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Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Corus Entertainment announces second quarter results

Corus Entertainment announces second quarter results

- Combined Radio and Television revenues up 1% for second quarter - Segment profit of $51.0 million, up 3% for second quarter

TORONTO, April 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B; NYSE: CJR) announced its second quarter financial results today.

"We are proud to have delivered both revenue and segment profit growth in such challenging economic times," said John Cassaday, President and Chief Executive Officer, Corus Entertainment Inc. "Strong brands, superior programming, rigorous cost controls and multiple revenue streams helped offset the effects of a cyclically soft Canadian advertising market."

   Second Quarter Results   ----------------------   

Consolidated revenues for the three months ended February 28, 2009 were $181.4 million, up 1% from $178.7 million last year. Consolidated segment profit was $51.0 million, up 3% from $49.7 million last year. Net income for the quarter was $29.0 million ($0.36 basic and diluted), compared to net income of $35.4 million ($0.42 basic and $0.41 diluted) last year. The current year's quarter was positively impacted by a gain of $7.2 million related to the disposition of a residential audio business, while the prior year's quarter benefited from $13.2 million in recoveries related to income tax changes. Removing the impact of these items results in adjusted basic earnings per share of $0.29 in the current year, and $0.26 in the prior year.

Corus Television contributed quarterly revenues of $123.4 million, up 5% from $117.3 million last year, led by subscriber revenue growth of 12% and continued strong growth in advertising targeted to women. Quarterly segment profit increased to $47.5 million, up 7% from $44.2 million last year.

Corus Radio revenues were $57.9 million, down 6% from $61.5 million last year. Segment profit was $7.1 million, down 31% from $10.3 million last year.

   Year-to-Date Results   --------------------   

Consolidated revenues for the six months ended February 28, 2009 were $398.1 million, up 1% from $393.6 million last year. Consolidated segment profit was $132.4 million, down 1% from $133.1 million last year. Net income for the six months was $69.7 million ($0.87 basic and $0.86 diluted), compared to net income of $74.8 million ($0.89 basic and $0.87 diluted) last year.

Corus Television contributed six month revenues of $264.7 million, up 5% from $252.7 million last year. Segment profit increased to $111.8 million, up 4% from $107.8 million last year.

Corus Radio revenues for the six months were $133.5 million, down 5% from $141.0 million last year. Segment profit was $29.1 million, down 19% from $35.8 million last year.

   Corus Entertainment Inc. reports in Canadian dollars.    About Corus Entertainment Inc.   

Corus Entertainment Inc. is a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, advertising services, television broadcasting, children's book publishing and children's animation. The company's multimedia entertainment brands include YTV, Treehouse, W Network, CosmoTV, VIVA, Movie Central, HBO Canada, Nelvana, Kids Can Press and radio stations including CKNW, CKOI and Q107. Corus creates engaging branded entertainment experiences for its audiences across multiple platforms. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) exchanges. Experience Corus on the web at www.corusent.com.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the quarter ended February 28, 2009 and Management's Discussion and Analysis are available on the Company's website www.corusent.com in the Investor Relations section.

A conference call with Corus senior management is scheduled for April 8, 2009 at 9 a.m. ET/8 a.m. CT/7 a.m. MT/6 a.m. PT. While this call is directed at analysts and investors, members of the media are welcome to listen in. The dial-in number for the conference call is 1-866-322-2356 (toll-free North America) or 416-640-3405 (local or international). The pass code for this call is: 3654143. PowerPoint slides for the call will be posted at 8:45 a.m. ET on April 8, 2009 and can be found on the Corus Entertainment website www.corusent.com in the Investor Relations section.

