EX-99.1 2 exh_991.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

 

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

March 31, 2019

 

 Page 2 of 14 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the

United States of America

 

   Three months 
   ended March 31 
   2019   2018 
         
Revenues  $485,655   $426,456 
           
Cost of revenues   340,698    298,524 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   118,662    104,515 
Depreciation   8,380    7,869 
Amortization of intangible assets   4,307    3,914 
Acquisition-related items   678    561 
Operating earnings   12,930    11,073 
           
Interest expense, net   3,569    2,874 
Other expense (income), net   7    (64)
Earnings before income tax   9,354    8,263 
Income tax expense (note 7)   1,209    (672)
Net earnings   8,145    8,935 
           
Non-controlling interest share of earnings (note 10)   1,796    2,320 
Non-controlling interest redemption increment (note 10)   4,020    532 
           
Net earnings attributable to Company  $2,329   $6,083 
           
Net earnings per share (note 11)          
Basic  $0.06   $0.17 
Diluted   0.06    0.17 

 

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

 

 Page 3 of 14 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands of US dollars) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America

 

   Three months 
   ended March 31 
   2019   2018 
         
Net earnings  $8,145   $8,935 
           
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)   328    (860)
Comprehensive earnings   8,473    8,075 
           
Less: Comprehensive earnings attributable to non-controlling shareholders   5,816    2,852 
           
Comprehensive earnings attributable to Company  $2,657   $5,223 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Page 4 of 14 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands of US dollars) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America

 

   March 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 
Assets          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $69,633   $66,340 
Restricted cash   15,636    13,504 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $9,525 (December 31, 2018 - $9,177)   235,808    239,925 
Income tax recoverable   11,871    9,337 
Inventories   46,142    48,227 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   38,286    37,739 
    417,376    415,072 
           
Other receivables   5,693    4,212 
Other assets   6,506    6,135 
Fixed assets   102,482    98,102 
Operating lease right-of-use assets (note 6)   97,111    - 
Intangible assets   154,338    148,798 
Goodwill   356,108    335,155 
    722,238    592,402 
   $1,139,614   $1,007,474 
           
Liabilities and shareholders' equity          
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable  $48,566   $41,709 
Accrued liabilities   117,113    132,572 
Unearned revenues   42,614    36,746 
Operating lease liabilities - current(note 6)   25,258    - 
Long-term debt - current (note 8)   4,206    3,915 
Contingent acquisition consideration - current (note 9)   6,252    12,005 
    244,009    226,947 
           
Long-term debt - non-current (note 8)   376,247    330,608 
Operating lease liabilities - non-current  (note 6)   79,984    - 
Contingent acquisition consideration (note 9)   1,810    1,281 
Unearned revenues   13,241    13,453 
Other liabilities   36,745    40,797 
Deferred income tax   8,708    6,577 
    516,735    392,716 
Redeemable non-controlling interests (note 10)   138,903    151,585 
           
Shareholders' equity   239,967    236,226 
   $1,139,614   $1,007,474 

 

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

 

 Page 5 of 14 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)

 

   Common shares           Accumulated     
   Issued and               other   Total 
   outstanding       Contributed   Retained   comprehensive   shareholders' 
   shares   Amount   surplus   earnings   loss   equity 
                         
Balance, December 31, 2018   35,980,047   $148,707   $45,097   $45,537   $(3,115)  $236,226 
                               
Net earnings   -    -    -    2,329    -    2,329 
Other comprehensive earnings   -    -    -    -    328    328 
                               
Impact of ASC 842 - Leases   -    -    -    (338)   -    (338)
                               
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions   -    -    (19)   -    -    (19)
                               
Subordinate Voting Shares:                              
Stock option expense   -    -    2,855    -    -    2,855 
Stock options exercised   134,650    5,342    (1,338)   -    -    4,004 
Dividends   -    -    -    (5,418)   -    (5,418)
Balance, March 31, 2019   36,114,697   $154,049   $46,595   $42,110   $(2,787)  $239,967 

 

 

   Common shares           Accumulated     
   Issued and               other   Total 
   outstanding       Contributed   Retained   comprehensive   shareholders' 
   shares   Amount   surplus   earnings   loss   equity 
                         
Balance, December 31, 2017   35,916,383   $143,770   $41,463   $9,027   $(492)  $193,768 
                               
Net earnings   -    -    -    6,083    -    6,083 
Other comprehensive earnings   -    -    -    -    (860)   (860)
                               
                               
Subordinate Voting Shares:                              
Stock option expense   -    -    1,997    -    -    1,997 
Stock options exercised   88,200    2,453    (1,300)   -    -    1,153 
Dividends   -    -    -    (4,850)   -    (4,850)
Purchased for cancellation   (85,408)   (355)   -    (5,586)   -    (5,941)
Balance, March 31, 2018   35,919,175   $145,868   $42,160   $4,674   $(1,352)  $191,350 

