EX-2 3 exh_2p.htm EXHIBIT 2

EXHIBIT 2

 

 

 

 

 

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL

GROUP INC.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 
 

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of Colliers International Group Inc. (“Colliers” or 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 & Risk Committee consisting of four independent directors. The Audit & Risk 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 & Risk 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 ten individually insignificant entities acquired by the Company during the last fiscal period from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2016. The total assets and total revenues of the ten majority-owned entities represent 2.2% and 3.8%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as at and for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

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

 

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

 

   

/s/ Jay S. Hennick

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ John B. Friedrichsen

Chief Financial Officer

February 23, 2017

 

 
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of Colliers International Group Inc.

 

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

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 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 ten entities from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 because these entities were acquired by the Company in purchase business combinations during 2016. We have also excluded these entities acquired from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Total assets and total revenues of these majority-owned entities represent 2.2% and 3.8%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

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

 

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

 

 

Toronto, Ontario

February 23, 2017

 

 
 

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

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

 

Years ended December 31  2016   2015   2014 
             
Revenues  $1,896,724   $1,721,986   $1,582,271 
                
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)   1,179,773    1,044,434    947,130 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   522,295    502,480    509,849 
Depreciation   23,631    21,611    20,484 
Amortization of intangible assets   21,293    17,013    15,549 
Acquisition-related items (note 5)   3,559    6,599    11,103 
Spin-off stock-based compensation costs (note 15)   -    35,400    - 
Spin-off transaction costs   -    14,065    - 
Operating earnings   146,173    80,384    78,156 
                
Interest expense, net   9,190    9,039    7,304 
Other income, net (note 6)   (2,417)   (1,122)   (1,262)
Earnings before income tax   139,400    72,467    72,114 
Income tax (note 16)   47,829    32,552    18,205 
Net earnings from continuing operations   91,571    39,915    53,909 
                
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of income tax (note 4)   -    1,104    23,807 
Net earnings   91,571    41,019    77,716 
                
Non-controlling interest share of earnings   20,085    21,509    25,096 
Non-controlling interest redemption increment (note 13)   3,521    (3,837)   9,304 
                
Net earnings attributable to Company  $67,965   $23,347   $43,316 
                
Net earnings per common share (note 18)               
Basic               
Continuing operations  $1.76   $0.60   $0.54 
Discontinued operations   -    0.03    0.66 
   $1.76   $0.63   $1.20 
                
Diluted               
Continuing operations  $1.75   $0.59   $0.54 
Discontinued operations   -    0.03    0.65 
   $1.75   $0.62   $1.19 

 

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

 

 
 

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS)

(in thousands of US dollars)

 

Years ended December 31  2016   2015   2014 
             
Net earnings  $91,571   $41,019   $77,716 
                
Foreign currency translation loss   (4,337)   (39,495)   (51,648)
Pension liability adjustments, net of tax   (1,690)   -    - 
Comprehensive earnings   85,544    1,524    26,068 
                
Less: Comprehensive earnings attributable to non-controlling shareholders   25,283    27,859    23,396 
                
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Company  $60,261   $(26,335)  $2,672 

 

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

 

 
 

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands of US dollars)

 

As at December 31  2016   2015 
Assets          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $113,148   $116,150 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $23,431 (December 31, 2015 - $20,738)   311,020    298,466 
Unbilled revenues   36,588    19,907 
Income tax recoverable   8,482    13,985 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   37,084    31,864 
Deferred income tax, net (note 16)   18,314    15,607 
    524,636    495,979 
           
Other receivables   10,203    3,922 
Other assets (note 7)   38,657    19,287 
Fixed assets (note 8)   65,274    62,553 
Deferred income tax, net (note 16)   68,446    84,038 
Intangible assets (note 9)   139,557    120,962 
Goodwill (note 10)   348,006    305,680 
    670,143    596,442 
   $1,194,779   $1,092,421 
           
Liabilities and shareholders' equity          
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable  $83,617   $77,464 
Accrued liabilities (note 11)   399,759    377,779 
Income tax payable   15,940    14,388 
Unearned revenues   4,066    4,607 
Long-term debt - current (note 12)   1,961    3,200 
Contingent acquisition consideration - current (note 20)   4,884    1,552 
Deferred income tax, net (note 16)   376    151 
    510,603    479,141 
           
