EX-2 3 exh_2.htm EXHIBIT 2 exh_2.htm
EXHIBIT 2






FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Year ended
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 

 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

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

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

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

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

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

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.  Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of its effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has excluded eleven 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, 2013.   The total assets and total revenues of the eleven majority-owned entities represent 2.5% and 2.1%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as at and for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2013, based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as at December 31, 2013, 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, 2013, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm as stated in their report which appears herein.

   
/s/ Jay S. Hennick
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ John B. Friedrichsen
Chief Financial Officer
February 24, 2014

 
Page 2 of 33

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders of FirstService Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FirstService Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the related consolidated statements of (loss) earnings, consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) earnings, consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013. We also have audited FirstService Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded eleven entities from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 because these entities were acquired by the company in purchase business combinations during 2013. We have also excluded these entities acquired from our audit of internal control over financial reporting.  Total assets and total revenues of these majority-owned entities represent 2.5% and 2.1%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FirstService Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, FirstService Corporation and its subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by COSO.
 
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants
 
Toronto, Ontario
February 24, 2014
 
Page 3 of 33

 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) EARNINGS
(in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts)
 
Years ended December 31
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues
  $ 2,343,634     $ 2,110,466     $ 1,851,968  
 
                       
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    1,509,882       1,362,980       1,162,770  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    661,025       602,657       581,806  
Depreciation
    34,782       30,694       27,982  
Amortization of intangible assets
    37,213       17,461       18,544  
Acquisition-related items (note 5)
    10,498       16,326       4,649  
Operating earnings
    90,234       80,348       56,217  
 
                       
Interest expense
    22,547       20,609       17,965  
Interest income
    (1,046 )     (1,044 )     (1,167 )
Other (income) expense, net (note 6)
    (1,531 )     (2,441 )     6,317  
Earnings before income tax
    70,264       63,224       33,102  
Income tax expense (recovery) (note 16)
    22,624       21,007       (43,823 )
Net earnings from continuing operations
    47,640       42,217       76,925  
 
                       
Net (loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of  income tax (note 4)
    (5,997 )     (1,328 )     22,878  
Net earnings
    41,643       40,889       99,803  
 
                       
Non-controlling interest share of earnings
    18,252       13,908       12,752  
Non-controlling interest redemption increment (note 13)
    41,430       21,131       12,941  
Net (loss) earnings attributable to Company
    (18,039 )     5,850       74,110  
Preferred share dividends
    3,146       9,603       9,971  
 
                       
Net (loss) earnings attributable to common shareholders
  $ (21,185 )   $ (3,753 )   $ 64,139  
 
                       
Net earnings (loss) per common share (note 17)
                       
Basic
                       
Continuing operations
  $ (0.46 )   $ (0.08 )   $ 1.37  
Discontinued operations
    (0.18 )     (0.04 )     0.76  
Basic
  $ (0.64 )   $ (0.12 )   $ 2.13  
 
                       
Diluted
                       
Continuing operations
  $ (0.46 )   $ (0.08 )   $ 1.35  
Discontinued operations
    (0.18 )     (0.04 )     0.75  
Diluted
  $ (0.64 )   $ (0.12 )   $ 2.10  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
Page 4 of 33

 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) EARNINGS
(in thousands of US dollars)
 
Years ended December 31
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings
  $ 41,643     $ 40,889     $ 99,803  
 
                       
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain
    (9,725 )     3,423       (4,185 )
Reclassification to earnings of other comprehensive income on investment (note 5)
    -       2,553       -  
Comprehensive earnings
    31,918       46,865       95,618  
 
                       
Less: Comprehensive earnings attributable to non-controlling shareholders
    57,795       34,645       25,522  
 
                       
Comprehensive (loss) earnings attributable to Company
    (25,877 )     12,220       70,096  
 
                       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
 
Page 5 of 33

 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(in thousands of US dollars)
 
As at December 31
 
2013
   
2012
 
Assets
 
 
   
 
 
Current assets
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 142,704     $ 108,684  
Restricted cash
    5,613       3,649  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $25,534 (December 31, 2011 - $22,357)
    371,423       328,455  
Income tax recoverable
    17,489       2,503  
Inventories (note 7)
    15,804       14,918  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    38,289       34,197  
Deferred income tax (note 16)
    23,938       18,135  
 
    615,260       510,541  
 
               
Other receivables
    7,455       6,328  
Other assets (note 8)
    12,256       13,972  
Fixed assets (note 9)
    101,554       107,011  
Deferred income tax (note 16)
    102,629       99,464  
Intangible assets (note 10)
    177,179       177,949  
Goodwill (note 11)
    427,178       402,645  
 
    828,251       807,369  
 
  $ 1,443,511     $ 1,317,910  
 
               
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 92,937     $ 88,593  
Accrued liabilities (note 7)
    392,499       313,212  
Income tax payable
    18,317       6,477  
Unearned revenues
    20,199       19,702  
Long-term debt - current (note 12)
    44,785       39,038  
Deferred income tax (note 16)
    1,427       875  
 
    570,164       467,897  
 
               
Long-term debt - non-current (note 12)
    328,009       298,167  
Convertible debentures (note 12)
    -       77,000  
Contingent acquisition consideration (note 19)
    8,618       12,649  
Other liabilities
    34,433       35,610  
Deferred income tax (note 16)
    31,165       34,683  
 
    402,225       458,109  
Redeemable non-controlling interests (note 13)
    222,073       147,751  
 
               
Shareholders' equity
               
Preferred shares (note 14)
    -       130,762  
Common shares (note 14)
    300,765       118,821  
Contributed surplus
    37,510       29,781  
Deficit
    (123,111 )     (74,024 )
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings
    26,757       34,595  
Total Company shareholders' equity
    241,921       239,935  
 
               
Non-controlling interests
    7,128       4,218  
Total shareholders' equity
    249,049       244,153  
 
  $ 1,443,511     $ 1,317,910  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (notes 14 and 20)
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
 
 
/s/Bernard I. Ghert
/s/Jay S. Hennick
 
Director                                                                                  
Director
 
 
 
Page 6 of 33

 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)
 
 
 
Preferred shares
   
Common shares
   
 
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Issued and
   
 
   
Issued and
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
other
   
Non-
   
Total
 
 
 
outstanding
   
 
   
outstanding
   
 
   
Contributed
   
 
   
comprehensive
   
controlling
   
shareholders'
 
 
 
shares
   
Amount
   
shares
   
Amount
   
surplus
   
Deficit
   
earnings
   
interests
   
equity
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2010
    5,772,274     $ 144,307       30,318,274     $ 106,473     $ 26,782     $ (110,553 )   $ 32,239     $ 2,083     $ 201,331  
Net earnings
    -       -       -       -       -       99,803       -       -       99,803  
Other comprehensive earnings
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (4,185 )     -       (4,185 )
Other comprehensive earnings attributable to NCI
    -       -       -       -       -       -       171       (20 )     151  
NCI share of earnings
    -       -       -       -       -       (14,692 )     -       3,242       (11,450 )
NCI share of earnings from discontinued operations
    -       -       -       -       -       1,940       -       -       1,940  
NCI redemption increment
    -       -       -       -       -       (12,941 )     -       -       (12,941 )
Distributions to NCI
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (2,627 )     (2,627 )
Acquisitions of businesses, net
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       225       225  
 
                                                                       
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions
    -       -       -       -       310       -       -       -       310  
 
                                                                       
Subordinate Voting Shares:
                                                                       
   Stock option expense
    -       -       -       -       2,335       -       -       -       2,335  
   Stock options exercised
    -       -       262,750       7,112       (1,922 )     -       -       -       5,190  
   Tax benefit on options exercised
    -       -       -       -       465       -       -       -       465  
   Purchased for cancellation
    -       -       (639,770 )     (2,764 )     -       (17,544 )     -       -       (20,308 )
Preferred Shares:
                                                                       