 

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

 

 Page 6 of 14 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands of US dollars) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America

 

   Three months ended 
   March 31 
   2019   2018 
Cash provided by (used in)          
           
Operating activities          
Net earnings  $8,145   $8,935 
           
Items not affecting cash:          
Depreciation and amortization   12,687    11,783 
Deferred income tax   473    308 
Other   3,134    2,402 
           
Changes in non-cash working capital:          
Accounts receivable   8,600    4,078 
Inventories   3,704    (1,453)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (239)   (2,925)
Payables and accruals   (16,361)   (14,870)
Unearned revenues   5,656    2,632 
Other liabilities   721    (1,930)
Contingent acquisition consideration   (962)   (658)
Net cash provided by operating activities   25,558    8,302 
           
Investing activities          
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (note 5)   (25,773)   (29,602)
Purchases of fixed assets   (10,736)   (10,523)
Other investing activities   (2,329)   (678)
Net cash used in investing activities   (38,838)   (40,803)
           
Financing activities          
Increase in long-term debt   47,534    54,717 
Repayment of long-term debt   (1,871)   (4,503)
Purchases of non-controlling interests, net   (18,987)   (1,621)
Contingent acquisition consideration   (5,853)   (2,242)
Proceeds received on exercise of stock options   4,004    1,153 
Dividends paid to common shareholders   (4,857)   (4,400)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests   (1,194)   (1,591)
Repurchases of Subordinate Voting Shares   -    (5,941)
Other financing activities   (268)   (575)
Net cash provided by financing activities   18,508    34,997 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   197    (137)
           
Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   5,425    2,359 
           
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   79,844    66,894 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period  $85,269   $69,253 

 

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

 

 Page 7 of 14 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2019

(Unaudited)

(in thousands of US dollars, except 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, and Century Fire Protection.

 

2.       SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the disclosure requirements for the presentation of interim financial information pursuant to applicable Canadian securities law. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such disclosure requirements, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

These interim financial statements follow the same accounting policies as the most recent audited consolidated financial statements, with the exception of the change described below. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as at March 31, 2019 and the results of operations and its cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019.

 

Leases

The Company adopted ASU 842, Leases, as of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. In addition, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification.

 

The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, and has elected to account for each lease component (e.g., fixed rent payments) separately from the non-lease components (e.g., common-area maintenance costs). The Company has also elected not to recognize the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less. Leases are recognized on the balance sheet when the lease term commences, and the associated lease payments are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

The standard had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, the primary impact being the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for operating leases, while its accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged.

 

 

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Select Consolidated Balance Sheet line items, which reflect the adoption of ASC 842 are as follows:
       
   January 1, 2019
   As Previously      
   Reported  Adjustments  As Adjusted
(In thousands)         
          
Assets:               
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   37,739    (73)   37,666 
Operating lease right-of-use-assets  $-   $99,265   $99,265 
                
Liabilities and equity:               
Accrued liabilities   132,572    (7,939)   124,633 
Operating lease liabilities   -    107,469    107,469 
Retained Earnings   45,537    (338)   45,199 

 

Adoption of ASC 842 had no impact to net earnings in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings as well as no impact to net cash from or used in operating, investing or financing activities in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

3.       REVENUE RECOGNITION – On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new accounting standard ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“new revenue standard”) to all open contracts using the full retrospective method. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to retained earnings on January 1, 2017.

 

The new revenue standard resulted in the deferral of some revenues relating to franchise fees that were previously recognized at a point in time and are now recognized over time, during the life of the franchise agreement. The application of the new standard also resulted in gross revenue recognition of certain ancillary fees related to marketing funds in the FirstService Brands segment. Previously, these amounts were recorded on a net basis.

 

Within the FirstService Brands segment, franchise fee revenue recognized in the quarter that was included in deferred revenue at the beginning of the period was $834 (2018 - $848). These fees are recognized over the life of the underlying franchise agreement, usually between 5 - 10 years.

 

External broker costs and employee sales commissions in obtaining new franchisees are capitalized in accordance with the new revenue standard and are amortized over the life of the underlying franchise agreement. Costs amortized in the quarter were $395 (2018 - $305). The closing amount of the capitalized costs to obtain contracts on the balance sheet as at March 31, 2019 was $6,564 (2018 - $6,427). There were no impairment losses recognized related to those assets in the quarter.

 

The Company’s backlog represents remaining performance obligations and is defined as contracted work yet to be performed. As at March 31, 2019, the aggregate amount of backlog was $162,470. The Company expects to recognize revenue on the remaining backlog over the next 12 months.

