Edgar Filing: SHAW COMMUNICATIONS INC

Shaw Communications Inc.

Date: April 13, 2012

/s/ Steve Wilson

Name: Steve Wilson

Title: Sr. V.P., Chief Financial Officer

FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of April 2012

Commission File Number: 001-14684

Shaw Communications Inc.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

Suite 900, 630 – 3rd Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 4L4 (403) 750-4500

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F ¨ Form 40-F x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes ¨ No x

If “ Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-

The information contained in this report on Form 6-K and any exhibits hereto shall be deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) solely for purpose of being and hereby are incorporated by reference into and as part of the Registration Statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333-170416) filed by the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Shaw Communications Inc.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FEBRUARY 29, 2012

April 13, 2012

Certain statements in this report may constitute forward-looking statements. Included herein is a “Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” section which should be read in conjunction with this report.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) should also be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto of the current quarter, the 2011 Annual MD&A included in the Company’s August 31, 2011 Annual Report including the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.

The financial information presented herein has been prepared on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) for interim financial statements and is expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. The amounts in this MD&A and the Company’s interim financial statements for the period ended February 28, 2011 have been restated to reflect the adoption of IFRS, with effect from September 1, 2010. Periods prior to September 1, 2010 have not been restated and are prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. Refer to note 13 of the February 29, 2012 interim financial statements for a summary of the differences between the financial statements previously prepared under Canadian GAAP and to those under IFRS.

The unaudited IFRS related disclosures and values in this MD&A have been prepared using the standards and interpretations currently issued and expected to be effective at the end of the Company’s first annual IFRS reporting period, August 31, 2012. Certain accounting policies expected to be adopted under IFRS may not be adopted and the application of policies to certain transactions or circumstances may be modified and as a result, the February 29, 2012 and August 31, 2011 underlying values prepared on a basis consistent with IFRS are subject to change.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SECOND QUARTER ENDING FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Selected Financial Highlights


	Three months ended									Six months ended
	February 29,			February 28,			Change			February 29,			February 28,			Change
	2012			2011			%			2012			2011			%
($millions Cdn except per share amounts)
Operations:
Revenue		1,231			1,196			2.9			2,510			2,275			10.3
Operating income before amortization ⁽¹⁾		493			505			(2.4	)		1,059			984			7.6
Operating margin ⁽¹⁾		40.0	%		42.2	%		(2.2	)		42.2	%		43.3	%		(1.1	)
Funds flow from continuing operations ⁽²⁾		164			384			(57.3	)		520			649			(19.9	)
Net income from continuing operations		178			172			3.5			380			189			>100.0
Per share data:
Earnings per share from continuing operations
Basic		0.38			0.38						0.81			0.41
Diluted		0.38			0.38						0.80			0.41

Weighted average participating shares outstanding during period (millions)		440			434						439			434

⁽¹⁾	See definitions and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in MD&A.

⁽²⁾	Funds flow from continuing operations is before changes in non-cash working capital balances related to continuing operations as presented in the unaudited interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Subscriber Highlights

Total

Three months ended

Six months ended

February 29,
2012

February 29,
2012

February 28,
2011

February 29,
2012

February 28,
2011

Subscriber statistics:

Basic cable customers

2,257,061

(9,946

)

(13,662

)

(32,714

)

(21,204

)

Digital customers

1,925,518

46,564

35,403

106,130

97,619

Internet customers (including pending installs)

1,906,597

18,681

10,772

29,366

29,524

Digital phone lines (including pending installs)

1,310,417

54,407

32,512

77,376

82,354

DTH customers

910,688

1,274

2,176

1,805

637

Additional Highlights

•

Revenue of $1.23 billion and $2.51 billion for the three and six month periods improved 3% and 10% over the comparable periods last year.

•

Free cash flow¹ for the quarter and year-to-date periods was $57 million and $176 million, respectively, compared to $174 million and $328 million for the same periods last year.

•

In January the Board of Directors approved a 5% increase in the equivalent annual dividend rate to $0.97 on Shaw’s Class B Non-Voting Participating shares and $0.9675 on Shaw’s Class A Participating shares. This new rate was effective commencing with the monthly dividends paid on March 29, 2012.

Consolidated Overview

Consolidated revenue of $1.23 billion and $2.51 billion for the three and six month periods, respectively, improved 2.9% and 10.3% over the same periods last year. Both the current periods benefited from rate increases in the Cable and Satellite divisions while the year-to-date period also included a full six months of revenue from Shaw Media. Consolidated operating income before amortization for the three month period of $493 million declined 2.4% compared to the same period last year. On a year-to-date basis operating income before amortization was up 7.6% to $1.06 billion. The current year-to-date period included two full quarters of Shaw Media and revenue related growth in the Cable and Satellite divisions, partially offset by higher programming, employee related costs, and sales and marketing expenses.

Net income from continuing operations was $178 million and $380 million for the three and six months ended February 29, 2012, respectively, compared to $172 million and $189 million for the same periods last year. Non-operating items affected net income in both periods. The prior period included a charge of $139 million for the discounted value of the CRTC benefit obligation, net of incremental revenues, related to the Media acquisition, as well as business acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses of $61 million. Outlined below are further details on these and other operating and non-operating components of net income from continuing operations for each period.

¹	See definitions and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in MD&A.

Shaw Communications Inc.


($millions Cdn)	Six months ended									Six months ended
($millions Cdn)	February 29, 2012			Operating net of interest			Non- operating			February 28, 2011			Operating net of interest			Non- operating
Operating income		658									612
Amortization of financing costs – long-term debt		(2	)								(2	)
Interest expense		(165	)								(154	)

Operating income after interest		491			491			—			456			456			—
Gain on repurchase of debt		—			—			—			10			—			10
CRTC benefit obligation		—			—			—			(139	)		—			(139	)
Business acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses		—			—			—			(61	)		—			(61	)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments		1			—			1			(23	)		—			(23	)
Accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions		(7	)		—			(7	)		(6	)		—			(6	)
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt		—			—			—			23			—			23
Other gains (losses)		(5	)		—			(5	)		7			—			7

Income (loss) before income taxes		480			491			(11	)		267			456			(189	)
Current income tax expense (recovery)		146			148			(2	)		115			126			(11	)
Deferred income tax recovery		(45	)		(45	)		—			(23	)		(5	)		(18	)

Income (loss) before following		379			388			(9	)		175			335			(160	)
Equity income from associates		1			—			1			14			—			14

Net income (loss) from continuing operations		380			388			(8	)		189			335			(146	)


($millions Cdn)	Three months ended									Three months ended
($millions Cdn)	February 29, 2012			Operating net of interest			Non- operating			February 28, 2011			Operating net of interest			Non- operating
Operating income		286									313
Amortization of financing costs – long-term debt		(1	)								(1	)
Interest expense		(83	)								(85	)

Operating income after interest		202			202			—			227			227			—
Gain on repurchase of debt		—			—			—			10			—			10
Business acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments		1			—			1			(22	)		—			(22	)
Accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions		(3	)		—			(3	)		(4	)		—			(4	)
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt		—			—			—			20			—			20
Other gains		1			—			1			5			—			5

Income (loss) before income taxes		201			202			(1	)		233			227			6
Current income tax expense (recovery)		62			64			(2	)		60			66			(6	)
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)		(38	)		(40	)		2			1			(10	)		11

Income (loss) before following		177			178			(1	)		172			171			1
Equity income from associates		1			—			1			—			—			—

Net income from continuing operations		178			178			—			172			171			1

Shaw Communications Inc.

The changes in net income from continuing operations are outlined in the table below.


	February 29, 2012 net income from continuing operations compared to:
	Three months ended						Six months ended
	November 30, 2011			February 28, 2011			February 28, 2011
($millions Cdn)
Increased (decreased) operating income before before amortization		(73	)		(12	)		75
Increased amortization		(13	)		(15	)		(29	)
Decreased (increased) interest expense		(1	)		2			(11	)
Change in net other costs and revenue ⁽¹⁾		10			(6	)		165
Decreased (increased) income taxes		53			37			(9	)

		(24	)		6			191

⁽¹⁾

Net other costs and revenue includes gain on repurchase of debt, CRTC benefit obligation, business acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses, gain (loss) on derivative instruments, accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions, foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt, other gains (losses) and equity income from associates as detailed in the unaudited interim Consolidated Statements of Income.

Basic earnings per share were $0.38 and $0.81 for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively, compared to $0.38 and $0.41 in the same periods last year. In the current quarter, reduced operating income before amortization of $12 million and increased amortization of $15 million were offset by lower income taxes of $37 million. The lower taxes included a tax recovery related to the resolution of certain tax matters with Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”). The year-to-date increase was primarily due to the favorable change in net other costs and revenue of $165 million along with improved operating income before amortization of $75 million, both of which were partially reduced by increased amortization of $29 million and interest expense of $11 million. The change in net other costs and revenue was primarily due to amounts included in the prior year related to the CRTC benefit obligation and various acquisition, integration and restructuring costs. Operating income before amortization was up in the current period mainly due to the inclusion of Shaw Media for the full six months.

Net income in the current quarter decreased $24 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2012 mainly due to lower operating income before amortization of $73 million, due to seasonality in the Media business as well as lower operating income in the Cable division, partially offset by reduced income taxes of $53 million, due to the lower operating income before amortization as well as the tax recovery related to the resolution reached with CRA on certain tax matters.

Free cash flow for the quarter and year-to-date periods of $57 million and $176 million, respectively, compared to $174 million and $328 million in the same periods last year. The decrease in the current quarter was mainly due to higher capital investment of $87 million related to strategic initiatives, including the Digital Network Upgrade (“DNU”) and Wi-Fi build, as well as higher customer equipment subsidies. The lower year-to-date amount was mainly due to higher capital investment of $137 million related to the strategic initiatives and customer equipment subsidies, as well as increased interest and cash taxes of $21 million and $22 million, respectively, partially reduced by improved operating income before amortization of $75 million. Operating income before amortization was up primarily due to the full six month inclusion of Media.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Key Performance Drivers

The Company’s continuous disclosure documents may provide discussion and analysis of non-IFRS financial measures. These financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The Company’s continuous disclosure documents may also provide discussion and analysis of additional GAAP measures. Additional GAAP measures include line items, headings, and sub-totals included in the financial statements. The Company utilizes these measures in making operating decisions and assessing its performance. Certain investors, analysts and others, utilize these measures in assessing the Company’s operational and financial performance and as an indicator of its ability to service debt and return cash to shareholders. The non-IFRS financial measures and additional GAAP measures have not been presented as an alternative to net income or any other measure of performance required by IFRS.

The following contains a listing of non-IFRS financial measures and additional GAAP measures used by the Company and provides a reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure or provides a reference to such reconciliation.

Operating income before amortization and operating margin

Operating income before amortization is calculated as revenue less operating, general and administrative expenses and is presented as a sub-total line item in the Company’s unaudited interim Consolidated Statements of Income. It is intended to indicate the Company’s ability to service and/or incur debt, and therefore it is calculated before amortization (a non-cash expense) and interest. Operating income before amortization is also one of the measures used by the investing community to value the business. Operating margin is calculated by dividing operating income before amortization by revenue.

Free cash flow

The Company utilizes this measure to assess the Company’s ability to repay debt and return cash to shareholders.

Free cash flow is calculated as operating income before amortization, less interest, cash taxes paid or payable, capital expenditures (on an accrual basis and net of proceeds on capital dispositions) and equipment costs (net), adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense, less cash amounts associated with funding the new and assumed CRTC benefit obligations related to the acquisition of Shaw Media as well as excluding non-controlling interest amounts that are consolidated in the operating income before amortization, capital expenditure and cash tax amounts. Free cash flow also includes changes in receivable related balances with respect to customer equipment financing transactions as a cash item, and is adjusted for cash funding of pension amounts net of pension expense. Dividends paid on the Company’s Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset Preferred Shares are also deducted.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Commencing in 2012 free cash flow has not been reported on a segmented basis. Certain components of free cash flow including operating income before amortization, capital expenditures (on an accrual basis) net of proceeds on capital dispositions and equipment costs (net), CRTC benefit obligation funding, and non-controlling interest amounts continue to be reported on a segmented basis. Other items, including interest and cash taxes, are not generally directly attributable to a segment, and are reported on a consolidated basis.

Free cash flow is calculated as follows:


	Three months ended									Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011 ⁽²⁾			Change %			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011 ⁽²⁾			Change %
($millions Cdn)
Revenue
Cable		804			769			4.6			1,596			1,527			4.5
Satellite		211			204			3.4			420			410			2.4
Media		242			244			(0.8	)		541			369			46.6

		1,257			1,217			3.3			2,557			2,306			10.9
Intersegment eliminations		(26	)		(21	)		23.8			(47	)		(31	)		51.6

		1,231			1,196			2.9			2,510			2,275			10.3

Operating income before amortization ⁽¹⁾
Cable		352			369			(4.6	)		729			722			1.0
Satellite		71			71			—			140			140			—
Media		70			65			7.7			190			122			55.7

		493			505			(2.4	)		1,059			984			7.6

Capital expenditures and equipment costs (net):
Cable		234			156			50.0			457			334			36.8
Satellite		25			18			38.9			50			42			19.0
Media		7			5			40.0			13			7			85.7

Total as per Note 3 to the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements		266			179			48.6			520			383			35.8

Free cash flow before the following		227			326			(30.4	)		539			601			(10.3	)
Less:
Interest		(82	)		(79	)		3.8			(164	)		(143	)		14.7
Cash taxes		(64	)		(66	)		(3.0	)		(148	)		(126	)		17.5

Other adjustments:
Non-cash share-based compensation		1			2			(50.0	)		3			5			(40.0	)
CRTC benefit obligation funding		(11	)		(5	)		>100.0			(21	)		(7	)		>100.0
Non-controlling interests		(9	)		(7	)		28.6			(20	)		(11	)		81.8
Pension adjustment		4			3			33.3			8			9			(11.1	)
Customer equipment financing		(5	)		—			>100.0			(13	)		—			>100.0
Preferred share dividends		(4	)		—			>100.0			(8	)		—			>100.0

Free cash flow ⁽¹⁾		57			174			(67.2	)		176			328			(46.3	)

Operating margin ⁽¹⁾
Cable		43.8	%		48.0	%		(4.2	)		45.7	%		47.3	%		(1.6	)
Satellite		33.6	%		34.8	%		(1.2	)		33.3	%		34.1	%		(0.8	)
Media		28.9	%		26.6	%		2.3			35.1	%		33.1	%		2.0

⁽¹⁾	See definitions and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in MD&A.