   Purchased for cancellation
    (149,640 )     (3,746 )     -       -       -       -       -       -       (3,746 )
   Dividends (note 14)
    -       -       -       -       -       (9,971 )     -       -       (9,971 )
 
                                                                       
Balance, December 31, 2011
    5,622,634       140,561       29,941,254       110,821       27,970       (63,958 )     28,225       2,903       246,522  
Net earnings
    -       -       -       -       -       40,889       -       -       40,889  
Other comprehensive earnings
    -       -       -       -       -       -       5,976       -       5,976  
Other comprehensive earnings attributable to NCI
    -       -       -       -       -       -       394       51       445  
NCI share of earnings
    -       -       -       -       -       (13,952 )     -       2,449       (11,503 )
NCI share of earnings from discontinued operations
    -       -       -       -       -       44       -       -       44  
NCI redemption increment
    -       -       -       -       -       (21,131 )     -       -       (21,131 )
Distributions to NCI
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (2,333 )     (2,333 )
Acquisitions of businesses, net
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       1,148       1,148  
 
                                                                       
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions
    -       -       -       -       607       -       -       -       607  
 
                                                                       
Subordinate Voting Shares:
                                                                       
   Stock option expense
    -       -       -       -       3,169       -       -       -       3,169  
   Stock options exercised
    -       -       363,850       9,098       (2,165 )     -       -       -       6,933  
   Tax benefit on options exercised
    -       -       -       -       200       -       -       -       200  
   Purchased for cancellation
    -       -       (235,000 )     (1,098 )     -       (6,216 )     -       -       (7,314 )
Preferred Shares:
                                                                       
   Purchased for cancellation
    (392,000 )     (9,799 )     -       -       -       (97 )     -       -       (9,896 )
   Dividends (note 14)
    -       -       -       -       -       (9,603 )     -       -       (9,603 )
Balance, December 31, 2012
    5,230,634     $ 130,762       30,070,104     $ 118,821     $ 29,781     $ (74,024 )   $ 34,595     $ 4,218     $ 244,153  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
Page 7 of 33

 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)
 
 
 
Preferred shares
   
Common shares
   
 
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Issued and
   
 
   
Issued and
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
other
   
Non-
   
Total
 
 
 
outstanding
   
 
   
outstanding
   
 
   
Contributed
   
 
   
comprehensive
   
controlling
   
shareholders'
 
 
 
shares
   
Amount
   
shares
   
Amount
   
surplus
   
Deficit
   
earnings
   
interests
   
equity
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2012
    5,230,634     $ 130,762       30,070,104     $ 118,821     $ 29,781     $ (74,024 )   $ 34,595     $ 4,218     $ 244,153  
Net earnings
    -       -       -       -       -       41,643       -       -       41,643  
Other comprehensive earnings
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (9,725 )     -       (9,725 )
Other comprehensive earnings attributable to NCI
    -       -       -       -       -       -       1,887       (392 )     1,495  
NCI share of earnings
    -       -       -       -       -       (18,252 )     -       4,276       (13,976 )
NCI redemption increment
    -       -       -       -       -       (41,430 )     -       -       (41,430 )
Distributions to NCI
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (4,123 )     (4,123 )
Acquisition of businesses, net
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       3,149       3,149  
 
                                                                       
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions
    -       -       -       -       3,520       -       -       -       3,520  
 
                                                                       
Subordinate Voting Shares:
                                                                       
   Stock option expense
    -       -       -       -       4,166       -       -       -       4,166  
   Stock options exercised
    -       -       464,150       9,784       (2,317 )     -       -       -       7,467  
   Tax benefit on options exercised
    -       -       -       -       2,360       -       -       -       2,360  
   Dividends
    -       -       -       -       -       (10,470 )     -       -       (10,470 )
   Purchased for cancellation
    -       -       (385,600 )     (1,918 )     -       (12,636 )     -       -       (14,554 )
   Issued in settlement of convertible debentures     -       -       2,744,886       77,143       -       -       -       -       77,143  
Preferred Shares:
                                                                       
   Redeemed for cash
    (1,569,190 )     (39,232 )     -       -       -       -       -       -       (39,232 )
   Converted to Subordinate Voting Shares     (3,661,444 )     (91,530 )     2,889,900       96,326       -       (4,796 )     -       -       -  
   Dividends (note 14)
    -       -       18,292       609       -       (3,146 )     -       -       (2,537 )
Balance, December 31, 2013
    -     $ -       35,801,732     $ 300,765     $ 37,510     $ (123,111 )   $ 26,757     $ 7,128     $ 249,049  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
Page 8 of 33

 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(in thousands of US dollars)
 
Years ended December 31
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash provided by (used in)
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Operating activities
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings
  $ 41,643     $ 40,889     $ 99,803  
NCI share of earnings from discontinued operations
    -       44       1,940  
 
                       
Items not affecting cash:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    75,352       53,502       50,926  
Deferred income tax
    (23,868 )     (18,660 )     (64,512 )
(Earnings) loss from equity method investments
    (1,107 )     (1,230 )     3,475  
Stock option expense
    4,166       3,169       2,335  
Other
    4,899       3,323       4,278  
Incremental tax benefit on stock options exercised
    (2,360 )     (200 )     (465 )
 
                       
Changes in non-cash working capital:
                       
Accounts receivable
    (33,613 )     (19,889 )     (22,452 )
Inventories
    (1,226 )     (3,046 )     (2,359 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (2,982 )     (3,897 )     (1,796 )
Accounts payable
    (2,455 )     (963 )     10,956  
Accrued liabilities
    44,447       28,979       (7,325 )
Income tax payable
    (421 )     11,842       (1,383 )
Unearned revenues
    901       48       (2,946 )
Other liabilities
    12,901       9,080       9,739  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    116,277       102,991       80,214  
 
                       
Investing activities
                       
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (note 3)
    (37,735 )     (19,153 )     (22,975 )
Disposal of business, net of cash disposed (note 4)
    49,460       -       -  
Purchases of fixed assets
    (34,824 )     (44,395 )     (37,400 )
Changes in restricted cash
    (1,964 )     844       (156 )
Other investing activities
    (2,234 )     850       1,685  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (27,297 )     (61,854 )     (58,846 )
 
                       
Financing activities
                       
Increase in long-term debt
    551,932       395,584       207,816  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (516,479 )     (376,349 )     (133,854 )
Financing fees paid
    (546 )     (1,808 )     -  
Purchases of non-controlling interests
    (6,937 )     (8,040 )     (56,621 )
Sale of interests in subsidiaries to non-controlling interests
    1,233       1,608       1,014  
Contingent acquisition consideration paid
    (1,994 )     (7,133 )     (1,623 )
Proceeds received on exercise of stock options
    7,467       6,933       5,190  
Incremental tax benefit on stock options exercised
    2,360       200       465  
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
    (2,537 )     (9,603 )     (9,971 )
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (6,890 )     -       -  
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests
    (22,001 )     (16,321 )     (10,617 )
Repurchases of Subordinate Voting Shares
    (14,554 )     (7,314 )     (20,308 )
Repurchases of Preferred Shares
    -       (9,896 )     (3,746 )
Redemption of Preferred Shares
    (39,232 )     -       -  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (48,178 )     (32,139 )     (22,255 )
 
                       
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (6,782 )     1,887       (1,673 )
 
                       
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    34,020       10,885       (2,560 )
 
                       
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    108,684       97,799       100,359  
 
                       
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 142,704     $ 108,684     $ 97,799  
 
                       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
Page 9 of 33

 
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 provider of real estate-related services to the commercial, institutional and residential markets in North America and various countries around the world.  The Company’s operations are conducted in three segments: Commercial Real Estate Services (“CRE”), Residential Real Estate Services (“RRE”) and Property Services.  The Company operates as Colliers International within CRE; FirstService Residential and American Pool Enterprises within RRE; and Paul Davis, Certa Pro Painters, California Closets and several other franchise brands within Property Services.

