UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 40-F
[] REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(a) OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
Commission File Number: 001-32562
STANTEC INC. |
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
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(Translation of Registrants name into English (if applicable)) |
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Canada |
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(Province or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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8711 |
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(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number (if applicable)) |
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N/A |
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number (if applicable)) |
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10160 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 2L6 |
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(Address and telephone number of Registrants principal executive offices) |
Stantec Consulting Services Inc., 19 Technology Drive, Irvine, CA 92618-2334 (949) 923-6000
(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number (including area code) of agent for service in the United States)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |||
Common Shares | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None.
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None.
(Title of Class)
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:
[Ö] Annual information form [Ö] Audited annual financial statements
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
As of December 31, 2014 93,836,258 Common Shares outstanding.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). If Yes is marked, indicate the file number assigned to the Registrant in connection with such Rule.
Yes [] No [Ö]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [Ö] No []
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes [] No []
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The disclosure provided under Controls and Procedures on page M-66 of Exhibit 2, Managements Discussion and Analysis, is incorporated by reference herein.
MANAGEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The disclosure provided under Management Report on page F-1 of Exhibit 3, 2014 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, is incorporated by reference herein.
AUDITOR ATTESTATION
The disclosure provided under Independent Auditors Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting on page F-3 of Exhibit 3, 2014 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, is incorporated by reference herein.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The disclosure provided under Controls and Procedures on page M-66 of Exhibit 2, Managements Discussion and Analysis, is incorporated by reference herein.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
On December 31, 2014, Stantecs audit and risk committee was made up of the following four members: Ivor M. Ruste (Chair), David L. Emerson, Delores M. Etter, and Douglas K. Ammerman.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Stantecs Board of Directors has determined that it has three audit committee financial experts serving on its audit and risk committee. Ivor M. Ruste, David L. Emerson, and Douglas K. Ammerman are each an audit committee financial expert (as such term is defined in the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission) and are independent, as that term is defined by the New York Stock Exchanges corporate governance standards applicable to Stantec. The Securities and Exchange Commission has indicated that the designation of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than those imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and the Board of Directors in the absence of such designation and does not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee or Board of Directors.
CODE OF ETHICS
Stantec has adopted a code of ethics, entitled Stantec Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics applies to all directors, officers and employees of Stantec, including Stantecs principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. Stantec requires that all officers and employees annually certify that they have read and understand the Code. The Code of Ethics is reviewed at least annually to ensure that it complies with all legal requirements and is in alignment with best practices. In the event that amendments are needed, recommendations are made to the corporate governance and compensation committee and the Board of Directors for approval. On September 4, 2014, the Board of Directors approved an amended and restated Code of Ethics. The amendments strengthened the provisions relating to appropriate use of social or other media. The Code of Ethics as amended and restated on September 4, 2014, is filed as Exhibit 9 to this Annual Report, is available on Stantecs website (www.stantec.com) under the Learn About Us Corporate Governance section and is available in print to any shareholder upon written request to the Secretary of Stantec.
Page 2 of 5
The Board of Directors believes that providing a forum for employees and officers to raise concerns about ethical conduct and treating all complaints with the appropriate level of seriousness foster a culture of ethical conduct within Stantec. Stantecs Integrity Policy sets out our procedures for reporting and investigating observations or concerns raised by employees or officers of the company. The Integrity Policy is available at www.stantec.com. Stantec monitors compliance with its code through its external integrity hotline. The external integrity hotline allows officers or employees to report concerns regarding breaches of our code in writing, over the telephone, by mail or by email. All complaints are treated as confidential, and requests to maintain anonymity are respected to the extent possible. The integrity hotline is managed by an independent third party.
Copies of all complaints are reviewed by the chair of the Audit and Risk Committee upon receipt. A quarterly report is presented to the Audit and Risk Committee summarizing the status of any active investigations of complaints and the resolution of all complaints made through the integrity hotline.
The Board of Directors believes that its effectiveness is furthered when directors exercise independent judgment in considering transactions and agreements. As such, if at any Board of Directors meeting a director or executive officer has a material interest in a matter being considered, such director or officer would not be present for discussions relating to the matter and would not participate in any vote on the matter.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The disclosure provided under External Auditor Service Fees on page 20 of Exhibit 1, Annual Information Form, is incorporated by reference herein.
AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The disclosure provided under Preapproval Policy on page 19 of Exhibit 1, Annual Information Form, is incorporated by reference herein. No audit-related fees, tax fees or other fees were approved by the Audit and Risk Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The disclosure provided under Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements on page M-45 of Exhibit 2, Managements Discussion and Analysis, is incorporated by reference herein.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The disclosure provided under Contractual Obligations on page M-44 of Exhibit 2, Managements Discussion and Analysis, is incorporated by reference herein.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The disclosure provided under NYSE Corporate Governance Disclosure on page 21 of Exhibit 1, Annual Information Form, is incorporated by reference herein.
UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
A. | Undertaking |
Stantec undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F, the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises, or transactions in said securities.
Page 3 of 5
B. | Consent to Service of Process |
Stantec has previously filed with the Commission a Form F-X in connection with the Common Shares.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
STANTEC INC. |
/s/ Robert J. Gomes |
Robert J. Gomes, P. Eng. |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Date: February 25, 2015
Page 4 of 5
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. | Description | |
99.1. | Annual Information Form dated February 25, 2015 | |
99.2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014 (pages M-1 through M-69 of the 2014 Annual Report) | |
99.3. | 2014 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements (pages F-1 through F-53 of the 2014 Annual Report) | |
99.4. | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP | |
99.5. | Chief Executive Officers Certifications required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
99.6. | Chief Executive Officers Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as enacted pursuant to Section 906 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
99.7. | Chief Financial Officers Certifications required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
99.8. | Chief Financial Officers Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as enacted pursuant to Section 906 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
99.9. | Code of Ethics |
Page 5 of 5
Exhibit 99.1
Table of Contents
Corporate Structure |
4 | |||
Name, Address, and Incorporation |
4 | |||
Intercorporate Relationships |
5 | |||
General Development of the Business |
6 | |||
2015 |
6 | |||
2014 |
6 | |||
2013 |
8 | |||
2012 |
8 | |||
Description of the Business |
9 | |||
Research and Development |
10 | |||
Competitive Conditions |
10 | |||
Services |
11 | |||
Employees |
11 | |||
Social and Environmental Policies |
11 | |||
International Operations |
13 | |||
Risk Factors |
13 | |||
Dividends |
13 | |||
Description of Capital Structure |
14 | |||
Preferred Shares |
14 | |||
Common Shares |
14 | |||
Market for Securities |
15 | |||
Trading Price and Volume |
15 | |||
Directors and Officers |
16 | |||
Directors and Executive Officers Share Ownership |
17 | |||
Audit and Risk Committee Information |
17 | |||
Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference |
17 | |||
Composition of the Audit and Risk Committee |
17 | |||
Preapproval Policy |
19 | |||
External Auditor Service Fees |
19 | |||
Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Actions |
20 | |||
Transfer Agent |
20 | |||
Material Contracts |
20 | |||
Interests of Experts |
20 | |||
Additional Information |
20 | |||
NYSE Corporate Governance Disclosure |
21 | |||
Appendix I Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference (Mandate) |
22 |
2 Annual Information Form
Stantec Inc.
Annual Information Form
February 25, 2015
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Our public communications often include written or verbal forward-looking statements within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 safe harbor provisions and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are disclosures regarding possible events, conditions, or results of operations that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action and include future-oriented financial information.
Statements of this type are contained and incorporated by reference in this Annual Information Form, including
a) | The discussion of the expected results of our organizational realignment in the General Development of the Business section in this Annual Information Form |
b) | Our beliefs about our risk management strategy and our ability to compete effectively in the Description of the Business section in this Annual Information Form |
c) | The discussion of our goals, our key performance drivers, and our annual and long-term targets and expectations for our regions and business operating units in the Core Business and Strategy, Key Performance Drivers and Capabilities, and Outlook sections of our Managements Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014 (incorporated by reference in this Annual Information Form and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) and may be contained in filings with securities regulators or in other communications. |
Forward-looking statements may involve, but are not limited to, comments with respect to our objectives for 2015 and beyond, our strategies or future actions, our dividend policy, our targets, expectations for our financial condition, or the results of our outlook for our operations.
The purpose of this information is to describe managements expectations and targets for measuring our success and to assist our shareholders to understand our financial position as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented in this document. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk that predictions, forecasts, conclusions, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate. We caution readers of this Annual Information Form not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements since a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions, or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates, or intentions expressed in these forward-looking statements.
The following factors among others listed under the Key Performance Drivers and Capabilities section of our Managements Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014 (incorporated by reference in this Annual Information Form and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements:
| Global capital market activities |
| Fluctuations in interest rates or currency values |
| Fluctuations in commodity prices |
| Effects of war or terrorist activities |
Stantec Inc. 3
| Effects of disease or illness on local, national, or international economies |
| Effects of disruptions to public infrastructure, such as transportation, communications, power, or water |
| Global economic or political conditions |
| Regulatory or statutory developments |
| Effects of competition in the geographic or business areas in which we operate |
| Actions of management |
| Technological changes |
Many of these factors are beyond our control and have effects that are difficult to predict.
Assumptions about the performance of the Canadian and US economies in 2015 and how it will affect our business are material factors that we consider when determining our forward-looking statements. These assumptions are discussed in the Outlook section of our Managements Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014 (incorporated by reference in this Annual Information Form and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com).
For additional information regarding material and known risks and assumptions, see the discussion on pages M-58 to M-66 and M-68 to M-69 of our Managements Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is incorporated by reference. Further information about our key performance drivers is found on pages M-8 to M-14 of our Managements Discussion and Analysis, which is incorporated by reference.
We caution that various factors, including those discussed in our Managements Discussion and Analysis, could adversely affect our results. Investors and others should carefully consider these factorsas well as other uncertainties and potential events and the inherent uncertainty of forward-looking statementswhen relying on these statements to make decisions about our Company.
The forward-looking statements contained in this document represent our expectations as at February 25, 2015, and are subject to change after this date. Except as may be required by law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, written or verbal, that may be made from time to time by us. Our current practice is to evaluate and, where we deem appropriate, provide updates to ranges of expected performance for 2015. However, subject to legal requirements, we may change this practice at any time at our sole discretion.
Corporate Structure
Name, Address, and Incorporation
Stantec Inc. was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on March 23, 1984, as 131277 Canada Ltd. We have amended our Articles of Incorporation on several occasions to change share attributes, create and delete classes of shares, reorganize our outstanding share capital and split our common shares on a two-for-one basis, and change the minimum and maximum number of directors of our board.
Since incorporation, we have also amended our Articles of Incorporation several times to change our Companys name:
| August 15, 1984 131277 Canada Ltd. changed to Stanley Engineering Group Inc. |
| October 18, 1989 Stanley Engineering Group Inc. changed to Stanley Technology Group Inc. |
| March 30, 1994 Stanley Technology Group Inc. amalgamated with 3013901 Canada Limited and continued as Stanley Technology Group Inc. |
| October 28, 1998 Stanley Technology Group Inc. changed to Stantec Inc. |
Our head and principal office and our registered and records office are located at 10160 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5K 2L6.
4 Annual Information Form
References in this Annual Information Form to Stantec and the Company include, as the context may require, Stantec Inc. and all or some companies in which it has an interest. References to our, us, and we also refer to Stantec Inc.
Intercorporate Relationships
The following chart lists, as at December 31, 2014, the intercorporate relationships among Stantec and its subsidiaries; the percentage of voting and restricted shares of the subsidiaries owned, controlled, or directed by Stantec; and the governing jurisdiction of these subsidiaries:
Name of Subsidiary | Percentage of Voting Shares |
Percentage of Restricted Shares(1) |
Governing Jurisdiction | |||
58053 Newfoundland & Labrador Inc. |
100 | n/a | Newfoundland and Labrador | |||
59991 Newfoundland & Labrador Ltd. |
100 | n/a | Newfoundland and Labrador | |||
3221969 Nova Scotia Company |
100 | 100 | Nova Scotia | |||
ENTRAN of Virginia, PLLC |
100 | n/a | Virginia | |||
International Insurance Group Inc. |
100 | n/a | Barbados | |||
Jacques Whitford Holdco Ltd. |
100 | n/a | Cayman Islands | |||
Nu Nennè-Stantec Inc. |
100 | n/a | Alberta | |||
Processes Unlimited International, LLC |
100 | n/a | California | |||
Processes Unlimited International, LLC |
100 | n/a | Delaware | |||
Stantec Aircraft Holdings Ltd. |
100 | n/a | Alberta | |||
Stantec Consulting Caribbean Ltd. |
100 | n/a | Barbados | |||
Stantec Consulting Cayman Islands Ltd. |
100 | n/a | Cayman Islands | |||
Stantec Consulting Colombia S.A.S. |
100 | n/a | Colombia | |||
Stantec Consulting International LLC |
100 | n/a | Arizona | |||
Stantec Consulting International Ltd. |
100 | 100 | Canada | |||
Stantec Consulting Labrador Ltd. |
100 | n/a | Newfoundland and Labrador | |||
Stantec Consulting Ltd. |
100 | 100 | Canada | |||
Stantec Consulting Michigan Inc. |
100 | n/a | Michigan | |||
Stantec Consulting Services Inc. |
100 | 100 | New York | |||
Stantec Delaware II LLC |
100 | n/a | Delaware | |||
Stantec do Brasil Engenharia e Consultoria Ltda. |
100 | n/a | Brazil | |||
Stantec Holdings (Delaware) III Inc. |
100 | n/a | Delaware | |||
Stantec Holdings II Ltd. |
100 | n/a | Alberta | |||
Stantec Newfoundland & Labrador Ltd. |
100 | n/a | Newfoundland and Labrador | |||
Stantec Technology International Inc. |
100 | 100 | Delaware | |||
UEI Associates, Inc. |
100 | n/a | Texas | |||
UEI Global I, Inc. |
100 | n/a | Texas | |||
Universal Energy do Brasil Ltda.
|
100
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n/a
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Brazil
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(1) | In this Annual Information Form, restricted shares means nonvoting shares in the capital stock of a subsidiary of the Company. |
Stantec Inc. 5
General Development of the Business
2015
The following information highlights the general development of our business for the current financial year.
Acquisitions
In January 2015, we acquired the following firms:
Business Acquired | Nature of Business | |
Sparling, Inc.(1) | Provides expertise in electrical engineering and architectural lighting design.
Based in Seattle, Washington, with additional offices in San Diego, California, and in Portland, Oregon.
| |
Canadian engineering operations of Dessau Inc. |
Provides engineering services in the healthcare, water, power, energy, transportation, and community development sectors, as well as telecommunications and security services.
Principally located in Montreal, Quebec.
| |
(1) On January 30, 2015, we entered into an agreement to acquire the shares of Sparling, Inc. through a merger with a wholly owned subsidiary of Stantec. The acquisition is expected to be completed on February 28, 2015, subject to certain conditions.
Stantec Experts-conseils ltée
Following our acquisition of the Canadian engineering operations of Dessau Inc., effective February 3, 2015, we filed a Certificate and Articles of Amendment to add Stantec Experts-conseils ltée as the French alternative to Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Three-Year History
The following are highlights of Stantecs general development over the past three years.
2014
Organizational Realignment
Effective January 1, 2014, we realigned our organizational structure with a change from practice area units to three business operating units: Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure. We did not change the foundation of our matrix-based leadership structure; we simply realigned it. The realignment was based on the belief that it would create greater accountability for our leadership team, result in more focused growth, and allow us to better support our clients and maintain the core elements of our strategy.
Officer and Director Changes
During 2014, we also realigned our senior leadership team into two levels: the Executive Vice President Team (EVPT) and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). The EVPT consists of our CEO, CFO, COO, and the following executive vice presidents (EVPs), who were appointed in 2014:
| Paul Allen |
| Carl Clayton |
| Tino DiManno |
| Scott Murray |
| Eric Nielsen |
| Stanis Smith |
6 Annual Information Form
The ELT oversees Stantecs overall performance, including developing and monitoring our business plan, monitoring financial performance and risks, approving policies and procedures, and overseeing acquisitions and divestitures. Our EVPs are specifically responsible for the performance of our regional operating units and our business operating units. The ELT consists of senior vice presidents and certain vice presidents. This team has numerous responsibilities, including the execution of our business plan and our Companys financial management.
Share Split
On September 4, 2014, our board of directors declared a two-for-one share split to be effected by way of a share dividend. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 31, 2014, were entitled to the share dividend on the November 14, 2014, payment date.
Acquisitions
We acquired the following firms in the United States during 2014:
Month | Business Acquired | Nature of Business | ||
October | Penfield & Smith Engineers, Inc. | Provides civil engineering and land planning services.
Principally located in Santa Barbara, California.
| ||
September | ADD, Inc. | Provides architecture, interior design, planning, and branding services to multifamily housing, higher education, and corporate office clients.
Principally located in Boston, Massachusetts, and in Miami, Florida.
| ||
June | USKH Inc. | Provides locally based infrastructure, building, and geospatial services.
Principally located in Anchorage, Alaska.
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June | Wiley Engineering, Inc. | Provides automation, electrical, and instrumentation engineering services to the oil and gas, mining, power, and industrial sectors.
Principally located in Marietta, Georgia.
| ||
May | Group Affiliates Inc. | Provides architectural, interior design, planning, and engineering services to higher education and K12 clients.
Office locations in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, DC; and Charlottesville, Virginia.
| ||
May | JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc. | Provides services to the manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and power generation and transmission sectors.
Principally located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
| ||
March | Processes Unlimited International, Inc. | Provides mechanical engineering and design services; process, chemical, structural, automation, instrumentation, and electrical engineering; and control panel fabrication services.
Principally located in Bakersfield, California.
| ||
January | Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. and Cultural Resources, Inc. | Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. provides specialized services in ecology, environmental restoration, water resources, and regulatory support for public and private clients in the power, transportation, and energy and resource sectors, and is principally located in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Cultural Resources, Inc. provides services in cultural resource management and historic preservation and is principally located in Glen Allen, Virginia.
| ||
Stantec Inc. 7
2013
Officer and Director Changes
Effective May 8, 2013, Donald J. Lowry was appointed to Stantecs board of directors.
Acquisitions
We acquired the following firms in Canada and the United States during 2013:
Month | Business Acquired | Nature of Business | ||
November | Cambria Gordon Ltd. | Provides environmental science and environmental management services to public, private, and First Nation clients.
Principally located in Terrace, British Columbia.
| ||
November | JDA Architects Limited | Provides full architectural services to clients in the healthcare, public safety, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Principally located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
| ||
June | Roth Hill, LLC | Provides services in civil engineering in water and wastewater, and has strong municipal service capabilities.
Principally located in Bellevue, Washington.
| ||
May | IBE Consulting Engineers, Inc. | Provides design of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for education, healthcare, commercial, cultural, and government facilities.
Principally located in Sherman Oaks, California.
| ||
May | Ashley-Pryce Interior Designers Inc. | Provides services in corporate interior design.
Principally located in Vancouver, British Columbia.
| ||
2012
Officer and Director Changes
The following changes occurred in 2012:
| Effective October 3, Robert J. Bradshaw retired from Stantecs board of directors |
| Effective March 1, Robert H. Seager was appointed senior vice president and leader of our Environmental Services practice area unit for Canada and the United States |
| Effective March 1, Gordon A. Johnston was appointed senior vice president and leader of our Water practice area unit for Canada and the United States |
Dividend Declaration
On February 15, 2012, Stantecs board of directors approved a dividend policy and concurrently declared Stantecs first quarterly dividend. Since then, we have paid quarterly dividends on our common shares.
Credit Facility
Effective June 28, 2012, we amended our $350-million revolving credit facility to increase the amount of discretionary funds availablefrom $75 million to $150 million. The terms and conditions of these additional funds are on the same terms and conditions as that of the underlying commitment; however, they are subject to the approval of our lenders. Our current credit facility terminates on August 31, 2018, subject to any extension by the parties before termination.
8 Annual Information Form
Acquisitions
We acquired the following firms in Canada and the United States during 2012:
Month | Business Acquired | Nature of Business | ||
December | Greenhorne & OMara, Inc. | Provides services in the design of transportation facilities and other infrastructure (including highway and bridge design), traffic engineering, master planning and landscape architecture, structural engineering, U.S. Department of Defense services, and utilities design.
Principally located in Laurel, Maryland, with offices spread throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States.
| ||
December | Landmark Survey and Mapping, Inc. | Provides services in surveying and mapping for oil and gas pipelines.
Principally located in Washington, Pennsylvania.
| ||
November | Corzo Castella Carballo Thompson Salman, P.A. | Provides transportation and civil engineering, architecture, and environmental engineering services to major transportation agencies, municipalities, and education institutions across Florida.
Principally located in Miami-Dade County in Coral Gables, Florida, with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.
| ||
November | Architecture 2000 Inc. | Provides services in architectural, master, and urban planning; interior design; and project management.
Principally located in Moncton, New Brunswick.
| ||
August | Cimarron Engineering Ltd. | Provides services in the development, design, installation, and integrity maintenance of oil and gas pipeline systems and station facilities.
Principally located in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.
| ||
May | ABMB Engineers, Inc. | Provides services in transportation, traffic, and infrastructure engineering, as well as intelligent transportation system design.
Principally located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with offices in New Orleans, Louisiana, and in Jackson, Vicksburg, and Madison, Mississippi.
| ||
May | PHB Group Inc. | Provides services in architectural and interior design as well as pre-design services, including site-selection studies, life safety studies, building condition reports, feasibility studies, master planning, programming, and project management services.
Principally located in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador.
| ||
For additional information about the general development of our business and strategies for the upcoming year, see pages M-3 to M-14 and M-48 to M-55 of Stantecs Managements Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014 (incorporated by reference in this Annual Information Form and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com).
Description of the Business
Stantec collaborates across disciplines and industries to bring buildings, energy and resources, and infrastructure projects to life. Our workprofessional consulting in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture,
Stantec Inc. 9
surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economicsbegins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.
Our primary business objective is to be a top 10 global design firm. With the advantage of local insights and a long-term commitment to the people and places we serve, Stantec has the unique ability to connect to projects on a personal level and advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.
Our business model is a key element of our strategy. It is based on providing services across diverse geographic locations, distinct business operating units, and all phases of the infrastructure and facilities project life cycleplanning, design, construction, maintenance, integrity management, remediation, and decommissioning. Because of the diversity of our model, we are generally able to adapt to changes in market conditions by offsetting decreased demand for services in one business operating unit with increased demand for services in another. We believe this allows us to manage risk, while we continue to increase our revenue and earnings, by ensuring that we do not rely on a few large projects for our revenue and that no single client or project accounts for more than 5% of our gross revenue.
Under the rules of IFRS, we have one reportable segmentConsulting Servicesthat is an aggregate of our operating segments. Our operating segments are organized by geographic area, and our chief operating decision maker (CEO) assesses our Companys performance based on financial information available from these geographic areas. In addition, our business operating unit leaders provide strategic direction, mentoring, and technical support to operations across our geographic regions.
The following table illustrates the breakdown of gross revenue for 2014 and 2013 for Consulting Services:
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Unit
|
(millions C$)
|
%
|
(millions C$)
|
%
| ||||
Consulting Services
|
2,529.9
|
100
|
2,236.4
|
100
| ||||
Our operations are organized into three main geographic regions: Canada, the United States, and International. Our international offices are in the Middle East, the United Kingdom, India, and the Caribbean. In 2014, we earned 53% of our gross revenue in Canada, 43% in the United States, and 4% internationally. For additional information regarding our core business and strategy, see our 2014 Managements Discussion and Analysis, pages M-3 to M-14 (incorporated by reference in this Annual Information Form and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com).
Research and Development
We generally conduct research and development for a clients specific project requirements. Most research and development is conducted in the areas of infrastructure evaluation and management systems, hydraulic modeling of water and wastewater systems, wastewater treatment, and pavement evaluation and management systems.
Competitive Conditions
We work in highly competitive markets and have numerous competitors for all of our services. The number and identity of competitors vary widely with the type of service we provide. For small- to medium-sized projects, we compete with many engineering, architecture, and other professional consulting firms. For larger projects, we have fewer but still many competitors; however, some of these competitors have greater financial and other resources than we have. Although we compete with other large private and public companies in certain geographic locations, our primary competitors are small- to medium-sized privately held regional firms in Canada and the United States.
We believe that our operating structure, our operating philosophy, our enterprise systems, and the mix and breadth of our professional services differentiate us from other engineering, architecture, and professional consulting firms.
10 Annual Information Form
The main competitive factors in the services we offer are reputation, experience, breadth and quality of services, technical proficiency, local offices, competitive total project fees, and integrated service delivery. Given the expanding demand for the services we provide, additional competitors will likely emerge. Even with this increased competition, we believe that we will compete effectively because of our strengths and expertise in engineering, architecture, and related professional services, as well as our successful track record of service delivery.
Services
We serve many diverse clients in the private and public sectors. Our aim is to establish ongoing relationships with clients that are likely to produce repeat business. We do not depend on any one client or group of clients to sustain our business; no single client or project represents more than 5% of our overall business.
We offer a range of pricing structures to our clients but usually provide our services based on a fixed- or variable-fee contract (with a ceiling) or a time-and-material contract (without a stated ceiling). Most assignments are acquired based on our expertise and contacts; others are obtained through a competitive bidding process.
Employees
As at December 31, 2014, we had approximately 14,200 staff: about 8,500 professionals, 4,000 technologists and technicians, and 1,700 support personnel.
We are a knowledge-based organization and always seek talented and skilled professionals for all of our specialized business units. We use various recruitment strategies to address staffing needs: an employee referral bonus program, website job postings, career fairs, student programs, and opportunities to transfer to other office locations.
Social and Environmental Policies
Stantec is committed to continual improvements in all aspects of its business in the areas of health and safety and the environment. Accordingly, Stantec has implemented a formal health and safety management system and an environmental management system across its operations.
OHSAS18001:2007 Occupational Health & Safety Management System
In 2014, Stantec successfully developed and implemented an Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS), which received external third-party certification under the consensus-based international standard for occupational health and safetythe OHSAS18001:2007 standard.
The objective of our certified OHSMS is three-fold:
| Protect our employees from injury and prevent property loss and environmental damage by aligning work processes, systems, and behaviors so our employees have the necessary guidance and knowledge to complete every task safely, every time |
| Comply with applicable regulatory requirements and our Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Policy |
| Meet client requirements and expectations |
Addressing our Companys diversity, the HSE team develops core health, safety, and environment practices that can be implemented Company-wide yet are adaptable to suit the needs of any region, business operating unit, client, or project.
Stantec tracks lagging indicators (e.g., workers compensation costs, total recordable injury rates) and leading indicators (e.g., site visits, file reviews, safety meetings, worksite inspections) to gauge the effectiveness of the OHSMS.
The internal practice auditors in our Practice & Quality Management team conduct internal practice audits to assist in assessing compliance and identifying program strengths and opportunities for improving health and safety performance. Independent (third-party) audits of the OHSMS are also conducted yearly. As well, external audits are conducted in many provinces in Canada to maintain external certifications that meet provincial standards (e.g., a certificate of recognition).
Stantec Inc. 11
Stantecs Health, Safety and Environment Policy
Stantec is committed to providing and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and to responsibly managing all of the environmental aspects of its business.
Our core Company values guide us in all that we do. The way we treat our people, our clients, and our neighbors reflects who we are, what we believe in, and how we do our work. At Stantec, we believe in doing what is right, which includes sending our people home injury-free, every day.
Stantecs HSE Program is the cornerstone of the OHSMS, which, in turn, the is part of our Integrated Management System.
Stantec strives to
| Identify, assess, and manage the health, safety, and environmental hazards and risks to which our employees are exposed to |
| Minimize the environmental aspects and impacts associated with the services and products we provide |
| Help our employees develop an awareness and understanding of the health, safety, and environmental issues related to their work |
| Work collaboratively with employees to achieve health, safety, and environmental objectives |
| Comply with legislation, regulations, and appropriate industry standards |
| Monitor and enhance health, safety, and environmental practices through inspections, audits, reviews, investigations, corrective actions, and behavior-based processes |
| Provide a framework which supports the continual improvement of the system |
| Foster a culture in which all employees, partners, contractors, and subconsultants share a commitment to health, safety, and the environment |
Everyone working for Stantec is responsible and accountable for Stantecs health, safety, and environmental performance. Management, supervisors, employees, contractors, and subconsultants are expected to understand their roles and responsibilities, as outlined by the HSE Program, and to comply with the practices of the OHSMS.
ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System
To support Stantecs sustainability policyone that promotes improving our environmental performance and reducing our environmental footprintwe developed and implemented a formal Environmental Management System (EMS). Our EMS is registered to the ISO 14001:2004 environmental management standard, which is recognized internationally as the consensus environmental standard. The EMS is audited annually by an external auditor and requires leadership to establish environmental performance objectives (e.g., to reduce energy, resource use, and waste) and formally report on those objectives within an accountable and transparent framework.
Stantecs Sustainability Policy
Stantec is committed to being a leader and model of sustainability by doing business in a way that meets the needs of the present while contributing to an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable future. This commitment is at the heart of how we operate and deliver solutions to our clients, and is vital to our long-term success in achieving our vision.
We focus our efforts in the areas we believe we can have a significant impact, as follows:
| Building a leading sustainability consulting practice in the markets we serve by |
¡ | Using our expertise, experience, and influence to advance the sustainability of valued clients |
¡ | Incorporating sustainability into all of our service offerings |
¡ | Marketing and selling sustainable development services across all sectors |
| Integrating sustainability into our overall operations and everyday practice by |
¡ | Implementing best industry, employee, and vendor practices to reduce resource use, waste, and emissions while increasing efficiency and effectiveness |
12 Annual Information Form
¡ | Fostering an understanding of sustainability at all levels of our Company in ways that are both personally and professionally relevant |
¡ | Embracing an accountable and transparent governance and leadership structure that integrates sustainability considerations into all our business decisions |
¡ | Reporting on our sustainability performance and achievements |
Stantec strives to achieve the following:
| Environmental ProgressReduce our impact on the environment by progressing toward least-impact approaches to resource and energy use, waste, and emissions of carbon and toxins |
| Social ProgressEngage with stakeholders and support the communities in which we operate |
| Economic ViabilityDemonstrate that our sustainability efforts lead to long-term business vibrancy and viability in concert with our vision, strategic plan, and business objectives |
Responsibility for monitoring compliance with the Sustainability Policy rests with the CEO who has designated senior leadership responsibility to the senior vice president of People & Practice. Operational responsibility rests with the vice president of Sustainable Development.
International Operations
In 2014, Stantec remained active internationally; gross revenue from International operations was approximately $92.7 million.
We work in country via permanent offices located in the Middle East, the United Kingdom, India, and the Caribbean, and we manage and support that work from our offices in Canada and the United States.
We review all projects for compliance in accordance with Stantecs project management framework, which includes, among other things, following legal, financial, and technical processes. In addition, each in-country project is examined to ensure that any health and safety or political risks are acceptable. All major projects are subject to major project reviews, when applicable, and all projects have an executive leadership sponsor.
Risk Factors
For a review of the risks pertaining to our Company, please refer to our 2014 Managements Discussion and Analysis, pages M-58 to M-66 (incorporated by reference and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com).
Dividends
On February 15, 2012, Stantecs board of directors approved a dividend policy and concurrently declared Stantecs first quarterly dividend. Since then, we have paid quarterly dividends on our common shares. While the Company aims to declare and pay a dividend quarterly, our dividend policy is at the sole discretion of our board of directors and may vary depending on a variety of factors: prevailing economic and market conditions, the Companys earnings, financial requirements for the Companys operations, the business strategy of the Company, and any other factors that our board of directors considers relevant. Therefore, Stantec cannot guarantee that the dividend policy will be maintained.
Stantec Inc. 13
On September 4, 2014, our board of directors declared a two-for-one share split to be effected by way of a share dividend. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 31, 2014, were entitled to the share dividend on the payment date of November 14, 2014.
The following table outlines cash dividends paid per common share in 2014, 2013, and 2012. Dividends paid per common share have been restated to reflect the two-for-one share split described in the previous paragraph.
Dividends Paid (C$ per common share)
| ||||||||||
Year (Total)
|
Q4
|
Q3
|
Q2
|
Q1
| ||||||
2014
|
0.37
|
0.0925
|
0.0925
|
0.0925
|
0.0925
| |||||
2013
|
0.33
|
0.0825
|
0.0825
|
0.0825
|
0.0825
| |||||
2012
|
0.30
|
0.0750
|
0.0750
|
0.0750
|
0.0750
| |||||
Description of Capital Structure
Our authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in series, and an unlimited number of common shares. As at December 31, 2014, no preferred shares and 93,836,258 common shares were issued and outstanding. All references to common shares and pricing information presented in this Annual Information Form have been adjusted to reflect the Companys two-for-one share split effective November 14, 2014.
Preferred Shares
Preferred shares may be issued in one or more series. The board of directors determines the number of shares and the rights, privileges, restrictions, and conditions attaching to each series. The holders of the preferred shares as a class are not entitled to receive notice of or to attend any shareholders meeting and are not entitled to vote at any shareholders meeting, except to approve amendments to the terms of the preferred shares as a class or as required by law.
Each series of preferred shares will rank pari passu with each of the other series of preferred shares with respect to the entitlement to dividends or distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of Stantec. Preferred shares as a class rank ahead of common shares with respect to entitlement to dividends and distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of Stantec.
Common Shares
The holders of common shares are entitled to receive, as and when declared by our board of directors, dividends in such amount and in such form as our board of directors may from time to time determine. Holders of common shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend all shareholders meetings. They will have one vote for each common share held at all such meetings, unless the meeting is only for holders of another specified class or series of our shares who are entitled to vote separately as a class or series.
Common shares rank behind preferred shares with respect to entitlement to dividends and distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of Stantec.
14 Annual Information Form
Market for Securities
Trading Price and Volume
Our common shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol STN.
Stantec Inc. 15
Directors and Officers
The following table lists Stantecs directors as of February 25, 2015, and their municipality of residence and principal occupation:
Directors of Stantec Inc. | ||||
Name and Municipality of Residence | Principal Occupation | Director Since | ||
Douglas K. Ammerman Laguna Beach, California, United States |
Corporate Director | 2011 | ||
David L. Emerson Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
Corporate Director and Public Policy Advisor | 2009 | ||
Delores M. Etter Dallas, Texas, United States |
Professor of Electrical/Computer Engineering | 2011 | ||
Anthony P. Franceschini Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
Corporate Director | 1994 | ||
Robert J. Gomes Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
President & CEO of Stantec | 2009 | ||
Susan E. Hartman Evergreen, Colorado, United States |
President & CEO of The Hartman Group (a management consulting firm) |
2004 | ||
Aram H. Keith(1) Monarch Beach, California, United States |
Corporate Director | 2005 | ||
Donald J. Lowry Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
Corporate Director | 2013 | ||
Ivor M. Ruste Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
Executive Vice President and CFO, Cenovus Energy Inc. (a Canadian oil company) |
2007 | ||
(1) | Mr. Keith is the chair of our board. |
All Stantec directors are elected annually and hold office until the next annual shareholders meeting or until their earlier resignation. All directors have held the positions listed in the previous table or other executive positions with the same or associated firms or organizations during the past five years or more, except Mr. Lowry, who was the president and CEO of EPCOR Utilities Inc. until March 2013.
16 Annual Information Form
The following table lists the executive officers of Stantec as of February 25, 2015, their municipality of residence, and their principal occupation within the five preceding years:
Executive Officers of Stantec Inc.(1) | ||||
Name and Municipality of Residence |
Principal Occupation | Officer Position Held | ||
Robert J. Gomes Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
President & CEO | President & CEO, Stantec Inc. | ||
Daniel J. Lefaivre St. Albert, Alberta, Canada |
Executive Vice President & CFO | Executive Vice President & CFO, Stantec Inc. | ||
Richard K. Allen Canton, Massachusetts, United States |
Executive Vice President & COO | Executive Vice President & COO, Stantec Inc. | ||
Paul J. D. Alpern Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
Senior Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel |
Senior Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel, Stantec Inc. | ||
(1) | As chair of our board, Aram H. Keith is a nonexecutive officer of Stantec Inc. |
All executive officers have held the positions listed in the previous table or other executive positions with the same or associated firms or organizations during the past five years or more.
The following lists the members of each committee of the board in 2014:
| Audit and Risk Committee: Ivor M. Ruste (chair), Douglas K. Ammerman, David L. Emerson, Delores M. Etter |
| Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee: Susan E. Hartman (chair), Delores M. Etter, Donald J. Lowry |
Directors and Executive Officers Share Ownership
As a group, our directors and executive officers beneficially owned, controlled, or directed, either directly or indirectly, 928,802 common shares representing 0.99% of our issued and outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2014.
Audit and Risk Committee Information
Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference
The responsibilities and duties of our Audit and Risk Committee are set out in the committees Terms of Reference (Mandate), which is attached as Appendix I to this Annual Information Form.
Composition of the Audit and Risk Committee
Our Audit and Risk Committee members are Ivor M. Ruste (chair), Douglas K. Ammerman, David L. Emerson, and Delores M. Etter.
Stantec Inc. 17
The board of directors believes that the composition of the Audit and Risk Committee reflects an appropriate level of financial literacy and expertise. The board determined that each committee member is independent and financially literate (as those terms are defined under applicable Canadian and US securities laws). In addition, Mr. Ruste, Mr. Ammerman, and Mr. Emerson are audit committee financial experts (as this term is defined in the rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC]).
The following information describes each committee members education and experience that is relevant to the performance of his or her committee responsibilities.
Ivor M. Ruste
Mr. Ruste is currently executive vice president and CFO of Cenovus Energy Inc., a Canadian oil company headquartered in Calgary. He has a bachelor of commerce degree (with distinction) from the University of Alberta and is a fellow chartered accountant. From May 2006 to November 2009, Mr. Ruste worked for EnCana Corporation, and prior to joining Cenovus, he was executive vice president, Corporate Responsibility, and chief risk officer at EnCana. From 1998 to 2006, he was the managing partner of the Edmonton office of KPMG LLP and the Alberta regional managing partner and vice chair of the KPMG Canada board of directors. Mr. Ruste has been active in numerous other business, community, and professional endeavors.
As a chartered accountant with more than 30 years experience working as a senior financial executive and an auditor with KPMG LLP of both public and private companies, Mr. Ruste has reviewed and audited many complex financial statements and prepared interim and annual financial statements in accordance with both Canadian and US generally accepted accounting standards.
As of December 31, 2014, Mr. Ruste owned 5,900 common shares valued at $188,387 and 52,820 deferred share units valued at $1,655,934.
Douglas K. Ammerman
Mr. Ammerman is a retired partner with KPMG LLP. Mr. Ammerman was with KPMG for almost 30 years, and during that time, he served as the national practice partner, the managing partner of the Orange County office, and a member of KPMGs nominating committee for its board of directors. He holds a masters degree in business taxation from the University of Southern California, as well as a bachelor of arts degree with an accounting emphasis from California State University at Fullerton. Mr. Ammerman is past president and director emeritus of the Pacific Club and served in the Reagan administration as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Interior. He currently serves on the board of directors of Fidelity National Financial, Remy International, William Lyon Homes, and El Pollo Loco. Mr. Ammermans strong familiarity with the preparation and review of interim and annual financial statements is a valuable asset to the committee.
As of December 31, 2014, Mr. Ammerman owned 8,000 common shares valued at $255,440 and 22,864 deferred share units valued at $716,805.
David L. Emerson
Mr. Emerson, PC, is a corporate director and business and public policy advisor. He has served as a minister in the Government of Canada, including as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of International Trade, and Minister of Industry. He has also held a number of senior positions in the public service in British Columbia. In the private sector, he was president and CEO of Canfor Corporation, president and CEO of the Vancouver International Airport Authority, and chairman and CEO of Canadian Western Bank. In addition to serving on various corporate boards of directors, Mr. Emerson has chaired a number of public policy advisory panels at both the federal and provincial levels. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in economics from the University of Alberta and a doctorate in economics from Queens University. His education and experience have provided him with a breadth of knowledge regarding complex accounting issues.
As of December 31, 2014, Mr. Emerson owned 10,000 common shares valued at $319,300 and 37,842 deferred share units valued at $1,186,369.
18 Annual Information Form
Delores M. Etter
Dr. Etter has been Director of the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education and the Texas Instruments Distinguished Chair in Engineering Education at Southern Methodist University since June 2008. From September 2005 to November 2007, she held the position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. Dr. Etter is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering and Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Society for Engineering Education. She has held multiple substantive positions within the US Department of Defense, as well as served on the faculty at the US Naval Academy, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of New Mexico. Dr. Etter has over 10 years of audit committee experience with other public and nonprofit organizations, and her background has provided her with all-encompassing business practices that are an asset to the committee.
As of December 31, 2014, Dr. Etter owned 5,310 common shares valued at $169,548 and 22,864 deferred share units valued at $716,805.
Preapproval Policy
The Audit and Risk Committee must preapprove the audit and nonaudit services performed by the independent auditor to ensure that the provision of those services does not impair the auditors independence. Unless a type of service to be provided by the independent auditor has received general preapproval, it will require specific preapproval by the Audit and Risk Committee. Any proposed services exceeding preapproved cost levels will require specific preapproval by the Audit and Risk Committee.