 

Disaggregated revenues are as follows:

 

   Three months
   ended March 31
   2019  2018
       
       
FirstService Residential revenue  $319,310   $284,135 
FirstService Brands company-owned operations revenue   135,701    115,188 
FirstService Brands franchisor revenue   29,810    26,285 
FirstService Brands franchise fee revenue   834    848 

 

 

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The Company disaggregates revenue by segment, and within the FirstService Brands segment, further disaggregates its company-owned operations revenue; these businesses primarily recognize revenue over time as they perform because of continuous transfer of control to the customer. As such, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The Company generally uses the cost-to-cost measure of progress method. The extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Revenues, including estimated fees or profits, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred.

 

We believe this disaggregation best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of the Company’s revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

 

4.       RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED – In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. In November 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which amends the scope and transition requirements of ASU 2016-13. The standard requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The standard will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020 and will require a cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (that is, a modified-retrospective approach). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

5.       ACQUISITIONS – In the quarter, the Company completed five acquisitions, two in the FirstService Residential segment and three in the FirstService Brands segment. In the FirstService Residential segment, the Company acquired controlling interests in regional firms operating in Chicago and western Canada. In the FirstService Brands segment, the Company acquired two California Closets franchises operating in Maryland and New Jersey, as well as a fire protection company based in Houston. The acquisition date fair value of consideration transferred was as follows: cash of $25,773, and contingent consideration of $1,370 (2018 - cash of $29,602, and contingent consideration of $1,147).

 

Certain 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.

 

Unless it contains an element of compensation, contingent consideration is recorded at fair value each reporting period. The fair value recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as at March 31, 2019 was $8,062 (see note 9). The estimated range of outcomes (undiscounted) for these contingent consideration arrangements is $6,793 to a maximum of $8,068. The contingencies will expire during the period extending to September 2020. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, $6,815 was paid with reference to such contingent consideration (2018 - $2,900).

 

6.       LEASES – The Company has operating leases for corporate offices, copiers, and certain equipment. Its leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 10 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 8 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. The Company evaluates renewal terms on a lease by lease basis to determine if the renewal is reasonably certain. The amount of operating lease expense recorded in the statement of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $7,117 (2018 - $6,615).

 

 

 

 

 

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Other information related to leases was as follows (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate):

 

Supplemental Cash Flows Information, three months ended March 31  2019 
     
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities  $7,296 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligation  $4,067 
      
Weighted Average Remaining Operating Lease Term   5 years 
Weighted Average Discount Rate   4.2%

 

Future minimum operating lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

2019 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2019)  $22,571 
2020   27,354 
2021   23,645 
2022   17,134 
2023   11,950 
Thereafter   20,096 
Total future minimum lease payments   122,750 
Less imputed interest   (17,508)
Total   105,242 

 

7.       INCOME TAX – The provision for income tax for the three months ended March 31, 2019 reflected a tax expense of 13% (2018 - recovery of 8%) relative to the statutory rate of approximately 27% (2018 - 27%). The difference between the effective rate and the statutory rate relates to the impact of ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting which provides that tax effects of deductions in excess of compensation costs (“windfalls”) and tax deficiencies (“shortfalls”) be recorded in income tax expense. Prior to this update, the tax effects of windfalls and shortfalls were recorded primarily through equity.

 

8.       LONG-TERM DEBT – The Company has $150,000 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 credit facility (the “Facility”) of $250,000. The Facility matures on January 17, 2023 and bears interest at 0.25% to 2.50% over floating reference rates, depending on certain leverage ratios. 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 $100,000, 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 Company’s Senior Notes rank equally in terms of seniority. The Company has granted the lenders and Note-holders various collateral including an interest in all of the assets of the Company. The covenants 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9.       FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS – The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019:

 

       Fair value measurements at March 31, 2019 
                 
   Carrying value at             
    March 31, 2019    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3 
                     
Contingent consideration liability  $8,062   $-   $-   $8,062 

 

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 not have a significant impact on the fair value of the contingent consideration balance.

 

Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability are comprised of the following:

 

 

   2019 
     
Balance, January 1  $13,286 
Amounts recognized on acquisitions   1,370 
Fair value adjustments   221 
Resolved and settled in cash   (6,815)
Balance, March 31  $8,062 
      
Less: Current portion   6,252 
Non-current portion  $1,810 

 

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, 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:

 

 

   March 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 
   Carrying   Fair   Carrying   Fair 
   amount   value   amount   value 
                 
Other receivables  $5,693   $5,693   $4,212   $4,212 
Long-term debt   380,453    387,048    334,523    344,198 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10.       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:

 

   2019 
     
Balance, January 1  $151,585 
RNCI share of earnings   1,796 
RNCI redemption increment   4,020 
Distributions paid to RNCI   (1,194)
Purchases of interests from RNCI, net   (18,987)
RNCI recognized on business acquisitions   1,594 
Other   89 
Balance, March 31  $138,903 

 

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 March 31, 2019 was $135,624. The redemption amount is lower than that recorded on the balance sheet as the formula prices 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 March 31, 2019, approximately 1,600,000 such shares would be issued; this would be accretive to net earnings per share.