⁽²⁾	Restated to reflect changes in the calculation related to the pension adjustment and customer equipment financing.

Shaw Communications Inc.

CABLE

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


	Three months ended									Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Change %			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Change %
($millions Cdn)
Revenue		804			769			4.6			1,596			1,527			4.5

Operating income before amortization ⁽¹⁾		352			369			(4.6	)		729			722			1.0

Capital expenditures and equipment costs (net):
New housing development		27			20			35.0			49			46			6.5
Success based		75			43			74.4			165			106			55.7
Upgrades and enhancement		91			62			46.8			178			124			43.5
Replacement		10			11			(9.1	)		21			23			(8.7	)
Buildings and other		31			20			55.0			44			35			25.7

Total as per Note 3 to the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements		234			156			50.0			457			334			36.8

Operating margin ⁽¹⁾		43.8	%		48.0	%		(4.2	)		45.7	%		47.3	%		(1.6	)

⁽¹⁾	See definitions and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in MD&A.

Operating Highlights

•

Digital Phone lines increased 54,407 during the three month period to 1,310,417 and Internet was up 18,681 to total 1,906,597 as at February 29, 2012. During the quarter Basic cable subscribers decreased 9,946.

•

Digital customers increased 46,564 during the quarter to 1,925,518. Shaw’s Digital penetration of Basic is now 85.3%, up from 79.5% and 70.7% at August 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Cable revenue for the three and six month periods of $804 million and $1.60 billion improved 4.6% and 4.5%, respectively, over the comparable periods last year. Rate increases and customer growth in Internet and Digital Phone partially offset by lower Basic subscribers accounted for the improvement.

Operating income before amortization of $352 million for the quarter decreased 4.6% over the same period last year. Revenue growth was more than offset by increased sales and marketing costs of $18 million, higher programming amounts of $13 million related to new services and increased rates as contracts renewed, and higher employee related amounts of $10 million mainly related to bringing the new customer service centres on line.

Margin compression occurred during the quarter as new marketing strategies were employed, incremental expenses were incurred related to the new customer service centers, and revenue declined for several months mainly due to customer package migration and increased promotional activity.

Operating income before amortization for the year-to-date period increased modestly over last year. The revenue improvement of $69 million was reduced by higher programming amounts of $21 million related to new services and increased rates as contracts renewed, higher sales and marketing costs of $17 million, increased employee related amounts of $12 million mainly related to bringing the new customer service centres on line, and various other cost increases.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Revenue increased 1.5% over the first quarter of fiscal 2012 primarily due to rate increases. Growth in Internet, VOD and Digital Phone were offset by lower Basic cable subscribers, customer migration to lower priced packages, and higher promotional discounts. Operating income before amortization declined $25 million over this same period primarily due to higher employee related amounts of $12 million mainly related to bringing the new customer service centres on line, increased sales and marketing costs of $12 million, as well as higher programming costs of $5 million related to increased rates as contracts renewed.

Total capital investment of $234 million for the quarter increased $78 million over the same period last year. Capital investment for the six month period of $457 million was $123 million higher than the same period last year.

Success-based capital was up $32 million and $59 million over the comparable three and six month periods, respectively. The increases were primarily due to higher subsidies on sales of HDPVRs resulting from lower customer pricing and increased volumes, deployment of digital set-top boxes related to the DNU, and spend on wireless internet modems in support of new broadband offerings. The increase in the year-to-date success based capital was partially offset by lower HDPVR rentals and phone modem purchases.

Investment in Upgrades and enhancement and Replacement categories combined increased $28 million and $52 million for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, compared to the same periods last year. The current quarter and year-to-date investment included higher spending on hub upgrades and network electronics related to the DNU, Digital Phone infrastructure to support business growth and soft-switch upgrades, and investment related to the Wi-Fi build.

Investment in Buildings and other was up $11 million and $9 million over the comparable three and six month periods last year. The increase was mainly due to higher spend related to back office infrastructure replacement projects, as well as increased facility amounts related to the new Calgary data centre and customer service centres. The year-to-date increase was partially reduced by proceeds on the sale of redundant real estate and other corporate assets.

Spending in New housing development increased $7 million and $3 million over the comparable three and six month periods mainly due to higher activity and the timing of bulk purchases.

During the quarter Shaw announced the launch of its upgraded network—SHAW EXO™. With new services like 1080p HD quality on the Shaw Gateway, and On Demand television content from Global, CTV and CityTV, the EXO network delivers the latest in entertainment and technology to customers. Most recently Shaw broadcast coverage of the Masters in 3D-HD, giving subscribers a greenside seat on the back nine holes of Georgia’s Augusta National Golf Club. These service offerings have led the way in Shaw exceeding the one million customer milestone in HD capable subscribers.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Shaw Business announced successful bids in the quarter including contracts with the City of Calgary and Snamprogetti Canada. Telecommunication services provided by Shaw Business deliver standard and customized offerings on a competitive basis.

Subscriber Statistics


							February 29, 2012
							Three months ended						Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			August 31, 2011			Growth			Change %			Growth			Change %
CABLE:
Basic service:
Actual		2,257,061			2,289,775			(9,946	)		(0.4	)		(32,714	)		(1.4	)
Penetration as % of homes passed		57.7	%		59.0	%
Digital customers		1,925,518			1,819,388			46,564			2.5			106,130			5.8

INTERNET:
Connected and scheduled		1,906,597			1,877,231			18,681			1.0			29,366			1.6
Penetration as % of basic		84.5	%		82.0	%
Standalone Internet not included in basic cable		203,535			217,068			(6,726	)		(3.2	)		(13,533	)		(6.2	)

DIGITAL PHONE:
Number of lines ⁽¹⁾		1,310,417			1,233,041			54,407			4.3			77,376			6.3

⁽¹⁾	Represents primary and secondary lines on billing plus pending installs.

SATELLITE (DTH and Satellite Services)

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


	Three months ended									Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Change %			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Change %
($millions Cdn)
Revenue
DTH (Shaw Direct)		191			184			3.8			380			369			3.0
Satellite Services		20			20			—			40			41			(2.4	)

		211			204			3.4			420			410			2.4

Operating income before amortization ⁽¹⁾
DTH (Shaw Direct)		61			60			1.7			120			119			0.8
Satellite Services		10			11			(9.1	)		20			21			(4.8	)

		71			71			—			140			140			—
Capital expenditures and equipment costs (net):
Success based ⁽²⁾		22			17			29.4			45			40			12.5
Buildings and other		3			1			>100.0			5			2			>100.0

Total as per Note 3 to the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements		25			18			38.9			50			42			19.0

Operating margin ⁽¹⁾		33.6	%		34.8	%		(1.2	)		33.3	%		34.1	%		(0.8	)

⁽¹⁾	See definitions and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in MD&A.

⁽²⁾	Net of the profit on the sale of satellite equipment as it is viewed as a recovery of expenditures on customer premise equipment.

Operating Highlights

•

During the quarter Shaw Direct had a net gain of 1,274 customers and as at February 29, 2012 DTH customers totaled 910,688.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Revenue of $211 million and $420 million for the three and six month periods, respectively, was up 3.4% and 2.4% over the same periods last year. The improvement was primarily due to rate increases. Operating income before amortization of $71 million and $140 million for the three and six months, respectively, were comparable with the same periods last year.

Operating income before amortization improved $2 million over the first quarter of fiscal 2012 primarily due to the full quarter impact of the November 2011 rate increases.

Total capital investment of $25 million and $50 million for the three and six month periods, respectively, compared to $18 million and $42 million in the same periods last year. The year-to-date increase was mainly due to new customer activations, customer equipment upgrades to new receivers, outfitting outdoor equipment to access triple satellites, and purchases of certain ground equipment to uplink to the Anik G1 satellite. Construction of Anik G1, which will provide capacity to add over 100 HD channels, continues to progress and is on track for a fall launch.

During the quarter Shaw Direct launched Food TV HD and year-to-date has added ten HD channels. Most recently Shaw Direct broadcast coverage of the Masters in 3D-HD. Shaw Direct has over 540,000 HD subscribers representing an HD penetration of approximately 60%.

Subscriber Statistics

February 29, 2012

Three months ended

Six months ended

February 29,
2012

August 31,
2011

Growth

Change
%

Growth

Change
%

DTH customers ⁽¹⁾

910,688

908,883

1,274

0.1

1,805

0.2

⁽¹⁾	Including seasonal customers who temporarily suspend their service.

Shaw Communications Inc.

MEDIA

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


													Period from
	Three months ended									Six months ended			October 27,2010 to
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Change %			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Change %
($millions Cdn)
Revenue		242			244			(0.8	)		541			369			46.6

Operating income before amortization ⁽¹⁾		70			65			7.7			190			122			55.7

Capital expenditures:
Broadcast and transmission		3			2			50.0			6			3			100.0
Buildings and other		4			3			33.3			7			4			75.0

Total as per Note 3 to the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements		7			5			40.0			13			7			85.7

Other adjustments:
CRTC benefit obligation funding		(11	)		(5	)		>100.0			(21	)		(7	)		>100.0
Non-controlling interests		(9	)		(7	)		28.6			(20	)		(11	)		81.8
Operating margin ⁽¹⁾		28.9	%		26.6	%		2.3			35.1	%		33.1	%		2.0

⁽¹⁾	See definitions and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in MD&A.

Operating Highlights

Revenue and operating income before amortization for the quarter was $242 million and $70 million, respectively. Although revenue was down marginally compared to the same period last year mainly due to lower advertising revenues, operating income improved 7.7% primarily due to lower programming costs and marketing expenses. For the six months ending February 29, 2012 revenue was $541 million and operating income before amortization was $190 million. Advertising revenue in the six months was driven by growth in the media, government, household supplies, and alcohol beverages categories. For informational purposes, on a comparative basis to the full six months ended February 28, 2011, each of Media revenues and operating income before amortization were down approximately 2%, reflecting the softness in the advertising market as a result of the economic uncertainty.

Compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2012, revenue and operating income before amortization decreased $57 million and $50 million, respectively. The declines were primarily due to the cyclical nature of the Media business, with higher advertising revenues in the first quarter driven by the fall launch of season premieres and high demand.

During the current quarter, Global launched Global National Mandarin, the first Mandarin language newscast produced by a national network in Canada, and continued the Morning News show launches with the Winnipeg Morning News. In addition, Global delivered solid programming results, increasing the number of top 10 and 20 positions nationally. Mid-season premieres on Global include Touch, which delivered strong audience in its special premiere that aired in January, and Awake.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Media’s Specialty schedule continued to deliver solid results with History, Showcase and HGTV delivering shows in the top 25 entertainment specialty programs. The digital channels also performed well with seven of Media’s digital channels positioned in the spring top 10 digital rankers under the adult 25-54 category, with National Geographic and Action holding the number one and two spots, respectively.

Capital investment in the quarter continued on various projects and included upgrading production equipment, infrastructure and facility investments.

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE ITEMS

Amortization


	Three months ended								Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Change %		February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Change %
($millions Cdn)
Amortizationrevenue (expense) -
Deferred equipment revenue		28			26			7.7		56			53			5.7
Deferred equipment costs		(57	)		(50	)		14.0		(110	)		(102	)		7.8
Property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other		(178	)		(168	)		6.0		(347	)		(323	)		7.4

Amortization of deferred equipment revenue and deferred equipment costs increased over the comparative periods due to the sales mix of equipment, changes in customer pricing on certain equipment and the impact of rental programs.

Amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other increased over the comparable periods as the amortization of new expenditures and inclusion of the Media division for the full six months in the current year exceeded the impact of assets that became fully depreciated.

Amortization of financing costs and Interest expense


	Three months ended							Six months ended
	February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011		Change %			February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011		Change %
($millions Cdn)
Amortization of financing costs – long-term debt		1		1		—			2		2		—
Interest expense		83		85		(2.4	)		165		154		7.1

Interest expense fluctuated over the comparative periods primarily due to changes in debt levels. Approximately $1 billion was required to complete the Media acquisition in October 2010 including repayment of a term loan and breakage of related currency swaps. The transaction was initially funded by the Company’s credit facility which was subsequently repaid during the second quarter of 2011 with the net proceeds from the three senior notes offerings totaling $1.3 billion. In addition, the Company assumed US $338 million senior unsecured notes as part of the Media transaction of which US $56 million were repurchased in December 2010 and remaining US $282 million redeemed in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Gain on repurchase of debt

During the second quarter of the prior year, the Company repurchased and cancelled US $56 million of the Media unsecured notes and recorded a gain of $10 million as result of recognizing the related remaining unamortized acquisition date fair value adjustment.

CRTC benefit obligation

As part of the CRTC decision approving the Media acquisition during the first quarter of 2011, the Company is required to contribute approximately $180 million in new benefits to the Canadian broadcasting system over the following seven years. The fair value of the obligation of $139 million was recorded in the income statement.

Business acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses

During the three and six months ended February 28, 2011, the Company recorded $3 million and $61 million, respectively related to the acquisition of the broadcasting business of Canwest and organizational restructuring. Amounts included acquisition related costs to effect the acquisition, such as professional fees paid to lawyers and consultants. The integration and restructuring costs related to integrating the new business and increasing organizational effectiveness for future growth as well as package costs for the former CEO of Shaw.

