EX-2 3 exh_2p.htm EXHIBIT 2

EXHIBIT 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

 
 Page 2 of 27 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of FirstService Corporation (the “Company”) and all information in this annual report are the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Board of Directors.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America using the best estimates and judgments of management, where appropriate. The most significant of these accounting principles are set out in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Management has prepared the financial information presented elsewhere in this annual report and has ensured that it is consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

 

The MD&A has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 of the Canadian Securities Administrators, taking into consideration other relevant guidance, including Regulation S-K of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The Board of Directors of the Company has an Audit Committee consisting of three independent directors. The Audit Committee meets regularly to review with management and the independent auditors any significant accounting, internal control, auditing and financial reporting matters.

 

These consolidated financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, which have been appointed as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company by the shareholders. Their report outlines the scope of their examination and opinion on the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of ICFR at December 31, 2016. As auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have full and independent access to the Audit Committee to discuss their findings.

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. 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 generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of its 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.

 

Management has excluded thirteen individually insignificant entities acquired by the Company during the last fiscal period from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2016. The total assets and total revenues of the thirteen majority-owned entities represent 7.3% and 8.6%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as at and for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2016, based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as at December 31, 2016, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2016, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm as stated in their report which appears herein.

 

   

/s/ Scott Patterson

Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Jeremy Rakusin

Chief Financial Officer

February 22, 2017

 

 
 Page 3 of 27 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of FirstService Corporation

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FirstService Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings, consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2016 (the financial statements). We also have audited FirstService Corporation and its subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, 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 Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.

 

We conducted our audits 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 the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s 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 generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 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 described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded thirteen entities from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 because these entities were acquired by the company in purchase business combinations during 2016. We have also excluded thirteen entities acquired from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Total assets and total revenues of these majority owned entities represent 7.3% and 8.6%, respectively, of the related financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FirstService Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, FirstService Corporation and its subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

 

 

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

 

 

Oakville, Ontario

February 22, 2017

 

 
 Page 4 of 27 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Years ended December 31  2016   2015 
         
Revenues  $1,482,889   $1,264,077 
           
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)   1,050,087    883,963 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   305,222    279,235 
Depreciation   22,774    18,836 
Amortization of intangible assets   14,195    10,148 
Acquisition-related items   61    408 
Spin-off transaction costs   -    740 
Operating earnings   90,550    70,747 
           
Interest expense, net   9,152    9,077 
Other (income) expense, net   (232)   60 
Earnings before income tax   81,630    61,610 
Income tax (note 12)   27,387    23,412 
Net earnings   54,243    38,198 
           
Non-controlling interest share of earnings   5,238    4,560 
Non-controlling interest redemption increment (note 9)   15,408    12,243 
Net earnings attributable to Company  $33,597   $21,395 
           
           
Net earnings per common share (note 13)          
           
Basic  $0.93   $0.59 
Diluted  $0.92   $0.59 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 
 Page 5 of 27 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

(in thousands of US dollars)

 

Years ended December 31  2016   2015 
         
Net earnings  $54,243   $38,198 
           
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain   465    (4,124)
Comprehensive earnings   54,708    34,074 
           
Less: Comprehensive earnings attributable to non-controlling shareholders   20,646    16,803 
           
Comprehensive earnings attributable to Company  $34,062   $17,271 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 
 Page 6 of 27 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands of US dollars)

 

As at December 31  2016   2015 
Assets          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $43,384   $45,560 
Restricted cash   13,450    3,769 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $8,815 (December 31, 2015 - $7,182)   164,074    114,521 
Income tax recoverable   2,581    9,628 
Inventories (note 4)   29,712    16,155 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   25,853    21,749 
Deferred income tax (note 12)   24,738    18,840 
    303,792    230,222 
           
Other receivables   3,796    3,833 
Other assets   1,319    2,176 
Fixed assets (note 5)   73,083    57,575 
Deferred income tax (note 12)   1,693    6,553 
Intangible assets (note 6)   121,115    79,478 
Goodwill (note 7)   266,166    220,646 
    467,172    370,261 
   $770,964   $600,483 
           
Liabilities and shareholders' equity          
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable  $32,358   $24,143 
Accrued liabilities (note 4)   110,608    77,900 
Income tax payable   5,117    1,553 
Unearned revenues   28,872    18,474 
Long-term debt - current (note 8)   1,043    4,041 
Contingent acquisition consideration - current (note 15)   2,882    2,206 
Deferred income tax (note 12)   1,942    1,782 
    182,822    130,099 
           
Long-term debt - non-current (note 8)   249,866    197,158 
Contingent acquisition consideration (note 15)   7,560    1,110 
Other liabilities   16,169    13,560 
Deferred income tax (note 12)   31,167    13,971 
    304,762    225,799 
Redeemable non-controlling interests (note 9)   102,352    77,559 
           
Shareholders' equity   181,028    167,026 
   $770,964   $600,483 

 

Commitments and contingencies (notes 10 and 16)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

/s/ Bernard I. Ghert /s/ D. Scott Patterson
Director Director

 

 
 Page 7 of 27 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)

 

   Common shares           Accumulated         
   Issued and               other   Owner's     
   outstanding       Contributed       comprehensive   Net     
   shares   Amount   surplus   Deficit   loss   Investment   Total 
                             
Balance, December 31, 2014   -   $-   $-   $-   $1,251   $157,498   $158,749 
Net distributions to Old FSV   -    -    -    -    -    (7,470)   (7,470)
Net earnings   -    -    -    18,187    -    3,208    21,395 
Issuance of common stock in connection with the Arrangement   35,970,605    130,471    -    -    -    (130,471)   - 
Settlement of owner's net investment to contributed surplus in connection with the Arrangement   -    -    33,095    -    -    (22,765)   10,330 
Other comprehensive earnings   -    -    -    -    (4,124)   -    (4,124)
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions   -    -    421    -    -    -    421 
                                    
