MTS reports second-quarter 2016 results and transformation progress

• Free cash flow improves as our transformation journey continues
• Shareholder and court approvals received for BCE purchase of MTS
• MTS and BCE working together to secure regulatory approvals

WINNIPEG, Aug. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - (TSX: MBT) Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS), today, reported results for the period ended June 30, 2016, including progress on the pending acquisition by BCE Inc. (BCE) and its ongoing transformation efforts.

"The overwhelming support shown by our shareholders in voting for the BCE transaction reaffirms our belief that this is the right step to take and that this transaction will provide compelling benefits, not only for our shareholders, but for our customers and for Manitobans," said Jay Forbes, President & CEO. "We quickly secured both shareholders and Manitoba Court approvals and we continue to work co-operatively with the regulators to secure the remaining regulatory approvals."

BCE transaction – Approvals obtained as of August 3, 2016
On May 1, 2016, we entered into a definitive arrangement agreement with BCE whereby BCE agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding common shares of MTS. Shareholders of MTS will be entitled to elect to receive $40.00 per common share in cash or 0.6756 of a common share of BCE for each MTS common share, subject to proration.

Since the May 2, 2016 announcement of BCE's intention to purchase MTS, we have quickly secured several necessary approvals and are working towards obtaining the remaining required approvals:

BCE has committed to a five-year, $1 billion plan to expand and offer advanced telecommunications services and products to Manitobans following the closing of the Arrangement. As the headquarters for the Western Canada operations of BCE, Bell MTS will focus on delivering the benefits of expanded broadband communications infrastructure, ongoing technology development and enhanced community investment to Manitobans everywhere.

In Q2 2016, MTS and BCE announced more details on future investment plans for the expansion of broadband wireless and fibre communications in Manitoba:

• On May 20, 2016, MTS and Bell announced plans to complete wireless coverage on Manitoba Highway 75 to ensure continuous broadband wireless coverage along Manitoba's main transportation corridor linking Winnipeg with the United States.
• On July 7, 2016, MTS and Bell announced an extensive strategy for the expansion of mobile and wireline broadband communications networks in rural, remote and indigenous communities in northern Manitoba. These broadband service improvements will be the largest capital investment in wireless and wireline networks in northern Manitoba in years.

Later in Q3 2016 or early Q4 2016, a letter of transmittal and election form is expected to be mailed to shareholders explaining how shareholders can deposit and obtain payment for their MTS common shares once the Arrangement is completed. The letter of transmittal and election form will also be available on our website at www.mts.ca/investors and on SEDAR.

The transaction is expected to close in late 2016 or early 2017, subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals. Additional details regarding the arrangement agreement can be found in the special meeting circular which we have filed with the Canadian securities regulators and is available on our website at www.mts.ca/investors and on SEDAR.

Transformation program update
We continued to make significant progress on our transformation initiatives in Q2 2016. We expect that this early momentum will continue to build throughout 2016 as we shift our focus to a customer-first company and continue to create value for our shareholders.

The following workstreams have been completed:

• Management and back-office redesign;
• Capital investment process redesign;
• Brand transformation; and
• Customer service and online strategy roadmap.

In Q2 2016, we completed the development of a multi-year customer experience roadmap and identified a portfolio of initiatives that when actioned will provide both more efficiencies and enhanced customer-focus. All of the transformation workstreams have now been launched and are expected to help transform operations and improve our customer experience as we implement the various initiatives under these workstreams.

In 2016 we have launched the following workstreams:

• Pricing, promotions and discounts rationalization;
• Information Services transformation;
• Contact centre and channels transformation;
• Online experience improvement;
• Network and field services transformation; and
• Procurement and working capital management processes upgrades.

We expect our transformation program will deliver annualized free cash flow improvements of approximately $100 million, with the vast majority of the improvements realized by the end of 2017. One-time cash costs associated with achieving these improvements of roughly the same amount are expected to be incurred over the same period.

As of the end of Q2 2016, we have implemented workstreams that will generate $53 million in annual free cash flow savings.

• In Q2 2016, we realized $4.8 million in salary and benefits expense savings from the streamlined back-office initiative, which is on top of the $3.5 million savings realized in Q1 2016. We are on track to achieve our 2016 full year savings of $17 million, with our annualized expense savings estimated at $21 million.
• The redesign of the capital investment process to focus on strategic priorities and economic benefits has positively impacted our Q2 2016 results by reducing our capital intensity ratio from 20.7% in Q2 2015 to 14.3% in Q2 2016. Although we are significantly below our capital intensity ratio target of approximately 18%, we expect now that the new capital investment process is well established we will have higher capital investment in the second half of 2016 and will be more in line with our capital intensity ratio target.

"As we progress with the three-year transformation journey that we started in late 2015 we remain focused on serving our customers and transforming our business. These improvements are already having a material impact on our results with a 4.8% improvement in EBITDA before restructuring and transformation charges, and a near doubling of free cash flow per share in Q2 2016," said Forbes.

Further details can be found in our Q2 2016 MD&A, which is available on our website at www.mts.ca/investors and on SEDAR.

Corporate update
As a result of other board commitments and in the interest of best governance practices, Carol Stephenson will be retiring from the MTS Board effective September 30, 2016. Carol joined the Board in 2008 and has served as the Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee. The Board and management would like to thank Carol for her passion and commitment to MTS over the past eight years and wish her the best in the future. David Leith, Chair of the Board of Directors, will assume the role of Acting Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.

Second-quarter 2016 financial results

The following provides insight into the operating results variances for the quarter:

• Operating revenues: We saw a $1.6 million increase in revenues from Q2 2015, with The Technology Consortium adding to increased information solutions revenues, and strong subscriber growth translating into higher internet services revenues.
  
  
• Operations expense: Operations expense in Q2 2016 was down $3.9 million from Q2 2015, mainly due to our voluntary workforce reduction program, which was launched in late 2015 to streamline back-office support functions. This program delivered salaries and benefits savings of $4.8 million in Q2 2016, which is in line with forecasted savings to be realized in 2016 of $17 million.
  
  
• EBITDA before restructuring and transformation expenses: EBITDA before restructuring and transformation expenses was higher by $5.5 million mainly due to a reduction in operating expenses resulting from our restructuring and transformation initiative.
  
  
• Restructuring and transformation expenses: Restructuring and transformation expenses of $19.2 million is comprised of costs related to our transformation initiatives of $2.1 million, the proposed BCE transaction of $14.9 million, Allstream unwind of $0.3 million, and other productivity initiatives to improve our effectiveness of $1.9 million.
  