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments

For derivative instruments where hedge accounting is not permissible or derivatives are not designated in a hedging relationship, the Company records changes in the fair value of derivative instruments in the income statement. In addition, the Media senior unsecured notes had a variable prepayment option which represented an embedded derivative that was accounted for separately at fair value until the Company gave notice of redemption in the fourth quarter of 2011. The fluctuation in amounts recorded in 2012 compared to 2011 is due to a reduction in the number of outstanding contracts as well as the amounts recorded in respect of the embedded derivative in the prior year.

Accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions

The Company records accretion expense in respect of the discounting of certain long-term liabilities and provisions which are accreted to their estimated value over their respective terms. The expense is primarily in respect of CRTC benefit obligations as well as the liability which arose in 2010 when the Company entered into amended agreements with the counterparties to certain cross-currency agreements to fix the settlement of the principal portion of the swaps in December 2011.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt

In conjunction with the Media business acquisition in October 2010, the Company assumed a US $390 million term loan and US $338 million senior unsecured notes. Shortly after closing the acquisition, the Company repaid the term loan including breakage of the related cross currency interest rate swaps. A portion of the senior unsecured notes were repurchased during the second quarter of 2011 and the Company elected to redeem the remaining notes in the fourth quarter. As a result of fluctuations of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar, foreign exchange gains of $20 million and $23 million were recorded for the three and six months ended February 28, 2011, respectively.

Other gains (losses)

This category generally includes realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on US dollar denominated current assets and liabilities, gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment and the Company’s share of the operations of Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership.

Income taxes

Income taxes fluctuated over the comparative periods due to a tax recovery included in the current quarter related to resolution with CRA on certain tax matters.

Equity income from associates

During the first quarter of the prior year, the Company recorded income of $14 million primarily in respect of its 49.9% equity interest in CW Media Investments Co. (“CW Media”) for the period September 1 to October 26, 2010. On October 27, 2010, the Company acquired the remaining equity interest in CW Media as part of its purchase of all the broadcasting assets of Canwest. Results of operations are consolidated effective October 27, 2010. The remaining equity income is in respect of interests in several specialty channels.

Loss from discontinued operations

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company discontinued further construction of its traditional wireless network and accordingly, all traditional wireless activities in the comparative year have been classified as discontinued operations.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The significant risks and uncertainties affecting the Company and its business are discussed in the Company’s August 31, 2011 Annual Report under the Introduction to the Business – Known Events, Trends, Risks and Uncertainties in Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Shaw Communications Inc.

FINANCIAL POSITION

Total assets at February 29, 2012 were relatively unchanged from August 31, 2011 at $12.6 billion. Following is a discussion of significant changes in the consolidated statement of financial position since August 31, 2011.

Current assets decreased $197 million primarily due to decreases in cash of $286 million and assets held for sale of $15 million partially offset by increases in accounts receivable of $41 million, inventories of $43 million and other current assets of $21 million. Cash decreased as the cash outlay for investing and financing activities exceeded the funds provided by operations. Assets held for sale decreased as the sale of the wireless assets was completed during the first quarter. Accounts receivable were up primarily due to higher advertising revenue during the second quarter of the current year in comparison to the fourth quarter of the prior year and higher subscriber receivables including the impact of customer equipment financing. Inventories were higher due to timing of equipment purchases while other current assets were up primarily as a result of increases in program rights and prepaid maintenance and support contracts.

Investments increased $10 million primarily due to purchase of a minor investment.

Property, plant and equipment increased $72 million as current year capital investment exceeded amortization.

Other long-term assets were up $70 million primarily due to an increase in deferred equipment costs.

Intangibles increased $43 million due to higher program rights and advances. Program rights and advances (current and noncurrent) increased as advances and additional investment in acquired rights exceeded the amortization for the current year.

Current liabilities were up $263 million due to increases in income taxes payable of $32 million and current portion of long-term debt of $449 million partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $49 million, other current liability of $161 million and derivative instruments of $8 million. Income taxes payable increased due to the current year provision partially offset by tax installment payments. The current portion of long-term debt increased and long-term debt decreased due to the reclassification of the 6.1% $450 million senior notes which are due in November 2012. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased due to lower trade and other payables primarily in respect of timing of payment of capital expenditures. The other liability decreased due to settlement of previously amended cross-currency interest rate agreements and derivative instruments decreased due to settlement of contracts.

Deferred credits were up $16 million due to an increase in deferred equipment revenue.

Deferred income tax liabilities, net of deferred income tax assets, decreased $45 million due to the current year recovery.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Shareholders’ equity increased $212 million primarily due to increases in share capital of $58 million, retained earnings of $146 million and non-controlling interests of $7 million. Share capital increased due to the issuance of 2,952,331 Class B Non-Voting Shares under the Company’s option plan and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”). As of March 31, 2012, share capital is as reported at February 29, 2012 with the exception of the issuance of a total of 491,315 Class B Non-Voting Shares under the DRIP and upon exercise of options under the Company’s option plan subsequent to the quarter end. Retained earnings increased due to current year earnings of $361 million partially offset by dividends of $215 million while non-controlling interests increased as their share of earnings exceeded the distributions declared during the year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

In the current year, the Company generated $176 million of free cash flow. Shaw used its free cash flow along with cash of $286 million and proceeds on issuance of Class B Non-Voting Shares of $10 million to fund the $162 million on settlement of amended cross-currency interest rate agreements, pay common share dividends of $155 million, fund the net change in working capital requirements and inventory of $90 million, invest an additional net $49 million in program rights, purchase an investment for $9 million and fund other items totaling $7 million.

During the current quarter, the Company entered into a five-year $1 billion bank credit facility which matures in January 2017. This facility replaces the prior credit facility which was scheduled to mature in May 2012. The new facility will be used for general corporate purposes.

On November 29, 2011 Shaw received the approval of the TSX to renew its normal course issuer bid to purchase its Class B Non-Voting Shares for a further one year period. The Company is authorized to acquire up to 20,000,000 Class B Non-Voting Shares during the period December 1, 2011 to November 30, 2012. No shares have been repurchased during the current year.

The Company issues Class B Non-Voting Shares from treasury under its DRIP which resulted in cash savings and incremental Class B Non-Voting Shares of $47 million during the six months ending February 29, 2012.

Based on available credit facilities and forecasted free cash flow, the Company expects to have sufficient liquidity to fund operations and obligations during the current fiscal year. On a longer-term basis, Shaw expects to generate free cash flow and have borrowing capacity sufficient to finance foreseeable future business plans and refinance maturing debt.

Shaw Communications Inc.

CASH FLOW

Operating Activities


	Three months ended								Six months ended
	February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011			Change %			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Change %
($millions Cdn)
Funds flow from continuing operations		164		384			(57.3	)		520			649			(19.9	)
Net decrease (increase) in non-cash working capital balances related to continuing operations		40		(44	)		>(100.0	)		(7	)		(244	)		(97.1	)

		204		340			(40.0	)		513			405			26.7

Funds flow from continuing operations decreased over the comparative quarter due to lower operating income before amortization adjusted for non-cash program rights expenses, higher program rights purchases and the settlement of the amended cross-currency interest rate agreements in the current year. Funds flow from continuing operations decreased over the comparative six month period as the higher operating income before amortization adjusted for non-cash program rights expenses in the current year and charges in the prior year for termination of swap contracts and business acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses were more than offset by the combined impact of the settlement of the amended cross-currency interest rate agreements as well as higher interest, current income taxes, program rights purchases and CRTC benefit obligation funding in the current year. The net change in non-cash working capital balances related to continuing operations fluctuated over the comparative periods due to fluctuations in accounts receivable and the timing of payment of current income taxes payable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Investing Activities


	Three months ended								Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Increase		February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			Decrease
($millions Cdn)
Cash flow used in investing activities		(320	)		(191	)		129		(625	)		(894	)		(269	)

The cash used in investing activities increased over the comparable quarter primarily due to higher capital expenditures in the current period. The cash used in investing activities decreased over the comparable six month period due to amounts paid to complete the Media business acquisition in the first quarter of 2011 partially offset by the aforementioned higher capital expenditures in the current year.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Financing Activities

The changes in financing activities during the comparative periods were as follows:


	Three months ended						Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
($millions Cdn)
Bank loans and bank indebtedness – net borrowings (repayments)		—			(925	)		—			75
Bank credit facility arrangement costs		(4	)		—			(4	)		—
Issuance of Cdn $500 million 5.50% senior notes		—			498			—			498
Issuance of Cdn $800 million 6.75% senior notes		—			779			—			779
Senior notes issuance costs		—			(7	)		—			(7	)
Repayment of CW Media US $390 million term loan		—			—			—			(395	)
Repurchase US $56 million of CW Media 13.5% senior notes		—			(56	)		—			(56	)
Senior notes repurchase premium		—			(1	)		—			(1	)
Dividends		(83	)		(95	)		(163	)		(191	)
Issue of Class B Non-Voting Shares		3			6			10			24
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests		(4	)		(5	)		(14	)		(5	)

		(88	)		194			(171	)		721

SUPPLEMENTARY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION


	Revenue		Operating income before amortization ⁽¹⁾		Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders		Net income attributable to common shareholders		Net income⁽²⁾		Basic earnings per share from continuing operations⁽³⁾		Basic earnings per share⁽⁴⁾
($millions Cdn except per share amounts)
IFRS
2012
Second		1,231		493		169		169		178		0.38		0.38
First		1,279		566		192		192		202		0.43		0.43
2011
Fourth		1,181		481		164		81		84		0.38		0.19
Third		1,285		586		197		195		201		0.45		0.45
Second		1,196		505		166		163		169		0.38		0.37
First		1,079		479		13		12		16		0.03		0.03
Canadian GAAP
2010
Fourth		939		424		123		122		122		0.28		0.28
Third		944		436		158		158		158		0.37		0.37

⁽¹⁾	See definition and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in MD&A.

⁽²⁾	Net income attributable to both common shareholders and non-controlling interests.

⁽³⁾	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations is the same as basic earnings per share from continuing operations except in the fourth quarter of 2011 where it is $0.37.

⁽⁴⁾	Diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per share except in the fourth quarter of 2011 where it is $0.18.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Generally, revenue and operating income before amortization have grown quarter-over-quarter mainly due to customer growth and rate increases with the exception of the fourth quarters of 2010 and 2011 and second quarter of 2012. In the second quarter of 2012, revenue and operating income before amortization decreased by $48 million and $73 million, respectively due to the seasonality of the Media business with higher revenues in the first quarter driven by the fall launch of season premieres and high demand as well as lower operating income before amortization in the Cable division. Operating expenses increased in the second quarter which included employee related costs, mainly related to bringing the new customer service centres on line, as well as higher marketing, sales and programming costs. In the fourth quarter of 2011, revenue and operating income before amortization declined $104 million and $105 million, respectively, due to the cyclical nature of the Media business with lower advertising revenues in the summer months. In the fourth quarter of 2010, revenue and operating income before amortization declined by $5 million and $12 million, respectively, due to customer growth offset by timing of On-Demand events, increased promotional activity and timing of certain expenses including maintenance and costs related to customer growth.

Net income has fluctuated quarter-over-quarter primarily as a result of the growth in operating income before amortization described above and the impact of the net change in non-operating items. In the second quarter of 2012, net income decreased by $24 million due to a decline in operating income before amortization of $73 million partially offset by lower income tax expense of $53 million. Net income increased by $118 million in the first quarter of 2012 due to the combined impact of higher operating income before amortization of $85 million and income tax expense of $18 million in the first quarter and the loss from discontinued operations of $84 million and gain on redemption of debt of $23 million recorded in the preceding quarter. The first and second quarters of 2011 were impacted by the Media acquisition. As a result, net income declined by $106 million in the first quarter of 2011 as the higher operating income before amortization of $55 million due to the contribution from the new Media division and lower income taxes of $22 million were offset by the CRTC benefit obligation of $139 million and acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $58 million. Net income increased $153 million in the second quarter of 2011 due to the impact of the broadcasting business acquisition in the immediately preceding quarter and higher operating income before amortization and foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt, the total of which was partially offset by increases in interest expense, loss on derivative instruments and income tax expense. During the third quarter of 2011 net income increased by $32 million due to higher operating income before amortization and a lower loss on derivative instruments partially offset by increased income taxes, a lower foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt and the impact of the restructuring activities undertaken by the Company. In the fourth quarter of 2011 net income declined $117 million due to lower operating income before amortization of $105 million and the loss of $83 million in respect of the wireless discontinued operations partially offset by the gain on redemption of debt and the aforementioned restructuring activities in the previous quarter. Net income declined $36 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 due to lower operating income before amortization of $12 million and higher amortization expense of $15 million. As a result of the aforementioned changes in net income, basic and diluted earnings per share have trended accordingly.

Shaw Communications Inc.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Update to critical accounting policies and estimates

The MD&A included in the Company’s August 31, 2011 Annual Report outlined critical accounting policies including key estimates and assumptions that management has made under these policies and how they affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The MD&A also describes significant accounting policies where alternatives exist.

On September 1, 2011 with the adoption of IFRS the critical accounting policies have been updated to conform with this adoption. Refer to Note 2 of the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for a detailed discussion regarding the Company’s significant accounting policies, application of critical accounting estimates and recent accounting pronouncements.

Adoption of recent accounting pronouncements

In February 2008, the CICA Accounting Standards Board confirmed that Canadian publicly accountable enterprises would be required to adopt IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, for fiscal periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011. These standards required the Company to begin reporting under IFRS in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 with comparative data for the prior year. Refer to note 13 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for a summary of the differences between financial statements previously prepared under Canadian GAAP and those prepared under IFRS as at September 1, 2010, for the three and six months ended February 28, 2011 and as at and for the year ended August 31, 2011.

Recent accounting pronouncements:

The Company has not yet adopted certain standards, interpretations and amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective. Unless otherwise indicated, the following standards are required to be applied for periods beginning on or after September 1, 2013. The following pronouncements are being assessed to determine their impact on the Company’s results and financial position.