External Auditor Service Fees
Aggregate fees paid to Ernst & Young LLP, our external auditor, during fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013 follow:
Category
|
Note
|
2014 (C$)
|
2013 (C$)
|
|||||
Audit fees |
1 | 1,337,000 | 1,079,000 | |||||
Audit-related fees |
2 | 20,000 | 26,000 | |||||
Tax fees |
3 | 402,000 | 482,000 | |||||
All other fees
|
4
|
76,000
|
-
|
|||||
Total Fees
|
1,835,000
|
1,587,000
|
(1) | Audit fees: Audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP for the audit and review of Stantecs financial statements or services normally provided by Ernst & Young LLP in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. |
(2) | Audit-related fees: Assurance and related services provided by Ernst & Young LLP. These services can include accounting consultations and attest services not required by statute or regulation. |
(3) | Tax fees: Professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for income tax compliance. These generally involve the preparation of US original and amended tax returns and claims for refund, tax adviceincluding assistance with tax audits plus tax advice relating to mergers, acquisitions and financing structuresand tax planning. |
(4) | All other fees: Professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for consulting services related to the design of a global mobility program. |
Stantec Inc. 19
Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Actions
We have pending legal claims and suits both by and against us. These are typical of the industries we operate in. Where appropriate, these claims have been reported to our insurers and the insurers of our predecessors, who are in the process of adjusting or defending them. None are expected to have a material effect on our financial position.
No penalties or sanctions have been imposed against us by a court relating to provincial and territorial securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority. Nor have any other penalties or sanctions been imposed by a court or regulatory body against us that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision. We have not entered into any settlement agreements before a court relating to provincial and territorial securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority.
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company of Canada is our transfer agent for our common shares listed on the TSX and NYSE at its offices in Calgary, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; and Canton, Massachusetts.
Material Contracts
We did not enter into any material contracts outside the ordinary course of business in 2014. We consider the acquisition of professional services firms to be in the ordinary course of our business.
Interests of Experts
The Companys auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, Chartered Accountants, are located at 10020 100 Street, Suite 2200, Edmonton, Alberta. The auditors are independent in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta and have complied with the SECs rules on auditor independence.
Additional Information
Financial information is provided in our Managements Discussion and Analysis for our most recently completed financial year. Additional information contained in our Management Information Circular includes directors and officers remuneration and indebtedness, the principal holders of our securities, and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.
20 Annual Information Form
Copies of this Annual Information Form, as well as our latest Management Information Circular and Annual Report (which includes our Managements Discussion and Analysis and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2014), may be obtained from our website at www.stantec.com or by mail on request from the secretary at 10160 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2L6. Disclosure documents and any reports, statements, or other information that we file with Canadian provincial securities commissions or other similar regulatory authorities are also available through SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
NYSE Corporate Governance Disclosure
As a foreign private issuer listed on the NYSE, we are generally entitled to follow the Canadian requirements to the extent not contrary to US securities laws, including the rules of National Instrument 58-101 and National Policy 58-201, with respect to corporate governance practices. We are required, pursuant to Section 303A.11 of the NYSEs Listed Company Manual, to identify any significant ways that our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by US domestic companies under NYSE listing standards. These differences can be found on our website at www.stantec.com.
Stantec Inc. 21
Appendix I Audit and Risk Committee
Terms of Reference (Mandate)
A. | Overview and Purpose |
The Audit and Risk Committee is appointed by, and responsible to, the board of directors. The committee approves, monitors, evaluates, advises, and makes recommendations, in accordance with these terms of reference, on matters affecting the external and internal audits, risk management matters, the integrity of financial reporting, and the accounting control policies and practices of the corporation. The involvement of the committee in overseeing the financial reporting process, including assessing the reasonableness of managements accounting judgments and estimates and reviewing key filings with regulatory agencies is an important element of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. The committee has oversight responsibility for the performance of both the internal auditors and the external auditors. The committee also ensures the qualifications and independence of the external auditors. The committee has oversight of the corporations compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
It is not the duty of the committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the corporations financial statements are complete, accurate, and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
B. | Authority and Responsibilities |
The Audit and Risk Committee shall:
a. | Request such information and explanations in regard to the accounts of the corporation as the committee may consider necessary and appropriate to carry out its duties and responsibilities. |
b. | Consider any other matters which, in the opinion of the committee or at the request of the board, would assist the directors to meet their responsibilities. |
c. | Provide reports and minutes of meetings to the board. |
d. | Engage independent counsel and other advisors as may be deemed or considered necessary and determine the fees of such counsel and advisors. Receive confirmation from management that the corporation has provided for adequate funding for the payment of compensation to the independent counsel and other advisors. |
C. | Membership |
The members of the committee shall be composed of a minimum of three independent directors, appointed by the board, all of whom must be financially literate as defined under the rules of the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and applicable Canadian securities laws. At least one member shall have accounting or related financial management expertise and be an audit committee financial expert as defined in SEC regulations. For greater clarity, the board has adopted the definition of independent director as set out in Multilateral Instrument 52-110 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. The chair of the board of directors shall be an ex-officio member of the Audit and Risk Committee, in addition to the minimum number of required independent directors.
The chair of the committee shall be designated by the board. Attendance by invitation at all or a portion of committee meetings is determined by the committee chair or its members and would normally include the chief financial officer of the corporation, representatives of the external auditor, the internal auditor, and such other officers or support staff as may be deemed appropriate.
22 Annual Information Form
D. | Financial Statements and Disclosures |
1 | Review, and recommend to the board for approval, the annual audited financial statements and management discussion and analysis. |
2 | Review, and recommend to the board for approval, the following public disclosure documents: |
a. | The annual management information circular and proxy materials |
b. | The annual information form, including any regulatory requirements for audit and risk committee reporting obligations |
c. | The year-end news release on the earnings of the corporation |
d. | Other regulatory filings of a financial nature |
3 | Review and, if appropriate, approve and authorize the release of the quarterly unaudited financial statements including managements discussion and analysis, the quarterly interim report to shareholders, and the quarterly press release on the earnings of the corporation. However, in the event that there is a significant or extraordinary matter that, in the opinion of the committee, should be reviewed by the board before the release of such information, the matter shall be referred to the board for review. |
4 | Receive quarterly report from the disclosure committee on the adequacy of disclosure with respect to material events in the corporations financial statements, managements discussion and analysis, and earnings press releases. |
5 | Receive annually an evaluation from the internal auditor of the procedures that exist for the review of financial information (extracted or derived from financial statements) that is publicly disclosed by the corporation. |
6 | Review, and recommend to the board for approval, all annual financial statements, reports of a financial nature (other than quarterly unaudited financial statements), and the financial content of prospectuses or any other reports that require approval by the board prior to submission thereof to any regulatory authority. |
7 | Review the Audit and Risk Committee information required as part of the annual information form. |
8 | Review with management on an annual basis, the corporations obligations pursuant to guarantees (including those granted under the Surety Credit Facility) that have been issued and material obligations that have been entered into and the manner in which these guarantees and obligations have been, or should be, disclosed in the financial statements. |
9 | Review and assess, in conjunction with management and the external auditor, at least annually or on a quarterly basis where appropriate or required: |
a. | The appropriateness of accounting policies and financial reporting practices used by the corporation, including alternative treatments that are available for consideration |
b. | Any significant proposed changes in financial reporting and accounting policies and practices to be adopted by the corporation |
c. | Any new or pending developments in accounting and reporting standards that may affect or impact on the corporation |
d. | Any off-balance sheet structures |
e. | The key estimates and judgments of management that may be material to the financial reporting of the corporation |
10 | At least annually, request the external auditor to provide their views on the quality (not just the acceptability) of the corporations annual and interim financial reporting. Such quality assessment should encompass judgments about the appropriateness, aggressiveness, or conservatism of estimates and elective accounting principles or methods and judgments about the clarity of disclosures. |
11 | Review any litigation, claim, or other contingency, including tax assessments, that could have a material effect upon the financial position or operating results of the corporation and the manner in which these matters have been disclosed in the financial statements. |
12 | Review with management on a quarterly basis, the indicators of impairment to the corporations goodwill. |
Stantec Inc. 23
E. | External Auditor |
13 | Assess the performance and consider the annual appointment of an external auditor for recommendation to the board for ultimate recommendation for appointment by the shareholders. |
14 | Review, approve, and execute the annual engagement letter with the external auditor and ensure that there is a clear understanding between the board, the committee, the external auditor, and management that the external auditor reports directly to the shareholders and the board through the committee. The terms of the engagement letter or the annual audit plan should include, but not be limited to, the following: |
a. | Staffing |
b. | Objectives and scope of the external audit work |
c. | Materiality limits |
d. | Audit reports required |
e. | Areas of audit risk |
f. | Timetable |
g. | The proposed fees |
15 | Obtain and review a report from the external auditor at least annually regarding the auditors independence and the professions or audit firms requirements regarding audit partner rotation. |
16 | Approve, before the fact, the engagement of the external auditor for all nonaudit services and the fees for such services and consider the impact on the independence of the external audit work of fees for such nonaudit services. |
17 | Review all fees paid to the external auditor for audit services and, if appropriate, recommend their approval to the board. Receive confirmation from management that the corporation has provided for adequate funding for the payment of compensation to the external auditor. |
18 | Receive an annual certification from the external auditor that they participate in the public oversight program established by the Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB) and the standards of the United States Public Company Accounting Board (PCAOB) and that they are in good standing with the CPAB and the PCAOB. |
19 | Review a report from the external auditors describing (a) the firms internal quality control procedures and (b) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review or peer review of the firm or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the preceding five years regarding the audits carried out by the external auditor together with any steps taken to deal with any such issues. |
20 | Receive and resolve any disagreements between management and the external auditor regarding all aspects of the corporations financial reporting. |
21 | Review with the external auditor the results of the annual audit examination including, but not limited to, the following: |
a. | Any difficulties encountered, or restrictions imposed by management, during the annual audit |
b. | Any significant accounting or financial reporting issues |
c. | The auditors evaluation of the corporations internal controls over financial reporting and managements evaluation thereon, including internal control deficiencies identified by the auditor that have not been previously reported to the committee |
d. | The auditors evaluation of the selection and application of accounting principles and estimates and the presentation of disclosures |
e. | The post-audit or management letter or other material written communications containing any findings or recommendations of the external auditor including managements response thereto and the subsequent follow-up to any identified internal accounting control weaknesses |
f. | Any other matters which the external auditor should bring to the attention of the committee |
22 | Meet with the external auditor at every meeting of the committee or as requested by the auditor, without management representatives present, and meet with management, at least annually or as requested by management, without the external auditor present. |
24 Annual Information Form
23 | When there is to be a change in the external auditor, review all issues related to the change, including the information to be included in the notice of change of auditor called for under National Instrument 51-102 and the planned steps for an orderly transition. |
24 | Review and approve the corporations hiring policies regarding employees and former employees of the present and former external auditors of the corporation. |
25 | Receive comments from the external auditor on their assessment of the effectiveness of the committees oversight of internal control over financial reporting. |
26 | Conduct an annual assessment of the effectiveness of the external auditor. |
F. | Internal Audit |
27 | Review the appointment or termination of the internal auditor. |
28 | Review and approve the internal audit charter periodically (at least every three years). |
29 | Review and approve the annual audit plan of the internal auditor (where applicable) and ensure that there is a clear understanding between the board, the committee, the internal auditor, and management that the internal auditor reports directly to the board through the committee. Receive confirmation from management that the corporation has provided for adequate funding for the internal auditor. The terms of the audit plan should include, but not be limited to, the following: |
a. | Staffing |
b. | Objectives and scope of the internal audit work |
c. | Materiality limits |
d. | Audit reports required |
e. | Areas of audit risk |
f. | Timetable |
g. | The proposed budget |
30 | Review with the internal auditor the results of their audit examination, including, but not be limited to, the following: |
a. | Any difficulties encountered, or restrictions imposed by management, during the audit |
b. | Any significant accounting or financial reporting issues |
c. | The auditors evaluation of the corporations system of internal accounting controls, procedures, and documentation |
d. | The internal audit reports or other material written communications containing any findings or recommendations of the internal auditor, including managements response thereto and the subsequent follow-up to any identified internal accounting control weaknesses |
e. | Any other matters which the internal auditor should bring to the attention of the committee |
31 | Meet with the internal auditor at every meeting of the committee or as requested by the internal auditor, without management representatives present. |
G. | Internal Controls |
32 | Obtain reasonable assurance, through discussions with and reports from management, the external auditor, and the internal auditors, that the accounting systems are reliable, the system for preparation of financial data reported to the market is adequate and effective, and the system of internal controls is effectively designed and implemented. |
33 | Review managements annual report on the effectiveness of internal controls and procedures, as well as quarterly and annual chief executive officer and chief financial officer certificates filed pursuant to securities regulations. |
34 | Receive reports from management and/or the internal auditor on all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses identified. |
35 | Review annually, or as required, the appropriateness of the system of internal controls and approval policies and practices concerning the expenses of the officers of the Corporation, including the use of its assets. |
Stantec Inc. 25
36 | Review and approve, on a quarterly after-the-fact basis, the expense accounts of the board chair and of the chief executive officer of the corporation. |
H. | Risk |
General
37 | Review at least annually with management: |
a. | the Corporations method of identifying, evaluating, mitigating and reporting on the principal risks inherent in the Corporations businesses and strategic directions; |
b. | the systems, policies and practices applicable to the Corporations assessment, management, prevention and mitigation of risks (including strategic, operating, compliance, reputation as well as financial risks including but not limited to the foreign currency, liquidity and interest rate risk, the use of derivative instruments, counterparty credit exposure, litigation and adequacy of tax provisions); and |
c. | the Corporations risk appetite, risk tolerance and risk retention philosophy, including the Corporations loss prevention policies and insurance programs and corporate liability protection programs for directors and officers, as well as disaster response and business continuity plans. |
38 | Receive an annual report from and review with management, the status of the Corporations principal and emerging risks, and the related mitigation programs (the Enterprise Risk Management program). Receive quarterly updates from management on the Corporations Enterprise Risk Management program. |
39 | Review with management the disclosures of the Corporations risks and risk factors in the Corporations annual information form, the MD&A and other regulatory filings. |
40 | Report to the board annually on its activities in connection with the risk oversight role referenced herein so that the board as a whole can fulfill its responsibilities for risk oversight. |
41 | Receive a risk assessment report from management following due diligence on acquisitions within North America with an enterprise value of $70 million (Canadian) or greater and all acquisitions with atypical risks or outside North America, make such further inquiries as considered necessary, and report thereon to the board. The content of the risk assessment report will be initially developed by the committee in conjunction with management and will be reviewed annually by the committee. |
Finance
42 | Review and assess, in conjunction with management and the external auditor, at least annually or on a quarterly basis where appropriate or required, the impact of the corporations capital structure on current and future profitability. |
43 | Review and recommend to the board of directors proposals requesting a grant of a guarantee issued by Stantec for an amount in excess of $10 million, prior to issuance. |
44 | Review and recommend to the board of directors proposals requesting a grant of a surety bond issued by Stantec or its subsidiaries for: (a) an amount in excess of $10 million individually or (b) where by virtue of the grant of such surety bond would put the aggregate value of all surety bonds issued and outstanding in excess of $50 million, prior to issuance. |
45 | Review and approve, if appropriate and as required, the decision to enter into swaps that are exempt from the requirements of sections 2(h)(1) and 2(h)(8) of the US Commodity Exchange Act and to exercise the end-user exception. |
46 | Review and approve, as required, any policies with respect to swaps, hedging activities, clearing and the end-user exception. |
26 Annual Information Form
I. | Compliance/Fraud |
47 | Receive quarterly reports on the corporations fraud risk assessment activities. |
48 | In accordance with the corporations integrity practices, review and determine the disposition of any complaints or correspondence received under the policy. |
49 | Discuss with management the corporations policies and procedures designed to ensure an effective compliance and ethics program, including the corporations code of ethics. |
50 | Discuss with management and the corporations in-house legal counsel any legal matters that may have a material impact on the financial statements or the corporations compliance requirements. |
51 | Review quarterly, the compliance certificate of the chief financial officer. |
J. | Other |
52 | Review, as required, any claims of indemnification pursuant to the bylaws of the corporation. |
53 | Receive at least annually a report from the chief financial officer regarding private aircraft use, including itinerary and passenger manifest. |
54 | Review and determine the disposition of any complaints received from shareholders or any regulatory body. |
55 | Conduct an annual assessment of the effectiveness of the committee and provide a report thereon to the board. |
56 | Review annually the terms of reference for the committee and recommend any required changes to the board. |
K. | Meetings |
57 | Regular meetings of the committee are held at least four times each year. |
58 | Meetings may be called by the committee chair or by a majority of the committee members, usually in consultation with management of the corporation. |
59 | Meetings are chaired by the committee chair or, in the chairs absence, by a member chosen from among the committee. |
60 | A quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the committee is a majority of the appointed members. |
61 | The secretary of the corporation shall provide for the delivery of notices, agendas, and supporting materials to the committee members at least five (5) days prior to the meeting except in unusual circumstances. |
62 | Meetings may be conducted with members present or by telephone or other communications facilities that permit all persons participating in the meeting to hear or communicate with each other. |
63 | A written resolution signed by all committee members entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of the committee is as valid as one passed at a committee meeting. |
64 | The secretary of the corporation, or his designate, shall be the secretary for the committee and shall keep a record of minutes of all meetings of the committee. |
65 | Minutes of the meetings of the committee shall be distributed by the secretary of the corporation to all members of the committee and shall be submitted for approval at the next regular meeting of the committee. |
Stantec Inc. 27
Exhibit 99.2
Managements Discussion and Analysis
February 25, 2015
This discussion and analysis of Stantec Inc.s operations, financial position, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014, dated February 25, 2015, should be read in conjunction with the Companys 2014 audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our 2014 audited consolidated financial statements and related notes are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). All comparative share capital, earnings per share, dividends per share, and share-based payment transaction information have been adjusted for amounts previously reported for the two-for-one share split that occurred on November 14, 2014. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts shown in this report are in Canadian dollars.
Additional information regarding the Company, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Such additional information is not incorporated by reference unless otherwise specified and should not be deemed to be made part of this Managements Discussion and Analysis.
Executive Summary
Core Business and Strategy
| We collaborate across disciplines and industries to bring buildings, energy and resource, and infrastructure projects to life. We provide professional consulting services in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics. Our promise is to design with community in mind. |
| Our business objective is to be a top 10 global design firm. We plan to achieve a compound average growth rate of 15% through a combination of organic and acquisition growth. |
| To achieve our business objective, we focus on the following: using the strength of our local positioning to bring our world-class expertise to the communities in which we live and work; driving a client-focused culture through cross-selling efforts, account management strategies, and strong local relationships; focusing on quality and creativity; positioning ourselves among the top-tier service providers in the sectors and geographic locations in which we operate; and expanding our capabilities and geographic reach through strategic hires and the acquisition and integration of firms that share our vision and culture. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-1 | Stantec Inc. |
Key Performance Drivers and Capabilities
| Our performance is driven by external factors in the infrastructure and facilities industry and by internal strategic drivers and capabilities that are articulated through our value statements: we put people first, we are better together, we do what is right, and we are driven to achieve. |
Results
| Continued profitability and organic growth. Our gross revenue grew 13.1% in 2014 compared to 2013. Of this gross revenue growth, 6.5% resulted from acquisitions and 3.9% from organic growth, particularly in our Power, Water, and Community Development sectors. We achieved a 12.8% increase in our EBITDA and our diluted earnings per share increased 10.8% to $1.74 in 2014 compared to $1.57 in 2013. |
| Growth through acquisition. Acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014 contributed $144.6 million to the increase in our gross revenue in 2014 compared to 2013. We completed eight acquisitions in 2014 and five in 2013.These acquisitions strengthened our presence in the North America. |
| Strong balance sheet and liquidity. Our balance sheet remains strong. Cash flows from operations in the year supported acquisition growth and continued dividends. During the year, we extended the maturity date of our existing $350 million revolving credit facility to August 31, 2018. As at December 31, 2014, $281.9 million of additional borrowing was available under our revolving credit facility for future acquisitions, working capital needs, and general corporate purposes. |
| Evolution to business operating units. In 2014, we realigned our organizational structure from five practice area units to three business operating units: Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure. |
Outlook
| We believe that we will achieve a moderate increase of approximately 3% organic gross revenue growth in 2015 compared to 2014. For both our Canadian operations and our Energy & Resources business operating unit, we anticipate a decline in organic growth in the first half of 2015 compared to 2014, followed by stable organic revenues in the second half of the year. We expect to achieve moderate full-year organic revenue growth in both our US and International operations. Our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units are also expected to achieve moderate organic revenue growth in 2015 over 2014. |
Risks
| Various risk factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in the Outlook section and forward-looking statements of this report. The material, known risks are described in the Risk Factors section of this report. We believe there will be increased activity in sectors and geographical regions that are linked to non-energy export markets led by the improving US economy. Economic pressures and uncertainties, volatility in the Canadian/US exchange rate, volatility in energy and commodity prices, and public infrastructure funding may adversely impact our current outlook for 2015. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-2 | Stantec Inc. |
Core Business and Strategy
Core Business
The following discussion includes forward-looking statements. For an outline of the material risks and assumptions associated with these statements, refer to the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements at the end of this report.
We collaborate across disciplines and industries to bring buildings, energy and resource, and infrastructure projects to life. Our workprofessional consulting in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.
Our Company celebrated its 60th year of operations in 2014. Since 1954, our local strength, knowledge, and relationships, coupled with our world-class expertise, have allowed us to go anywhere to meet our clients needs in more creative and personalized ways. With a long-term commitment to the people and places we serve, Stantec has the unique ability to connect to projects on a personal level and advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.
Business Objective
Our business objective is to be a top 10 global design firm. Currently, we are a top 10 design firm in North America and a top 20 firm globally. We continue to work diligently to improve this top-tier position. We believe that our continued growth will increase shareholder value and give our employees the opportunity to bring their talent and expertise to top clients with complex projects that span multiple disciplines around the world. We plan to achieve a compound average growth rate of 15% through a combination of organic and acquisition growth.
Strategy
To establish a clear plan for achieving our business objectiveto be a top 10 global design firmwe have a strategic planning process that consists of three-year cycles between comprehensive strategic review years and interim execution years. In a comprehensive strategic review year we develop our long-range (five-year) strategy. In the three interim execution years, we focus on implementing and executing that long-range strategy. Following the 2012 comprehensive strategic review year, 2013, 2014, and 2015 are execution years. In 2015, we will complete a comprehensive strategic review.
In 2014, we focused on executing our strategy. Our purpose, promise, and values form the foundation for our strategy. Our purpose is to create communities, and our promise is to design with community in mind. Our values are
| We put people first |
| We are better together |
| We do what is right |
| We are driven to achieve |
For each action-oriented value statement, we identify annual initiatives relating to human capital, learning and growth, clients, business processes, and operational and financial performance. (Our four value statements and initiatives are further described in the Key Performance Drivers and Capabilities section of this report.) We seek to achieve our business objective by executing the following strategies:
| Design. Focusing on professional consulting, we take on little or no construction risk |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-3 | Stantec Inc. |
| Community presence. Using the strength of our local position to bring our world-class expertise to the communities in which we live and work |
| Local and global client focus. Driving a client-focused culture through cross-selling efforts, account management strategies, and strong local relationships |
| Culture of excellence. Focusing on quality and creativity to provide value-added services through integrated quality management systems |
| Top-tier positioning. Positioning ourselves among the top-tier service providers in the sectors and geographic locations in which we operate |
| Expansion of capabilities and geographic reach. Expanding our capabilities and geographic reach through strategic hires and the acquisition and integration of firms that share our vision and culture |
| Diversification. Pursuing project and client diversification through a three-dimensional business model, thereby mitigating risk |
Business Model
Our business model is a key element of our strategy. It is based on providing services across diverse geographic locations, business operating units, and all phases of the infrastructure and facilities project life cycleplanning, design, construction, maintenance, and decommissioning.
Because of the diversity of our model, we can generally adapt to changes in market conditions by offsetting decreased demand for services in one business operating unit or geographic location with increased demand for services in another. We believe this strategy allows us to mitigate risk while continuing to increase our revenue and earnings. Also, it allows us to provide services to many clients and for many projects, ensuring that we do not rely on a few large projects for our revenue and that no single client or project accounts for more than 5% of our gross revenue.
Under the rules of IFRS, we have one reportable segmentConsulting Servicesthat is an aggregate of our operating segments. Our chief operating decision maker (chief executive officer) assesses our Companys performance based on financial information available from our operating segments, which are based on our regional geographic areas. In addition, we have business operating unit leaders who provide strategic direction, mentoring, and technical support to operations across our geographic regions.
The following information outlines the three main components of our business model: geographic diversification, business operating units, and life cycle solutions.
Geographic Diversification
The first element of our business model is geographic diversification. We operate in three geographic regional operating unitsCanada, the United States, and International. Our International offices are in the Middle East, the United Kingdom, India, and the Caribbean. In 2014, we earned 53% of our gross revenue in Canada, 43% in the United States, and 4% in International locations. Our aim is to leverage global expertise while focusing on our strong local presence.
Over the next three to five years, we expect that the majority of our revenue growth will come from within North America and that this will occur through both organic growth and acquisitions. During this time, we will gradually increase our geographic reach in other markets suited for and receptive to our services.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-4 | Stantec Inc. |
Canada. At December 31, 2014, we had approximately 7,500 employees in Canada. We benefit from a mature market position within each of our regions. Strategically, we view our opportunities as follows:
| In western Canada, our primary growth areas include developing our significant multisector opportunities and continuing to develop our presence in oil and gas, power, mining, and commercial areas. To pursue clients, our Environmental Services, Power, Mining, and Oil & Gas teams will continue to work collaboratively on business development. |
| In Ontario, we continue to focus on augmenting our existing capabilities by emphasizing growth in our Transportation, Healthcare, Community Development, Water, and Power sectors, as well as in other areas. |
| The Dessau Inc. acquisition on January 16, 2015, added over 1,300 employees to our Company. Because of this, we believe we can now leverage opportunities in Quebec, particularly in resource and commercial development, as a result of the significant investment planned and underway by the public sector in infrastructure and social facilities. |
| In Atlantic Canada, we anticipate taking advantage of industrial and commercial opportunities for our Buildings business operating unit in two ways: by accessing our relationships in our Energy & Resources business operating unit and by capitalizing on our significant local market presence. |
We believe that sustainable resource development is important for the future of our Canadian operations. Our joint ventures and partnerships with Aboriginal groups, communities, and governments have given us a substantial local presence and a commanding presence in the North; we believe our presence positions us well to capitalize on opportunities, particularly with oil and gas and mining clients. We will continue to pursue wins in public-private partnerships (P3) and emerging integrated project delivery (IPD) markets, particularly in our Transportation and Healthcare sectors.
United States. We have approximately 6,400 employees in the United States, where economic growth is improving. Due to acquisitions over the past five years, we are achieving critical mass and diversity across many sectors in many geographies. Strategically, we view our opportunities as follows:
| We anticipate taking advantage of improved economic conditions in the transportation and community development sectors and the relative stability in the environmental services, buildings, and industrial buildings sectors. |
| We expect to build on our energy-related business because of the significant activity in shale, the strength of the power industry, and the need for infrastructure to support development. |
| We expect to capitalize on infrastructure opportunities supported by certain state regulations promoting alternative project delivery (APD). |
| We believe we can leverage our new acquisitions in the United States to diversify beyond our infrastructure roots and better position ourselves in the energy and resources and buildings markets. |
| We believe we are well positioned in our Community Development sector to capture increased housing activities in Florida and California. |
| We anticipate that trends like resiliency planning and storm preparation will continue. We also anticipate progress in areas such as healthcare and education, which are driven by population growth, supportive state initiatives, and increased clarity in federal programs. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-5 | Stantec Inc. |
International. We have approximately 300 employees in our International operations. The majority of revenue comes from our Buildings business operating unit and our Mining sector. During 2014, growth was positively impacted by hospital and institutional projects. However, the mining sector business is cyclical, so we expect that organic growth will level off over the medium term.
To offset this trend, we will focus on growing organically in other sectors where we will concentrate activities in areas where we currently have a presence. Like we do in our other locations, we expect to leverage our local position to drive cross-selling opportunities to clients in the United Kingdom and the Middle East.
Business Operating Units
Business operating unit specialization is the second element of our business model. During 2014, we completed the realignment of our organizational structure from five practice area units to three specialized business operating units: Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure. We believe that this realignment ensures better support for our clients, stronger accountability for our leadership team, and more opportunities for cross selling, which, in turn, creates future growth and success. We will accomplish these while maintaining the core elements of our strategy. In 2014, we earned 21% of our gross revenue in Buildings, 44% in Energy & Resources, and 35% in Infrastructure.
Within our three business operating units, we focus on the top 12 sectors that our clients operate in. By better understanding our clients goals, market influences, and business drivers, we can offer multidisciplinary solutions to meet their needs.
Buildings. Most revenue in the Buildings business operating unit consists of services in architecture, buildings engineering, project management, interior design, and functional planning for vertical infrastructure. The majority of our revenue is earned from private sector and institutional clients, the remaining from public sector clients. We provide services in the following sectors:
| Airports & Aviation |
| Commercial |
| Education & Institutional |
| Healthcare |
| Industrial Buildings |
| Science & Technology |
Energy & Resources. Most revenue in our Energy & Resources business operating unit is composed of environmental services (these services are also provided to other business operating units), industrial engineering services, project management, and construction management services, primarily for private sector clients. Services are provided in the following sectors:
| Mining |
| Oil & Gas |
| Power |
Infrastructure. The majority of revenue in our Infrastructure business operating unit is from design and engineering services, with a small portion from project and construction management. We provide services in the following sectors:
| Community Development |
| Transportation (Bridges, Roadways, and Transit & Rail) |
| Water |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-6 | Stantec Inc. |
For the most part, the Community Development sector serves private sector clients. Our Transportation and Water sectors primarily serve public sector clients.
Life Cycle Solutions
The third element of our business model is providing professional services in all phases of the project life cycle: planning, design, construction, maintenance, and decommissioning. This inclusive approach enables us to deliver services during periods of strong new capital project activity (design and construction), plus deliver services during periods of redevelopment or operational spending activity (maintenance, integrity management, and remediation). We believe this strategy enables us to maintain long-term client relationships throughout the life of a project or an infrastructure asset.
Beginning with the planning and design stages, we provide conceptual and detailed design services, conduct feasibility studies, and prepare plans and specifications. During the construction phase, we generally act as the owners representative and provide project management, construction management, surveying, and resident engineering services. We focus principally on fee-for-service work and rarely act as the contractor or take on construction risk. During the maintenance phase that follows project completion, we provide ongoing professional services for integrity management, as well as maintenance and rehabilitation projects in areas such as facilities and infrastructure management, facilities operations, and performance engineering. Finally, in the decommissioning phase, we provide solutions, recommendations, and remediation strategies for taking facilities out of active service.
Key Performance Drivers and Capabilities
Our key performance drivers are defined by external forces and by internal factors that are articulated through our value statements: we put people first, we are better together, we do what is right, and we are driven to achieve. The following discussion includes forward-looking statements. For an outline of the material risks and assumptions associated with these statements, refer to the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements at the end of this report.
Key External Drivers
Our core business is driven by a number of external industry factors that affect the demand for our services.
Buildings. In our Buildings business operating unit, economic outlook, unemployment rates, population growth, changing demographics in North America, security, and aging infrastructure are the overarching drivers that impact the need for new facilities and renovations and expansions to existing buildings.
Our Buildings sectors and additional drivers that impact them follow:
| Airports & Aviation level of passenger traffic and security requirements (these influence the building and renovation of airport facilities) |
| Commercial consumer demand and market penetration relating to retail consumption and commercial workspace |
| Education population growth, public funding, technology, scientific advancement, and confidence in the economic turnaround |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-7 | Stantec Inc. |
| Healthcare aging and growing population and government funding of capital projects (in particular, health reform supports capital spending in the United States) |
| Industrial Buildings strong manufacturing industry in North America and process improvements (these affect the need for industrial buildings and facilities) |
Energy & Resources. Our Energy & Resources business operating unit is driven primarily by the supply and demand for commodities in the global economy and is affected by commodity prices. In recent years, strong demand for commodities from countries such as China, India, and Brazil has generally caused a rise in the prices of oil, gas, and mineral resources. However, the market is cyclical and can cause dramatic fluctuations in supply and demand conditions, thereby affecting commodity prices. In periods of declining oil prices, upstream and downstream segments of the energy sector may delay or cancel investments in capital projects. However, in the midstream sector, where we have significant expertise, clients may move forward with new, rehabilitated, or repurposed large capital infrastructure in periods of declining oil prices as these are significant multiyear projects that are not as affected by short-term commodity fluctuations. Environmental regulations and stakeholder engagements also influence the development of energy and resources, especially in North America where assessment, compliance, and monitoring are subject to increasingly stringent requirements.
Our Power sector is more of an infrastructure business, but economic activity also affects power demand and therefore impacts this market to a degree. In addition, activity in our Power sector is influenced by regulations, the age of infrastructure, the location of supply and demand for transmission and distribution, and the level of subsidization related to renewables.
Infrastructure. Our Infrastructure business operating unit is driven by population growth, urbanization, and the continuous need to rehabilitate aging infrastructure. Government funding and environmental regulations impact this market as do changes in the housing market and special community initiatives. Also, government fundingwhether at the federal, state/provincial, or municipal levelgenerally determines capital spending and infrastructure project priorities. Increasingly, the private sector is influencing this market by engaging in project delivery approaches, such as P3s, and projects with direct user fees, such as toll roads. Overall, this business operating unit relies heavily on local and regional clients and benefits from Stantecs strong community presence.
Key Internal Drivers
We believe our actionable value statements best reflect what unites Stantec and compels our people to come to work and do their best every day. Our performance depends on our ability to achieve excellence by putting people first, developing strong, long-lasting relationships with each other and our clients, doing what is right, and being driven to achieve at every level. Our value system provides a framework for the strategic initiatives we implement to drive our performance and obtain our overall business objective to be a top 10 global design firm.
We Put People First
We continue to evolve by attracting talent and developing our people. This entails assessing and guiding current employees, engaging and developing leadership, and ensuring we create an experience and work environment that retains talent. The total number of employees at our Company increased from close to 13,200 in 2013 to approximately 14,200 at the end of 2014. At December 31, 2014, our workforce included approximately 8,500 professionals, 4,000 technical staff, and 1,700 support personnel. With the addition of Dessau Inc. on January 16, 2015, we have grown to over 15,500 employees.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-8 | Stantec Inc. |
Employees
We strive to attract and retain the best employees in the field. To do this, we design our programs to be competitive and flexible, and to reward top performance. This begins with providing comprehensive benefits programs, including a wellness culture where we provide tools and support to help employees and their families improve their health and well-being.
We have three career streamsbusiness, technical, and project managementto provide employees with career development direction and growth opportunities based on their primary area of interest. We have a comprehensive, blended learning environment for our employees that combines experiential on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship, improved tools and practices, and external networks. Career stream and learning initiatives in 2014 included continuing to formalize our succession planning and launching an Emerging Leadership program that is consistent across all geographic regions.
In 2015, we plan to continue to enhance our leadership and training programs. In addition, we will focus on our Alternative Work Schedule and Global Mobility programs to establish policies and practices to support our current and future business needs for a flexible and mobile workforce.
Our Diversity & Inclusion Committee fosters a workplace that is supportive of the unique differences among our clients and employees. In 2014, we hired an external consultant to help develop a three- and five-year Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Plan. We will implement this plan in 2015, starting by formalizing a D&I Council.
In 2014, we continued with our Human Resources realignment (initiated in 2013) to create a new service delivery model that will accommodate our current and future size based on forecasted growth. Our Human Resource structure will focus on three distinct service streamsshared services, business partnerships, and centers of expertise.
We measure the success of our various initiatives through employee surveys, 360-degree feedback, and exit interviews. The results help us develop future programs and initiatives.
Realignment of Senior Leadership Team
During 2014, in addition to realigning our organizational structure, we also realigned our senior leadership team into the following two levels:
| Executive Vice President Team (EVPT) consists of the chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief operating officer (COO), and executive vice presidents (EVPs) The EVPT oversees the overall performance of the Company, including developing and monitoring the Companys business plan, monitoring financial performance and risks, approving policies and procedures, and overseeing acquisitions and divestitures. EVPs are specifically responsible for the performance of our regional operating units and our business operating units. |
| Executive Leadership Team (ELT) consists of senior vice presidents and certain vice presidents. The ELT has numerous responsibilities, including the execution of our business plan and the management of the Companys operating performance. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-9 | Stantec Inc. |
Leadership Compensation
Our ability to align the activities of our senior managers with our short- and long-term financial and strategic goals is a key driver for our success. In addition to fixed salaries, we provide short- and long-term compensation, on a discretionary basis, that is designed to reward our senior managers (including our CFO and COO, regional operating unit leaders, and business operating unit leaders) for their individual and corporate contributions to meeting our objectives.
For our senior managers and other key employees, short-term compensation includes an annual cash bonus. The total amount available in the annual bonus pool is calculated as a percentage of our annual pre-tax, pre-bonus net income, which encourages our senior managers to achieve profitable business results. To determine the awards for the year, we evaluate each eligible employees personal contributions to our Company-wide profitability and performance. In our view, this creates a sense of shared responsibility for achieving outstanding business results and meeting our clients needs.
In 2014, we revised our compensation program for the senior leadership team to provide a mix of base salary, short-term incentive cash bonuses, and long-term incentives using both share options and performance share units (PSUs). We believe this plan further invests our senior leadership team in our long-term share performance.
As part of long-term compensation for key employees, we grant options through our long-term incentive plan, further aligning their interests with our shareholders interests, as well as encouraging those employees to remain with us over the long term. In 2014, the number of options available for issuance was tied to the achievement of two key performance metrics contained in our strategic plan: earnings per share and pre-tax, pre-bonus net income as a percentage of net revenue (net revenue is defined in Definition of Additional IFRS Measures in the Critical Accounting Estimates, Developments, and Measures section of this report).
In 2015, we will continue to issue share options and will continue to supplement our long-term incentive plan for our senior leadership team with PSUs.
Effective January 1, 2014, our CEO entered into a new employment contract with the Company, which provides for greater alignment between the CEOs compensation program and the rest of our senior leadership teams compensation and our long-term shareholders interests. The CEOs bonus is evaluated by the board annually based on the achievement of corporate and individual performance metrics, and he is awarded annual long-term incentive grants of share options and PSUs.
We require our CEO, COO, CFO, and EVPs to own a minimum number of shares in the Company. These executives must own a multiple of their base salary in shares. We believe our long-term incentive programs and the minimum ownership requirement provide the appropriate incentives for our EVPT to achieve growth in our share price, thereby aligning their compensation with the interests of shareholders.
We Are Better Together
Strong, long-lasting relationships are at the center of everything we do, and they directly impact our employees and clients, as well as project success. Each employee brings individual strengths to the Company, whether that is technical expertise, particular sector experience, or exceptional client relationships. When we combine those strengths, we believe we reach our full potential as an organization and that we are a trusted advisor to our clients.
Our ability to attract and retain top clients drives the success of our business. Currently, a majority of our business comes through repeat clients, and our 10 largest clients account for approximately 20.0% of our revenue. In 2014, we focused on the continued evolution of the organization and the enhancement of two key strategies: client development and community engagement.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-10 | Stantec Inc. |
Organizational Evolution
In 2014, we continued the process of realigning our internal structure to better serve our clients by formalizing our three business operating unitsBuildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure. In 2015, we will continue to focus on collaborating and sharing responsibilities for operational performance in our organizational structure, and we will continue to refine and clarify various roles.
Client Development and Account Management
We continue to pursue a client strategy that focuses on growing global accounts while augmenting the strength of our local client base and differentiating us from our peers in the marketplace. The purpose of our account management system is to position Stantec for sustainable organic growth. To find and retain top clients, we develop targeted marketing and business development plansby geographic area for regional and local clients and by sector for global and national clients. By better understanding our top clients, we can increase our ability to provide services that enhance their success and, in turn, create organic growth for our Company.
In 2014, we created an Account Management focus group, consisting of account managers across regions and sectors, to assist with implementing our business development framework. In 2015, we will continue to enhance our client development strategies through this framework.
We Do What Is Right
Doing what is right means paying attention to the impact that every decision has on how we do business. It means holding ourselves to a high standard of ethics and integrity in everything we do and committing to professional excellence in a manner that fosters a culture of safety and sustainability that is both innovative and forward looking.
Ethics and Integrity
Our reputation remains a significant asset; therefore, the focus continues to be on aligning our actions and decisions with our integrity and ethics policies. One way we ensure this is by conducting annual ethics, integrity, and anti-corruption compliance training for all employees. We areand should beheld to a high standard of business practices. At Stantec, we articulate our high standard through our Project Management Framework, code of ethics, and policies and practices. In 2014, we engaged an outside agency to monitor, review, and report any issues identified through our Integrity Hotline.
Professional Excellence
We use a number of methods to ensure high-quality project execution, including the following:
Project Management Framework. We are committed to efficient and high-quality project execution within a framework that incorporates ethics, safety, sustainability, innovation, and profitability. Our Project Management Framework helps us improve project planning, remain committed to quality assurance, and fulfill peer review requirements.
We always strive to enhance our project execution and forecasting ability and to facilitate more efficient resource management. Currently, we use a diverse range of tools, including our Enterprise Management System, to execute projects effectively, and we will continue to invest in these tools in 2015.
Internal Practice Audits. We conduct internal practice audits to identify opportunities for quality enhancement across regions, disciplines, and sectors.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-11 | Stantec Inc. |
Integrated Management Systems. Our Integrated Management Systems clarify expectations for project delivery and client service excellence and convey the steps employees must take to achieve more consistent and successful project outcomes. These systems are certified to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management), and ISO 20000-1:2011 (IT Service Management System) standards. We believe that benchmarking against internationally recognized management standards such as ISO provides transparent accountability that aligns with industry best practicesand we believe this ultimately improves client service delivery and satisfaction.