  
• EPS from continuing operations: EPS from continuing operations was down by $0.06 in Q2 2016, largely due to higher restructuring and transformation expenses, partially offset by lower operations expense.
  
  
• Capital investments: Capital investments excluding restructuring and transformation decreased $15.5 million from Q2 2015, mainly due to the capital investment redesign initiative which resulted in more disciplined capital investments focused on our strategic priorities and economic benefits that yielded savings and efficiencies, some of which we plan to reinvest in the second half of 2016. Customer delays and the time required to educate employees with the new process also contributed to the decrease. The lower capital investment in the first half of 2016 is expected to largely reverse in the second half of the year. Included in capital investments and new for 2016 is $1.0 million of spend relating to our restructuring and transformation program. Our capital intensity ratio, excluding restructuring and transformation is 14.3% a 6.4-point improvement from 20.7% in Q2 2015. Including our restructuring and transformation initiatives, our capital intensity ratio is 14.7%.
  
  
• Free cash flow and free cash flow per share: Our Q2 2016 free cash flow of $54.5 million increased by $25.5 million when compared to Q2 2015 and by $8.9 million when compared to Q1 2016 primarily due to lower capital investments and higher EBITDA before restructuring and transformation expenses. Our free cash flow per share increased by $0.15 from Q1 2016 and by $0.36 when comparing Q2 2016 to Q2 2015. This increase was due to free cash flow improvements noted above combined with the impact of the share repurchases under our recent normal course issuer bid program. During the first six months of 2016 we purchased a total of 5,074,735 shares under this program of which 2,303,772 shares were bought back in Q2 2016. The program returned over $164 million to shareholders prior to the announcement of the BCE transaction, following which the program was suspended.

The following table provides further free cash flow disclosure.

Dividend
As part of the Arrangement pursuant to which, among other things, BCE will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of MTS, we do not expect to declare or pay any more dividends to shareholders prior to closing. Our last dividend was declared on May 11, 2016 and paid out to shareholders on July 15, 2016.

Investment community conference call and webcast
We will hold our second-quarter 2016 earnings results conference call with the investment community on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at 6 p.m. (Eastern time). Participants include Jay Forbes, President & CEO; Paul Cadieux, Chief Financial Officer and Heather Tulk, Chief Customer Officer.

To participate, please dial toll-free 1-888-231-8191 or 647-427-7450. A replay will be available until August 10, 2016 by dialing 1-855-859-2056 and entering passcode 34357782.

Investors, media and the public are invited to participate on a listen-only basis by logging into the live audio webcast of the conference call on our website at www.mts.ca/aboutus or by entering http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1211513&s=1&k=5CF303DC47D792AB11CA25DF398C2D41.

A replay of the conference call will be available on our website for one year.

Forward-looking statements disclaimer
This news release includes forward-looking statements and information (collectively, "statements") including, but not limited to: statements pertaining to the Arrangement, the anticipated timing for the closing of the Arrangement, the consideration to be received by shareholders, which may fluctuate in value due to common shares of BCE forming part of the consideration and the consideration not being as elected by shareholders due to proration, the anticipated timing with respect to the mailing of the letter of transmittal and election form to our shareholders, our corporate direction, business opportunities, operations, financial objectives, future financial results and performance, ability to generate free cash flow in the future, restructuring and transformation plans, strategic processes, guidance and outlook and pension plans funding. Implicit in the statements referred to above, are assumptions regarding, among other things, the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the regulatory approvals required under the arrangement agreement between MTS and BCE dated May 1, 2016, the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the conditions to the closing of the Arrangement, and other expectations and assumptions concerning the Arrangement, future interest rates, the expectation of not having to pay cash income taxes until 2023; and the ability to reduce operating expenses, future cash flows, liquidity, credit ratings and profitability, as well as other statements that are not historical facts. There can be no assurance that the Arrangement will occur, or that it will occur on the terms and conditions or at the time contemplated in this news release.

Examples of statements that constitute forward-looking information may be identified by words such as believe, expect, project, should, anticipate, could, target, forecast, intend, plan, outlook, see, set, pending, line-of-sight and other similar terms.

Our forward-looking information includes forecasts and projections related to the following items, among others:
revenues, expenses, property, plant and equipment additions, free cash flow, dividend payments, debt repayment, share repurchases, expected growth in subscribers and the services to which they subscribe, the cost of acquiring subscribers and the deployment of new services, continued cost reductions and efficiency improvements, the growth of new products and services and all other statements that are not historical facts.

We base our conclusions, forecasts, and projections on the following factors, among others: general economic and industry growth rates, currency exchange rates and interest rates, product pricing levels and competitive intensity, subscriber growth, pricing, usage and churn rates, government regulation changes, technology deployment, device availability, the timing of new product launches, content and equipment costs, the integration of acquisitions and industry structure and stability.

All forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: failure to, in a timely manner, or at all, obtain the regulatory approvals as required under the arrangement agreement; failure of the parties to otherwise satisfy the conditions to complete the Arrangement; the effect of the announcement of the Arrangement on MTS' and BCE's respective strategic relationships, operating results and business generally; significant transaction costs or unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation that would prevent or hinder the completion of the Arrangement; failure to realize the expected benefits of the Arrangement; compliance with all applicable laws and other customary risks associated with transactions of a similar nature to the Arrangement; and general economic conditions. In addition, if the Arrangement is not completed, and MTS continues as an independent entity, there are serious risks that the announcement of the Arrangement and the dedication of substantial resources of MTS to the completion of the Arrangement could have an adverse impact on MTS' business and strategic relationships (including with future and prospective employees, customers, retailers, vendors, suppliers and partners), operating results and businesses generally. As a consequence, actual results in the future may differ materially from any forward-looking conclusion, forecast or projection, whether expressed or implied. Therefore, forward-looking statements should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on them.

Please note that forward-looking statements in this news release reflect Management's expectations as at August 3, 2016, and thus are subject to change thereafter.

We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. This news release and the financial information contained herein have been reviewed by our Audit Committee and approved by our Board of Directors.

Factors that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, matters identified in the Risks and uncertainties section of our 2015 annual MD&A and our MD&A for Q2 2016, each of which is available on our website at www.mts.ca/aboutus and on SEDAR.