2. 
Summary of significant accounting policies

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

Significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:

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

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

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

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

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:

 
Page 10 of 33

 
 
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
 
Investments in securities
The Company classifies investments in securities under the caption “other assets”.  Investments in equity securities are accounted for using the equity method or cost method.  The equity method is utilized where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence on the investee.  Realized gains or losses and equity earnings or losses are recorded in other (income) expense.  Equity securities, including marketable equity securities as well as those accounted for under the equity method and cost method, are regularly reviewed for impairment based on both quantitative and qualitative criteria that include the extent to which cost exceeds fair value and the duration of the market decline, the Company’s intent and ability to hold until forecasted recovery, and the financial health and near term prospects for the issuer.  Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities are recorded in earnings.

Financial instruments and derivatives
Derivative financial instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as other assets or other liabilities and carried at fair value.  From time to time, the Company may use interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of its interest rate exposure on long term debt.  Hedge accounting has been applied and the swaps are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, with gains or losses recognized in earnings.  The carrying value of the hedged item is adjusted for changes in fair value attributable to the hedged interest rate risk; the associated gain or loss is recognized currently in earnings.  If swaps are terminated and the underlying item is not, the resulting gain or loss is deferred and recognized over the remaining life of the underlying item using the effective interest method.

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

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which requires the Company to develop its own assumptions

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

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

 
Page 11 of 33

 
Intangible assets are recorded at fair value on the date they are acquired.  Indefinite life intangible assets are not subject to amortization.  Where lives are finite, they are amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows:
 
 
Customer lists and relationships
straight-line over 4 to 20 years
 
Franchise rights
by pattern of use, currently estimated at 2.5% to 15% per year
 
Trademarks and trade names
straight-line over 5 to 35 years
 
Management contracts and other
straight-line over life of contract ranging from 2 to 15 years
 
Brokerage backlog
as underlying brokerage transactions are completed
 
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 discounted expected future cash flows.

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

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 two-step goodwill impairment test is performed.  In the first step, the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, is compared to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit.  The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a discounted cash flow approach. The fair value measurement is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.  Certain assumptions are used to determine the fair value of the reporting units, the most sensitive of which are estimated future cash flows and the discount rate applied to future cash flows. Changes in these assumptions could result in a materially different fair value.

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

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

Revenue recognition and unearned revenues
(a) Real estate brokerage operations
Commission revenues from real estate leasing transactions are recognized once performance obligations under the commission arrangement are satisfied.  Terms and conditions of a commission arrangement include execution of the lease agreement and satisfaction of future contingencies such as tenant occupancy.  In most cases, a portion of the commission is earned upon execution of the lease agreement, with the remaining portion contingent on a future event, typically tenant occupancy; revenue recognition for the remaining portion, contingent on occupancy, is deferred until all contingencies are satisfied.

Commission revenues from sales brokerage transactions are recognized at the time the service has been provided and the commission becomes legally due, except when future contingencies exist.  In most cases, close of escrow or transfer of title is a future contingency, and accordingly, revenue recognition is deferred until this contingency is satisfied.

 
Page 12 of 33

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

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

Stock-based compensation
For equity classified awards, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award.  For liability classified awards, the fair value of the award is measured each period it is outstanding and changes in fair value are recorded as compensation expense.  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 ten years and a vesting period of five years.  The increase in notional value is calculated with reference to growth in earnings relative to a fixed threshold amount plus or minus changes in indebtedness relative to a fixed opening amount.  If an award is subject to a vesting condition, then graded attribution is applied to the intrinsic value.  The related compensation expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and the liability is recorded in accrued liabilities.

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.

 
Page 13 of 33

 
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.  However, if the contingent consideration includes an element of compensation to the vendors (i.e. it is tied to continuing employment or it is not linked to the business valuation), then the portion of contingent consideration related to such element is treated as compensation expense over the expected employment period.

3. 
Acquisitions

2013 acquisitions:
The Company completed eleven individually insignificant acquisitions, eight in the CRE segment and three in the RRE segment.  In the CRE segment, the Company acquired controlling interest in Colliers Schauer & Scholl GmbH, Colliers Brautigam & Kramer GmbH, Colliers Schon and Lopez Schmitt GmbH, and Trombello Kölbel Immobilienconsulting GmbH (collectively, “Colliers Germany”) as well as four regional firms in the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and Brazil. These acquisitions expanded the CRE segment’s geographic presence to new markets, including Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Berlin. In the RRE segment, the Company acquired firms operating in Missouri, Florida and Alberta, expanding FirstService’s geographic presence in these markets.

Details of these acquisitions are as follows:

 
 
Aggregate
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
$
 25,723 
 
Long term assets
 
 
 2,733 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 (35,308)
 
Long-term liabilities
 
 
 (18,155)
 
Redeemable non-controlling interest
 
 
 (43,531)
 
Non-controlling interests
 
 
 (3,629)
 
 
 
$
 (72,167)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note consideration
 
$
 (776)
 
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $22,984
 
 (37,735)
 
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration
 
 (9,556)
 
Total purchase consideration
 
$
 (48,067)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on revaluation of previously held equity investment
$
 (820)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquired intangible assets
 
$
 52,244 
 
Goodwill
 
$
 68,810 
 

During the year, the company recorded a gain upon obtaining control of a business previously accounted for as an equity investment totaling $820 (See note 5).  The gain relates to the revaluation of the previously held equity investment to fair value.

2012 acquisitions:
The Company completed five individually insignificant acquisitions, two in the CRE segment, two in the RRE segment and one in the Property Services segment.  In the CRE segment, the Company acquired assets and select liabilities of Colliers International UK plc (in administration) (“CI UK”) and a regional firm operating in Victoria, Australia. These acquisitions expanded the CRE segment’s geographic presence to new markets, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain and Victoria, Australia.  In the RRE segment, the acquired firms operate in California and Arizona and expand the Company’s service offering in existing markets.  In Property Services, the acquired firm operates in Florida and expands the Company’s geographic presence in an existing market.

 
Page 14 of 33

 
Details of these acquisitions are as follows:

 
 
Aggregate
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
$
 30,427 
 
Long term assets
 
 
 3,164 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 (21,169)
 
Long-term liabilities
 
 
 (1,080)
 
Redeemable non-controlling interests
 
 
 (753)
 
Non-controlling interests
 
 
 (1,153)
 
 
 
$
 9,436 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note consideration
 
$
 (655)
 
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $419
 
 
 (19,153)
 
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration
 
 (1,944)
 
Total purchase consideration
 
$
 (21,752)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquired intangible assets
 
$
 7,420 
 
Goodwill
 
$
 4,896 
 

2011 acquisitions:
The Company completed six individually insignificant acquisitions, five in the RRE segment and one in the CRE segment.  In the RRE segment, the acquired firms operate in North and South Carolina, Vancouver, Las Vegas, Toronto and Minneapolis.  The CRE business operates in California.  The acquisitions expand the Company’s geographic presence to new and existing markets.

