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Exhibit 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2021

 

 

Page 2 of 28

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

MANAGEMENTS REPORT

MANAGEMENTS 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 3 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, 2021. As auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have full and independent access to the Audit Committee to discuss their findings.

 

MANAGEMENTS 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 eighteen 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, 2021. The total assets and total revenues of the eighteen majority-owned entities represent 1.6% and 2.4%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as at and for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2021, 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, 2021, 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, 2021, 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

March 3, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 3 of 28

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of FirstService Corporation

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FirstService Corporation and its subsidiaries (together, the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive earnings, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

 

Basis for Opinions

The Company's 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 opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. 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.

 

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded eighteen entities from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 because they were acquired by the Company in purchase business combinations during 2021. We have also excluded these eighteen entities from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Total assets and total revenues of these majority-owned entities excluded from management’s assessment and our audit of internal control over financial reporting represent 1.6% and 2.4%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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.

 

 

Page 4 of 28

 

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.

 

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

 

Qualitative Goodwill Impairment Assessment

As described in Notes 3 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s goodwill balance was $843.4 million as of December 31, 2021. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, on August 1, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired, in which case the carrying amount of goodwill is written down to fair value. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level. The Company has seven reporting units. 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 (the qualitative goodwill impairment assessment). Where it is determined to be more likely than not that its fair value is greater than its carrying amount, then no further quantitative impairment testing is required. As disclosed by management, management uses significant judgment in assessing the qualitative factors to be considered in the qualitative goodwill impairment assessment, including the financial performance of a reporting unit, changes in the business or economic environment, or declines in the market value of the Company’s own shares.

 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the qualitative goodwill impairment assessment is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management in assessing the qualitative factors in the qualitative goodwill impairment assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount; and a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to management’s qualitative goodwill impairment assessment of the financial performance of a reporting unit, changes in the business or economic environment, or declines in the market value of the Company’s own shares.

 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s qualitative goodwill impairment assessment. These procedures also included, among others, evaluating the reasonableness of management’s qualitative goodwill impairment assessment related to the financial performance of each reporting unit, changes in the business or economic environment, or declines in the market value of the Company’s own shares by (i) considering current and past performance of the reporting units; (ii) considering consistency with external market and industry data; (iii) comparing share price trends and market capitalization for the Company to historical amounts; and (iv) considering consistency with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.

 

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

 

Toronto, Canada

March 3, 2022

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.

 

 

Page 5 of 28

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 

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

 
                 

Years ended December 31

 

2021

   

2020

 
                 

Revenues (note 4)

  $ 3,249,072     $ 2,772,415  
                 

Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)

    2,202,840       1,871,798  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    733,602       628,523  

Depreciation

    55,074       51,918  

Amortization of intangible assets

    43,891       46,464  

Acquisition-related items (note 5)

    12,023       4,300  

Operating earnings

    201,642       169,412  
                 

Interest expense, net

    16,036       24,318  

Other income, net (note 7)

    (23,399 )     (361 )

Earnings before income tax

    209,005       145,455  

Income tax (note 16)

    52,875       35,865  

Net earnings

    156,130       109,590  
                 

Non-controlling interest share of earnings (note 13)

    7,422       6,354  

Non-controlling interest redemption increment (note 13)

    13,496       15,977  

Net earnings attributable to Company

  $ 135,212     $ 87,259  
                 
                 

Net earnings per common share (note 17)

               
                 

Basic

  $ 3.08     $ 2.04  

Diluted

  $ 3.05     $ 2.02  

 

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

 

 

 

Page 6 of 28

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

 

(in thousands of US dollars)

 
                 

Years ended December 31

 

2021

   

2020

 
                 

Net earnings

  $ 156,130     $ 109,590  
                 

Foreign currency translation gain (loss)

    (183 )     2,604  

Comprehensive earnings

    155,947       112,194  
                 

Less: Comprehensive earnings attributable to non-controlling shareholders

    20,918       22,331  
                 

Comprehensive earnings attributable to Company

  $ 135,029     $ 89,863  

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 7 of 28

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

        

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

        

(in thousands of US dollars)

 
         

As at December 31

 

2021

  

2020

 

Assets

        

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $165,665  $184,295 

Restricted cash

  28,606   24,643 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $13,984 (December 31, 2020 - $15,822) (note 3)

  551,564   418,890 

Income tax recoverable

  6,842   7,397 

Inventories (note 8)

  161,387   141,979 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  50,596   42,112 
   964,660   819,316 
         

Other receivables

  4,719   4,170 

Other assets

  14,619   8,752 

Deferred income tax (note 16)

  1,760   2,048 

Fixed assets (note 9)

  138,066   126,569 

Operating lease right-of-use assets (note 6)

  159,730   153,185 

Intangible assets (note 10)

  382,107   378,762 

Goodwill (note 11)