 

Increases or decreases to the formula price of the underlying shares are recognized in the statement of earnings as the NCI redemption increment.

 

11.       NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE – Loss per share calculations cannot be anti-dilutive, therefore diluted shares are not used in the denominator when the numerator is in a loss position. The following table reconciles the basic and diluted shares outstanding:

 

 

   Three months ended 
(in thousands)  March 31 
   2019   2018 
         
Basic shares   36,030    35,923 
Assumed exercise of Company stock options   467    603 
Diluted shares   36,497    36,526 

 

 

 Page 13 of 14 

12.       STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Company stock option plan

The Company has a stock option plan for certain directors, officers and key full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, other than its Founder and Chairman. The stock option plan came into existence on June 1, 2015. 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 March 31, 2019, there were 689,500 options available for future grants.

 

Grants under the Company’s stock option plan are equity-classified awards. There were 438,000 stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2019 (2018 - 422,500). Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:

 

           Weighted average     
       Weighted   remaining     
   Number of   average   contractual life   Aggregate 
   options   exercise price   (years)   intrinsic value 
                 
Shares issuable under options -                    
Beginning of period   1,633,150   $44.68           
Granted   438,000    83.89           
Exercised   (134,650)   28.80           
Shares issuable under options -                    
End of period   1,936,500   $54.65    2.94   $67,176 
Options exercisable - End of period   895,402   $39.67    1.90   $44,475 

 

The amount of compensation expense recorded in the statement of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $2,855 (2018 - $1,997). As of March 31, 2019, there was $14,552 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards which is expected to be recognized over the next 5 years. During the three month period ended March 31, 2019, the fair value of options vested was $4,594 (2018 - $6,642).

 

13.       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.

 

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 March 31, 2019, the aggregate amount required to be paid to FC Co, based on a market price of C$119.05 (being the closing price per Subordinate Voting Share on the Toronto Stock Exchange on March 31, 2019), would have been US$329,115.

 

 

 

 Page 14 of 14 

14.       SEGMENTED INFORMATION – 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.

 

 

OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

   FirstService   FirstService         
   Residential   Brands   Corporate   Consolidated 
                 
Three months ended March 31                    
                     
2019                    
Revenues  $319,310   $166,345   $-   $485,655 
Depreciation and amortization   5,966    6,710    11    12,687 
Operating earnings   15,648    3,892    (6,610)   12,930 
                     
2018                    
Revenues  $284,135   $142,321   $-   $426,456 
Depreciation and amortization   5,847    5,928    8    11,783 
Operating earnings   11,366    5,075    (5,368)   11,073 

 

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

 

   United States   Canada   Consolidated   
               
Three months ended March 31                 
                  
2019                 
Revenues  $455,298   $30,357   $485,655   
Total long-lived assets   665,300    44,739    710,039   
                  
2018                 
Revenues  $402,688   $23,768   $426,456   
Total long-lived assets   507,653    40,385    548,038   

 

 

15.       SUBSEQUENT EVENTS – On April 2, the Company announced it had entered into a definitive agreement with Jay S. Hennick, the Company’s Founder and Chairman to settle the long-term incentive arrangement (the “LTIA”) and to eliminate the Company’s dual class share structure. As previously announced, the Multiple Voting Shares of the Company will convert into Subordinate Voting Shares on a one-for-one basis and for no consideration, thereby eliminating the Company’s dual class share structure. FirstService will also acquire all of the shares of FC Co for a purchase price determined with reference to the LTIA formula provided in the management services agreement (“MSA”), and the MSA will be terminated, thereby eliminating the LTIA and all future fees and other entitlements owing thereafter. Mr. Hennick has agreed to accept 80% of the purchase price in Subordinate Voting Shares, with the balance paid in cash. The Company will, under the terms of the transaction: (a) pay $62,900 (approximately C$84,300) in cash; and issue a total of 2,919 Subordinate Voting Shares. The transaction is subject to shareholder approval at the Annual and Special meeting of Shareholders on May 3, 2019.

 

On April 11, 2019, the Company expanded its revolving credit facility. Under the amended facility, the borrowing capacity has been increased to $450,000, up from $350,000. The maturity date of the facility remains January 2023. The facility will continue to be utilized for working capital and general corporate purposes and to fund future tuck-under acquisitions.

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE three MONTH PERIOD ENDED March 31, 2019

(in US dollars)

May 2, 2019

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) should be read together with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of FirstService Corporation (the “Company” or “FirstService”) for the three month period ended March 31, 2019 and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, and MD&A, for the year ended December 31, 2018. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). All financial information herein is presented in United States dollars.