Details of these acquisitions are as follows:

 
 
Aggregate
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
$
 1,819 
 
Long term assets
 
 
 1,277 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 (4,235)
 
Long-term liabilities
 
 
 (1,779)
 
Redeemable non-controlling interests
 
 
 (7,238)
 
 
 
$
 (10,156)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $531
 
$
 (22,975)
 
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration
 
 (3,482)
 
Total purchase consideration
 
$
 (26,457)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquired intangible assets
 
$
 16,586 
 
Goodwill
 
$
 20,027 
 

Acquisition-related transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled $3,336 (2012 - $5,032; 2011 - $861) and were recorded as expense under the caption “acquisition-related items”.

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

The purchase price allocations of acquisitions resulted in the recognition of goodwill.  The primary factors contributing to goodwill are assembled workforces, synergies with existing operations and future growth prospects.  For acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2013, goodwill in the amount of $2,823 is deductible for income tax purposes (2012 - $2,214; 2011 - $11,441).

 
Page 15 of 33

 
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 four-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 December 31, 2013 was $8,740 (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 $10,500 to a maximum of $12,600.  These contingencies will expire during the period extending to May 2017.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, $1,994 was paid with reference to such contingent consideration (2012 - $5,492; 2011 - $1,806).

In addition, as at December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded in “Accrued liabilities” $13,727 of consideration payable related to acquisitions where all contingencies had been resolved (2012 - $658).  During the year ended December 31, 2013, $658 was paid with reference to previously resolved contingencies (2012 - $2,451; 2011 - nil).

The compensation element is recorded on a straight line basis over the contingency period and, as at December 31, 2013 totaled $12,009 (2012 - $7,475), which was recorded in “Accrued liabilities” on the balance sheet.  The contingencies related to the compensation element were resolved as of December 31, 2013.

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, 2013 was financed from borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility and cash on hand.

The amounts of revenues and earnings contributed from the date of acquisition and included in the Company’s consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2013, and the supplemental pro forma revenues and earnings of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2011, are as follows:

 
 
Revenues
   
Net earnings
from continuing
operations
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Actual from acquired entities for 2013
  $ 59,564     $ 7,231  
Supplemental pro forma for 2013 (unaudited)
    2,396,038       50,012  
Supplemental pro forma for 2012 (unaudited)
    2,239,847       47,141  
Supplemental pro forma for 2011 (unaudited)
    2,090,509       82,292  

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

4. 
Discontinued operations

On September 30, 2013, the Company completed the sale of its Field Asset Services operation for cash consideration of $49,460 (net of cash disposed of $5,177).  In addition, the sale agreement provides for contingent consideration which will be recognized if and when realized.  The pre-tax loss on disposal was $7,158, before an income tax recovery of $3,100, resulting in a net loss of $4,058.  Field Asset Services is recorded as a discontinued operation and was previously reported within the Property Services segment.

As at December 31, 2013, the Company decided to sell its residential rental operations (“Rental”).  These operations manage rental units on behalf of institutional owners and other investors.  Rental is recorded as a discontinued operation for all periods presented and was previously reported within the RRE segment.

 
Page 16 of 33

 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
     Field Asset Services
  $ 58,063     $ 163,413     $ 339,416  
     Rental
    24,733       31,658       32,787  
 
    82,796       195,071       372,203  
Operating earnings (loss) before income taxes
                       
     Field Asset Services
  $ (3,623 )   $ (5,072 )   $ 36,387  
     Rental
    (2,315 )     3,085       5,447  
 
    (5,938 )     (1,987 )     41,834  
(Recovery of) provision for income taxes
    (3,999 )     (703 )     17,016  
Net operating earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
    (1,939 )     (1,284 )     24,818  
 
                       
Net loss on disposal
    (4,058 )     -       -  
Non controlling interest share of earnings
    -       (44 )     (1,940 )
Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders from discontinued operations
  $ (5,997 )   $ (1,328 )   $ 22,878  
 
                       
Net earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations
                 
     Basic
  $ (0.18 )   $ (0.04 )   $ 0.76  
     Diluted
    (0.18 )     (0.04 )     0.75  

The assets and liabilities of Field Asset Services and Rental as at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Current assets
 
 
   
 
 
     Field Asset Services
  $ -     $ 15,358  
     Rental
    12,531       14,323  
 
    12,531       29,681  
Non-current assets
               
     Field Asset Services
    -       76,079  
     Rental
    1,259       1,098  
 
    1,259       77,177  
Total assets
  $ 13,790     $ 106,858  
 
               
Current liabilities
               
     Field Asset Services
  $ -     $ 14,982  
     Rental
    4,206       4,999  
 
    4,206       19,981  
Non-current liabilities
               
     Field Asset Services
    -       19,482  
     Rental
    290       -  
 
    290       19,482  
Total liabilities
  $ 4,496     $ 39,463  
 
Included in non-current assets above for Field Asset Services is $37,195 of goodwill and $17,064 of intangible assets disposed on the date of sale.
 
Page 17 of 33

 
5. 
Acquisition-related items
 
Acquisition-related expense (income) is comprised of the following:
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Contingent consideration compensation expense
  $ 6,181     $ 5,096     $ 2,819  
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments
    1,801       3,645       969  
Transaction costs
    3,336       5,032       861  
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss
    -       2,553       -  
Gain on revaluation of previously held equity investment (note 3)
    (820 )     -       -  
 
  $ 10,498     $ 16,326     $ 4,649  

Contingent consideration compensation expense and contingent consideration fair value adjustments relate to acquisitions made in the current year as well as acquisitions made in the preceding four years.

On March 28, 2012, CI UK entered into an administration process, and as a result the Company’s 29.5% equity investment, held since October 2009, ceased.  As such, the company released $2,553 of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to this investment into earnings.
 
6. 
Other (income) expense
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
(Earnings) loss from equity method investments
  $ (1,107 )   $ (1,230 )   $ 3,475  
Other-than-temporary impairment of investment
    -       -       3,092  
Other
    (424 )     (1,211 )     (250 )
 
  $ (1,531 )   $ (2,441 )   $ 6,317  

During the year ended December 31 2011, as a result of a sustained decline in the market price of the shares of the Company’s investment in Colliers International UK plc, an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $3,092 was recorded in the statement of earnings.
 
7. 
Components of working capital accounts
 
 
 
December 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Inventories
 
 
   
 
 
Work-in-progress
  $ 8,748     $ 8,223  
Finished goods
    2,973       2,358  
Supplies and other
    4,083       4,337  
 
  $ 15,804     $ 14,918  
 
               
Accrued liabilities
               
Accrued payroll, commission and benefits
  $ 278,641     $ 222,671  
Accrued interest
    3,584       1,540  
Customer advances
    5,505       4,769  
Acquisition consideration payable
    25,736       658  
Contingent acquisition consideration payable
    122       351  
Other
    78,911       83,223  
 
  $ 392,499     $ 313,212  
                 

 
Page 18 of 33

 
8. 
Other assets
 
 
 
December 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Equity method investments
  $ 4,946     $ 5,455  
Financing fees, net of accumulated amortization of $3,329 (December 31, 2012 - $5,359)
    1,731       3,199  
Other
    5,579       5,318  
 
  $ 12,256     $ 13,972  
                 

9. 
Fixed assets
 
December 31, 2013
 
Cost
   
Accumulated
depreciation
   
Net
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Land
  $ 2,527     $ -     $ 2,527  
Buildings
    11,803       4,213       7,590  
Vehicles
    30,516       22,901       7,615  
Furniture and equipment
    66,289       47,971       18,318  
Computer equipment and software
    123,637       87,121       36,516  
Leasehold improvements
    62,079       33,091       28,988  
 
  $ 296,851     $ 195,297     $ 101,554  
                         
 
     
Cost
     
Accumulated
depreciation
     
Net
 
 
                       
Land
  $ 3,093     $ -     $ 3,093  
Buildings
    14,507       4,953       9,554  
Vehicles
    28,123       21,494       6,629  
Furniture and equipment
    71,906       51,047       20,859  
Computer equipment and software
    118,934       81,316       37,618  
Leasehold improvements
    59,549       30,291       29,258  
 
  $ 296,112     $ 189,101     $ 107,011  
                         
Included in fixed assets are vehicles, office and computer equipment under capital lease at a cost of $8,140 (2012 - $8,077) and net book value of $4,028 (2012 - $4,409).