Project Management Career Streams and Training. Effective project management depends not only on tools but on people as well. Project management is a career stream at Stantec. We have a Project Delivery Office that houses a peer group of senior project managers and project management specialists who can be deployed when required on any project throughout Stantec.
Regulatory Compliance. We operate in a diverse regulatory environment and are committed to compliance with regulatory requirements. For instance, we comply with financial reporting standards and controls and with employment practices. We also demonstrate our commitment to excellence through our documented policies and procedures.
Social Responsibility
We commit to doing what is right by demonstrating the values of social, economic, and environmental responsibility and a culture of health and safety through the implementation of various programs.
Sustainability. In our operations, we are committed to reducing our negative impact on the environment by progressing toward least-impact approaches to energy consumption, paper consumption, and waste disposal. We track and report our progress in our annual Sustainability Report, in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and through certification to ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management). In 2015, we will remain focused on meeting established targets to reduce the environmental impacts that result from our operations.
Stantec is at the forefront in the rapidly emerging field of Integrated Infrastructure and is implementing a new planning framework and evaluation system called Envision, developed by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Envision provides a holistic framework for planning, designing, evaluating, and rating the community, environmental, and economic benefits of infrastructure projects and systems. In total, over 100 of our professional staff achieved their Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) credentials.
Health and Safety. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all employees and stakeholders involved in our professional work. We continue to promote a culture of safety across our organization by implementing numerous formal and informal initiatives. In 2014, we implemented a safe return-to-work program and received OHSAS 18001:2007 certification for the Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Management System. We continue to work on reducing our Total Recordable Incident Rate and Total Injury Rate.
Community Engagement. Our purpose is to create communities. At Stantec, we aim to be active members in our communities, making lasting connections with the people where we live and work. We regularly partner with a number of charitable and community organizations to help support their growth and development by working on social projects, environmental projects, charitable initiatives, and more. In addition to the many community outreach activities we participate in throughout the year, in 2014, we held our second Company-wide Stantec in the Community Daymore than 5,500 employees spent the day volunteering in their communities.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-12 | Stantec Inc. |
In every region, we make decisions locally with local input and focus. We recognize that local staff best understand how to match our resources and unique capabilities with the priorities of their communities and how to provide support to the organizations that make a difference. Corporately, we provide the framework that guides decision making, ensuring our community investments align with our organizational objectives and resonate with our employees and business leaders in the communities we serve. We target donating 1% of our annual pre-tax profits, through direct cash contributions or services in kind, to charitable or not-for-profit endeavors in the arts, education, environment, and health and wellness.
We Are Driven to Achieve
Achievement at every level begins and ends with a firm commitment to being the best that we can be. To capitalize on market opportunities and core strengths, we identify and adapt to changing market conditions in our various sectors. We identify growth opportunitiesboth organically and by acquisitionwhere we are well positioned and able to effectively manage risk. We remain committed to growing our top and bottom line through a continued focus on design services and by maintaining a low to moderate risk profile.
Growth Opportunities
Our aim is to achieve consistent growth and profitability. We will do this by sustaining a culture of excellence that remains committed to our clients, our people, our communities, and our shareholders. We commit to maintaining our diversification strategy, ensuring an appropriate balance within our sector mix.
Achieving a high level of market presence in the communities we serve is a key driver to our success. Our approach to regional growth is to effectively service our existing regional and local clients, develop new relationships, and grow our reputation and business where opportunities exist. Our target is to be among the top-tier service providers in each region and sector. With this level of market presence, we will less likely be affected by downturns in regional economies.
Our strong presence in Canadian markets gives us the ability to capitalize on opportunities within each region. We continue to pursue areas in Canada where we believe we can further increase our market presence in specific sectors. In the United States, our market position is growing, and we have taken strong steps to better position ourselves as a national firm. We have an emerging international presence, mainly in our Buildings business operating unit and our Mining sector, and we aim to grow organically by introducing more services to current and new clients.
Organic growth has been and continues to be a key driver to our success. To achieve growth, we leverage client relationships through our sector approach, by cross-selling, and through our account management programs, and we refine internal strategies that foster a culture of revenue generation in all areas of the Company.
Acquisitions are key to our strategy, and increasing the depth of our capabilities and broadening our geographic coverage enables us to better service our clients and achieve growth. Therefore, we maintain a consistent and disciplined approach to sourcing firms that align with our Companys culture and strategy. We continue to target these right fit firms based on sector and regional priorities, while we remain open to new opportunities.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-13 | Stantec Inc. |
Because we operate in a highly fragmented industry, we are confident that we can continue to take advantage of acquisition opportunities. According to internal analyses and Engineering News-Records 2014 report on the top 500 design firms, the largest engineering and architecture companies (our principal competitors) operating in North America generate about US$100 billion in annual design fees. Currently, our share is approximately 3%.
When we acquire a firm, integration starts immediately following the acquisition closing date. Full integration usually takes between six months and two years to complete and involves implementing our Company-wide information technology and financial management systems and providing support services from our corporate and regional offices. This approach allows new staff to focus, with minimal interruption, on their primary responsibility: continuing to serve clients while allowing staff to take advantage of our systems and expertise.
We measure our success integrating acquired employees by using a post-integration survey and assessing the results to improve future integration activities. We also monitor leadership retention from acquisitions, key project submissions, and key client pursuits. In addition, we measure our growth success by monitoring our year-over-year increase in gross revenue attributable to organic and acquisition growth.
Financing
Our continued ability to finance our growth plan supports our success. Adequate financing gives us the flexibility to acquire firms that are appropriate for our vision and complement our business model.
Since our shares began being publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) in 1994, we have increased our gross revenue at a compound annual rate of 18.3%. To fund acquisition growth, we require cash generated from both internal and external sources. Historically, we have completed acquisitions using (almost entirely) cash generated from operations and vendor notes.
In 2014, we extended the maturity date of our existing $350 million revolving credit facility to August 31, 2018. This facility also gives us access to $150 million in additional funds, subject to approval from our lenders. At December 31, 2014, we had $281.9 million of additional borrowing available under the facility. In 2011, we issued $70 million of 4.332% secured notes due May 10, 2016, and $55 million of 4.757% senior secured notes due May 10, 2018, which were used to repay existing debt.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-14 | Stantec Inc. |
Results
Overall Annual Performance
In 2014, we achieved solid growth. We completed eight acquisitions in the year and had organic growth in all geographic regions and business operating units. Our 2014 organic growth demonstrates the effectiveness of our diversified business model: even though during the second half of the year we had a retraction in our Energy & Resources business operating unit, we experienced growth in our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units.
The following highlights other major financial achievements and strategic activities in 2014 that contributed to our financial performance and overall financial condition:
| Continuous profitability. Since the inception of our Company, we have achieved uninterrupted profitability. We ended 2014 with 13.1% growth in gross revenue, a 12.8% increase in EBITDA, a 12.5% increase in net income, and a 10.8% increase in diluted earnings per share compared to 2013. (The terms gross revenue and EBITDA are defined in Definition of Additional IFRS Measures and Definition of Non-IFRS Measures in the Critical Accounting Estimates, Developments, and Measures section (together, the Definitions section) of this report.) |
| Growth through acquisitions. Acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014 contributed $144.6 million or 6.5% to the increase in our gross revenue in 2014 compared to 2013. In particular, we strengthened our presence in the United States as we continued to build a top-tier position in our sectors. |
| Organic growth. In 2014, we achieved organic gross revenue growth of 3.9% and net revenue growth of 4.1%. By consistently executing our business strategy, we were able to capitalize on opportunities to increase project activity in all business operating units. In particular, we experienced strong growth in our Power, Water, and Community Development sectors. |
| Growth in backlog. Our contract backlog grew 28.6% from $1.4 billion at December 31, 2013, to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2014. (Backlog is a non-IFRS measure and is further discussed in the Definitions section of this report.) |
| Strong balance sheet and liquidity. Our balance sheet remains strong with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 0.53. (Net debt to EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and is defined in the Definitions section of this report.) Cash flows from operations in the year supported acquisition growth and continued dividends. During the year, we extended the maturity date of our existing $350 million revolving credit facility to August 31, 2018. As at December 31, 2014, $281.9 million of additional borrowing was available under our revolving credit facility for future acquisitions, working capital needs, and general corporate purposes. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-15 | Stantec Inc. |
| Two-for-one share split. Our board of directors declared a two-for-one share split that was effected by way of a share dividend. Shareholders of record on October 31, 2014, received a share dividend on November 14, 2014. |
| Evolution to business operating units. In 2014, we realigned our organizational structure from five practice area units to three business operating units: Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure. Our matrix-based business model and leadership structure are organized around geographic diversification and business operating units, and we continue to provide services throughout the project life cycle. This realignment allows us to better support our clients and better align us with their business drivers. |
Selected Annual Information
The following table highlights trending of certain annual information:
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share and share amounts) |
2014 | 2014 vs. 2013 (%) |
2013 | 2013 vs. 2012 (%) |
2012* | |||||||||||||||
Gross revenue (note 1) |
2,529.9 | 13.1% | 2,236.4 | 19.6% | 1,870.3 | |||||||||||||||
Net revenue (note 1) |
2,075.3 | 13.3% | 1,832.4 | 17.9% | 1,553.8 | |||||||||||||||
EBITDA (note 2) |
294.7 | 12.8% | 261.2 | 18.1% | 221.0 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
164.5 | 12.5% | 146.2 | 20.8% | 121.0 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings per share basic (note 3) |
1.76 | 11.4% | 1.58 | 19.7% | 1.32 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings per share diluted (note 3) |
1.74 | 10.8% | 1.57 | 18.9% | 1.32 | |||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per common share (note 3) |
0.37 | 12.1% | 0.33 | 10.0% | 0.30 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets |
2,010.5 | 20.5% | 1,668.2 | 13.9% | 1,464.2 | |||||||||||||||
Total long-term debt |
309.3 | 29.9% | 238.1 | (20.4%) | 299.3 | |||||||||||||||
Cash flows |
||||||||||||||||||||
From operating activities |
207.2 | 272.1 | 180.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Used in investing activities |
(174.3) | (117.4) | (143.2) | |||||||||||||||||
Used in financing activities |
(24.7) | (54.2) | (31.3) | |||||||||||||||||
Outstanding common shares as at |
||||||||||||||||||||
December 31 (note 3) |
93,836,258 | 93,152,264 | 91,967,788 | |||||||||||||||||
February 25, 2015 |
93,839,015 | |||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding share options as at |
||||||||||||||||||||
December 31 (note 3) |
2,676,568 | 2,610,830 | 2,951,646 | |||||||||||||||||
February 25, 2015 |
2,673,811 |
note 1: Gross revenue and net revenue are defined in Definition of Additional IFRS Measures in the Definitions section of this report.
note 2: EBITDA is calculated as net income before income taxes plus net interest expense, amortization of intangible assets, and depreciation of property and equipment (further discussed in the Definitions section of this report).
note 3: All comparative earnings per share, dividends per share, common share, and share option amounts have been adjusted from previously reported amounts for the two-for-one share split that occurred on November 14, 2014.
* Certain figures for 2012 have been restated due to the adoption of IFRS 10 and 11.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-16 | Stantec Inc. |
2014 vs. 2013. Eight acquisitions completed in 2014 and five completed in 2013 contributed to our year-over-year growth in gross revenue, EBITDA, and net income, as well as growth in our basic and diluted earnings per share. As a result of acquisitions, gross revenue increased 6.5%. Also, gross revenue increased 3.9% and net revenue increased 4.1% because of organic growth. Organic growth occurred in all geographic regions and all business operating units. In Canada, the 3.8% organic gross revenue growth was primarily caused by increased activity in our Oil & Gas, Water, and Community Development sectors. In the United States, organic gross revenue grew 2.7%, primarily in our Power, Transportation, and Water sectors. Internationally, we had organic growth that mainly occurred in our Buildings business operating unit.
Our EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue for 2014 was 14.2%remaining consistent with 2013. Gross margin increased from 54.7% in 2013 to 54.9% in 2014, partly due to our revenue base growing in higher margin business operating units (Buildings and Infrastructure). In addition, gross margin increased as a result of improvements in project management in our Buildings business operating unit and Transportation sector. (Gross margin is defined in the Definitions section of this report.) Administrative and marketing expenses increased mainly due to lower utilization, which was partly caused by increased integration activities from acquisitions. The growth in net income and basic and diluted earnings per share over 2013 was a result of the above-noted factors.
2013 vs. 2012. Five acquisitions completed in 2013 and seven completed in 2012 contributed to our year-over-year growth in gross revenue, EBITDA, and net income, as well as our growth in basic and diluted earnings per share. This acquisition growth was supplemented by stronger organic growth in 2013 than in 2012. As a result of strong organic growth, gross revenue increased 8.8% and net revenue increased 7.6%. Organic growth occurred in all geographic regions and in all practice area units except Buildings, mainly due to intensified competition and the softening of the buildings market, particularly in healthcare. Organic growth in other practice area units was mainly a result of a robust oil and gas market and increased project activity in our Transportation sector.
Our 2013 EBITDA was impacted by a decrease in our gross marginfrom 55.0% in 2012 to 54.7% in 2013while our administrative and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenue remained the same as 2012 at 40.7%. Our gross margin declined slightly in 2013 because our revenue base grew in lower margin operations (Industrial and Transportation in the United States), resulting in an overall lower 2013 consolidated gross margin. The growth in net income and basic and diluted earnings per share over 2012 was a result of the above-noted factors.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-17 | Stantec Inc. |
Results Compared to 2014 Targets
In our 2013 Managements Discussion and Analysis, we established various ranges of expected performance for 2014. In 2014, we met or performed better than all of our targets. The following table presents those results:
Measure | 2014 Target Range |
Results Achieved |
||||||||||
Gross margin as % of net revenue |
Between 54% and 56% | 54.9 | % | ü | ||||||||
Administrative and marketing expenses as % of net revenue |
Between 40% and 42% | 40.8 | % | ü | ||||||||
EBITDA as % of net revenue (notes 1 and 4) |
Between 13% and 15% | 14.2 | % | ü | ||||||||
Net income as % of net revenue |
At or above 6% | 7.9 | % | ü | ||||||||
Effective income tax rate |
At or below 28.5% | 26.3 | % | ü | ||||||||
Return on equity (notes 2 and 4) |
At or above 14% | 16.8 | % | ü | ||||||||
Net debt to EBITDA (notes 1, 3, and 4) |
Below 2.5 | 0.5 | ü |
note 1: EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue is calculated as EBITDA divided by net revenue. EBITDA is calculated as income before income taxes, plus net interest expense, amortization of intangible assets, and depreciation of property and equipment.
note 2: Return on equity is calculated as net income for the last four quarters, divided by the average shareholders equity over each of the last four quarters.
note 3: Net debt to EBITDA is calculated as the sum of (1) long-term debt, including current portion, plus bank indebtedness, less cash and cash equivalents, divided by (2) EBITDA for the last four quarters.
note 4: Return on equity, EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue, and net debt to EBITDA are non-IFRS measures (discussed in the Definitions section of this report).
ü Met or performed better than target.
Acquisitions
Consideration for acquisitions completed was $186.9 million in 2014 and $11.4 million in 2013. We completed the following acquisitions in 2014:
| On January 24, 2014, we acquired Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. and Cultural Resources, Inc. (WEG), adding approximately 115 staff to our Company. This addition expands our environmental services in the US Mid Atlantic. |
| On March 7, 2014, we acquired Processes Unlimited International, Inc. (ProU), which added approximately 450 staff to our Company. This addition expands our oil and gas expertise in the United States. |
| On May 9, 2014, we acquired JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc. (JBR), adding approximately 140 staff to our Company. The addition of JBR increases the depth of our services in various market sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and power generation and transmission in the United States. |
| On May 23, 2014, we acquired Group Affiliates Inc. (SHW), increasing the number of staff in our Company by approximately 300. Adding SHW enhances our US architectural, interior design, planning, and engineering services to higher education and K12 clients. |
| On June 6, 2014, we acquired Wiley Engineering, Inc. (Wiley); this added 14 staff to our Company. Based in Georgia, this firm provides automation, electrical, and instrumentation engineering services to oil and gas, mining, power, and other industries. |
| On June 27, 2014, we acquired USKH Inc. (USKH), increasing our staff count by approximately 130. The addition of USKH enables us to provide locally based infrastructure, building, and geospatial services in Alaska and expands our presence in the Pacific Northwest. |
| On September 19, 2014, we acquired ADD, Inc., adding close to 210 staff to our Company. This addition enhances our architecture, interior design, planning, and branding services in the Boston market and widens our presence in southern Florida. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-18 | Stantec Inc. |
| On October 24, 2014, we acquired Penfield & Smith Engineers, Inc. (Penfield & Smith), adding approximately 90 staff to our Company. Penfield & Smith is based in Santa Barbara, California, with additional offices in Camarillo, Santa Maria, and Lancaster, California. This addition strengthens our civil engineering and land planning expertise and enhances our presence along the California Central Coast. |
Discussion of Operations
Our Company operates in one reportable segment: Consulting Services. We provide knowledge-based solutions for infrastructure and facilities projects through value-added professional services, principally under fee-for-service agreements with clients.
The following table summarizes key operating results on a percentage of net revenue basis and the percentage increase in the dollar amount for each key operating result:
Year Ended Dec 31 | ||||||||||||
Percentage of Net Revenue |
Percentage Increase (Decrease) * |
|||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 vs. 2013 | ||||||||||
Gross revenue ** |
121.9% | 122.0% | 13.1% | |||||||||
Net revenue ** |
100.0% | 100.0% | 13.3% | |||||||||
Direct payroll costs |
45.1% | 45.3% | 12.9% | |||||||||
Gross margin ** |
54.9% | 54.7% | 13.6% | |||||||||
Administrative and marketing expenses |
40.8% | 40.7% | 13.4% | |||||||||
Depreciation of property and equipment |
1.9% | 1.8% | 19.4% | |||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
1.2% | 1.2% | 14.6% | |||||||||
Net interest expense |
0.4% | 0.5% | (1.2%) | |||||||||
Other net finance expense (income) |
0.1% | (0.2%) | n/m | |||||||||
Share of income from joint ventures and associates |
(0.1%) | (0.1%) | 4.3% | |||||||||
Foreign exchange gain |
0.0% | 0.0% | n/m | |||||||||
Other (income) expense |
(0.2%) | (0.1%) | n/m | |||||||||
Income before income taxes |
10.8% | 10.9% | 12.2% | |||||||||
Income taxes |
2.9% | 2.9% | 11.4% | |||||||||
Net income |
7.9% | 8.0% | 12.5% |
n/m = not meaningful
* Percentage increase (decrease) calculated based on the dollar change from the comparable period.
** The terms gross and net revenue and gross margin are discussed in the Definitions section of this report.
The percentage increase in gross and net revenue in 2014 compared to 2013 was due to acquisition growth and organic growth in all geographic regions and business operating units (further explained in the Gross and Net Revenue section that follows). We were positively impacted by an increase in our gross margin as a percentage of net revenue. This was partly offset by our administrative and marketing expenses and depreciation of property and equipment since both as a percentage of net revenue increased compared to 2013 (further explained in the respective sections of this report). Our net income for 2014 increased by 12.5%.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-19 | Stantec Inc. |
Gross and Net Revenue
The following discussion includes forward-looking statements. For an outline of the material risks and assumptions associated with these statements, refer to the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements at the end of this report. For definitions of gross revenue and net revenue, refer to Definition of Additional IFRS Measures in the Definitions section of this report.
Revenue earned by acquired companies in the first 12 months following acquisition is reported as revenue from acquisitions and, thereafter, as organic growth.
Each business operating unit generates a portion of gross revenue in the United States. The value of the Canadian dollar averaged US$0.91 in 2014 compared to US$0.97 in 2013a 6.2% decrease. The weakening of the Canadian dollar for the year had a positive effect on revenue reported in 2014 compared to 2013.
Our contract backlog grew 28.6%from $1.4 billion at December 31, 2013, to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2014. A significant majority of this increase resulted from recent project wins and acquisitions completed in the year. We define backlog as the total value of secured work that has not yet been completed where we have an executed contract or a letter of intent that management is reasonably assured will be finalized in a formal contract (further described in the Definitions section of this report). Only approximately the first 12 to 18 months of the total value of secured work for a project is included in contract backlog.
The following tables summarize the impact of acquisition growth, organic growth, and foreign exchange on our gross and net revenue for 2014 compared to 2013:
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-20 | Stantec Inc. |
Gross Revenue (In millions of Canadian dollars) |
2014 vs. 2013 | |||
Increase due to |
||||
Acquisition growth |
144.6 | |||
Organic growth |
86.4 | |||
Impact of foreign exchange rates on revenue earned by foreign subsidiaries |
62.5 | |||
Total net increase in gross revenue |
293.5 | |||
Net Revenue (In millions of Canadian dollars) |
2014 vs. 2013 | |||
Increase due to |
||||
Acquisition growth |
119.6 | |||
Organic growth |
74.8 | |||
Impact of foreign exchange rates on revenue earned by foreign subsidiaries |
48.5 | |||
Total net increase in net revenue |
242.9 |
The increase in acquisition gross and net revenue in 2014 compared to 2013 was due to the revenue earned in 2013 that was attributed to the acquisitions listed in the Gross Revenue by Region and Gross Revenue by Business Operating Unit sections below. We experienced increases in organic gross revenue in 2014 compared to 2013 in all regions and all business operating units.
Gross Revenue by Region
The following charts and tables summarize gross revenue and gross revenue growth in our three regional operating unitsCanada, United States, and International:
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-21 | Stantec Inc. |
The following table summarizes the growth in gross revenue by region for 2014 compared to 2013:
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | Year Ended Dec 31, 2014 |
Year Ended Dec 31, 2013 |
Total Change |
Change Due to Acquisitions |
Change Due to Organic Growth |
Change Due to Foreign Exchange |
||||||||||||||||||
Canada |
1,346.6 | 1,290.2 | 56.4 | 7.8 | 48.6 | n/a | ||||||||||||||||||
United States |
1,090.6 | 867.5 | 223.1 | 136.8 | 23.8 | 62.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
International |
92.7 | 78.7 | 14.0 | - | 14.0 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
2,529.9 | 2,236.4 | 293.5 | 144.6 | 86.4 | 62.5 |
Total gross revenue was positively impacted by acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014, by organic growth, and by the weakening of the Canadian dollar in 2014 compared to 2013.
Following is a list of acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014 that impacted specific regions during 2014:
| Canada: Ashley-Pryce Interior Designers Inc. (AP/ID) (May 2013); JDA Architects Limited (JDA) (November 2013); and Cambria Gordon Ltd. (CGL) (November 2013) |
| United States: IBE Consulting Engineers, Inc. (IBE) (May 2013); Roth Hill, LLC (Roth Hill) (June 2013); Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. and Cultural Resources, Inc. (WEG) (January 2014); Processes Unlimited International, Inc. (ProU) (March 2014); JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc. (JBR) (May 2014); Group Affiliates Inc. (SHW) (May 2014); Wiley Engineering, Inc. (Wiley) (June 2014); USKH Inc. (USKH) (June 2014); ADD, Inc. (September 2014); and Penfield & Smith Engineers, Inc. (Penfield & Smith) (October 2014) |
Canada. Gross revenue in our Canadian operations increased by 4.4% in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase resulted from acquisition and organic growth. The 3.8% in organic gross revenue growth was primarily due to a strong first half of 2014 in our Oil & Gas sector. All other sectors achieved organic revenue growth throughout the year, except for Transportation, which had a slight retraction in gross revenue in 2014 compared to 2013. Oil & Gas organic revenue retracted in Q4 14 because many projects were substantially completed or were waiting on regulatory approvals and clients decisions to proceed to the next phase of these projects.
In 2014, we continued to provide a significant amount of services to the energy and resources markets, particularly in western Canada. Private investment continued in energy midstream infrastructure projects, including pipeline and related facilities, to increase the transport capacity for oil and gas for export. We did experience reduced activity in the last two quarters of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, mainly due to the completion of certain pipeline terminal projects. The decline in oil prices in the latter half of 2014 did not materially impact our midstream work; however, we are cautious on how the recent commodity price fluctuations may impact our clients decisions and timing to advance their projects going forward. (The expected impact for 2015 is discussed in the Outlook section of this report.)
The activity in the energy market also generated organic revenue growth for both private and public clients in other sectors including Water and Community Development in Alberta. Our Water sector was particularly active with increased work in water and wastewater infrastructure facilities. Our Power sector, particularly in transmission and distribution, showed strength in the second half of 2014.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-22 | Stantec Inc. |
In the public sector, federal and provincial budgets maintained stable levels for infrastructure funding, and municipal funding increased. Federal conditional regulatory approvals continued to support pipeline enhancement and expansion. However, increasingly, these projects were delayed because of the increased time required to obtain regulatory approvals in certain provinces and to clear the identified regulatory conditions attached, and because of the time spent surmounting opposition in communities. The public-private partnership (P3) model continued to be supported in Canada as new P3 projects were released, particularly in Ontario and the western provinces. Increasingly, P3s are being considered at the municipal level.
United States. Gross revenue in our US operations increased by 25.7% in 2014 compared to 2013. This increase resulted mainly from acquisition growthespecially in our Buildings business operating unit and Oil & Gas sectorand from foreign exchange because of the weakening of the Canadian dollar in 2014 compared to 2013. Also, organic gross revenue grew by 2.7% in 2014 compared to 2013. Organic growth occurred primarily in our Power, Transportation, and Water sectors, though it was partly offset by a retraction in our Buildings business operating unit and Mining sector.
Organic gross revenue demonstrated a strong recovery since the beginning of 2014 when the harsh winter conditions, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, resulted in project delays and additional time to complete work in progress. By building on strong, established client relationships, our Transportation sector experienced increased organic revenue in almost all geographies. During 2014, the public sector was characterized as uncertain in the political and regulatory environment, notably at the federal level. Although public sector budgets were tight, we did benefit from greater stability in public sector funding for roadways and transportation in 2014 compared to 2013.
The private sector experienced increased activity as improvement in the US economy gained momentum in 2014. The US housing market gradually continued to recover. Even though we completed certain mining projects in the latter half of 2013, replenishing our backlog in 2014 was slow because of global softening in the mining sector.
International. Gross revenue in our International operations increased by 17.8% in 2014 compared to 2013. This increase resulted from organic growth, particularly in the Middle East, and from mining projects in Indonesia. The volume of projects in 2014 compared to 2013 increased in both our Buildings and Energy & Resources business operating units, predominately for private sector clients. In our Mining sector, our top-tier expertise in underground engineering enabled us to continue working for major global clientsin spite of a general slowdown in the mining industry. Organic growth was positively impacted by hospital and institutional projects that were secured early in the year in both the Middle East and United Kingdom.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-23 | Stantec Inc. |
Gross Revenue by Business Operating Unit
The following charts and tables summarize gross revenue and gross revenue growth in our three business operating unitsBuildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure:
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except %) | 2014 | % of Consulting Services Gross Revenue |
2013 | % of Consulting Services Gross Revenue |
% Change in Gross Revenue 2014 vs. 2013 |
|||||||||||||||
Buildings |
538.5 | 21.3% | 466.6 | 20.9% | 15.4% | |||||||||||||||
Energy & Resources |
1,109.2 | 43.8% | 986.8 | 44.1% | 12.4% | |||||||||||||||
Infrastructure |
882.2 | 34.9% | 783.0 | 35.0% | 12.7% | |||||||||||||||
Total |
2,529.9 | 100.0% | 2,236.4 | 100.0% | 13.1% |
Note: Comparative figures have been reclassified due to a realignment of several business lines between our Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure
business operating units.
As indicated above, our gross revenue was positively impacted by acquisitions and organic growth, as well as the effect of foreign exchange rates on revenue earned by our foreign subsidiaries. The impact of these factors on gross revenue earned by business operating unit is summarized in the following table:
2014 Compared to 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | Total Change | Change Due to Acquisitions |
Change Due to Organic Growth |
Change Due to Foreign Exchange |
||||||||||||
Buildings |
71.9 | 54.4 | 5.7 | 11.8 | ||||||||||||
Energy & Resources |
122.4 | 77.2 | 28.9 | 16.3 | ||||||||||||
Infrastructure |
99.2 | 13.0 | 51.8 | 34.4 | ||||||||||||
Total |
293.5 | 144.6 | 86.4 | 62.5 |
Note: Comparative figures have been reclassified due to a realignment of several business lines between our Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure
business operating units.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-24 | Stantec Inc. |
The following summarizes the acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014 that impacted specific business operating units during 2014:
| Buildings: AP/ID (May 2013); IBE (May 2013); JDA (November 2013); SHW (May 2014); USKH (June 2014); and ADD, Inc. (September 2014) |
| Energy & Resources: CGL (November 2013); WEG (January 2014); ProU (March 2014); JBR (May 2014); and Wiley (June 2014) |
| Infrastructure: Roth Hill (June 2013); USKH (June 2014); and Penfield & Smith (October 2014) |
Buildings. The Buildings business operating unit achieved 1.2% organic gross revenue growth in 2014 compared to 2013. Growth in the second half of 2014 exceeded the retraction in the first half. Organic gross revenue growth occurred in our Canadian and International regional operating units, and the United States retracted in 2014 compared to 2013. During 2014, Canada and the United States experienced a soft buildings market, intense competition, and reduced availability of funding for public sector projects. Since mid-2014, activity increased in our Healthcare and US Education sectors.
The majority of revenue for our Buildings business operating unit is generated from our key sectors: Education, Healthcare, and Commercial. We see increased opportunities in the education sector, especially for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics facilities. For example, during the fourth quarter of 2014, we secured architectural and engineering work for the Lake Forest College Johnson Science Center in Lake Forest, Illinois. Renovations and a 51,000-square-foot (4,700-square-metre) addition will transform the existing center into a contemporary state-of-the-art science facility.
In Canada, an increase in organic gross revenue in our Healthcare sector offset a retraction in the early part of the year. This retraction occurred because we substantially completed the rollout of certain cross-country retail programs for national retail and commercial clients. However, commercial opportunities continued to exist in 2014. To illustrate, in the latter part of 2014, we were chosen to design a new mixed-use high-rise office and residential tower in Edmonton, Alberta; this part of the development will become the new headquarters for Stantec Inc. Our multidiscipline project team spans North America. Their talent and expertise will contribute to building this signature building, which will redefine the Edmonton skyline. Opportunities for P3 projects continued, despite public funding constraints and increased international competition.
In the United States, the retraction in organic gross revenue resulted chiefly from increased competition and fewer healthcare projects. Nevertheless, in the latter part of 2014, the healthcare market showed signs of improvement as clients moved forward with their capital plans. Revenue from our US biopharmaceutical clients has declined because of industry consolidation and increased competition.
Recent projects secured in the Middle East increased our International healthcare and institutional portfolios.
Energy & Resources. The Energy & Resources business operating unit achieved 2.9% organic gross revenue growth in 2014 compared to 2013. Our Power sector achieved moderate organic revenue growth, while mining organic revenue was stable in 2014 compared to 2013. In our Oil & Gas sector, strong organic growth occurred in the first half of 2014, with retraction occurring in the second half of the year. Growth in our Oil & Gas sector occurred primarily related to our engineering and environmental services work on Canadian midstream pipelines and facilities. Activity in this sector decreased in the last two quarters of 2014, primarily due to the winding down of certain terminal projects. Outside of Oil & Gas, environmental services had a slow start in the first half of 2014 due to the harsher-than-usual winter and a longer ramp-up for the seasonally strong spring and summer months, although revenue grew in the second half of the year.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-25 | Stantec Inc. |
In our Energy & Resources business operating unit, the engineering and environmental services in our Oil & Gas sector accounted for over three-quarters of our gross revenue in 2014. Global energy demand and production are driving the need for supporting infrastructure, including storage, processing facilities, and pipelines. Because of our diverse project expertise and depth of experience, we are recognized as a top integrated provider of midstream services, which helped us to continue securing engineering and environmental services projects for large national clients for major oil and gas export pipelines in Canada. High commodity prices during the first half of 2014 and continued activity to increase and improve infrastructure in the Canadian midstream market also resulted in growth in our engineering and environmental services. However, the decline in oil prices at the end of 2014 and the possibility of sustained depressed prices in 2015 bring uncertainty to the oil and gas sector (further discussed in the Outlook section of this report). In the United States, where our oil and gas presence is emerging, we experienced slight organic revenue growth in 2014 compared to 2013. On both sides of the border, environmental services grew in 2014 because of our expertise in providing diverse services, including work on large pipelines and LNG projects as well as on non-energy related activities (these environmental services are also provided to other business operating units).
Our Power sector had organic gross revenue growth in 2014 compared to 2013, despite the continued slowdown in the power industry affecting public and private sector clients. Growth in the United States was principally due to an increase in gas generation projects, but an increase in maintenance-related work with utilities was also a factor because aging infrastructure, such as substations and switchyards, needs to be replaced. Our organic revenue also grew in Canada, where we are seen as a top provider of strategic regulatory and environmental scoping for power projects and where we continue to perform engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) work. We continue to work on renewables, generation, and transmission and distribution projects across Canada.
On both sides of the border, we see a push for higher efficiency thermal and combined-cycle power plants to replace aging plants that are being shut down. In one case during the year, we were selected by Quanta Power Generation to provide engineering and design services as part of their engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) team for the new 120-megawatt combined-cycle thermal power plant being built in Anchorage, Alaska. The new plant is expected to use less natural gas and release fewer emissions than traditional thermal plants. We also secured the engineering and design services for a combined 14-megawatt heat and power facility in Brooks, Alberta.
We are recognized for our top-tier expertise in wind design, and as a result, we secured the preliminary engineering work on the Roosevelt Wind Project during 2014. This project, about 18 miles (29 kilometres) southwest of Portales, New Mexico, will have up to 300-megawatts of capacity and is expected to begin operating by December 2015. Stantec will provide the detailed electrical design for the transmission line, collector substations, joint-use switching station, and collector and communication systems.
Our Mining sector had moderate organic revenue growth in 2014 compared to 2013. We experienced this growth in Canada and internationally due to continued work with major global clients; this growth was offset by a decline in our US Mining sector. Weakening commodity prices and, in some cases, excess supply, have resulted in global softening in mining. Companies tightened capital investment, scaling back expansion plans and exploration, and ceasing development. Nonetheless, we maintained our revenue levels in the Mining sector in 2014 because of our reputation, strong relationships with repeat clients, diversified commodities exposure, and diversified range of services, including our ability to provide services at the front end and provide detailed design and construction management.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-26 | Stantec Inc. |
Infrastructure. The Infrastructure business operating unit achieved 6.6% organic gross revenue growth in 2014 compared to 2013. We experienced this growth in all our Infrastructure sectors.
Our Water sector had strong organic gross revenue growth in 2014 compared to 2013, as well as an increase in backlog. Our business is benefiting from ongoing demand for our services as a result of the rehabilitation required on aging infrastructure, the energy sector, and regulatory requirements, including the consent decrees in the United States that mandate municipalities to upgrade their water and wastewater facilities. Growth in Canada and the United States was partly due to the work we added in mid-2013 on the major PCCP Constructors joint venture project in New Orleans for the US Army Corps of Engineers. During 2014, we continued to secure significant water projects such as a five-year renewal of our Risk Mapping Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and several other ongoing projects for the Tennessee Valley Authority. The nationwide contract with FEMA will provide services for the agencys flood risk mapping and hazard mitigation programsa multipronged effort that will help communities identify and understand the risks that natural and manmade disasters pose to infrastructure and buildings. In addition, because of our expertise in flood protection, we secured the Springbank Off-stream Storage (SR1) Protection project west of Calgary, Albertaone of the largest flood mitigation projects in Albertas history.
Our Transportation sector experienced organic gross revenue growth in 2014 compared to 2013. Approximately 75% of our Transportation revenue is generated in the United States. Organic revenue growth that took place in the United States was due to our strong client relationships and stable infrastructure spending, which led to new projects. As an example, during 2014, we secured work on the Golden Glades Interchange design-bid-build project, one of the largest conventional projects to come out of the Florida Department of Transportation in recent years. We will develop improvements to enhance safety, mobility, and multimodal use to support the establishment of an Ultimate Master Plan that incorporates express-lane connections between SR 826, I-95, and the Turnpike. In Canada, retraction occurred because the design phase for a number of projects was completed and new work was slow to start.
Our Community Development sector had strong organic gross revenue growth in 2014 compared to 2013. In this sector, we do half our work in Canada and half in the United States. Both countries experienced organic revenue growth, especially Canada because of a strong demand for housing and urban land development projects in western Canada. This demand increased as a result of the energy and natural resource market. Growth was also strong in California and the southeastern United States. The southern United States continued to show signs of improved housing markets; in particular, multipurpose and senior housing are gaining greater prominence, consistent with demographic trends. The single-family market demand is coming around to equal that of the other markets, and the return of large-scale single-family development is predominant in parts of Canada and in southern states such as Florida and California.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-27 | Stantec Inc. |
Gross Margin
For a definition of gross margin, refer to Definition of Additional IFRS Measures in the Definitions section of this report.
In general, gross margin fluctuations depend on the particular mix of projects in progress during any year and on our project execution. These fluctuations reflect the basis of our business model: diversifying our operations across geographic locations, business operating units, and all phases of the infrastructure and facilities project life cycle.
Gross margin as a percentage of net revenue increased to 54.9% in 2014 from 54.7% in 2013 and is within our targeted range of 54% to 56% (set out in our 2013 Annual Report). This increase in our 2014 consolidated gross margin was due in part to the growth in the revenue base of our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units; these business operating units have higher margins than our Energy & Resources business operating unit (further explained below). In addition, the increase resulted from improvements in project management in our Buildings business operating unit and Transportation sector.
The following table summarizes our gross margin percentages by region:
Gross Margin by Regional Operating Unit
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Canada |
55.9% | 55.1% | ||||||
United States |
54.0% | 54.4% | ||||||
International |
47.4% | 50.6% |
In our Canadian operations, the increase in gross margin in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to improvements in project management as well as the mix of projects because of growth in the higher margin environmental services and the Water and Community Development sectors. In our US operations, the reduction in gross margin is mainly due to lower margins in our Oil & Gas sector, which is a growing component of our US revenue. The reduction in gross margin in our International operations was due to the mix of project activity.
The following table summarizes our gross margin percentages by business operating unit:
Gross Margin by Business Operating Unit
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Buildings |
55.1% | 54.8% | ||||||
Energy & Resources |
53.2% | 53.3% | ||||||
Infrastructure |
56.8% | 56.4% |
Note: Comparative figures have been reclassified due to a realignment of several
business lines between our Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure business
operating units.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-28 | Stantec Inc. |
Our Buildings business operating unit experienced a higher gross margin in 2014 compared to 2013, mostly as a result of improved project management and the mix of projects in progress during the year.
Our Infrastructure business operating unit had a higher gross margin in 2014 compared to 2013, mainly due to improved project management in our Transportation sector. In addition, gross margin improved due to project mix, in particular, because of an increase in the number of projects in the water and community development residential markets, which typically have higher margins.
Administrative and Marketing Expenses
Administrative and marketing expenses increased by $100.0 million from 2013 to 2014. As a percentage of net revenue, our administrative and marketing expenses increased from 40.7% in 2013 to 40.8% in 2014 while still falling within the expected range of 40% to 42% set out in our 2013 Annual Report.
Administrative and marketing expenses fluctuate from year to year because of the amount of staff time charged to marketing and administrative labor, which is influenced by the mix of projects in progress during the period, as well as by business development and acquisition integration activities.
In 2014, administrative and marketing expenses were impacted by lower utilization, which is partly caused by an increase in integration activities. In the months after completing an acquisition, staff time charged to administration and marketing is usually higher because of integration activities, including orienting newly acquired staff. Eight acquisitions were completed in 2014 compared to five in 2013. The impact of lower utilization on administrative and marketing expenses was partly offset by a decrease in our provisions for claims in 2014 compared to 2013.
Depreciation of Property and Equipment
Depreciation increased by $6.3 million year over year. As a percentage of net revenue, depreciation of property and equipment increased from 1.8% in 2013 to 1.9% in 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase in depreciation on leasehold improvements. During 2014, additions to property and equipment were $44.9 million compared to $53.5 million in 2013. Contributing to the higher spending in 2013 was an increase in leasehold and furniture improvements made to various office locations.
As a professional services organization, we are not capital intensive. In the past, we made capital expenditures primarily for items such as leasehold improvements, computer equipment and software, furniture, and other office and field equipment. During 2014, the $44.9 million in additions to property and equipment were consistent with our budget of approximately $45.0 million established at the beginning of 2014. We expect our total capital additions in 2015 to be approximately $50.0 million, excluding capital assets acquired from acquisitions. Our capital expenditures during 2014 were financed by cash flows from operations.
Intangible Assets
The timing of completed acquisitions, the size of acquisitions, and the type of intangible assets acquired impact the amount of amortization of intangible assets in a period. Client relationships are amortized over estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 15 years. Contract backlog is amortized over an estimated useful life of generally 1 to 2 years. Consequently, the impact of the amortization of contract backlog can be significant in the 4 to 8 quarters following an acquisition. As at December 31, 2014, $5.8 million of the $97.2 million in intangible assets related to backlog.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-29 | Stantec Inc. |
Also included in intangible assets is purchased and internally generated computer software that is replaceable and not an integral part of related hardware. This computer software is amortized over an estimated useful life ranging from 3 to 7 years.
The following table summarizes the amortization of identifiable intangible assets:
Amortization of Intangibles
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Client relationships |
8,432 | 7,294 | ||||||
Backlog (Note) |
4,819 | 5,342 | ||||||
Software |
11,270 | 9,675 | ||||||
Other |
962 | 982 | ||||||
Lease disadvantage |
(1,231) | (2,058) | ||||||
Total amortization of intangible assets |
24,252 | 21,235 |
Note: Backlog is a non-IFRS measure and is further discussed in the Definitions section of this report.