Subordinate Voting Shares:                                   
Stock option expense   -    -    1,191         -    -    1,191 
Stock options exercised   480,000    7,524    (744)   -    -    -    6,780 
Tax benefit on options exercised   -    -    10,017    -    -    -    10,017 
Dividends   -    -    -    (10,796)   -    -    (10,796)
Purchased for cancellation   (511,594)   (1,924)   -    (17,543)   -    -    (19,467)
Balance, December 31, 2015   35,939,011   $136,071   $43,980   $(10,152)  $(2,873)  $-   $167,026 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 
 Page 8 of 27 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)

 

   Common shares           Accumulated     
   Issued and               other     
   outstanding       Contributed       comprehensive     
   shares   Amount   surplus   Deficit   loss   Total 
                         
Balance, December 31, 2015   35,939,011   $136,071   $43,980   $(10,152)  $(2,873)  $167,026 
Net earnings   -    -    -    33,597    -    33,597 
Other comprehensive earnings   -    -    -    -    465    465 
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions   -    -    (979)   -    -    (979)
                               
Subordinate Voting Shares:                              
Stock option expense   -    -    2,744    -    -    2,744 
Stock options exercised   133,600    3,021    (1,115)   -    -    1,906 
Tax benefit on options exercised   -    -    1,605    -    -    1,605 
Dividends   -    -    -    (15,821)   -    (15,821)
Purchased for cancellation   (230,000)   (903)   -    (8,612)   -    (9,515)
Balance, December 31, 2016   35,842,611   $138,189   $46,235   $(988)  $(2,408)  $181,028 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 
 Page 9 of 27 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands of US dollars)

 

Years ended December 31  2016   2015 
Cash provided by (used in)          
Operating activities          
Net earnings  $54,243   $38,198 
           
Items not affecting cash:          
Depreciation and amortization   36,969    28,984 
Deferred income tax   1,304    (3,535)
Other   2,342    1,300 
           
Incremental tax benefit on stock options exercised   (1,605)   (10,017)
           
Changes in non-cash working capital:          
Accounts receivable   (21,077)   2,892 
Inventories   (4,542)   (6,108)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (1,793)   (1,045)
Accounts payable   (72)   (1,166)
Accrued liabilities   21,052    21,130 
Income tax payable   12,929    11,402 
Unearned revenues   10,194    2,395 
Other liabilities   (817)   3,239 
Contingent acquisition consideration paid   (122)   (579)
Net cash provided by operating activities   109,005    87,090 
           
Investing activities          
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (note 3)   (90,852)   (12,340)
Purchases of fixed assets   (29,122)   (19,694)
Changes in restricted cash   (9,681)   (112)
Other investing activities   (1,188)   (132)
Net cash used in investing activities   (130,843)   (32,278)
           
Financing activities          
Net increase (repayment) of long-term debt prior to spin-off   -    (220,953)
Debt allocated under spin-off   -    208,690 
Repayment of long-term debt after spin-off   -    (25,899)
Net contributions from Old FSV   -    1,995 
Increase in long-term debt   101,160    - 
Repayment of long-term debt   (51,775)   - 
Financing fees paid   -    (1,092)
Purchases of non-controlling interests   (3,259)   (18,939)
Sale of interests in subsidiaries to non-controlling interests   2,202    1,122 
Contingent acquisition consideration paid   (2,368)   (6,593)
Proceeds received on exercise of stock options   1,906    6,780 
Incremental tax benefit on stock options exercised   1,605    10,017 
Dividends paid to common shareholders   (15,471)   (7,196)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests   (4,985)   (3,602)
Repurchases of Subordinate Voting Shares   (9,515)   (19,467)
Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities   19,500    (75,137)
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   162    (905)
           
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (2,176)   (21,230)
           
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year   45,560    66,790 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year  $43,384   $45,560 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 
 Page 10 of 27 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

1.Description of the business

 

FirstService Corporation (the “Company”) is a North American provider of residential property management and other essential property services to residential and commercial customers. The Company’s operations are conducted in two segments: FirstService Residential and FirstService Brands. The segments are grouped with reference to the nature of services provided and the types of clients that use those services.

 

FirstService Residential is a full-service property manager and in many markets provides a full range of ancillary services primarily in the following areas: (i) on-site staffing, including building engineering and maintenance, full-service amenity management, security, concierge and front desk personnel, and landscaping; (ii) proprietary banking and insurance products; and (iii) energy conservation and management solutions.

 

FirstService Brands provides a range of essential property services to residential and commercial customers in North America through franchise networks and company-owned locations. The principal brands in this division include Paul Davis Restoration, California Closets, Certa Pro Painters, Pillar to Post Home Inspectors, Floor Coverings International, College Pro Painters, Century Fire Protection, and Service America.

 

2.Summary of significant accounting policies

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates are related to the determination of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets, estimated fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, and the collectability of accounts receivable. Actual results could be materially different from these estimates.

 

Significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:

 

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its majority-owned subsidiaries and those variable interest entities where the Company is the primary beneficiary. Where the Company does not have a controlling interest but has the ability to exert significant influence, the equity method is used. Inter-company transactions and accounts are eliminated on consolidation.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of short-term interest-bearing securities, which are readily convertible into cash and have original maturities at the date of purchase of three months or less.

 

Restricted cash

Restricted cash consists of cash over which the Company has legal ownership but is restricted as to its availability or intended use, including funds held on behalf of clients and franchisees.