This statement contains forward-looking information and should be read subject to the following cautionary language:

To the extent any statements made in this report contain information that is not historical, these statements are forward-looking statements and may be forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements related to, among other things, our objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, plans, estimates and outlook, including advertising, program, merchandise and subscription revenues, operating costs and tariffs, taxes and fees, and can generally be identified by the use of the words such as "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "will", "may" and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Although Corus believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, including without limitation factors and assumptions regarding advertising, program, merchandise and subscription revenues, operating costs and tariffs, taxes and fees and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things: our ability to attract and retain advertising revenues; audience acceptance of our television programs and cable networks; our ability to recoup production costs, the availability of tax credits and the existence of co-production treaties; our ability to compete in any of the industries in which we do business; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by us; conditions in the entertainment, information and communications industries and technological developments therein; changes in laws or regulations or the interpretation or application of those laws and regulations; our ability to integrate and realize anticipated benefits from our acquisitions and to effectively manage our growth; our ability to successfully defend ourselves against litigation matters arising out of the ordinary course of business; and changes in accounting standards. Additional information about these factors and about the material assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements may be found in our Annual Information Form. Corus cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Corus, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, events or circumstances that arises after the date thereof or otherwise.

                         CORUS ENTERTAINMENT INC.                        CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS                                                           As at       As at   (unaudited)                                      February 28,  August 31,   (in thousands of Canadian dollars)                      2009        2008   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   ASSETS   Current   Cash and cash equivalents                             39,424      19,642   Accounts receivable                                  149,323     157,440   Income taxes recoverable                               1,872       1,615   Prepaid expenses and other                            10,012      10,135   Program and film rights                              136,144     131,301   Future tax asset                                       3,421       9,593   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Total current assets                                 340,196     329,726   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    Tax credits receivable                                30,264      21,952   Investments and other assets                          28,948      93,086   Property, plant and equipment                         70,500      73,562   Program and film rights                              120,141     103,163   Film investments                                      88,411      80,819   Broadcast licenses                                   560,383     533,491   Goodwill                                             852,596     797,854   -------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                      2,091,439   2,033,653   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   Current   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities             186,420     196,026   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    Long-term debt                                       705,415     692,750   Other long-term liabilities                           88,838      59,936   Future tax liability                                  93,448      87,699   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Total liabilities                                  1,074,121   1,036,411   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    Non-controlling interest                              17,798      20,237   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   Share capital                                        840,363     848,257   Contributed surplus                                   14,516      17,304   Retained earnings                                    170,684     131,594   Accumulated other comprehensive loss                 (26,043)    (20,150)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Total shareholders' equity                           999,520     977,005   -------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                      2,091,439   2,033,653   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------                            CORUS ENTERTAINMENT INC.                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME    (unaudited)                   Three months ended       Six months ended   (in thousands of                  February 28,            February 28,    Canadian dollars           ---------------------------------------------    except per share amounts)      2009        2008        2009        2008   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Revenues                     181,358     178,738     398,143     393,563   Direct cost of sales,    general and    administrative expenses     130,349     129,005     265,792     260,440   Depreciation                   5,199       5,510      10,191      11,279   Interest expense               9,666      10,073      20,068      21,062   Disputed regulatory fees       1,022           -       2,712           -   Other expense (income), net   (5,009)         38      (3,609)      3,925   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Income before income    taxes and non-controlling    interest                     40,131      34,112     102,989      96,857   Income tax expense    (recovery)                   10,831      (2,547)     31,706      19,591   Non-controlling interest         271       1,291       1,621       2,511   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Net