About MTS
At MTS, we're proud to be Manitoba's leading information and communications technology provider. We're dedicated to delivering a full suite of services for Manitobans – Wireless, Internet, TV, Phone Service and Security Systems plus a full suite of Information Solutions, including Unified Cloud and Managed Services. You can count on MTS to make connecting your world easy. We're with you.

We live where we work and actively give back to organizations that strengthen our communities. Through MTS Future First, we provide sponsorships, grants and scholarships, value-in-kind support and volunteer commitment in Manitoba.

MTS Inc. is wholly owned by Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (TSX: MBT). For more on MTS' products and services, visit mts.ca. For investor information, visit www.mts.ca/aboutus.

Q2 2016

Management's discussion and analysis
For the period ended June 30, 2016

Management's Discussion and Analysis

August 3, 2016
This Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of our financial results comments on our operations, performance and financial condition for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. This MD&A is based on consolidated financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). All financial amounts, unless otherwise indicated, are in Canadian dollars and in accordance with IFRS.

Unless otherwise indicated, this MD&A is for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and is as at August 3, 2016.

In preparing this MD&A, we have taken into account information available to us up to August 3, 2016. In this MD&A, "we", "our" and "us" refer to Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS). This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.

About us
For more information about our company, including our Annual Information Form, audited consolidated financial statements and supplemental for the year ended December 31, 2015, dated February 4, 2016, please visit our website at www.mts.ca/aboutus or visit SEDAR.

Discontinued operations
We completed the sale of Allstream Inc. (Allstream) on January 15, 2016. Effective November 20, 2015 we started reporting Allstream as an asset held for sale, with their results of operations reflected as discontinued operations, and as a result Allstream's revenues and expenses are no longer reflected in our financial results. For more details regarding the accounting treatment, readers are encouraged to review the discontinued operations note disclosure in our interim condensed financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2016, which can be found on our website at www.mts.ca/aboutus.

Non-IFRS measures of performance
In this MD&A, we provide information concerning earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), free cash flow, free cash flow per share and capital intensity ratio because we believe investors use them as measures of our financial performance. These measures do not have a standardized meaning as prescribed by IFRS, and are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Regarding forward-looking statements
This interim MD&A includes forward-looking statements and information (collectively, "statements") including, but not limited to: statements pertaining to plan of arrangement pursuant to which, among other things, BCE Inc. (BCE) has agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding common shares of MTS (the Arrangement), the anticipated timing for the closing of the Arrangement, the consideration to be received by shareholders, which may fluctuate in value due to common shares of BCE forming part of the consideration and the consideration not being as elected by shareholders due to proration, the anticipated timing with respect to the mailing of the letter of transmittal and election form to our shareholders, our corporate direction, business opportunities, operations, financial objectives, future financial results and performance, ability to generate free cash flow in the future, restructuring and transformation plans, strategic processes, guidance and outlook and pension plans funding. Implicit in the statements referred to above, are assumptions regarding, among other things, the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the Required Regulatory Approvals (as defined in the arrangement agreement between MTS and BCE dated May 1, 2016), the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the conditions to the closing of the Arrangement, and other expectations and assumptions concerning the Arrangement, future interest rates, the expectation of not having to pay cash income taxes until 2023; and the ability to reduce operating expenses, future cash flows, liquidity, credit ratings and profitability, as well as other statements that are not historical facts. There can be no assurance that the Arrangement will occur, or that it will occur on the terms and conditions or at the time contemplated in this management's discussion and analysis.

Examples of statements that constitute forward-looking information may be identified by words such as believe, expect, project, should, anticipate, could, target, forecast, intend, plan, outlook, see, set, pending, line-of-sight and other similar terms.

Our forward-looking information includes forecasts and projections related to the following items, among others: revenues, expenses, property, plant and equipment additions, free cash flow, dividend payments, debt repayment, share repurchases, expected growth in subscribers and the services to which they subscribe, the cost of acquiring subscribers and the deployment of new services, continued cost reductions and efficiency improvements, the growth of new products and services and all other statements that are not historical facts.

We base our conclusions, forecasts, and projections on the following factors, among others: general economic and industry growth rates, currency exchange rates and interest rates, product pricing levels and competitive intensity, subscriber growth, pricing, usage and churn rates, government regulation changes, technology deployment, device availability, the timing of new product launches, content and equipment costs, the integration of acquisitions and industry structure and stability.

All forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: failure to, in a timely manner, or at all, obtain the Required Regulatory Approvals; failure of the parties to otherwise satisfy the conditions to complete the Arrangement; the effect of the announcement of the Arrangement on MTS' and BCE's respective strategic relationships, operating results and business generally; significant transaction costs or unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation that would prevent or hinder the completion of the Arrangement; failure to realize the expected benefits of the Arrangement; compliance with all applicable laws and other customary risks associated with transactions of a similar nature to the Arrangement; and general economic conditions. In addition, if the Arrangement is not completed, and MTS continues as an independent entity, there are serious risks that the announcement of the Arrangement and the dedication of substantial resources of MTS to the completion of the Arrangement could have an adverse impact on MTS' business and strategic relationships (including with future and prospective employees, customers, retailers, vendors, suppliers and partners), operating results and businesses generally. As a consequence, actual results in the future may differ materially from any forward-looking conclusion, forecast or projection, whether expressed or implied. Therefore, forward-looking statements should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on them.

Please note that forward-looking statements in this interim MD&A reflect Management's expectations as at August 3, 2016, and thus, are subject to change thereafter.

We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. This interim MD&A and the financial information contained herein have been reviewed by our Audit Committee and approved by our Board of Directors.

Factors that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, matters identified in the Risks and uncertainties section of our annual MD&A which can be found on our website at www.mts.ca/aboutus and on SEDAR, and this interim MD&A. See Risks and uncertainties.

Business overview

At MTS, we're proud to be Manitoba's leading information and communications technology provider. We're dedicated to delivering a full suite of services that meet the unique needs of Manitoban consumers and businesses. We live where we work, and actively give back to organizations that strengthen our communities. You can count on MTS to make connecting your world easy.
We're with you.

Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba our common shares are listed on the TSX (trading symbol: MBT). Investor and corporate information can be found at www.mts.ca/aboutus.

We offer a full range of wireless and wireline communications services including wireless, internet, TV, phone service and security systems to residential customers in the province of Manitoba, provided by MTS and AAA Security (AAA).

We provide a wide array of business solutions including information solutions and business telecommunications services. These solutions include wireless, IP networking, phone services, security services, technology infrastructure, application development, managed services, networking services and unified cloud services provided by MTS, MTS Data Centres, AAA, Epic Information Solutions (Epic) and The Technology Consortium (TTC).