  843,362   703,738 
   1,544,363   1,377,224 
  $2,509,023  $2,196,540 
         

Liabilities and shareholders' equity

        

Current liabilities

        

Accounts payable

 $100,125  $98,500 

Accrued liabilities (note 8)

  286,404   251,192 

Income tax payable

  2,554   7,892 

Unearned revenues

  116,415   90,131 

Operating lease liabilities - current (note 6)

  48,047   35,315 

Long-term debt - current (note 12)

  57,436   56,478 

Contingent acquisition consideration - current (note 19)

  7,491   4,243 
   618,472   543,751 
         

Long-term debt - non-current (note 12)

  595,368   533,126 

Operating lease liabilities - non-current (note 6)

  122,337   128,793 

Contingent acquisition consideration (note 19)

  24,855   19,885 

Unearned revenues

  15,083   13,939 

Other liabilities

  71,981   62,269 

Deferred income tax (note 16)

  42,070   41,345 
   871,694   799,357 

Redeemable non-controlling interests (note 13)

  219,135   193,034 
         

Shareholders' equity

  799,722   660,398 
  $2,509,023  $2,196,540 
         

Commitments and contingent liabilities(note 20)

          

 

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

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

/s/Joan Sproul /s/D. Scott Patterson
Director Director

 

 

Page 8 of 28

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)

 
                                                 
   

Common shares

                   

Accumulated

         
   

Issued and

                   

Retained

   

other

         
   

outstanding

           

Contributed

   

Earnings

   

comprehensive

         
   

shares

   

Amount

   

surplus

   

(Deficit)

   

income (loss)

   

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

    41,495,957     $ 605,428     $ 50,789     $ (229,874 )   $ (456 )   $ 425,887  
                                                 

Net earnings

    -       -       -       87,259       -       87,259  

Other comprehensive earnings

    -       -       -       -       2,604       2,604  

Impact of ASU 2016-13 (Topic 326)

    -       -       -       (53 )     -       (53 )

Subsidiaries’ equity transactions

    -       -       (28 )     -       -       (28 )

Common Shares:

                                               

Stock option expense

    -       -       11,628       -       -       11,628  

Stock options exercised

    294,238       14,596       (3,086 )     -       -       11,510  

Dividends

    -       -       -       (28,417 )     -       (28,417 )

Issued - private placement (note 14)

    1,797,359       150,008       -       -       -       150,008  

Balance, December 31, 2020

    43,587,554     $ 770,032     $ 59,303     $ (171,085 )   $ 2,148     $ 660,398  
                                                 

Net earnings

    -       -       -       135,212       -       135,212  

Other comprehensive loss

    -       -       -       -       (183 )     (183 )

Subsidiaries’ equity transactions

    -       -       13       -       -       13  

Common Shares:

                                               

Stock option expense

    -       -       14,746       -       -       14,746  

Stock options exercised

    425,477       27,396       (5,813 )     -       -       21,583  

Dividends

    -       -       -       (32,047 )     -       (32,047 )

Balance, December 31, 2021

    44,013,031     $ 797,428     $ 68,249     $ (67,920 )   $ 1,965     $ 799,722  

 

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

 

 

Page 9 of 28

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

               

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(in thousands of US dollars)

 
                 

Years ended December 31

 

2021

   

2020

 
                 

Cash provided by (used in)

               
                 

Operating activities

               

Net earnings

  $ 156,130     $ 109,590  
                 

Items not affecting cash:

               

Depreciation and amortization

    98,965       98,382  

Deferred income tax

    (2,616 )     (18,054 )

Contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments

    10,236       -  

Gain on sale of disposal of business

    (12,518 )     -  

Gain on sale of fixed asset

    (7,291 )     -  

Other

    15,755       12,307  
                 

Changes in non-cash working capital:

               

Accounts receivable

    (86,943 )     8,908  

Inventories

    (15,505 )     (44,235 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    (8,591 )     (1,618 )

Accounts payable

    (10,363 )     13,710  

Accrued liabilities

    12,329       72,270  

Income tax payable

    (4,783 )     4,642  

Unearned revenues

    18,075       13,055  

Other liabilities

    17,662       22,808  
                 

Contingent acquisition consideration paid

    (13,273 )     -  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    167,269       291,765  
                 

Investing activities

               

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (note 5)

    (163,221 )     (98,559 )

Disposal of businesses, net of cash disposed (note 7)

    15,780       -  

Purchases of fixed assets

    (58,204 )     (39,415 )

Other investing activities

    (675 )     (4,288 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (206,320 )     (142,262 )
                 

Financing activities

               

Increase in long-term debt

    130,480       25,281  

Repayment of long-term debt

    (68,422 )     (204,568 )

Proceeds received on common share issuance (note 14)

    -       150,008  

Purchases of non-controlling interests

    (7,860 )     (20,231 )