 

The Company has prepared this MD&A with reference to National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations of the Canadian Securities Administrators (the "CSA"). Under the U.S./Canada Multijurisdictional Disclosure System, the Company is permitted to prepare this MD&A in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canada, which requirements are different from those of the United States. This MD&A provides information for the three month period ended March 31, 2019 and up to and including May 2, 2019.

 

Additional information about the Company, including the Company’s Annual Information Form, which is included in FirstService’s Annual Report on Form 40-F, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the US Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.

 

 

Consolidated review

 

Our operating results for the seasonally slow first quarter were strong. Consolidated revenue growth was 14% relative to the same quarter in the prior year, and resulted in year-over-year gains in Adjusted EBITDA and operating earnings.

 

During the first quarter of 2019, we completed five business acquisitions, two in our FirstService Residential segment and three in our FirstService Brands segment. During the past year, we also completed various other acquisitions in both divisions, which provided additional revenue growth for the first quarter of 2019. These tuck-under acquisitions, which are in the process of being integrated into our operations, increase the scale of our market positions, extend our geographic footprints, or expand the service offerings in our respective businesses.

 

Results of operations - three months ended March 31, 2019

 

Revenues for our first quarter were $485.7 million, 14% higher than the comparable prior year quarter. On an organic basis, revenues were up 7%, with the balance from contribution of acquisitions.

 

Adjusted EBITDA (see “Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures” below) for the first quarter was $29.2 million versus $25.4 million reported in the prior year quarter. Our Adjusted EBITDA margin was 6.0% of revenues, flat versus the prior year quarter. Consolidated operating earnings for the quarter were $12.9 million, up from $11.1 million in the prior year period. The operating earnings margin was 2.7% versus 2.6% in the prior year quarter.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense totalled $12.7 million for the quarter relative to $11.8 million for the prior year quarter. The increase is primarily related to depreciation and amortization from recently acquired company-owned operations in our FirstService Brands segment.

 

Net interest expense was $3.6 million versus $2.9 million recorded in the prior year quarter and is primarily attributable to the increase in our average outstanding debt.

 

The consolidated income tax rate for the quarter was 13%, compared to a recovery of 8% in the prior year quarter, relative to the statutory rate of 27% in both periods. The current quarter’s tax rate was affected primarily by ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which provides that tax effects of deductions in excess of compensation costs (“windfalls”) and tax deficiencies (“shortfalls”) be recorded in income tax expense. Prior to this update, the tax effects of windfalls and shortfalls were recorded primarily through equity. The effective tax rate for the full year is expected to be approximately 25%.

 

 

 Page 2 of 9 

Net earnings for the quarter were $8.1 million, versus $8.9 million in the prior year quarter, with the decrease largely attributable to the higher interest and tax expense mentioned above.

 

The NCI redemption increment for the first quarter was $4.0 million, versus $0.5 million in the prior period, and was attributable to changes in the trailing two-year average earnings of non-wholly owned subsidiaries.

 

The FirstService Residential segment reported revenues of $319.3 million for the first quarter, up 12% versus the prior year quarter. Organic growth accounted for half of this increase, with particularly strong performance in our New York, California and Nevada markets. Adjusted EBITDA was $21.8 million relative to $17.5 million in the prior year quarter. Operating earnings for the first quarter were $15.6 million versus $11.4 million in the prior year period. The improvement in our operating margin was largely driven by the contribution of recent acquisitions with a non-seasonal cash flow profile during our seasonally weakest first quarter.

 

Revenues from FirstService Brands in the first quarter were $166.3 million, up 17% relative to the prior year period. The revenue increase was comprised of 7% organic growth, together with contribution from tuck-under acquisitions within the past year at our California Closets, Paul Davis Restoration and Century Fire company-owned platforms. During the quarter, organic growth was robust at our operations which benefit from strong home improvement spending, including our California Closets company-owned and franchised operations and our CertaPro Painters and Floor Coverings International franchised systems. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $11.0 million, down from $11.2 million in the prior year period. The decline in our margin was largely attributable to lower activity levels at our Paul Davis Restoration company-owned operations compared to the prior year quarter. Operating earnings were $3.9 million versus $5.1 million in the prior year quarter, with the decline primarily due to increased depreciation and amortization from recently completed tuck-under acquisitions.

