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Cogeco Communications (TSE:CCA)
TSX:CCA

Cogeco Communications (CCA) AI Stock Analysis

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TSE:CCA

Cogeco Communications

(TSX:CCA)

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Outperform 72 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
C$81.00
▲(23.42% Upside)
The score is driven by strong valuation (low P/E and high dividend yield) and solid underlying profitability/cash generation. It is held back by modest-to-negative revenue and free-cash-flow momentum and a leveraged balance sheet, while technicals show an uptrend but with overbought conditions that add near-term risk.
Positive Factors
High operating margins
Sustained EBIT and EBITDA margins near telecom best-in-class levels indicate strong unit economics and pricing power. High margins provide durable earnings resilience, fund reinvestment and dividends, and cushion the business through demand cycles over the next several months.
Robust operating cash generation
Operating cash flow roughly double net income shows high earnings quality and reliable internal funding. This supports recurring capex, dividend maintenance and debt service without immediate reliance on external financing, preserving strategic flexibility.
North American footprint and segment diversification
A two‑market, two‑segment structure spreads regulatory and demand risk while enabling scale benefits. U.S. Atlantic Broadband provides geographic growth optionality versus the Canadian base, improving resilience and long‑term customer diversification.
Negative Factors
Softening revenue trend
Top‑line momentum is modest-to-negative, which limits the company’s ability to expand margins through scale. Persistent revenue declines constrain reinvestment, reduce free cash flow expansion potential and make long‑term leverage reduction more challenging.
Meaningful financial leverage
Material leverage restricts financial flexibility and increases exposure to rising interest costs or operational setbacks. With elevated debt relative to equity, the firm has less headroom for aggressive buybacks or acquisitions and must prioritize deleveraging if cash flow weakens.
Thin and declining free cash flow
FCF is positive but modest versus net income and has fallen recently, leaving limited surplus for faster debt paydown or stepped-up shareholder returns. Ongoing capital intensity means incremental investment or volatility could pressure cash available for strategic moves.

Cogeco Communications (CCA) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

Cogeco Communications Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCogeco Communications Inc. operates as a communications corporation in North America. It operates in two segments, Canadian Broadband Services and American Broadband Services. The company offers Internet, video, and telephony services to residential and business customers through its two-way broadband fiber networks. It provides Internet services using modems, Wi-Fi gateways, and extenders either on a rental basis or as part of the Internet service package; video services on a subscription basis; home phone services using Internet protocol (IP); local and long-distance calling services; broadband Internet services; and IP based telephony services and other network connectivity services delivered over fiber optic connection to larger businesses. The company serves the primary service units, Internet, video, and telephony service customers. It offers cable operator services under the Cogeco Connexion name in Québec and Ontario, and in the United States under the Atlantic Broadband brand. The company was formerly known as Cogeco Cable Inc. and changed its name to Cogeco Communications Inc. in January 2016. Cogeco Communications Inc. was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Cogeco Communications Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Cogeco Inc.
How the Company Makes MoneyCogeco Communications generates revenue through multiple streams primarily centered around its telecommunications services. The main revenue sources include subscription fees from residential and business customers for high-speed internet, cable television, and phone services. Additionally, Cogeco Media contributes to the company's earnings through advertising revenue from its radio stations and media content. Key partnerships with content providers and technology companies enhance its service offerings and customer retention. The company also benefits from economies of scale, as a larger subscriber base allows for reduced operational costs per user, ultimately contributing to its profitability.

Cogeco Communications Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 15, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 15, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed sentiment with strong Canadian performance and strategic initiatives like the wireless launch, contrasted by revenue declines and competitive challenges in the U.S. and regulatory issues in Canada.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Canadian Internet Subscriber Growth
Cogeco reported strong growth in Canadian Internet subscribers, adding 9,400 new subscribers during the quarter, contributing positively to customer trends.
Canadian Wireless Launch
Cogeco announced the launch of a new Canadian wireless service, marking the first major wireless launch in the country in over a decade. The product will be exclusive to wireline customers.
Improved Free Cash Flow and Debt Reduction
Cogeco's free cash flow increased by 61.5% in constant currency due to lower CapEx and restructuring costs. The debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 3.1x from 3.4x, aided by operational efficiencies.
OpEx and CapEx Synergies Exceeding Expectations
The company achieved OpEx and CapEx synergies that were tracking well above plan, resulting in a net CapEx reduction and significant operational efficiencies.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline in U.S. Operations
Breezeline's revenue declined by 6.6% in constant currency, with a decrease of 10,400 Internet subscribers during the quarter due to increased competition and internal execution gaps.
Overall Revenue Decline
Cogeco's consolidated revenue declined by 4.1% in constant currency, impacted by competitive pressures in the U.S. market.
Challenges in the Radio Advertising Market
Cogeco Media faced challenges in the radio advertising market despite some growth in digital advertising solutions.
CRTC Regulatory Challenges
The CRTC maintained a regulatory regime that Cogeco argues favors larger telecom companies, hindering regional players and limiting competitive choice for consumers.
Company Guidance
During the Q3 2025 earnings call, Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc. provided several key metrics and insights into their performance and future outlook. The company highlighted strong Canadian Internet subscriber growth, reporting an addition of 9,400 new subscribers, and noted significant operational efficiencies leading to OpEx and CapEx synergies. They achieved a capital intensity of 17.2%, down from 22.4% the previous year, resulting in a free cash flow increase of 61.5% in constant currency. The company aims to generate approximately $600 million in free cash flow by fiscal 2027. Despite pressure in the U.S. market, Cogeco maintained its adjusted EBITDA guidance for the year, thanks to operating efficiencies. They plan to launch a wireless service exclusive to their wireline customers and are optimistic about improvements in U.S. customer metrics. Cogeco's debt was reported at 3.1x debt to adjusted EBITDA, with plans to continue lowering this ratio and raising dividends.