Sale of interests in subsidiaries to non-controlling interests

    1,350       -  

Contingent acquisition consideration paid

    (12,252 )     (4,664 )

Proceeds received on exercise of stock options

    21,583       11,510  

Dividends paid to common shareholders

    (31,207 )     (27,448 )

Distributions paid to non-controlling interests

    (9,241 )     (5,084 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    24,431       (75,196 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    (47 )     340  
                 

Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

    (14,667 )     74,647  

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year

    208,938       134,291  

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year

  $ 194,271     $ 208,938  

 

 

Page 10 of 28

 

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; (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, First Onsite, California Closets, CertaPro Painters, Pillar to Post Home Inspectors, Floor Coverings International, and Century Fire Protection.

 

 

2.

Risks and uncertainties

 

Currently, one of the most significant risks and uncertainties is the potential adverse effect of the current pandemic of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic in North America has had an impact on most of the Company’s operations. All of its businesses have been designated essential services in most of their geographic regions. The various “stay-at-home” and social distancing measures continue to impact the Company’s ability to operate on the premises of its residential and commercial customers. Although many regions where the Company operates have re-opened, it is challenging to predict the financial performance in upcoming reporting periods with reasonable accuracy due to the lack of visibility around the duration and severity of the crisis and its dynamic changes.

 

 

3.

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, 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 and its majority-owned subsidiaries 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.

 

 

Page 11 of 28

 

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.

 

The Company’s restricted cash balance consists primarily of cash related to our marketing funds in the FirstService Brands segment, cash held for certain employees’ benefit plans, and cash held for insurance broker commissions owed in our FirstService Residential segment.

 

Accounts Receivable

In the ordinary course of business the Company extends non-interest bearing trade credit to its customers. Accounts receivable are reported on the face of the consolidated balance sheets, net of an allowance for credit losses. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that will not be collected. In determining the allowance for credit losses, the Company analyzes the aging of accounts receivable, historical payment experience, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends.

 

Accounting policy for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, credit quality, the age of the accounts receivable balances, and current economic conditions that may impact a customer’s ability to pay.

 

A reconciliation of our allowance for credit losses is found below:

 

(In thousands)

 

2021

  

2020

 
         

Allowance for credit losses, January 1

 $15,822  $13,136 

Bad debt expense

  6,155   11,624 

Write-offs to accounts receivable

  (8,163)  (9,446)

Recoveries to accounts receivable

  13   169 

Adjustment to opening retained earnings

  -   53 

Other

  157   286 

Allowance for credit losses, December 31

 $13,984  $15,822 

 

Inventories

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

 

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 straight-line

 

 

Page 12 of 28

 

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. The classification of an asset or liability 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 our amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders and our $120,000 of senior secured notes (the “Senior Notes”) are deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method.

 

Leases

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.

 

At lease commencement, which is generally when the Company takes possession of the asset, the Company records a lease liability and a corresponding right-of-use asset. Lease liabilities represent the present value of minimum lease payments over the expected lease term, which includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain those options will be exercised. The present value of the lease liability is determined using the Company’s incremental collateralized borrowing rate at the lease commencement.

 

Minimum lease payments include base rent, fixed escalation of rental payments, and rental payments that are adjusted periodically depending on a rate or index.

 

Right-of-use assets represent the right to control the use of the leased asset during the lease and are initially recognized in an amount equal to the lease liability. In addition, prepaid rent, initial direct costs, and adjustments for lease incentives are components of the right-of-use asset. Over the lease term the lease expense is amortized on a straight-line basis beginning on the lease commencement date. Right-of-use assets are assessed for impairment as part of the impairment of long-lived assets, which is performed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable.

 

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. They are amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Customer 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 1 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.

 

 

Page 13 of 28

 

Goodwill is 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.

 

Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level. The Company has seven 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 goodwill impairment test is performed. A quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value is estimated using a market multiple method, which estimates market multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. Significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value of each reporting unit include the market multiples of EBITDA.

 

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

The Company accounts for a contract with a customer when there is approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. The Company’s revenues are measured based on consideration specified in the contract of each customer and revenue is recognized as the performance obligations are satisfied by transferring the control of the service or product to a customer.

 

(a) Revenues from property and amenity management services

Property and amenity management services represent a series of distinct daily services, that in nature are substantially the same, rendered over time. The Company is compensated for these services through monthly management fees and fees associated with ancillary services. Revenue is recognized for the fees associated with the services performed.

 

(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 restoration and construction contracts, are recognized over time based on percentage of completion, based on a 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.

 

(c) Franchisor operations

The Company operates several franchise systems within its FirstService Brands segment. Initial franchise fees are deferred and recognized over the term of the franchise agreement. 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.