The $3.0 million increase in intangible asset amortization from 2013 to 2014 was mainly due to an increase in the amortization of software from the renewal of our Autodesk, Bentley, and Adobe software in 2013. Also, amortization increased due to intangible assets added from acquisitions in the year. During 2014, we added $40.1 million to intangible assets: $9.6 million was mainly the result of the renewal of our Microsoft agreement and incremental software licenses on our Enterprise Management System and $29.8 million was the result of acquisitions, primarily from the ProU, SHW, ADD, Inc., and Penfield & Smith acquisitions. The $9.6 million addition to intangible software was below our expectation of approximately $15.0 million at the beginning of 2014, mainly because of the timing of software finance lease contract renewals. We expect our total software additions in 2015 to be approximately $25.0 million. We plan to continue to invest in enhancements to our business information systems to optimize and streamline our business processes and prepare for continued growth.
In accordance with our accounting policies, we review intangible assets at each reporting period to determine whether there is an indication of impairment. An asset may be impaired if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that have occurred after the initial recognition of the asset and if that event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the asset.
To determine indicators of impairment of intangible assets, we consider external sources of information such as prevailing economic and market conditions. We also consider internal sources of information such as the historical and expected financial performance of the intangible assets. If indicators of impairment are present, the assets recoverable amount is estimated. If the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount (on a discounted basis), the asset value is written down to the recoverable amount. (For further discussion on the methodology used in testing long-lived assets and intangibles for impairment, refer to the Critical Accounting Estimates in the Critical Accounting Estimates, Developments, and Measures section of this report.)
Based on our review of intangible assets at each reporting period in 2014 and 2013, there have been no material indications of impairment.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-30 | Stantec Inc. |
Net Interest Expense
Our net interest expense decreased by $0.1 million in 2014 compared to 2013, mainly due to an increase in bank interest income and interest income earned on available-for-sale investment debt securities, partially offset by an increase in the interest expense on other notes payable. In particular, the balance for other notes payable was $111.2 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $53.0 million at December 31, 2013. The weighted average interest rate on our other notes payable was 3.65% in 2014 as compared to 3.10% in 2013. As well, interest expensed on our revolving credit facility for the year slightly increased compared to 2013. The balance of our revolving credit facility was higher at $65.0 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $51.1 million at December 31, 2013. The average interest rate of our revolving credit facility was 1.37% at both December 31, 2014, and 2013. (The revolving credit facility and senior secured notes are further described in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this report.)
Based on our credit balance at December 31, 2014, we estimate that a 0.5% increase or decrease in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have had an immaterial impact on our net income and basic earnings per share for the year. We have the flexibility to partly mitigate our exposure to interest rate changes by maintaining a mix of both fixed and floating rate debt. Our senior secured notes have fixed interest rates; therefore, interest rate fluctuations would have no impact on the senior secured notes interest payments.
Foreign Exchange Gains
We reported a foreign exchange gain of $0.4 million in 2014 compared to $0.2 million in 2013. The foreign exchange gains arose from the translation of the foreign-denominated assets and liabilities held in our Canadian companies and in our non-US-based foreign subsidiaries. We minimize our exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations by matching foreign currency assets with foreign currency liabilities and, when appropriate, by entering into forward contracts to buy or sell US dollars or British pounds in exchange for Canadian dollars. The foreign exchange gains in 2014 and 2013 were caused by the volatility of daily foreign exchange rates and the timing of the recognition and relief of foreign-denominated assets and liabilities. As at December 31, 2014, we had no material foreign-currency forward-contract agreements.
We estimate that because of a slight net exposure at December 31, 2014, a $0.01 increase or decrease in the US-dollar to Canadian-dollar exchange rate, with all other variables held constant, would have had an immaterial impact on our net income for the year.
Income Taxes
Our 2014 effective income tax rate was 26.3% compared to 26.5% in 2013. Our 2014 effective income tax rate was impacted by additional income earned in lower tax jurisdictions and less income earned in higher jurisdictions in 2014 compared to 2013. The effective tax rate of 26.3% meets the target of at or below 28.5% set out in our 2013 Annual Report.
Fourth Quarter Results
Gross revenue increased 12.5% to $647.5 million in Q4 14 compared to $575.3 million in Q4 13; 9.2% of this increase is due to acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014. EBITDA increased 10.9% to $69.1 million from $62.3 million, net income increased 6.7% to $38.1 million from $35.7 million, and our diluted earnings per share increased 5.3% to $0.40 from $0.38 when comparing Q4 14 to Q4 13. Diluted earnings per share was positively impacted by a decrease in administrative and marketing expense as a percentage of net revenue and a decrease in income tax expense. This was partly offset by an increase in our depreciation, amortization, net interest expense and other net finance expense as further discussed below.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-31 | Stantec Inc. |
The following table summarizes our key operating results for Q4 14 on a percentage of net revenue basis and the percentage increase in the dollar amount of these results compared to the same period last year:
Quarter Ended December 31 |
% of Net Revenue | % Increase (Decrease)* |
||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except %) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 vs. 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross revenue |
647.5 | 575.3 | 124.6% | 127.5% | 12.5% | |||||||||||||||||||
Net revenue |
519.6 | 451.3 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 15.1% | |||||||||||||||||||
Direct payroll costs |
230.6 | 196.6 | 44.4% | 43.6% | 17.3% | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross margin |
289.0 | 254.7 | 55.6% | 56.4% | 13.5% | |||||||||||||||||||
Administrative and marketing expenses |
220.6 | 197.3 | 42.5% | 43.7% | 11.8% | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation of property and equipment |
10.9 | 8.7 | 2.1% | 1.9% | 25.3% | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
7.0 | 4.6 | 1.3% | 1.0% | 52.2% | |||||||||||||||||||
Net interest expense |
2.4 | 1.9 | 0.5% | 0.4% | 26.3% | |||||||||||||||||||
Other net finance expense (income) |
0.9 | (3.3) | 0.2% | (0.7%) | n/m | |||||||||||||||||||
Share of income from joint ventures and associates |
(0.6) | (0.9) | (0.1% | ) | (0.1%) | (33.3%) | ||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain |
(0.3) | 0.0 | (0.1% | ) | 0.0% | n/m | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income |
(0.7) | (0.7) | (0.2% | ) | (0.2%) | n/m | ||||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
48.8 | 47.1 | 9.4% | 10.4% | 3.6% | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes |
10.7 | 11.4 | 2.1% | 2.5% | (6.1%) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
38.1 | 35.7 | 7.3% | 7.9% | 6.7% |
n/m = not meaningful
* % increase (decrease) calculated based on the dollar change from the comparable period.
Gross Revenue
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | Q4 14 vs. Q4 13 | |||
Increase in gross revenue due to |
||||
Acquisition growth |
53.1 | |||
Organic growth |
1.4 | |||
Impact of foreign exchange rates on revenue earned by foreign subsidiaries |
17.7 | |||
Total net increase in gross revenue |
72.2 |
During Q4 14, our gross revenue increased by $72.2 million, or 12.5%, compared to the same period in 2013. This change occurred because of the impact of acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014, as well as the weakening of the Canadian dollar. The average exchange rate for the Canadian dollar was US$0.88 during Q4 14 compared to US$0.95 during Q4 13.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-32 | Stantec Inc. |
The following tables summarize the change in gross revenue by region and by business operating unit in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013:
Gross Revenue by
Regional Operating Unit
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | Quarter Ended Dec 31, 2014 |
Quarter Ended Dec 31, 2013 |
Total Change |
Change Due to Acquisitions |
Change Due Growth |
Change Due to Foreign Exchange |
||||||||||||||||||
Canada |
325.9 | 338.4 | (12.5) | 1.2 | (13.7) | n/a | ||||||||||||||||||
United States |
299.7 | 217.2 | 82.5 | 51.9 | 12.9 | 17.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
International |
21.9 | 19.7 | 2.2 | - | 2.2 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
647.5 | 575.3 | 72.2 | 53.1 | 1.4 | 17.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
n/a = not applicable |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Revenue by | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Business Operating Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | Quarter Ended Dec 31, 2014 |
Quarter Ended Dec 31, 2013 |
Total Change |
Change Due to Acquisitions |
Change Due to Organic Growth |
Change Due to Foreign Exchange |
||||||||||||||||||
Buildings |
146.6 | 110.0 | 36.6 | 24.2 | 9.2 | 3.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Energy & Resources |
273.1 | 263.3 | 9.8 | 22.2 | (17.3) | 4.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Infrastructure |
227.8 | 202.0 | 25.8 | 6.7 | 9.5 | 9.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
647.5 | 575.3 | 72.2 | 53.1 | 1.4 | 17.7 |
Comparative figures have been reclassified due to a realignment of several business lines between our Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure business operating units.
Organic growth in Q4 14 was positive in all business operating units except Energy & Resources. The Energy & Resources business operating unit decline occurred primarily because of certain terminal projects winding down in our Oil & Gas sector in Canada. Buildings continued its momentum of organic growth with an increase of 8.4% in Q4 14 compared to Q4 13. This occurred mainly from improved project management and growth in our Canadian and International Healthcare sectors. The 4.7% organic gross revenue growth in our Infrastructure business operating unit resulted from growth in all its three sectorsCommunity Development, Transportation, and Waterin particular, our US Transportation sector where we benefit from strong client relationships.
In Q4 14 our gross margin decreased to 55.6% from 56.4% in Q4 13. Our gross margin decreased quarter over quarter in our regional operating units and our business operating units as summarized in the tables below:
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-33 | Stantec Inc. |
Gross Margin by Regional Operating Unit |
Quarter Ended Dec 31 | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Canada |
57.6% | 56.9% | ||||
United States |
54.4% | 56.2% | ||||
International |
38.1% | 50.5% | ||||
Gross Margin by Business Operating Unit |
Quarter Ended Dec 31 | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Buildings |
53.8% | 55.8% | ||||
Energy & Resources |
54.2% | 54.8% | ||||
Infrastructure |
58.3% | 58.7% | ||||
Note: Comparative figures have been reclassified due to a realignment of several business lines between our Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure business operating units. |
The nature of our business modelbased on diversifying operations across geographic regions, business operating units, and all phases of the infrastructure and facilities project life cyclewill continue to cause fluctuations in our gross margin percentage from period to period, depending on the mix of projects during any given quarter. In our US operations, the reduction in gross margin is primarily due to lower margins in our Oil & Gas sector which is a growing component of our US revenue. In our Buildings business operating unit and International operations, gross margins were negatively impacted by project adjustments to estimated costs to complete.
Administrative and marketing expense as a percentage of net revenue decreased to 42.5% in Q4 14 from 43.7% in Q4 13. The expense in Q4 13 was historically high due to additional charges for seasonal holidays and an increase in the fair value of restricted share units and deferred share units. Administrative and marketing expense increase sequentially from Q3 14 to Q4 14 partly due to decreased utilization from seasonality and increased integration activities from acquisitions.
Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of net revenue increased due to an increase in property and equipment and intangible assets resulting from organic growth and acquisitions. Interest expense was higher in Q4 14 compared to Q4 13 due to an increase in notes payable from acquisitions. Other net finance expense (income) was in a $3.3 million income position in Q4 13 compared to an expense of $0.9 million in Q4 14 because we derecognized a $4.2 million note payable from an acquisition.
Our effective tax rate is based on statutory rates in jurisdictions where we operate. Our effective income tax rate decreased sequentially from 27.5% in Q3 14 to 26.3% in Q4 14 due to more-than-expected income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions and less income earned in higher tax rate jurisdictions. In addition, the rate declined because of an increase in deductions for US share options exercised and because we used previously unrecognized tax losses.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-34 | Stantec Inc. |
Quarterly Trends
The following is a summary of our quarterly operating results for the last two fiscal years, all prepared in accordance with IFRS:
Quarterly Unaudited Financial Information | ||||||||||||||||
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) |
Dec 31, 2014 | Sept 30, 2014* | Jun 30, 2014* | Mar 31, 2014* | ||||||||||||
Gross revenue |
647.5 | 674.7 | 633.8 | 573.9 | ||||||||||||
Net revenue |
519.6 | 544.2 | 530.2 | 481.3 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
38.1 | 48.6 | 44.3 | 33.5 | ||||||||||||
EPS basic |
0.41 | 0.52 | 0.47 | 0.36 | ||||||||||||
EPS diluted |
0.40 | 0.51 | 0.47 | 0.36 | ||||||||||||
Dec 31, 2013 | * | Sept 30, 2013 | * | Jun 30, 2013 | * | Mar 31, 2013 | * | |||||||||
Gross revenue |
575.3 | 581.2 | 566.7 | 513.2 | ||||||||||||
Net revenue |
451.3 | 484.8 | 469.4 | 426.9 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
35.7 | 45.9 | 36.2 | 28.4 | ||||||||||||
EPS basic |
0.38 | 0.50 | 0.39 | 0.31 | ||||||||||||
EPS diluted |
0.38 | 0.49 | 0.39 | 0.31 |
Quarterly earnings per share on a basic and diluted basis are not additive and may not equal the annual earnings per share reported. This is a result of the effect of shares issued or repurchased during the year on the weighted average number of shares. Diluted earnings per share on a quarterly basis and an annual basis are also affected by the change in the market price of our shares, since we do not include in dilution options when the exercise price of the option is not in the money.
*Earnings per share have been adjusted from previously reported amounts for the two-for-one share split that occurred on November 14, 2014.
The following items impact the comparability of our quarterly results:
Gross Revenue
(In millions of Canadian dollars) |
Q4 14 vs. Q4 13 |
Q3 14 vs. Q3 13 |
Q2 14 vs. Q2 13 |
Q1 14 vs. Q1 13 |
||||||||||||
Increase in gross revenue due to |
||||||||||||||||
Acquisition growth |
53.1 | 48.6 | 31.8 | 11.1 | ||||||||||||
Organic growth |
1.4 | 34.1 | 21.0 | 29.9 | ||||||||||||
Impact of foreign exchange rates on revenue earned by foreign subsidiaries |
17.7 | 10.8 | 14.3 | 19.7 | ||||||||||||
Total net increase in gross revenue |
72.2 | 93.5 | 67.1 | 60.7 |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-35 | Stantec Inc. |
Q1 14 vs. Q1 13. During Q1 14, net income increased by $5.1 million, or 18.0%, from the same period in 2013, and diluted earnings per share for Q1 14 increased by $0.05, or 16.1%, compared to Q1 13. Net income for Q1 14 was positively impacted by an increase in revenue resulting from acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014, and by strong organic growth in our Energy & Resources and Infrastructure business operating units. Growth was driven mainly by our Oil & Gas sector, particularly by work in the midstream industry, and by increased activity in our Water sector. We reported organic growth in our Canadian and International operations. Our results were also positively impacted by an increase in gross marginfrom 54.0% in Q1 13 to 54.4% in Q1 14. This increase was offset by an increase in our administrative and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenuefrom 41.1% in Q1 13 to 41.5% in Q1 14. Our bottom line was also positively impacted by a reduction in net interest expense and an increase in income from joint ventures and associates.
Q2 14 vs. Q2 13. During Q2 14, net income increased by $8.1 million, or 22.4%, from the same period in 2013, and diluted earnings per share for Q2 14 increased by $0.08, or 20.5%, compared to Q2 13. Net income for Q2 14 was positively impacted by an increase in revenue because of acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014, and organic revenue growth in our Energy & Resources and Infrastructure business operating units. Strong growth occurred in our Water and Community Development sectors. Overall activity in our Oil & Gas sector, particularly in the midstream industry, remained strong, although at a reduced pace of growth compared to Q1 14 due to the winding down of certain terminal projects. Organic growth continued to occur in Canada and internationally. The slight retraction in the United States was mostly due to a softened buildings sector, and harsh weather conditions in Q1 14 caused a slower-than-expected ramp-up on projects. Our results were also positively impacted by an increase in gross marginfrom 54.2% in Q2 13 to 54.7% in Q2 14and a reduction in our administrative and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenuefrom 40.0% in Q2 13 to 39.9% in Q2 14. Our bottom line was also positively impacted by a decrease in net interest expense and amortization of intangible assets.
Q3 14 vs. Q3 13. During Q3 14, net income increased by $2.7 million, or 5.9%, from the same period in 2013, and diluted earnings per share for Q3 14 increased by $0.02, or 4.1%, compared to Q3 13. Net income for Q3 14 was positively impacted by an increase in revenue because of acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014, and organic revenue growth in Buildings and Infrastructure while our Energy & Resources business operating unit had a reduced pace of growth due to retraction in our Mining sector. Our United States operations had strong organic growth of 10.4% in Q3 14 compared to Q3 13, resulting mainly from growth in our Power and Transportation sectors and in our Buildings business operating unit. Our results were also positively impacted by an increase in gross marginfrom 54.3% in Q3 13 to 54.7% in Q3 14. This was offset by an increase in our administrative and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenuefrom 38.3% in Q3 13 to 39.3% in Q3 14mainly from lower utilization due in part to increased integration activities from acquisitions.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-36 | Stantec Inc. |
Balance Sheet
The following highlights the major changes to our assets, liabilities, and equity from December 31, 2013, to December 31, 2014:
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | Dec 31, 2014 | Dec 31, 2013 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||
Total current assets |
844.4 | 726.2 | 118.2 | 16.3% | ||||||||||||
Property and equipment |
152.7 | 133.5 | 19.2 | 14.4% | ||||||||||||
Goodwill |
760.6 | 594.8 | 165.8 | 27.9% | ||||||||||||
Intangible assets |
97.2 | 78.9 | 18.3 | 23.2% | ||||||||||||
Other financial assets |
90.7 | 83.2 | 7.5 | 9.0% | ||||||||||||
All other assets |
64.9 | 51.6 | 13.3 | 25.8% | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
2,010.5 | 1,668.2 | 342.3 | 20.5% | ||||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
53.2 | 37.1 | 16.1 | 43.4% | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities |
12.0 | 9.8 | 2.2 | 22.4% | ||||||||||||
All other current liabilities |
409.9 | 360.1 | 49.8 | 13.8% | ||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
475.1 | 407.0 | 68.1 | 16.7% | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
256.1 | 200.9 | 55.2 | 27.5% | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities |
64.3 | 58.0 | 6.3 | 10.9% | ||||||||||||
All other liabilities |
128.8 | 109.7 | 19.1 | 17.4% | ||||||||||||
Equity |
1,086.2 | 892.6 | 193.6 | 21.7% | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities and equity |
2,010.5 | 1,668.2 | 342.3 | 20.5% |
Refer to the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this report for an explanation of the change in current assets and current liabilities.
Property and equipment increased mainly because of the number of leasehold and furniture improvements made to various offices and as a result of the acquisitions of WEG, ProU, JBR, SHW, USKH, ADD, Inc., and Penfield & Smith. Because of these acquisitions and changes in foreign exchange, goodwill increased (explained below). Intangible assets increased mostly because of customer relationships and backlog acquired from these acquisitions and the renewal of our Autodesk and Bentley agreements in Q1 14 and incremental software licenses on our enterprise management system. Total current and long-term other financial assets increased mainly due to an increase in investments held for self-insured liabilities. Total current and long-term debt increased mainly as a result of an increase in notes payable from acquisitions, as well as an increase in our revolving credit facility and finance lease obligations. The increase in other liabilities was primarily caused by an increase in lease inducement benefits from leasehold improvements.
Overall, the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities of our US subsidiaries on our consolidated balance sheets increased because of the weakening of the Canadian dollarfrom US$0.94 at December 31, 2013, to US$0.86 at December 31, 2014.
Goodwill
In accordance with our accounting policies, described in note 4 of our audited consolidated financial statements, we conduct a goodwill impairment test annually as at October 1 or more frequently if circumstances indicate that an impairment may occur or if a significant acquisition occurs between the annual impairment test date and December 31.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-37 | Stantec Inc. |
We allocate goodwill to our cash generating units (CGUs), which are also our operating segments. CGUs are defined based on the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Other factors are considered, including how management monitors the entitys operations. We defined our CGUs as Canada, the United States, and International. No goodwill is allocated to our International CGU. As a Company, we are constantly evolving and continuing to expand into different geographic locations. As we evolve, we regularly review our corporate and management structure to ensure our operations are organized into logical units, particularly for making operating decisions and assessing performance. If we determine that our corporate and management structure should change, we review our definitions of CGUs and reportable segments. We do not allocate goodwill to or monitor it by our business operating units.
On October 1, 2014, and October 1, 2013, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test. Based on the results of these tests, we concluded that the recoverable amount of each CGU exceeded its carrying amount and, therefore, goodwill was not impaired.
Valuation techniques
When performing our goodwill impairment test, we compare the recoverable amount of our CGUs to their respective carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of a CGU is higher than its recoverable amount, an impairment charge is recorded as a reduction in the carrying amount of the goodwill on the consolidated statement of financial position and recognized as a non-cash impairment charge in income. We estimate the recoverable amount by using the fair value less costs of disposal approach. It estimates fair value using market information and discounted after-tax cash flow projections, which is known as the income approach. The income approach uses a CGUs projection of estimated operating results and discounted cash flows based on a discounted rate that reflects current market conditions.
We use cash flow projections from financial forecasts approved by senior management covering a five-year period. For our last two impairment tests on October 1, 2014, and October 1, 2013, we discounted our CGU cash flows using after-tax discount rates ranging from 8.7% to 11.5%. To arrive at cash flow projections, we use estimates of economic and market information including growth rates in revenues, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins, and cash expenditures. Other significant estimates and assumptions include future estimates of capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements.
We believe that our methodology provides us with a reasonable basis for determining whether an impairment charge should be taken. Note 11 in our 2014 audited consolidated financial statements provides more detail about our goodwill impairment test and is incorporated by reference.
If market and economic conditions deteriorate or if volatility in the financial markets causes declines in our share price, increases our weighted-average cost of capital, or changes valuation multiples or other inputs to our goodwill assessment, our goodwill may require testing for impairment between our annual test dates. In addition, changes in the numerous variables associated with the judgments, assumptions, and estimates we made in assessing the fair value of our goodwill could cause our CGUs to be impaired. These impairments are non-cash charges that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements but would not have any adverse effect on our liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, or debt covenants, and would not have an impact on future operations.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-38 | Stantec Inc. |
Sensitivity
The calculation of fair value less costs of disposal for all of our CGUs is most sensitive to the following assumptions:
| Operating margins based on actual experience and managements long-term projections. |
| Discount ratesreflecting investors expectations when discounting future cash flows to a present valuethat take into consideration market rates of return, capital structure, company size, and industry risk. This rate is further adjusted to reflect risks specific to the CGU for which future estimates of cash flows have not been adjusted. |
| Growth rate estimates based on actual experience and market analysis. Projections are extrapolated beyond five years using a growth rate that typically does not exceed 3.0%. |
At October 1, 2014, the recoverable amounts of our Canadian and US CGUs exceeded their carrying amounts. For assessing fair value less costs of disposal, we believe that no reasonably possible change in any key assumption listed above would have caused the carrying amount of the Canadian or US CGU to materially exceed its recoverable amount.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following discussion includes forward-looking statements. For an outline of the material risks and assumptions associated with these statements, refer to the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements at the end of this report. We are able to meet our liquidity needs through a variety of sources, including cash generated from operations, long- and short-term borrowings from our $350 million credit facility, senior secured notes, and the issuance of common shares. Our primary use of funds is for paying operational expenses, completing acquisitions, sustaining capital spending on property and equipment and software, repaying long-term debt, and paying dividend distributions to shareholders.
We believe that internally generated cash flows, supplemented by borrowings, if necessary, will be sufficient to cover our normal operating and capital expenditures. We also believe that the design of our business model (explained in the Core Business and Strategy section of this report) reduces the impact of changing market conditions on our operating cash flows. Consequently, we do not anticipate any immediate need to access additional capital through the issuance of common shares. However, under certain favorable market conditions, we would consider issuing common shares to facilitate acquisition growth or to reduce borrowings under our credit facility.
We continue to limit our exposure to credit risk by placing our cash and short-term deposits inand, when appropriate, by entering into derivative agreements withhigh-quality credit institutions. Our investments held for self-insured liabilities include bonds, equities, and term deposits. We mitigate risk associated with these bonds, equities, and term deposits through the overall quality and mix of our investment portfolio.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-39 | Stantec Inc. |
Working Capital
The following table shows summarized working capital information as at December 31, 2014, compared to December 31, 2013:
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except ratio) | 2014 | 2013 | $ Change | |||||||||
Current assets |
844.4 | 726.2 | 118.2 | |||||||||
Current liabilities |
(475.1) | (407.0) | (68.1) | |||||||||
Working capital (Note) |
369.3 | 319.2 | 50.1 | |||||||||
Current ratio (Note) |
1.78 | 1.78 | n/a |
Note: Working capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. Current ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. Both non-IFRS measures are further described in the Definitions section of this report.
Current assets increased primarily because of a $95.3 million increase in trade and other receivables and unbilled revenue as a result of acquisitions and organic growth in the year. Investment in trade and other receivables and unbilled revenue was 86 days at both December 31, 2014, and 2013. Year over year, cash and cash equivalents increased by $10.7 million, income tax recoverable increased by $2.4 million, and prepaid expenses increased by $4.5 million. Current other financial assets increased $10.1 million from December 31, 2013, because of an increase in our investments held for self-insured liabilities.
An increase in current liabilities was largely due to a $41.2 million increase in trade and other payables resulting from increased activity, higher payroll accruals because of an increase in employee numbers, and an increase in bonuses payable. In addition, billings in excess of costs increased $18.3 million primarily from increased project activity in the United States and project mix. The current portion of long-term debt increased $16.0 million, which was mainly a result of additional notes payable from current acquisitions and an increase in finance lease obligations. These increases were partly offset by a $9.1 million decrease in income taxes payable since December 31, 2013, due to the timing of our tax instalments.
Cash Flows
Our cash flows from (used in) operating, investing, and financing activities, as reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flows, are summarized in the following table:
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | 2014 | 2013 | $ Change | |||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
207.2 | 272.1 | (64.9) | |||||||||
Cash flows used in investing activities |
(174.3) | (117.4) | (56.9) | |||||||||
Cash flows used in financing activities |
(24.7) | (54.2) | 29.5 |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-40 | Stantec Inc. |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities are impacted by the timing of payroll and acquisitions, particularly the timing of payments of acquired trade and other payables, including employee annual bonuses. The $64.9 million decrease in cash flows from operating activities resulted from an increase in cash paid to employees, which was caused by an increase in the number of employees and the bonuses and restricted share units paid in the year. Cash paid to suppliers increased because of our acquisitions and organic growth and the timing of various payments. As a consequence of higher 2014 tax installment requirements, income taxes paid increased by $14.5 million. Also, we recovered $9.7 million less in income taxes due to a higher income tax refund in 2013. These increases in cash outflows were partly offset by an increase in cash receipts from clients due to our acquisitions and organic growth.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities increased in 2014 compared to 2013 due to an increase in cash used for business acquisitions. We used $123.7 million for the payment of cash consideration and notes payable from acquisitions in 2014 compared to $43.5 million in 2013. This increase in cash outflows was partly offset by a reduction in cash outflows for investments held for self-insured liabilities and for property and equipment. In 2014, property and equipment purchases totaled $42.7 million compared to $52.6 million in 2013. Contributing to the higher spending in 2013 was the purchase of furniture and leasehold improvements made to various office locations.
Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities
Cash outflows used in financing activities decreased mainly due to a net inflow in 2014 of $3.5 million from our revolving credit facilitycompared to a net outflow in 2013 of $34.6 million to repay our revolving credit facility. The reductions in outflows were partly offset by a decrease in cash received from the issuance of shares from employees exercising their share options and a $3.9 million increase in cash outflows for the payment of dividends in 2014 compared to 2013.
Capital Structure
We manage our capital structure according to our internal guideline of maintaining a net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 2.5. At December 31, 2014, our net debt to EBITDA ratio was 0.53. Going forward, there may be occasions when we exceed our target by completing opportune acquisitions that increase our debt level for a period of time.
During 2014, we extended the maturity of our existing $350 million revolving credit facility to August 31, 2018. This credit facility allows us access to an additional $150 million under the same terms and conditions on approval from our lenders. Our credit facility is available for acquisitions, working capital needs, and general corporate purposes. Depending on the form under which the credit facility is accessed and on certain financial covenant calculations, rates of interest may vary between Canadian prime, US base rate, LIBOR, or bankers acceptance rates, plus specified basis points. The specified basis points may vary, depending on our level of consolidated debt to EBITDAfrom 20 to 125 for Canadian prime and US base rate loans and from 120 to 225 for bankers acceptances, LIBOR loans, and letters of credit. Before the extension, the basis points varied, depending on our level of consolidated debt to EBITDAfrom 20 to 145 for Canadian prime and US base rate loans, and from 120 to 245 for bankers acceptances, LIBOR loans, and letters of credit. At December 31, 2014, $281.9 million was available in the revolving credit facility for future activities.
On May 13, 2011, we issued $70 million of 4.332% senior secured notes due May 10, 2016, and $55 million of 4.757% senior secured notes due May 10, 2018. These amounts were recorded net of transaction costs of $1.1 million. The senior secured notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated May 13, 2011, between Stantec Inc., as issuer, and BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee and collateral agent. These notes are
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-41 | Stantec Inc. |
ranked equally with our existing revolving credit facility. Interest on the senior secured notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 10 and November 10 each year until maturity or the earlier payment, redemption, or purchase in full of the notes. We may redeem them, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at specified redemption prices and subject to certain conditions required by the indenture. The senior secured notes contain restrictive covenants. All of our assets are held as collateral under a general security agreement for the revolving credit facility and the senior secured notes.
We are subject to financial and operating covenants related to our credit facility and senior secured notes. Failure to meet the terms of one or more of these covenants may constitute a default, potentially resulting in accelerated repayment of our debt obligation. In particular, at each quarter-end, we must satisfy the following at any time: (1) our consolidated EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring or rent costs) to debt service ratio must not be less than 1.25 to 1.0 for the revolving credit facility and senior secured notes and (2) our consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio must not exceed 2.5 to 1.0 for the revolving credit facility and 2.75 to 1.0 for the senior secured notes, except in the case of a material acquisition when our consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio must not exceed 3.0 to 1.0 for the revolving credit facility and 3.25 to 1.0 for the senior secured notes for a period of two complete quarters following the acquisition. EBITDA and EBITDAR to debt service ratios are defined in Definition of Non-IFRS Measures in the Definitions section of this report. We were in compliance with all these covenants as at and throughout the period ended December 31, 2014.
During 2014, we extended the maturity of our bid bond facility to August 31, 2018, from August 31, 2017, and increased the limit from $10 million to $15 million. This facility allows us to access an additional $5 million under the same terms and conditions upon approval from our lenders. This facility may be used for the issuance of bid bonds, performance guarantees, letters of credit, and documentary credits in international currencies. At December 31, 2014, $8.5 million had been issued under this bid bond facility, expiring at various dates before January 2016.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-42 | Stantec Inc. |
Shareholders Equity
Our shareholders equity increased by $193.6 million in 2014 and by $165.6 million in 2013. The following table summarizes the reasons for these increases:
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Beginning shareholders equity |
892.6 | 727.0 | ||||||
Net income for the year |
164.5 | 146.2 | ||||||
Currency translation adjustments |
46.3 | 26.1 | ||||||
Net unrealized gain on financial assets |
2.9 | 5.0 | ||||||
Net realized gain on financial assets transferred to income |
(0.7) | (0.6) | ||||||
Recognition of fair value of share-based compensation |
4.6 | 3.8 | ||||||
Share options exercised for cash |
10.6 | 16.5 | ||||||
Dividends declared |
(34.6) | (30.6) | ||||||
Purchase of non-controlling interests |
0.0 | (0.8) | ||||||
Total change |
193.6 | 165.6 | ||||||
Ending shareholders equity |
1,086.2 | 892.6 |
During 2014, we recorded a $46.3 million foreign exchange gain in our currency translation adjustments in other comprehensive income compared to a $26.1 million gain in 2013. These unrealized gains arose when translating our foreign operations into Canadian dollars. We do not hedge for this foreign exchange translation risk. The gain recorded during 2014 was caused by the weakening of the Canadian dollarfrom US$0.94 at December 31, 2013, to US$0.86 at December 31, 2014.
We hold investments for self-insured liabilities consisting of government and corporate bonds, equity securities, and term deposits. These investments are classified as available for sale and are stated at fair value with the unrecognized gain or loss recorded in other comprehensive income. We gained $2.9 million in 2014 and $5.0 million in 2013 in the fair value of these investments.
Our board of directors grants share options as part of our incentive programs. In 2014, our board granted 803,926 (in 2013, 910,000) share options to various officers and employees of the Company. These options vest equally over a three-year period and have a contractual life of seven years from the grant date. Share options exercised in 2014 generated $10.6 million in cash compared to $16.5 million in 2013.
Our board of directors has declared dividends to common shareholders: $34.6 million in dividends were declared in 2014 and $30.6 million were declared in 2013.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-43 | Stantec Inc. |
Other
Outstanding Share Data
At December 31, 2014, there were 93,836,258 common shares and 2,676,568 share options outstanding. From December 31, 2014, to February 25, 2015, no share options were granted, 2,757 share options were exercised, and no share options were forfeited. At February 25, 2015, there were 93,839,015 common shares and 2,673,811 share options outstanding.
Contractual Obligations
As part of our continuing operations, we enter into long-term contractual arrangements from time to time. The following table summarizes the contractual obligations due on our long-term debt, operating and finance lease commitments, purchase and service obligations, and other liabilities as at December 31, 2014:
Payment Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | Total | Less than 1 Year |
13 Years | 45 Years | After 5 Years |
|||||||||||||||
Debt |
301.5 | 47.7 | 129.0 | 124.3 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||
Interest on debt |
22.0 | 9.9 | 10.5 | 1.6 | - | |||||||||||||||
Operating leases |
846.5 | 119.3 | 205.4 | 142.5 | 379.3 | |||||||||||||||
Finance lease obligation |
8.2 | 5.6 | 2.6 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Purchase and service obligations |
35.7 | 14.7 | 19.4 | 1.6 | - | |||||||||||||||
Other obligations |
26.6 | 1.9 | 9.2 | 0.2 | 15.3 | |||||||||||||||
Total contractual obligations |
1,240.5 | 199.1 | 376.1 | 270.2 | 395.1 |
For further information regarding the nature and repayment terms of our long-term debt, operating leases, and finance lease obligations, refer to the Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities section of this report and notes 16 and 19 in our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, incorporated by reference herein.
Our operating lease commitments include future minimum rentals payments under non-cancellable agreements for office space. Our purchase and service obligations include agreements to purchase future goods and services that are enforceable and legally binding. Our other obligations include amounts payable under our deferred share unit and restricted share unit plans and amounts payable for performance share units issued under our long-term incentive program. Failure to meet the terms of our operating lease commitments may constitute a default, potentially resulting in a lease termination payment, accelerated payments, or a penalty as detailed in each lease agreement.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As at December 31, 2014, we had off-balance sheet financial arrangements relating to letters of credit in the amount of $3.2 million that expire at various dates before January 2016. These letters of credit were issued in the normal course of operations, including the guarantee of certain office rental obligations. As part of the normal course of operations, we also have a surety facility to enable the issuance of bonds for certain types of project work. As at December 31, 2014, $3.3 million in bonds were issued under this agreement and expire at various dates before April 2020. In addition, we have a bid bond facility that allows us to issue bid bonds, performance guarantees, letters of credit, and documentary credits in international currencies. At December 31, 2014, $8.5 million, expiring at various dates before January 2016, was issued under this bid bond facility.
During 2009, we issued a guarantee up to a maximum of US$60.0 million for project work with the US federal government. During 2014, this agreement expired due to the completion of project work. We did not make any payments under this guarantee, and no amounts were accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to the guarantee.
In the normal course of business, we also provide indemnifications and, in very limited circumstances, surety bonds. These indemnifications are granted on commercially reasonable contractual terms and are provided to counterparties in transactions such as purchase and sale contracts for assets or shares, service agreements, and leasing transactions. In addition, we indemnify our directors and officers against any and all claims or losses reasonably incurred in the performance of their service to the Company to the extent permitted by law. These indemnifications may require us to compensate the counterparty for costs incurred through various events. The terms of these indemnification agreements will vary based on the contract, the nature of which prevents us from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount that could be required to pay counterparties. Historically, we have not made any significant payments under such indemnifications, and no amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these guarantees.
Financial Instruments and Market Risk
Fair value. As at December 31, 2014, we value and record our financial instruments as follows:
| Cash and cash equivalents are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit and loss (FVPL) and are recorded at fair value, with realized and unrealized gains and losses reported in income. |
| Trade and other receivables are classified as receivables and are initially accounted for at fair value and subsequently adjusted for any allowance for doubtful accounts, with allowances reported in administrative and marketing expenses. |
| Investments held for self-insured liabilities, consisting of bonds, equity securities, and term deposits, are classified as financial assets available for sale and are recorded at fair value, with accumulated unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income until disposed of; at that time, the realized gains and losses are recognized in other income for equity securities and in net finance income for bonds and term deposits. Interest income is recorded in finance income; dividends are recorded in other income. |
| Trade and other payables are classified as other financial liabilities and recorded at fair value; subsequently, they are recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest rate (EIR) method, with realized gains and losses reported in income. The EIR method discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of a financial instrument, thereby calculating the amortized cost and subsequently allocating the interest income or expense over the life of the instrument. |
| Long-term debts, including non-interest-bearing debts, are classified as loans and borrowings and are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently recorded at amortized cost using the EIR method, with the EIR amortization and realized gains and losses reported in finance costs. |
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All financial assets are recognized initially at fair value plus directly attributable transaction costs, except for financial assets at FVPL, for which transaction costs are expensed. Purchases or sales of financial assets are accounted for at trade dates. All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings, net of directly attributable transaction costs.
After initial recognition, the fair values of financial instruments are based on the bid prices in quoted active markets for financial assets and on the ask prices for financial liabilities. For financial instruments not traded in an active market, the fair value is determined using appropriate valuation techniques, which may include recent arms-length market transactions, reference to the current fair value of another instrument that is substantially the same, and discounted cash flow analysis; however, other valuation models may be used. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables approximate their carrying amounts because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amounts of bank loans approximates their fair values because the applicable interest rate is based on variable reference rates. The carrying amounts of other financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their fair values.
Market risk. We are exposed to various market factors that can affect our performance, primarily our currency and interest rates.
Currency
Our currency exchange rate risk results primarily from the following three factors:
1. | A significant portion of our revenue and expenses is generated or incurred in US dollars; therefore, we are exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates. To the extent that |
| US-dollar revenues are greater than US-dollar expenses in a strengthening US-dollar environment, we expect to see a positive impact on our income from operations |
| US-dollar revenues are greater than US-dollar expenses in a weakening US-dollar environment, we expect to see a negative impact on our income from operations |
This exchange rate risk primarily reflects, on an annual basis, the impact of fluctuating exchange rates on the net difference between total US-dollar revenue and US-dollar expenses. Other exchange rate risk arises from the revenue and expenses generated or incurred by subsidiaries located outside Canada and the United States. Our income from operations will be impacted by exchange rate fluctuations used in translating these revenues and expenses, and they are recorded in other comprehensive income. We do not hedge for this foreign exchange translation risk.
2. | Foreign exchange fluctuations may also arise on the translation of the balance sheet of (net investment in) our US-based subsidiaries or other foreign subsidiaries where the functional currency is different from the Canadian dollar, and they are recorded in other comprehensive income. We do not hedge for this foreign exchange translation risk. |
3. | Foreign exchange gains or losses arise on the translation of foreign-denominated assets and liabilities (such as accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and long-term debt) held in our Canadian operations and non-US-based foreign subsidiaries. We minimize our exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations on these items by matching US-dollar foreign currency assets with US-dollar foreign currency liabilities and, when appropriate, by entering into forward contracts to buy or sell US dollars and British pounds in exchange for Canadian dollars. |
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Although we may buy or sell foreign currencies in exchange for Canadian dollars in accordance with our foreign exchange risk mitigation strategy, on occasion we may have a net exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations because of the timing of the recognition and relief of foreign-denominated assets and liabilities. We estimate that based on a slight net exposure at December 31, 2014, a $0.01 increase or decrease in the exchange rates (with all other variables held constant) would have had an immaterial impact on our net income for the year.
Interest rates
Changes in interest rates also present a risk to our performance. Our revolving credit facility carries a floating rate of interest. In addition, we are subject to interest rate pricing risk to the extent that our investments held for self-insured liabilities contain fixed-rate government and corporate bonds and term deposits. We estimate that, based on our loan balance at December 31, 2014, a 0.5% increase in interest rates (with all other variables held constant) would have had an immaterial impact on our basic earnings per share for the year.
We have the flexibility to partly mitigate our exposure to interest rate changes by maintaining a mix of both fixed- and floating-rate debt. Our $125 million in senior secured notes have fixed interest rates until they are due$70 million at 4.332% due May 10, 2016, and $55 million at 4.757% due May 10, 2018. Since these have fixed rates, interest rate fluctuations would have no impact on the senior secured notes interest payments.
Price risk
We are subject to market price risk to the extent that our investments held for self-insured liabilities contain equity funds. This risk is mitigated to the extent that the portfolio of equity funds is monitored regularly and is relatively diversified. The effects of a 1.0% decline or increase in equity prices (with all other variables held constant) would have had an insignificant impact on our comprehensive income for the year.