Corporate updates

BCE transaction – Approvals obtained as of August 3, 2016
On May 1, 2016, we entered into a definitive arrangement agreement with BCE whereby BCE agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding common shares of MTS. Shareholders of MTS will be entitled to elect to receive $40.00 per common share in cash or 0.6756 of a common share of BCE for each MTS common share, subject to proration.

BCE has committed to a five-year, $1 billion plan to expand and offer advanced telecommunications services and products to Manitobans following the closing of the Arrangement. As the headquarters for the Western Canada operations of BCE, Bell MTS will focus on delivering the benefits of expanded broadband communications infrastructure, ongoing technology development and enhanced community investment to Manitobans everywhere.

In Q2 2016, MTS and BCE announced more details on future investment plans for the expansion of broadband wireless and fibre communications in Manitoba:

• On May 20, 2016, MTS and Bell announced plans to complete wireless coverage on Manitoba Highway 75 to ensure continuous broadband wireless coverage along Manitoba's main transportation corridor linking Winnipeg with the United States.
• On July 7, 2016, MTS and Bell announced an extensive strategy for the expansion of mobile and wireline broadband communications networks in rural, remote and indigenous communities in northern Manitoba. These broadband service improvements will be the largest capital investment in wireless and wireline networks in northern Manitoba in years.

Later in Q3 2016 or early Q4 2016, a letter of transmittal and election form is expected to be mailed to shareholders explaining how shareholders can deposit and obtain payment for their MTS common shares once the Arrangement is completed. The letter of transmittal and election form will also be available on our website at www.mts.ca/investors and on SEDAR.

The transaction is expected to close in late 2016 or early 2017, subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals. Additional details regarding the arrangement agreement can be found in the special meeting circular which we have filed with the Canadian securities regulators and is available on our website at www.mts.ca/investors and on SEDAR.

Transformation program update
We continued to make significant progress on our transformation initiatives in Q2 2016. We expect that this early momentum will continue to build throughout 2016 as we shift our focus to a customer-first company and continue to create value for our shareholders.

The following workstreams have been completed:

• Management and back-office redesign;
• Capital investment process redesign;
• Brand transformation; and
• Customer service and online strategy roadmap.

In Q2 2016, we completed the development of a multi-year customer experience roadmap and identified a portfolio of initiatives that when actioned will provide both more efficiencies and enhanced customer-focus. All of the transformation workstreams have now been launched and are expected to help transform operations and improve our customer experience as we implement the various initiatives under these workstreams.

In 2016 we have launched the following workstreams:

• Pricing, promotions and discounts rationalization;
• Information Services transformation;
• Contact centre and channels transformation;
• Online experience improvement;
• Network and field services transformation; and
• Procurement and working capital management processes upgrades.

We expect our transformation program will deliver annualized free cash flow improvements of approximately $100 million, with the vast majority of the improvements realized by the end of 2017. One-time cash costs associated with achieving these improvements of roughly the same amount are expected to be incurred over the same period.

As of the end of Q2 2016, we have implemented workstreams that will generate $53 million in annual free cash flow savings.

• In Q2 2016, we realized $4.8 million in salary and benefits expense savings from the streamlined back-office initiative, which is on top of the $3.5 million savings realized in Q1 2016. We are on track to achieve our 2016 full year savings of $17 million, with our annualized expense savings estimated at $21 million.
• The redesign of the capital investment process to focus on strategic priorities and economic benefits has positively impacted our Q2 2016 results by reducing our capital intensity ratio from 20.7% in Q2 2015 to 14.3% in Q2 2016. Although we are significantly below our capital intensity ratio target of approximately 18%, we expect now that the new capital investment process is well established we will have higher capital investment in the second half of 2016 and will be more in line with our capital intensity ratio target.

Transformation program initiatives update

Rationalize pricing, promotions and discounts – Ongoing
In Q2 2016, we focused on the following areas within this initiative:

• Retention – Improving our retention efforts to provide a better customer experience and reduce churn.
• Simplification – Simplifying our product catalogue to make it easier for employees to serve our customers.
• Promotions – Evaluating our promotional activities and considering new offers that will focus on cross-selling additional services to our customers.
• Rate action – Better alignment of our pricing with the market-value of our products.

Information Services transformation – Ongoing
We continue to review our current internal Information Services organization practices, with the end goal of increasing efficiencies and effectiveness to better support our organizational needs. We expect to achieve this goal by:

• Supporting implementation of key enabling systems in support of our customer service and online workstreams;
• Retiring redundant and outdated software and infrastructure;
• Reviewing our service delivery model; and
• Consolidating and modernizing systems.

Contact Centre and channels transformation – Launched
We are redesigning our Contact Centre operations to drive improvements in the quality of our customer service, such as reducing wait times, while also reducing costs.

Online experience – Launched
We are expanding our digital service options and providing integration across our digital and live channels.

Network and field services transformation – Launched
We are overhauling our customer experience to increase first-visit resolution and reduce repeat visits, and to reduce technician on-site time and customer wait time for visits.

Upgrade procurement and working capital management processes – Ongoing
We're improving our procurement practices and better managing inventory items. Current areas of focus include:

• Spend visibility – Improving company-wide spend visibility and analytics to identify opportunities to maximize our purchasing power.
• Improved inventory management – Aligning our inventory levels with customer demand to improve our inventory turnover.

As we work through our transformation program we will continue to provide progress updates.

Discussion of operations – financial results

Free cash flow and free cash flow per share
Our free cash flow definition includes cash flows from operating activities and net intersegment revenues and expenses less capital investments, and excludes changes in working capital, pension solvency funding and lawsuit payments, restructuring and transformation amounts and non-cash taxes. The following table provides a reconciliation of free cash flow from EBITDA before restructuring and transformation costs.

Our Q2 2016 free cash flow of $54.5 million increased by $25.5 million when compared to Q2 2015 primarily due to lower capital investments and higher EBITDA before restructuring and transformation expenses. Free cash flow per share for Q2 2016 was $0.73 an increase of $0.36 compared to Q2 2015. This increase was due to free cash flow improvements noted above combined with the impact of the share repurchases under our recent normal course issuer bid. Compared to Q1 2016, Q2 2016 free cash flow increased $8.9 million or $0.15 per share. During the first six months of 2016, we purchased a total of 5,074,735 shares under this program, of which 2,303,772 shares were bought back in Q2 2016. The program returned over $164 million to shareholders prior to the announcement of the BCE transaction, following which the program was suspended.