 

The Company’s franchise systems operate marketing funds on behalf of franchisees. Advertising fund contributions from franchisees are reported as revenues and advertising fund expenditures are reported as expenses in our statements of earnings. To the extent that contributions received exceed advertising expenditures, the excess amount is accrued and offset as a deferred liability, whereas any expenditures in excess of contributions are expensed as incurred. As such, advertising fund contributions and the related revenues and expenses may be reported in different periods.

 

 

Page 14 of 28

 

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, the current liability is recorded in accrued liabilities, and the non-current portion is recorded in other liabilities.

 

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 determination of fair values of assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations requires the use of estimates and judgement by management, particularly in determining fair values of intangible assets acquired.

 

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.

 

 

Page 15 of 28

 

 

4.

Revenue from contracts with customers

 

Within the FirstService Brands segment, franchise fee revenue recognized during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 that was included in deferred revenue at the beginning of the period was $4,378 (2020 - $4,012). 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 revenue standard and are amortized over the life of the underlying franchise agreement. Costs amortized during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 were $2,053 (2020 - $1,888). The closing amount of the capitalized costs to obtain contracts on the balance sheet as at December 31, 2021 was $7,501 (2020 - $7,157). 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 December 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of backlog was $464,134 (2020 - $376,479). The Company expects to recognize revenue on the remaining backlog over the next 12 months.

 

Disaggregated revenues are as follows: 

 

  

Year ended

 
  

December 31

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Revenues

        
         

FirstService Residential

 $1,585,431  $1,415,121 

FirstService Brands company-owned operations

  1,482,701   1,216,254 

FirstService Brands franchisor

  176,341   136,746 

FirstService Brands franchise fee

  4,599   4,294 

 

The Company disaggregates revenue by segment. Within the FirstService Brands segment, the Company 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 percentage of completion 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.

 

 

5.

Acquisitions

 

2021 acquisitions:

The Company acquired controlling interests in eighteen smaller tuck-under acquisitions, which each on an individual basis was immaterial to the financial contribution of the Company’s overall consolidated financial results, four in the FirstService Residential segment and fourteen in the FirstService Brands segment. In the FirstService Residential segment, the Company acquired regional firms operating in Florida, Arizona, and New Jersey. In the FirstService Brands segment, the Company acquired ten independent restoration companies operating in Oklahoma, New York City, Indiana, Florida, New Jersey, Hawaii, Virginia, Seattle, and Wisconsin, as well as two fire protection companies operating in Atlanta and Maryland. The Company also acquired two regional operations located in the Midwest U.S., including a California Closets franchise located in Minnesota.

 

 


Page 16 of 28

 

Details of these acquisitions are as follows: 

 

  

Aggregate

 
  

Acquisitions

 
     

Accounts receivable

 $45,619 

Other current assets

  5,988 

Non-current assets

  11,260 

Accounts payable

  (12,030)

Accrued liabilities

  (8,886)

Other current liabilities

  (12,343)

Non-current liabilities

  (1,177)

Deferred tax liabilities

  (2,974)

Redeemable non-controlling interest

  (18,986)
  $6,471 
     

Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $11,302

 $163,221 

Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration

  22,537 

Total purchase consideration

 $185,758 
     

Acquired intangible assets

 $42,693 

Goodwill

 $136,594 

 

“Acquisition-related items” included both transaction costs and contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments. Acquisition-related transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $1,787 (2020 - $4,561). Also included in acquisition-related items was an increase of $10,236 related to contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments (2020 – reversal of $261).

 

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, 2021 was financed from borrowings under the Credit Agreement and cash on hand.

 

The amount of revenues and earnings contributed from the date of acquisition and included in the Company’s consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the supplemental pro forma revenues and earnings of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2020, are as follows:

 

  

Revenues

  

Net earnings

 
         

Actual from acquired entities for 2021

 $77,216  $7,980 

Supplemental pro forma for 2021 (unaudited)

  3,410,090   171,374 

Supplemental pro forma for 2020 (unaudited)

  3,070,422   138,829 

 

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

 

2020 acquisitions:

The Company acquired controlling interests in six businesses, two in the FirstService Residential segment and four in the FirstService Brands segment. In the FirstService Residential segment, the Company acquired regional firms operating in New York and North Carolina. In the FirstService Brands segment, the Company acquired two fire protection companies operating in Kansas City and Virginia, respectively, as well two independent restoration companies located in Alberta and in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

 

 

Page 17 of 28

 

Details of these acquisitions are as follows: 

 

  

Aggregate

 
  

Acquisitions

 
     

Current assets

 $36,281 

Non-current assets

  7,277 

Current liabilities

  (21,491)

Non-current liabilities

  (1,350)

Deferred tax liabilities

  (2,035)

Redeemable non-controlling interest

  (21,293)
  $(2,611)
     

Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $7,252

 $(98,559)

Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration

  (13,259)

Total purchase consideration

 $(111,818)
     

Acquired intangible assets

 $57,882 

Goodwill

 $56,547 

 

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

 

The purchase price allocations of all 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 certain acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2021, goodwill in the amount of $86,081 is deductible for income tax purposes (2020 - $34,661).