•

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, is required to be applied for annual periods commencing September 1, 2015

•

Other than for the disclosure requirements therein, the requirements of the following standards and amended standards must be initially applied concurrently:

•

IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements

•

IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements

•

IFRS 12, Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities

•

IAS 27, Separate Financial Statements (amended 2011)

•

IAS 28, Investments in Associates (amended 2011)

•

IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement

•

IAS 12, Income Taxes (amended 2011), is required to be applied for periods beginning on or after September 1, 2012

•

IAS 19, Employee Benefits (amended 2011)

•

IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, amendments regarding presentation of items of other comprehensive income and is required to be applied for annual periods commencing September 1, 2012

Shaw Communications Inc.

2012 GUIDANCE

The Company is revising its preliminary view with respect to 2012 guidance and now expects to deliver consolidated free cash flow of approximately $450 million. Instead of continued growth in operating income before amortization across all divisions, the Company now anticipates a marginal decline in Cable operating income before amortization year-over-year, modest growth in Satellite, and consistent operating income before amortization on a full year-over-year comparative basis in Media. The Company expects moderate revenue growth in Cable and Satellite and consistent revenue on a full year-over-year comparative basis in Media. For the remainder of this year the Company plans to continue to execute on and invest in the various strategic initiatives including the DNU and Wi-Fi build with capital investment expected to exceed 2011 spend levels (excluding wireless).

Certain important assumptions for 2012 guidance purposes include: continued overall customer growth; stable pricing environment for Shaw’s products relative to current rates; no significant market disruption or other significant changes in economic conditions, competition or regulation that would have a material impact; stable advertising demand and rates; cash income taxes to be paid or payable in 2012; and a stable regulatory environment.

See the following section entitled “Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements”.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included in this MD&A that are not historic constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future capital expenditures, financial guidance for future performance, business strategies and measures to implement strategies, competitive strengths, expansion and growth of Shaw’s business and operations and other goals and plans. They can generally be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “target”, “goal” and similar expressions (although not all forward-looking statements contain such words). All of the forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by Shaw in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances as of the current date. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, general economic and industry growth rates, currency exchange rates, technology deployment, content and equipment costs, industry structure and stability, government regulation and the integration of recent acquisitions. Many of these assumptions are confidential.

Shaw Communications Inc.

You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Many factors, including those not within Shaw’s control, may cause Shaw’s actual results to be materially different from the views expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, general economic, market or business conditions; opportunities that may be presented to and pursued by Shaw; Shaw’s ability to execute its strategic plans; changing conditions in the entertainment, information and communications industries; industry trends; changes in the competitive environment in the markets in which Shaw operates and from the development of new markets for emerging technologies; changes in laws, regulations and decisions by regulators that affect Shaw or the markets in which it operates in both Canada and the United States; Shaw’s status as a holding company with separate operating subsidiaries; and other factors referenced in this report under the heading “Risks and uncertainties”. The foregoing is not an exhaustive list of all possible factors. Should one or more of these risks materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein.

The Corporation provides certain financial guidance for future performance as the Corporation believes that certain investors, analysts and others utilize this and other forward-looking information in order to assess the Company’s expected operational and financial performance and as an indicator of its ability to service debt and return cash to shareholders. The Company’s financial guidance may not be appropriate for this or other purposes.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was originally made and, except as required by law, Shaw expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in related assumptions, events, conditions or circumstances.

Shaw Communications Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(unaudited)


[millions of Canadian dollars]	February 29, 2012		August 31, 2011		September 1, 2010
			[Note 13]		[Note 13]
ASSETS
Current
Cash		157		443		217
Accounts receivable		484		443		196
Inventories		140		97		54
Other current assets		103		82		34
Derivative instruments		1		2		67
Assets held for sale		—		15		—

		885		1,082		568
Investments and other assets		23		13		743
Property, plant and equipment		3,272		3,200		3,005
Other long-term assets		328		258		233
Assets held for sale		1		1		—
Deferred income tax assets [note 14]		21		30		—
Intangibles		7,335		7,292		5,596
Goodwill		712		712		169

		12,577		12,588		10,314

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		829		878		700
Provisions		18		18		19
Income taxes payable		156		124		249
Unearned revenue		155		155		145
Current portion of long-term debt [note 7]		450		1		1
Current portion of derivative instruments		—		8		80
Other liability [note 12]		—		161		—

		1,608		1,345		1,194
Long-term debt [note 7]		4,810		5,256		3,982
Other long-term liabilities [notes 12 and 14]		505		507		429
Provisions		8		8		—
Derivative instruments		—		—		7
Deferred credits		646		630		632
Deferred income tax liabilities [note 14]		1,110		1,164		1,065

		8,687		8,910		7,309
Shareholders’ equity [notes 8 and 10]
Common and preferred shareholders		3,611		3,406		3,005
Non-controlling interests		279		272		—

		3,890		3,678		3,005

		12,577		12,588		10,314

See accompanying notes

Shaw Communications Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)


	Three months ended						Six months ended
[millions of Canadian dollars except per share amounts]	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
				[Note 13]						[Note 13]
Revenue [note 3]		1,231			1,196			2,510			2,275
Operating, general and administrative expenses [note 4]		738			691			1,451			1,291

Operating income before amortization [note 3]		493			505			1,059			984
Amortization:
Deferred equipment revenue		28			26			56			53
Deferred equipment costs		(57	)		(50	)		(110	)		(102	)
Property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other		(178	)		(168	)		(347	)		(323	)

Operating income		286			313			658			612
Amortization of financing costs – long-term debt		(1	)		(1	)		(2	)		(2	)
Interest expense [notes 3 and 5]		(83	)		(85	)		(165	)		(154	)

		202			227			491			456
Gain on repurchase of debt		—			10			—			10
CRTC benefit obligation		—			—			—			(139	)
Business acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses		—			(3	)		—			(61	)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments		1			(22	)		1			(23	)
Accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions		(3	)		(4	)		(7	)		(6	)
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt		—			20			—			23
Other gains (losses)		1			5			(5	)		7

Income before income taxes		201			233			480			267
Current income tax expense [note 3]		62			60			146			115
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)		(38	)		1			(45	)		(23	)

Income before the following		177			172			379			175
Equity income from associates		1			—			1			14

Net income from continuing operations		178			172			380			189
Loss from discontinued operations [note 6]		—			(3	)		—			(4	)

Net income		178			169			380			185

Net income attributable to:
Common shareholders		169			163			361			175
Non-controlling interests		9			6			19			10

		178			169			380			185

Earnings per share – basic [note 9]
Earnings per share from continuing operations		0.38			0.38			0.81			0.41
Loss per share from discontinued operations		—			(0.01	)		—			(0.01	)

Earnings per share		0.38			0.37			0.81			0.40

Earnings per share – diluted [note 9]
Earnings per share from continuing operations		0.38			0.38			0.80			0.41
Loss per share from discontinued operations		—			(0.01	)		—			(0.01	)

Earnings per share		0.38			0.37			0.80			0.40

See accompanying notes

Shaw Communications Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)


	Three months ended						Six months ended
[millions of Canadian dollars]	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
				[Note 13]						[Note 13]
Net income		178			169			380			185

Other comprehensive income (loss) [note 10]
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges		(2	)		(5	)		—			(13	)
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period		—			1			(1	)		1
Actuarial losses on employee benefit plans		—			—			—			(8	)

		(2	)		(4	)		(1	)		(20	)

Comprehensive income		176			165			379			165

Comprehensive income attributable to:
Common shareholders		167			159			360			155
Non-controlling interests		9			6			19			10

		176			165			379			165

See accompanying notes

Shaw Communications Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

Six months ended February 29, 2012


			Attributable to common shareholders
[millions of Canadian dollars]	Share capital		Contributed surplus			Retained earnings			Accumulated other comprehensive loss			Total			Equity attributable to non- controlling interests			Total equity
Balance as at September 1, 2011		2,633		73			729			(29	)		3,406			272			3,678
Net income		—		—			361			—			361			19			380
Other comprehensive loss		—		—			—			(1	)		(1	)		—			(1	)

Comprehensive income (loss)		—		—			361			(1	)		360			19			379
Dividends		—		—			(168	)		—			(168	)		—			(168	)
Dividend reinvestment plan		47		—			(47	)		—			—			—			—
Shares issued under stock option plan		11		(1	)		—			—			10			—			10
Share-based compensation		—		3			—			—			3			—			3
Distributions declared by subsidiaries to non-controlling interests		—		—			—			—			—			(12	)		(12	)

Balance as at February 29, 2012		2,691		75			875			(30	)		3,611			279			3,890

Six months ended February 28, 2011


			Attributable to common shareholders
[millions of Canadian dollars]	Share capital		Contributed surplus			Retained earnings			Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			Total			Equity attributable to non- controlling interests			Total equity
Balance as at September 1, 2010		2,250		67			679			9			3,005			—			3,005
Business acquisition		—		—			—			—			—			277			277
Net income		—		—			175			—			175			10			185
Other comprehensive loss		—		—			—			(20	)		(20	)		—			(20	)

Comprehensive income (loss)		—		—			175			(20	)		155			10			165
Dividends		—		—			(196	)		—			(196	)		—			(196	)
Shares issued under stock option plan		27		(3	)		—			—			24			—			24
Share-based compensation		—		7			—			—			7			—			7
Distributions declared by subsidiaries to non-controlling interests		—		—			—			—			—			(5	)		(5	)

Balance as at February 28, 2011		2,277		71			658			(11	)		2,995			282			3,277

See accompanying notes

Shaw Communications Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)


	Three months ended						Six months ended
[millions of Canadian dollars]	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES [note 11]
Funds flow from continuing operations		164			384			520			649
Net decrease (increase) in non-cash working capital balances related to continuing operations		40			(44	)		(7	)		(244	)

		204			340			513			405

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment [note 3]		(227	)		(153	)		(440	)		(361	)
Additions to equipment costs (net) [note 3]		(47	)		(26	)		(105	)		(55	)
Additions to other intangibles [note 3]		(17	)		(5	)		(36	)		(31	)
Net addition to inventories		(20	)		(9	)		(43	)		(36	)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		—			—			—			(420	)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment [note 3]		—			—			8			7
Proceeds from (addition to) investments and other assets		(9	)		2			(9	)		2

		(320	)		(191	)		(625	)		(894	)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase in long-term debt, net of discounts		—			1,352			—			2,352
Senior notes issuance costs		—			(7	)		—			(7	)
Debt repayments		—			(1,056	)		—			(1,451	)
Senior notes repurchase premium		—			(1	)		—			(1	)
Bank credit facility arrangement costs		(4	)		—			(4	)		—
Issue of Class B Non-Voting Shares [note 8]		3			6			10			24
Dividends paid on Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares [note 8]		(79	)		(95	)		(155	)		(191	)
Dividends paid on Preferred Shares [note 8]		(4	)		—			(8	)		—
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests		(4	)		(5	)		(14	)		(5	)

		(88	)		194			(171	)		721

Increase (decrease) in cash from continuing operations		(204	)		343			(283	)		232
Decrease in cash from discontinued operations [note 6]		(2	)		(46	)		(3	)		(110	)

Increase (decrease) in cash		(206	)		297			(286	)		122
Cash, beginning of the period		363			42			443			217

Cash, ending of the period		157			339			157			339

See accompanying notes

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

1.	CORPORATE INFORMATION

Shaw Communications Inc. (the “Company”) is a diversified Canadian communications company whose core operating business is providing broadband cable television services, Internet, Digital Phone, and telecommunications services (“Cable”); Direct-to-home (“DTH”) satellite services (Shaw Direct); satellite distribution services (“Satellite Services”); and programming content (through Shaw Media).

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta on December 9, 1966 under the name Capital Cable Television Co. Ltd. and was subsequently continued under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on March 1, 1984 under the name Shaw Cablesystems Ltd. Its name was changed to Shaw Communications Inc. on May 12, 1993. The Company’s shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. The registered office of the Company is located at Suite 900, 630 – 3rd Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 4L4.

2.	BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Statement of compliance

These condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and in compliance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 Interim Financial Reporting and IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS 1”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and using the accounting policies the Company expects to adopt in its consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended August 31, 2012. An explanation of how the transition to IFRS has affected the Company’s consolidated financial statements is provided in note 13.

The accounting policies are based on standards currently issued and effective for the Company’s first annual IFRS reporting period. Accounting policies currently adopted under IFRS are subject to potential change as a result of either a new accounting standard being issued with an effective date of August 31, 2012 or prior, or as a result of a voluntary change in accounting policy made by the Company during fiscal 2012.

The notes presented in these condensed interim consolidated financial statements include only significant events and transactions occurring since the Company’s last fiscal year end and are not fully inclusive of all matters required to be disclosed in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements. Annual required disclosures that have been significantly impacted by the transition to IFRS are included in note 14 for the year ended August 31, 2011. As a result, these condensed interim consolidated financial statements should also be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared under Canadian GAAP for the year ended August 31, 2011 and the IFRS transition disclosures included in note 13.

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and six months ended February 29, 2012, were authorized for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors on April 12, 2012.

Basis of presentation

These condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared primarily under the historical cost convention and are expressed in millions of Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Other measurement bases used are outlined in the applicable notes below. The condensed interim consolidated statements of income are presented using the nature classification for expenses.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Basis of consolidation

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those of its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation. The results of operations of subsidiaries acquired during the period are included from their respective dates of acquisition.

The accounts also include the Company’s proportionate share of the assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of its interests in joint ventures which includes a 33.33% interest in the Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership and 50% interest in three specialty television channels.

Non-controlling interests arise from business combinations in which the Company acquires less than 100% interest. At the time of acquisition, non-controlling interests are measured at either fair value or their proportionate share of the fair value of acquiree’s identifiable assets. The Company determines the measurement basis on a transaction by transaction basis. Subsequent to acquisition, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is increased or decreased for their share of changes in equity.

Investments and other assets

Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method based on the Company’s ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. Investments of this nature are recorded at original cost and adjusted periodically to recognize the Company’s proportionate share of the associate’s net income or losses after the date of investment, additional contributions made and dividends received. Investments are written down when there has been a significant or prolonged decline in fair value.