Capital investments excluding restructuring and transformation decreased $15.5 million from Q2 2015, mainly due to the capital investment redesign initiative which resulted in more disciplined capital investments focused on our strategic priorities and economic benefits that yielded savings and efficiencies, some of which we plan to reinvest in the second half of 2016. Customer delays and the time required to educate employees with the new process also contributed to the decrease. The lower capital investment in the first half of 2016 is expected to largely reverse in the second half of the year. Included in capital investments and new for 2016 is $1.0 million of spend relating to our restructuring and transformation program. Our capital intensity ratio, excluding restructuring and transformation is 14.3% a 6.4-point improvement from 20.7% in Q2 2015. Including our restructuring and transformation initiatives, our capital intensity ratio is 14.7%.

Statement of net income and other comprehensive income (loss)

Operating revenues

Wireless
Our wireless networks keep our customers connected across Manitoba. The combined power of our network coverage and Wi-Fi hotspots ensures that our customers can use their smartphones and devices to their fullest. For our business wireless customers we also offer Fleetnet 800^TM and paging services.

Wireless revenues

Voice: Revenues decreased in both Q2 2016 and year-to-date, as a result of lower revenues on features (as subscribers shift to feature-rich plans in the Manitoba market) and lower toll and pre-paid revenues.

Data: Driven by strong demand for smartphones and corresponding data usage, revenues increased in both Q2 2016 and year-to-date. In Q2 2016, the percentage of subscribers on data plans is 81%, an increase from 77% in Q2 2015.

Post-paid subscriber churn decreased from 1.02% in Q2 2015 to 0.87% in Q2 2016. This represents the third straight quarterly improvement in churn since Q3 2015 (the first full quarter impact of the double cohort). See our Q2 2016 Supplemental for additional subscriber statistics.

Broadband and converged IP
Broadband services include revenues earned from providing high-speed internet and IPTV services to residential and business customers, as well as converged IP connectivity to business customers. Our high-speed internet service provides fast, reliable speeds with the most comprehensive internet coverage in Manitoba. Over 350,000 homes in Manitoba are eligible for both our high-speed internet service and our IPTV product, MTS Ultimate TV, across 17 communities in the province.

Broadband and converged IP revenues

Internet: Q2 2016 saw revenue growth of $3.1 million from Q2 2015 and year-to-date revenues grew $6.1 million. This strong growth is a result of 4.2% subscriber growth and higher average revenue per customer. The per unit revenue growth is due to the higher penetration of higher-speed plans as well as price increases.

IPTV: Revenues decreased slightly in both Q2 2016 and year-to-date, as a result of a decline in subscribers and channel subscriptions, partially offset by rate action and migrations to the higher-ARPU MTS Ultimate TV.

Converged IP: In 2015, our Q2 and year-to-date results included revenues of $1.2 million and $2.9 million, respectively, related to services provided by Allstream to our customers, which we stopped recognizing in the second quarter of 2015. Excluding this impact, converged IP revenues grew by 3.3% in Q2 2016 and 9.3% year-to-date.

See our Q2 2016 Supplemental for additional subscriber statistics.

Information solutions
Revenues from this line of business include revenues earned by Epic, TTC and MTS Data Centres. The increase in revenues in Q2 2016 and year-to-date reflects revenue contributed from TTC for the entire period, while 2015 included only one month of revenue from this acquisition. This increase is partially offset by softer demand for hardware in 2016.

Unified communications
Unified communications revenues are earned from the sale of IP telephony products and services. Revenues decreased $1.4 million in Q2 2016 and $2.8 million year-to-date due to lower demand, resulting in decreased hardware installations and associated services.

Security and monitoring
Provided by AAA, these services include the installation and monitoring of alarm services as well as smart home technology to residential and business customers. Q2 2016 and year-to-date revenues have increased 6.5% when compared to the comparative periods in 2015. This revenue growth is a result of strong commercial revenues, along with growth in smart home technology sales.

Local access
Our local access services includes revenues earned from the sale of residential and business voice connectivity, including calling features, payphone revenue, wholesale revenues from services provided to third parties and contribution revenues. Local revenues were down in quarter and year-to-date, reflecting a combination of wireless substitution and competitive losses.

Long distance and data
This business line includes residential and business long distance services, business data services and wholesale data services provided to third parties.

Long distance and data revenues

Long distance: Revenues declined due to customer migration to lower-priced long distance plans and reduced volumes, as customers continue to replace long distance calling with alternative methods of communication.

Data: Revenues decreased in Q2 2016 and year-to-date as a result of declines resulting from reprice, migration to converged IP and competitive losses.

Other
Other services include wholesale revenues earned from wireless carriers, sales and maintenance revenues for terminal equipment such as telephone switches to business customers, and other miscellaneous consumer fees.

Other revenues

Operations expense
Operations expense decreased by $3.9 million in Q2 2016 compared to Q2 2015, and by $4.4 million year-to-date. These results reflect salaries and benefits savings associated with our management and back-office redesign. Other operations expense reductions resulting from our productivity initiatives are partly offset by increased cost of goods sold associated with information solutions revenue growth.

Our voluntary workforce reduction program, which was launched in late 2015 to streamline back-office support functions, delivered salaries and benefits savings of $4.8 million in Q2 2016 and $8.3 million year-to-date. These expense savings are in line with those expected to be realized in 2016 of $17 million. Other productivity initiatives in the first half of 2016 contributed to a reduction in other expenses. These operational efficiency savings were partly offset by $7.2 million in higher labour costs charged to operations expense due to efficiencies and delays in our capital program. In addition, our Q1 2015 operations expenses included the positive impact of $2.5 million in lower short- and long-term incentive accruals. See our Q2 2016 Supplemental for operations expense details, including further variance.

EBITDA before restructuring and transformation expenses
EBITDA before restructuring and transformation expenses was higher by $5.5 million in Q2 2016 and $0.8 million year-to-date mainly due to a reduction in operating expenses resulting from our restructuring and transformation initiatives.

Restructuring and transformation expenses
Restructuring and transformation expenses in Q2 2016 of $19.2 million is comprised of costs related to our transformation initiatives of $2.1 million, the proposed BCE transaction of $14.9 million, Allstream unwind of $0.3 million, and other productivity initiatives to improve our effectiveness of $1.9 million. Year-to-date Restructuring and transformation expenses of $24.4 million are related to our transformation program of $6.0 million, the proposed BCE transaction of $14.9 million, Allstream unwind costs of $0.3 million and other productivity initiatives to improve our effectiveness of $3.2 million.