 

The determination of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations required the use of estimates and judgement by management, particularly in determining fair values of intangible assets acquired. Intangible assets acquired at fair value on the date of acquisition are recorded using the income approach on an individual asset basis. The assumptions used in estimating the fair values of intangible assets include future EBITDA margins, revenue growth rates, expected attrition rates of acquired customer relationships and the discount rates.

 

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, 2021 was $32,346 (see note 19). 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 $31,488 to a maximum of $37,044. These contingencies will expire during the period extending to December 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2021, $25,525 was paid with reference to such contingent consideration (2020 - $4,664).

 

 

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 10 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 twelve months ended December 31, 2021 was $44,012 (2020 - $37,788).

 

 

Page 18 of 28

 

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

 

Supplemental Cash Flows Information, twelve months ended December 31

 

2021

 
     

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities

 $42,902 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligation

 $46,985 
     

Weighted Average Remaining Operating Lease Term (years)

 

5

 

Weighted Average Discount Rate

  3.3%

 

Future minimum operating lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

2022

 $52,322 

2023

  40,607 

2024

  30,417 

2025

  21,730 

2026

  15,559 

Thereafter

  22,828 

Total future minimum lease payments

  183,463 

Less imputed interest

  (13,079)

Total

  170,384 

 

 

7.

Other (income) expense

 

   

2021

   

2020

 
                 

Gain on disposal of business

  $ (12,518 )   $ -  

Gain on sale of building asset

    (7,291 )     -  

Other income

    (3,590 )     (361 )
    $ (23,399 )   $ (361 )

 

During the third quarter, the Company completed the divestiture of its Florida-based pest control business for cash consideration of $15,780. The pre-tax gain on disposal was $12,518. During the fourth quarter, the Company also sold a building in South Florida for proceeds of $8,300. The pre-tax gain on the sale was $7,291. Both of the above items were in the FirstService Residential segment.

 

 

8.

Components of working capital accounts

 

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
         

Inventories

        

Work-in-progress

 $109,419  $103,969 

Finished goods

  24,657   16,531 

Supplies and other

  27,311   21,479 
         
  $161,387  $141,979 
         

Accrued liabilities

        

Accrued payroll and benefits

 $165,116  $160,795 

Value appreciation plans

  1,402   35 

Customer advances

  5,490   2,730 

Other

  114,396   87,632 
         
  $286,404  $251,192 

 

 

Page 19 of 28

 

 

9.

Fixed assets

 

December 31, 2021

     

Accumulated

     
  

Cost

  

depreciation

  

Net

 
             

Land

 $1,281  $-  $1,281 

Buildings

  4,723   3,018   1,705 

Vehicles

  108,004   67,477   40,527 

Furniture and equipment

  135,179   85,395   49,784 

Computer equipment and software

  139,613   109,173   30,440 

Leasehold improvements

  48,645   34,316   14,329 
  $437,445  $299,379  $138,066 

 

December 31, 2020

     

Accumulated

     
  

Cost

  

depreciation

  

Net

 
             

Land

 $1,941  $-  $1,941 

Buildings

  6,168   4,144   2,024 

Vehicles

  94,267   59,775   34,492 

Furniture and equipment

  110,499   68,834   41,665 

Computer equipment and software

  128,061   99,427   28,634 

Leasehold improvements

  47,333   29,520   17,813 
  $388,269  $261,700  $126,569 

 

Included in fixed assets are vehicles, office and computer equipment under finance lease at a cost of $26,429 (2020 - $24,198) and net book value of $9,375 (2020 - $11,416).

 

 

10.

Intangible assets

 

December 31, 2021

 

Gross

         
  

carrying

  

Accumulated

     
  

amount

  

amortization

  

Net

 
             

Customer relationships

 $436,034  $133,566  $302,468 

Franchise rights

  47,536   33,320   14,216 

Trademarks and trade names

  29,729   18,126   11,603 

Management contracts and other

  108,359   54,539   53,820 
  $621,658  $239,551  $382,107 

 

  

Gross

         

December 31, 2020

 

carrying

  

Accumulated

     
  

amount

  

amortization

  

Net

 
             

Customer relationships

 $403,976  $103,884  $300,092 

Franchise rights

  49,925   29,930   19,995 

Trademarks and trade names

  29,765   20,051   9,714 

Management contracts and other

  94,514   45,553   48,961 
  $578,180  $199,418  $378,762 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired the following intangible assets:

 

 

      

Estimated

 
      

weighted

 
      

average

 
      

amortization

 
  

Amount

  

period (years)

 
         

Customer relationships

 $30,630   10.0 

Management Contracts and other

  12,063   9.3 
  $42,693   9.8 

 

 

Page 20 of 28

 

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

 

 

2022

$

44,264

 
 

2023

 

42,824

 
 

2024

 

41,414

 
 

2025

 

40,572

 
 

2026

 

40,374

 

 

 

11.