Related-Party Transactions
We have subsidiaries that are 100% owned and are consolidated in our financial statements. We also have management agreements in place with several structured entities to provide various services, including architecture, engineering, planning, and project management. Based on these management agreements, we have assessed that we have control over the relevant activities, we are exposed to variable returns, and we can use our power to influence the variable returns; therefore, we control these entities and have consolidated them in our consolidated financial statements. We receive a management fee generally equal to the net income of the entities and have an obligation regarding their liabilities and losses. Transactions among subsidiaries and structured entities are entered into in the normal course of business and on an arms-length basis. Using the consolidated method of accounting, all intercompany balances are eliminated.
From time to time, we enter into transactions with associated companies and other entities pursuant to a joint arrangement. These transactions involve providing or receiving services and are entered into in the normal course of business and on an arms-length basis. Associated companies are entities over which we are able to exercise significant influence but not control. A joint arrangement is classified as either a joint venture or joint operation, based on the rights and obligations arising from the contractual obligations between the parties to the arrangement. A joint venture provides us with rights to the net assets of the arrangement. A joint operation provides us with rights to the individual assets and obligations.
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We account for a joint operation by recognizing our share of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of the joint operation and by combining them line by line with similar items in our consolidated financial statements. We use the equity method of accounting for our associated companies and joint ventures. In 2014, the total sales to our associates were $19.7 million and distributions paid by our associates were $0.2 million. At December 31, 2014, receivables from our associates were $4.5 million. Total sales to our joint ventures were $18.6 million and distributions paid by our joint ventures were $2.3 million in 2014. At December 31, 2014, receivables from our joint ventures were $6.1 million.
Key management personnel have authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of our Company and include our CEO, COO, CFO, and executive senior vice presidents. Total compensation to key management personnel and directors recognized as an expense was $12.9 million in 2014 compared to $19.1 million in 2013. The decrease year over year is mainly due to the decrease in the fair value of restrictive share units and deferred share units.
From time to time, we guarantee the obligations of subsidiaries or structured entities regarding lease agreements. We also, from time to time, guarantee subsidiaries or structured entities obligations to a third party pursuant to an acquisition agreement. (Transactions with subsidiaries, structured entities, associated companies, and joint ventures are further described in notes 13 and 30 of our 2014 audited consolidated financial statements and are incorporated by reference herein.)
Outlook
The following discussion includes forward-looking statements. For an outline of the material risks and assumptions associated with these statements, refer to the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements section. The following table summarizes our expectations for the coming year:
Measure | 2015 Target Range | |
Gross margin as % of net revenue | Between 54% and 56% | |
Administrative and marketing expenses as % of net revenue | Between 40% and 42% | |
EBITDA as % of net revenue | Between 13% and 15% | |
Net income as % of net revenue | At or above 6% | |
Return on equity | At or above 14% | |
Net debt to EBITDA | Below 2.5 |
We removed the target for an effective income tax rate of at or below 28.5% set in 2013. We removed this target since our effective income tax rate is based on statutory rates in jurisdictions where we operate. All other targets remain the same.
Actual performance will fluctuate depending on the mix of clients and projects, as well as the number of acquisitions completed in a year. Some targets, such as net debt to EBITDA, could be impacted and potentially exceeded by completing an opportune larger acquisition that increases our debt level above our target for a period of time.
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The diverse infrastructure and facilities market consists of many sectors and industries in both the public and private sectors. Clients within this market require services from multiple disciplines and areas of expertise for projects of varying complexities across the project life cycle. In North America, revenue for our principal area of operationdesign-related services for the infrastructure and facilities marketis approximately US$100 billion, and our market share is approximately 3%. Market size is affected by many factors, including capital spending plans of private sector clients, government allocations to infrastructure, and the range of alternative project delivery methods in certain sectors. Our footprint in the Middle East, United Kingdom, India, and the Caribbean provides an additional, although small, presence in international markets.
In 2015, we have an overall moderate growth outlook for professional services in our key sectors in North America. When determining our overall outlook, we considered the following expectations:
| Continued improvement in the United States as we build a top-tier position. |
| Greater strength in private sector markets than in public sector markets. |
| Energy and resource development moderation to potential retraction in Canadacompared to the robustness experienced in the past few yearsdue to the decline in commodity prices and delay in regulatory approvals which may delay projects moving forward. |
| Continued efforts to be made by all levels of government to address the ongoing infrastructure spending deficit. |
| Support for alternative project delivery approaches, including P3s, to continue in Canada and to present new opportunities in the United States. |
| The regulatory and political environment will continue to support infrastructure development in North America. |
| Continuing public awareness and regulatory focus on environmental issues. Increased awareness can have numerous effects: moving towards responsible industrial development, pursuing sustainable design, improving water distribution and treatment, and reducing the ecological footprint. |
The overall outlook for our International operations is moderate growth as we continue to organically build our experience and presence. We base our overall outlook on a variety of factors, including the material factors described below.
Geographic Outlook
Canada
We believe that organic gross revenue growth for our Canadian operations will be stable for 2015 but may retract in the first half of 2015, primarily due to a retraction in our Oil & Gas sector. However, we expect organic revenue growth will stabilize in the second half of 2015. Organic revenue growth in 2015 is expected to be positively impacted by increased activity in sectors and geographical regions that are linked to non-energy-related sectors.
Private sector: Business sentiment remains positive overall, but the recent decline in oil prices has significantly dampened the outlook in this cyclical energy sector, largely in the upstream segment. A significant portion of our work is in the midstream segment and in front-end planning and permitting on large multiyear projects. We believe these projects will continue to be advanced in 2015; however, the timing may be significantly impacted by regulatory approval processes and our clients decisions to proceed with the next phase of these projects.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
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The power sector is expected to remain stable as infrastructure is built out to maintain and replace aging generation, transmission, and distribution assets and, in particular, to meet federal government regulations. Global mining markets have been cautious throughout 2014; this will likely continue in the short term as a result of the continuing weakness in the global economy and low non-energy commodity prices. This will cause a decrease in the pace of capital expenditures, delays in some projects, or cancellation altogether if non-energy commodity prices remain subdued.
Although we are in a low-interest-rate environment, we expect stability in housing activity in 2015. Recently, supply has exceeded demographic requirements, and this supply is expected to come onto the market in the near term. In addition, the recent decline in oil prices is likely to cause a slowdown in residential construction in commodity-driven markets, specifically in western Canada.
The competitive landscape is expected to remain relatively stable because the flow of international competitors into the Canadian marketplace has stabilized. Labor constraints may ease due to declining commodity prices in the energy sector over the short- and mid-term.
Public sector: Despite moderate fiscal restraint, the budget situation of the federal government and most provincial governments is improving and projects are being released. Even so, declining energy prices may put renewed strain on the budgets of energy-reliant provinces and on the federal government. The New Building Canada Plan and provincial infrastructure initiatives recently announced establish long-term stability for funding in infrastructure.
Provincially and federally, support for the P3 model remains strong. Because of this and the trend towards larger, more complex projects to meet infrastructure demands, we anticipate P3 activity levels to remain consistent with levels of the past few years. In addition, more and more projects are expected to emerge at the municipal level, especially in the transportation sector, and in nontraditional sectors like water and airports. Overall, we expect that public spending will improve slightly; yet if a significant decline in public spending occurs, it could create challenges for meeting our outlook.
Other factors: Overall, the following factors support our outlook of stable organic gross revenue growth:
| GDP is projected to remain steady at 2.1% in 2015 according to the Bank of Canada. |
| The Bank of Canada overnight rate target is currently at 0.75% and is expected to remain low in 2015. |
| The unemployment rate at the end of 2014 was 6.6%. We expect this rate will not change significantly in 2015. |
| The World Bank expects that the overall weakness in metal prices will likely persist in 2015. |
| The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects a lower-than-average demand for oil. With this revised lower demand and falling prices, the EIA expects non-OPEC producers to slow production growth to move toward balancing the market going forward. |
| The Canadian dollar has recently depreciated to nearly $0.80. The Bank of Canada estimates that the Canada/US exchange rate average will remain near current levels throughout the year. |
| The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation suggests that total housing starts will remain stablefrom 189,300 in 2014 to 187,400 in 2015with single family housing starts increasing slightly over 2014. |
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United States
We believe that our US operations will achieve moderate organic gross revenue growth in 2015. The US economy, driven by steady domestic economic fundamentals, continued to gain momentum in 2014; this is expected to carry on into 2015. Even though growth did slowly improve in the public sector during 2014, we believe the outlook for the private sector is more favorable than for the public sector.
Private sector: Business investment, supported by improving domestic demand and an improving credit market, is showing positive signs; nonetheless, the recent decline in oil prices is expected to negatively impact the outlook in the energy sector, largely in the upstream segment.
We expect increased residential and nonresidential construction spending, including investment in commercial buildings and manufacturing. Lower energy costs are improving competitiveness in manufacturing and driving investment in chemical and metals processing facilities. Notwithstanding the decline in oil prices, we anticipate that investment in infrastructure to support the production, transportation, and processing of oil and gas will continue in the near term. This would create growth across multiple sectors, including resource management and environmental protection. However, a sustained drop in oil prices could eventually result in lower production and create uncertainty around the timing of new projects.
The power sector remains optimistic because it is geared to retrofit or replace aging coal generation infrastructure with natural gas facilities and to comply with new federal government environmental regulations. Housing construction remains below long-run demographic fundamentals and is expected to continue experiencing significant growth.
Public sector: Federal government spending has been relatively flat, but higher state and municipal tax receipts are contributing to a more positive fiscal situation. In 2014, the majority of states enacted higher spending levels relative to 2013 and many recommended a moderate increase in general fund spending in fiscal 2015. There is still some caution around state spending since some of the recent increases in state revenues are considered nonrecurring and structural issues persist.
We expect transportation funding to be stable in the short term; the recent extension to the federal transportation legislation will enable some program planning and a consistent investment in maintenance. We believe that opportunities for our Water sector will increase because of new and increasing regulations for water treatment, as well as state and municipal attention to flood protection and natural disaster risk mitigation.
Long-term funding constraints and budget tightness are influencing the movement toward alternative project delivery as a solution to US infrastructure build-out. In both the transportation and water sectors, these funding constraints will continue to drive innovative project delivery approaches, including an increase in design-build water projects and P3 transportation projects. With our expanding local presence and relationships, as well as a portfolio of relevant experience, we believe we are well positioned for this market.
In general, because of funding restraints, the public sector market is expected to remain competitive in the near term until the volume of projects increases to sustainable levels.
Other factors: The United States remains a very large market, and our presence continues to gain critical mass and diversity across sectors. We expect our market share and performance to gradually improve throughout 2015. The following factors support our outlook of moderate organic gross revenue growth:
| The US Congressional Budget Office projects real GDP growth to increase to 2.8% in 2015. |
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M-51 | Stantec Inc. |
| The Federal Reserve is expected to moderately raise its targeted overnight federal funds rate from 0.00% to 0.25% in the second half of 2015. |
| The unemployment rate was 5.6% at the end of 2014. We expect this rate will improve in 2015. |
| In recent months, the Architecture Billings Index from the American Institute of Architects has remained consistently positive, reporting above 50.0, which suggests improved demand for design services. |
| The EIA projects oil production in the United States will increase in 2015 and 2016, albeit at a slower rate due to declining oil prices. This is expected to continue driving momentum in the midstream oil and gas sector, where we anticipate leveraging the expertise of our recent acquisitions. |
| Housing activity is expected to increase in 2015, with the seasonally adjusted annual rate increasing to 1,169,000 from 1,004,000 housing starts in 2014. |
International
We believe that our International operations will achieve moderate organic gross revenue growth in 2015. Currently, these operationsmainly within our Buildings business operating unit and Mining sectormake up a small percentage of our business. Economic conditions and business operations in our International regions are mixed. Similar to other locations, we expect to leverage our local position to drive cross-selling opportunities with clients in the United Kingdom and the Middle East.
In 2015, we expect stable performance in our Mining sector because we are continuing projects despite the global market remaining cautious. Over the medium term, we expect recovery, although the timing is difficult to predict due to the cyclical nature of this business. We expect to grow organically in other sectors in the international locations where we currently have a presence.
The following factors support our outlook of moderate organic gross revenue growth:
| The World Bank forecasted global real GDP growth of 3.0% for 2015. Forecasted real GDP growth is 2.5% for the Middle East, 6.4% for India, and 2.9% for the United Kingdom. |
| The Middle East continued to win projects in infrastructure in 2014, and we expect a continued effort to introduce more of our services to existing clients. |
Business Operating Unit Outlook
Buildings
We believe that our Buildings business operating unit will experience moderate organic gross revenue growth for 2015. Overall, we anticipate that the buildings industry will recover from the levels of previous years, and because of our top-tier positioning and global expertiseespecially in healthcare, education, and airportswe believe we are well positioned to capitalize on this growth.
We established our outlook based on our expectations, which are listed below:
| We expect that the pipeline of P3 projects in the healthcare sector will continue to be released in Canada, and that we will be able to secure our share of projects in a highly competitive environment. In the United States, the trend for P3 and integrated project delivery is still emerging in the healthcare sector. We anticipate increasing international opportunities in the Middle East and the United Kingdom. |
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| In the commercial sector, we expect to continue winning national projects, although we expect activity to be slower than in 2014 due in part to elevated vacancy rates in Canada. These projects will involve revitalizing current properties and retail rollout projects, particularly in Canada. In the United States, we anticipate that trends like investing in corporate real estate and workplaces, and multiuse buildings will continue. We believe the addition of ADD, Inc. will enhance our position in the commercial sector. |
| We expect that the education sector will continue to improve since colleges and universities in the United States have more capital for infrastructure investments. The increased use of technology, distance learning, and online delivery may impact the demand for new facilities and design services. In Canada, we anticipate the education market will remain steady because of continuing economic growth and stable enrollment and provincial funding. We believe the addition of SHW will further strengthen our position in the education sector. |
| We anticipate that the highly competitive landscape for our Industrial Buildings sector will remain stable and the trend for P3 procurement of maintenance, operations, and storage facilities will continue with municipal clients across Canada. Recent acquisitions give us the ability to introduce this sector expertise into the United States. |
| We expect the airport sector to remain moderately active, and we will continue to win projects in this sector due to our strong positioning as well as our expertise across our geographic platform. We believe the United States is well poised and we are well positioned to begin using P3 and alternative procurement strategies. |
Energy & Resources
We believe that organic gross revenue growth for our Energy & Resources business operating unit will be stable for 2015, but it may retract in the first half of 2015 and may stabilize in the second half of the year. We expect the mining sector to remain stable and the power sector to grow moderately. The overall growth in the oil and gas sector is expected to moderate in Canada from the comparative robust growth experienced during the past few years.
We established our outlook based on our expectations, which are listed below:
| Volatility in commodity and resource prices is depressing the markets and will create uncertainty for client capital expenditure plans in 2015. We believe clients in midstream may slow down their release of new, rehabilitated, or repurposed large capital infrastructure; however, we are confident they will proceed in 2015 as these are significant multiyear projects. We are cautious on how our clients will be impacted by commodity price fluctuations. In the United States, we anticipate that activity in shale oil and gas may be impacted by cyclical low commodity prices, but we believe we are well positioned to capture an increasing share of both upstream and midstream activities. We expect our environmental services will experience continued moderate activity in all three of our business operating units. |
| We anticipate that commodity prices relating to our Mining sector will remain relatively low. Pricing fluctuations in more volatile commodities as well as a focus on operational efficiencies in 2015 may limit new project spending or delay current projects. The focus will be on less risky projects and smaller outlays, such as repairing and replacing existing facilities. We expect limited opportunities in US mining due to the global mining slowdown, although we may obtain an additional share of the market due to the recent JBR acquisition. Canadian and international projects may experience some delays. |
| We expect that transmission and distribution in infrastructure will continue to be built out in the power sector in Canada. In the United States, we anticipate a recovering power sector, including environmental services and engineering. Driven by changes in regulatory requirements, the US generation market could experience growth in permitting, evaluation, retrofitting, and decommissioning work. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
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Infrastructure
In 2015, we expect moderate organic gross revenue growth in the Infrastructure business operating unit. We expect that a gradual continuation of long-term trendsin particular, population growth, urbanization, and the need to rehabilitate aging infrastructurewill further drive the requirement for our water, community development, and transportation services.
We established our outlook based on our expectations, which are listed below:
| We expect public infrastructure funding to remain relatively stable across North America. We anticipate that geographies impacted by population growth or benefiting from significant energy and private sector development will experience greater infrastructure demands in the transportation, community development, and water sectors. |
| We believe that the community development sector, primarily dependent on residential housing activity, will continue to improve in the United States and remain stable in Canada, but it could see some downward pressure in western Canada. Continued diversification of the community development sector and expansion into higher density regions such as Quebec will better position us to respond to re-urbanization trends and provide opportunities to leverage cross-company expertise to support retail and municipal clients. |
| In transportation, we expect state, provincial, and municipal budgets to provide a stable level of funding, and P3 opportunities will remain moderate in 2015 in a competitive environment. In the United States, stable short-term funding enabled by the Transportation Bill will support our transportation business. |
| We anticipate that capital spending will remain stable for our municipal water business because of increased regulation, aging infrastructure, and population growth. Growthdriven by increasing demand for flood management, water resource management, and industrial treatment services in the areas of mining, oil and gas, and poweris likely. |
Overall Outlook
We believe that we will achieve a moderate increase of approximately 3% organic revenue growth in 2015 compared to 2014. This revenue will be generated mainly in regions and sectors where we have a strong community presence as a top-tier service provider.
Compared to 2014, the 2015 organic gross revenue outlook for our Energy & Resources business operating unit will be stable, but it may decline in the first half of the year and may stabilize in the second half of 2015. We believe that our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units will achieve moderate organic revenue growth.
Because of our diversity of operations, mix of clients, flexibility of our business model, and positioning to work effectively in local communities and on national opportunities, we believe that we will continue to operate our business efficiently, to adapt our business to changing economic conditions, and to position ourselves for growth in a very large infrastructure and facilities market.
Going forward, we expect to achieve a long-term average annual compound growth rate for gross revenue of 15%. We have met or exceeded 15% each year since our initial public offering in 1994. This continued growth results from successfully executing our strategy, allowing us to enhance the depth of our expertise, broaden our service offerings, increase our geographic presence in communities across North America, provide expanded opportunities for our employees, and leverage our Integrated Management Systems. Further maximizing the critical mass and maturity we have achieved in certain business lines and geographic locations also enables us to increase our business with key clients and sell our services across local markets.
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Our ability to expand 15% annually depends on our strategic efforts to grow organically and the availability of acquisition opportunities. We do not expect to encounter constraints when looking for available acquisition candidates, given our past success and the trend in our industrysmaller firms wanting to join larger and more stable organizations. At any particular time, we discuss consolidation opportunities with many firms. Since we want an appropriate cultural fit and complementary services that can provide an accretive transaction, the acquisition process can extend over months, even years.
To establish our budgets for 2015, we
| Assumed that compared to the US dollar, the Canadian dollar would remain relatively stable during 2015 |
| Assumed that the average interest rate would remain relatively stable in 2015 compared to 2014 |
| Considered the tax rates substantially enacted at December 31, 2014, for the countries in which we operate (primarily Canada and the United States) to establish our effective income tax rate |
| Expect to support our targeted level of growth using a combination of cash flows from operations and borrowings |
Critical Accounting Estimates, Developments, and Measures
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS, which requires us to make various judgments, estimates, and assumptions. Note 5 of our December 31, 2014, consolidated financial statements outlines our significant accounting estimates and is incorporated by reference in this report.
The accounting estimates discussed in our consolidated financial statements are considered particularly important because they require the most difficult, subjective, and complex management judgments. Accounting estimates are done for the following:
| Revenue and cost recognition on contracts |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts |
| Provision for self-insured liabilities |
| Share-based transactions |
| Fair values on business combinations |
| Assessment of impairment of non-financial assets |
| Fair value of financial instruments |
| Taxes |
| Categorizing interests in other entities |
Because of the uncertainties inherent in making assumptions and estimates regarding unknown future outcomes, future events may result in significant differences between estimates and actual results. We believe that each of our assumptions and estimates is appropriate to the circumstances and represents the most likely future outcome.
Unless otherwise specified in our discussion of specific critical accounting estimates, we expect no material changes in overall financial performance and financial statement line items to arise, either from reasonably likely changes in material assumptions underlying an estimate or within a valid range of estimates from which the recorded estimate was selected. In addition, we are not aware of trends, commitments, events, or uncertainties that can reasonably be expected to materially affect the methodology or assumptions associated with our critical accounting estimates, subject to items identified in the Risk Factors and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements sections of this report.
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Accounting Developments
Recently adopted
Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted the following amendments:
| International Accounting Standard (IAS) 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation (amended) |
| IAS 36 Impairment of Assets Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets (amended) |
| International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) Interpretation 21 Levies (IFRIC 21) |
The adoption of these new standards and amendments did not have an impact on the financial position or performance of our Company. Note 6 to our December 31, 2014, consolidated financial statements describes these amendments and is incorporated by reference in this report.
Future adoptions
The listing below includes issued standards, amendments, and interpretations that we reasonably expect to be applicable at a future date and intend to adopt when they become effective. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting these standards, amendments, and interpretations on our consolidated financial statements and cannot reasonably estimate the effect at this time.
| Annual Improvements (2010-2012 Cycle) |
| Annual Improvements (2011-2013 Cycle) |
| IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers |
| Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations (Amendments to IFRS 11) |
| IFRS 9 Financial Instruments |
| Sale or Contributions of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture (Amendments to IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures) |
| Annual Improvements (2012-2014 Cycle) |
These standards, amendments, and interpretations are described in note 6 of our December 31, 2014, consolidated financial statements and are incorporated by reference in this report.
Materiality
We determine whether information is material based on whether we believe that a reasonable investors decision to buy, sell, or hold securities in our Company would likely be influenced or changed if the information was omitted or misstated.
Definition of Additional IFRS Measures
IFRS mandates certain minimum line items for financial statements and requires presentation of additional line items, headings, and subtotals when such presentation is relevant to an understanding of a companys financial position and performance. Because IFRS requires such additional GAAP measures, the measures are considered additional IFRS measures, rather than non-IFRS financial measures. This Managements Discussion and Analysis includes reference to and uses terms that are considered additional IFRS measures. We believe that the measures defined here are useful for providing investors with additional information to assist them in understanding components of our financial results.
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Gross Revenue and Net Revenue. Our Company provides knowledge-based solutions for infrastructure and facilities projects through value-added professional services, principally under fee-for-service agreements with clients. While providing services, we incur certain direct costs for subconsultants, equipment, and other expenditures that are recoverable directly from our clients. Revenue associated with these direct costs is included in our gross revenue. Because these direct costs and associated revenue can vary significantly from contract to contract, changes in our gross revenue may not be indicative of our revenue trends. Accordingly, we also report net revenue (which is gross revenue less subconsultant and other direct expenses) and analyze our results in relation to net revenue rather than to gross revenue.
Gross Margin. We monitor our gross margin percentage levels to ensure that they are within an established acceptable range for the profitability of our operations. Gross margin is calculated as net revenue minus direct payroll costs. Direct payroll costs include the cost of salaries and related fringe benefits for labor hours that are directly associated with the completion of projects. Labor costs and related fringe benefits for labor hours that are not directly associated with the completion of projects are included in administrative and marketing expenses.
Definition of Non-IFRS Measures
This Managements Discussion and Analysis includes references to and uses terms that are not specifically defined in IFRS and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. These non-IFRS measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. We believe that the measures defined here are useful for providing investors with additional information to assist them in understanding components of our financial results.
Working Capital. We use working capital as a measure for assessing overall liquidity. Working capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. There is no directly comparable IFRS measure for working capital.
Current Ratio. We use current ratio as a measure for assessing overall liquidity. Current ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. There is no directly comparable IFRS measure for current ratio.
Return on Equity. As part of our overall assessment of value added for shareholders, we monitor our return on equity. Return on equity is calculated as net income for the last four quarters, divided by the average shareholders equity over each of the last four quarters. There is no directly comparable IFRS measure for return on equity.
EBITDA. EBITDA represents net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation of property and equipment, and amortization of intangible assets. This measure is referenced in our credit facility agreement as part of our debt covenants, and we use it as part of our overall assessment of our operating performance. There is no directly comparable IFRS measure for EBITDA.
EBITDAR. This measure is referenced in our credit facility agreement as part of our debt covenants. It is defined as an amount equal to EBITDA, plus building rental obligations net of common area costs, taxes, charges, and levies. There is no directly comparable IFRS measure for EBITDAR.
Debt to EBITDA Ratio. This ratio is referenced in our credit facility agreement as part of our debt covenants. It is defined as the sum of permanent principal and interest payments in respect of the debt, plus building rental obligations net of common area costs, taxes, charges, and levies, divided by EBITDA. There is no directly comparable IFRS measure for debt to EBITDA ratio.
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Net Debt to EBITDA. As part of our assessment of our capital structure, we monitor net debt to EBITDA. This measure is referenced in our credit facility agreement as part of our debt covenants. It is defined as the sum of (1) long-term debt, including current portion, plus bank indebtedness, less cash and cash equivalents, divided by (2) EBITDA (as defined above). There is no directly comparable IFRS measure for net debt to EBITDA.
EBITDAR to Debt Service Ratio. This ratio is referenced in our credit facility agreement as part of our debt covenants. It is defined as EBITDAR, divided by permanent principal and interest payments in respect of the debt, plus building rental obligations net of common area costs, taxes, charges, and levies. There is no directly comparable IFRS measure for EBITDAR to debt service ratio.
Backlog. As part of our assessment of our financial condition, we monitor our backlog. We define backlog as the total value of secured work that has not yet been completed that
| Is assessed by management as having a high certainty of being performed by either the existence of an executed contract or work order specifying the job scope, value, and timing, or |
| Has been awarded to us through an executed binding or non-binding letter of intent or agreement describing the general job scope, value, and timing. Management must be reasonably assured that the letter of intent or agreement will be finalized in the form of a formal contract. |
Only the first 12 to 18 months of the total value of secured work of a project are included in work backlog.
Backlog is not a recognized performance measure under IFRS and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. We believe that backlog is a useful means of projecting activity in future periods. There is no directly comparable IFRS measure for backlog.
Risk Factors
Enterprise Risk Management Program
To preserve and enhance stakeholder value, we approach risk management strategically through our Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program. We have adopted the integrated framework designed by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) (2004 framework). It consists of eight stages of risk management, and we have consolidated those stages into four categories, described below.
1. Internal Environment and Objective Setting
Our internal environment includes the tone set by our board and management, and it establishes the basis for how risk is viewed and addressed by all employees. It includes our risk management philosophy and risk appetite, our integrity and ethical values, and the environment in which we operate.
2. Event Identification and Risk Assessment
We analyze the likelihood that risks will occur and the impact of risks. Events are identified and assessed for inherent risk (before giving consideration to risk mitigation) and then for residual risk (after giving consideration to risk mitigation). Management can then assess whether current risk management techniques are sufficient or whether additional risk mitigation is required. We have aligned the identification of principal risks with our strategic planning process. In this way, key Company initiatives are identified while considering our risk appetite and appropriately managed to ensure we deliver value to our stakeholders.
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3. Risk Response and Control Activities
Policies and procedures are established to help ensure that the risk-specific response (avoiding, accepting, reducing, or sharing) aligns with our risk tolerances and risk appetite.
4. Information and Communication and Monitoring
We identify, process, and communicate relevant information within necessary time frames. Effective communication flows down, up, and across the Company to enable people to carry out their responsibilities. We monitor control activitiesthrough ongoing management activities, separate evaluations, or bothand make changes as required.
The Team
The team involved with risk management includes our board of directors, the Audit and Risk Committee, the CEO, and, of course, the Risk Management Team. Our Risk Management Team includes representatives from legal, insurance and claims management. Our Executive Leadership, Functional Services, Integrity Management, and Practice and Quality Management teams also play key roles.
Stantecs board of directors provides oversight and carries out its risk management mandate primarily through the Audit and Risk Committee. The committee is not involved in day-to-day risk management activities; rather, it ensures that the Company has an appropriate risk management system, one that allows management to bring the Companys principal risks to the boards attention.
The committees oversight responsibilities follow:
| Ensure that management has developed appropriate methods to identify, evaluate, mitigate, and report on the principal risks inherent to our business and strategic direction |
| Ensure that our systems, policies, and practices are appropriate and address our principal risks |
| Review the Companys risk appetite, risk tolerance, and risk retention philosophy |
Within the Company, our CEO is directly accountable to the board of directors for all risk-taking activities and risk management practices. The Risk Management Team supports the CEO and mandates the ERM process.
Our Executive Leadership and Functional Services teams are responsible for identifying and mitigating principal risks. The Companys Integrity Management Team conducts fraud risk assessments for the Companys operations and is a key control function for Stantec.
Internal Audit also supports the Companys overall risk management program by assisting the Audit and Risk Committee in the discharge of its responsibilities relating to financial controls and control deviations. Internal Audit also conducts internal audits in various areas of the Company and works within the ERM framework, ensuring that the Companys principal risks have been appropriately identified. One goal of the ERM program is to continue leveraging the expertise of Internal Audit to design better control and monitoring activities.
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Finally, our Practice and Quality Management Team plays a vital role by
| Conducting internal practice audits of one-third of our offices each year to assess compliance with the ISO 90001:2008 registered Quality Management System |
| Conducting comprehensive audits of a sampling of our major projects where our exposure to risk is more significant (in collaboration with our major projects group) |
| Monitoring our operations to ensure compliance to our risk mitigation strategies |
| Identifying emerging risks and areas for further improvement |
Although management remains optimistic about our ability to successfully carry out long-term objectives, we are exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties, just like other professional infrastructure and facilities services firms. When appropriate, we realign our risk disclosures as part of the continuous monitoring and annual assessment of our risks. In 2014, there were no material changes in our Companys principal risks from what is described in our 2013 Annual Report.
The most significant risks are listed below (from most to least serious) based on an assessment of the impact on our Company and the probability that they will occur. Readers of this report should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all other information in this report.
The risks and uncertainties described in this report are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertaintiesthat we are unaware of or that we currently believe are not materialmay also become important factors that adversely affect our business. If any of the following risks actually occur, the effects described below in respect of each risk are not the only ones we face, and our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected in ways we do not currently anticipate.
Strategic Risks
Strategic Positioning
Stantec focuses on achieving a certain level of market presence in the geographic locations we serve, which, at this time, is principally North America. Therefore, we are exposed primarily to the economic conditions of the marketplaces within North America. During economic downturns in North America, the ability of both private and government entities to fund expenditures may decline significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on revenue and profitability.
If we are unable to adjust our workforce or service mix for a downturn in a particular region, industry, or sector in a timely manner, the downturn could have a material adverse effect on our overall business, including the results of operations and liquidity. We cannot be certain that the North American economic or political conditions will generally be favorable or that there will not be significant fluctuations that adversely affect our industry as a whole or the key markets we serve.
Sourcing, Executing, and Integrating Acquisitions
We may not be able to locate suitable acquisitions or complete acquisition transactions under terms and conditions that are acceptable to us. As the professional services industry consolidates, suitable acquisition candidates are expected to become more difficult to find and may only be available at prices or under terms that are less favorable than they once were.
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When we do acquire a company, we face a complex task: integrating that companys operations into our own. Integrations can be time consuming or challenging and can divert managements attention to the integration effort. Difficulties encountered while combining operations could adversely affect the combined companys business. This might prevent us from achieving the anticipated improvement in professional service offerings, market penetration, profitability, and geographic presence that were the main reasons for acquiring the company in the first place. Employees of the acquired firm could depart because of the uncertainty and difficulties in completing the acquisition and integration or because they dont want to remain with the combined company. Accordingly, we may be unable to retain key acquired employees to the extent projected at the time of acquisition.
Organic Growth
We may not be able to increase the size of our operations organically. Organic growth is achieved when we meet client expectations through effective quality project delivery and expand services provided to existing and new clients. If we are unable to effectively compete for projects, expand services to existing and new clients, or attract qualified staff, we will have difficulty increasing market share and achieving growth plans.
Organic growth is also affected by factors beyond our control, such as economic conditions. During economic downturns, the ability of both private and government entities to fund expenditures may decline significantly, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our organic growth.
Operational Risks
Operational Effectiveness
Our clients depend on us to deliver projects on time, on budget, and at acceptable quality levels. For Stantec to succeed, our internal processes must support effective professional practice standards, including strong project managers and project management tools, an appropriate insurance program, and a simple and effective way to bill and collect from clients. If we fail to manage projects effectively, we may incur additional costs, which may in turn result in a project not being as profitable as we expect. In addition, projects that are not completed on schedule further reduces profitability because our staff must continue to work on them longer than anticipated, which may prevent staff from pursuing and working on new projects. Projects that are over budget or not on schedule may also lead to client dissatisfaction.
Further, because of the nature of our contracts, we commit resources to projects before we receive payments in amounts sufficient to cover our expenditures. Delays in billings and customer payments may require us to make a working capital investment. In our experience, clients who withhold payment are more likely to be dissatisfied with our services and are more likely to bring claims against us.
Human Capital Management (Attracting, Retaining, Succession Planning, Resource Management)
We derive revenue almost exclusively from services performed by our employees. Consequently, one crucial driver of our business is our ability to attract and retain qualified people. There is significant competition for peoplefrom major and boutique consulting, engineering, public agency, research, and other professional services firmswith the necessary skills. If we cannot attract and retain qualified staff, we will be less able to secure and complete projects and maintain client relationships. If key personnel are unable or unwilling to continue employment with Stantec and we do not have a well-developed succession plan in place, our business, operations, and prospects may be adversely affected.
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Major Project Delivery
As our Company grows, we are presented with the opportunity to work on larger and more complex projects. Historically, our business has been fee-for-service. Now, some clients are demanding alternative project delivery methods, such as bundled services for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), design-builds, and public-private partnerships (P3s). If we fail to respond to these market demands, clients may award these projects to our competitors. For us, this could mean lost revenue. Poor project management on these more complex projects may result in a higher probability of cost overruns and liabilities.
Business Continuity Planning
We rely heavily on our core and regional networks, complex server infrastructure and operating systems, communications and collaboration technology, design software and business applications to sustain business operations. Our service delivery and revenues could be interrupted or delayed if we are unable to
| Scale core infrastructure and upgrade our applications |
| Effectively upgrade our systems and network infrastructure |
| Attract and retain our key information technology personnel |
| Enhance our cybersecurity posture to prevent or contain network/data breaches or unauthorized access to our corporate data |
Any of these risks could cause system interruptions, loss of critical data, or a delay in operations, or could prevent operations entirely. Our operating results, liquidity, or financial position might also be affected, and adverse financial impacts could include remediation costs, costs associated with increased protection, lost revenues, litigation costs, and reputational damage leading to lost clients.
As a corollary to IT disasters, if we fail to maintain clear crisis communication plans, effective emergency response plans and effective pandemic response plans, we put our employees and clients at risk. Failure to quickly respond to a crisis could impair our ability to start or complete work for clients, leading to client dissatisfaction and claims.
Workplace Health, Safety & Environment
Our Health, Safety & Environment program is aimed at reducing risks to people, the environment, and our business; however, our employees are subject to environmental, health, and safety risks during their employment. These risks could result in personal injury, loss of life, or environmental or other damage to our property or the property of others. If we have inadequate health and safety policies and practices, we could be exposed to civil or statutory liability arising from injuries or deaths. If we cannot insure or elect not to insure because of high premium costs or other reasons, we could become liable for damages arising from these events. If we require additional time to complete projects or lose employee time because of injury, we risk incurring additional costs on projects that have sustained environmental, health, and safety incidents. Further, we risk losing existing projects if our health, safety and environment program and metrics fail to meet the expectations of our clients.
Reputational Harm
Reputational harm is not a stand-alone risk exposure, but is often the outcome of or interdependent with numerous other risk events. To manage our reputation, we must understand the extent to which stakeholders believe the Company is meeting their expectations. Our stakeholderssuch as investors, employees, and clientsrespond quickly to negative news about the Company, especially when we have failed to meet our commitments.
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Investors: We make commitments to our investors to deliver on our set operating and financial targets and revenue growth (listed in the Results and Outlook sections in this report). Investors measure the Companys ability to do this and to achieve other strategic objectives, such as acquiring strong organizations with strong operations to avoid the need to write down the value of our goodwill and intangible assets.
Employees: We make commitments to our employees to provide stimulating, challenging work and assist them to become leaders in their fields and communities. If we fail to do this, we risk employee dissatisfaction, disengagement, and turnover.
Clients: We make commitments to our clients to do what is right within a framework committed to excellence. Failing to do this means we run the risk of eroding the client relationship. This could result in less repeat business and a poor reputation in the marketplace.
Reporting and Compliance Risk
Controls and Disclosure
Inadequate internal or disclosure controls over financial reporting could result in material misstatements in our financial statements and related public disclosures. This, in turn, could lead to a loss of market confidence and a decrease in market value.
Inadequate controls could also result in other risks: fraud, system downtime, delayed processing, inappropriate decisions based on non-current internal financial information, or the inability to continue our business operations.
Regulatory and Legal Risk
We are subject to a variety of regulations and standards. Our business model includes a range of business operating units and jurisdictions, each with its own set of rules and regulations. Our primary regulatory and legal risks include the following:
| Compliance with additional regulations and standards could materially increase our costs |
| Noncompliance with laws and regulations could have a significant impact on our results |
| Litigation and legal matters that we may be involved in during the normal course of business are subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of an individual matter may be unpredictable |
Availability of Capital
To deliver on our strategic plan, we need access to substantial capital. However, obtaining capital for a successful acquisition program may be difficult when we must meet other cash needs. If we are unable to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, we may have to reduce the scope of our anticipated expansion, which may negatively affect our future competitiveness and results of operations. Using internally generated cash or taking on debt to complete acquisitions could substantially limit our operational and financial flexibility. Also, we have no assurance that existing debt will continue to be available from our current lenders or other financial institutions on similar favorable terms.
Market Risk
Several capital market risks affect our business. For us, two key drivers are currency risk and interest rate risk.
Currency risk: Although we report financial results in Canadian dollars, a substantial portion of revenue and expenses is generated or incurred in non-Canadian dollars. If the Canadian dollar strengthened relative to the
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US dollar and other currencies, the net income from our non-Canadian dollar business could decrease. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. During 2014, the value of the Canadian dollar averaged US$0.91 compared to US$0.97 in 2013. This 6.2% weakening of the Canadian dollar had a positive effect on revenue reported in 2014 compared to 2013.
Interest rate risk: Changes in interest rates present a risk to our performance. Our revolving credit facility carries a floating rate of interest, and we are also subject to interest rate pricing risk to the extent that our investments held for self-insured liabilities contain fixed-rate government, corporate bonds, and term deposits.
Tax Risk
Uncertainties exist when interpreting complex tax regulations and assessing the amount and timing of deferred taxable income. Stantec is also exposed to transfer pricing risk in the following three areas: provision of management services, insurance and financing of operations, and cross-border labor sharing and charging for services provided to external clients. Stantec has the largest exposure while providing these services between Canada and the United States.
Managing our Risks
Business Model
As a professional services firm, we focus on design. We typically do not take on construction risk or contribute equity in projects. We mitigate our operating, market, growth, and acquisition and integration risks through our business strategy and other measures. We focus our business on two client types: regional/local and global/national.
Our matrix-based modelbased on geographic, business operating unit, and life cycle diversificationreduces our dependency on any particular industry or economic driver. We intend to continue diversifying our geographic presence and service offerings and focusing our organization around key client sectors. We believe this reduces our susceptibility to industry-specific and regional economic cycles and will help us take advantage of economies of scale in the highly fragmented professional services industry.
We also differentiate our Company from competitors by entering into both large and small contracts with a variety of fee amounts. A broad project mix strengthens our brand identity and ensures that we do not rely on only a few large projects for our revenue. No one client or project accounts for more than 5% of our overall business. We expect to continue to pursue selective acquisitions, enabling us to enhance our market penetration and increase and diversify our revenue base.
Effective Processes and Systems
To ensure the most effective project management and execution, our Integrated Management Systems (IMS) is certified to the ISO9001:2008 (Quality Management), ISO14001:2004 (Environmental Management), and ISO 20000-1:2011 (IT Service Management System) standards. IMS provides clarity about project delivery expectations and client service excellence.
At the heart of the IMS is our 10-point project management (PM) framework thatalong with the more detailed practice frameworks that exist in our business operating unitsclearly conveys the steps employees must take to achieve more consistent and successful project outcomes. The PM framework helps create consistent principles relating to project execution and ensure that employees from every office are aligned with those principles. To improve PM framework compliance in specific offices and regions, we adopt regional operating unit improvement plans. These address specific corrective action, responsibilities, and deadlines for completion.
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We maintain insurance coverage for our operations, including policies covering general liability, automobile liability, environmental liability, workers compensation and employers liability, directors and officers liability, and professional liability. We have a regulated captive insurance company to insure and fund the payment of any professional liability self-insured retentions related to claims arising after August 1, 2003. We or our clients also obtain project-specific insurance for certain projects when required.
In addition, we invest resources in a Risk Management Team that is dedicated to providing Company-wide support and guidance on risk avoidance practices and procedures. One of our practices is to carry out select client evaluations, including credit risk appraisals, before entering into contract agreements. This reduces the risk of nonpayment for our services.
Growth Management
We have an acquisition and integration program managed by a dedicated acquisition team to address the risk of being unsuccessful when integrating acquired companies. A senior regional or practice leader is appointed for each acquisition. The team supports and is responsible for
| Identifying and valuing acquisition candidates |
| Undertaking and coordinating due diligence |
| Negotiating and closing transactions |
| Integrating employees and systems immediately following an acquisition |
As Stantec continues to expand internationally, we are developing a disciplined approach for operating outside of North America. We consider differences in accounting systems, legal structures, languages, and cultures. We also have an integration plan that involves implementing our Company-wide information technology and financial management systems and providing support services from our corporate and regional offices.