 

Corporate costs, as presented in Adjusted EBITDA were $3.7 million for the quarter, up from $3.2 million in the prior year period. On a GAAP basis, corporate costs for the current quarter were $6.6 million, compared to $5.4 million in the prior year period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Page 3 of 9 

Summary of quarterly results

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

 

Quarter  Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4 
                 
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2019                    
Revenues  $485,655                
Operating earnings   12,930                
Net earnings per share:                    
Basic   0.06                
Diluted   0.06                
                     
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018                    
Revenues  $426,456   $495,348   $506,356   $503,313 
Operating earnings   11,073    42,350    45,298    28,847 
Net earnings per share:                    
Basic   0.17    0.63    0.72    0.32 
Diluted   0.17    0.62    0.70    0.31 
                     
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017                    
Revenues  $380,349   $441,666   $463,379   $443,637 
Operating earnings   8,971    35,266    34,019    26,706 
Net earnings (loss) per share:                    
Basic   0.12    0.50    0.42    0.39 
Diluted   0.12    0.49    0.41    0.38 
                     
OTHER DATA                    
Adjusted EBITDA - 2019  $29,150                
Adjusted EBITDA - 2018   25,414   $57,118   $59,426   $48,653 
Adjusted EBITDA - 2017   20,127   $47,076   $52,624   $39,485 
Adjusted EPS - 2019   0.30                
Adjusted EPS - 2018   0.25    0.86    0.89    0.62 
Adjusted EPS - 2017   0.16    0.60    0.73    0.49 

 

Seasonality and quarterly fluctuations

 

Certain segments of the operations of FirstService are subject to seasonal variations. The seasonality of the service lines results in variations in quarterly revenues and operating margins. Variations can also be caused by acquisitions or dispositions, which alter the combined service mix.

 

The FirstService Residential segment generates peak revenues and earnings in the third quarter, as seasonal ancillary swimming pool management revenues are earned.

 

The FirstService Brands segment includes outdoor painting and franchise operations, which generate the majority of their revenues during the second and third quarters.

 

 

 

 

 Page 4 of 9 

Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures

 

In this MD&A, we make reference to “adjusted EBITDA” and “adjusted EPS”, which are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings, adjusted to exclude: (i) income tax; (ii) other (income) expense; (iii) interest expense; (iv) depreciation and amortization; (v) acquisition-related items; and (vi) stock-based compensation expense. The Company uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate its own operating performance, its ability to service debt, and as an integral part of its planning and reporting systems. Additionally, this measure is used in conjunction with discounted cash flow models to determine the Company’s overall enterprise valuation and to evaluate acquisition targets. Adjusted EBITDA is presented as a supplemental measure because the Company believes such a measure is useful to investors as a reasonable indicator of operating performance, due to the low capital intensity of the Company’s service operations. The Company believes this measure is a financial metric used by many investors to compare companies, especially in the services industry. This measure is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP in the United States, and should not be considered as a substitute for operating earnings, net earnings or cash flow from operating activities, as determined in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s method of calculating adjusted EBITDA may differ from other issuers and accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. A reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to adjusted EBITDA appears below.

 

 

   Three months ended 
(in thousands of US dollars)  March 31 
   2019   2018 
         
Net earnings  $8,145   $8,935 
Income tax   1,209    (672)
Other (income) expense   7    (64)
Interest expense, net   3,569    2,874 
Operating earnings   12,930    11,073 
Depreciation and amortization   12,687    11,783 
Acquisition-related items   678    561 
Stock-based compensation expense   2,855    1,997 
Adjusted EBITDA  $29,150   $25,414 

 

Adjusted EPS is defined as diluted net earnings per share, adjusted for the effect, after income tax, of: (i) the non-controlling interest redemption increment; (ii) acquisition-related items; (iii) amortization expense related to intangible assets recognized in connection with acquisitions; (iv) stock-based compensation expense; and (v) a stock-based compensation tax adjustment related to a US GAAP change. The Company believes this measure is useful to investors because it provides a supplemental way to understand the underlying operating performance of the Company and enhances the comparability of operating results from period to period. Adjusted EPS is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as a substitute for diluted net earnings per share, as determined in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s method of calculating this non-GAAP measure may differ from other issuers and, accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. A reconciliation of net earnings to adjusted net earnings and of diluted net earnings per share to adjusted EPS appears below.

 

 

 Page 5 of 9 

   Three months ended 
(in thousands of US dollars)  March 31 
   2019   2018 
         
Net earnings  $8,145   $8,935 
Non-controlling interest share of earnings   (1,796)   (2,320)
Acquisition-related items   678    561 
Amortization of intangible assets   4,307    3,914 
Stock-based compensation expense   2,855    1,997 
Stock-based compensation tax adjustment for US GAAP change   (1,344)   (2,415)
Income tax on adjustments   (1,862)   (1,537)
Non-controlling interest on adjustments   (88)   (110)
Adjusted net earnings  $10,895   $9,025 

 

   Three months ended 
(in US dollars)  March 31 
   2019   2018 
         
Diluted net earnings per share  $0.06   $0.17 
Non-controlling interest redemption increment   0.11    0.01 
Acquisition-related items   0.02    0.02 
Amortization of intangible assets, net of tax   0.09    0.08 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax   0.06    0.04 
Stock-based compensation tax adjustment for US GAAP change   (0.04)   (0.07)
Adjusted EPS  $0.30   $0.25 

 