Goodwill

 

   

FirstService

   

FirstService

         
   

Residential

   

Brands

   

Consolidated

 
                         

Balance, December 31, 2019

  $ 211,726     $ 433,121     $ 644,847  

Goodwill acquired during the year

    15,369       41,178       56,547  

Other items

    200       1,096       1,296  

Foreign exchange

    441       607       1,048  

Balance, December 31, 2020

    227,736       476,002       703,738  

Goodwill acquired during the year

    25,471       111,123       136,594  

Goodwill disposed during the year

    (1,150 )     -       (1,150 )

Other items

    4,241       (198 )     4,043  

Foreign exchange

    137       -       137  

Balance, December 31, 2021

  $ 256,435     $ 586,927     $ 843,362  

 

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. 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. Based on the qualitative assessment in 2021, the Company has concluded that goodwill is not impaired. There were no triggering events since the impairment test in August.

 

 

12.

Long-term debt

 

  

December 31,

 
  

2021

 
     

Credit Agreement

 $520,310 

Senior Notes

  120,000 

Capital leases maturing at various dates through 2026

  11,456 

Other long-term debt maturing at various dates up to 2023

  1,038 
   652,804 

Less: current portion

  57,436 
     

Long-term debt - non-current

 $595,368 

 

The Company has $120,000 of Senior Notes bearing interest at a rate of 3.84%. The Senior Notes are due on January 16, 2025, with four annual equal repayments, the next payment coming due on January 16, 2022.

 

The Company has entered into the Credit Agreement with a syndicate of lenders. The Credit Agreement is comprised of a committed multi-currency revolving credit facility of $450,000 (the “Facility”) and a term loan (drawn in a single advance) in the aggregate amount of $440,000 (the “Term Loan”). The Facility portion of the Credit Agreement has a term ending on January 17, 2023 and bears interest at 0.25% to 2.50% over floating preference rates, depending on certain leverage ratios. The Term Loan portion of the Credit Agreement has a term ending on June 21, 2024, with repayments of 5% per annum, paid quarterly, beginning in September 2020, with the balance payable at maturity, and bears interest at 0.25% to 2.50% over floating preference rates, depending on certain leverage ratios. The weighted average interest rate for 2021 was 2.3%. The Facility had $302,389 of available un-drawn credit as at December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, letters of credit in the amount of $17,111 were outstanding ($12,631 as at December 31, 2020). The Credit Agreement requires a commitment fee of 0.25% to 0.50% of the unused portion, depending on certain leverage ratios. The Company may repay amounts owing under the Credit Agreement at any time without penalty. The Facility is available to fund working capital requirements (including acquisitions and any associated contingent purchase consideration) and other general corporate purposes. The Term Loan was implemented in order to substantially finance the purchase price for First Onsite in 2019.

 

 

Page 21 of 28

 

The indebtedness under the Credit Agreement and the Senior Notes rank equally in terms of seniority. The Company has granted the lenders under the Credit Agreement and the holders of the Senior Notes various security, including an interest in all of our assets. The Company is prohibited under the Credit Agreement and the Senior Notes from undertaking certain acquisitions and dispositions, and incurring certain indebtedness and encumbrances, without prior approval of the lenders under the Credit Agreement and the holders of the Senior Notes.

 

The effective interest rate on the Company’s long-term debt for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 2.8% (20203.4%). 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:

 

 

2022

$

57,436

 
 

2023

 

171,352

 
 

2024

 

392,932

 
 

2025

 

30,739

 
 

2026 and thereafter

345

 

 

 

13.

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. The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending RNCI amounts:

 

  

2021

  

2020

 
         

Balance, January 1

 $193,034  $174,662 

RNCI share of earnings

  7,422   6,354 

RNCI redemption increment

  13,496   15,977 

Distributions paid to RNCI

  (9,241)  (5,084)

Purchases of interests from RNCI, net

  (6,510)  (20,231)

RNCI recognized on business acquisitions

  18,986   21,293 

Other

  1,948   63 

Balance, December 31

 $219,135  $193,034 

 

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 Common Shares. The redemption amount as of December 31, 2021 was $215,143 (2020 - $188,531). 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 Common Shares as at December 31, 2021, approximately 1,100,000 such shares would be issued, and would have resulted in an increase of $0.38 to earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

 


Page 22 of 28

 

 

14.

Capital stock

 

The authorized capital stock of the Company is as follows:

 

An unlimited number of Common Shares having one vote per share.         