10. 
Intangible assets
 
December 31, 2013
 
Gross
carrying
amount
   
Accumulated
amortization
   
Net
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Customer lists and relationships
  $ 168,966     $ 58,054     $ 110,912  
Franchise rights
    36,754       15,762       20,992  
Trademarks and trade names:
                       
Indefinite life
    24,720       -       24,720  
Finite life
    32,753       18,540       14,213  
Management contracts and other
    22,853       16,520       6,333  
Brokerage backlog
    2,452       2,443       9  
 
  $ 288,498     $ 111,319     $ 177,179  
                         

 
Page 19 of 33

 
December 31, 2012
 
Gross
carrying
amount
   
Accumulated
amortization
   
Net
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Customer lists and relationships
  $ 159,242     $ 60,375     $ 98,867  
Franchise rights
    38,255       14,148       24,107  
Trademarks and trade names:
                       
Indefinite life
    20,995       -       20,995  
Finite life
    40,335       11,193       29,142  
Management contracts and other
    19,936       15,111       4,825  
Brokerage backlog
    2,389       2,376       13  
 
  $ 281,152     $ 103,203     $ 177,949  
                         
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company acquired the following intangible assets:
 
 
 
Amount
   
Estimated
weighted
average
amortization
period (years)
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Customer lists and relationships
  $ 42,627       11.0  
Trademarks and trade names - indefinite life
    3,755       -  
Trademarks and trade names - finite life
    960       5.0  
Brokerage backlog
    4,151       0.5  
Other
    751       5.0  
 
  $ 52,244       9.2  
                 
The following is the estimated annual amortization expense for recorded intangible assets for each of the next five years ending December 31:
 
 
2014 
 
$
 18,907 
 
 
 
2015 
 
 
 16,517 
 
 
 
2016 
 
 
 16,152 
 
 
 
2017 
 
 
 15,123 
 
 
 
2018 
 
 
 13,716 
 
 

11. 
Goodwill
 
 
 
Commercial
Real Estate
Services
   
Residential
Real Estate
Services
   
Property
Services
   
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
  $ 150,715     $ 158,942     $ 85,830     $ 395,487  
Goodwill acquired during the period
    2,667       2,074       155       4,896  
Other items
    (243 )     (227 )     -       (470 )
Foreign exchange
    2,169       462       101       2,732  
Balance, December 31, 2012
    155,308       161,251       86,086       402,645  
Goodwill acquired during the period
    65,517       3,293       -       68,810  
Goodwill disposed during the period
    -       -       (37,195 )     (37,195 )
Other items
    -       (217 )     -       (217 )
Foreign exchange
    (5,116 )     (1,449 )     (300 )     (6,865 )
Balance, December 31, 2013
    215,709       162,878       48,591       427,178  
Goodwill
    245,292       162,878       48,591       456,761  
Accumulated impairment loss
    (29,583 )     -       -       (29,583 )
 
  $ 215,709     $ 162,878     $ 48,591     $ 427,178  
                                 

 
Page 20 of 33

 
A test for goodwill impairment is required to be completed annually, in the Company’s case as of August 1, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired.  No goodwill impairments were identified in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
 
12. 
Long-term debt and convertible debentures

 
 
December 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Revolving credit facility
  $ 148,647     $ 230,740  
3.84% Notes
    150,000       -  
6.40% Notes
    25,000       37,500  
5.44% Notes
    40,000       60,000  
Unamortized gain on settlement of interest rate swaps
    107       229  
Adjustments to long term debt resulting from interest rate swaps
    (5,196 )     358  
Capital leases maturing at various dates through 2017
    2,555       2,815  
Other long-term debt maturing at various dates up to 2017
    11,681       5,563  
 
    372,794       337,205  
Less: current portion
    44,785       39,038  
Long-term debt - non-current
  $ 328,009     $ 298,167  
Convertible Debentures
    -       77,000  
 
  $ 328,009     $ 375,167  
                 
On March 1, 2012, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with a syndicate of banks to provide a $350,000 committed revolving credit facility including an uncommitted accordion provision allowing for an additional $100,000 of borrowing capacity under the same terms.  The revolving credit facility has a five-year term ending March 1, 2017 and bears interest at 1.25% to 3.00% over floating reference rates, depending on certain leverage ratios determined quarterly.  The weighted average interest rate for 2013 was 2.0% (2012 - 2.2%).  The revolving credit facility had $166,349 of available un-drawn credit as at December 31, 2013 ($81,247 was un-drawn at December 31, 2012).  As of December 31, 2013, letters of credit in the amount of $7,770 were outstanding ($10,513 as at December 31, 2012).  The revolving credit facility requires a commitment fee of 0.25% to 0.60% of the unused portion, depending on certain leverage ratios.

On January 16, 2013, the Company completed a private placement for $150,000 of senior secured notes with a fixed interest rate of 3.84% (the “3.84% Notes”).  The 3.84% Notes were placed directly with two US based institutional investors.  The 3.84% Notes have a twelve year term extending to January 16, 2025 with five annual principal repayments beginning on January 16, 2021.

The Company has outstanding $25,000 of 6.40% fixed-rate senior secured notes (the “6.40% Notes”).  The 6.40% Notes have a final maturity of September 30, 2015 with four equal annual principal repayments which began on September 30, 2012.  The Company also has outstanding $40,000 of 5.44% fixed-rate senior secured notes (the “5.44% Notes”).  The 5.44% Notes have a final maturity of April 1, 2015 with five equal annual principal repayments which began on April 1, 2011.

The Company has indemnified the holders of the 3.84% Notes, the 6.40% Notes and the 5.44% Notes (collectively, the “Notes”) from all withholding tax that is or may become applicable to any payments made by the Company on the Notes.  The Company believes this exposure is not material as of December 31, 2013.

The revolving credit facility and the Notes rank equally in terms of seniority.  The Company has granted these lenders collateral including the following: an interest in all of the assets of the Company including the Company’s shares of its subsidiaries; an assignment of material contracts; and an assignment of the Company’s “call” rights with respect to shares of the subsidiaries held by non-controlling interests.

 
Page 21 of 33

 
The covenants of the revolving credit facility and the Notes agreements require the Company to maintain certain ratios including leverage, interest coverage and net worth.  The Company is prohibited from undertaking certain mergers, acquisitions and dispositions without prior approval.

On September 24, 2013, the Company completed the redemption of its then outstanding $76,992 in principal amount of 6.50% Convertible Unsecured Subordinate Debentures (“Convertible Debentures”) in accordance with the redemption rights attached to the Convertible Debentures.  Prior to the redemption date, the Company received conversion requests that resulted in the issuance of 2,744,886 Subordinate Voting Shares based on a conversion price of $28.00 per share or 35.7143 shares for every $1 of principal amount of Convertible Debentures.  The balance of the Convertible Debentures were redeemed for cash of $143.