income for the period     29,029      35,368      69,662      74,755   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    Earnings per share (note 8)     Basic                        $0.36       $0.42       $0.87       $0.89     Diluted                      $0.36       $0.41       $0.86       $0.87   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                                  Three months ended       Six months ended   (unaudited)                       February 28,            February 28,   (in thousands of            ---------------------------------------------    Canadian dollars)              2009        2008        2009        2008   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Net income for the period     29,029      35,368      69,662      74,755   Other comprehensive income    (loss), net of tax     Unrealized foreign      currency translation      adjustment                    492        (295)      2,317      (1,267)     Unrealized change in fair      value of available-for-      sale investments,      net of tax                    145           -        (780)        183     Recognition of change      in fair value of      available-for sale assets      in net income               2,077           -       2,077           -     Unrealized change in      fair value of cash flow      hedges, net of tax         (2,176)     (5,788)     (9,507)    (11,790)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------                                    538      (6,083)     (5,893)    (12,874)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Comprehensive income for    the period                   29,567      29,285      56,315      61,881   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------                            CORUS ENTERTAINMENT INC.         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY                                  Three months ended       Six months ended   (unaudited)                       February 28,            February 28,   (in thousands of            ---------------------------------------------    Canadian dollars)              2009        2008        2009        2008   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Share capital   Balance, beginning of    period                      840,165     875,052     848,257     882,244   Issuance of shares under    stock option plan                 -       3,070         358       9,838   Shares repurchased                 -      (3,441)     (8,450)    (17,401)   Repayment of executive    stock purchase loans            198         230         198         230   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Balance, end of period       840,363     874,911     840,363     874,911   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    Contributed surplus   Balance, beginning of    period                       13,115      11,534      17,304      10,250   Stock-based compensation       1,401       2,050       2,350       3,919   Settlement of long-term    incentive plan                    -           -      (5,138)          -   Exercise of stock options          -         (69)          -        (654)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Balance, end of period        14,516      13,515      14,516      13,515   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    Retained earnings   Balance, beginning of    period                      153,655     104,578     131,594      95,568   Cumulative impact of    accounting changes                -           -           -      (1,594)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Adjusted opening balance     153,655     104,578     131,594      93,974   Net income for the period     29,029      35,368      69,662      74,755   Dividends                    (12,000)    (12,488)    (23,939)    (22,891)   Share repurchase excess            -      (4,206)     (6,633)    (22,586)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Balance, end of period       170,684     123,252     170,684     123,252   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    Accumulated other    comprehensive loss   Balance, beginning of    period                      (26,581)    (11,953)    (20,150)    (12,169)   Cumulative impact of    accounting changes                -           -           -       7,007   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Adjusted opening balance     (26,581)    (11,953)    (20,150)     (5,162)   Other comprehensive income    (loss), net of tax              538      (6,083)     (5,893)    (12,874)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Balance, end of period       (26,043)    (18,036)    (26,043)    (18,036)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------                            CORUS ENTERTAINMENT INC.                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS                                  Three months ended       Six months ended   (unaudited)                       February 28,            February 28,   (in thousands of            ---------------------------------------------    Canadian dollars)              2009        2008        2009        2008   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   OPERATING ACTIVITIES   Net income for the period     29,029      35,368      69,662      74,755   Add (deduct) non-cash items:     Depreciation                 5,199       5,510      10,191      11,279     Amortization of program      and film rights            39,034      35,910      76,517      71,987     Amortization of film      investments                 6,689       7,695      10,038      12,611     Future income taxes          2,887      (9,984)      7,610      (5,063)     Non-controlling interest       271       1,291       1,621       2,511     Stock-based compensation     1,431         804       2,012       3,688     Imputed interest             1,522       1,563       3,311       3,137     Other gains and losses      (5,632)        173      (5,429)      1,137   Net change in non-cash    working capital balances    related to operations        22,148       8,772      (7,507)    (24,911)   Payment of program and    film rights                 (45,927)    (35,385)    (95,175)    (77,682)   Net additions to film    investments                 (13,431)    (11,734)    (24,916)    (29,478)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Cash provided by operating    activities                   43,220      39,983      47,935      43,971   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    INVESTING ACTIVITIES   Additions to property,    plant and equipment          (3,789)     (2,908)     (5,784)     (7,127)   Business combinations              -      (1,106)    (74,950)       (774)   Cash held in escrow                -           -      74,950           -   Net cash flows for    investments and    other assets                  6,961        (286)      6,633      (1,421)   Decrease in public    benefits associated    with acquisitions              (726)        (49)     (1,134)     (1,945)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Cash provided by (used in)    investing activities          2,446      (4,349)       (285)    (11,267)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------    FINANCING ACTIVITIES   Increase (decrease) in    bank loans                  (17,179)        579      13,670      20,407   Issuance of shares under    stock option plan                 -       3,001         358       9,184   Shares repurchased                 -      (7,647)    (15,083)    (39,987)   Dividends paid               (12,000)    (11,111)    (24,017)    (21,591)   Dividend paid to    non-controlling interest       (325)          -      (2,994)     (1,603)   Other                            198          79         198         (79)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Cash used in financing    activities                  (29,306)    (15,099)    (27,868)    (33,669)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Net change in cash and    cash equivalents during    the period                   16,360      20,535      19,782        (965)   Cash and cash equivalents,    beginning of period          23,064      11,847      19,642      33,347   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Cash and cash equivalents,    end of period                39,424      32,382      39,424      32,382   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------                            CORUS ENTERTAINMENT INC.                       BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION    Three months ended February 28, 2009                                      Tele-                Elimi-     Conso-                          Radio     vision  Corporate    nations    lidated   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Revenues              57,935    123,423          -          -    181,358   Direct cost of    sales, general    and administrative    expenses             50,825     75,932      3,592          -    130,349   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Segment profit         7,110     47,491     (3,592)         -     51,009   Depreciation           1,631      2,444      1,124          -      5,199   Interest expense         228      1,357      8,081          -      9,666   Disputed regulatory    fees                    526        496          -          -      1,022   Other expense, net      (751)    (5,960)     1,702          -     (5,009)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Income before    income taxes and    non-controlling    interest              5,476     49,154    (14,499)         -     40,131   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Three months ended February 29, 2008                                      Tele-                Elimi-     Conso-                          Radio     vision  Corporate    nations    lidated   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Revenues              61,478    117,309          -        (49)   178,738   Direct cost of    sales, general    and administrative    expenses             51,192     73,069      4,793        (49)   129,005   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Segment profit        10,286     44,240     (4,793)         -     49,733   Depreciation           1,754      2,638      1,118          -      5,510   Interest expense         270        861      8,942          -     10,073   Other expense, net       (94)       497       (365)         -         38   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Income before    income taxes and    non-controlling    interest              8,356     40,244    (14,488)         -     34,112   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Six months ended February 28, 2009                                      Tele-                Elimi-     Conso-                          Radio     vision  Corporate    nations    lidated   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Revenues             133,463    264,680          -          -    398,143   Direct cost of    sales, general    and administrative    expenses            104,342    152,919      8,531          -    265,792   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Segment profit        29,121    111,761     (8,531)         -    132,351   Depreciation           3,273      4,785      2,133          -     10,191   Interest expense         454      2,400     17,214          -     20,068   Disputed regulatory    fees                  1,362      1,350          -          -      2,712   Other expense, net      (571)    (3,641)       603          -     (3,609)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Income before    income taxes and    non-controlling    interest             24,603    106,867    (28,481)         -    102,989   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Six months ended February 29, 2008                                      Tele-                Elimi-     Conso-                          Radio     vision  Corporate    nations    lidated   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Revenues             141,003    252,660          -       (100)   393,563   Direct cost of    sales, general    and administrative    expenses            105,246    144,855     10,439       (100)   260,440   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Segment profit        35,757    107,805    (10,439)         -    133,123   Depreciation           3,173      5,300      2,806          -     11,279   Interest expense         517      2,378     18,167          -     21,062   Other expense, net      (128)     4,709       (656)         -      3,925   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Income before    income taxes and    non-controlling    interest             32,195     95,418    (30,756)         -     96,857   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Corus Entertainment Inc.

CONTACT: John Cassaday, President and Chief Executive Officer, Corus
Entertainment Inc., (416) 642-3770; Tom Peddie, Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer, Corus Entertainment Inc., (416) 642-3780; Tracy
Ewing, Vice President, Communications, Corus Entertainment Inc., (416)
642-3792


Profile: International Entertainment

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