Cogeco Communications Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong profitability for a telecom (TTM EBIT margin ~24%, EBITDA margin ~49%) and solid operating cash flow (~C$1.10B, ~2.0x net income). Offsetting this, revenue is slightly negative (TTM ~-1.1%), free cash flow has declined (~-8.1% TTM) and is relatively thin versus net income (~0.47x), and leverage is meaningful (debt ~C$4.6B vs equity ~C$3.2B).
Income Statement
70
Positive
Cogeco Communications shows solid profitability for a telecom: TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) operating profitability remains strong (EBIT margin ~24% and EBITDA margin ~49%) with net margin ~11%. That said, growth has turned negative, with TTM revenue down ~1.1% and the last few annual periods showing low-to-negative revenue momentum, alongside some pressure on net income versus prior years. Overall, profitability is a strength, but the current top-line trajectory is a clear headwind.
Balance Sheet
62
Positive
The balance sheet is stable but meaningfully leveraged. Total debt is high at roughly C$4.6B versus equity of ~C$3.2B, translating to debt at about 1.4x equity in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months), which is manageable for the sector but limits flexibility if operating conditions weaken. Returns on equity are positive but have cooled versus earlier years (around ~9.8% TTM), suggesting profitability is not fully offsetting the leverage risk.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Cash generation is generally supportive: TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) operating cash flow is strong (~C$1.10B) and covers net income by about ~2.0x, indicating good earnings quality. Free cash flow is positive (~C$489M TTM) but has declined (about -8.1% growth) and represents under half of net income (~0.47x), pointing to ongoing capital intensity and less cushion for faster debt paydown or accelerated shareholder returns.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.91B2.98B2.98B2.90B2.51B
Gross Profit867.97M2.49B932.42M2.11B1.63B
EBITDA1.42B1.36B1.39B1.36B1.20B
Net Income322.58M335.53M392.27M423.30M401.52M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets9.69B9.68B9.77B9.28B7.35B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments75.15M76.33M362.92M370.90M365.52M
Total Debt4.56B4.82B5.04B4.68B3.28B
Total Liabilities6.01B6.20B6.33B6.09B4.55B
Stockholders Equity3.16B2.98B2.96B2.75B2.42B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow541.84M516.13M100.08M259.55M426.86M
Operating Cash Flow1.14B1.18B962.90M1.24B1.02B
Investing Cash Flow-583.37M-916.61M-954.47M-2.41B-984.83M
Financing Cash Flow-552.55M-542.37M-23.77M981.92M-27.41M

Cogeco Communications Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price65.63
Price Trends
50DMA
66.67
Negative
100DMA
64.96
Positive
200DMA
64.50
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.23
Positive
RSI
41.76
Neutral
STOCH
4.80
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:CCA, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 65.63 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 68.14, below the 50-day MA of 66.67, and above the 200-day MA of 64.50, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.23 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 41.76 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 4.80 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for TSE:CCA.

Cogeco Communications Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
C$11.31B14.0335.34%2.70%-0.29%15.30%
72
Outperform
$2.77B8.9010.26%5.69%-2.22%-2.36%
72
Outperform
C$32.82B5.3031.28%7.42%0.11%7109.23%
71
Outperform
C$27.83B4.0340.24%3.94%2.75%342.54%
62
Neutral
$29.47B24.497.30%9.49%2.42%24.37%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
49
Neutral
C$38.10M-1.47-755.68%-1.53%2.48%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:CCA
Cogeco Communications
65.63
8.95
15.79%
TSE:BCE
BCE
35.20
2.57
7.86%
TSE:RCI.B
Rogers Communication
51.40
13.62
36.04%
TSE:T
Telus
19.00
-0.60
-3.07%
TSE:QBR.A
Quebecor Inc Cl A MV
50.00
18.48
58.62%
TSE:TGO
TeraGo Inc.
0.95
-0.11
-10.38%

Cogeco Communications Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Cogeco Communications Reports Q4 2025 Results with Strong Canadian Growth
Positive
Oct 30, 2025

Cogeco Communications reported its Q4 2025 financial results, highlighting strong growth in Canadian Internet subscribers and a successful wireless rollout. The company is undergoing a three-year transformation program aimed at revenue generation and cost efficiencies, with the first year meeting internal targets. Despite a 5.2% decrease in revenue, Cogeco remains optimistic about future subscriber trends, particularly in the U.S., and has increased its quarterly dividend by 7.0%.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:CCA) stock is a Hold with a C$76.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cogeco Communications stock, see the TSE:CCA Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 17, 2026