 

Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost and market. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. Work-in-progress inventory relates to construction contracts and real estate project management projects in process and are accounted for using the percentage of completion method.

 

 
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Fixed assets

Fixed assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. The costs of additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Fixed assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of an asset group. Fixed assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Buildings  20 to 40 years straight-line
Vehicles  3 to 5 years straight-line
Furniture and equipment  3 to 10 years straight-line
Computer equipment and software  3 to 5 years straight-line
Leasehold improvements  term of the lease to a maximum of 10 years

 

Fair value

The Company uses the fair value measurements framework for financial assets and liabilities and for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The framework defines fair value, gives guidance for measurement and disclosure, and establishes a three-level hierarchy for observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value. An asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which requires the Company to develop its own assumptions

 

Financing fees

Financing fees related to the revolving credit facility and Senior Notes are deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method.

 

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination and is not subject to amortization.

 

Intangible assets are recorded at fair value on the date they are acquired. Indefinite life intangible assets are not subject to amortization. Where lives are finite, they are amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Customer lists and relationships  straight-line over 4 to 20 years
Franchise rights  by pattern of use, currently estimated at 2.5% to 15% per year
Trademarks and trade names  straight-line over 5 to 35 years
Management contracts and other  straight-line over life of contract ranging from 2 to 15 years
Backlog  straight-line over 6 to 12 months

 

The Company reviews the carrying value of finite life intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from their use and eventual disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over the fair value calculated using an income approach.

 

Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, on August 1, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired, in which case the carrying amount of the asset is written down to fair value.

 

 
 Page 12 of 27 

Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level. The Company has six reporting units determined with reference to business segment, customer type, service delivery model and geography. Impairment is tested by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Where it is determined to be more likely than not that its fair value is greater than its carrying amount, then no further testing is required. Where the qualitative analysis is not sufficient to support that the fair value exceeds the carrying amount then a two-step goodwill impairment test is performed. In the first step, the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, is compared to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using an income approach. The fair value measurement is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. Certain assumptions are used to determine the fair value of the reporting units, the most sensitive of which are estimated future cash flows and the discount rate applied to future cash flows. Changes in these assumptions could result in a materially different fair value.

 

Impairment of indefinite life intangible assets is tested by comparing the carrying amount to the estimated fair value on an individual intangible asset basis.

 

Redeemable non-controlling interests

Redeemable non-controlling interests (“RNCI”) are recorded at the greater of (i) the redemption amount or (ii) the amount initially recorded as RNCI at the date of inception of the minority equity position. This amount is recorded in the “mezzanine” section of the balance sheet, outside of shareholders’ equity. Changes in the RNCI amount are recognized immediately as they occur.

 

Revenue recognition and unearned revenues

(a) Franchisor operations

The Company operates several franchise systems within its FirstService Brands segment. Initial franchise fees are recognized when all material services or conditions related to the sale of the franchise have been performed or satisfied. Royalty revenues are recognized based on a contracted percentage of franchisee revenues, as reported by the franchisees. Revenues from administrative and other support services, as applicable, are recognized as the services are provided.

 

(b) Revenues from construction contracts and service operations other than franchisor operations

Revenues are recognized at the time the service is rendered. Certain services including but not limited to construction contracts and real estate project management projects in process, are recognized on the percentage of completion method, in the ratio of actual costs to total estimated contract costs. In cases where anticipated costs to complete a project exceed the revenue to be recognized, a provision for the additional estimated losses is recorded in the period when the loss becomes apparent. Amounts received from customers in advance of services being provided are recorded as unearned revenues when received.

 

Stock-based compensation

For equity classified awards, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award. The related stock option compensation expense is allocated using the graded attribution method.

 

Notional value appreciation plans

Under these plans, subsidiary employees are compensated if the notional value of the subsidiary increases. Awards under these plans generally have a term of up to fifteen years and a vesting period of five years. The increase in notional value is calculated with reference to growth in earnings relative to a fixed threshold amount plus or minus changes in indebtedness relative to a fixed opening amount. If an award is subject to a vesting condition, then graded attribution is applied to the intrinsic value. The related compensation expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and the liability is recorded in accrued liabilities.

 

 
 Page 13 of 27 

Foreign currency translation

Assets, liabilities and operations of foreign subsidiaries are recorded based on the functional currency of each entity. For certain foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency, in which case the assets, liabilities and operations are translated at current exchange rates from the local currency to the reporting currency, the US dollar. The resulting unrealized gains or losses are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings. Realized and unrealized foreign currency gains or losses related to any foreign dollar denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in net earnings.

 

Income tax

Income tax has been provided using the asset and liability method whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future income tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or income tax returns. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to reverse, be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period in which the change occurs. A valuation allowance is recorded unless it is more likely than not that realization of a deferred income tax asset will occur based on available evidence.

 

The Company recognizes uncertainty in tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by recording a liability for unrecognized tax benefits on its balance sheet. Uncertainties are quantified by applying a prescribed recognition threshold and measurement attribute.

 

The Company classifies interest and penalties associated with income tax positions in income tax expense.

 

Business combinations

All business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

 

The fair value of the contingent consideration is classified as a financial liability and is recorded on the balance sheet at the acquisition date and is re-measured at fair value at the end of each period until the end of the contingency period, with fair value adjustments recognized in earnings.

 

3.Acquisitions

 

2016 acquisitions:

The Company acquired controlling interests in thirteen businesses, five in the FirstService Residential segment and eight in the FirstService Brands segment. In the FirstService Residential segment, the Company acquired regional firms operating in California, South Carolina, Maryland and Massachusetts. In the FirstService Brands segment, the Company acquired three California Closets franchises operating in California, Washington DC, and Ontario, and three Paul Davis Restoration franchises operating in Florida, Connecticut, and Wisconsin, all six of which will be operated as company-owned locations. In the FirstService Brands segment, the Company also acquired Century Fire Protection and Advanced Fire, full-service fire protection firms, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, respectively.