The effective interest rate on the Company’s long-term debt and Convertible Debentures for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 4.5% (2012 - 5.1%).  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:

 
2014 
 
$
 44,785 
 
 
 
2015 
 
 
 34,230 
 
 
 
2016 
 
 
 346 
 
 
 
2017 
 
 
 148,736 
 
 
 
2018 and thereafter
 144,697 
 
 

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.  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:

 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Balance, January 1
  $ 147,751     $ 138,502  
RNCI share of earnings
    13,976       11,503  
RNCI share of other comprehensive earnings
    (1,495 )     (445 )
RNCI redemption increment
    41,430       21,131  
Distributions paid to RNCI
    (17,878 )     (13,988 )
Purchases of interests from RNCI, net
    (5,242 )     (9,705 )
RNCI recognized on business acquisitions
    43,531       753  
Balance, December 31
  $ 222,073     $ 147,751  
                 
The Company has shareholders’ agreements in place at each of its non-wholly owned subsidiaries.  These agreements allow the Company to “call” the non-controlling interest at a price determined with the use of a formula price, which is usually equal to a fixed multiple of average annual net earnings before extraordinary items, income taxes, interest, depreciation, and amortization.  The agreements also have redemption features which allow the owners of the RNCI to “put” their equity to the Company at the same price subject to certain limitations.  The formula price is referred to as the redemption amount and may be paid in cash or in Subordinate Voting Shares.  The redemption amount as of December 31, 2013 was $215,747 (2012 - $139,728).  The redemption amount is lower than that recorded on the balance sheet as the formula price of certain RNCI are lower than the amount initially recorded at the inception of the minority equity position.  If all put or call options were settled with Subordinate Voting Shares as at December 31, 2013, approximately 5,100,000 (2012 - 4,800,000) such shares would be issued.
 
Page 22 of 33

 
14. 
Capital stock

The authorized capital stock of the Company is as follows:

An unlimited number of Preferred Shares, issuable in series;
An unlimited number of Subordinate Voting Shares having one vote per share; and
An unlimited number of Multiple Voting Shares having 20 votes per share, convertible at any time into Subordinate Voting Shares at a rate of one Subordinate Voting Share for each Multiple Voting Share outstanding.
 
The following table provides a summary of total capital stock issued and outstanding:

 
 
Preferred Shares
   
Subordinate Voting Shares
   
Multiple Voting Shares
   
Total Common Shares
 
 
 
Number
   
Amount
   
Number
   
Amount
   
Number
   
Amount
   
Number
   
Amount
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2012
    5,230,634     $ 130,762       28,744,410     $ 118,448       1,325,694     $ 373       30,070,104     $ 118,821  
Balance, December 31, 2013
    -       -       34,476,038       300,392       1,325,694       373       35,801,732       300,765  

On May 3, 2013, the Company eliminated all of its outstanding Preferred Shares, redeeming 30% for cash consideration of $39,232 and converting all remaining Preferred Shares into Subordinate Voting Shares.   The Preferred Shares were converted to Subordinate Voting Shares based on 95% of the weighted average trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares on the NASDAQ stock market for the 20 trading days ended April 29, 2013 (such weighted average trading price being $33.34).  As a result, 2,889,900 new Subordinate Voting Shares were issued from treasury.

On September 24, 2013, the Company redeemed its outstanding Convertible Debentures, issuing 2,744,886 of Subordinate Voting Shares.  See note 12.

Pursuant to an agreement approved in February 2004, the Company agreed that it will make payments to its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) that are contingent upon the arm’s length sale of control of the Company or upon a distribution of the Company’s assets to shareholders.  The payment amounts will be determined with reference to the price per Subordinate Voting Share received by shareholders upon an arm’s length sale or upon a distribution of assets.  The right to receive the payments may be transferred among members of the CEO’s family, their holding companies and trusts.  The agreement provides for the CEO to receive each of 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 and (ii) the per share consideration received by holders of Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares minus a base price of C$5.675.  The second payment is an amount equal to 5% of the product of (i) the total number of shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis at the time of the sale and (ii) the per share consideration received by holders of Subordinate Voting Shares minus a base price of C$11.05.  Assuming an arm’s length sale of control of the Company took place on December 31, 2013, the amount required to be paid to the CEO would be $131,780.

15. 
Stock-based compensation

Company stock option plan
The Company has a stock option plan for certain officers and key full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, other than its CEO.  Options are granted at the market price for the underlying shares on the date of grant.  Each option vests over a four-year term, expires five years from the date granted and allows for the purchase of one Subordinate Voting Share.  All Subordinate Voting Shares issued are new shares.  As at December 31, 2013, there were 298,250 options available for future grants.

 
Page 23 of 33

 
Grants under the Company’s stock option plan are equity-classified awards.  Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:
 
 
 
Number of
options
   
Weighted
average
exercise price
   
Weighted average
remaining
contractual life
(years)
   
Aggregate
intrinsic value
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Shares issuable under options - December 31, 2010
    1,850,300     $ 19.03                  
Granted
    308,000       30.78                  
Exercised
    (262,750 )     19.87                  
Shares issuable under options - December 31, 2011
    1,895,550     $ 20.83                  
Granted
    367,000       31.48                  
Exercised
    (363,850 )     19.15                  
Forfeited
    (169,500 )     32.38                  
Shares issuable under options - December 31, 2012
    1,729,200     $ 22.31                  
Granted
    422,000       31.35                  
Exercised
    (464,150 )     16.20                  
Shares issuable under options - December 31, 2013
    1,687,050     $ 26.25       2.5     $ 28,345  
Options exercisable - End of period
    709,350     $ 21.97       1.6     $ 14,950  

The Company incurred stock-based compensation expense related to these awards of $4,166 during the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 - $3,169; 2011 - $2,335).

As at December 31, 2013, the range of option exercise prices was $11.74 to $40.66 per share.  Also as at December 31, 2013, the aggregate intrinsic value and weighted average remaining contractual life for in-the-money options vested and expected to vest were $28,345 and 2.5 years, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about option exercises during years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:

 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Number of options exercised
    464,150       363,850       262,750  
 
                       
Aggregate fair value
  $ 16,780     $ 11,198     $ 8,510  
Intrinsic value
    9,313       4,265       3,320  
Amount of cash received
    7,467       6,933       5,190  
 
                       
Tax benefit recognized
  $ 3,148     $ 1,438     $ 1,119  
                         
As at December 31, 2013, there was $4,351 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, 2013, the fair value of options vested was $3,956 (2012 - $3,485; 2011 - $2,606).

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:

 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk free rate
    0.4 %     0.4 %     1.0 %
Expected life in years
    4.75       4.75       4.75  
Expected volatility
    37.5 %     40.3 %     39.4 %
Dividend yield
    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
 
                       
Weighted average fair value per option granted
  $ 10.13     $ 10.87     $ 10.73  

 
Page 24 of 33

 
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.  The dividend yield assumption for 2013 option grants was nil as the grants preceded the Company’s new dividend policy.

Subsidiary stock option plans
The Company has stock option plans at its Commercial Real Estate subsidiary entitling the holders to acquire up to a 1.0% interest in the subsidiary as at December 31, 2013.  Since the inception of the plan, stock options representing a 7.2% interest in the subsidiary were exercised.  Options, as well as shares acquired upon option exercise under the subsidiary stock option plan, are liability classified awards because the underlying stock is also classified as a liability.  The fair value of the liability relating to these awards is calculated each period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The fair value of the liability related to these awards as at December 31, 2013 was $12,834 (2012 - $4,266) and compensation expense recognized related to the awards for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $8,568 (2012 - $4,266; 2011 - nil).