Revenue and expenses

The Company has multiple deliverable arrangements comprised of upfront fees (subscriber connection and installation fee revenue and/or customer premise equipment revenue) and related subscription revenue. Upfront fees charged to customers do not constitute separate units of accounting, therefore these revenue streams are assessed as an integrated package.

(i) Revenue

Revenue from cable, Internet, Digital Phone and DTH customers includes subscriber revenue earned as services are provided. Satellite distribution services and telecommunications service revenue is recognized in the period in which the services are rendered to customers. Affiliate subscriber revenue is recognized monthly based on subscriber levels. Advertising revenues are recognized in the period in which the advertisements are broadcast and recorded net of agency commissions as these amounts are paid directly to the agency or advertiser. When a sales arrangement includes multiple advertising spots, the proceeds are allocated to individual advertising spots under the arrangement based on relative fair values.

Subscriber connection fees received from customers are deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over two years. Direct and incremental initial selling, administrative and connection costs related to subscriber acquisitions are recognized as an operating expense as incurred. The costs of physically connecting a new home are capitalized as part of the distribution system and costs of disconnections are expensed as incurred.

Installation revenue received on contracts with commercial business customers is deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the related service contract, which generally span two to ten years. Direct and incremental costs associated with the service contract, in an amount not exceeding the upfront installation revenue, are deferred and recognized as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the same period.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

(ii) Deferred equipment revenue and deferred equipment costs

Revenue from sales of DTH equipment and digital cable terminals (“DCTs”) is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over two years commencing when subscriber service is activated. The total cost of the equipment, including installation, represents an inventoriable cost which is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the same period. The DCT and DTH equipment is generally sold to customers at cost or a subsidized price in order to expand the Company’s customer base.

Revenue from sales of satellite tracking hardware and costs of goods sold are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the related service contract for monthly service charges for air time, which is generally five years. The amortization of the revenue and cost of sale of satellite service equipment commences when goods are shipped.

Recognition of deferred equipment revenue and deferred equipment costs is recorded as deferred equipment revenue amortization and deferred equipment costs amortization, respectively.

(iii) Deferred IRU revenue

Prepayments received under indefeasible right to use (“IRU”) agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis into income over the term of the agreement and included in amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other in the consolidated statements of income.

Cash

Cash is presented net of outstanding cheques. When the amount of outstanding cheques and the amount drawn under the Company’s operating facility are greater than the amount of cash, the net amount is presented as bank indebtedness.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for the estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. In determining the allowance, the Company considers factors such as the number of days the account is past due, whether or not the customer continues to receive service, the Company’s past collection history and changes in business circumstances.

Inventories

Inventories include subscriber equipment such as DCTs and DTH receivers, which are held pending rental or sale at cost or at a subsidized price. When subscriber equipment is sold, the equipment revenue and equipment costs are deferred and amortized over two years. When the subscriber equipment is rented, it is transferred to property, plant and equipment and amortized over its useful life. Inventories are determined on a first-in, first-out basis, and are stated at cost due to the eventual capital nature as either an addition to property, plant and equipment or deferred equipment costs.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at purchase cost. Direct labour and other directly attributable costs incurred to construct new assets, upgrade existing assets and connect new subscribers are capitalized and borrowing costs on qualifying assets for which the commencement date is on or after September 1, 2010 are also capitalized. As well, any asset removal and site restoration costs in connection with the retirement of assets are capitalized. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are charged to operating expense as incurred. Amortization is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of assets as follows:

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]


Asset		Estimated useful life
Cable and telecommunications distribution system		6-15 years
Digital cable terminals and modems		2-7 years
Satellite audio, video and data network equipment and DTH receiving equipment		4-10 years
Transmitters, broadcasting and communication equipment		5-15 years
Buildings		20-40 years
Data processing		3-4 years
Other		3-20 years

The Company reviews the estimates of lives and useful lives on a regular basis.

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations

Assets are classified as held for sale when specific criteria are met and are measured at the lower of carrying amount and estimated fair value less costs to sell. Assets held for sale are not amortized and are reported separately on the statement of financial position. The operating results of a component that has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale are reported as discontinued operations if the operations and cash flows of the component have been, or will be, eliminated from the company’s ongoing operations and if the company does not have significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal transaction. A component of a company includes operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of a company’s operations and cash flows. The Company does not allocate interest to discontinued operations.

Other long-term assets

Other long-term assets primarily include (i) equipment costs, as described in the revenue and expenses accounting policy, deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over two to five years; (ii) credit facility arrangement fees amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the facility; (iii) long-term receivables; and (iv) the non-current portion of prepaid maintenance and support contracts.

Intangibles

The excess of the cost of acquiring cable, satellite and media businesses over the fair value of related net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. Net identifiable intangible assets acquired consist of amounts allocated to broadcast rights, trademarks, brands, program rights, material agreements and software assets. Broadcast rights, trademarks and brands represent identifiable assets with indefinite useful lives. Spectrum licenses were acquired in Industry Canada’s auction of licenses for advanced wireless services and have an indefinite life.

Program rights represent licensed rights acquired to broadcast television programs on the Company’s conventional and specialty television channels and program advances are in respect of payments for programming prior to the window license start date. For licensed rights, the Company records a liability for program rights and corresponding asset when the license period has commenced and all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the cost of the program is known or reasonably determinable, (ii) the program material has been accepted by the Company in accordance with the license agreement and (iii) the material is available to the Company for telecast. Program rights are expensed on a systematic basis generally over the estimated exhibition period as the programs are aired and are included in operating, general and administrative expenses. Program rights are segregated on the Statement of Financial Position between current and noncurrent based on expected life at time of acquisition.

Software that is not an integral part of the related hardware is classified as an intangible asset. Internally developed software assets are recorded at historical cost and include direct material and labour costs as well as borrowing costs on qualifying assets for which the commencement date is on or after September 1, 2010. Software assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from four to ten years. The Company reviews the estimates of lives and useful lives on a regular basis.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Borrowing costs

The Company capitalizes borrowing costs on qualifying assets, for which the commencement date is on or after September 1, 2010, that take more than one year to construct or develop using the Company’s weighted average cost of borrowing.

Impairment

(i) Goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets

Goodwill and indefinite-life intangibles assets, such as broadcast rights, are tested annually (as at March 1) and assessed at each reporting period to determine whether there is an indication that the carrying value may be impaired. The recoverable amount of each cash-generating unit (“CGU”) is determined based on the higher of the CGU’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generate cash flows that are independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Where the recoverable amount of the CGU is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. Impairment losses relating to goodwill cannot be reversed in future periods.

(ii) Non-financial assets with finite useful lives

For non-financial assets, such as property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, an assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined based on the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Where the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and written down to its recoverable amount. Previously recognized impairment losses are reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date and all or a portion of the impairment reversed if the asset’s value has increased.

CRTC benefit obligations

The fair value of CRTC benefit obligations committed as part of business acquisitions are initially recorded, on a discounted basis, at the present value of amounts to be paid net of any expected incremental cash inflows. The obligation is subsequently adjusted for the incurrence of related expenditures, the passage of time and for revisions to the timing of the cash flows. Changes in the obligation due to the passage of time are recorded as accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions in the income statement.

Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are measured using the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account risks and uncertainties associated with the obligation. Provisions are discounted where the time value of money is considered material.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

(i) Asset retirement obligations

The Company recognizes the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred, on a discounted basis, with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of property and equipment, primarily in respect of transmitter sites. This cost is amortized on the same basis as the related asset. The liability is subsequently increased for the passage of time and the accretion is recorded in the income statement as accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions. The discount rates applied are subsequently adjusted to current rates as required at the end of reporting periods. Revisions due to the estimated timing of cash flows or the amount required to settle the obligation may result in an increase or decrease in the liability. Actual costs incurred upon settlement of the obligation are charged against the liability to the extent recorded.

(ii) Other provisions

Provisions for disputes, legal claims and contingencies are recognized when warranted. The Company establishes provisions after taking into consideration legal assessments (if applicable), expected availability of insurance or other recourse and other available information.

Deferred credits

Deferred credits primarily include: (i) prepayments received under IRU agreements amortized on a straight-line basis into income over the term of the agreement; (ii) equipment revenue, as described in the revenue and expenses accounting policy, deferred and amortized over two years to five years; (iii) connection fee revenue and upfront installation revenue, as described in the revenue and expenses accounting policy, deferred and amortized over two to ten years; and (iv) a deposit on a future fibre sale.

Income taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities measured using substantively enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset and they relate to income taxes levied by the same authority in the same taxable entity. Income tax expense for the period is the tax payable for the period using tax rates substantively enacted at the reporting date, any adjustments to taxes payable in respect of previous years and any change during the period in deferred income tax assets and liabilities, except to the extent that they relate to a business combination, items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive income. The Company records interest and penalties related to income taxes in income tax expense.

Tax credits and government grants

The Company has access to a government program which supports local programming produced by conventional television stations. In addition, the Company receives tax credits primarily related to its research and development activities. Government financial assistance is recognized when management has reasonable assurance that the conditions of the government programs are met and accounted for as a reduction of related costs, whether capitalized and amortized or expensed in the period the costs are incurred.

Foreign currency translation

Transactions originating in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the period-end rate of exchange and non-monetary items are translated at historic exchange rates.

Exchange gains and losses on translating hedged and unhedged long-term debt are included in the consolidated statements of income. Foreign exchange gains and losses on hedging derivatives are reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to income to offset the foreign exchange adjustments on hedged long-term debt.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Financial instruments other than derivatives

Financial instruments have been classified as loans and receivables, assets available-for-sale, assets held-for-trading or financial liabilities. Cash has been classified as held-for-trading and is recorded at fair value with any change in fair value immediately recognized in income (loss). Other financial assets are classified as available-for-sale or as loans and receivables. Available-for-sale assets are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Loans and receivables and financial liabilities are carried at amortized cost. None of the Company’s financial assets are classified as held-to-maturity and none of its financial liabilities are classified as held-for-trading. Certain private investments where market value is not readily determinable are carried at cost net of write-downs and are included in Investments and other assets in the Statement of Financial Position.

Finance costs, discounts and proceeds on bond forward contracts associated with the issuance of debt securities and fair value adjustments to debt assumed in business acquisitions are netted against the related debt instrument and amortized to income using the effective interest rate method. Accordingly, long-term debt accretes over time to the principal amount that will be owing at maturity.

Derivative financial instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage risks from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. These instruments include cross-currency interest rate exchange agreements, foreign currency forward purchase contracts and bond forward contracts. All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the statement of financial position. Where permissible, the Company accounts for these financial instruments as hedges which ensures that counterbalancing gains and losses are recognized in income in the same period. With hedge accounting, changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the variability of cash flows relating to the hedged asset or liability is recognized in income (loss). When an anticipated transaction is subsequently recorded as a non-financial asset, the amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to the initial carrying amount of the related asset. Where hedge accounting is not permissible or derivatives are not designated in a hedging relationship, they are classified as held-for-trading and the changes in fair value are immediately recognized in income (loss).

Instruments that have been entered into by the Company to hedge exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risk are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the hedges are still effective and that hedge accounting continues to be appropriate.

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or contracts are separated from their host contracts and separately accounted for as derivatives when their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to the host contract, they meet the definition of a derivative and the combined instrument or contract is not measured at fair value. The Company records embedded derivatives at fair value with changes recognized in the income statement as loss/gain on derivative instruments.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Employee benefits

The Company accrues its obligations and related costs under its employee benefit plans, net of plan assets. The cost of pensions and other retirement benefits earned by certain employees is actuarially determined using the projected benefit method pro-rated on service and management’s best estimate of expected plan investment performance, salary escalation and retirement ages of employees. For purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets, those assets are valued at fair value. Past service costs from plan initiation and amendments are recognized immediately in the income statement to the extent they are vested. Unvested past service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected average remaining vesting period. Negative plan amendments which reduce costs are applied to reduce any existing unamortized past service costs. The excess, if any, is amortized over the expected average remaining vesting period. Actuarial gains or losses occur because assumptions about benefit plans relate to a long time frame and differ from actual experiences. These assumptions are revised based on actual experience of the plans such as changes in discount rates, expected return on plan assets, expected retirement ages and projected salary increases. Actuarial gains (losses) are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) in the period in which they arise. When the restructuring of a benefit plan gives rise to both a curtailment and a settlement of obligations, the curtailment is accounted for prior to the settlement.

August 31 is the measurement date for the Company’s employee benefit plans. The last actuarial valuations for funding purposes for the various plans were performed between December 31, 2008 and January 1, 2011. The next actuarial valuations for funding purposes are effective December 31, 2011.

Share-based compensation

The Company has a stock option plan for directors, officers, employees and consultants to the Company. The options to purchase shares must be issued at not less than the fair value at the date of grant. Any consideration paid on the exercise of stock options, together with any contributed surplus recorded at the date the options vested, is credited to share capital. The Company calculates the fair value of share-based compensation awarded to employees using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of options are expensed and credited to contributed surplus over the vesting period of the options using the graded vesting method.

The Company has a restricted share unit (“RSU”) plan for officers and employees of the Company. RSUs vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the two year vesting period. RSUs will be settled in cash and the obligation for RSUs is measured at the end of each period at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the number of outstanding RSUs. The carrying value of RSUs at August 31, 2011 was $1.

The Company has a deferred share unit (“DSU”) plan for its board of directors whereby directors can elect to receive their annual cash compensation, or a portion thereof, in the DSUs. Compensation cost is recognized immediately as DSUs vest when granted. DSUs will be settled in cash and the obligation is measured at the end of each period at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the number of outstanding DSUs. The carrying value and intrinsic value of DSUs at August 31, 2011 was $5 and $4, respectively.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is based on net income attributable to common shareholders adjusted for dividends on preferred shares and is calculated using the weighted average number of Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares outstanding during the period. The Company uses the treasury stock method of calculating diluted earnings per share. This method assumes that any proceeds from the exercise of stock options and other dilutive instruments would be used to purchase Class B Non-Voting Shares at the average market price during the period.