We are able to meet our liquidity needs and expansion strategy through a variety of sources that include cash generated from operations, short- and long-term borrowings from our $350 million credit facility, senior secured notes, and the issuance of common shares.
Executive Compensation
In 2014, we rolled out a new executive compensation program which is tied to the changes we made to our leadership and organizational structure. The highlights of the changes to the executive compensation program are
| Aligning the compensation program of our CEO with that of the executive leadership team |
| Enhancing the alignment between our executives and long-term shareholders interests through increased focus on long-term pay-for-performance compensation vehicles |
| Adopting a median target pay positioning as compared with our industry peers |
| Providing additional transparency by disclosing Company-wide performance metrics (which follow our strategic plan); these are used to assess both short- and long-term variable pay |
Our executive compensation philosophy remains the same: we seek to align our compensation practices with our risk mitigation strategies. We continue to compensate our executives with a mix of fixed and at-risk compensation. Our annual bonus pool rewards near-term performance contributions to encourage executives to achieve profitable business results. The amount of the bonus pool is determined as a percentage of our pre-tax, pre-bonus net income. Our employee share option plan rewards long-term performance by aligning the interests of key employees with increased shareholder returns. Our share options vest over a three-year period to encourage long-term alignment with the interests of our shareholders.
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In addition to our compensation programs, we have adopted share ownership requirements for our executives to further demonstrate their commitment to creating shareholder value. Also, our executives are prohibited from speculating in the securities of the Company or purchasing financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in value of equity securities of the Company.
We are also committed to the principle that compensation paid to our executivesbased on financial information that has since been restatedshould be returned. To that end, in 2012, our board of directors adopted an executive compensation claw-back policy.
Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports filed with securities regulatory agencies is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our CEO and CFO, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014 (as defined in rules adopted by the SEC in the United States and as defined in Canada by National Instrument 52-109, Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings). Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to the reliability of our financial reporting and preparation of our financial statements. Accordingly, management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and the Independent Auditors Report on Internal Controls are included in our 2014 consolidated financial statements.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2014, that materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
We will continue to periodically review our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and may make modifications from time to time as considered necessary or desirable.
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Corporate Governance
Disclosure Committee
Stantec has a Disclosure Committee, consisting of a cross-section of management. The committees mandate is to provide ongoing review of Stantecs continuous disclosure policy and to facilitate compliance with applicable legislative and regulatory reporting requirements.
Board of Directors
Stantecs board of directors currently includes nine memberseight are independent under Canadian securities laws and under the rules of the SEC and the NYSE and free from any interest or relationship that could materially interfere with their ability to act in the best interest of our Company and shareholders.
The boards mandate is to supervise Stantecs management with a view to the Companys best interests. The board fulfills its mandate by
| Overseeing the Companys strategic planning process |
| Satisfying itself as to the integrity of the CEO and other executive officers |
| Ensuring that the Company has a policy in place for communicating effectively with shareholders, other stakeholders, and the public |
| Reviewing and monitoring the Companys principal business risks as identified by management, along with the systems for managing such risks |
| Overseeing senior management succession planning, including the appointment, development, and monitoring of senior management |
| Ensuring that management maintains the integrity of the Companys internal controls and management information systems |
In 2014, Stantecs board included two committees: the Audit and Risk Committee and the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee. Both committees are composed entirely of independent directors.
Audit and Risk Committee
The Audit and Risk Committee monitors, evaluates, approves, and makes recommendations on matters affecting Stantecs external audit, financial reporting, accounting control policies, and risk management matters. The chair of the committee provides regular reports at the Companys board meetings. The board has determined that each of the Audit and Risk Committees members is financially literate and independent and three of the four members are financial experts as such term is defined under the rules of the SEC and NYSE.
Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee
The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee monitors, evaluates, approves, and makes recommendations on matters affecting governance and compensation. Governance matters include, but are not limited to, board size, nominations, orientation, education, and self-evaluation. Compensation matters include, but are not limited to, executive management compensation, performance review, and succession plans. The committee reviews and approves the CEOs objectives and monitors these objectives on a quarterly basis. The chair of the committee provides regular reports at the Companys board meetings.
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More information about Stantecs corporate governance can be found on our website (www.stantec.com) and in the Management Information Circular for our May 14, 2015, Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. In addition, the following documents are posted on our website:
| Corporate Governance Guidelines |
| Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference |
| Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee Terms of Reference |
| Code of Ethics Policy |
| Integrity Policy |
The above information is not and should not be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein. Copies of these documents will be made available in print form to any shareholder who requests them.
Subsequent Events
On January 16, 2015, we acquired certain assets and liabilities of Dessau Inc., which added approximately 1,300 staff to our Company. We acquired the Canadian engineering operations of this Montreal-based firm, Dessau Inc., and its operations in Plania, Gestrans, and Azimuth. Dessau Inc. has offices throughout Quebec as well as in Mississauga and Ottawa, Ontario. This acquisition adds to our expertise in healthcare, water, power and energy, transportation, and community development, as well as introduces telecommunications and security services to our broader platform.
On January 30, 2015, we entered into an agreement to acquire the shares of Sparling, Inc. (Sparling), which will add approximately 130 staff to our Company. The acquisition is expected to be completed on February 28, 2015, subject to certain conditions. Sparling is based in Seattle, Washington, and has additional offices in San Diego, California; and Portland, Oregon. Sparling provides expertise in electrical engineering and architectural lighting design. This addition will further enhance our West Coast presence in the United States.
On February 25, 2015, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.105 per share, payable on April 16, 2015, to shareholders of record on March 31, 2015, an increase of 13.5% from last year.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Our public communications often include written or verbal forward-looking statements within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are disclosures regarding possible events, conditions, or results of operations that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions or courses of action and include future-oriented financial information.
Statements of this type are contained in this report, including the discussion of our goals in the Core Business and Strategy section and of our targets and expectations for our regions, and business operating units, and overall business outlook in the Outlook section, and may be contained in filings with securities regulators or in other communications. Forward-looking statements may involve, but are not limited to, comments with respect to our objectives for 2015 and beyond, our strategies or future actions, our targets, our expectations for our financial condition, or the results of or outlook for our operations.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-68 | Stantec Inc. |
We provide forward-looking information for our business in the Executive Summary (under Core Business and Strategy and under Outlook), the Core Business and Strategy section, the Key Performance Drivers and Capabilities section, and the Results (under Liquidity and Capital Resources subsection) and Outlook sections of this report to describe the management expectations and targets by which we measure our success and to assist our shareholders in understanding our financial position as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented in this report. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is a significant risk that predictions, forecasts, conclusions, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate. We caution readers of this report not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements since a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions, or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates, or intentions expressed in these forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others listed under the Key Performance Drivers and Capabilities section, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements:
| Global capital market activities |
| Fluctuations in interest rates or currency values |
| Fluctuations in commodity prices |
| Effects of war or terrorist activities |
| Effects of disease or illness on local, national, or international economies |
| Effects of disruptions to public infrastructure such as transportation, communications, power, or water |
| Global economic or political conditions |
| Regulatory or statutory developments |
| Effects of competition in the geographic or business areas in which we operate |
| Actions of management |
| Technological changes |
Many of these factors are beyond our control and have effects which are difficult to predict. Future outcomes relating to forward-looking statements may be influenced by these and other factors, including, but not limited to, material and known risks, which are further described in the Risk Factors section of this report.
Assumptions
In determining our forward-looking statements, we consider material factors including assumptions about the performance of the Canadian and US economies in 2015 and their effect on our business. The assumptions we made in determining the outlook for each of our business operating units, our geographic areas, our annual targets, and our outlook for 2015 are listed in the Outlook section of this report.
The preceding list of factors is not exhaustive. Investors and the public should carefully consider these factors, other uncertainties and potential events, and the inherent uncertainty of forward-looking statements when relying on these statements to make decisions with respect to our Company. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent our expectations as of February 25, 2015, and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or verbal, that may be made from time to time. In the case of the ranges of expected performance for fiscal year 2015, it is our current practice to evaluate and, where we deem appropriate, provide updates. However, subject to legal requirements, we may change this practice at any time at our sole discretion.
Managements Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2014 |
M-69 | Stantec Inc. |
Exhibit 99.3
Consolidated Financial Statement
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, and 2013
Management Report
The annual report, including the consolidated financial statements and Managements Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), is the responsibility of the management of the Company. The consolidated financial statements were prepared by management in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Where alternative accounting methods exist, management has chosen those it considers most appropriate in the circumstances. The significant accounting policies used are described in note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. Certain amounts in the financial statements are based on estimates and judgments relating to matters not concluded by year-end. The integrity of the information presented in the financial statements is the responsibility of management. Financial information presented elsewhere in this annual report has been prepared by management and is consistent with the information in the consolidated financial statements.
The board of directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities and for providing final approval of the annual consolidated financial statements. The board has appointed an Audit and Risk Committee comprising four directors, none of whom is an officer or employee of the Company or its subsidiaries. The Audit and Risk Committee meets at least four times each year to discharge its responsibilities under a written mandate from the board of directors. The Audit and Risk Committee meets with management and with the external auditors to satisfy itself that it is properly discharging its responsibilities; reviews the consolidated financial statements, MD&A, and Independent Auditors Report; and examines other auditing and accounting matters. The Audit and Risk Committee has reviewed the audited consolidated financial statements with management and discussed the quality of the accounting principles as applied and the significant judgments affecting the consolidated financial statements. The Audit and Risk Committee has discussed with the external auditors the external auditors judgments of the quality of those principles as applied and the judgments noted above. The consolidated financial statements and MD&A have been reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee and approved by the board of directors of Stantec Inc.
The consolidated financial statements have been examined by the shareholders auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, Chartered Accountants. The Independent Auditors Report outlines the nature of their examination and their opinion on the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The external auditors have full and unrestricted access to the Audit and Risk Committee, with or without management being present.
Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting. The Companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Companys system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as at December 31, 2014.
Ernst & Young LLP, which has audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014, has also issued a report on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
As permitted by published guidance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), managements evaluation of and conclusions on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting excluded the internal controls of the following companies that were acquired during 2014: Process Unlimited International, Inc.; JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Group Affiliates Inc.; USKH Inc.; and Penfield & Smith Engineers, Inc. The assets and liabilities and results of operations from these companies are included in the Companys consolidated financial statements. The aggregate assets acquired were $82.2 million which represents 4.1% of the Companys total assets as at December 31, 2014. The gross revenue earned from their dates of acquisition to December 31, 2014, constitued 4.7% of the Companys gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Bob Gomes, P.Eng. | Dan Lefaivre, FCMA | |
President & CEO | Executive Vice President & CFO | |
February 25, 2015 | February 25, 2015 |
F-1 | Stantec Inc. |
Independent Auditors Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Stantec Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Stantec Inc., which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Managements Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditors Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditors consider internal control relevant to the entitys preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stantec Inc. as at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Other Matter
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Stantec Inc.s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 25, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on Stantec Inc.s internal control over financial reporting.
Chartered Accountants
Edmonton, Canada
February 25, 2015
F-2 | Stantec Inc. |
Independent Auditors Report on Internal Control
Over Financial Reporting
(Under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States))
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Stantec Inc.:
We have audited Stantec Inc.s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Stantec Inc.s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS). A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As indicated in the accompanying Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, managements assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Process Unlimited International, Inc.; JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Group Affiliates Inc.; USKH Inc.; ADD, Inc.; and Penfield & Smith Engineers, Inc., which are included in the 2014 consolidated financial statements of Stantec Inc. The total assets acquired from these specified acquisitions represented 4.1% of Stantec Inc.s consolidated total assets at December 31, 2014 and 4.7% of Stantec Inc.s consolidated gross revenue for the year then ended not subject to managements assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Stantec Inc. also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of these specified acquisitions.
In our opinion, Stantec Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial position of Stantec Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders equity and cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, and our report dated February 25, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Chartered Accountants
Edmonton, Canada
February 25, 2015
F-3 | Stantec Inc. |
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Notes | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | |||||||
ASSETS |
16 | |||||||||
Current |
||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
8 | 153,704 | 143,030 | |||||||
Trade and other receivables |
9 | 431,751 | 384,907 | |||||||
Unbilled revenue |
32 | 192,310 | 143,894 | |||||||
Income taxes recoverable |
11,171 | 8,792 | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses |
23,425 | 18,959 | ||||||||
Other financial assets |
14 | 31,526 | 21,418 | |||||||
Other assets |
530 | 5,231 | ||||||||
Total current assets |
844,417 | 726,231 | ||||||||
Non-current |
||||||||||
Property and equipment |
10 | 152,707 | 133,534 | |||||||
Goodwill |
11 | 760,631 | 594,826 | |||||||
Intangible assets |
12 | 97,243 | 78,857 | |||||||
Investments in joint ventures and associates |
13 | 4,975 | 4,996 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets |
25 | 58,801 | 45,383 | |||||||
Other financial assets |
14 | 90,667 | 83,163 | |||||||
Other assets |
1,029 | 1,188 | ||||||||
Total assets |
2,010,470 | 1,668,178 | ||||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||||
Current |
||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
15 | 300,293 | 259,113 | |||||||
Billings in excess of costs |
32 | 96,082 | 77,803 | |||||||
Income taxes payable |
- | 9,127 | ||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
16 | 53,172 | 37,130 | |||||||
Provisions |
17 | 10,796 | 12,047 | |||||||
Other financial liabilities |
2,773 | 1,927 | ||||||||
Other liabilities |
18 | 11,953 | 9,837 | |||||||
Total current liabilities |
475,069 | 406,984 | ||||||||
Non-current |
||||||||||
Long-term debt |
16 | 256,093 | 200,943 | |||||||
Provisions |
17 | 51,596 | 49,539 | |||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
25 | 74,602 | 58,082 | |||||||
Other financial liabilities |
2,547 | 2,041 | ||||||||
Other liabilities |
18 | 64,318 | 57,955 | |||||||
Total liabilities |
924,225 | 775,544 | ||||||||
Shareholders equity |
||||||||||
Share capital |
21 | 276,698 | 262,573 | |||||||
Contributed surplus |
21 | 13,490 | 12,369 | |||||||
Retained earnings |
735,917 | 606,056 | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
60,140 | 11,636 | ||||||||
Total shareholders equity |
1,086,245 | 892,634 | ||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
2,010,470 | 1,668,178 |
See accompanying notes
On behalf of Stantecs Board of Directors
|
| |
Aram Keith, PE, FASCE, Director |
Bob Gomes, P.Eng., Director |
F-4 | Stantec Inc. |
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years ended December 31 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) |
Notes | 2014 $ |
2013 $ | |||||||
Gross revenue |
2,529,918 | 2,236,410 | ||||||||
Less subconsultant and other direct expenses |
454,607 | 404,031 | ||||||||
Net revenue |
2,075,311 | 1,832,379 | ||||||||
Direct payroll costs |
27 | 936,918 | 829,926 | |||||||
Gross margin |
1,138,393 | 1,002,453 | ||||||||
Administrative and marketing expenses |
7,21,27 | 846,148 | 746,138 | |||||||
Depreciation of property and equipment |
10 | 38,698 | 32,389 | |||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
12 | 24,252 | 21,235 | |||||||
Net interest expense |
26 | 8,515 | 8,620 | |||||||
Other net finance expense (income) |
26 | 3,083 | (1,346) | |||||||
Share of income from joint ventures and associates |
13 | (2,419) | (2,276) | |||||||
Foreign exchange gain |
(425) | (184) | ||||||||
Other income |
(2,659) | (1,035) | ||||||||
Income before income taxes |
223,200 | 198,912 | ||||||||
Income taxes |
25 | |||||||||
Current |
59,728 | 60,141 | ||||||||
Deferred |
(1,026) | (7,430) | ||||||||
Total income taxes |
58,702 | 52,711 | ||||||||
Net income for the year |
164,498 | 146,201 | ||||||||
Earnings per share |
||||||||||
Basic |
28 | 1.76 | 1.58 | |||||||
Diluted |
28 | 1.74 | 1.57 |
See accompanying notes
F-5 | Stantec Inc. |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31 (In thousands of Canadian dollars) |
2014 $ |
2013 $ | ||||
Net income for the year |
164,498 | 146,201 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (All items may be reclassified to net income in subsequent periods) |
||||||
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
46,266 | 26,079 | ||||
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale financial assets |
2,913 | 5,032 | ||||
Net realized gain on available-for-sale financial assets transferred to income |
(635) | (535) | ||||
Income tax effect on available-for-sale financial assets |
(40) | (78) | ||||
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax |
48,504 | 30,498 | ||||
Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax |
213,002 | 176,699 |
See accompanying notes
F-6 | Stantec Inc. |
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except shares outstanding) |
Shares
# |
Share
$ |
Contributed
$ |
Retained
$ |
Accumulated
$ |
Total
$ |
||||||||||||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2013 |
91,967,788 | 240,369 | 14,291 | 491,227 | (18,862 | ) | 727,025 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income |
146,201 | 146,201 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
30,498 | 30,498 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
146,201 | 30,498 | 176,699 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share options exercised for cash |
1,184,476 | 16,504 | 16,504 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
3,778 | 3,778 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of fair value of share options previously expensed |
5,700 | (5,700 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared (note 21) |
(30,569 | ) | (30,569 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of non-controlling interests |
(803 | ) | (803 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2013 |
93,152,264 | 262,573 | 12,369 | 606,056 | 11,636 | 892,634 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
164,498 | 164,498 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
48,504 | 48,504 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
164,498 | 48,504 | 213,002 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share options exercised for cash |
683,994 | 10,587 | 10,587 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
4,659 | 4,659 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of fair value of share options previously expensed |
3,538 | (3,538 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared (note 21) |
(34,637 | ) | (34,637 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2014 |
93,836,258 | 276,698 | 13,490 | 735,917 | 60,140 | 1,086,245 |
See accompanying notes
F-7 | Stantec Inc. |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended in December 31 (In thousands of Canadian dollars) |
Notes | 2014 $ |
2013 $ | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Cash receipts from clients |
2,599,190 | 2,225,332 | ||||||
Cash paid to suppliers |
(871,696) | (646,719) | ||||||
Cash paid to employees |
(1,438,417) | (1,247,723) | ||||||
Interest received |
2,422 | 1,774 | ||||||
Interest paid |
(8,662) | (9,150) | ||||||
Finance costs paid |
(2,654) | (2,571) | ||||||
Income taxes paid |
(75,667) | (61,201) | ||||||
Income taxes recovered |
2,705 | 12,387 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
29 | 207,221 | 272,129 | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
7 | (123,713) | (43,539) | |||||
Dividends from investments in joint ventures and associates |
13 | 2,472 | 2,685 | |||||
Increase in investments held for self-insured liabilities |
(19,597) | (25,129) | ||||||
Decrease in investments and other assets |
3,531 | 4,681 | ||||||
Proceeds from lease inducements |
8,884 | - | ||||||
Purchase of intangible assets |
(3,365) | (4,490) | ||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(42,706) | (52,639) | ||||||
Proceeds on disposition of property and equipment |
176 | 998 | ||||||
Cash flows used in investing activities |
(174,318) | (117,433) | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Repayment of bank debt |
(136,823) | (70,924) | ||||||
Proceeds from bank debt |
140,320 | 36,319 | ||||||
Payment of finance lease obligations |
(5,174) | (6,271) | ||||||
Proceeds from issue of share capital |
10,587 | 16,504 | ||||||
Payment of dividends to shareholders |
21 | (33,641) | (29,782) | |||||
Cash flows used in financing activities |
(24,731) | (54,154) | ||||||
Foreign exchange gain on cash held in foreign currency |
2,502 | 1,780 | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
10,674 | 102,322 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year |
143,030 | 40,708 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year |
8 | 153,704 | 143,030 |
See accompanying notes
F-8 | Stantec Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Statements
1. Corporate Information
The consolidated financial statements of Stantec Inc. (the Company) for the year ended December 31, 2014, were authorized for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Companys Audit and Risk Committee on February 25, 2015. The Company was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on March 23, 1984. Its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol STN. The Companys registered office is located at 10160 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta. The Company is domiciled in Canada.
The Company is a provider of comprehensive professional services in the area of infrastructure and facilities for clients in the public and private sectors. The Companys services include planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics for infrastructure and facilities projects.
2. Basis of Preparation
These consolidated financial statements of the Company were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The accounting policies adopted in these consolidated financial statements are based on IFRS effective as at December 31, 2014.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, unless otherwise stated in the significant accounting policies. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000).
All comparative share capital, earnings per share, dividend per share, and share-based payment transaction information have been adjusted from amounts previously reported for the two-for-one share split that occured on November 14, 2014.
3. Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries, and its structured entities as at December 31, 2014.
Subsidiaries and structured entities are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, which is the date the Company obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. The statements of financial position of the subsidiaries and structured entities are prepared as at December 31, 2014. All intercompany balances are eliminated.
Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method, and joint operations are accounted for by the Company recognizing its share of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses of the joint operation.
4. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
a) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash, cash in escrow, and unrestricted investments. Such investments are carried at fair value.
b) Property and equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Cost includes the cost of replacing parts of property and equipment. When significant parts of property and equipment are required to be replaced in intervals, the Company recognizes such parts as individual assets with specific useful lives and depreciation, respectively. All other repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the consolidated statements of income as incurred.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-9 | Stantec Inc. |
Depreciation is calculated at annual rates designed to write off the costs of assets over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Engineering equipment | 20%30% | Declining balance | ||
Office equipment | 20%30% | Declining balance | ||
Leasehold improvements | Straight-line over term of lease to a maximum of 15 years or the improvements economic life | |||
Other | 10%30% | Declining balance |
The assets residual values, useful lives, and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year-end and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate.
c) Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of an intangible asset acquired in a business combination is its fair value as at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and any impairment losses.
The Companys intangible assets have finite lives that are amortized over their useful economic lives on a straight-line basis. The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at least at each financial year-end.
Intangible assets acquired from business combinations
The Companys policy is to amortize client relationships with finite lives over periods ranging from 10 to 15 years. Contract backlog is amortized over estimated contractual lives of generally one to two years. Advantageous leasehold commitments are amortized over estimated lives of 1 to 10 years. The Company assigns value to acquired contract backlog and client relationships using the income approach, which involves quantifying the present value of net cash flows attributed to the subject asset. This, in turn, involves estimating the revenues and earnings expected from the asset. Recognition of the contributory assets, such as workforce, working capital, and property and equipment required and used to generate the expected after-tax earnings, is included since these assets also require a return based on their fair values. Expected earnings after contributory charges and income taxes are discounted by the appropriate after-tax discount rate to arrive at the fair value.
Intangible assetsSoftware
For internally generated software, research costs are expensed as incurred. Development expenditures on an individual project are recognized as an intangible asset when the Company can demonstrate
| The technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use |
| Its intention to complete and its ability to use the asset |
| How the asset will generate future economic benefits |
| The availability of resources to complete the asset |
| The ability to reliably measure the expenditure during development |
Following the initial recognition of the development expenditure as an asset, it is carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and any impairment losses. Amortization of the asset begins when development is complete and the asset is available for use. The Company amortizes certain purchased and internally generated software on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to seven years.
d) Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception date. A lease is an agreement whereby the lessor conveys to the lessee, in return for a payment or series of payments, the right to use an asset for an agreed period of time.
Finance leases, which transfer to the Company substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased items, are capitalized at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-10 | Stantec Inc. |
value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease liability, achieving a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are recognized in the consolidated statements of income.
Leased assets are depreciated over their useful lives. However, if there is no reasonable certainty that the Company will obtain ownership of the asset by the end of the lease term, the asset is depreciated over the shorter of either its estimated useful life or the lease term. The Companys finance leases are for certain office and automotive equipment and are depreciated on a 20%-to-30% declining balance basis. The Company also has finance leases for software and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to seven years.
Rental payments under operating leases are expensed evenly over the lease term.
From time to time, the Company enters into or renegotiates premises operating leases that result in the receipt of lease inducement benefits. These benefits are accounted for as a reduction of rental expense over the terms of the associated leases. As well, from time to time, the Company enters into or renegotiates premises operating leases that include escalation clauses. The scheduled rent increases pursuant to lease escalation clauses are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.
e) Investments in joint arrangements and associates
The Company has joint arrangements that are classified as either a joint venture or joint operation based on the rights and obligations arising from the contractual obligations between the parties to the arrangement. Joint arrangements that provide the Company with rights to the net assets of the arrangement are classified as joint ventures, and joint arrangements that provide the Company with rights to the individual assets and obligations arising from the arrangement are classified as joint operations.
The Company accounts for its joint ventures using the equity method, as described below. The Company accounts for its joint operations by recognizing its share of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of the joint operation and combining them line by line with similar items in the Companys consolidated financial statements.
Investments in associated companies, over which the Company is able to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method, which reflects the Companys investment at original cost plus postacquisition changes in the Companys share of the net assets of the associate. The share of the profit of associates is recorded in the consolidated statements of income. Since this is profit attributable to the equity holders of the associate, it is profit after tax. Adjustments are made in the Companys consolidated financial statements to eliminate its share of unrealized gains and losses resulting from transactions with its associates.
If the financial statements of the associates or joint arrangements are prepared for a date that is different than the Companys date, adjustments are made for the effects of significant transactions or events that occur between that date and the date of the Companys financial statements. Where necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with the Companys.
f) Investments held for self-insured liabilities
In other financial assets, the Company has investments held for self-insured liabilities that are categorized as available for sale and are recorded at fair value, with associated unrealized gains or losses reported in other comprehensive income until disposed of, at which time realized gains or losses are recognized in income. These investments consist of government and corporate bonds, equity securities, and term deposits.
g) Provisions
General
Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation 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. When the Company expects some or all of a provision
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-11 | Stantec Inc. |
to be reimbursedfor example, under an insurance contractand when the reimbursement is virtually certain, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the consolidated statements of income net of any reimbursement. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pretax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as a finance cost.
Provision for self-insured liabilities
The Company self-insures certain risks related to professional liability, automobile physical damages, and employment practices liability. The provision for self-insured liabilities includes estimates of the costs of reported claims (including potential claims that are probable of being asserted) and is based on estimates of loss using assumptions made by management, including consideration of actuarial projections. The provision for self-insured liabilities does not include unasserted claims where assertion by a third party is not probable.
The Company invests funds to support the provision for self-insured liabilities. These investments are recorded at fair value in other financial assets as investments held for self-insured liabilities.
Provisions for claims
The Company has claims that are not covered by its provisions for self-insurance, including claims that are subject to exclusions under the Companys commercial and captive insurance policies. Provisions are recognized for these claims in accordance with the above general description of provisions.
Contingent liabilities recognized in a business combination
A contingent liability recognized in a business combination is initially measured at its fair value. Subsequently, it is measured in accordance with the above general description of provisions.
Onerous contracts
The Companys onerous contracts consist of lease exit liabilities and sublease losses. For lease exit liabilities, the Company accrues charges when it ceases to use an office space under an operating lease arrangement or it signs a new lease where an existing space will become vacant. Included in the liability is the present value of the remaining lease payments offset by the present value of estimated future rental income.
From time to time, the Company may sublet a portion of an office space under an operating lease arrangement. The Company accrues a liability, a sublease loss, if the costs to be incurred under an operating lease will exceed the anticipated revenue on the sublease. Included in the liability is the present value of the remaining lease payments offset by the present value of the future rental income.
h) Foreign currency translation
The Companys consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is also the parent Companys functional currency. Each entity in the Company determines its own functional currency, and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency. For example, the functional currency of the Companys US-based subsidiaries is the US dollar.
Transactions and balances
Transactions in foreign currencies (i.e., different than an entitys functional currency) are initially translated into the functional currency of an entity using the foreign exchange rate at the transaction date. Subsequent to the transaction date, foreign currency transactions are measured as follows:
| On the statements of financial position, monetary items are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the reporting date. Non-monetary items at cost are translated at historical exchange rates. Non-monetary items at fair value are translated at rates in effect at the date the fair value is determined. Any resulting realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses are included in income in the period incurred. The exception is unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on non-monetary investments (equity investments) classified as available for sale, which are included in other comprehensive income. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-12 | Stantec Inc. |
| Revenue and expense items are translated at the average exchange rate for the year with the exception of depreciation and amortization, which are translated at historical exchange rates. |
Foreign operations
The Companys foreign operations are translated into its reporting currency (Canadian dollar) as follows: assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at each consolidated statement of financial position date, and revenue and expense items (including depreciation and amortization) are translated at the average rate of exchange for the month. The resulting unrealized exchange gains and losses on foreign subsidiaries are recognized in other comprehensive income.
i) Financial instruments
Initial recognition and subsequent measurement
The Company classifies its financial instruments as follows:
| Cash and cash equivalents are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit and loss (FVPL) and are recorded at fair value, with realized and unrealized gains and losses reported in income. |
| Trade and other receivables are classified as receivables and are initially accounted for at fair value and subsequently adjusted for any allowance for doubtful accounts, with allowances reported in administrative and marketing expenses. |
| Investments held for self-insured liabilities, consisting of bonds, equity securities, and term deposits, are classified as financial assets available for sale and are recorded at fair value, with accumulated unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income until disposed of; at this time, the realized gains and losses are recognized in other income for equity securities and in net finance income for bonds and term deposits. Interest income is recorded in net finance income, and dividends are recorded in other income. |
| Trade and other payables are classified as other financial liabilities and are recorded at fair value and subsequently recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest rate (EIR) method. Realized gains and losses are reported in income. The EIR method discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of a financial instrument, thereby calculating the amortized cost and subsequently allocating the interest income or expense over the life of the instrument. |
| Long-term debts, including non-interest-bearing debts, are classified as loans and borrowings and are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently recorded at amortized cost using the EIR method. EIR amortization and realized gains and losses are reported in net finance income. |
Fair value
All financial assets are recognized initially at fair value plus directly attributable transaction costs, except for financial assets at FVPL, for which transaction costs are expensed. Purchases or sales of financial assets are accounted for at trade dates. All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings, net of directly attributable transaction costs.
After initial recognition, the fair values of financial instruments are based on the bid prices in quoted active markets for financial assets and on the ask prices for financial liabilities. For financial instruments not traded in active markets, fair values are determined using appropriate valuation techniques, which may include recent arms-length market transactions, reference to the current fair value of another instrument that is substantially the same, and discounted cash flow analysis; however, other valuation models may be used. The fair values of the Companys derivatives are based on third-party indicators and forecasts. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables approximate their carrying amounts because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amounts of bank loans approximates their fair values because the applicable interest rate is based on variable reference rates. The carrying amounts of other financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their fair values except as otherwise disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-13 | Stantec Inc. |
Derivatives
From time to time, the Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to manage risk associated with net operating assets or liabilities denominated in US dollars and British pounds. The Companys policy is not to use these derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. In addition, the Company enters into software licensing agreements that have foreign currencyembedded derivatives. During 2014 and 2013, these derivatives did not have a material impact on the Companys financial position or performance.
j) Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Companys assets or group of assets, other than deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is an indication of impairment. An asset may be impaired if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that have occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (referred to as a loss event) and if that loss event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset. When an indication of impairment exists or annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the assets recoverable amount is estimated.
Trade and other receivables
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts on trade receivables. The estimate is based on the best assessment of the collectibility of the related receivable balance based in part on the age of the outstanding receivables and the Companys historical collection and loss experience. When the carrying amount of the receivable is reduced through the allowance, the reduction is recognized in administrative and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Non-financial assets
For non-financial assets such as property and equipment, goodwill, investments in joint ventures and associates, and intangible assets, the recoverable amount is the higher of an assets or cash-generating units (CGUs) value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal. The recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. To assess value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pretax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. To determine fair value less costs of disposal, an appropriate valuation model is used. The results of these valuation techniques are corroborated by the market capitalization of comparable public companies and arms-length transactions of comparable companies. Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of income in those expense categories consistent with the nature of the impaired asset.
Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment annually (as at October 1) or more frequently if circumstances indicate that an impairment may occur or if a significant acquisition occurs between the annual impairment test date and December 31. The Company considers the relationship between its market capitalization and its book value, as well as other factors, when reviewing for indicators of impairment. Impairment is determined by assessing the recoverable amount of each CGU to which the goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of a CGU is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. The Companys CGUs for goodwill impairment testing are Canada, the United States, and International.
An impairment loss of goodwill is not reversed. For other assets, an impairment loss may be reversed if the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount have changed. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount or the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. The reversal is recognized in the consolidated statements of income.
Available-for-sale financial investments
For equity investments classified as available for sale, objective evidence of impairment would include a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the investment below its cost. Significant is evaluated against the original cost
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-14 | Stantec Inc. |
of the investment and prolonged against the period in which the fair value has been below its original cost. Where there is evidence of impairment, the cumulative loss is removed from other comprehensive income and recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Impairment losses on equity investments are not reversed through the consolidated statements of income; increases in their fair value after impairment are recognized directly in other comprehensive income.
For debt instruments (such as bonds) classified as available for sale, the Company first assesses individually whether objective evidence of impairment exists for debt instruments that are individually significant or collectively for debt instruments that are not individually significant. If an impairment loss has occurred, the amount recorded is the cumulative loss, measured as the difference between the amortized cost and the current fair value, less any previously recognized impairment loss. This amount is removed from other comprehensive income and recognized in the consolidated statements of income.
Future interest income continues to be accrued based on the reduced carrying amount of the asset applying the rate of interest used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the impairment loss. If the fair value of a debt instrument increases in a subsequent year and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized, the impairment loss is reversed in the consolidated statements of income.
k) Revenue recognition
While providing services, the Company incurs certain direct costs for subconsultants and other expenditures that are recoverable directly from clients. These direct costs are included in the Companys gross revenue. Since these direct costs can vary significantly from contract to contract, changes in gross revenue may not be indicative of the Companys revenue trends. Therefore, the Company also reports net revenue, which is gross revenue less subconsultant and other direct expenses.
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding discounts, duty, and taxes collected from clients that are reimbursable to government authorities. The Company assesses its revenue arrangements against specific criteria to determine if it is acting as a principal or an agent. The Company has concluded that it is acting as a principal in all of its revenue arrangements.
Revenue from fixed-fee and variable-fee-with-ceiling contracts is recognized by referring to the stage of completion using the revenue cost approach. Stage of completion is measured using labor costs incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated labor costs for each contract. Where the contract outcome cannot be measured reliably, revenue is recognized only to the extent that the expenses incurred are eligible to be recovered. Provisions for estimated losses on incomplete contracts are made in the period that the losses are determined. Revenue from time-and-material contracts without stated ceilings and from short-term projects is recognized as costs are incurred. Revenue is calculated based on billing rates for the services performed.
Unbilled revenue represents work in progress that has been recognized as revenue but has not yet been invoiced to clients. Billings in excess of costs represent amounts that have been invoiced to clients but not yet recognized as revenue.
l) Employee benefits plans
The Company contributes to group retirement savings plans and an employee share purchase plan based on the amount of employee contributions and are subject to maximum limits per employee. The Company accounts for defined contributions as an expense in the period in which the contributions are made. The Company does not provide postemployment or postretirement benefits.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-15 | Stantec Inc. |
m) Taxes
Current income tax
Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date in the countries where the Company operates and generates taxable income.
Current income tax, relating to items recognized directly in equity, is recognized in equity and not in the consolidated statements of income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes an uncertain tax liability where appropriate.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is determined using the liability method for temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized. Deferred taxes are not recognized for the initial recognition of goodwill; the initial recognition of assets or liabilities, outside of a business combination, that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit; or the differences relating to investments in associates and interests in joint ventures to the extent that the reversal can be controlled and it is probable that it will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled and are based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax relating to items recognized in equity is also recognized in equity. Deferred tax items are recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
Sales tax
Revenues, expenses, and assets, except trade receivables, are recognized net of the amount of sales tax recoverable from or payable to a taxation authority. Trade receivables and trade payables include sales tax. The net amount of sales tax recoverable from or payable to a taxation authority is included as part of trade receivables or trade payables (as appropriate) in the consolidated statements of financial position.
n) Share-based payment transactions
Under the Companys share option plan, the board of directors may grant to officers and employees remuneration in the form of share-based payment transactions, whereby officers and employees render services as consideration for equity instruments (equity-settled transactions).
Under the Companys deferred share unit plan, the chief executive officer and directors of the board of the Company may receive deferred share units equal to one common share. For the restricted share unit plan, senior vice presidents are granted share units that are to be settled after a two-year period. Under the Companys long-term incentive plan, certain members of the senior leadership teams, including the chief executive officer, are granted performance share
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-16 | Stantec Inc. |
units that vest and are to be settled after a three-year period. The deferred share units, restricted share units, and performance share units are share appreciation rights that can be settled only in cash (cash-settled transactions).
Equity-settled transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions awards is measured at fair value at the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The cost of equity-settled transactions, together with a corresponding increase in equity, is recognized over the period in which the service conditions are fulfilled (the vesting period). For equity-settled transactions, the cumulative expense recognized at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and reflects the Companys best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The expense or credit to income for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognized as at the beginning and end of that period and is recorded in administrative and marketing expenses. No expense is recognized for awards that do not ultimately vest.
Cash-settled transactions
The cost of cash-settled transactions is measured initially at fair value at the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This fair value is expensed upon issue with the recognition of a corresponding liability. The liability is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date, up to and including the settlement date, with changes in fair value recognized in administrative and marketing expenses.
o) Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes that the cash that would be received on the exercise of options is applied to purchase shares at the average price during the period and that the difference between the number of shares issued on the exercise of options and the number of shares obtainable under this computation, on a weighted average basis, is added to the number of shares outstanding. Antidilutive options are not considered in computing diluted earnings per share.
p) Business combinations and goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the consideration transferred at fair value at the acquisition date. Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Company is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in other income. Acquisition costs are expensed when incurred in administrative and marketing expenses.
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, which is the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of a Companys net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets acquired, the difference is recognized in income.
After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Companys CGUs (Canada, United States, and International) that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units.
q) Dividends
Dividends on common shares are recognized in the Companys consolidated financial statements in the period the dividends are declared by the Companys board of directors.
5. Significant Accounting Judgments, Estimates, and Assumptions
The preparation of the Companys consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities, as well as the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the end of the reporting year. However, uncertainty about these assumptions and
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-17 | Stantec Inc. |
estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability affected in future periods.
Discussed below are the key management judgments and assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
a) Revenue recognition
The Company accounts for its revenue in accordance with IAS 11 Construction Contracts, which requires estimates to be made for contract costs and revenues. Revenue from fixed-fee and variable-fee-with-ceiling contracts is recognized using the percentage of completion method based on the ratio of labor costs incurred to total estimated labor costs. Estimating total direct labor costs is subjective and requires the use of managements best judgments based on the information available at that time. The Company also provides for estimated losses on incomplete contracts in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in the estimates are reflected in the period in which they are made and affect the Companys revenue and unbilled revenue.
b) Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability to collect on its trade receivables. The Company uses estimates in arriving at its allowance for doubtful accounts. The estimates are based on the age of the outstanding receivables and on the Companys historical collection and loss experience. Future collections of receivables that differ from the Companys current estimates would affect the results of our operations in future periods as well as the Companys trade receivables and administrative and marketing expenses.
c) Provision for self-insured liabilities
The Company self-insures certain risks, including professional liability, automobile liability and employment practices liability. The accrual for self-insured liabilities includes estimates of the costs of reported claims and is based on estimates of loss using managements assumptions, including consideration of actuarial projections. These estimates of loss are derived from loss history that is then subjected to actuarial techniques to determine the proposed liability. Estimates of loss may vary from those used in the actuarial projections and result in a larger loss than estimated. Any increase in loss would be recognized in the period in which the loss is determined and increase the Companys self-insured liabilities and reported expenses.
d) Share-based payment transactions
The Company measures the cost of share-based payment transactions by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date. Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determining the most appropriate valuation model, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. The Company has chosen the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for equity-settled and cash-settled share-based payment transactions.
Estimating fair value also requires determining the most appropriate inputs to the valuation modelincluding volatility in the price of the Companys shares, a risk-free interest rate, and the expected hold period to exerciseand making assumptions about them. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Companys shares over a period commensurate with the expected term of the share option. The risk-free interest rate for the expected life of the options is based on the yield available on government bonds, with an approximate equivalent remaining term at the time of the grant. Historical data is used to estimate the expected life of the option. As well, the Company estimates its forfeiture rate for equity-settled transactions based on historical experience to determine the compensation expense arising from the share-based awards. Changes to estimates are recorded in the period in which they are made and would affect the Companys administrative and marketing expenses, contributed surplus, and other liabilities.
e) Business combinations
In a business combination, the Company may acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of an acquired entity. The estimate of fair values for these transactions involves judgment to determine the fair values assigned to the
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-18 | Stantec Inc. |
tangible and intangible assets (i.e., backlog, client relationships, and favorable and unfavorable leases) acquired and the liabilities assumed on the acquisition. Determining fair values involves a variety of assumptions, including revenue growth rates, expected operating income, and discount rates. During a measurement period, not to exceed one year, adjustments of the initial estimates may be required to finalize the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. After the measurement period, a revision of fair value may impact the Companys net income.
f) Impairment of non-financial assets
Impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. Fair value less costs of disposal is based on available data from binding sales transactions in an arms-length transaction of similar assets or observable market prices less incremental costs for disposing of the asset. In the absence of this data, other valuation techniques can be used to estimate fair value less costs of disposal. The value in use calculation is based on a discounted cash flow model. The cash flows are derived from budgets over an appropriate number of years and do not include restructuring activities that the Company is not yet committed to or significant future investments that will enhance the assets performance of the CGU being tested.