 

 
 Page 14 of 27 

Details of these acquisitions are as follows:

 

   Aggregate
Acquisitions
    
Current assets  $40,022 
Long-term assets   10,282 
Current liabilities   (19,299)
Long-term liabilities   (556)
Deferred Tax Liabilities   (14,646)
Redeemable non-controlling interest   (10,612)
   $5,191 
      
Note consideration  $(3,434)
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $5,002   (90,852)
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration   (9,998)
Total purchase consideration  $(104,284)
      
Acquired intangible assets  $54,438 
Goodwill  $44,655 

 

2015 acquisitions:

The Company acquired controlling interests in nine businesses, seven in the FirstService Residential segment and two in the FirstService Brands segment. In the FirstService Residential segment, the Company acquired controlling interests in firms operating in Texas, California, New York, Florida, Nevada and British Columbia. In the FirstService Brands segment, the Company acquired a Paul Davis Restoration franchise in Pennsylvania, as well as a California Closets franchise in Colorado, both of which will be operated as Company-owned locations.

 

Details of these acquisitions are as follows:

 

   Aggregate
   Acquisitions
    
Current assets  $2,502 
Non-current assets   2,000 
Current liabilities   (1,689)
Long-term liabilities   (64)
Redeemable non-controlling interest   (1,696)
   $1,053 
      
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $175  $(12,340)
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration   (4,544)
Total purchase consideration  $(16,884)
      
Acquired intangible assets  $8,891 
Goodwill  $6,940 

 

“Acquisition-related items” included both transaction costs and contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments. Acquisition-related transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $682 (2015 - $354), offset by a recovery of $621 related to contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments (2015 – expense of $54).

 

In all years presented, the fair values of non-controlling interests were determined using an income approach with reference to a discounted cash flow model using the same assumptions implied in determining the purchase consideration.

 

 
 Page 15 of 27 

The purchase price allocations of acquisitions resulted in the recognition of goodwill. The primary factors contributing to goodwill are assembled workforces, synergies with existing operations and future growth prospects. For acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2016, goodwill in the amount of $7,511 is deductible for income tax purposes (2015 - $6,753).

 

The Company typically structures its business acquisitions to include contingent consideration. Vendors, at the time of acquisition, are entitled to receive a contingent consideration payment if the acquired businesses achieve specified earnings levels during the one- to two-year periods following the dates of acquisition. The ultimate amount of payment is determined based on a formula, the key inputs to which are (i) a contractually agreed maximum payment; (ii) a contractually specified earnings level and (iii) the actual earnings for the contingency period. If the acquired business does not achieve the specified earnings level, the maximum payment is reduced for any shortfall, potentially to nil.

 

The fair value of the contingent consideration liability recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2016 was $10,442 (see note 15). The estimated range of outcomes (undiscounted) for these contingent consideration arrangements is determined based on the formula price and the likelihood of achieving specified earnings levels over the contingency period, and ranges from $10,207 to a maximum of $12,008. These contingencies will expire during the period extending to December 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2016, $2,490 was paid with reference to such contingent consideration (2015 - $7,172).

 

The acquisitions referred to above were accounted for by the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings do not include any revenues or expenses related to these acquisitions prior to their respective closing dates. The consideration for the acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2016 was financed from borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility and cash on hand.

 

The amounts of revenues and earnings contributed from the date of acquisition and included in the Company’s consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the supplemental pro forma revenues and earnings of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2015, are as follows:

 

   Revenues  Net earnings
       
Actual from acquired entities for 2016  $128,244   $2,375 
Supplemental pro forma for 2016 (unaudited)   1,568,434    57,053 
Supplemental pro forma for 2015 (unaudited)   1,475,739    44,047 

 

Supplemental pro forma results were adjusted for non-recurring items.

 

4.Components of working capital accounts

 

   December 31,
2016
  December 31,
2015
       
Inventories      
Work-in-progress  $15,529   $6,465 
Finished goods   6,071    5,489 
Supplies and other   8,112    4,201 
           
   $29,712   $16,155 
           
Accrued liabilities          
Accrued payroll and benefits  $60,546   $45,690 
Value appreciation plans   12,467    7,110 
Customer advances   501    243 
Other   37,094    24,857 
           
   $110,608   $77,900 

 

 
 Page 16 of 27 

5.Fixed assets

 

December 31, 2016  Cost  Accumulated
depreciation
  Net
          
Land  $2,520   $-   $2,520 
Buildings   10,366    4,529    5,837 
Vehicles   52,497    33,739    18,758 
Furniture and equipment   54,194    37,807    16,387 
Computer equipment and software   81,516    59,896    21,620 
Leasehold improvements   23,550    15,589    7,961 
   $224,643   $151,560   $73,083 

 

December 31, 2015  Cost  Accumulated
depreciation
  Net
          
Land  $2,519   $-   $2,519 
Buildings   10,231    4,028    6,203 
Vehicles   35,983    26,031    9,952 
Furniture and equipment   43,399    29,435    13,964 
Computer equipment and software   69,405    48,628    20,777 
Leasehold improvements   20,737    16,577    4,160 
   $182,274   $124,699   $57,575 

 

Included in fixed assets are vehicles, office and computer equipment under capital lease at a cost of $6,548 (2015 - $4,462) and net book value of $2,826 (2015 - $2,877).