Guarantees

The Company discloses information about certain types of guarantees that it has provided, including certain types of indemnities, without regard to whether it will have to make any payments under the guarantees.

Use of estimates and measurement uncertainty

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Key areas of estimation, where management has made difficult, complex or subjective judgments, often as a result of matters that are inherently uncertain, are the allowance for doubtful accounts, the ability to use income tax loss carryforwards and other deferred income tax assets, capitalization of labour and overhead, useful lives of depreciable assets, contingent liabilities, certain assumptions used in determining defined benefit plan pension expense, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business acquisitions, and the recoverability of equipment costs, indefinite life identifiable intangibles and goodwill using estimated future cash flows. Significant changes in assumptions could result in impairment of intangible assets.

Standards, interpretations and amendments to standards issued but not yet effective

The Company has not yet adopted certain standards, interpretations and amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective. Unless otherwise indicated, the following standards are required to be applied for the Company’s annual period commencing September 1, 2013. The following pronouncements are being assessed to determine their impact on the Company’s results and financial position.

•

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement, is the first part of the replacement of IAS 39 Financial Instruments and applies to the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities as defined by IAS 39. It is required to be applied for the annual period commencing September 1, 2015.

•

Other than for the disclosure requirements therein, the requirements of the following standards and amended standards must be initially applied concurrently:

•

IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements, replaces previous consolidation guidance and outlines a single consolidation model that identifies control as the basis for consolidation of all types of entities.

•

IFRS 11, Joint Arrangement, replaces IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures and SIC 13 Jointly Controlled Entities – Non-Monetary Contributions by Venturers. The new standard classifies joint arrangements as either joint operations or joint ventures.

•

IFRS 12, Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, sets out required disclosures on application of IFRS 10, IFRS 11, and IAS 28 (amended 2011).

•

IAS 27, Separate Financial Statements was amended in 2011for the issuance of IFRS 10 and retains the current guidance for separate financial statements.

•

IAS 28, Investments in Associates was amended in 2011for changes based on issuance of IFRS 10 and IFRS 11 and provides guidance on accounting for joint ventures, as defined by IFRS 11, using the equity method.

•

IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value, provides guidance on its determination and introduces consistent requirements for disclosure of fair value measurements.

•

IAS 12, Income Taxes (amended 2011), introduces an exception to the general measurement requirements of IAS 12 in respect of investment properties measured at fair value. It is required to be applied for the annual period commencing September 1, 2012.

•

IAS 19, Employee Benefits (amended 2011), eliminates the existing option to defer actuarial gains and losses and requires changes from the remeasurement of defined benefit plan assets and liabilities to be presented in the statement of other comprehensive income.

•

IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, was amended to require presentation of items of other comprehensive income based on whether they may be reclassified to the statement of income and is required to be applied for the annual period commencing September 1, 2012.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

3.	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s operating segments are Cable, DTH, Satellite Services and Media, all of which are substantially located in Canada. Shaw Media’s operating results are affected by seasonality and fluctuate throughout the year due to a number of factors including seasonal advertising and viewing patterns. As such, operating results for an interim period should not be considered indicative of full fiscal year performance. In general, advertising revenues are higher during the first quarter and lower during the fourth quarter and expenses are incurred more evenly throughout the year. Information on operations by segment is as follows:

Operating information


	Three months ended						Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
	$			$			$			$
Revenue
Cable		804			769			1,596			1,527
DTH		191			184			380			369
Satellite Services		20			20			40			41
Media		242			244			541			369

		1,257			1,217			2,557			2,306
Intersegment eliminations		(26	)		(21	)		(47	)		(31	)

		1,231			1,196			2,510			2,275

Operating income before amortization
Cable		352			369			729			722
DTH		61			60			120			119
Satellite Services		10			11			20			21
Media		70			65			190			122

		493			505			1,059			984

Interest ⁽¹⁾
Operating		82			79			164			143
Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership		1			1			1			1
Wireless		—			5			—			10

		83			85			165			154

Current taxes
Operating		64			66			148			126
Other/non-operating		(2	)		(6	)		(2	)		(11	)

		62			60			146			115

⁽¹⁾

Effective August 31, 2011, Wireless was presented as discontinued operations with restatement of comparative periods. Interest was allocated to the Wireless division based on the Company’s average cost of borrowing to fund the capital expenditures and operating costs, and therefore, has not been included in the loss from discontinued operations.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Capital expenditures


	Three months ended						Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
	$			$			$			$
Capital expenditures accrual basis
Cable (including corporate)		215			147			410			318
Satellite (net of equipment profit)		2			1			4			3
Media		7			5			13			7

		224			153			427			328

Equipment costs (net of revenue)
Cable		19			9			47			16
Satellite		23			17			46			39

		42			26			93			55

Capital expenditures and equipment costs (net)
Cable		234			156			457			334
Satellite		25			18			50			42
Media		7			5			13			7

		266			179			520			383

Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Additions to property, plant and equipment		227			153			440			361
Additions to equipment costs (net)		47			26			105			55
Additions to other intangibles		17			5			36			31

Total of capital expenditures and equipment costs (net) per Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		291			184			581			447
Decrease in working capital related to capital expenditures		(20	)		(5	)		(40	)		(56	)
Increase in customer equipment financing receivables		(5	)		—			(12	)		—
Less: Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment		—			—			(8	)		(7	)
Less: Satellite equipment profit ⁽¹⁾		—			—			(1	)		(1	)

Total capital expenditures and equipment costs (net) reported by segments		266			179			520			383

⁽¹⁾	The profit from the sale of satellite equipment is subtracted from the calculation of segmented capital expenditures and equipment costs (net) as the Company views the profit on sale as a recovery of expenditures on customer premise equipment.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Assets

February 29, 2012

Cable

DTH

Satellite

Services

Media

Total

Segment assets

7,599

900

501

2,743

11,743

Corporate assets

833

Asset held for sale

Total assets

12,577


	August 31, 2011
	Cable		DTH		Satellite Services		Media		Total
	$		$		$		$		$
Segment assets		7,408		891		503		2,717		11,519

Corporate assets										1,053
Asset held for sale										16

Total assets										12,588

4.	OPERATING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES


	Three months ended				Six months ended
	February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011		February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011
	$		$		$		$
Employee salaries and benefits		212		197		411		370
Purchases of goods and services		526		494		1,040		921

		738		691		1,451		1,291

5.	INTEREST EXPENSE


	Three months ended					Six months ended
	February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
	$		$			$			$
Interest expense – long term debt		83		87			166			157
Amortization of senior notes discounts		—		—			1			1
Amortization of fair value adjustment to debt assumed in the Media business acquisition		—		(1	)		—			(2	)
Interest income		—		(1	)		(1	)		(2	)
Capitalized interest		—		—			(1	)		—

		83		85			165			154

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

6.	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company decided to discontinue any further construction of its traditional wireless network. Accordingly, the results of operations and related cash flows have been reported as discontinued operations.

The loss from discontinued operations is comprised of the following:


	Three months ended				Six months ended
	February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011		February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011
	$		$		$		$
Operating expenditures, net of income tax recovery		—		3		—		4

The cash flow used in discontinued operations is comprised of the following:


	Three months ended				Six months ended
	February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011		February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011
	$		$		$		$
Cash used in operating activities		—		6		—		9
Cash used in investing activities		2		40		3		101

Decrease in cash from discontinued operations		2		46		3		110

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

7.	LONG-TERM DEBT


			February 29, 2012						August 31, 2011
	Effective interest rates		Long-term debt at amortized cost ⁽¹⁾		Adjustment for finance costs ⁽¹⁾		Long-term debt repayable at maturity		Long-term debt at amortized cost ⁽¹⁾		Adjustment for finance costs ⁽¹⁾		Long-term debt repayable at maturity
	%		$		$		$		$		$		$
Corporate ⁽³⁾
Cdn Senior notes-
6.10% due November 16, 2012		6.11		449		1		450		449		1		450
7.50% due November 20, 2013		7.50		348		2		350		348		2		350
6.50% due June 2, 2014		6.56		597		3		600		596		4		600
6.15% due May 9, 2016		6.34		295		5		300		294		6		300
5.70% due March 2, 2017		5.72		397		3		400		397		3		400
5.65% due October 1, 2019		5.69		1,242		8		1,250		1,241		9		1,250
5.50% due December 7, 2020		5.55		496		4		500		495		5		500
6.75% due November 9, 2039		6.89		1,416		34		1,450		1,416		34		1,450

				5,240		60		5,300		5,236		64		5,300

Other
Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership		6.31		20		—		20		21		—		21

Total consolidated debt				5,260		60		5,320		5,257		64		5,321
Less current portion ⁽²⁾				450		1		451		1		—		1

				4,810		59		4,869		5,256		64		5,320

⁽¹⁾	Long-term debt, excluding bank loans, is presented net of unamortized discounts, finance costs and bond forward proceeds of $60 (August 31, 2011—$64).

⁽²⁾	Current portion of long-term debt includes the 6.10% senior notes due November 16, 2012 and the amount due within one year on the Partnership’s mortgage bonds.

⁽³⁾	During the second quarter, the Company entered into a five-year $1 billion bank credit facility which matures in January 2017. This facility replaces the prior credit facility which was scheduled to mature in May 2012.

8.	SHARE CAPITAL

Issued and outstanding

Changes in share capital during the six months ended February 29, 2012 are as follows:


	Class A Shares				Class B Non-Voting Shares				Preferred Shares
	Number		$		Number		$		Number		$
August 31, 2011		22,520,064		2		415,216,348		2,338		12,000,000		293
Issued upon stock option plan exercises		—		—		584,597		11		—		—
Issued pursuant to dividend reinvestment plan		—		—		2,367,734		47		—		—

February 29, 2012		22,520,064		2		418,168,679		2,396		12,000,000		293

Stock option plan

Under a stock option plan, directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company are eligible to receive stock options to acquire Class B Non-Voting Shares with terms not to exceed 10 years from the date of grant. Options granted up to February 29, 2012 vest evenly on the anniversary dates from the original grant at either 25% per year over four years or 20% per year over five years. The options must be issued at not less than the fair market value of the Class B Non-Voting Shares at the date of grant. The maximum number of Class B Non-Voting Shares issuable under the plan may not exceed 52,000,000. As at February 29, 2012, 17,379,300 Class B Non-Voting Shares have been issued under the plan. During the six months ended February 29, 2012, 584,597 options were exercised for $10.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

The changes in options for the six months ended February 29, 2012 are as follows:


	Number			Weighted average exercise price $
Outstanding, beginning of period		21,970,400			20.91
Granted		759,000			21.73
Forfeited		(654,175	)		21.07
Exercised ⁽¹⁾		(584,597	)		17.40

Outstanding, end of period		21,490,628			21.03

⁽¹⁾	The weighted average Class B Non-Voting Share price for the options exercised was $21.01.

The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at February 29, 2012:


Range of prices	Number outstanding		Weighted average remaining contractual life		Weighted average exercise price		Number exercisable		Weighted average exercise price
$ 8.69		20,000		1.64	$	8.69		20,000	$	8.69
$14.85 - $22.27		13,952,378		6.83	$	19.23		7,269,803	$	18.56
$22.28 - $26.20		7,518,250		5.69	$	24.41		7,178,250	$	24.50

The weighted average estimated fair value at the date of the grant for common share options granted was $2.78 per option (2011—$3.13 per option) and $2.98 per option (2011—$3.16 per option) for the three and six months ended February 29, 2012, respectively. The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:


	Three months ended						Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
Dividend yield		4.37	%		4.35	%		4.24	%		4.31	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.37	%		2.22	%		1.46	%		2.22	%
Expected life of options		5 years			5 years			5 years			5 years
Expected volatility factor of the future expected market price of Class B Non-Voting Shares		25.0	%		25.8	%		25.2	%		25.8	%

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Dividends

The following table summarizes the dividends paid on Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares during the six months ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011.

Six months ended February 29, 2012

Six months ended February 28, 2011

Date declared
⁽¹⁾

Date paid

Dividends
paid in cash

Dividends paid in
shares under DRIP

Date declared ⁽²⁾

Date paid

Dividends
paid in cash

Jun 29, 2011

Sept 29, 2011

Jun 30, 2010

Sep 29, 2010

Jun 29, 2011

Oct 28, 2011

Jun 30, 2010

Oct 28, 2010

Jun 29, 2011

Nov 29, 2011

Jun 30, 2010

Nov 29, 2010

Oct 20, 2011

Dec 29, 2011

Oct 22, 2010

Dec 30, 2010

Oct 20, 2011

Jan 30, 2012

Oct 22, 2010

Jan 28, 2011

Oct 20, 2011

Feb 28, 2012

Oct 22, 2010

Feb 25, 2011

155

191

⁽¹⁾	Monthly dividends of $0.076667 per Class B Non-Voting Share and $0.076458 per Class A Voting Share

⁽²⁾	Monthly dividends of $0.073333 per Class B Non-Voting Share and $0.073125 per Class A Voting Share

On January 12, 2012, the Company declared monthly dividends of $0.080833 per Class B Non-Voting Share and $0.080625 per Class A Voting Share, payable on each of March 29, April 27 and May 30, 2012.

The dividends per share recognized as distributions to common shareholders for dividends declared during the six months ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 are as follows:


Six months ended February 29, 2012		Six months ended February 28, 2011
Class A Voting Share	Class B Non-Voting Share	Class A Voting Share	Class B Non-Voting Share
0.4712	0.4725	0.4387	0.4400

The Preferred Shares were issued on May 31, 2011. On June 29, 2011, the Company declared dividends of $0.37603 per Preferred Share. The dividend payment of $4 was made on September 30, 2011.

On October 20, 2011, the Company declared dividends of $0.28125 per Preferred Share. The dividend payment of $4 was made on January 3, 2012.