When based on a discounted cash flow methodology, the recoverable amount is most sensitive to the expected future cash inflows, the growth rate used for extrapolation purposes, and the discount rate. To arrive at cash flow projections, the Company uses estimates of economic and market information over the projection period, including growth rates in revenues, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins, and cash expenditures. Other significant estimates and assumptions include future estimates of capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements.
g) Fair value of financial instruments
When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position cannot be derived from active markets, it is determined using valuation techniques, including the discounted cash flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets if possible, but when this is not feasible, a degree of judgment is required to establish fair values. The judgments include considering inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk, and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments and reported expenses and income.
h) Taxes
Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation of complex tax regulations and the amount and timing of deferred taxable income. The Companys income tax assets and liabilities are based on interpretations of income tax legislation across various jurisdictions, primarily in Canada and the United States. The Companys effective tax rate can change from year to year based on the mix of income among different jurisdictions, changes in tax laws in these jurisdictions, and changes in the estimated value of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Companys income tax expense reflects an estimate of the taxes it expects to pay for the current year, as well as a provision for changes arising in the values of deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year. The tax value of these assets and liabilities is impacted by factors such as accounting estimates inherent in these balances, managements expectations about future operating results, previous tax audits, and differing interpretations of tax regulations by the taxable entity and the responsible tax authorities. Differences in interpretation may arise for a wide variety of issues, depending on the conditions prevailing in the respective legal entitys domicile. On a regular basis, management assesses the likelihood of recovering value from deferred tax assets, such as loss carryforwards, as well as from deferred tax depreciation of capital assets, and adjusts the tax provision accordingly.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for all unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the losses can be utilized. Significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized based on the likely timing and the level of future taxable profits, together with future tax-planning strategies. If estimates change, the Company may be required to recognize an adjustment to its deferred income tax asset or liability and income tax expense.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-19 | Stantec Inc. |
i) Interests in other entities
The Company determines whether it has control over another entity by making judgments about what the relevant activities of that entity are and which party or parties have power to direct those activities, as well as whether the Company is exposed to variable returns of the entity. The Company assesses whether it has control, significant influence, or joint control over an entity based on the individual facts and circumstances of each agreement. In the case of a joint arrangement, the Company makes judgments to determine if the arrangement is a joint venture or joint operation, including whether it has rights to the individual assets or liabilities or to the net assets of the entity and whether unanimous consent is required in making decisions about relevant activities.
6. Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Changes to Accounting Policies
Recently adopted
The following amendments have been adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of these amendments did not have an impact on the financial position or performance of the Company.
| In December 2011, the IASB issued amendments to International Accounting Standard (IAS) 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation. The amendments clarify when an entity has a legally enforceable right to set-off, as well as clarify the application of offsetting criteria related to some settlement systems that may be considered the same as net settlement. |
| In May 2013, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 36 Impairment of Assets Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets. These amendments clarify that an entity is required to disclose information about the recoverable amount of an impaired asset (including goodwill or a cash-generating unit) if the recoverable amount is based on the fair value less costs of disposal methodology. The amendment also sets out other disclosure requirements for non-financial assets. |
| In May 2013, the IASB issued International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) Interpretation 21 Levies (IFRIC 21). IFRIC 21 interprets how an entity should account for liabilities to pay government-imposed levies (excluding income taxes) in its financial statements. |
Future adoptions
The listing below includes standards, amendments, and interpretations that the Company reasonably expects to be applicable at a future date and intends to adopt when they become effective. The Company is currently considering the impact of adopting these standards, amendments, and interpretations on its consolidated financial statements and cannot reasonably estimate the effect at this time.
| In December 2013, the IASB issued Annual Improvements (2010-2012 Cycle) to make necessary but non-urgent amendments to IFRS 2 Share-based Payments; IFRS 3 Business Combinations (IFRS 3); IFRS 8 Operating Segments; IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (IFRS 13); IAS 16 Property, Plant, and Equipment; IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures; and IAS 38 Intangible Assets. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2014. |
| In December 2013, the IASB issued Annual Improvements (2011-2013 Cycle) to make necessary but non-urgent amendments to IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of IFRS; IFRS 3; IFRS 13; and IAS 40 Investment Properties. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2014. |
| In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15). IFRS 15 applies to all revenue contracts with customers and provides a model for the recognition and measurement of the sale of some non-financial assets such as property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets. This new standard sets out a five-step model for revenue recognition and applies to all industries. The core principle is that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. IFRS 15 requires numerous disclosures, such as the disaggregation of total revenue, disclosures about performance obligations, changes in contract asset and liability account balances, and key judgments and estimates. This new standard, effective January 1, 2017, may be adopted using a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-20 | Stantec Inc. |
| In May 2014, the IASB issued Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations (Amendments to IFRS 11). The amendments provide guidance on accounting for acquisitions of interests in joint operations in which the activity constitutes a business, as defined by IFRS 3. The acquirer applies all principles on business combinations accounting in IFRS 3 and other IFRSs, except for those principles that conflict with the guidance in IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements. In addition, the acquirer must disclose the information required by IFRS 3 and other IFRSs for business combinations. This amendment is effective January 1, 2016, on a prospective basis. |
| In July 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (IFRS 9) to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. IFRS 9 provides a revised model for the recognition and measurement of financial assets, financial liabilities, and some contracts to buy or sell non-financial items. In addition, it includes a single expected-loss impairment model and a reformed approach to hedge accounting. This standard is effective January 1, 2018, on a retrospective basis subject to certain exceptions. |
| In September 2014, the IASB issued Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture (Amendments to IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures). The amendments clarify how to recognize gains or losses when a sale of a business or assets from a subsidiary to a joint venture or associate results in the loss of control of the subsidiary. These amendments are effective January 1, 2016, on a prospective basis. |
| In September 2014, the IASB issued Annual Improvements (2012-2014 Cycle) to make necessary but non-urgent amendments to IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations; IFRS 7 Financial Instrument: Disclosures (IFRS 7); IAS 19 Employee Benefits (IAS 19); and IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. These amendments are effective January 1, 2016, on a retrospective basis with the exception of IAS 34 which is effective on a prospective basis. |
| In December 2014, the IASB issued Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 1). It provides amended guidance on materiality and on the order of the notes to the financial statements. These amendments can be applied immediately, and become mandatory for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. |
7. Business Acquisitions
Acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting and the results of operations since the respective dates of acquisition are included in the consolidated statements of income. From time to time, as a result of the timing of acquisitions in relation to the Companys reporting schedule, certain estimates of fair values of assets and liabilities acquired may not be finalized at the initial time of reporting. These estimates are completed after the vendors final financial statements and income tax returns have been prepared and accepted by the Company and when the valuation of intangible assets acquired is finalized. The preliminary fair values are based on managements best estimates of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. During a measurement period not to exceed one year, adjustments to the initial estimates may be required to finalize the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. The Company will revise comparative information if these measurement period adjustments are material.
The consideration paid for acquisitions may be subject to price adjustment clauses included in the purchase agreements and may extend over a number of years. At each consolidated statement of financial position date, these price adjustment clauses are reviewed. This may result in an increase in or a reduction of the notes payable consideration (recorded on the acquisition date) to reflect either more or less non-cash working capital than was originally recorded. Since these adjustments are a result of facts and circumstances occurring after the acquisition date, they are not considered measurement period adjustments.
For some acquisitions, additional payments may be made to the employees of an acquired company that are based on the employees continued service over an agreed period of time. These additional payments are not included in the purchase price. They are expensed as compensation when services are provided by the employees.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-21 | Stantec Inc. |
Acquisitions in 2014
On January 24, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities, and the business of Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. and Cultural Resources, Inc. (WEG) for cash consideration and notes payable. Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, WEG has additional offices in Richmond, Glen Allen, and Fredericksburg, Virginia. WEG provides specialized environmental services in ecology, environmental planning, water resources, wetland mitigation, stream assessment and restoration, landscape architecture, golf course planning, construction administration, cultural resource management, historic preservation, and regulatory support to public and private sector clients. The addition of WEG expands the Companys environmental services in the US Mid-Atlantic.
On March 7, 2014, the Company acquired all the shares and business of Processes Unlimited International, Inc. (ProU) for cash consideration and notes payable. ProU is based in Bakersfield, California, with additional offices in San Ramon, Fresno, and Pasadena, California; Dallas, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and Nashville, Tennessee. ProU operates in a diverse range of markets, including oil and gas, alternative energies, power, utilities, chemicals, food and beverage, packaging, plastics, cement, minerals, mining, and building products. ProUs services include mechanical engineering and design; process, chemical, civil, structural, automation, instrumentation, and electrical engineering; and control panel fabrication. The addition of ProU expands the Companys oil and gas expertise in the United States.
On May 9, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities, and the business of JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc. (JBR) for cash consideration and notes payable. The firm is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with additional locations in Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. JBR provides baseline environmental studies, air monitoring and testing, permitting and National Environmental Policy Act assistance, site investigation and remediation services, and environmental compliance assistance. The addition of JBR increases the depth of the Companys services in various market sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and power generation and transmission.
On May 23, 2014, the Company acquired all the shares and business of Group Affiliates Inc. (SHW) for cash consideration and promissory notes. SHW has offices in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, DC; and Charlottesville, Virginia. SHW provides architectural, interior design, planning, and engineering services to higher education and K12 clients. The addition of SHW diversifies and expands the Companys Buildings practice.
On June 6, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities, and the business of Wiley Engineering, Inc. (Wiley) for cash consideration. Wiley is based in Marietta, Georgia, and provides automation, electrical, and instrumentation engineering services to oil and gas, mining, power, and other industrial sectors. The addition of Wiley enhances the Companys East Coast presence in the United States.
On June 27, 2014, the Company acquired all the shares and business of USKH Inc. (USKH) for cash consideration and promissory notes. USKH is based in Anchorage, Alaska, and has additional offices in Juneau, Fairbanks, and Wasilla, Alaska; Spokane, Walla Walla, and Ferndale, Washington; and Billings, Montana. USKH provides services ranging from architectural, engineering, and environmental to survey and geographical information systems. The addition of USKH enables the Company to provide locally based infrastructure, building, and geospatial services in Alaska and expands the Companys presence in the Pacific Northwest.
On September 19, 2014, the Company acquired all the shares and business of ADD, Inc. for cash consideration and notes payable. ADD, Inc., based in Boston, Massachusetts, and Miami, Florida, provides architecture, interior design, planning, and branding services, primarily for multifamily housing, higher education, and corporate office clients. The addition of ADD, Inc. strengthens and diversifies the Companys Buildings business operating unit, bringing expanded service offerings to its Boston market, and widens its presence in southern Florida.
On October 24, 2014, the Company acquired all the shares and business of Penfield & Smith Engineers, Inc. (Penfield & Smith) for cash consideration and notes payable. This firm is based in Santa Barbara, California, with additional offices in Camarillo, Santa Maria, and Lancaster, California. Penfield & Smith strengthens the Companys civil engineering and land planning expertise and enhances its presence along the California central coast.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-22 | Stantec Inc. |
During 2014, the Company finalized the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the IBE Consulting Engineers, Inc.; JDA Architects Limited; Cambria Gordon Ltd.; and Wiley acquisitions. Adjustments made to finalize these fair values were not material.
Aggregate consideration for assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Details of the aggregate consideration transferred and the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired at the date of acquisition are as follows:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Notes | Total $ | ||||
Cash consideration |
97,972 | |||||
Notes payable |
88,908 | |||||
Consideration |
186,880 | |||||
Assets and liabilities acquired |
||||||
Cash acquired |
9,177 | |||||
Non-cash working capital |
21,786 | |||||
Property and equipment |
10 | 8,460 | ||||
Investments |
508 | |||||
Other financial assets |
8,722 | |||||
Intangible assets |
12 | |||||
Client relationships |
18,967 | |||||
Contract backlog |
8,731 | |||||
Lease disadvantages |
(2,214) | |||||
Software |
244 | |||||
Other |
1,869 | |||||
Other financial liabilities |
(2,508) | |||||
Provisions |
17 | (1,488) | ||||
Long-term debt |
(9,778) | |||||
Deferred income taxes |
25 | (5,064) | ||||
Total identifiable net assets at fair value |
57,412 | |||||
Goodwill arising on acquisitions |
11 | 129,468 | ||||
Consideration |
186,880 |
Trade receivables assumed from acquired companies are recognized at fair value at the time of acquisition. In 2014, trade receivables acquired had a fair value of $45,728,000 and gross value of $46,814,000.
Goodwill comprises the value of expected synergies arising from an acquisition, the expertise and reputation of the assembled workforce acquired, and the geographic location of the acquiree. Of the goodwill and intangible assets resulting from acquisitions completed in 2014, $99,411,000 is deductible for income tax purposes.
The fair value of provisions are determined at the acquisition date. These liabilities relate to claims that are subject to legal arbitration and onerous contracts. During 2014, the Company assumed $672,000 in provisions for claims relating to the current years acquisitions (2013 nil). At the reporting date, provisions for claims outstanding from current and prior acquisitions were reassessed and determined to be $3,141,000, based on their expected probable outcome. Certain of these claims are indemnified by the acquiree (note 14).
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-23 | Stantec Inc. |
For business combinations that occurred in 2014, the Company estimates that gross revenue earned in 2014, since the acquired entities acquisition dates, is $131,240,000. The Company integrates the operations and systems of acquired entities shortly after the acquisition date; therefore, it is impracticable to disclose the acquirees earnings in its consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date.
If the business combinations that occurred in 2014 had taken place at the beginning of 2014, gross revenue from continuing operations for 2014 would have been $2,649,691,000 and the profit from continuing operations would have been $170,324,000.
In 2014, directly attributable acquisition-related costs of $978,000 have been expensed and are included in administrative and marketing expenses.
Consideration paid and outstanding
Details of the consideration paid for current and past acquisitions are as follows:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Cash consideration (net of cash acquired) |
88,795 | 6,286 | ||||
Payments on notes payable from previous acquisitions |
34,918 | 37,253 | ||||
Total net cash paid |
123,713 | 43,539 |
Total notes payable and adjustments to these obligations are as follows:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Notes Payable $ | |
December 31, 2012 |
79,558 | |
Additions for acquisitions in the year |
5,158 | |
Other adjustments |
2,068 | |
Payments |
(37,253) | |
Interest |
675 | |
Impact of foreign exchange |
2,426 | |
December 31, 2013 |
52,632 | |
Additions for acquisitions in the year |
88,908 | |
Other adjustments |
(5,476) | |
Payments |
(34,918) | |
Interest |
1,295 | |
Impact of foreign exchange |
6,487 | |
December 31, 2014 |
108,928 |
During 2014, pursuant to price adjustment clauses included in the purchase agreements, the Company adjusted the notes payable for the Burt Hill Inc. acquisition, which impacted non-cash working capital.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-24 | Stantec Inc. |
8. Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Companys policy is to invest cash in excess of operating requirements in highly liquid investments. For the purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of the following:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Cash |
152,406 | 140,267 | ||||
Unrestricted investments |
1,298 | 2,289 | ||||
Cash held in escrow |
- | 474 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
153,704 | 143,030 |
Unrestricted investments consist of short-term bank deposits with initial maturities of three months or less.
9. Trade and Other Receivables
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Trade receivables, net of allowance |
420,408 | 376,159 | ||||
Holdbacks, current |
4,351 | 3,423 | ||||
Other |
6,992 | 5,325 | ||||
Trade and other receivables |
431,751 | 384,907 |
The Company maintains an allowance for estimated losses on trade receivables. The estimate is based on the best assessment of the collectibility of the related receivable balance, which is determined in part based on the age of the outstanding receivables and the Companys historical collection and loss experience.
The following table provides a reconciliation of changes to the Companys allowance for doubtful accounts.
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Balance, beginning of the year |
19,316 | 16,551 | ||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
2,664 | 6,336 | ||||
Deductions |
(4,908) | (3,978) | ||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
1,080 | 407 | ||||
Balance, end of the year |
18,152 | 19,316 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-25 | Stantec Inc. |
The aging analysis of gross trade receivables is as follows:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Total $ |
130 $ |
3160 $ |
6190 $ |
91120 $ |
121+ $ | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 |
438,560 | 225,556 | 99,334 | 57,279 | 20,943 | 35,448 | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
395,475 | 203,840 | 102,858 | 33,659 | 17,757 | 37,361 |
10. Property and Equipment
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Engineering Equipment $ |
Office Equipment $ |
Leasehold Improvements $ |
Assets under Finance Leases $ |
Other $ |
Total $ | ||||||||||||||||
Cost |
||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2012 |
101,559 | 52,439 | 78,253 | 3,683 | 18,531 | 254,465 | ||||||||||||||||
Additions |
17,185 | 8,873 | 24,399 | 133 | 2,928 | 53,518 | ||||||||||||||||
Additions arising on acquisitions |
30 | 174 | 399 | 116 | 73 | 792 | ||||||||||||||||
Disposals |
(21,651) | (6,384) | (11,301) | (351) | (1,000) | (40,687) | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers |
496 | 549 | - | (1,349) | (1,597) | (1,901) | ||||||||||||||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
2,504 | 1,046 | 1,670 | 110 | 735 | 6,065 | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
100,123 | 56,697 | 93,420 | 2,342 | 19,670 | 272,252 | ||||||||||||||||
Additions |
13,281 | 5,322 | 20,545 | 463 | 5,209 | 44,820 | ||||||||||||||||
Additions arising on acquisitions |
2,747 | 1,373 | 3,452 | 288 | 600 | 8,460 | ||||||||||||||||
Disposals |
(9,546) | (4,356) | (2,105) | (536) | (836) | (17,379) | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers |
(702) | 821 | - | (362) | 3,423 | 3,180 | ||||||||||||||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
3,744 | 1,474 | 2,586 | 123 | 1,207 | 9,134 | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 |
109,647 | 61,331 | 117,898 | 2,318 | 29,273 | 320,467 | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2012 |
63,448 | 32,995 | 33,106 | 841 | 9,081 | 139,471 | ||||||||||||||||
Current year depreciation |
12,899 | 5,154 | 11,376 | 587 | 2,373 | 32,389 | ||||||||||||||||
Disposals |
(18,865) | (5,517) | (10,243) | (74) | (853) | (35,552) | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers |
209 | 378 | 62 | (673) | (730) | (754) | ||||||||||||||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
1,472 | 668 | 653 | (4) | 375 | 3,164 | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
59,163 | 33,678 | 34,954 | 677 | 10,246 | 138,718 | ||||||||||||||||
Current year depreciation |
14,575 | 5,535 | 14,644 | 472 | 3,472 | 38,698 | ||||||||||||||||
Disposals |
(8,982) | (3,312) | (1,796) | (312) | (709) | (15,111) | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers |
50 | 262 | - | (316) | 869 | 865 | ||||||||||||||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
2,113 | 874 | 960 | 39 | 604 | 4,590 | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 |
66,919 | 37,037 | 48,762 | 560 | 14,482 | 167,760 | ||||||||||||||||
Net book value |
||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
40,960 | 23,019 | 58,466 | 1,665 | 9,424 | 133,534 | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 |
42,728 | 24,294 | 69,136 | 1,758 | 14,791 | 152,707 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-26 | Stantec Inc. |
Included in leasehold improvements is construction work in progress in the amount of $870,000 (2013 $3,919,000), on which depreciation has not started. The Company entered into finance leases for certain office and automotive equipment.
Included in the Other category are automotive equipment, buildings, land, and fractional ownership of an aircraft.
11. Goodwill
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Net goodwill, beginning of the year |
594,826 | 566,784 | ||||
Current year acquisitions |
129,468 | 7,523 | ||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
36,337 | 20,519 | ||||
Net goodwill, end of the year |
760,631 | 594,826 | ||||
Gross goodwill, end of the year |
938,631 | 772,826 | ||||
Accumulated impairment losses |
(178,000) | (178,000) | ||||
Net goodwill, end of the year |
760,631 | 594,826 |
Goodwill arising from acquisitions includes factors such as the expertise and reputation of the assembled workforce acquired, the geographic location of the acquiree, and the expected synergies.
The Company allocates goodwill to its CGUs, which are also its operating segments. The Companys CGUs are Canada, the United States, and International. These CGUs are defined based on the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Other factors are considered, including how management monitors the entitys operations. The Company does not monitor goodwill at or allocate goodwill to its business operating units.
On October 1, 2014, and October 1, 2013, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test in accordance with its policy described in note 4. Based on the results of the 2014 and 2013 tests, the Company concluded that the recoverable amount of each CGU exceeded its carrying amount and, therefore, goodwill was not impaired.
The Company has allocated its goodwill to its CGUs as follows:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Canada |
290,011 | 290,009 | ||||
United States |
470,620 | 304,817 | ||||
Allocated |
760,631 | 594,826 |
Management believes that the methodology used to test impairment of goodwill, which involves a significant number of judgments and estimates, provides a reasonable basis for determining whether an impairment has occurred. Many factors used to determine whether goodwill is impaired are outside of managements control and involve inherent uncertainty. Therefore, actual results could differ from those estimated. It is reasonably likely that assumptions and estimates will change in future periods and could have a significant impact on the recoverable amount of a CGU, resulting in impairments.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-27 | Stantec Inc. |
Valuation techniques
When performing the goodwill impairment test, the Company compares the recoverable amount for each CGU to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of a CGU is higher than its recoverable amount, an impairment charge is recorded as a reduction in the carrying amount of the goodwill on the consolidated statements of financial position and recognized as a non-cash impairment charge in income.
The Company estimates the recoverable amount by using the fair value less costs of disposal approach. It estimates fair value using market information and discounted after-tax cash flow projections, which is known as the income approach. The income approach uses a CGUs projection of estimated operating results and discounted cash flows based on a discount rate that reflects current market conditions and the risk of achieving the cash flows. The Company uses cash flow projections covering a five-year period from financial forecasts approved by senior management. For its October 1, 2014, and October 1, 2013, impairment tests, the Company discounted the cash flows for each CGU using an after-tax discount rate ranging from 8.7% to 11.5%. To arrive at cash flow projections, the Company used estimates of economic and market information over the projection period (note 5).
The Company validates its estimate of the fair value of each CGU under the income approach by comparing the resulting multiples to multiples derived from comparable public companies and comparable company transactions. The Company reconciles the total fair value of all CGUs with its market capitalization to determine if the sum is reasonable. If the reconciliation indicates a significant difference between the external market capitalization and the fair value of the CGUs, the Company reviews and adjusts, if appropriate, the discount rate of a CGU and considers whether the implied acquisition premium is reasonable in light of current market conditions. The fair value measurement was categorized as a level 3 fair value based on the significant inputs in the valuation technique used (note 22).
If market and economic conditions deteriorate or if volatility in the financial markets causes declines in the Companys share price, increases the weighted average cost of capital, or changes valuation multiples or other inputs to its goodwill assessment, the Company may need to test its goodwill for impairment between its annual test dates. In addition, changes in the numerous variables associated with the judgments, assumptions, and estimates made by management in assessing the fair value of the Companys CGUs could cause them to be impaired. Goodwill impairment charges are non-cash charges that could have a material adverse effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements but in themselves do not have any adverse effect on its liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, or debt covenants and will not have an impact on its future operations.
Key assumptions
The calculation of fair value less costs of disposal for all CGUs is most sensitive to the following assumptions:
| Operating margins based on actual experience and managements long-term projections. |
| Discount rates reflecting investors expectations when discounting future cash flows to a present value, taking into consideration market rates of return, capital structure, company size, and industry risk. If necessary, a discount rate is further adjusted to reflect risks specific to a CGU when future estimates of cash flows have not been adjusted. |
| Growth rate estimates based on actual experience and market analysis. Projections are extrapolated beyond five years using a growth rate that typically does not exceed 3.0%. |
Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
As at October 1, 2014, the recoverable amount of the Companys Canadian and US CGUs exceeded their carrying amount. For the assessment of fair value less costs of disposal, management believes that no reasonably possible change in any of the above key assumptions would have caused the carrying amount of the Canadian or US CGU to exceed its recoverable amount.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-28 | Stantec Inc. |
12. Intangible Assets
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Client Relationships $ |
Contract Backlog $ |
Software $ |
Other $ |
Total $ |
Total Lease $ | ||||||||||||||||
Cost |
||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2012 |
85,835 | 11,623 | 37,510 | 3,835 | 138,803 | (7,235) | ||||||||||||||||
Additions |
- | - | 9,772 | - | 9,772 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Additions internal development |
- | - | 105 | - | 105 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Additions arising on acquisitions |
3,329 | 761 | - | 319 | 4,409 | (13) | ||||||||||||||||
Removal of fully amortized assets |
(789) | (7,670) | (673) | (2,486) | (11,618) | 984 | ||||||||||||||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
3,440 | 571 | 55 | 93 | 4,159 | (500) | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
91,815 | 5,285 | 46,769 | 1,761 | 145,630 | (6,764) | ||||||||||||||||
Additions |
- | - | 9,614 | - | 9,614 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Additions internal development |
- | - | 711 | - | 711 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Additions arising on acquisitions |
18,967 | 8,731 | 244 | 1,869 | 29,811 | (2,214) | ||||||||||||||||
Disposals |
- | - | (515) | - | (515) | - | ||||||||||||||||
Removal of fully amortized assets |
(782) | (5,765) | (14,523) | 171 | (20,899) | 1,963 | ||||||||||||||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
5,934 | 982 | 60 | 127 | 7,103 | (758) | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 |
115,934 | 9,233 | 42,360 | 3,928 | 171,455 | (7,773) | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization |
||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2012 |
32,963 | 5,730 | 12,248 | 2,114 | 53,055 | (2,075) | ||||||||||||||||
Current year amortization |
7,294 | 5,342 | 9,675 | 982 | 23,293 | (2,058) | ||||||||||||||||
Removal of fully amortized assets |
(789) | (7,670) | (673) | (2,486) | (11,618) | 984 | ||||||||||||||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
1,544 | 410 | 38 | 51 | 2,043 | (208) | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
41,012 | 3,812 | 21,288 | 661 | 66,773 | (3,357) | ||||||||||||||||
Current year amortization |
8,432 | 4,819 | 11,270 | 962 | 25,483 | (1,231) | ||||||||||||||||
Disposals |
- | - | (405) | - | (405) | - | ||||||||||||||||
Removal of fully amortized assets |
(782) | (5,765) | (14,523) | 171 | (20,899) | 1,963 | ||||||||||||||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
2,619 | 569 | 39 | 33 | 3,260 | (364) | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 |
51,281 | 3,435 | 17,669 | 1,827 | 74,212 | (2,989) | ||||||||||||||||
Net book value |
||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
50,803 | 1,473 | 25,481 | 1,100 | 78,857 | (3,407) | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 |
64,653 | 5,798 | 24,691 | 2,101 | 97,243 | (4,784) |
Once an intangible asset is fully amortized, the gross carrying amount and related accumulated amortization are removed from the accounts. Other than goodwill, the Company has not recorded any intangible assets with indefinite lives. Included in software are finance leases with a net book value of $11,001,000 (2013 $10,058,000) and $414,000 (2013 $346,000) in internally generated software that is not ready for use and, therefore, is not being amortized.
In accordance with its accounting policies in note 4, the Company tests intangible assets for recoverability when events or a change in circumstances indicates that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. To determine indicators of impairment of intangible assets, the Company considers external sources of information such as prevailing economic and market conditions. It also considers internal sources of information such as the historical and expected financial performance of the intangible assets. If indicators of impairment are present, the Company determines recoverability based on an estimate of discounted cash flows, using the higher of either the value in use or the fair value less costs of disposal methods. The measurement of impairment loss is based on the amount that the
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-29 | Stantec Inc. |
carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its recoverable amount. As part of the impairment test, the Company updates its future cash flow assumptions and estimates, including factors such as current and future contracts with clients, margins, market conditions, and the useful lives of the assets. During 2014, the Company concluded that there were no material indicators of impairment to intangible assets.
13. Investments in Joint Ventures and Associates
The Company has interests in a number of individually immaterial joint ventures and associates. The Companys joint ventures and associates are private entities that are not listed on any public exchange. All operations are continuing. The Company has no share of any contingent liabilities or capital commitments in its joint ventures as at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
Movement in investments in joint ventures and associates
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Balance, beginning of the year |
4,996 | 5,286 | ||||
Equity contribution |
- | 96 | ||||
Share of total comprehensive income |
2,419 | 2,276 | ||||
Dividends/distributions received |
(2,472) | (2,685) | ||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
32 | 23 | ||||
Balance, end of the year |
4,975 | 4,996 |
To support the activities of certain joint ventures and associates, the Company and the other investors in the joint ventures have agreed to make additional contributions, in proportion to their interests, to make up any losses, if required. In addition, for certain joint ventures and associates, the profits will not be distributed until the parties to the arrangement provide consent for distribution.
14. Other Financial Assets
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Investments held for self-insured liabilities |
112,020 | 92,503 | ||||
Investments |
1,645 | 1,723 | ||||
Holdbacks on long-term contracts |
7,649 | 6,188 | ||||
Indemnifications |
442 | 1,377 | ||||
Other |
437 | 2,790 | ||||
122,193 | 104,581 | |||||
Less current portion |
31,526 | 21,418 | ||||
Long-term portion |
90,667 | 83,163 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-30 | Stantec Inc. |
Investments held for self-insured liabilities
Investments held for self-insured liabilities consist of government and corporate bonds, equity securities, and term deposits. These investments are classified as available for sale and are stated at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income. Their fair value and amortized cost are as follows:
December 31 2014 $ |
December 31 2013 $ | |||||||||||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Fair Value | Amortized Cost/Cost |
Fair Value | Amortized Cost/Cost | ||||||||||||
Bonds |
73,209 | 72,960 | 59,310 | 59,079 | ||||||||||||
Equity securities |
35,113 | 27,299 | 30,115 | 23,635 | ||||||||||||
Term deposits |
3,698 | 3,698 | 3,078 | 3,078 | ||||||||||||
Total |
112,020 | 103,957 | 92,503 | 85,792 |
The bonds bear interest at rates ranging from 0.50% to 5.10% per annum (2013 0.50% to 5.28%). Term deposits mature at various dates before March 2015.
The terms to maturity of the bond portfolio, stated at fair value, are as follows:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Within one year |
27,340 | 15,966 | ||||
After one year but not more than five years |
45,869 | 43,344 | ||||
Total |
73,209 | 59,310 |
Indemnifications
The Companys indemnifications relate to certain legal claims (note 17). During 2014, the Company decreased provisions and indemnification assets relating to prior acquisitions by $1,073,000 (2013 decreased by $385,000) because of the settlement of certain claims and new information obtained in the year.
15. Trade and Other Payables
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Trade accounts payable |
104,086 | 85,100 | ||||
Employee and payroll liabilities |
166,629 | 141,957 | ||||
Accrued liabilities |
29,578 | 32,056 | ||||
300,293 | 259,113 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-31 | Stantec Inc. |
16. Long-Term Debt
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Non-interest-bearing note payable |
282 | 257 | ||||
Other notes payable |
111,191 | 52,953 | ||||
Bank loan |
64,966 | 51,053 | ||||
Senior secured notes |
124,594 | 124,396 | ||||
Finance lease obligations |
8,232 | 9,414 | ||||
309,265 | 238,073 | |||||
Less current portion |
53,172 | 37,130 | ||||
Long-term portion |
256,093 | 200,943 |
Other notes payable
Other notes payable consists primarily of notes payable for acquisitions (note 7). The weighted average rate of interest on the other notes payable is 3.65% (2013 3.10%). The notes may be supported by promissory notes and are due at various times from 2015 to 2018. The aggregate maturity value of the notes is $113,726,000 (2013 $53,379,000). At December 31, 2014, $100,207,000 (US$86,378,000) (2013 $26,277,000 (US$24,706,000)) of the notes carrying amount was payable in US funds.
Bank loan
During the second quarter of 2014, the Company reached an agreement to extend the maturity date of its $350 million revolving credit facility to August 2018. This facility allows the Company access to an additional $150 million under the same terms and conditions on approval from its lenders. The facility is available for future acquisitions, working capital needs, and general corporate purposes. Depending on the form under which the credit facility is accessed, rates of interest will vary between Canadian prime, US base rate, or LIBOR or bankers acceptance rates, plus specified basis points. The specified basis points may vary, depending on the Companys level of consolidated debt to EBITDA (a non-IFRS measure), from 20 to 125 for Canadian prime and US base rate loans, and from 120 to 225 for bankers acceptances, LIBOR loans, and letters of credit. Before the extension, the basis points varied, depending on the Companys level of consolidated debt to EBITDA, from 20 to 145 for Canadian prime and US base rate loans, and from 120 to 245 for bankers acceptances, LIBOR loans, and letters of credit.
At December 31, 2014, $64,966,000 (US$56,000,000) of the bank loan was payable in US funds. At December 31, 2013, $51,053,000 (US$48,000,000) of the bank loan was payable in US funds. Loans may be repaid under the credit facility from time to time at the option of the Company. The credit facility contains restrictive covenants (note 24). The average interest rate applicable at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, was 1.37%.
The funds available under the revolving credit facility are reduced by any outstanding letters of credit issued pursuant to this facility agreement. At December 31, 2014, the Company had issued and outstanding letters of credit, expiring at various dates before January 2016, totaling $2,287,000 (2013 $222,000), payable in Canadian funds, and $872,000 (US$752,000) (2013 $950,000 (US$893,000)), payable in US funds. These letters of credit were issued in the normal course of operations, including the guarantee of certain office rental obligations. At December 31, 2014, $281,875,000 (2013 $297,775,000) was available in the revolving credit facility for future activities.
The Company has a surety facility to facilitate, as part of the normal course of operations, the issuance of bonds for certain types of project work. At December 31, 2014, the Company had issued bonds under this surety facility totaling $36,000 (2013 $945,000) in Canadian funds and $3,268,000 (US$2,817,000) (2013 $3,765,000 (US$3,540,000)) in US funds. These bonds expire at various dates before April 2020.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-32 | Stantec Inc. |
During the second quarter, the Company reached an agreement to extend the maturity of its bid bond facility to August 31, 2018, and increased the limit from $10 million to $15 million. This facility allows the Company access to an additional $5 million under the same terms and conditions upon approval from its lenders. This facility may be used for the issuance of bid bonds, performance guarantees, letters of credit, and documentary credits in international currencies. At December 31, 2014, $8,525,000 (2013 $7,036,000) was issued under this bid bond facility, is payable in various international currencies, that will expire at various dates before January 2016.
Senior secured notes
On May 13, 2011, the Company issued $70 million of 4.332% senior secured notes due May 10, 2016, and $55 million of 4.757% senior secured notes due May 10, 2018. These amounts were recorded net of transaction costs of $1,115,000. The senior secured notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated May 13, 2011, between the Company, as issuer, and BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee and collateral agent. The senior secured notes are ranked pari passu with the Companys existing revolving credit facility.
Interest on the senior secured notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 10 and November 10 until maturity or the earlier payment, redemption, or purchase in full of the senior secured notes. The Company may redeem the senior secured notes, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at specified redemption prices and subject to certain conditions required by the indenture. The Company may purchase its senior secured notes for cancellation at any time. The senior secured notes contain restrictive covenants (note 24). All Company assets are held as collateral under a general security agreement for the revolving credit facility and the senior secured notes.
Finance lease obligations
The Company has finance leases for software and for automotive and office equipment. At December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, finance lease obligations included finance leases bearing interest at rates ranging from 0.66% to 12.98%. These finance leases expire at various dates before January 2018.
Future minimum lease payments under finance leases, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments, are as follows:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Within one year |
5,888 | 5,491 | ||||
After one year but not more than five years |
2,604 | 4,544 | ||||
Total minimum lease payments |
8,492 | 10,035 | ||||
Present value of minimum lease payments |
8,232 | 9,414 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-33 | Stantec Inc. |
17. Provisions
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Provision for self-insured liabilities |
50,074 | 47,628 | ||||
Provisions for claims |
4,506 | 6,946 | ||||
Onerous contracts |
7,812 | 7,012 | ||||
62,392 | 61,586 | |||||
Less current portion |
10,796 | 12,047 | ||||
Long-term portion |
51,596 | 49,539 |
In the normal conduct of operations, various legal claims are pending against the Company, alleging, among other things, breaches of contract or negligence in connection with the performance of consulting services. The Company carries professional liability insurance, subject to certain deductibles and policy limits, and has a captive insurance company that provides insurance protection against such claims. In some cases, parties are seeking damages that substantially exceed the Companys insurance coverage. Based on advice and information provided by legal counsel, the Companys previous experience with the settlement of similar claims, and the results of the annual actuarial review, management believes that the Company has recognized adequate provisions for probable and reasonably estimated liabilities associated with these claims. In addition, management believes that it has appropriate insurance in place to respond to and offset the cost of resolving these claims.
Due to uncertainties in the nature of the Companys legal claims, such as the range of possible outcomes and the progress of the litigation, provisions accrued involve estimates. The ultimate cost to resolve these claims may exceed or be less than those recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Management believes that the ultimate cost to resolve these claims will not materially exceed the insurance coverage or provisions accrued and, therefore, would not have a material adverse effect on the Companys consolidated statements of income and financial position. Management regularly reviews the timing of the outflows of these provisions. Cash outflows for existing provisions are expected to occur within the next one to five years, although this is uncertain and depends on the development of the various claims. These outflows are not expected to have a material impact on the Companys cash flows.
Provision for self-insured liabilities
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Provision, beginning of the year |
47,628 | 36,381 | ||||
Current-year provision |
4,893 | 16,807 | ||||
Payment for claims settlement |
(5,180) | (7,263) | ||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
2,733 | 1,703 | ||||
Provision, end of the year |
50,074 | 47,628 |
The current and long-term portions of provision for self-insured liabilities are determined based on an actuarial estimate. At December 31, 2014, the long-term portion was $46,521,000 (2013 $44,553,000).
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-34 | Stantec Inc. |
Provisions for claims
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Provisions, beginning of the year |
6,946 | 8,717 | ||||
Current-year provisions |
1,528 | 1,413 | ||||
Claims from acquisitions |
672 | - | ||||
Claims paid or otherwise settled |
(4,810) | (3,310) | ||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
170 | 126 | ||||
Provisions, end of the year |
4,506 | 6,946 |
Provisions for claims include an estimate for costs associated with legal claims covered by third-party insurance. Often, these legal claims are from prior acquisitions and may be indemnified by the acquiree (notes 7 and 14).
Onerous contracts
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Liability, beginning of the year |
7,012 | 6,724 | ||||
Current-year provisions |
1,637 | 5,465 | ||||
Resulting from acquisitions |
816 | - | ||||
Costs paid or otherwise settled |
(2,098) | (5,552) | ||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
445 | 375 | ||||
Liability, end of the year |
7,812 | 7,012 |
Onerous contracts consist of lease exit liabilities and sublease losses. Payments for onerous contracts will occur until December 2024.
18. Other Liabilities
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Note | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | |||||||
Deferred gain on sale leaseback |
2,506 | 3,131 | ||||||||
Lease inducement benefits |
44,411 | 40,679 | ||||||||
Lease disadvantages |
12 | 4,784 | 3,407 | |||||||
Deferred share units payable |
21 | 13,157 | 12,198 | |||||||
Other cash-settled share-based compensation |
21 | 4,960 | 3,598 | |||||||
Liability for uncertain tax positions |
6,453 | 4,779 | ||||||||
76,271 | 67,792 | |||||||||
Less current portion |
11,953 | 9,837 | ||||||||
Long-term portion |
64,318 | 57,955 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-35 | Stantec Inc. |
19. Commitments
The Company has entered into various operating lease commitments, including commitments for annual basic premises rent under long-term leases, storage facilities, and equipment and vehicle operating leases. The Company also entered into purchase obligations for software support and equipment. Depending on the agreement, the Company may enter into renewal options or escalation clauses.
Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases and purchase obligations as at December 31, 2014, are as follows:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | |
Within one year |
133,988 | |
After one year but not more than five years |
368,911 | |
More than five years |
379,286 | |
882,185 |
The premises rental expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $106,885,000 (2013 $90,822,000).
Sublease rental income for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $4,358,000 (2013 $4,565,000). Future minimum sublease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable sublease agreements as at December 31, 2014, are $10,442,000 (2013 $5,646,000).
20. Contingencies and Guarantees
The nature of the Companys legal claims and the provisions recorded for these claims are described in note 17. Although the Company accrues adequate provisions for probable legal claims, it has contingent liabilities relating to reported legal incidents that, based on current known facts, are not probable to result in future cash outflows. The Company is monitoring these incidents and will accrue no provision until further information results in a situation in which the criteria required to record a provision is met. Due to the nature of these incidents, such as the range of possible outcomes and the possibility of litigation, it is not practicable for management to estimate the financial effects of these incidents, the amount and timing of future outflows, and the possibility of any reimbursement of these outflows.
During 2009, the Company issued a guarantee, up to a maximum of US$60 million, for project work with the US federal government. In the third quarter of 2014, this guarantee expired due to the completion of project work. The Company did not make any payments under this guarantee and no amounts were accrued in the consolidated financial statements with respect to the guarantee.
In the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications and, in very limited circumstances, surety bonds. These are often standard contractual terms and are provided to counterparties in transactions such as purchase and sale contracts for assets or shares, service agreements, and leasing transactions. The Company also indemnifies its directors and officers against any and all claims or losses reasonably incurred in the performance of their service to the Company to the extent permitted by law. These indemnifications may require the Company to compensate the counterparty for costs incurred as a result of various events, including changes to or in the interpretation of laws and regulations, or as a result of damages or statutory sanctions that may be suffered by the counterparty as a consequence of the transaction. The terms of these indemnifications will vary based upon the contract, the nature of which prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount that it could be required to pay to counterparties. The Company carries liability insurance, subject to certain deductibles and policy limits, that provides protection against certain insurable indemnifications. Historically, the Company has not made any material payments under such indemnifications, and no amounts have been accrued in the consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnifications.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-36 | Stantec Inc. |
21. Share Capital
Authorized | ||
Unlimited | Common shares, with no par value | |
Unlimited | Preferred shares issuable in series, with attributes designated by the board of directors |
Common shares
During 2014, the Company recognized a share-based compensation expense of $7,659,000 (2013 $12,707,000) in administrative and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Of the amount expensed, $4,659,000 (2013 $3,778,000) related to the fair value of options granted and $3,000,000 (2013 $8,929,000) related to cash-settled share-based compensation (deferred share units, restricted share units, and performance share units).