 

6.Intangible assets

 

December 31, 2016  Gross
carrying
amount
  Accumulated
amortization
  Net
          
Customer lists and relationships  $104,258   $34,161   $70,097 
Franchise rights   39,137    17,230    21,907 
Trademarks and trade names   26,069    11,825    14,244 
Management contracts and other   36,515    21,648    14,867 
   $205,979   $84,864   $121,115 

 

December 31, 2015  Gross
carrying
amount
  Accumulated
amortization
  Net
          
Customer lists and relationships  $75,279   $28,816   $46,463 
Franchise rights   36,539    15,195    21,344 
Trademarks and trade names   22,002    11,147    10,855 
Management contracts and other   16,648    15,832    816 
   $150,468   $70,990   $79,478 

 

 
 Page 17 of 27 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company acquired the following intangible assets:

 

   Amount  Estimated
weighted
average
amortization
period (years)
       
Customer lists and relationships  $32,322    17.8 
Franchise rights   2,449    5.2 
Trademarks and trade names   4,615    5.5 
Management Contracts and other   15,052    14.8 
   $54,438    15.3 

 

The following is the estimated annual amortization expense for recorded intangible assets for each of the next five years ending December 31:

 

2017  $12,974 
2018   12,179 
2019   11,887 
2020   11,337 
2021   9,422 

 

7.Goodwill

 

   FirstService  FirstService   
   Residential  Brands  Consolidated
          
Balance, December 31, 2014  $165,390   $52,043   $217,433 
Goodwill acquired during the year   4,794    2,146    6,940 
Other items   157    -    157 
Foreign exchange   (2,892)   (992)   (3,884)
Balance, December 31, 2015   167,449    53,197    220,646 
Goodwill acquired during the year   5,696    38,959    44,655 
Other items   18    169    187 
Foreign exchange   510    168    678 
Balance, December 31, 2016  $173,673   $92,493   $266,166 

 

A test for goodwill impairment is required to be completed annually, in the Company’s case as of August 1, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. No goodwill impairments were identified in 2016 or 2015.

 

8.Long-term debt

 

   December 31,
2016
    
Revolving credit facility  $96,688 
3.84% Notes   150,000 
Capital leases maturing at various dates through 2021   1,188 
Other long-term debt maturing at various dates up to 2023   3,033 
    250,909 
Less: current portion   1,043 
Long-term debt - non-current  $249,866 

 

 
 Page 18 of 27 

The Company has $150 million of senior secured notes (the “Senior Notes”) bearing interest at a rate of 3.84%. The Senior Notes are due on January 16, 2025, with five annual equal repayments beginning on January 16, 2021.

 

The Company has a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks to provide a committed multi-currency revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) of $200 million. The Facility has a 5-year term ending June 1, 2020 and bears interest at 1.25% to 2.50% over floating reference rates, depending on certain leverage ratios. The weighted average interest rate for 2016 was 2.2%. The revolving credit facility had $97,114 of available un-drawn credit as at December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, letters of credit in the amount of $6,198 were outstanding ($5,918 as at December 31, 2015). The Facility requires a commitment fee of 0.25% to 0.50% of the unused portion, depending on certain leverage ratios. At any time during the term, the Company has the right to increase the Facility by up to $50 million, on the same terms and conditions as the original Facility. The Facility is available to fund working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes.

 

The Facility and the Senior Notes rank equally in terms of seniority. The Company has granted the lenders under the Facility and holders of the Senior Notes various collateral, including an interest in all of the assets of the Company. The covenants under the Facility and the Senior Notes require the Company to maintain certain ratios, including financial leverage, interest coverage and net worth. The Company is limited from undertaking certain mergers, acquisitions and dispositions without prior approval.

 

The effective interest rate on the Company’s long-term debt for the year ended December 31, 2016 was 3.9%. The estimated aggregate amount of principal repayments on long-term debt required in each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter to meet the retirement provisions are as follows:

 

2017  $1,043 
2018   795 
2019   547 
2020   97,237 
2021 and thereafter   151,287 

 

9.Redeemable non-controlling interests

 

The minority equity positions in the Company’s subsidiaries are referred to as redeemable non-controlling interests (“RNCI”). The RNCI are considered to be redeemable securities. Accordingly, the RNCI is recorded at the greater of (i) the redemption amount or (ii) the amount initially recorded as RNCI at the date of inception of the minority equity position. This amount is recorded in the “mezzanine” section of the balance sheet, outside of shareholders’ equity. Changes in the RNCI amount are recognized immediately as they occur. The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending RNCI amounts:

 

   2016  2015
       
Balance, January 1  $77,559   $80,926 
RNCI share of earnings   5,238    4,560 
RNCI redemption increment   15,408    12,243 
Distributions paid to RNCI   (4,985)   (3,602)
Purchases of interests from RNCI, net   (1,057)   (17,817)
RNCI recognized on business acquisitions   10,612    1,696 
Other   (423)   (447)
Balance, December 31  $102,352   $77,559 

 

 
 Page 19 of 27 

The Company has shareholders’ agreements in place at each of its non-wholly owned subsidiaries. These agreements allow the Company to “call” the non-controlling interest at a price determined with the use of a formula price, which is usually equal to a fixed multiple of average annual net earnings before extraordinary items, income taxes, interest, depreciation, and amortization. The agreements also have redemption features which allow the owners of the RNCI to “put” their equity to the Company at the same price subject to certain limitations. The formula price is referred to as the redemption amount and may be paid in cash or in Subordinate Voting Shares. The redemption amount as of December 31, 2016 was $100,569 (2015 - $76,332). The redemption amount is lower than that recorded on the balance sheet as the formula price of certain RNCI are lower than the amount initially recorded at the inception of the minority equity position. If all put or call options were settled with Subordinate Voting Shares as at December 31, 2016, approximately 2,200,000 such shares would be issued, and would have resulted in an increase of $0.48 to diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

10.Capital stock

 

The authorized capital stock of the Company is as follows:

 

An unlimited number of Preferred Shares;

An unlimited number of Subordinate Voting Shares having one vote per share; and

An unlimited number of Multiple Voting Shares having 20 votes per share, convertible at any time into Subordinate Voting Shares at a rate of one Subordinate Voting Share for each Multiple Voting Share outstanding.