Depreciation and amortization expense
Our depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $5.7 million in Q2 2016 and $4.3 million year-to-date mainly the result of additional amortization of deferred wireless acquisition costs recognized in 2015 as part of the double cohort impact.

Other (expense) income
Other expenses increased $3.7 million in Q2 2016 and $6.0 million year-to-date. The increase in other expenses in 2016 was mainly due to a gain recorded in 2015 in our operations as a result of our increased ownership interest in TTC, and the resulting remeasure of its previously held interests as of June 1, 2015. This is not a cash-impacting item.

Income tax expense
We continue to have substantial capital cost allowance pools, tax losses and investment tax credits, which we expect will fully offset our taxable income and eliminate cash income taxes until 2023. The present value of these available tax assets is approximately $240 million. These tax assets have a book value of $406.6 million and are comprised of tax losses, the difference between the book value of fixed assets and their undepreciated capital cost for tax purposes, and unused Scientific Research and Experimental Development Investment Tax Credits (SR&ED ITCs). See our Q2 2016 Supplemental for additional tax information.

Income and EPS from continuing operations
Income from continuing operations was down $5.7 million in Q2 2016 and $15.0 million year-to-date, and EPS from continuing operations was down $0.06 in Q2 2016 and $0.18 year-to-date. These declines are largely due to higher restructuring and transformation expenses, partially offset by lower operations expense.

Discontinued operations
On January 15, 2016, we completed the sale of Allstream and, after customary adjustments and transaction costs, we recognized net proceeds on sale of $425.1 million and a loss on disposition of $2.9 million. Allstream's operating results for the first 15 days of 2016 and the 2015 comparatives have been reclassified as discontinued operations. For more details regarding the accounting treatment, readers are encouraged to review the discontinued operations note disclosure in our Q2 2016 interim condensed consolidated financial statements, which can be found on our website at www.mts.ca/aboutus. See our Q2 2016 Supplemental for a restatement of our operating results for 2015.

Other comprehensive (loss) income
Other comprehensive (loss) income represents net actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in the present value of our defined benefit pension obligations and in the fair value of our defined benefit pension assets. These items are recognized in other comprehensive income net of tax, and therefore, do not have an impact on net income or EPS.

The increase in other comprehensive loss in Q2 2016 was due to changes in the present value of our defined benefits pension obligations as a result of lower interest rates partially offset by a reversal of some of the losses recognized in Q1 2016 from lower than expected return on assets.

Selected quarterly financial information

Our Q2 2016 performance is reflected in our financial results. Our interim financial results for the last eight quarters (Q2 2016 to Q3 2014) reflect the following significant transactions and trends:

• Discontinued operations – On January 15, 2016, the sale of Allstream was completed and after customary adjustments and transaction costs, we realized net proceeds on sale of $425.1 million and a loss on disposition of $2.9 million. Final closing adjustments were recognized and remaining net proceeds of $4.9 million were received in the second quarter of 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2015, with the announcement of the sale of Allstream we recorded a non-cash post-tax impairment charge of $95.7 million. Allstream's operating results for the first 15 days of 2016 and the 2015 comparatives have been reclassified as discontinued operations. For more details regarding the accounting treatment, readers are encouraged to review the discontinued operations note disclosure in our Q2 2016 interim condensed consolidated financial statements, which can be found on our website at www.mts.ca/aboutus. See our Q2 2016 Supplemental for a restatement of our operating results for 2015.
  
  
• Restructuring and transformation expenses – 2016 expenses are mainly related to the BCE Arrangement and our transformation program. The transformation expenses relate to initiatives launched in 2016 which are focused on rationalizing pricing, promotions and discounts, and enhancing customer service and online strategy. The 2015 expenses are mainly associated with our transformation program (primarily the voluntary workforce reduction program), along with severances and other costs incurred relating to further restructuring programs. Included in the $32.5 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015 is a non-cash pension curtailment loss of $17.1 million.
  
  
• Spectrum purchases – On July 31, 2015 we acquired 15 MHz of paired AWS-1 spectrum from WIND Mobile for $45 million. We intend to use this spectrum to upgrade our wireless network, significantly increasing the network speed and customer experience. In Q2 2015, we acquired 10 MHz of paired BRS spectrum in ISED, formerly Industry Canada, 2500 MHz (BRS) auction for $2.4 million.
  
  
• SR&ED ITC recovery adjustments – In Q3 2015, we realized positive SR&ED ITC recovery adjustments (relating to the 2012 taxation year) which increased EPS by $0.05 by reducing depreciation and amortization expense. In Q3 2014, we realized positive SR&ED ITC recovery adjustments which increased EPS by $0.11 by reducing depreciation and amortization expense. This SR&ED ITC adjustment reflects the final asset allocations to which the SR&ED ITC's relate.
  
  
• Wireless double cohort – As a result of the May 19, 2015 CRTC decision, in the second quarter of 2015 we fully amortized any outstanding deferred wireless costs related to the now invalid three-year wireless contracts. With this accelerated amortization we recognized $9.9 million of additional expense in Q2 2015, of which $5.0 million and $3.4 million would have otherwise been expensed in Q3 and Q4 2015, respectively, with the remaining $1.5 million expensed in 2016.
  
  
• Pension plan pre-funding – On May 6, 2015, we completed pre-funding of $120 million into our pension plans using our existing credit facilities, of which $116.1 million related to continuing operations and $3.9 million related to discontinued operations. This one-time pre-funding eliminated the need for cash solvency payments for 2016.

Liquidity and capital resources

Summary of cash flows

Operating activities
"Cash flows from (used in) operating activities" refers to cash we generate from our business activities.
Cash flows from operating activities increased $111.0 million in Q2 2016 mainly due to the Q2 2015 pension solvency pre-funding of $99.6 million and increases in non-cash working capital of $11.7 million. On a year-to-date basis, cash flows from operating activities increased $161.0 million mainly due to the pension solvency pre-funding made in 2015 in the amount of $116.1 million, and increases in non-cash working capital of $51.3 million. The improvement in non-cash working capital is related to the management of handset inventory.