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:

 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Income tax expense using combined statutory rate of 26.5% (2012 - 26.5%, 2011 - 28.3%)
  $ 18,622     $ 16,754     $ 9,351  
Permanent differences
    4,125       3,327       4,434  
Tax effect of flow through entities
    (2,156 )     (3,663 )     (3,462 )
Goodwill or other investment impairment charge
    -       676       874  
Impact of changes in foreign exchange rates
    (518 )     1,546       (679 )
Adjustments to tax liabilities for prior periods
    925       721       762  
Effects of changes in enacted tax rates
    250       (14 )     52  
Changes in liability for unrecognized tax benefits
    181       352       (342 )
Stock-based compensation
    2,791       128       (386 )
Foreign, state and provincial tax rate differential
    (4,285 )     (946 )     (6,728 )
Tax on preferred shares
    880       -       -  
Other taxes
    1,906       93       2,046  
Change in valuation allowances
    (97 )     2,033       (49,745 )
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes as reported
  $ 22,624     $ 21,007     $ (43,823 )
 
Earnings before income tax by jurisdiction comprise the following:
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Canada
  $ 1,977     $ 22,438     $ 33,331  
United States
    4,613       9,811       (20,662 )
Australia
    33,061       25,800       21,791  
Foreign
    30,613       5,175       (1,358 )
Total
  $ 70,264     $ 63,224     $ 33,102  
 
 
Page 25 of 33

 
Income tax expense (recovery) comprises the following:
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Current
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Canada
  $ 11,137     $ 5,771     $ 4,630  
United States
    3,008       18,139       8,839  
Australia
    11,088       8,526       7,206  
Foreign
    11,860       4,729       3,708  
 
    37,093       37,165       24,383  
 
                       
Deferred
                       
Canada
    (7,627 )     364       (275 )
United States
    (2,435 )     (14,500 )     (67,279 )
Australia
    (1,079 )     (743 )     (729 )
Foreign
    (3,328 )     (1,279 )     77  
 
    (14,469 )     (16,158 )     (68,206 )
Total
  $ 22,624     $ 21,007     $ (43,823 )
                         
The significant components of deferred income tax are as follows:
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Deferred income tax assets
 
 
   
 
 
Loss carry-forwards
  $ 91,957     $ 88,318  
Expenses not currently deductible
    23,467       17,255  
Stock-based compensation
    3,956       3,317  
Basis differences of partnerships and other entities
    14,173       15,685  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    4,580       3,324  
Inventory and other reserves
    2,554       1,611  
 
    140,687       129,510  
Less: valuation allowance
    (14,120 )     (11,911 )
 
    126,567       117,599  
 
               
Deferred income tax liabilities
               
Depreciation and amortization
    31,165       33,751  
Unrealized foreign exchange gains
    -       932  
Prepaid and other expenses deducted for tax purposes
    1,427       875  
 
    32,592       35,558  
Net deferred income tax asset
  $ 93,975     $ 82,041  
                 
From 2008 to 2011, the Company recognized valuation allowances with respect to deferred income tax assets in its CRE operations, primarily in the United States, due to a history of operating losses.  During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company completed a reorganization of certain operations in the United States. As a result, a valuation allowance in the amount of $48,351 related to the United States CRE operations was reversed as of December 31, 2011.  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.

 
Page 26 of 33

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

 
 
Loss carry forward
   
Gross losses not recognized
   
Net
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Canada
  $ 72,526     $ 53,866     $ 2,438     $ 4,228     $ 70,088     $ 49,638  
United States
    164,414       172,155       4,099       4,098       160,315       168,057  
Australia
    304       889       -       -       304       889  
Foreign
    46,901       43,578       41,412       40,413       5,489       3,165  
 
The Company has gross capital loss carry-forwards as follows:
 
 
 
Loss carry forward
   
Gross losses not recognized
   
Net
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Canada
  $ 939     $ 1,224     $ 939     $ 1,224     $ -     $ -  
United States
   
4,197
      1,068      
4,197
      1,068       -       -  
Australia
    8,123       9,455       8,123       9,455       -       -  

These amounts above are available to reduce future federal and provincial income taxes in their respective jurisdictions.  Net operating loss carry-forward balances attributable to the United States and Canada expire over the next 14 to 20 years.  Net operating loss carry-forward balances attributable to Australia are carried forward indefinitely subject to certain continuity of ownership conditions.

Cumulative unremitted earnings of US and foreign subsidiaries approximated $186,121 as at December 31, 2013 (2012 - $149,249).  Income tax is not provided on the unremitted earnings of US and foreign subsidiaries because it has been the practice and is the intention of the Company to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in these subsidiaries.

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

 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
 
$
 7,602 
 
Increases based on tax positions related to 2012
 
 
 1,093 
 
Reduction for lapses in applicable statutes of limitations
 
 
 (781)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2012
 
 
 7,914 
 
Increases based on tax positions related to 2013
 
 
 384 
 
Increases for tax positions of prior periods
 
 
 562 
 
Reduction for lapses in applicable statutes of limitations
 
 
 (840)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
$
 8,020 
 
         
Of the $8,020 (2012 - $7,914) in gross unrecognized tax benefits, $8,226, (2012 - $7,914) would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, an expense of $29 in interest and penalties related to provisions for income tax was recorded in income tax expense (2012 - recovery of $38; 2011 - recovery of $238).  As at December 31, 2013, the Company had accrued $151 (2012 - $122) for potential income tax related interest and penalties.

Within the next twelve months, the Company believes it is reasonably possible that $1,500 of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions may be reduced due to lapses in statutes of limitations.

The Company’s significant tax jurisdictions include the United States, Canada and Australia.  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.  Tax returns in Australia are generally open for four years.

 
Page 27 of 33

 
The Canada Revenue Agency commenced an examination of the Company’s Canadian income tax return for the years 2010 and 2011 that is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2014.  There have not been any proposed adjustments.

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.

17. 
Net (loss) earnings per common share

Earnings 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 denominator used to calculate earnings per common share:

 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Shares issued and outstanding at beginning of period
    30,070,104       29,941,254       30,318,274  
Weighted average number of shares:
                       
Issued during the period
    2,968,064       250,868       218,418  
Repurchased during the period
    (110,455 )     (165,703 )     (443,081 )
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share
    32,927,713       30,026,419       30,093,611  
Assumed exercise of stock options, net of shares assumed acquired under the Treasury Stock Method
    334,586       349,531       457,404  
Number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share
    33,262,299       30,375,950       30,551,015  
                         
18. 
Other supplemental information
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Franchisor operations
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues
  $ 80,450     $ 75,025     $ 74,429  
Operating earnings
    19,435       16,801       16,110  
Initial franchise fee revenues
    5,817       5,950       5,857  
 
                       
Cash payments made during the period
                       
Income taxes
  $ 46,159     $ 25,673     $ 43,897  
Interest
    17,314       18,860       16,240  
 
                       
Non-cash financing activities
                       
Increases in capital lease obligations
  $ 2,215     $ 2,948     $ 1,540  
 
                       
Other expenses
                       
Rent expense
  $ 69,489     $ 68,580     $ 65,992  

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 in various countries.

 
Page 28 of 33

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

As of December 31, 2013, the Company was party to two interest rate swap agreements to exchange the fixed rate on a portion of its debt to a floating rate.  On the 3.84% Notes, an interest rate swap exchanges the fixed rate on $150,000 of principal for LIBOR (3 months in arrears) +1.35%.  The terms of the swap match the term of the 3.84% Senior Notes with a maturity of January 16, 2025.  On the 5.44% Senior Notes, an interest rate swap exchanges the fixed rate on $20,000 of principal for LIBOR (6 month in arrears) + 3.87%.  The terms of the swap match the term of the 5.44% Senior Notes with a maturity of April 1, 2015.

The interest rate swaps are being accounted for as fair value hedges.  The swaps are carried at fair value on the balance sheet, with gains or losses recognized in earnings.  The carrying value of the hedged debt is adjusted for changes in fair value attributable to the hedged interest rate risk; the associated gains or losses are recognized concurrently in earnings.  So long as the hedges are considered highly effective, the net impact on earnings is nil.