 

The following table provides a summary of total capital stock issued and outstanding:

 

 

   Subordinate Voting Shares  Multiple Voting Shares  Total Common Shares
   Number  Amount  Number  Amount  Number  Amount
Balance, December 31, 2016   34,516,917   $138,041    1,325,694   $148    35,842,611   $138,189 

 

Pursuant to the amended management services agreement with the Company dated and effective as of the 1st day of June, 2015, the Company agreed to make payments to a company (“FC Co”) indirectly owned by its Founder and Chairman that are contingent upon an arm’s length sale of control of the Company or upon a distribution of the Company’s assets to its shareholders. The payment amounts will be determined with reference to the consideration per Subordinate Voting Share received or deemed received by shareholders upon an arm’s length sale or upon a distribution of assets. The right to receive the payments may be transferred to person(s) who are not at arm’s length to FC Co. The agreement provides for FC Co to receive the following two payments. The first payment is an amount equal to 5% of the product of: (i) the total number of Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis at the time of the sale or distribution; and (ii) the per share consideration received or deemed received by holders of Subordinate Voting Shares minus a base price of C$2.351. The second payment is an amount equal to 5% of the product of: (i) the total number of Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis at the time of the sale or distribution; and (ii) the per share consideration received or deemed received by holders of Subordinate Voting Shares minus a base price of C$4.578. Assuming an arm’s length sale of control of the Company had occurred on December 31, 2016, the aggregate amount required to be paid to FC Co, based on a market price of C$63.74 (being the closing price per Subordinate Voting Share on the Toronto Stock Exchange on December 31, 2016), would have been US$166,976.

 

 
 Page 20 of 27 
11.Stock-based compensation

 

The Company has a stock option plan for certain officers and key full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Options are granted at the market price for the underlying shares on the date of grant. Each option vests over a four-year term, expires five years from the date granted and allows for the purchase of one Subordinate Voting Share. All Subordinate Voting Shares issued are new shares. As at December 31, 2016, there were 1,148,500 options available for future grants.

 

Grants under the Company’s stock option plan are equity-classified awards. Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2016 is follows:

 

 

   Number of
options
  Weighted
average
exercise price
  Weighted average
remaining
contractual life
(years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic value
             
Shares issuable under options - Beginning of period   1,211,250   $18.51           
Granted   328,500    36.08           
Exercised   (133,600)   14.12           
Forfeited   (54,750)   22.58           
Shares issuable under options - December 31, 2016   1,351,400   $23.05    2.5   $33,011 
Options exercisable - End of period   505,000   $17.49    1.6   $15,143 

 

The Company incurred stock-based compensation expense related to these awards of $2,744 during the year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - $2,159).

 

As at December 31, 2016, the range of option exercise prices was $11.02 to $44.01 per share. Also as at December 31, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value and weighted average remaining contractual life for in-the-money options vested and expected to vest were $33,011 and 2.5 years, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information about option exercises during year ended December 31, 2016:

 

 

   2016
    
Number of options exercised   133,600 
      
Aggregate fair value  $5,516 
Intrinsic value   3,630 
Amount of cash received   1,886 
      
Tax benefit recognized  $1,270 

 

As at December 31, 2016, there was $2,574 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards which is expected to be recognized over the next 4 years. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the fair value of options vested was $7,908 (2015 - $1,576).

 

 
 Page 21 of 27 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, utilizing the following weighted average assumptions:

 

   2016
    
Risk free rate   1.1%
Expected life in years   4.75 
Expected volatility   32.2%
Dividend yield   1.0%
      
Weighted average fair value per option granted  $9.68 

 

The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield of a zero-coupon US Treasury bond with a term equal to the option’s expected term. The expected life in years represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is based on historical experience. The expected volatility is based on the historical prices of the Company’s shares over the previous four years.

 

12.Income tax

 

Income tax differs from the amounts that would be obtained by applying the statutory rate to the respective year’s earnings before tax. Differences result from the following items:

 

   2016  2015
       
Income tax expense using combined statutory rate of 26.5% (2015 - 26.5%, 2014 - 26.5%)  $21,632   $16,326 
Permanent differences   434    488 
Tax effect of flow through entities   (243)   (230)
Impact of changes in foreign exchange rates   -    (10)
Adjustments to tax liabilities for prior periods   (456)   1,393 
Effects of changes in enacted tax rates   -    (42)
Changes in liability for unrecognized tax benefits   (156)   (130)
Foreign, state and provincial tax rate differential   5,699    3,750 
Gain on disposition of preferred shares   -    1,246 
Other taxes   477    (161)
Change in valuation allowances   -    782 
Provision for income taxes as reported  $27,387   $23,412 

 

Earnings before income tax by jurisdiction comprise the following:

 

   2016  2015
       
Canada  $16,989   $8,590 
United States   64,641    53,020 
Total  $81,630   $61,610 

 

Income tax expense (recovery) comprises the following:

 

   2016  2015
       
Current          
Canada  $3,689   $829 
United States   21,945    10,757 
    25,634    11,586 
           
Deferred          
Canada   (317)   1,352 
United States   2,070    10,474 
    1,753    11,826 
           
Total  $27,387   $23,412 

 

 
 Page 22 of 27 

The significant components of deferred income tax are as follows:

 

   2016  2015
       
Deferred income tax assets          
Loss carry-forwards  $1,066   $6,071 
Expenses not currently deductible   18,120    13,245 
Stock-based compensation   2,956    2,420 
Basis differences of partnerships and other entities   1,047    925 
Allowance for doubtful accounts   3,457    2,967 
Inventory and other reserves   542    548 
    27,188    26,176 
           
Deferred income tax liabilities          
Depreciation and amortization   31,168    13,971 
Prepaid and other expenses deducted for tax purposes   1,942    1,782 
    33,110    15,753 
           
Net deferred income tax asset (liability) before valuation allowance   (5,922)   10,423 
Valuation allowance   756    783 
           
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)  $(6,678)  $9,640 

 

The recoverability of deferred income tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income before the 20 year loss carry-forward limitation. Although realization is not assured, the Company believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry-forward period are reduced.

 

The Company has gross operating loss carry-forwards as follows:

 

   Loss carry forward  Gross losses not recognized  Net
   2016  2015  2016  2015  2016  2015
                   
Canada  $2,082   $3,234   $-   $-   $2,082   $3,234 
United States   7,902    21,472    6,470    6,470    1,432    15,002 

 

These amounts above are available to reduce future federal and provincial income taxes in their respective jurisdictions. Net operating loss carry-forward balances attributable to the United States and Canada expire over the next 6 to 20 years.

 

Cumulative unremitted earnings of US and foreign subsidiaries approximated $297,631 as at December 31, 2016 (2015 - $267,899). Income tax is not provided on the unremitted earnings of US and foreign subsidiaries because it has been the practice and is the intention of the Company to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in these subsidiaries.

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

Balance, December 31, 2014  $494 
Reduction for lapses in applicable statutes of limitations   (202)
Balance, December 31, 2015   292 
Increases based on tax positions related to 2016   (144)
Balance, December 31, 2016  $148 

 

 
 Page 23 of 27 

Of the $148 (2015 - $292) in gross unrecognized tax benefits, $148, (2015 - $292) would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. For the year ended December 31, 2016, a recovery of $12 in interest and penalties related to provisions for income tax was recorded in income tax expense (2015 - recovery of $34). As at December 31, 2016, the Company had accrued $38 (2015 - $50) for potential income tax related interest and penalties.

 

The Company’s significant tax jurisdictions include the United States and Canada. The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdictions. Generally, income tax returns filed with the Canada Revenue Agency and related provinces are open for three to four years and income tax returns filed with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and related states are open for three to five years.

 

The Company does not currently expect any other material impact on earnings to result from the resolution of matters related to open taxation years, other than noted above. Actual settlements may differ from the amounts accrued. The Company has, as part of its analysis, made its current estimates based on facts and circumstances known to date and cannot predict changes in facts and circumstances that may affect its current estimates.

 

13.Net earnings per common share

 

The following table reconciles the denominator used to calculate earnings per common share:

 

   2016  2015
       
Shares issued and outstanding at beginning of period   35,939,011    35,970,605 
Weighted average number of shares:          
Issued during the period   72,023    129,867 
Repurchased during the period   (45,247)   (87,214)
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share   35,965,787    36,013,258 
Assumed exercise of stock options, net of shares assumed acquired under the Treasury Stock Method   399,997    411,769 
Number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share   36,365,784    36,425,027 

 

14.Other supplemental information

 

   2016  2015
       
Franchisor operations          
Revenues  $105,077   $98,376 
Operating earnings   31,807    27,707 
Initial franchise fee revenues   6,054    5,474 
Depreciation and amortization   3,923    3,533 
Total assets   98,816    86,982 
           
Cash payments made during the period          
Income taxes  $9,968   $3,358 
Interest   8,648    4,366 
           
Non-cash financing activities          
Increases in capital lease obligations  $1,785   $1,217 
           
Other expenses          
Rent expense  $25,422   $20,229 

 

 
 Page 24 of 27 
15.Financial instruments

 

Concentration of credit risk

The Company is subject to credit risk with respect to its cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and other receivables. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents are limited by the use of multiple large and reputable banks. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to the receivables are limited due to the large number of entities comprising the Company’s customer base and their dispersion across many different service lines.

 

Interest rate risk

The Company maintains an interest rate risk management strategy that uses interest rate hedging contracts from time to time. The Company’s specific goals are to: (i) manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the characteristics of its debt and (ii) lower the long-term cost of its borrowed funds. Fluctuations in interest rates affect the fair value of the hedging contracts as their value depends on the prevailing market interest rate. Hedging contracts are monitored on a monthly basis.

 

Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk is related to the portion of the Company’s business transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. A portion of revenue is generated by the Company’s Canadian operations. The Company’s head office expenses are incurred in Canadian dollars which is hedged by Canadian dollar denominated revenue.

 

Fair values of financial instruments

The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016:

 

   Carrying value at  Fair value measurements
   December 31, 2016  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
Contingent consideration liability  $10,442   $-   $-   $10,442 

 

The inputs to the measurement of the fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions are Level 3 inputs. The fair value measurements were made using a discounted cash flow model; significant model inputs were expected future operating cash flows (determined with reference to each specific acquired business) and discount rates (which range from 8% to 10%). The range of discount rates is attributable to level of risk related to economic growth factors combined with the length of the contingent payment periods; and the dispersion was driven by unique characteristics of the businesses acquired and the respective terms for these contingent payments. Within the range of discount rates, there is a data point concentration at 9%. A 2% increase in the weighted average discount rate would reduce the fair value of contingent consideration by $219.