 

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

 

   

Common Shares

 
   

Number

   

Amount

 
                 

Balance, December 31, 2021

    44,013,031     $ 797,428  

 

On May 22, 2020, the Company completed the sale, on a private placement basis, of a total of 1,797,359 common shares of FirstService, at a price of US$83.46 per share, to Durable Capital Partners LP, for proceeds of $150,008. The net proceeds of the private placement were used to repay existing indebtedness under the Facility.

 

 

15.

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 Common Share. All Common Shares issued are new shares. As at December 31, 2021, there were 1,157,850 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, 2021 is 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

  1,883,112  $79.11         

Granted

  495,000   154.57         

Exercised

  (425,477)  50.83         

Forfeited

  (1,600)  93.47         

Shares issuable under options - December 31, 2021

  1,951,035  $104.41   2.6  $179,606 

Options exercisable - End of period

  730,588  $81.46   1.7  $84,026 

 

The Company incurred stock-based compensation expense related to these awards of $14,746 during the year ended December 31, 2021 (2020 - $11,628).

 

As at December 31, 2021, the range of option exercise prices was $54.88 to $162.25 per share. Also as at December 31, 2021, the aggregate intrinsic value and weighted average remaining contractual life for in-the-money options vested and expected to vest were $179,606 and 2.59 years, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information about option exercises during year ended December 31, 2021:

 

  

2021

 
     

Number of options exercised

  425,477 
     

Aggregate fair value

 $70,758 

Intrinsic value

  49,175 

Amount of cash received

  21,583 

 

 

Page 23 of 28

 

As at December 31, 2021, there was $15,488 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, 2021, the fair value of options vested was $9,789 (2020 - $7,060).

 

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:

 

  

2021

 
     

Risk free rate

  0.6%

Expected life in years

  4.05 

Expected volatility

  29.8%

Dividend yield

  0.5%
     

Weighted average fair value per option granted

 $34.02 

 

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.

 

 

16.

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:

 

  

2021

  

2020

 
         

Income tax expense using combined statutory rate of 26.5% (2020 - 26.5%, 2019 - 26.5%)

 $55,386  $38,545 

Permanent differences

  749   820 

Adjustments to tax liabilities for prior periods

  610   882 

Non-deductible stock-based compensation

  3,908   3,081 

Foreign, state and provincial tax rate differential

  (8,047)  (7,463)

Other taxes

  269   - 

Provision for income taxes as reported

 $52,875  $35,865 

 

Earnings before income tax by jurisdiction comprise the following:

 

  

2021

  

2020

 
         

Canada

 $22,174  $19,166 

United States

  186,831   126,289 

Total

 $209,005  $145,455 

 

Income tax expense (recovery) comprises the following:

 

  

2021

  

2020

 
         

Current

        

Canada

 $5,688  $3,300 

United States

  49,252   49,759 
   54,940   53,059 
         

Deferred

        

Canada

  (195)  1,350 

United States

  (1,870)  (18,544)
   (2,065)  (17,194)
         

Total

 $52,875  $35,865 

 

 

Page 24 of 28

 

The significant components of deferred income tax are as follows:

 

  

2021

  

2020

 
         

Deferred income tax assets

        

Loss carry-forwards

 $2,203  $1,441 

Expenses not currently deductible

  37,809   39,415 

Allowance for credit losses

  5,108   5,535 

Inventory and other reserves

  894   865 
   46,014   47,256 
         

Deferred income tax liabilities

        

Depreciation and amortization

  82,840   83,676 

Basis differences of partnerships and other entities

  1,151   769 

Prepaid and other expenses deducted for tax purposes

  1,607   1,505 
   85,598   85,950 
         

Net deferred income tax asset (liability) before valuation allowance

  (39,584)  (38,694)

Valuation allowance

  726   603 
         

Net deferred income tax asset (liability)

 $(40,310) $(39,297)

 

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

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
                         

Canada

 $2,059  $1,364  $-  $-  $2,059  $1,364 

United States

  18,131   13,733   13,455   11,417   4,676   2,316 

 

These amounts above are available to reduce future federal, state, 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 $744,512 as at December 31, 2021 (2020 - $628,142). 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.

 

The gross unrecognized tax benefits are $148 (2020 - $148). Of this balance, $148 (2020 - $148) would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. For the year ended December 31, 2021, there was no adjustment to interest and penalties related to provisions for income tax (2020 - nil). As at December 31, 2021, the Company had accrued $38 (2020 - $38) 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.

 

 

Page 25 of 28

 

 

17.

Net earnings per common share

 

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

 

   

2021

   

2020

 
                 

Shares issued and outstanding at beginning of period

    43,587,554       41,495,957  

Weighted average number of shares: Issued during the period

    253,280       1,260,042  

Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share

    43,840,834       42,755,999  

Assumed exercise of stock options, net of shares assumed acquired under the Treasury Stock Method

    559,985       428,098  

Number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share

    44,400,819       43,184,097  

 

 

18.