The following tables provide fair value information of the hedging instruments and the effect of the hedging instruments during the period:

 
 
2013
 
Derivative designated as hedging instrument
 
Balance sheet
location
 
Fair
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap asset
 
(non-current)
 
$
 148 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap liability
 
(non-current)
 
$
 5,344 
 

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, 2013:

 
 
Carrying value at
   
Fair value measurements
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
Interest rate swap asset
  $ 148     $ -     $ 148     $ -  
Interest rate swap liability
    5,344       -       5,344       -  
Contingent consideration liability
    8,740       -       -       8,740  

 
Page 29 of 33

 
The fair values of the interest rate swap asset and 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.  The fair value measurements were made using a discounted cash flows approach; significant model inputs were expected future operating cash flows (determined with reference to each specific acquired business) and discount rates (which range from 9.0% to 12.5%).  Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability are comprised of the following:
 
Balance, December 31, 2012
 
$
 13,000 
 
Amounts recognized on acquisitions
 
 
 9,556 
 
Fair value adjustments (note 5)
 
 
 1,801 
 
Resolved and settled in cash
 
 
 (1,994)
 
Resolved and recorded in "Accrued liabilities"
 
 
 (13,727)
 
Other
 
 
 104 
 
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
$
 8,740 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: current portion
 
$
 122 
 
Non-current portion
 
$
 8,618 
 

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 0.1% to 3.0%).  The following are estimates of the fair values for other financial instruments:

   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Carrying
amount
   
Fair
value
   
Carrying
amount
   
Fair
value
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Other receivables
  $ 7,455     $ 7,455     $ 6,328     $ 6,328  
Long-term debt
    372,794       386,952       337,205       347,319  
Convertible debentures
    -       -       77,000       86,048  

Other receivables include notes receivable from non-controlling shareholders and other non-current receivables.
 
20. 
Commitments and contingencies
 
(a) Lease commitments
Minimum operating lease payments are as follows:
 
Year ended December 31
 
 
 
 
2014 
 
$
 65,095 
 
2015 
 
 
 55,342 
 
2016 
 
 
 43,743 
 
2017 
 
 
 32,445 
 
2018 
 
 
 26,669 
 
Thereafter
 
 
 83,424 
 

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

 
Page 30 of 33

 
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, 2013 was $950 (2012 - $1,573; 2011 - $3,363). The recorded amount of the property management revenues for year ended December 31, 2013 was $12,988 (2012 - $16,198; 2011 - $15,821). These amounts are settled monthly in cash, and are priced at market rates. The rental arrangements have fixed terms of up to 10 years. The property management contracts have terms of 1 to 3 years.

As at December 31, 2013, the Company had $4,696 of loans receivable from non-controlling shareholders (2012 - $3,487) and $5,081 of loans payable to minority shareholders (2012 - $2,180). The business purpose of the loans receivable is to finance the sale of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries to senior managers. The business purpose of the loans payable is to finance purchases of non-controlling interests. 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 have terms of 1 to 10 years, but are open for repayment without penalty at any time.

22. 
Segmented information

Operating segments
The Company has three 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.  CRE provides commercial property brokerage and other advisory services to clients in North America and in various other countries around the world.  RRE provides property management and related property services to residential communities in North America.  Property Services provides franchised and Company-owned property services to customers in North America. Corporate includes the costs of operating the Company’s corporate head office.

Included in total assets of the CRE segment at December 31, 2013 is $4,744 (2012 - $5,226) of investments in subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method.  The reportable segment information excludes intersegment transactions.

2013
 
Commercial
Real Estate
Services
   
Residential
Real Estate
Services
   
Property
Services
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues
  $ 1,318,779     $ 884,334     $ 140,317     $ 204     $ 2,343,634  
Depreciation and amortization
    32,539       30,655       8,557       244       71,995  
Operating earnings (loss)
    60,663       30,509       20,305       (21,243 )     90,234  
Other income, net
                                    1,531  
Interest expense, net
                                    (21,501 )
Income taxes
                                    (22,624 )
 
                                       
Net earnings from continuing operations
                            $ 47,640  
 
                                       
Net loss from discontinued operations
                            $ (5,997 )
 
                                       
Net earnings
                                  $ 41,643  
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 797,520     $ 467,480     $ 171,028     $ 7,483     $ 1,443,511  
Total additions to long lived assets
    129,904       21,854       823       (76 )     152,505  

 
Page 31 of 33

 
2012
 
Commercial
Real Estate
Services
   
Residential
Real Estate
Services
   
Property
Services
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues
  $ 1,170,427     $ 814,617     $ 125,204     $ 218     $ 2,110,466  
Depreciation and amortization
    24,106       18,530       5,155       364       48,155  
Operating earnings (loss)
    33,796       42,574       18,991       (15,013 )     80,348  
Other expense, net
                                    2,441  
Interest expense, net
                                    (19,565 )
Income taxes
                                    (21,007 )
 
                                       
Net earnings from continuing operations
                            $ 42,217  
 
                                       
Net earnings from discontinued operations
                            $ (1,328 )
 
                                       
Net earnings
                                  $ 40,889  
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 633,439     $ 444,037     $ 232,757     $ 7,677     $ 1,317,910  
Total additions to long lived assets
    35,031       19,689       7,767       73       62,560  
 
2011
   
Commercial
Real Estate
Services
     
Residential
Real Estate
Services
     
Property
Services
     
Corporate
     
Consolidated
 
 
                                       
Revenues
  $ 994,579     $ 736,029     $ 121,172     $ 188     $ 1,851,968  
Depreciation and amortization
    22,073       17,887       6,427       139       46,526  
Operating earnings (loss)
    22,379       42,736       8,043       (16,941 )     56,217  
Other expense, net
                              (6,317 )
Interest expense, net
                              (16,798 )
Income taxes
                              43,823  
 
                                       
Net earnings from continuing operations
                            $ 76,925  
 
                                       
Net earnings from discontinued operations
                            $ 22,878  
 
                                       
Net earnings
                                  $ 99,803  
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 576,268     $ 423,328     $ 210,898     $ 23,224     $ 1,233,718  
Total additions to long lived assets
    14,997       49,071       6,441       68       70,577  

 
Page 32 of 33

 
Geographic information
Revenues in each geographic region are reported by customer locations.  Amounts reported in geographic regions other than the United States, Canada and Australia are primarily denominated in US dollars, UK pounds and Euros.

 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
United States
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues
  $ 1,391,450     $ 1,295,692     $ 1,151,709  
Total long-lived assets
    395,069       468,602       476,530  
 
                       
Canada
                       
Revenues
  $ 341,491     $ 330,622     $ 310,912  
Total long-lived assets
    88,660       99,529       91,821  
 
                       
Australia
                       
Revenues
  $ 199,221     $ 177,677     $ 171,873  
Total long-lived assets
    44,811       49,269       54,701  
 
                       
Other
                       
Revenues
  $ 411,472     $ 306,475     $ 217,474  
Total long-lived assets
    177,371       70,205       55,494  
 
                       
Consolidated
                       
Revenues
  $ 2,343,634     $ 2,110,466     $ 1,851,968  
Total long-lived assets
    705,911       687,605       678,546  
 
23. 
Impact of recently issued accounting standards

On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted updated guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) on comprehensive income (ASU 2013-02). This update requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosure.

In July 2013, the FASB issued updated guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits (ASU 2013-11).  This update provides explicit guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carry-forward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carry-forward exists. The updated guidance is expected to reduce diversity in practice by providing guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits and will better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carry-forwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carry-forwards exist. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that existed at the effective date, which for the Company is January 1, 2014. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on its results of operations, financial position and disclosure.
 
24. 
Reclassifications

Certain balances on the consolidated balance sheets have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
 
 
 
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