The fair value of options granted was reflected through contributed surplus, and the cash-settled share-based compensation was reflected through other liabilities. Upon the exercise of share options, for which a share-based compensation expense has been recognized, the cash paid, together with the related portion of contributed surplus, is credited to share capital.
On September 4, 2014, the Companys board of directors declared a two-for-one share split to be effected by way of a share dividend. The payment date for the share dividend was November 14, 2014, for shareholders of record as at the close of business on October 31, 2014. Common shares commenced trading on an ex-dividend basis with respect to the share dividend on November 17, 2014.
Dividends
Holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends when declared by the Companys board of directors. The table below describes the dividends declared and recorded in the consolidated financial statements in 2014 and 2013. All the dividend per share amounts have been adjusted for the share split that occurred on November 14, 2014.
Date Declared | Record Date | Payment Date | Dividend per Share $ |
Paid $ | ||||||
February 20, 2013 |
March 28, 2013 | April 18, 2013 | 0.0825 | 7,611,000 | ||||||
May 8, 2013 |
June 28, 2013 | July 18, 2013 | 0.0825 | 7,625,000 | ||||||
July 31, 2013 |
September 27, 2013 | October 17, 2013 | 0.0825 | 7,649,000 | ||||||
October 30, 2013 |
December 31, 2013 | January 16, 2014 | 0.0825 | 7,684,000 | ||||||
February 26, 2014 |
March 28, 2014 | April 17, 2014 | 0.0925 | 8,634,000 | ||||||
May 14, 2014 |
June 27, 2014 | July 17, 2014 | 0.0925 | 8,647,000 | ||||||
August 6, 2014 |
September 26, 2014 | October 16, 2014 | 0.0925 | 8,676,000 | ||||||
November 15, 2014 |
December 31, 2014 | January 15, 2015 | 0.0925 | - |
At December 31, 2014, trade and other payables included $8,680,000 related to the dividends declared on November 15, 2014.
Share-based payment transactions
Before 2014, the Company had separate share-based payment plans for options and restricted share units. In the first quarter of 2014, restricted share units were issued under this restricted share unit plan for service performed in 2013. In 2014, the Company implemented a new long-term incentive program, providing the flexibility to choose annually from various compensation vehicles. In 2014, under the long-term incentive program, the Company granted share options and performance share units. The Company also has a deferred share unit plan for the board of directors. All of the comparative share-based payment transaction information below has been adjusted from amounts previously reported for the two-for-one share split that occurred on November 14, 2014.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-37 | Stantec Inc. |
a) Share options
The Company has granted share options to officers and employees to purchase 2,676,568 shares at prices between $14.33 and $32.90 per share. These options expire on dates between August 18, 2015, and March 4, 2021.
December 31 2014 |
December 31 2013 | |||||||||||||
Shares # |
Weighted $ |
Shares # |
Weighted Average Exercise Price $ | |||||||||||
Share options, beginning of the year |
2,610,830 | 16.80 | 2,951,646 | 14.40 | ||||||||||
Granted |
803,926 | 32.90 | 910,000 | 20.88 | ||||||||||
Exercised |
(683,994) | 15.48 | (1,184,476) | 13.93 | ||||||||||
Forfeited |
(54,194) | 24.61 | (66,340) | 16.90 | ||||||||||
Share options, end of the year |
2,676,568 | 21.82 | 2,610,830 | 16.80 |
The options held by officers and employees at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||
Range of Exercise Prices $ |
Outstanding # |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years |
Weighted Price $ |
Shares # |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years |
Weighted Price $ | ||||||||
14.33 14.88 |
1,104,564 | 3.04 | 14.66 | 882,716 | 2.76 | 14.61 | ||||||||
20.88 |
791,590 | 5.16 | 20.88 | 216,702 | 5.16 | 20.88 | ||||||||
32.90 |
780,414 | 6.18 | 32.90 | - | - | - | ||||||||
14.33 32.90 |
2,676,568 | 4.58 | 21.82 | 1,099,418 | 3.23 | 15.84 |
The fair value of options granted is determined at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The model was developed to use when estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions.
In 2014, the Company granted 803,926 (2013 910,000) share options. The estimated fair value of options granted at the share market price on the grant date was $6.93 (2013 $5.59) and was determined using the weighted average assumptions indicated below:
2014 |
2013 | |||||
Volatility in the price of the Companys shares (%) |
26.07 | 34.96 | ||||
Risk-free interest rate (%) |
1.34 | 1.44 | ||||
Expected hold period to exercise (years) |
4.50 | 4.50 | ||||
Dividend yield (%) |
1.125 | 1.58 | ||||
Exercise price ($) |
32.90 | 20.88 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-38 | Stantec Inc. |
The expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Companys shares over a period commensurate with the expected hold period of the share option. The risk-free interest rate for the expected hold period of the options was based on the yield available on government bonds, with an approximate equivalent remaining term at the time of the grant. Historical data was used to estimate the expected hold period before exercising the option. The options have a contractual life of seven years.
A summary of the status of the Companys non-vested options as of December 31, 2014, and of changes in the year are as follows:
Number of Shares Subject to Option # |
Weighted Average Fair Value $ | |||||
Non-vested share options, beginning of the year |
1,593,298 | 5.22 | ||||
Granted |
803,926 | 6.93 | ||||
Vested |
(765,880) | 4.78 | ||||
Forfeited |
(54,194) | 5.99 | ||||
Non-vested share options, end of the year |
1,577,150 | 6.28 |
As at December 31, 2014, 1,577,150 (2013 1,593,298) options remained unvested. As at December 31, 2014, a total compensation cost of $3,497,000 (2013 $3,019,000) relating to the Companys share option plans remains unrecognized. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.84 years (2013 0.85 years).
b) Restricted share units
Under the Companys restricted share units plan, senior vice presidents (SVPs) may receive restricted share units equal to one common share. The SVPs are granted an allotment of these units annually; after two years, they receive a cash payment equivalent to the weighted-by-volume average of the closing price of the Companys common shares for the last 10 trading days before the units release date. The restricted share units vest on their grant date since the SVPs were not required to complete a specified period of service. The units are recorded at fair value. Restricted share units are adjusted for dividends as they arise, based on the number of units outstanding on the record date. During 2014, 38,523 restricted share units were issued (2013 50,706). At December 31, 2014, 88,491 units were outstanding at the fair value of $2,774,000 (2013 107,382 units at the fair value of $3,598,000).
c) Performance share units
Under the Companys long-term incentive plan, certain members of the senior leadership teams, including the chief executive officer (CEO), were granted performance share units in the first quarter of 2014. Performance share units are adjusted for dividends as they arise, based on the number of units held on the record date. These units vest upon completing a three-year service condition that starts on the date the units are granted. In addition, the number of units that vest is subject to a percentage that can range from 0% to 200%, depending on achieving two equally weighted three-year performance objectives based on net income growth and return on equity. For the units that vest, unit holders will receive a cash payment based on the closing price of the Companys common shares on March 3, 2017. The fair value of these units is expensed over their three-year vesting period. During 2014, 156,800 performance share units were issued and 1,063 units were forfeited. At December 31, 2014, 155,737 units were outstanding at the fair value of $7,795,000. No performance share units were issued before 2014.
d) Deferred share units
The Company also has a deferred share unit plan. Under this plan, directors of the board of the Company may receive deferred share units equal to one common share. Before 2014, the CEO could also receive deferred share units. These
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-39 | Stantec Inc. |
units vest on their grant date. They are paid in cash to the CEO and directors of the board on their death or retirement, or in the case of the CEO, in cash on termination. They are valued at the weighted-by-volume average of the closing market price of the Companys common shares for the last 10 trading days of the month of death, retirement, or termination. These units are recorded at fair value. Deferred share units are adjusted for dividends as they arise, based on the number of units outstanding on the record date. During the year, 55,698 deferred share units were issued (2013 70,534). At December 31, 2014, 419,704 units were outstanding at the fair value of $13,157,000 (2013 364,006 units at the fair value of $12,198,000).
22. Fair Value Measurements
All financial instruments carried at fair value are categorized into one of the following three categories:
| Level 1 quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date |
| Level 2 observable inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities that are not active, or other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly |
| Level 3 unobservable inputs for the assets and liabilities that reflect the reporting entitys own assumptions and are not based on observable market data |
When forming estimates, the Company uses the most observable inputs available for valuation purposes. If a fair value measurement reflects inputs of different levels within the hierarchy, the financial instrument is categorized based on the lowest level of significant input.
When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The Company measures certain financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis. In 2014, no change has been made to the method of determining fair value.
For financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorizations at the end of each reporting period. During the year ended December 31, 2014, no transfers were made between levels 1 and 2 fair value measurements.
The following table summarizes the Companys fair value hierarchy for those assets measured and adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2014:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Note | Carrying $ |
Quoted Prices in Markets |
Significant $ |
Significant (Level 3) $ | |||||||||||||
Investments held for self-insured liabilities |
14 | 112,020 | - | 112,020 | - |
Investments held for self-insured liabilities consist of government and corporate bonds, equity securities, and term deposits. Fair value of equities is determined using the reported net asset value per share of the investment funds. The funds derive their value from the observable quoted prices of the equities owned that are traded in an active market. Fair value of bonds is determined using observable prices of debt with characteristics and maturities that are similar to the bonds being valued.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-40 | Stantec Inc. |
The following table summarizes the Companys fair value hierarchy for those liabilities that were not measured at fair value but were disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2014:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Note | Fair Value $ |
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) $ |
Significant $ |
Significant (Level 3) $ | |||||||||||||
Other notes payable |
16 | 112,484 | - | 112,484 | - | |||||||||||||
Senior secured notes |
16 | 130,343 | - | 130,343 | - | |||||||||||||
242,827 | - | 242,827 | - |
The fair values of other notes payable and senior secured notes are determined by calculating the present value of future payments using observable benchmark interest rates and credit spreads for debt with similar characteristics and maturities.
23. Financial Instruments
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligation. Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held for self-insured liabilities, investments, holdbacks on long-term contracts, and trade and other receivables. The Companys maximum amount of credit risk exposure is limited to the carrying amount of these financial instruments, which is $706,769,000 at December 31, 2014 (2013 $628,351,000).
The Company limits its exposure to credit risk by placing its cash and cash equivalents in and entering into derivative agreements with high-quality credit institutions. Investments held for self-insured liabilities include bonds, equities, and term deposits. The risk associated with bonds, equities, and term deposits is mitigated by the overall quality and mix of the Companys investment portfolio.
The Company mitigates the risk associated with trade and other receivables and holdbacks on long-term contracts by providing services to diverse clients in various industries and sectors of the economy. The Company does not concentrate its credit risk in any particular client, industry, or economic or geographic sector. In addition, management reviews trade and other receivables past due on an ongoing basis to identify matters that could potentially delay the collection of funds at an early stage. The Company monitors trade receivables to an internal target of days of revenue in trade receivables. At December 31, 2014, there were 59 days (2013 62 days) of revenue in trade receivables.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet obligations associated with its financial liabilities as they fall due. The Company meets its liquidity needs through a variety of sources, including cash generated from operations, long- and short-term borrowings from its $350 million revolving credit facility and senior secured notes, and the issuance of common shares. The unused capacity of the credit facility at December 31, 2014, was $281,875,000 (2013 $297,775,000). The Company believes that it has sufficient resources to meet its obligations associated with its financial liabilities. Liquidity risk is managed according to the Companys internal guideline of maintaining a net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 2.5 (note 24).
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-41 | Stantec Inc. |
The timing of undiscounted cash outflows relating to financial liabilities is outlined in the table below:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | Total $ |
Less than 1 Year $ |
13 Years $ |
After 3 Years $ | ||||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
259,113 | 259,113 | - | - | ||||||||||
Long-term debt |
240,399 | 37,946 | 146,521 | 55,932 | ||||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
3,968 | 1,927 | 164 | 1,877 | ||||||||||
Total contractual obligations |
503,480 | 298,986 | 146,685 | 57,809 | ||||||||||
December 31, 2014 |
||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
300,293 | 300,293 | - | - | ||||||||||
Long-term debt |
327,385 | 58,533 | 267,647 | 1,205 | ||||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
5,320 | 2,773 | 356 | 2,191 | ||||||||||
Total contractual obligations |
632,998 | 361,599 | 268,003 | 3,396 |
In addition to the financial liabilities listed in the preceding table, the Company will pay interest on the bank loan and senior secured notes outstanding in future periods. Further information on long-term debt is included in note 16.
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market rates of interest. The Company is subject to interest rate cash flow risk to the extent that its revolving credit facility is based on floating rates of interest. The Company is also subject to interest rate pricing risk to the extent that its investments held for self-insured liabilities include fixed-rate government and corporate bonds, and term deposits.
If the interest rate on the Companys revolving credit facility balance at December 31, 2014, was 0.5% higher, with all other variables held constant, net income would have decreased by an insignificant amount. If the interest rate was 0.5% lower, there would have been an equal and opposite impact on net income.
The Company has the flexibility to partly mitigate its exposure to interest rate changes by maintaining a mix of both fixed- and floating-rate debt. The Companys senior secured notes have fixed interest rates; therefore, interest rate fluctuations would have no impact on the interest payments for the senior secured notes.
Foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk is the risk that the fair value of the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. Foreign exchange gains or losses in net income arise on the translation of foreign currencydenominated assets and liabilities (such as trade and other receivables, trade and other payables, and long-term debt) held in the Companys Canadian operations and non-US-based foreign subsidiaries. The Company minimizes its exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations on these items by matching foreign currency assets with foreign currency liabilities and, when appropriate, by entering into forward contracts to buy or sell US dollars and British pounds in exchange for Canadian dollars.
If exchange rates were $0.01 higher or lower at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, with all other variables held constant, there would have been an insignificant impact on the Companys net income.
Foreign exchange fluctuations may also arise on the translation of the Companys US-based subsidiaries or other foreign subsidiaries, where the functional currency is different from the Canadian dollar, and are recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company does not hedge for this foreign exchange risk.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-42 | Stantec Inc. |
Price risk
The Companys investments held for self-insured liabilities are exposed to price risk arising from changes in the market values of the equity funds. This risk is mitigated to the extent that the portfolio of equity funds is monitored regularily and is relatively diversified. The effects of a 1.0% decline or increase in equity prices would have an insignificant impact on the Companys comprehensive income.
24. Capital Management
The Companys objective when managing capital is to provide sufficient capacity to cover normal operating and capital expenditures, as well as acquisition growth and payment of dividends, while maintaining an adequate return for shareholders. The Company defines its capital as the aggregate of long-term debt (including the current portion) and shareholders equity.
The Company manages its capital structure to maintain the flexibility to adjust to changes in economic conditions and acquisition growth and to respond to interest rate, foreign exchange, credit, and other risks. To maintain or adjust its capital structure, the Company may purchase shares for cancellation pursuant to normal course issuer bids, issue new shares, or raise or retire debt.
The Company periodically monitors capital by maintaining the following ratio targets:
| Net debt to EBITDA ratio below 2.5 |
| Return on equity (ROE) at or above 14% |
These targets are established annually and monitored quarterly. Targets for 2014 are the same as for 2013.
Net debt to EBITDA ratio, a non-IFRS measure, is calculated as the sum of (1) long-term debt, including current portion, plus bank indebtedness, less cash and cash equivalents, divided by (2) EBITDA, calculated as income before income taxes, net interest expense, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of property and equipment, and goodwill and intangible asset impairment. The Companys net debt to EBITDA ratio was 0.53 at December 31, 2014 (2013 0.36), calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis. Going forward, there may be occasions when the Company exceeds its target by completing acquisitions that increase its debt level above the target for a period of time.
ROE, a non-IFRS measure, is calculated as net income for the last four quarters, divided by average shareholders equity over each of those quarters. The Companys ROE was 16.8% for the year ended December 31, 2014 (2013 18.2%).
The Company is subject to restrictive covenants related to its $350 million revolving credit facility and its senior secured notes that are measured quarterly. These covenants include, but are not limited to, consolidated debt to EBITDA and EBITDAR to consolidated debt service ratio (non-IFRS measures). EBITDAR is calculated as EBITDA, plus building rental obligations net of common area costs, taxes, charges, and levies. Failure to meet the terms of one or more of these covenants may constitute a default, potentially resulting in accelerating the repayment of the debt obligation. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under these agreements as at and throughout the year ended December 31, 2014.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-43 | Stantec Inc. |
25. Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate in the consolidated statements of income differs from statutory Canadian tax rates as a result of the following:
For the year ended | ||||
December 31 | ||||
2014 % |
2013 % | |||
Income tax expense at statutory Canadian rates |
26.0 | 25.9 | ||
Increase (decrease) resulting from: |
||||
Income from associated companies |
(0.1) | (0.1) | ||
Rate differential on foreign income |
0.4 | 1.4 | ||
Non-deductible expenses: |
||||
Meals and entertainment |
0.5 | 0.6 | ||
Non-taxable foreign income net of non-creditable withholding taxes |
(1.1) | (1.0) | ||
Other |
0.6 | (0.3) | ||
26.3 | 26.5 | |||
The major components of deferred income tax recovery are as follows: |
||||
For the year ended | ||||
December 31 | ||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2014 $ |
2013 $ | ||
Origination and reversal of timing differences |
(1,031) | (7,487) | ||
Write-down of loss carryforwards |
- | 69 | ||
Change of tax rates |
5 | (12) | ||
Total deferred income tax recovery |
(1,026) | (7,430) | ||
Significant components of the Companys deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows: |
||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 2014 $ |
December 31 2013 $ | ||
Deferred income tax assets |
||||
Differences in timing of deductibility of expenses |
46,420 | 35,068 | ||
Loss carryforwards |
6,455 | 2,284 | ||
Tax cost of property and equipment in excess of carrying value |
3,875 | 5,487 | ||
Deferred gain on sale of building |
98 | 208 | ||
Other |
1,953 | 2,336 | ||
58,801 | 45,383 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-44 | Stantec Inc. |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 2014 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Deferred income tax liabilities |
||||||
Cash to accrual adjustments on acquisitions of US subsidiaries |
3,551 | 3,637 | ||||
Differences in timing of taxability of revenues |
19,100 | 12,972 | ||||
Carrying value of property and equipment in excess of tax cost |
6,448 | 5,351 | ||||
Carrying value of intangible assets in excess of tax cost |
42,060 | 33,075 | ||||
Other |
3,443 | 3,047 | ||||
74,602 | 58,082 | |||||
The following is a reconciliation of net deferred tax assets (liabilities): | ||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 $ | ||||
Balance, beginning of the year |
(12,699) | (16,865) | ||||
Tax recovery during the year recognized in net income |
1,026 | 7,430 | ||||
Tax expense during the year recognized in other comprehensive income |
(40) | (78) | ||||
Deferred taxes acquired through business combinations |
(5,064) | (2,398) | ||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
338 | (227) | ||||
Other |
638 | (561) | ||||
Balance, end of the year |
(15,801) | (12,699) |
At December 31, 2014, except as noted below, all loss carryforwards available to reduce the taxable income of Canadian, US, and foreign subsidiaries were recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company has unrecognized federal loss carryforwards of approximately $1,027,000 (US$885,000) (2013 $941,000 (US$885,000)) that are available to reduce the taxable income of certain US subsidiaries and that expire at varying times over the next 20 years. The Company also has unrecognized loss carryforwards of approximately $8,946,000 (2013 $9,295,000) and no recognized loss carryforwards that are available to reduce the taxable income of certain other foreign subsidiaries.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-45 | Stantec Inc. |
26. Net Interest Expense
For the year ended | ||||||
December 31 | ||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2014 $ |
2013 $ | ||||
Interest on other notes payable |
3,441 | 2,330 | ||||
Interest on bank loan |
1,404 | 1,301 | ||||
Interest on senior secured notes |
5,649 | 5,649 | ||||
Interest on finance leases |
312 | 491 | ||||
Other |
131 | 434 | ||||
Total interest expense |
10,937 | 10,205 | ||||
Interest income on available-for-sale investment debt securities |
(1,498) | (1,110) | ||||
Other |
(924) | (475) | ||||
Total interest income |
(2,422) | (1,585) | ||||
Net interest expense |
8,515 | 8,620 | ||||
Other net finance (income) expense | For the year ended | |||||
December 31 | ||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2014 $ |
2013 $ | ||||
Amortization on available-for-sale investment debt securities |
515 | 359 | ||||
Bank charges |
2,654 | 2,571 | ||||
Total other finance expense |
3,169 | 2,930 | ||||
Realized gain on sale of available-for-sale investment debt securities |
(86) | (78) | ||||
Derecognition of note payable |
- | (4,198) | ||||
Total other finance income |
(86) | (4,276) | ||||
Other net finance expense (income) |
3,083 | (1,346) |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-46 | Stantec Inc. |
27. Employee Costs
For the year ended | ||||||
December 31 | ||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2014 $ |
2013 $ | ||||
Wages, salaries, and benefits |
1,383,326 | 1,201,116 | ||||
Pension costs |
37,903 | 31,626 | ||||
Share-based compensation |
7,659 | 12,707 | ||||
Total employee costs |
1,428,888 | 1,245,449 | ||||
Direct labor |
936,918 | 829,926 | ||||
Indirect labor |
491,970 | 415,523 | ||||
Total employee costs |
1,428,888 | 1,245,449 |
Direct labor costs include salaries, wages, and related fringe benefits for labor hours directly associated with the completion of projects. Bonuses, share-based compensation, and salaries, wages, and related fringe benefits for labor hours not directly associated with the completion of projects are included in indirect employee costs. Indirect employee costs are included in administrative and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
28. Earnings Per Share
The number of basic and diluted common shares outstanding, calculated on a weighted average basis, is as follows:
December 31 2014 # |
December 31 2013 # | |||||
Basic shares outstanding |
93,540,206 | 92,510,462 | ||||
Share options (dilutive effect of 1,896,154 options; 2013 2,610,830 options) |
787,853 | 656,030 | ||||
Diluted shares outstanding |
94,328,059 | 93,166,492 |
At December 31, 2014, 780,414, (December 31, 2013 - nil) options were antidilutive and, therefore, were not considered in computing diluted earnings per share. Basic and diluted earnings per share and share option amounts have been adjusted from previously reported amounts for the two-for-one share split that occurred on November 14, 2014.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-47 | Stantec Inc. |
29. Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities determined by the indirect method are as follows:
For the year ended | ||||||
December 31 | ||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2014 $ |
2013 $ | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
||||||
Net income for the year |
164,498 | 146,201 | ||||
Add (deduct) items not affecting cash: |
||||||
Depreciation of property and equipment |
38,698 | 32,389 | ||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
24,252 | 21,235 | ||||
Deferred income taxes |
(1,026) | (7,430) | ||||
Loss on dispositions of investments and other assets |
2,065 | 4,086 | ||||
Share-based compensation expense |
7,659 | 12,707 | ||||
Provision for self-insured liabilities and claims |
6,421 | 18,220 | ||||
Other non-cash items |
(4,834) | (5,942) | ||||
Share of income from joint ventures and associates |
(2,419) | (2,276) | ||||
235,314 | 219,190 | |||||
Trade and other receivables |
12,509 | (13,472) | ||||
Unbilled revenue |
(42,519) | 12,366 | ||||
Prepaid expenses |
444 | (3,725) | ||||
Trade and other payables |
2,322 | 32,727 | ||||
Billings in excess of costs |
11,731 | 13,537 | ||||
Income taxes payable |
(12,580) | 11,506 | ||||
(28,093) | 52,939 | |||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
207,221 | 272,129 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-48 | Stantec Inc. |
30. Related-Party Disclosures
As at December 31, 2014, the Company has subsidiaries that are controlled by the Company and consolidated in its financial statements. Control is established when the Company is exposed to variable returns of the entity and can use its power to influence the variable returns.
The Company owns 100% of the voting and restricted securities of the entities below, except for AIVEK Stantec Limited Partnership (AIVEK) and Stassinu Stantec Limited Partnership (Stassinu).
The Company holds less than 50% of the voting rights of both AIVEK and Stassinu; however, the Company serves as the general partner for both entities and holds the ultimate decision-making rights for both entities, including power to influence the variable returns of the entities through control over their relevant activities. Based on these facts and circumstances, management determined that the Company controls these entities and that the remaining non-controlling interests are immaterial.
Name | Jurisdiction of Incorporation | |||
58053 Newfoundland & Labrador Inc. | Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada | |||
59991 Newfoundland & Labrador Ltd. | Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada | |||
3221969 Nova Scotia Company | Nova Scotia, Canada | |||
AIVEK Stantec Limited Partnership | Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada | |||
ENTRAN of Virginia, PLLC | Virginia, United States | |||
International Insurance Group Inc. | Barbados | |||
Jacques Whitford Holdco Ltd. | Cayman Islands | |||
Nu Nennè-Stantec Inc. | Alberta, Canada | |||
Processess Unlimited International, LLC | California, United States | |||
Processess Unlimited International, LLC | Delaware, United States | |||
Stantec Aircraft Holdings Ltd. | Alberta, Canada | |||
Stantec Consulting Caribbean Ltd. | Barbados | |||
Stantec Consulting Cayman Islands Ltd. | Cayman Islands | |||
Stantec Consulting Colombia S.A.S. | Colombia | |||
Stantec Consulting International LLC | Arizona, United States | |||
Stantec Consulting International Ltd. | Canada | |||
Stantec Consulting Labrador Ltd. | Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada | |||
Stantec Consulting Ltd. | Canada | |||
Stantec Consulting Michigan Inc. | Michigan, United States | |||
Stantec Consulting Services Inc. | New York, United States | |||
Stantec Delaware II LLC | Delaware, United States | |||
Stantec do Brasil Engenharia e Consultoria Ltda. | Brazil | |||
Stantec Holdings (Delaware) III Inc. | Delaware, United States | |||
Stantec Holdings II Ltd. | Alberta, Canada | |||
Stantec Newfoundland & Labrador Ltd. | Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada | |||
Stantec Technology International Inc. | Delaware, United States | |||
Stassinu Stantec Limited Partnership | Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada | |||
UEI Associates, Inc. | Texas, United States | |||
UEI Global I, Inc. | Texas, United States | |||
Universal Energy do Brasil Ltda. | Brazil |
There are no significant restrictions on the Companys ability to access or use assets, or to settle liabilities of its subsidiaries. The financial statements of all subsidiaries are prepared as at the same reporting date as the Companys.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-49 | Stantec Inc. |
Structured entities
As at December 31, 2014, the Company has management agreements in place with several entities to provide various services, including architecture, engineering, planning, and project management. These entities have been designed so that voting rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity. Each entity has a management agreement in place that provides the Company with control over the relevant activities of the entity where it has been assessed that the Company is exposed to variable returns of the entity and can use its power to influence the variable returns. The Company receives a management fee generally equal to the net income of the entities and has an obligation regarding the liabilities and losses of the entities. Based on these facts and circumstances, management determined that the Company controls these entities and they are consolidated in the Companys consolidated financial statements. The Company does not have any unconsolidated structured entities.
The following is a list of the structured entities that are consolidated in the Companys financial statements.
Name | Jurisdiction of Incorporation | |||
Stantec Architecture and Engineering LLC | Pennsylvania, United States | |||
Stantec Architecture and Engineering P.C. | Massachusetts, United States | |||
Stantec Architecture Inc. | North Carolina, United States | |||
Stantec Architecture Ltd. | Canada | |||
Stantec Connecticut Inc. | Connecticut, United States | |||
Stantec Consulting Private Limited | India | |||
Stantec Engineering (Puerto Rico) P.S.C. | Puerto Rico | |||
Stantec Geomatics Ltd. | Alberta, Canada | |||
Stantec International Inc. | Pennsylvania, United States | |||
Stantec Limited | England and Wales | |||
Stantec Planning and Landscape Architecture P.C. | Maine, United States | |||
Stantec Planning and Landscape Architecture P.C. | New York, United States |
Joint ventures and associates
The Company enters into transactions through its investments in joint ventures and associates. These transactions involve providing or receiving services, and these transactions were entered into in the normal course of business and on an arms-length basis.
The following table provides the total amount of transactions (before intercompany eliminations) that have been entered into with related parties for the year ended December 31, 2014:
Amounts | ||||||||||
Sales to | Owed by | |||||||||
Related | Distributions | Related | ||||||||
Parties | Paid | Parties | ||||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||
Joint ventures |
18,635 | 2,282 | 6,064 | |||||||
Associates |
19,712 | 190 | 4,463 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-50 | Stantec Inc. |
The following table provides the total amount of transactions (before intercompany eliminations) that have been entered into with related parties for the year ended December 31, 2013:
Amounts | ||||||||||
Sales to | Owed by | |||||||||
Related | Distributions | Related | ||||||||
Parties | Paid | Parties | ||||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||
Joint ventures |
18,026 | 2,684 | 6,837 | |||||||
Associates |
12,514 | - | 2,651 |
Compensation of key management personnel and directors of the Company
For the year ended | ||||||
December 31 | ||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2014 $ |
2013 $ | ||||
Salaries and other short-term employment benefits |
9,802 | 9,474 | ||||
Directors fees |
260 | 281 | ||||
Share-based compensation |
2,803 | 9,385 | ||||
Total compensation |
12,865 | 19,140 |
In 2013, the Companys key management personnel included its CEO, chief operating officer (COO), chief financial officer (CFO), and SVPs. Effective January 1, 2014, due to a realignment of the Companys senior leadership teams, the Companys key management personnel include its CEO, COO, CFO, and executive vice presidents. The amounts disclosed in the table are the amounts recognized as an expense related to key management personnel and directors during the reporting year. Share-based compensation includes the fair value adjustment for the year.
31. Segmented Information
The Company provides comprehensive professional services in the area of infrastructure and facilities throughout North America and internationally. It considers the basis on which it is organized, including geographic areas and service offerings, to identify its reportable segments. Operating segments of the Company are defined as components of the Company for which separate financial information is available and are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in allocating resources and assessing performance. The chief operating decision maker is the CEO of the Company, and the Companys operating segments are based on its regional geographic areas.
The Company has three operating segmentsCanada, the United States, and Internationalwhich are aggregated into the consulting services reportable segment.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-51 | Stantec Inc. |
Geographic information: Non-current assets
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 2014 $ |
December 31 2013 $ |
||||||
Canada |
431,055 | 426,452 | ||||||
United States |
578,015 | 378,721 | ||||||
International |
1,511 | 2,044 | ||||||
1,010,581 | 807,217 |
Non-current assets in the table above consist of property and equipment, goodwill, and intangible assets.
Geographic information: Gross revenue
For the year ended | ||||||||
December 31 | ||||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2014 $ |
2013 $ |
||||||
Canada |
1,346,628 | 1,290,215 | ||||||
United States |
1,090,543 | 867,479 | ||||||
International |
92,747 | 78,716 | ||||||
2,529,918 | 2,236,410 |
Gross revenue is attributed to countries based on the location of the project.
Business operating unit information: Gross revenue
For the year ended | ||||||||
December 31 | ||||||||
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2014 $ |
2013 $ |
||||||
Buildings |
538,484 | 466,576 | ||||||
Energy & Resources |
1,109,186 | 986,816 | ||||||
Infrastructure |
882,248 | 783,018 | ||||||
2,529,918 | 2,236,410 |
Effective January 1, 2014, the Companys five practice area unitsBuildings, Environment, Industrial, Transportation, and Urban Landwere realigned into three business operating units. Comparative figures have been reclassified to reflect this change.
Customers
The Company has a large number of clients in various industries and sectors of the economy. Gross revenue is not concentrated in any particular client.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
December 31, 2014 |
F-52 | Stantec Inc. |
32. Amounts Due from Customers
The net amount due from customers, excluding trade receivables, for contracts in progress at each consolidated statement of financial position date, is as follows:
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31 $ |
December 31 2013 $ | ||||
Gross amount due from customers (unbilled revenue) |
192,310 | 143,894 | ||||
Gross amount due to customers (billings in excess of costs) |
(96,082) | (77,803) | ||||
Net amount due from customers |
96,228 | 66,091 |
As at December 31, 2014, the current portion of holdbacks held by customers included in trade and other receivables was $4,351,000 (2013 $3,423,000).
33. Investment Tax Credits
Investment tax credits, arising from qualifying scientific research and experimental development efforts pursuant to existing tax legislation, are recorded as a reduction of the applicable administrative and marketing expenses when there is reasonable assurance of their ultimate realization. In 2014, investment tax credits of $1,309,000 (2013 $3,099,000) were recorded and reduced administrative and marketing expenses.
34. Events after the Reporting Period
On January 16, 2015, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of Dessau Inc. for cash consideration. The Company acquired the Canadian engineering operations of this Montreal-based firm, which has offices throughout Quebec and in Mississauga and Ottawa, Ontario. This acquisition adds to the Companys expertise in healthcare, water, power and energy, transportation, and community development, as well as introduces telecommunications and security services to its broader platform.
On January 30, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the shares of Sparling, Inc. (Sparling) for cash consideration and notes payable. The acquisition is expected to be completed on February 28, 2015, subject to certain conditions. Sparling is based in Seattle, Washington, and has additional offices in San Diego, California and in Portland, Oregon. Sparling provides expertise in electrical engineering and architectural lighting design. This addition will further enhance the Companys West Coast presence in the United States.
On February 25, 2015, the Company declared a dividend of $0.105 per share, payable on April 16, 2015, to shareholders of record on March 31, 2015.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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December 31, 2014 |
F-53 | Stantec Inc. |
Exhibit 99.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:
1) | Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-143082) pertaining to the Employee Share Option Plan of Stantec Inc., and |
2) | Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-143084) pertaining to the Employee Share Option Plan of Stantec Inc. |
of our reports dated February 25, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Stantec Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Stantec Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 40-F) of Stantec Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014.
We also consent to the use of our reports dated February 25, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Stantec Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Stantec Inc., included in the Annual Report (Form 40-F) for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Edmonton, Canada February 25, 2015 |
Chartered Accountants |
Exhibit 99.5
CERTIFICATION
REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(a)
OR RULE 15d-14(a), PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, ROBERT J. GOMES, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Stantec Inc.; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The issuers other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the issuer and have: |
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
(b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
(c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuers disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
(d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the issuers internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuers internal control over financial reporting; and |
2
5. | The issuers other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the issuers auditors and the audit committee of the issuers board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuers ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
(b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuers internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 25, 2015
/s/ Robert J. Gomes |
ROBERT J. GOMES, P. ENG |
President & Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 99.6
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ENACTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Stantec Inc. (the Company) is filing its annual report on Form 40-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (the Report) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
I, Robert J. Gomes, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as enacted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: February 25, 2015 |
/s/ Robert J. Gomes |
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ROBERT J. GOMES, P. ENG President & Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 99.7
CERTIFICATION
REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(a)
OR RULE 15d-14(a), PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, DANIEL J. LEFAIVRE, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Stantec Inc.; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The issuers other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the issuer and have: |
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
(b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
(c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuers disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
(d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the issuers internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuers internal control over financial reporting; and |
2
5. | The issuers other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the issuers auditors and the audit committee of the issuers board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuers ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
(b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuers internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 25, 2015
/s/ Daniel J. Lefaivre |
DANIEL J. LEFAIVRE, FCMA |
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 99.8
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ENACTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Stantec Inc. (the Company) is filing its annual report on Form 40-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (the Report) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
I, Daniel J. Lefaivre, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as enacted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: February 25, 2015 |
/s/ Daniel J. Lefaivre |
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DANIEL J. LEFAIVRE, FCMA Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 99.9
Stantec Inc. Code of Ethics Policy |
September 4, 2014
Policy
Stantec conducts business in accordance with high ethical, moral and legal standards, efficiently, in good faith, with due care, and in the best interests of the Company, its employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Stantec maintains business practice standards that will earn the respect of everyone with whom the Company conducts business.
Practice
The following standards are intended to protect the Companys reputation and the quality of its services, as well as to serve the best interests of its clients, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders.
Application
The Stantec Code of Ethics applies to all employees and is not intended to be exhaustive. Employees are expected to conduct themselves in the performance of their duties with high ethical, moral, and legal standards.
Dealing with Each Other
Stantec understands that effective relationships are based on the recognition of the value and worth of each individual and that it is necessary to provide a working climate that is conducive to the success and well-being of all employees. Stantec works to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect by being honest, fair, and consistent. Stantec treats all employees fairly and impartially and strives to consistently follow Company policies and practices. Stantec employees listen to one another and foster open and honest communications. Stantec values the opinion of employees, respects their diverse backgrounds, encourages communication among employees, and solicits ideas and suggestions to improve or benefit the Company.
Stantec prohibits the use by its employees of any social or other media to post or display comments about coworkers, supervisors, clients or the Company that (non-exhaustively)
| Are vulgar, obscene, threatening, intimidating, harassing |
| Portray the Company or individuals in a negative light |
| Are a violation of Stantecs Conflict of Interest Policy or other workplace policies against discrimination, harassment, and violence |
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Stantec Inc. Code of Ethics Policy |
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Posting or displaying such comments could result in disciplinary action being taken against an employee.
Dealing with Shareholders
Stantec is committed to protecting and improving shareholder value through the prudent use of Company resources and by observing high standards of legal and ethical conduct in all its business dealings. The Company communicates with shareholders regularly, candidly, and promptly, providing the information necessary to evaluate its management and investment value.
Dealing with Clients
Serving clients is the essence of Stantecs business. Meeting our clients expectations and providing good value are the best ways to ensure ongoing demand for our services. Stantec will accurately represent its services and clearly communicate the terms under which these services are provided.
Dealing with Subconsultants and Suppliers
Stantec is committed to the fair treatment of subconsultants and suppliers and will select subconsultants and suppliers who provide the best value for the Company and its clients while also respecting its clients wishes.
Proprietary Information Belonging to the Company
Employees must maintain the confidentiality of the Companys proprietary information. Examples of proprietary information include strategic plans, client lists, marketing plans, rate tables, and much of the technical information that the Company generates or uses in its business. The disclosure or misuse of Stantecs business information can harm the Companys competitive position and/or reputation and may be a violation of applicable laws. Employees, therefore, must not disclose business information outside the Company unless they are authorized and legal to do so.
Proprietary Information of Others
Stantec regularly receives proprietary information from its clients, subconsultants, and suppliers. The wrongful possession or use of any proprietary information of any third party is prohibited. Employees may use lawfully obtained proprietary information only for the purpose for which it is provided. If an employee is offered, or comes into, unauthorized possession of third-party proprietary information, the employee must decline the offer and take appropriate steps, if applicable, to return the information.
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Stantec Inc. Code of Ethics Policy |
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Abiding by the Law
Wherever Stantec operates, it will at all times comply with applicable laws and regulations. In acting on behalf of Stantec, no employee shall, at any time, take any action which they know or reasonably should know to be in violation of any applicable law or regulation. Any time an employee is uncertain about the application or interpretation of a law or regulation, they should consult their supervisor who, in case of doubt, should seek the opinion of the Companys Risk Management team.
Improper Payments
No payment will be made by, or improper benefit conferred on behalf of, the Company either directly or indirectly to government officials, political candidates, or officers or employees of clients, subcontractors, suppliers, or competitors that violates applicable laws. Bribes, facilitation payments and trading in influence are strictly prohibited. Employees working outside North America should familiarize themselves with Stantecs policy regarding foreign business practices.
Personal Business
Personal business should not be conducted during normal working hours. Any/all personal business activities should be confined to after hours or lunch breaks and should be consistent with Stantecs Conflict of Interest Policy and Practice, paying particular attention to the Moonlighting without Permission section.
Reporting Violations of the Stantec Code of Ethics
An employee who becomes aware of a violation of this code, or who believes that a violation may take place in the future, must report the matter. Ordinarily, the report should be made to the employees immediate supervisor who, in turn, must report it to the Companys general counsel. If the supervisor takes no action or the employee feels that it would be appropriate to report to a person in higher authority, the employee should bring the matter to the attention of the general counsel. Requests for anonymity will be respected to the extent that this does not result in the violation of the rights of another employee.
Page 3 of 4
Stantec Inc. Code of Ethics Policy |
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Reporting Violations of the Law
In addition to reporting violations of the Companys Code of Ethics, it is Stantecs policy to protect employees against unlawful discrimination or retaliation by their employer as a result of lawfully reporting information regarding, or participating in, investigations that involve corporate fraud or other violations of applicable law by the Company or its employees. For further information, refer to Stantecs Integrity policy.
Compliance Responsibilities
Stantecs Code of Ethics is to be strictly followed at all times and under all circumstances. Any violation will subject an employee to disciplinary action up to and including termination. To protect its employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders, the Company has designated its general counsel as the individual who is responsible for administering and overseeing the compliance and reporting process of this code. The general counsel will refer submitted complaints as he or she determines to be appropriate, or as required under the directives of the Stantec Board of Directors, to the chief executive officer, the chief operating officer, the vice president of Human Resources, the chair of the board, or an appropriate committee of the board.
Stantec and all of its employees benefit from an atmosphere of good ethical conduct. Employees are encouraged to discuss with their supervisor or regional Human Resources coordinator, or, if they prefer, with the Companys general counsel, any situations of existing or potential noncompliance involving themselves or others.
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