Investing activities
"Investing activities" refers to cash used for acquiring, and cash received from disposing of, long-term assets and other long-term investments.
Q2 2016 cash flows used in investing activities decreased $18.2 million due to lower capital investments of $14.5 million, which is mainly the result of more disciplined capital investments focusing on our strategic priorities and economic benefits. Included in capital investments, and new for 2016 are $1.0 million of spend relating to our restructuring and transformation program. Our capital intensity ratio, excluding restructuring and transformation is 14.3% a 6.4-point improvement from 20.7% in Q2 2015. Including our restructuring and transformation initiatives, our capital intensity ratio is 14.7%.

On a year-to-date basis, cash flows from investing activities increased $448.2 million due to net proceeds from the Allstream sale of $425.1 million and lower capital investments of $26.6 million. Included in capital investments, and new for 2016, are $1.9 million of spend relating to our restructuring and transformation program. Our capital intensity ratio, excluding restructuring and transformation is 13.1%, and including our restructuring and transformation initiatives is 13.5%.

Financing activities
"Financing activities" refers to actions we undertake to fund our operations through equity capital and borrowings.
Cash flows used in financing activities increased $256.3 million in Q2 2016 mainly due to repayment of long-term debt of $250.0 million, and the share repurchases of $74.9 million, partially offset by issuance of additional notes payable of $70.4 million in the quarter. On a year-to-date basis, cash flows used in financing activities increased $514.3 million due to repayment of long-term debt of $250.0 million, the share repurchases of $164.4 million and a repayment of notes payable of $7.0 million as compared to an issuance of notes payable of $88.7 million during the same period in 2015.

In the first and second quarters of 2016, and third and fourth quarters of 2015, cash dividends of $0.325 per common share were paid out to shareholders. In the first and second quarters of 2015 and each quarter of 2014, cash dividends of $0.425 per common share were paid to shareholders. Our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.325 per share for the second quarter of 2016, which was paid on July 15, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2016. In accordance with the arrangement agreement with BCE, this second quarter 2016 quarterly cash dividend is the last dividend we declared and paid to shareholders.

During 2015, 1,139,077 common shares were issued as a result of participation in our Dividend Reinvestment Plan. These shares were issued for net proceeds of $28.9 million. We stopped issuing shares as a result of participation in our Dividend Reinvestment Program in September 2015. All shares after this date were purchased on the open market.

Capital management
We have arrangements in place that allow us to access the debt capital markets for funding when required. Borrowings under these facilities typically are used to refinance maturing debt, to fund new initiatives and to manage short-term cash flow fluctuations.

Credit facilities  

We renewed our medium-term note (MTN) program on October 2, 2015 for $500 million for a two-year period. We have a $400 million revolving credit facility, of which we had utilized $85.7 million at June 30, 2016 for undrawn letters of credit and issued $116.0 million in short-term Bankers Acceptances to partially fund a long-term debt maturity of $250 million. We also have two additional credit facilities totalling $300 million, which are used solely for the issuance of letters of credit. As at June 30, 2016, a total of $299.8 million was utilized under these additional credit facilities for undrawn letters of credit. In addition to these programs and facilities, we have a $50-million accounts receivable securitization program, of which $43.1 million was utilized as at June 30, 2016.

Capital structure

Our capital structure illustrates the amount of our assets that is financed by debt versus equity. Our debt to total capitalization ratio of 55.5% as at June 30, 2016 continues to represent financial strength and flexibility.

Credit ratings

Two leading rating agencies, Standard & Poor's (S&P) and DBRS Limited (DBRS), analyze us and assign ratings based on their assessments. We consistently have been assigned solid investment-grade credit ratings. On May 2, 2016, S&P issued a press release noting its credit ratings on our long-term corporate credit and senior unsecured debt at "BBB" and our commercial paper rating of "A-2" were placed on credit watch with positive implications. DBRS issued a press release on May 2, 2016 placing all its credit ratings on our senior debentures of "BBB" and our commercial paper rating of "R-2 (high)" under review with positive implications.

Outstanding share data

Financial instruments, off-balance sheet arrangements and other financial arrangements
Foreign currency forward contracts
We use foreign currency forward contracts to manage the foreign currency exposure. Foreign exchange gains and losses on these foreign currency forward contracts are recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position as an asset or a liability, with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statement of net income. As at June 30, 2016, we had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts to purchase $14.2 million U.S.

Accounts receivable securitization
Under the terms of our accounts receivable securitization program, we have the ability to sell, on a revolving basis, an undivided interest in our accounts receivable to a securitization trust, to a maximum of $50 million. The program was reduced from $110 million to $50 million in December 2015, with the removal of Allstream as a seller under the program. We are required to maintain reserve accounts, in the form of additional accounts receivable over and above the cash proceeds received, to absorb any credit losses on the receivables sold. We are required to maintain certain financial ratios with respect to our accounts receivable, or the cash proceeds must be repaid. We also are subject to certain risks of default which, should they occur, could cause the agreement to be terminated early. As at June 30, 2016, we had $43.1 million outstanding under our accounts receivable securitization program.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We make these estimates and assumptions based on reasonable methodologies, established processes and comparisons to industry standards. We continuously evaluate these estimates and assumptions, which rely on the use of professional judgment. Because professional judgment involves inherent uncertainty, actual results could differ from our estimates. Our estimates, assumptions and methods have been applied consistently.

In our 2015 annual audited consolidated financial statements and notes, as well as in our 2015 annual MD&A, we have identified the accounting policies and estimates that are critical to the understanding of our business operations and our results of operations. Our critical accounting estimates and assumptions remain substantially unchanged from those disclosed in our 2015 annual audited consolidated financial statements and notes and 2015 annual MD&A.

Changes in accounting policies

Our second-quarter 2016 interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting policies as in the previous year except for the standard described below:

Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted Amendments to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements. This standard provides guidance on the application of professional judgement in determining what information to disclose and how to structure it in the financial statements. The application of this standard has not had any impact on the amounts reported for the current or prior period.

Accounting standards issued but not yet effective
We have not yet adopted certain standards, interpretations to existing standards and amendments which have been issued but are not yet effective. Many of these updates are not relevant to us and are therefore not discussed. We expect the standards and amendments described below to be applicable to our consolidated financial statements at a future date. The following standards and interpretations are currently being reviewed to determine the potential impact.