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2015  $3,316 
Amounts recognized on acquisitions   9,998 
Fair value adjustments   (621)
Resolved and settled in cash   (2,490)
Other   239 
Balance, December 31, 2016  $10,442 
      
Less: current portion  $2,882 
Non-current portion  $7,560 

 

 
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The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments, unless otherwise indicated. The inputs to the measurement of the fair value of long term debt are Level 3 inputs. The fair value measurements were made using a net present value approach; significant model inputs were expected future cash outflows and discount rates (which range from 2.0% to 2.5%). The following are estimates of the fair values for other financial instruments:

 

   2016  2015
   Carrying
amount
  Fair
value
  Carrying
amount
  Fair
value
             
Other receivables  $3,796   $3,796   $3,833   $3,833 
Long-term debt   250,909    263,660    201,199    216,788 

 

Other receivables include notes receivable from non-controlling shareholders and other non-current receivables.

 

16.Commitments and contingencies

 

(a) Lease commitments

 

Minimum operating lease payments are as follows:

 

Year ended December 31   
2017  $21,783 
2018   17,463 
2019   14,395 
2020   12,046 
2021   8,849 
Thereafter   10,620 

 

(b) Contingencies

In the normal course of operations, the Company is subject to routine claims and litigation incidental to its business. Litigation currently pending or threatened against the Company includes disputes with former employees and commercial liability claims related to services provided by the Company. The Company believes resolution of such proceedings, combined with amounts set aside, will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or the results of operations.

 

17.Related party transactions

 

The Company has entered into office space rental arrangements and property management contracts with senior managers of certain subsidiaries. These senior managers are usually also minority shareholders of the subsidiaries. The business purpose of the transactions is to rent office space for the Company and to generate property management revenues for the Company. The recorded amount of the rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $0.6 million (2015 - $0.4 million). These amounts are settled monthly in cash, and are priced at market rates. The rental arrangements have fixed terms of up to 10 years.

 

As at December 31, 2016, the Company had $2.5 million of loans receivable from minority shareholders (December 31, 2015 - $2.3 million). The business purpose of the loans receivable was to finance the sale of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries to senior managers. The loan amounts are measured based on the formula price of the underlying non-controlling interests, and interest rates are determined based on the Company’s cost of borrowing plus a spread. The loans generally have terms of 5 to 10 years, but are open for repayment without penalty at any time.

 

In conjunction with the spin-off transaction on June 1, 2015, the Company entered into transition services agreement with Colliers which set out the terms under which certain administrative services, rent and other expenses would be allocated. The Company paid $0.3 million in rent to Colliers for the year ended December 31, 2016. During the period from the spin-off date to December 31, 2015, the amount was $0.2 million.

 

 
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18.Segmented information

 

Operating segments

The Company has two reportable operating segments. The segments are grouped with reference to the nature of services provided and the types of clients that use those services. The Company assesses each segment’s performance based on operating earnings or operating earnings before depreciation and amortization. FirstService Residential provides property management and related property services to residential communities in North America. FirstService Brands provides franchised and Company-owned property services to customers in North America. Corporate includes the costs of operating the Company’s corporate head office. The reportable segment information excludes intersegment transactions.

 

2016  FirstService
Residential
   FirstService
Brands
   Corporate   Consolidated 
                 
Revenues  $1,112,820   $370,069   $-   $1,482,889 
Depreciation and amortization   20,924    15,982    63    36,969 
Operating earnings (loss)   62,539    41,173    (13,162)   90,550 
Other income, net                  232 
Interest expense, net                  (9,152)
Income taxes                  (27,387)
Net earnings                 $54,243 
                     
Total assets  $371,780   $393,321   $5,863   $770,964 
Total additions to long lived assets   25,039    114,178    -    139,217 

 

2015  FirstService
Residential
   FirstService
Brands
   Corporate   Consolidated 
                 
Revenues  $1,017,506   $246,571   $-   $1,264,077 
Depreciation and amortization   21,041    7,840    103    28,984 
Operating earnings (loss)   47,550    35,079    (11,882)   70,747 
Other expense, net                  (60)
Interest expense, net                  (9,077)
Income taxes                  (23,412)
Net earnings                 $38,198 
                     
Total assets  $349,507   $239,394   $11,582   $600,483 
Total additions to long lived assets   22,006    8,541    53    30,600 

 

 
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Geographic information

Revenues in each geographic region are reported by customer locations.

 

   2016  2015
       
United States          
Revenues  $1,393,950   $1,181,435 
Total long-lived assets   420,087    321,279 
           
Canada          
Revenues  $88,939   $82,642 
Total long-lived assets   40,277    36,420 
           
Consolidated          
Revenues  $1,482,889   $1,264,077 
Total long-lived assets   460,364    357,699 

 

19.Impact of recently issued accounting standards

 

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company is still evaluating but does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on overall revenue recognition practices and policies.

 

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This ASU affects all aspects of lease accounting and has a significant impact to lessees as it requires the recognition of a right-of use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases including operating leases. In addition to balance sheet recognition, additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures will be required. The standard will be effective on January 1, 2019, at which time it must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this ASU on its financial position and results of operations.

 

In November 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Restricted Cash. This ASU should reduce the diversity in practice in financial reporting for the classification of restricted cash, the classification of changes in restricted cash, and the presentation of cash payments and cash receipts that directly affect restricted cash. This ASU will require the statement of cash flows to explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. The guidance will be effective January 1, 2018 with retrospective transition. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this ASU on its financial position and results of operations.

 

In January 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance will remain largely unchanged. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. The same one-step impairment test will be applied to goodwill at all reporting units, even those with zero or negative carrying amounts. Entities will be required to disclose the amount of goodwill at reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The revised guidance will be applied prospectively and early adoption is permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this ASU on its financial position and results of operations.