%), largely driven by a raise in mobile services revenue, which increased by $40.2 million (9.2%) and internet access services revenue that climbed by $9.6 million (3.1%).

Adding to the positive narrative, the average monthly mobile revenue per user (mobile ARPU) also marked an increase, up by 2.5%, marking the third consecutive quarterly growth. Quebecor's mobile telephony service achieved a net increase of 53,200 subscriber connections (1.2%), solidifying its standing in the market.

Net Income and Dividends

The net income attributable to shareholders was reported at $270.9 million ($1.21 per basic share), reflecting a robust increase of $53.2 million ($0.26 per basic share) or 24.4% year-over-year. Adjusted net income also saw an uplift, reaching $241.3 million ($1.07 per basic share), which is a growth of $14.5 million ($0.08 per basic share) or 6.4% from the previous year.

In light of these strong financial outcomes, the Board of Directors acted favorably by increasing the quarterly dividend by 12.5%, raising it from $0.40 to $0.45 per share for both the Class A Multiple Voting Shares and the Class B Subordinate Voting Shares.

Strategic Investments

Quebecor's strategic decisions have led it to acquire a majority stake in Etiya, a significant player in the global digital business support system market, particularly known for its AI-powered platforms. As the corporation aims to roll out a unified business support system across its various brands, this investment is expected to bolster efficiencies and expansions across its enterprise, supporting brands such as Videotron and Freedom Mobile.

In recognition of its commitment to environmental and social governance (ESG), Quebecor was lauded as one of Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens, clinching the 19th spot in Corporate Knights’ rankings for 2026. This ranking highlights the corporation's dedication to sustainable practices and responsible production, reinforcing its brand image and commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Looking Ahead

The company’s strong performance is underpinned by its ongoing investments in network technologies and market expansions, particularly aiming to enhance customer experiences in telecommunications through speedier services and novel integrated solutions.

In conclusion, Quebecor's financial results for the second quarter of 2026 embody the corporation's solid trajectory toward growth, driven by strategic investments and operational excellence. As it seeks to further capitalize on market opportunities and innovations, the corporation remains well-positioned for continued success in the current competitive landscape.