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments
The final version of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, was issued in July 2014, and replaces earlier versions of IFRS 9 and completes the IASB's project to replace IAS 39. The new standard introduces new classification and measurement requirements for assets and liabilities, and a new expected loss impairment model that will require more timely recognition of expected credit losses for financial instruments. Entities will also be required to have additional disclosure to provide information that explains the basis for their expected credit loss calculations and how they measure expected credit losses and assess changes in credit risk. The standard also introduces a new hedge accounting model that aligns the accounting treatment with risk management activities. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, and is to be applied retrospectively, with earlier application permitted.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was issued in May 2014 and establishes a five-step revenue recognition model that applies to revenue arising from contracts with customers. IFRS 15 requires revenue to be recognized in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the expected consideration receivable in exchange for transferring those goods or services. This standard also provides guidance on the accounting treatment for contract acquisition and contract fulfillment costs and requires enhanced disclosures as to the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This standard supersedes IAS 18, Revenues, IAS 11, Construction Contracts and a number of revenue-related interpretations. IFRS 15 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively, with earlier adoption permitted. Entities will transition following either a full or modified retrospective approach. We expect the application of this new standard to impact the reported results in our consolidated financial statements. The expected impacts include a change in the allocation of contract revenues between services and equipment, and a shift in the timing over which those revenues are recognized. We also expect a shift in the timing of recognition for contract acquisition and fulfillment costs.

IFRS 16, Leases
IFRS 16, Leases, was issued in January 2016 and introduces a single lessee accounting model which requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, and is to be applied retrospectively, with earlier adoption permitted if IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is also adopted. Entities will transition following either a full or modified retrospective approach.

Risks and uncertainties

Risk evaluation processes

Risk management practices are part of our standard operations, across all of our businesses. Identifying and managing our principal risks form part of our management's regular business planning process because risk, as well as associated opportunities, are important considerations in our current and future business strategy.

As we set our strategic objectives, our risk management program is used to identify and assess the associated principal risks and considers the activities being taken to mitigate them. The program is managed through an executive-level strategic risk committee, together with our enterprise risk management team.

Our risks and uncertainties are described in our 2015 annual MD&A and are updated for material developments every quarter. In our Q1 2016 MD&A, we updated our risks and uncertainties section to include the risks and uncertainties of the Arrangement. In Q2 2016, there has been the following developments to the items noted:

Human Resources - Collective Agreement
On May 27, 2016, TEAM membership ratified the collective agreement with MTS with an expiry date of February 19, 2019, significantly reducing the Human Resources - Collective Agreement risk as stated in our 2015 annual MD&A.

Conditions precedent to Closing
Unless indicated otherwise, capitalized terms used in this section, but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings specified in the arrangement agreement. The completion of the Arrangement is subject to a number of conditions precedent, some of which are outside MTS' and BCE's control, including receipt of the Required Regulatory Approvals. In addition, the completion of the Arrangement by BCE is conditional on, among other things, the absence of a Material Adverse Effect, and compliance by MTS with various other covenants contained in the arrangement agreement. There can be no certainty, nor can MTS or BCE provide any assurance, that all conditions precedent to the Arrangement will be satisfied or waived, or, if satisfied or waived, when they will be satisfied or waived. If the Arrangement is not completed, the market price of our common shares may be materially adversely affected. Moreover, a substantial delay in obtaining the Required Regulatory Approvals could result in a prolonged extension of the Outside Date.

Regulatory developments

Background
We are subject to regulations that materially impact how we can conduct business. The telecommunications and broadcast industries in which we operate are federally regulated, pursuant to both the Telecommunications Act and the Broadcasting Act. We are also subject to other federal and provincial regulations that shape how we conduct our business. See Risks and uncertainties.

We operate as an incumbent local exchange carrier whose telecommunications business is regulated primarily by the CRTC and by ISED, in areas such as spectrum or ownership. Our television business is licensed as a BDU, which is subject to a different regulatory regime.

This regulatory section describes recent developments relating to regulatory and policy proceedings that could materially impact our business. Several years ago, the regulatory trend was towards more forbearance - meaning telecommunications services were subject to less regulation. Recently, we are seeing an accelerated pace of regulation by federal and provincial governments, as well as increasing intervention by the CRTC, ISED and other regulatory bodies. We are facing a more dynamic environment, which is presenting both new risks and opportunities for our business.

We mitigate our risks and try to maximize opportunities by actively participating in regulatory and policy proceedings that are relevant to our business and directly impact us. Our regulatory environment is as described in our 2015 annual MD&A and is updated for material developments every quarter. In Q2 2016, there has been the following development:

Broadcasting distribution undertaking license
The CRTC intends to hold a multi-step process in respect of the necessary licenses for Canada's broadcast distribution undertakings (or TV businesses), including MTS. There is no certainty that MTS will be entitled to renew its licenses, or that new and adverse conditions of license won't be imposed at some stage in this process. This could have a negative effect on the business and financial performance of MTS.

Controls and procedures

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting. These terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109, Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, as adopted by the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

Other than changes arising from the sale of Allstream, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent interim period (ended June 30, 2016) that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is described in our 2015 annual MD&A.

Non-IFRS measures of performance

In this Q2 2016 MD&A, we provide information concerning EBITDA and free cash flow because we believe investors use them as measures of our financial performance. These measures do not have a standardized meaning as prescribed by IFRS, and are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

EBITDA
We define EBITDA as "earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other income (expense)". EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating income or to cash flows from operating activities (as determined in accordance with IFRS), as a measure of liquidity.

Free cash flow
We define free cash flow as "cash flows from operating activities including net intersegment revenues and expenses less capital investments, and excluding changes in working capital, pension solvency funding and pension lawsuit payments, restructuring and transformation amounts and non-cash taxes." More information about free cash flow can be found in our Q2 2016 Supplemental, which is available on our website at www.mts.ca/aboutus and is available on SEDAR.

Free cash flow per share
We define free cash flow per share as "cash flows from operating activities including net intersegment revenues and expenses less capital investments, and excluding changes in working capital, pension solvency funding and pension lawsuit payments, restructuring and transformation amounts and non-cash taxes divided by our weighted average shares outstanding". More information about free cash flow per share can be found in our Q2 2016 Supplemental, which is available on our website at www.mts.ca/aboutus and is available on SEDAR.

Capital intensity ratio
We define capital intensity ratio as "capital investments adjusted for current year SR&ED ITC impacts, divided by total operating revenues and excluding capital related to restructuring and transformation initiatives". More information about capital intensity ratio can be found in our Q2 2016 Supplemental, which is available on our website at www.mts.ca/aboutus and is available on SEDAR.

SOURCE Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.

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