We believe that the presentation of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS, which are non-GAAP financial measures, provides important supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. We use these non-GAAP financial measures when evaluating operating performance because we believe that the inclusion or exclusion of the items described above, for which the amounts are non-cash or non-recurring in nature, provides a supplemental measure of our operating results that facilitates comparability of our operating performance from period to period, against our business model objectives, and against other companies in our industry. We have chosen to provide this information to investors so they can analyze our operating results in the same way that management does and use this information in their assessment of our core business and the valuation of the Company. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, and should be considered supplemental to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the costs or benefits associated with the operations of our business as determined in accordance with GAAP. As a result, investors should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

 

Liquidity and capital resources

 

The Company generated cash flow from operating activities of $25.6 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2019, relative to $8.3 million in the prior year period. The increase in operating cash flow was favourably impacted by changes in non-cash working capital, primarily the collection of aged accounts receivable in our FirstService Brands segment. In the second, third and fourth quarters of 2019, we expect positive cash flow from operating activities. We believe that cash from operations and other existing resources will continue to be adequate to satisfy the ongoing working capital needs of the Company.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, capital expenditures were $10.7 million. Based on our current operations, maintenance capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2019 are expected to be around $45 million.

 

In April 2019, we paid a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share on the Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares in respect of the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

 

 

 Page 6 of 9 

Net indebtedness as at March 31, 2019 was $310.8 million, versus $268.2 million at December 31, 2018. Net indebtedness is calculated as the current and non-current portion of long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents. The change in indebtedness resulted primarily from purchases of fixed assets, business acquisitions, and purchases of non-controlling interests. We are in compliance with the covenants within our financing agreements as at March 31, 2019 and, based on our outlook for the balance of the year, we expect to remain in compliance with these covenants. We had $121.4 million of available un-drawn credit as of March 31, 2019.

 

In April 2019, we expanded our revolving credit facility. Under the amended facility, the borrowing capacity was increased to $450 million, up from $350 million, with the maturity date remaining January 2023. The facility will continue to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes and to fund future tuck-under acquisitions.

 

In relation to acquisitions completed during the past two years, we have outstanding contingent consideration totalling $8.1 million as at March 31, 2019 ($13.3 million as at December 31, 2018) assuming all contingencies are satisfied and payment is due in full. Such payments, if any, are due during the period extending to September 2020. The contingent consideration liability is recognized at fair value upon acquisition and is re-measured each quarter, unless it contains an element of compensation, in which case such element is treated as compensation expense over the contingency period. The contingent consideration is based on achieving specified earnings levels, and is paid or payable at the end of the contingency period. We estimate that, based on current operating results, approximately 85% of the contingent consideration outstanding as of March 31, 2019 will ultimately be paid. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, $6.8 million of contingent consideration was paid (2018 - $2.9 million).

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as at March 31, 2019:

 

Contractual obligations  Payments due by period 
(in thousands of US dollars)      Less than           After 
   Total   1 year   1-3 years   4-5 years   5 years 
                     
Long-term debt  $377,319   $2,353   $60,858   $284,108   $30,000 
Interest on long-term debt   53,475    14,308    24,463    12,976    1,728 
Capital lease obligations   3,134    1,853    1,281    -    - 
Contingent acquisition consideration   8,062    6,252    1,810    -    - 
Operating leases   122,750    22,571    50,999    29,084    20,096 
                          
Total contractual obligations  $564,740   $47,337   $139,411   $326,168   $51,824 

 

At March 31, 2019, we had commercial commitments totaling $4.9 million comprised of letters of credit outstanding due to expire within one year. We are required to make semi-annual payments of interest on our senior notes at a weighted average interest rate of 3.8%.

 

Redeemable non-controlling interests

 

In most operations where managers, employees or brokers are also minority owners, the Company is party to shareholders’ agreements. These agreements allow us to “call” the minority position at a value determined with the use of a formula price, which is in most cases equal to a multiple of trailing two-year average earnings, less debt. Minority owners may also “put” their interest to the Company at the same price, with certain limitations including (i) the inability to “put” more than 50% of their holdings in any twelve-month period and (ii) the inability to “put” any holdings for at least one year after the date of our initial acquisition of the business or the date the minority shareholder acquired the stock, as the case may be. The total value of the minority shareholders’ interests (the “redemption amount”), as calculated in accordance with shareholders’ agreements, was as follows.

 

 

 

 

 Page 7 of 9 

   March 31   December 31 
(in thousands of US dollars)  2019   2018 
         
FirstService Residential  $65,652   $80,631 
FirstService Brands   69,972    68,501 
   $135,624   $149,132 

 

The amount recorded on our balance sheet under the caption “redeemable non-controlling interests” (“RNCI”) is the greater of: (i) the redemption amount (as above) or (ii) the amount initially recorded as RNCI at the date of inception of the minority equity position. As at March 31, 2019, the RNCI recorded on the balance sheet was $138.9 million. The purchase prices of the RNCI may be paid in cash or in Subordinate Voting Shares, at the option of FirstService. If all RNCI were redeemed in cash, the pro forma estimated reduction to GAAP diluted net earnings per share for the first quarter of 2019 would be $0.13 and the accretion to adjusted EPS would be $0.02.