Long-term debt - non-current (note 12)   260,537    257,747 
Contingent acquisition consideration (note 20)   27,382    27,567 
Deferred rent   21,241    17,244 
Other liabilities   8,986    3,223 
Deferred income tax, net (note 16)   18,714    18,414 
    336,860    324,195 
Redeemable non-controlling interests (note 13)   134,803    139,592 
           
Shareholders' equity          
Common shares (note 14)   399,774    396,066 
Contributed surplus   51,540    47,603 
Deficit   (174,311)   (238,411)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (71,273)   (63,569)
Total Company shareholders' equity   205,730    141,689 
           
Non-controlling interests   6,783    7,804 
Total shareholders' equity   212,513    149,493 
   $1,194,779   $1,092,421 

 

Commitments and contingencies (notes 14, 21 and 25)

 

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

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

/s/Peter F. Cohen /s/Jay S. Hennick
Director Director

 

 
 

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)

 

   Common shares           Accumulated         
   Issued and               other   Non-   Total 
   outstanding       Contributed       comprehensive   controlling   shareholders' 
   shares   Amount   surplus   Deficit   earnings (loss)   interests   equity 
                             
Balance, December 31, 2013   35,801,732   $300,765   $37,510   $(123,111)  $26,757   $7,128   $249,049 
                                    
Net earnings   -    -    -    77,716    -    -    77,716 
Other comprehensive loss   -    -    -    -    (51,648)   -    (51,648)
Other comprehensive earnings attributable to NCI   -    -    -    -    11,004    (749)   10,255 
NCI share of earnings   -    -    -    (25,096)   -    5,661    (19,435)
NCI redemption increment   -    -    -    (9,304)   -    -    (9,304)
Distributions to NCI   -    -    -    -    -    (4,535)   (4,535)
Acquisitions of businesses, net   -    -    -    -    -    507    507 
                                    
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions   -    -    4,448    -    -    -    4,448 
                                    
Subordinate Voting Shares:                                   
Stock option expense   -    -    4,077    -    -    -    4,077 
Stock options exercised   558,150    14,419    (3,701)   -    -    -    10,718 
Tax benefit on options exercised   -    -    4,597    -    -    -    4,597 
Dividends   -    -    -    (14,362)   -    -    (14,362)
Purchased for cancellation   (552,927)   (4,783)   -    (24,085)   -    -    (28,868)
                                    
Balance, December 31, 2014   35,806,955    310,401    46,931    (118,242)   (13,887)   8,012    233,215 
                                    
Net earnings   -    -    -    41,019    -    -    41,019 
Other comprehensive loss   -    -    -    -    (39,495)   -    (39,495)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to NCI   -    -    -    -    (10,187)   (1,077)   (11,264)
NCI share of earnings   -    -    -    (21,509)   -    4,128    (17,381)
NCI redemption increment   -    -    -    3,837    -    -    3,837 
Distributions to NCI   -    -    -    -    -    (3,292)   (3,292)
Acquisitions of businesses, net   -    -    -    -    -    33    33 
                                    
Spin-off distribution (note 4)   -    -    -    (138,396)   -    -    (138,396)
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions   -    -    863    -    -    -    863 
                                    
Subordinate Voting Shares:                                   
Issued on exchange for NCI (note 15)   1,997,956    66,692    -    -    -    -    66,692 
Stock option expense   -    -    4,253    -    -    -    4,253 
Stock options exercised   699,400    18,973    (4,444)   -    -    -    14,529 
Dividends   -    -    -    (5,120)   -    -    (5,120)
Balance, December 31, 2015   38,504,311   $396,066   $47,603   $(238,411)  $(63,569)  $7,804   $149,493 

 

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

 

 
 

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)

 

   Common shares           Accumulated         
   Issued and               other   Non-   Total 
   outstanding       Contributed       comprehensive   controlling   shareholders' 
   shares   Amount   surplus   Deficit   earnings (loss)   interests   equity 
                             
Balance, December 31, 2015   38,504,311   $396,066   $47,603   $(238,411)  $(63,569)  $7,804   $149,493 
                                    