On January 12, 2012, the Company declared dividends of $0.28125 per Preferred Share which were paid on April 2, 2012. The total amount paid was $3 of which $1 was not recognized during the three and six months ended February 29, 2012.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

9.	EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings (loss) per share calculations are as follows:


	Three months ended						Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share ($)
Net income from continuing operations		178			172			380			189
Deduct: net income attributable to non-controlling interests		(9	)		(6	)		(19	)		(10	)
Deduct: dividends on Preferred Shares		(3	)		—			(7	)		—

Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders		166			166			354			179
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders		—			(3	)		—			(4	)

Net income attributable to common shareholders		166			163			354			175

Denominator (millions of shares)
Weighted average number of Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares for basic earnings per share		440			434			439			434
Effect of dilutive securities ⁽¹⁾		1			1			1			1

Weighted average number of Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares for diluted earnings per share		441			435			440			435

Earnings per share – basic ($)
Earnings per share from continuing operations		0.38			0.38			0.81			0.41
Loss per share from discontinued operations		—			(0.01	)		—			(0.01	)

Earnings per share		0.38			0.37			0.81			0.40

Earnings per share – diluted ($)
Earnings per share from continuing operations		0.38			0.38			0.80			0.41
Loss per share from discontinued operations		—			(0.01	)		—			(0.01	)

Earnings per share		0.38			0.37			0.80			0.40

⁽¹⁾

The earnings per share calculation does not take into consideration the potential dilutive effect of certain stock options since their impact is anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended February 29, 2012, 12,151,030 (2011 – 8,196,964) and 11,824,734 (2011 – 8,093,638) options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, respectively.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

10.

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Components of other comprehensive loss and the related income tax effects for the six months ended February 29, 2012 are as follows:


	Amount			Income taxes		Net
	$			$		$
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period		(1	)		—		(1	)

Components of other comprehensive loss and the related income tax effects for the three months ended February 29, 2012 are as follows:


	Amount			Income taxes		Net
	$			$		$
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges		(2	)		—		(2	)

Components of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related income tax effects for the six months ended February 28, 2011 are as follows:


	Amount			Income taxes		Net
	$			$		$
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges		(15	)		2		(13	)
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period		1			—		1
Actuarial losses on employee benefit plans		(11	)		3		(8	)

		(25	)		5		(20	)

Components of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related income tax effects for the three months ended February 28, 2011 are as follows:


	Amount			Income taxes		Net
	$			$		$
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges		(6	)		1		(5	)
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period		1			—		1

		(5	)		1		(4	)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of the following:


	February 29, 2012			August 31, 2011
	$			$
Fair value of derivatives		—			1
Actuarial losses on employee benefit plans		(30	)		(30	)

		(30	)		(29	)

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

11.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Disclosures with respect to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are as follows:

(i)	Funds flow from continuing operations


	Three months ended						Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
	$			$			$			$
Net income from continuing operations		178			172			380			189
Adjustments to reconcile net income to funds flow from continuing operations:
Amortization		208			193			403			374
Program rights		(12	)		29			(49	)		43
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)		(38	)		1			(45	)		(23	)
Equity income from associates		(1	)		—			(1	)		(14	)
Gain on redemption of debt		—			(10	)		—			(10	)
CRTC benefit obligation		—			—			—			139
CRTC benefit obligation funding		(11	)		(5	)		(21	)		(7	)
Business acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses		—			1			—			37
Share-based compensation		1			2			3			5
Defined benefit pension plans		4			3			8			9
Loss (gain) on derivative instruments		(1	)		22			(1	)		23
Realized loss on settlement of derivative instruments		(7	)		(8	)		(7	)		(13	)
Payments on cross-currency agreements		—			—			—			(86	)
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term debt		—			(20	)		—			(23	)
Accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions		3			4			7			6
Settlement of amended cross-currency interest rate agreements [note 12]		(162	)		—			(162	)		—
Other		2			—			5			—

Funds flow from continuing operations		164			384			520			649

(ii)	Changes in non-cash working capital balances related to continuing operations include the following:


	Three months ended						Six months ended
	February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011			February 29, 2012			February 28, 2011
	$			$			$			$
Accounts receivable		69			48			(34	)		10
Other current assets		1			(7	)		(13	)		(14	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and provisions		(31	)		(82	)		9			(58	)
Income taxes payable		5			—			31			(184	)
Unearned revenue		(4	)		(3	)		—			2

		40			(44	)		(7	)		(244	)

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

(iii)

Interest and income taxes paid and classified as operating activities are as follows:


	Three months ended				Six months ended
	February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011		February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011
	$		$		$		$
Interest		33		42		164		149
Income taxes		57		60		116		297

(iv)	Non-cash transactions:

The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows exclude the following non-cash transactions:


	Three months ended				Six months ended
	February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011		February 29, 2012		February 28, 2011
	$		$		$		$
Issuance of Class B Non-Voting Shares:
Dividend reinvestment plan		22		—		47		—

12.

OTHER LIABILITIES

The other current liability was the obligation which arose in fiscal 2010 in respect of the US $300 amended cross-currency interest rate agreements which fixed the settlement of the principal portion of the liability on December 15, 2011. Other long-term liabilities include the long-term portion of the Company’s employee benefit plans of $357 (August 31, 2011—$349), the non-current portion of CRTC benefit obligations of $136 (August 31, 2011—$147) and other liabilities totaling $12 (August 31, 2011—$11). The total benefit costs expensed under the Company’s defined benefit pension plans were $8 (2011—$7) and $16 (2011—$13) for the three and six months ended February 29, 2012, respectively.

13.

TRANSITION TO IFRS

The Company’s date of transition to IFRS is September 1, 2010 and its date of adoption is September 1, 2011. Any subsequent changes to IFRS that are given effect in the Company’s annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ending August 31, 2012 could result in restatement of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements, including the transition adjustments recognized on changeover to IFRS.

Exemption elections

The Company’s adoption of IFRS requires application of IFRS 1 which provides guidance for an entity’s initial adoption of IFRS. IFRS 1 generally requires that an entity apply all IFRS effective at the end of its first IFRS annual reporting period retrospectively. However, IFRS 1 does include certain mandatory exceptions and limited optional exemptions in specified areas of certain standards from this general requirement. The Company has elected the following exemptions from the general requirement of retrospective application as follows:

(a)	Business combinations

IFRS 1 provides the option to apply IFRS 3 Business Combinations retrospectively or prospectively from the date of transition. Retrospective application would require restatement of all business combinations that occurred prior to the date of transition. The Company has elected to not restate any business combinations that occurred prior to September 1, 2010. Under Canadian GAAP, the Company had early adopted the new accounting standards for business combinations, consolidation and non-controlling interests effective September 1, 2010, which are aligned with IFRS 3 Business Combinations and IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

(b)	Employee benefits

IFRS 1 provides the option to recognize all cumulative actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit plans deferred under Canadian GAAP in opening retained earnings. The Company elected to recognize the cumulative unamortized actuarial loss in opening retained earnings as at September 1, 2010.

(c)	Borrowing costs

IFRS 1 allows IAS 23 Borrowing Costs to be applied prospectively from the date of transition. The Company has elected to apply IAS 23 prospectively for projects commenced on or after September 1, 2010.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Reconciliation of Canadian GAAP to IFRS

A.	Consolidated statements of financial position as at September 1, 2010 and August 31, 2011


		September 1, 2010							August 31, 2011
	Explanation	Canadian GAAP		Effect of transition to IFRS			IFRS		Canadian GAAP		Effect of transition to IFRS			IFRS
ASSETS
Current
Cash			217		—			217		443		—			443
Account receivable			196		—			196		443		—			443
Inventories			54		—			54		97		—			97
Other current assets	(iii), (iv)		34		—			34		236		(154	)		82
Derivative instruments			67		—			67		2		—			2
Asset held for sale			—		—			—		15		—			15
Deferred income tax assets	(iii)		28		(28	)		—		26		(26	)		—

			596		(28	)		568		1,262		(180	)		1,082
Investments and other assets			743		—			743		13		—			13
Property, plant and equipment			3,005		—			3,005		3,200		—			3,200
Other long-term assets			233		—			233		258		—			258
Asset held for sale			—		—			—		1		—			1
Deferred income taxes	(iii)		—		—			—		22		8			30
Intangibles	(iv)		5,408		188			5,596		6,955		337			7,292
Goodwill	(iii)		169		—			169		815		(103	)		712

			10,154		160			10,314		12,526		62			12,588

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(i), (v), (vi)		623		77			700		795		83			878
Provisions	(vi)		—		19			19		—		18			18
Income taxes payable	(iii)		171		78			249		12		112			124
Unearned revenue			145		—			145		155		—			155
Current portion of long-term debt			1		—			1		1		—			1
Current portion of derivative instruments			80		—			80		8		—			8
Other liability			—		—			—		161					161

			1,020		174			1,194		1,132		213			1,345
Long-term debt			3,982		—			3,982		5,256		—			5,256
Other long-term liabilities	(ii), (vi)		291		138			429		351		156			507
Provisions	(vi)		—		—			—		—		8			8
Derivative instruments			7		—			7		—		—			—
Deferred credits			632		—			632		630		—			630
Deferred income tax liabilities	(i) to (iv)		1,452		(387	)		1,065		1,700		(536	)		1,164

			7,384		(75	)		7,309		9,069		(159	)		8,910
Shareholders’ equity
Equity attributable to common and preferred shareholders	(i) to (v)		2,770		235			3,005		3,216		190			3,406
Non-controlling interests	(iii)		—		—			—		241		31			272

			2,770		235			3,005		3,457		221			3,678

			10,154		160			10,314		12,526		62			12,588

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

B.	Consolidated statements of financial position as at February 28, 2011


	Explanation	Canadian GAAP		Effect of transition to IFRS			IFRS
ASSETS
Current
Cash			339		—			339
Account receivable			483		—			483
Inventories			90		—			90
Other current assets	(iii), (iv)		269		(115	)		154
Derivative instruments			68		—			68
Deferred income tax assets	(iii)		35		(35	)		—

			1,284		(150	)		1,134
Derivative instruments			9		—			9
Investments and other assets			18		—			18
Property, plant and equipment			3,174		—			3,174
Other long-term assets			246		—			246
Deferred income tax assets	(iii)		—		28			28
Intangibles	(iv)		6,977		298			7,275
Goodwill	(iii)		841		(103	)		738

			12,549		73			12,622

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(i), (v), (vi)		721		75			796
Provisions	(vi)		—		25			25
Income taxes payable	(iii)		26		105			131
Unearned revenue			148		—			148
Current portion of long-term debt			1		—			1
Current portion of derivative instruments			100		—			100
Other liability			160		—			160

			1,156		205			1,361
Long-term debt			5,651		—			5,651
Other long-term liabilities	(ii), (vi)		369		133			502
Provisions	(vi)		—		8			8
Deferred credits			631		—			631
Deferred income tax liabilities	(i) to (iv)		1,711		(519	)		1,192

			9,518		(173	)		9,345
Shareholders’ equity
Equity attributable to common and preferred shareholders	(i) to (v)		2,780		215			2,995
Non-controlling interests	(iii)		251		31			282

			3,031		246			3,277

			12,549		73			12,622

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

C.	Consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three and six months ended February 28, 2011


		Three months ended									Six months ended
		February 28, 2011									February 28, 2011
	Explanation	Canadian GAAP			Effect of transition to IFRS			IFRS			Canadian GAAP			Effect of transition to IFRS			IFRS
Revenue			1,196			—			1,196			2,275			—			2,275
Operating, general and administrative expenses	(i), (ii)		697			(6	)		691			1,302			(11	)		1,291

Operating income before amortization			499			6			505			973			11			984
Amortization:
Deferred equipment revenue			26			—			26			53			—			53
Deferred equipment costs			(50	)		—			(50	)		(102	)		—			(102	)
Property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other			(168	)		—			(168	)		(323	)		—			(323	)

Operating income			307			6			313			601			11			612
Amortization of financing costs – long-term debt			(1	)		—			(1	)		(2	)		—			(2	)
Interest expense			(85	)		—			(85	)		(154	)		—			(154	)

			221			6			227			445			11			456
Gain on repurchase of debt			10			—			10			10			—			10
CRTC benefit obligation			—			—			—			(139	)		—			(139	)
Business acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses			(3	)		—			(3	)		(61	)		—			(61	)
Loss on derivative instruments			(22	)		—			(22	)		(23	)		—			(23	)
Accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions			(4	)		—			(4	)		(6	)		—			(6	)
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term-debt			20			—			20			23			—			23
Other gains			5			—			5			7			—			7

Income before income taxes			227			6			233			256			11			267
Current income tax expense	(iii)		57			3			60			112			3			115
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)	(i) to (iii)		—			1			1			(34	)		11			(23	)

Income before the following			170			2			172			178			(3	)		175
Equity income from associates			—			—			—			14			—			14

Net income from continuing operations			170			2			172			192			(3	)		189
Loss from discontinued operations			(3	)		—			(3	)		(4	)		—			(4	)

Net income			167			2			169			188			(3	)		185

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges			(5	)		—			(5	)		(13	)		—			(13	)
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period			1			—			1			1			—			1
Actuarial losses on employee benefit plans	(ii)		—			—			—			—			(8	)		(8	)

			(4	)		—			(4	)		(12	)		(8	)		(20	)

Comprehensive income			163			2			165			176			(11	)		165

Net income attributable to:
Common shareholders			161			2			163			178			(3	)		175
Non-controlling interests			6			—			6			10			—			10

			167			2			169			188			(3	)		185

Comprehensive income attributable to:
Common shareholders			157			2			159			166			(11	)		155
Non-controlling interests			6			—			6			10			—			10

			163			2			165			176			(11	)		165

Earnings per share – basic and diluted
Earnings per share from continuing operations			0.38			—			0.38			0.42			(0.01	)		0.41
Loss per share from discontinued operations			(0.01	)		—			(0.01	)		(0.01	)		—			(0.01	)

Earnings per share			0.37			—			0.37			0.41			(0.01	)		0.40

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

D.	Consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended August 31, 2011


		Year ended
		August 31, 2011
	Explanation	Canadian GAAP			Effect of transition to IFRS			IFRS
Revenue			4,741			—			4,741
Operating, general and administrative expenses	(i), (ii)		2,710			(20	)		2,690

Operating income before amortization			2,031			20			2,051
Amortization:
Deferred equipment revenue			107			—			107
Deferred equipment costs			(205	)		—			(205	)
Property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other			(637	)		—			(637	)

Operating income			1,296			20			1,316
Amortization of financing costs – long-term debt			(4	)		—			(4	)
Interest expense			(332	)		—			(332	)

			960			20			980
Gain on redemption of debt			33			—			33
CRTC benefit obligation			(139	)		—			(139	)
Business acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses			(91	)		—			(91	)
Loss on derivative instruments			(22	)		—			(22	)
Accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions			(15	)		—			(15	)
Foreign exchange gain on unhedged long-term-debt			17			—			17
Other gains			11			—			11

Income before income taxes			754			20			774
Current income tax expense	(iii)		210			10			220
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)	(i) to (iii)		(5	)		14			9

Income before the following			549			(4	)		545
Equity income from associates			14			—			14

Net income from continuing operations			563			(4	)		559
Loss from discontinued operations			(89	)		—			(89	)

Net income			474			(4	)		470

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges			(12	)		—			(12	)
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period			4			—			4
Actuarial losses on employee benefit plans	(ii)		—			(30	)		(30	)

			(8	)		(30	)		(38	)

Comprehensive income			466			(34	)		432

Net income attributable to:
Common shareholders			455			(4	)		451
Non-controlling interests			19			—			19

			474			(4	)		470

Comprehensive income attributable to:
Common shareholders			447			(34	)		413
Non-controlling interests			19			—			19

			466			(34	)		432

Earnings per share – basic and diluted
Earnings per share from continuing operations			1.24			(0.01	)		1.23
Loss per share from discontinued operations			(0.21	)		—			(0.21	)

Earnings per share			1.03			(0.01	)		1.02

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

The significant differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS are explained below.