 

Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements other than those disclosed in notes 11 and 17 to the December 31, 2018 audited consolidated financial statements.

 

Critical accounting policies and estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions with respect to the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are based upon management’s historical experience and are believed by management to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Our critical accounting policies and estimates have been reviewed and discussed with our Audit Committee. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2018, except as noted below.

 

On January 1, 2019, FirstService adopted ASU 842, Leases, using the modified retrospective approach. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification.

 

We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, and have elected to account for each lease component (e.g., fixed rent payments) separately from the non-lease components (e.g., common-area maintenance costs). We have also elected not to recognize the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less. Leases are recognized on the balance sheet when the lease term commences, and the associated lease payments are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

The standard had a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet, the primary impact being the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for operating leases, while our accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. The standard did not impact our consolidated net earnings and had no impact on cash flows.

 

Recently issued accounting standards

 

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. In November 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which amends the scope and transition requirements of ASU 2016-13. The standard requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The standard will become effective beginning January 1, 2020 and will require a cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (that is, a modified-retrospective approach). We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 Page 8 of 9 

Financial instruments

 

We use financial instruments as part of our strategy to manage the risk associated with interest rates and currency exchange rates from time to time. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. As of the date of this MD&A, we have no such financial instruments in place.

 

Transactions with related parties

 

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 three months ended March 31, 2019 was $0.2 million (2018 - $0.2 million).

 

As at March 31, 2019, the Company had $2.1 million of loans receivable from minority shareholders (December 31, 2018 - $2.1 million). The business purpose of the loans receivable is 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.

 

Outstanding share data

 

The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of preference shares, issuable in series, an unlimited number of Subordinate Voting Shares and an unlimited number of Multiple Voting Shares. The holders of Subordinate Voting Shares are entitled to one vote in respect of each Subordinate Voting Share held at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company. The holders of Multiple Voting Shares are entitled to twenty votes in respect of each Multiple Voting Share held at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company. Each Multiple Voting Share is convertible into one Subordinate Voting Share at any time at the election of the holders thereof.

 

As of the date of this MD&A, the Company has outstanding 34,843,003 Subordinate Voting Shares and 1,325,694 Multiple Voting Shares. In addition, as at the date hereof 1,882,500 Subordinate Voting Shares are issuable upon exercise of options granted under the Company’s stock option plan.

 

Canadian tax treatment of dividends

 

For the purposes of the enhanced dividend tax credit rules contained in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any corresponding provincial and territorial tax legislation, all dividends (and deemed dividends) paid by us to Canadian residents on our Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares are designated as “eligible dividends”. Unless stated otherwise, all dividends (and deemed dividends) paid by us hereafter are designated as “eligible dividends” for the purposes of such rules.

 

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the three month period ended March 31, 2019 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting. Additionally, we have implemented internal controls over the new lease accounting standard. These were implemented as of the effective date, January 1, 2019.

 

 

 

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Forward-looking statements

 

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements with respect to expected financial performance, strategy and business conditions. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “project,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements reflect management's current beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risk and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors which may cause such differences include, but are not limited to those set out below and those set out in detail in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Information Form, which is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 40-F:

 

·Economic conditions, especially as they relate to commercial and consumer credit conditions and consumer spending.
·Commercial real estate property values, vacancy rates and general conditions of financial liquidity for real estate transactions.
·Residential real estate property values, resale rates and general conditions of financial liquidity for real estate transactions.
·Extreme weather conditions impacting demand for our services or our ability to perform those services.
·Competition in the markets served by the Company.
·Labour shortages or increases in wage and benefit costs.
·The effects of changes in interest rates on our cost of borrowing.
·Unexpected increases in operating costs, such as insurance, workers’ compensation, health care and fuel prices.
·Changes in the frequency or severity of insurance incidents relative to our historical experience.
·The effects of changes in foreign exchange rates in relation to the US dollar on the Company’s Canadian dollar denominated revenues and expenses.
·Our ability to make acquisitions at reasonable prices and successfully integrate acquired operations.
·Political conditions, including any outbreak or escalation of terrorism or hostilities and the impact thereof on our business.
·Changes in government policies at the federal, state/provincial or local level that may adversely impact our businesses.

 

We caution that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all possible factors, as other factors could adversely affect our results, performance or achievements. The reader is cautioned against undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in such forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of such forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future events, plans or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. We note that past performance in operations and share price are not necessarily predictive of future performance. We disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement even if new information becomes available, as a result of future events except as required by securities law.

 

 

Additional information

 

Additional information regarding the Company, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.