Other supplemental information

 

   

2021

   

2020

 
                 

Franchisor operations

               

Revenues

  $ 176,341     $ 136,746  

Operating earnings

    57,389       38,340  

Initial franchise fee revenues

    4,599       4,294  

Depreciation and amortization

    7,981       8,569  

Total assets

    196,171       155,319  
                 

Cash payments made during the period

               

Income taxes

  $ 60,093     $ 49,031  

Interest

    14,632       22,305  
                 

Non-cash financing activities

               

Increases in finance lease obligations

  $ 5,429     $ 3,898  

 

 

19.

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.

 

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 economically hedged by Canadian dollar denominated revenue.

 

 

Page 26 of 28

 

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, 2021:

 

  

Carrying value at

  

Fair value measurements

 
  

December 31, 2021

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 
                 
                 

Contingent consideration liability

 $32,346  $-  $-  $32,346 

Interest rate swap liability

  110   -   110   - 

 

The Company has one interest rate swap in place to exchange the floating interest rate on $100,000 of debt under its Credit Agreement for a fixed rate. The fair value of the interest rate swap liability was determined using widely accepted valuation techniques. The inputs to the measurement of the fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions are Level 3 inputs 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.

 

  

2021

  

2020

 
         

Balance, January 1

 $24,128  $14,423 

Amounts recognized on acquisitions

  22,537   13,259 

Fair value adjustments

  10,236   (261)

Resolved and settled in cash

  (25,525)  (4,664)

Other

  970   1,371 

Balance, December 31

 $32,346  $24,128 
         

Less: current portion

 $7,491  $4,243 

Non-current portion

 $24,855  $19,885 

 

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 1.5% to 2.0%). The following are estimates of the fair values for other financial instruments:

 

  

2021

  

2020

 
  

Carrying

  

Fair

  

Carrying

  

Fair

 
  

amount

  

value

  

amount

  

value

 
                 

Other receivables

 $4,719  $4,719  $4,170  $4,170 

Long-term debt

  652,804   661,492   589,604   604,091 

 

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

 

 

Page 27 of 28

 

 

20.

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.

 

 

21.

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, 2021 was $4,382 (2020 - $2,844). 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, 2021, the Company had $1,774 of loans receivable from minority shareholders ( December 31, 2020 - $2,421). 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 market rates plus a spread. The loans generally have terms of 5 to 10 years, but are open for repayment without penalty at any time.

 

 

22.

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.

 

 

Page 28 of 28

 

2021

 

FirstService

  

FirstService

         
  

Residential

  

Brands

  

Corporate

  

Consolidated

 
                 

Revenues

 $1,585,431  $1,663,641  $-  $3,249,072 

Depreciation and amortization

  28,470   70,404   91   98,965 

Operating earnings (loss)

  127,297   106,579   (32,234)  201,642 

Other income, net

           23,399 

Interest expense, net

           (16,036)

Income taxes

           (52,875)
                 

Net earnings

          $156,130 
                 

Total assets

 $805,351  $1,698,257  $5,415  $2,509,023 

Total additions to long lived assets

  74,968   258,975   2,035   335,978 

 

2020

 

FirstService

  

FirstService

         
  

Residential

  

Brands

  

Corporate

  

Consolidated

 
                 

Revenues

 $1,415,121  $1,357,294  $-  $2,772,415 

Depreciation and amortization

  26,846   71,442   94   98,382 

Operating earnings (loss)

  112,555   78,786   (21,929)  169,412 

Other expense, net

           361 

Interest expense, net

           (24,318)

Income taxes

           (35,865)
                 

Net earnings

          $109,590 
                 

Total assets

 $662,616  $1,527,705  $6,219  $2,196,540 

Total additions to long lived assets

  45,933   133,157   1,656   180,746 

 

Geographic information

Revenues in each geographic region are reported by customer locations.

 

  

2021

  

2020

 
         

United States

        

Revenues

 $2,864,364  $2,441,025 

Total long-lived assets

  1,207,605   1,072,466 
         

Canada

        

Revenues

 $384,708  $331,390 

Total long-lived assets

  315,660   289,788 
         

Consolidated

        

Revenues

 $3,249,072  $2,772,415 

Total long-lived assets

  1,523,265   1,362,254 

 

 

23.

Subsequent events

 

In February 2022, the Company entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement providing for a $1 billion revolving credit facility on an unsecured basis. The maturity date of the revolving credit facility is February 2027. The new revolving credit facility bears interest at 0.20% to 2.50% over floating reference rates, depending on certain leverage ratios. The new revolving credit facility was used to repay the remaining term loan balance of $407 million under the prior credit agreement, and will continue to be utilized for working capital and general corporate purposes and to fund future tuck-under acquisitions.