(i)	Share-based compensation

Under IFRS, the fair value of stock options with service conditions is required to be expensed over a vesting period (“graded vesting”), based on when options vest. Under Canadian GAAP, stock-based compensation was recognized using a straight-line method.

Under IFRS, cash settled share-based payments, such as DSUs and RSUs, are measured initially and re-measured at the end of each reporting period at fair value as determined by an option pricing model. Under Canadian GAAP, the liability was measured and re-measured at intrinsic values.

(ii)	Employee benefits

As stated in exemption elections above, the Company elected to recognize cumulative unamortized actuarial losses under IFRS in opening retained earnings. Subsequent to the date of transition, actuarial gains and losses are recorded in other comprehensive income at the end of each reporting period. Under Canadian GAAP, actuarial gains and losses were amortized into income on a straight-line basis over the estimated average remaining service life of employees.

Under IFRS, past service costs of defined benefit plans are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Under Canadian GAAP, past service costs were amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average remaining service life of employees. As part of the retrospective application of IAS 19, all vested past service costs have been recognized in opening retained earnings at the transition date.

(iii)

Income taxes

The expected manner of recovery of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives for the purpose of calculating deferred income taxes is different under IFRS than Canadian GAAP. This difference in inclusion rate results in a reduction in the deferred income tax liability related to these assets at transition and also results in a decrease to goodwill and deferred income tax liability and increase to non-controlling interests in respect of the Media business acquisition in fiscal 2011.

Under IFRS, the Company applies a probable weighted average methodology in respect to its determination of measurement of its tax uncertainties.

Income taxes reflect the tax effect of other IFRS transition adjustments.

Also, under IFRS, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are only classified as long term.

(iv)	Intangible assets

Under IFRS, amortization of indefinite lived intangibles is prohibited. Upon transition, amortization of broadcast rights that had been previously recorded under Canadian GAAP has been reversed and recognized in opening retained earnings at the date of transition.

Under Canadian GAAP, program rights were segregated between current and noncurrent in the Statement of Financial Position based estimated time of usage. Under IFRS, program rights are segregated between current and noncurrent based on expected life at time of acquisition.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

(v)	Constructive obligation

Under IFRS, constructive obligations must be recognized when certain criteria are met. These have been accrued at the transition date.

(vi)	Provisions

IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets requires separate disclosure on the face of the statement of financial position. Under Canadian GAAP, separate disclosure was not required, therefore on transition all provisions were reclassified from accounts payable and accrued liabilities or other long-term liabilities.

E.	Consolidated statement of cash flows

The Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows were not materially affected by the transition to IFRS.

14.

SELECTED ANNUAL DISCLOSURES

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements for interim periods of fiscal 2012 are the first financial statements prepared by the Company under IFRS. Accordingly, annual required disclosures that have been significantly impacted by the transition to IFRS for the comparative year ended August 31, 2011 are presented below.

DEFINED EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined benefit pension plans

The Company provides a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for certain of its senior executives. Benefits under this plan are based on the employees’ length of service and their highest three-year average rate of pay during their years of service. Employees are not required to contribute to this plan and the plan is unfunded. There are no minimum required contributions and no discretionary contributions are currently planned.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

The table below shows the change in benefit obligation for this plan.


	August 31, 2011
	$
Accrued benefit obligation and plan deficit, beginning of year		275
Current service cost		6
Past service cost		—
Interest cost		16
Actuarial losses		43
Payment of benefits to employees		(6	)

Accrued benefit obligation and plan deficit, end of year		334


Reconciliation of accrued benefit obligation to Consolidated Statement of Financial Position accrued pension benefit liability	August 31, 2011 $
Balance of unamortized pension obligation:
Past service costs		1

Accrued pension benefit liability recognized in Consolidated Statement of Financial Position:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		9
Other long-term liabilities		324

		333

Accrued benefit obligation, end of year as above		334

The actuarial losses resulted primarily from changes in interest rate assumptions, salary escalation assumptions, and changes in the mortality table.

The tables below show the significant weighted-average assumptions used to measure the pension obligation and cost for this plan.


	August 31, 2011
Accrued benefit obligation	%
Discount rate		5.50
Rate of compensation increase		5.00


	August 31, 2011
Benefit cost for the year	%
Discount rate		5.75
Rate of compensation increase		5.00

The following table illustrates the increase on the accrued benefit obligation and pension expense of a 1% decrease in the discount rate:


	Accrued benefit obligation August 31, 2011 $		Pension expense Fiscal 2011 $
Impact of: 1% decrease		56		6

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

The net pension benefit plan expense, which is included in employee salaries and benefits expense, is comprised of the following components:


	August 31, 2011
	$
Current service cost		6
Interest cost		16
Past service cost		—
Difference between amortization of past service costs recognized for the year and actual past service costs on the accrued benefit obligation for the year		1

Pension expense		23

As part of the broadcasting business acquisition in fiscal 2011, the Company assumed a number of funded defined benefit pension plans which provide pension benefits to certain unionized and non-unionized employees. Benefits under these plans are based on the employees’ length of service and final average salary.

The table below shows the change in the benefit obligations, change in fair value of plan assets and the funded status of these defined benefit plans.


	August 31, 2011
	$
Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year		—
Media business acquisition		124
Current service cost		4
Interest cost		6
Employee contributions		1
Actuarial gains		(7	)
Payment of benefits to employees		(9	)

Accrued benefit obligation, end of year		119

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		—
Media business acquisition		110
Employer contributions		6
Employee contributions		1
Expected return on plan assets		6
Actuarial losses		(5	)
Payment of benefit and administrative expenses		(9	)

Fair value of plan assets, end of year		109

Accrued benefit liability and plan deficit, end of year		10

The accrued benefit liability is included in other long-term liabilities. The actuarial gains and losses resulted primarily from changes in interest rate assumptions, salary escalation assumptions, and changes in the mortality table.

The asset allocation of the plans at August 31, 2011 is as follows:


	% of plan assets
Equity securities		57
Fixed income securities		40
Other		3

		100

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Disaggregation of the Company’s funded pension plans to show the funded statuses at August 31, 2011 is as follows:


	Accrued benefit obligation		Plan assets		Surplus (deficit)
	$		$		$
Pension plans with assets in excess of accrued benefit obligations		9		9		—
Pension plans with accrued benefit obligations in excess of assets		110		100		(10	)

		119		109		(10	)

The tables below show the significant weighted-average assumptions used to measure the pension obligation and cost for these plans. The expected rate of return on plan assets is based on investment mix, current yields and past experience.


	August 31, 2011
Accrued benefit obligation	%
Discount rate		5.75
Rate of compensation increase		4.00


	August 31, 2011
Benefit cost for the year	%
Discount rate		5.65
Expected return on plan assets		6.70
Rate of compensation increase		3.70

The following table illustrates the increase on the accrued benefit obligation and pension expense of a 1% decrease in the discount rate:


	Accrued benefit obligation August 31, 2011 $		Pension expense Fiscal 2011 $
Impact of: 1% decrease		20		1

The net pension benefit plan expense, which is included in employee salaries and benefits expense, is comprised of the following components:


	August 31, 2011
	$
Current service cost		4
Interest cost		6
Expected return on plan assets		(6	)

Pension expense		4

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Other benefit plans

As part of the broadcasting business acquisition in fiscal 2011, the Company assumed post employment benefits plans that provide post retirement health and life insurance coverage.


	August 31, 2011
	$
Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year		—
Media business acquisition		15
Current service cost		—
Interest cost		1
Plan amendment		(1	)
Payment of benefits to employees		—

Accrued benefit obligation and plan deficit, end of year		15


Reconciliation of accrued benefit obligation to Consolidated Statement of Financial Position accrued benefit liability	August 31, 2011 $
Balance of unamortized obligation:
Plan amendment		(1	)

Accrued post-retirement liability recognized in Consolidated Statement of Financial Position:
Other long-term liabilities		16

Accrued benefit obligation, end of year as above		15

The table below shows the components of the post-retirement benefit plan expense. The net post-retirement benefit plan expense, which is included in employee salaries and benefits expense, is comprised of the following components:


	August 31, 2011
	$
Current service cost		—
Interest cost		1

Post-retirement expense		1

The discount rate used to measure the post-retirement benefit cost for the year and the accrued benefit obligation as at August 31, 2011 was 5.50%. The assumed health care cost trend rate for the next year used to measure expected benefit costs is 6.49% decreasing to an ultimate rate of 4.57% in 2029. A one percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have increased the service and interest costs and accrued obligation by $nil and $2, respectively. A one percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have lowered the service and interest costs and accrued obligation by $nil and $2, respectively.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Benefit payments

The table below shows the expected benefit payments for all defined benefit plans and other post employment benefit plans in each of the next five fiscal years as actuarially determined, and in aggregate, for the five fiscal years thereafter:


	Pensions $		Other Benefits $
2012		14		—
2013		14		—
2014		19		1
2015		27		1
2016		27		1
2017 – 2021		139		4

Employer contributions

The Company’s estimated contributions to the funded defined benefit plans in fiscal 2012 are $8.

INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows:


	August 31, 2011
	$
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment and software assets		145
Broadcast rights		820
Partnership income		354

		1,319

Deferred income tax assets:
Non-capital loss carryforwards		50
Accrued charges		128
Program rights		4
Foreign exchange on long-term debt and fair value of derivative instruments		3

		185

Net deferred income tax liability		1,134
Deferred income tax asset		30

Deferred income tax liability		1,164

Realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income during the period in which the temporary differences are deductible. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all deferred income tax assets will be realized based on reversals of deferred income tax liabilities, projected operating results and tax planning strategies available to the Company and its subsidiaries.

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

Significant changes recognized to deferred income tax assets (liabilities) during the period are as follows:


	Property, plant and equipment and software assets			Broadcast rights			Partnership income			Non-capital loss carry -forwards			Accrued charges		Program rights		Foreign exchange on long-term debt and fair value of derivative instruments			Total
Balance at September 1, 2010		(167	)		(635	)		(350	)		8			63		—		16			(1,065	)
Recognized in statement of income		(8	)		(17	)		(3	)		(3	)		36		—		(14	)		(9	)
Recognized in discontinued operations		26			—			—			—			—		—		—			26
Recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)		—			—			—			—			10		—		1			11
Recognized on Media business acquisition		4			(168	)		(1	)		45			19		4		—			(97	)

Balance at August 31, 2011		(145	)		(820	)		(354	)		50			128		4		3			(1,134	)

The Company has capital loss carryforwards of approximately $150 for which no deferred income tax asset has been recognized in the accounts. These capital losses can be carried forward indefinitely.

The income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying Canadian statutory rates to income before income taxes for the following reasons:


	August 31, 2011
	$
Current statutory income tax rate		27.9	%

Income tax expense at current statutory rates		216
Increase in taxes resulting from:
Non-taxable portion of foreign exchange gains or losses and amounts on sale/write-down of assets and investments		1
Originating temporary differences recorded at future tax rates expected to be in effect when realized		2
Other		10

Income tax expense		229

Shaw Communications Inc.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011

[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

TELEVISION BROADCASTING BUSINESS ACQUISITION

A summary of net assets acquired and allocation of the consideration is as follows:


	August 31, 2011
	Canadian GAAP			Effect of transition to IFRS			IFRS
Net assets acquired at assigned fair values
Cash		83			—			83
Receivables		297			—			297
Other current assets		236			(89	)		147
Deferred income tax assets		51			(24	)		27
Derivative instrument		16			—			16
Investments and other assets		16			—			16
Property and equipment		141			—			141
Intangibles		1,567			84			1,651
Goodwill, not deductible for tax		641			(103	)		538

		3,048			(132	)		2,916
Current liabilities		(283	)		(24	)		(307	)
Current debt		(399	)		—			(399	)
Derivative instruments		(82	)		—			(82	)
Non-current liabilities		(105	)		—			(105	)
Deferred income tax liabilities		(311	)		187			(124	)
Long-term debt		(412	)		—			(412	)
Non-controlling interests		(246	)		(31	)		(277	)

		1,210			—			1,210