Net earnings   -    -    -    91,571    -    -    91,571 
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax   -    -    -    -    (1,690)   -    (1,690)
Foreign currency translation loss   -    -    -    -    (4,337)   -    (4,337)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to NCI   -    -    -    -    (1,677)   (331)   (2,008)
NCI share of earnings   -    -    -    (20,085)   -    4,142    (15,943)
NCI redemption increment   -    -    -    (3,521)   -    -    (3,521)
Distributions to NCI   -    -    -    -    -    (4,643)   (4,643)
Acquisition of businesses, net   -    -    -    -    -    (189)   (189)
                                    
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions   -    -    1,507    -    -    -    1,507 
                                    
Subordinate Voting Shares:                                   
Stock option expense   -    -    3,279    -    -    -    3,279 
Stock options exercised   144,150    3,708    (849)   -    -    -    2,859 
Dividends   -    -    -    (3,865)   -    -    (3,865)
Balance, December 31, 2016   38,648,461   $399,774   $51,540   $(174,311)  $(71,273)  $6,783   $212,513 

 

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

 

 
 

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands of US dollars)

 

Years ended December 31  2016   2015   2014 
             
Cash provided by (used in)               
                
Operating activities               
Net earnings from continuing operations  $91,571   $39,915   $53,909 
                
Items not affecting cash:               
Depreciation and amortization   44,924    38,624    36,033 
Spin-off stock-based compensation   -    35,400    - 
Deferred income tax   9,998    2,752    1,488 
Earnings from equity method investments   (894)   (729)   (589)
Stock option expense   3,279    4,253    2,358 
Other   12,495    2,983    (1,226)
Incremental tax benefit on stock options exercised   -    -    (4,597)
                
Net changes from operating assets / liabilities               
Accounts receivable   (16,737)   (5,574)   (25,285)
Unbilled revenues   (16,479)   (12,738)   (3,487)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   3,010    (5,880)   (1,377)
Accounts payable   6,228    (7,868)   19,539 
Accrued liabilities   16,508    41,376    48,512 
Income tax payable   419    4,785    (4,095)
Unearned revenues   (945)   (2,570)   2,884 
Other liabilities   3,476    (6,634)   (1,557)
Contingent acquisition consideration paid   (591)   (1,421)   (19,785)
Discontinued operations   -    30,564    56,343 
Net cash provided by operating activities   156,262    157,238    159,068 
                
Investing activities               
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (note 3)   (82,073)   (44,108)   (91,559)
Disposal of business, net of cash disposed (note 4)   -    -    8,373 
Purchases of fixed assets   (25,046)   (22,515)   (30,067)
Advisor loans issued   (26,059)   (7,239)   (8,239)
Other investing activities   (511)   (680)   5,221 
Discontinued operations   -    (10,871)   (39,906)
Net cash used in investing activities   (133,689)   (85,413)   (156,177)
                
Financing activities               
Increase in long-term debt   218,056    644,963    307,715 
Repayment of long-term debt   (201,103)   (707,284)   (193,033)
Purchases of subsidiary shares from NCI   (14,074)   (9,039)   (36,025)
Sale of interests in subsidiaries to non-controlling interests   800    2,134    424 
Contingent acquisition consideration   (1,427)   (4,662)   (5,750)
Proceeds received on exercise of stock options   2,859    14,529    10,718 
Incremental tax benefit on stock options exercised   -    -    4,597 
Dividends paid to common shareholders   (3,471)   (7,178)   (14,361)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests   (16,495)   (19,065)   (25,956)
Repurchases of Subordinate Voting Shares   -    -    (28,868)
Financing fees paid   -    (3,029)   (358)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (14,855)   (88,631)   19,103 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (10,720)   (23,837)   (7,905)
                
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (3,002)   (40,643)   14,089 
                
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year   116,150    156,793    142,704 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year  $113,148   $116,150   $156,793 

 

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

 

 
 

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

 

1.Description of the business

 

Colliers International Group Inc. (“Colliers” or the “Company”) provides commercial real estate services to corporate and institutional clients in 32 countries around the world (66 countries including affiliates and franchisees). Colliers’ primary services are outsourcing and advisory services, lease brokerage, and sales brokerage. Operationally, Colliers is organized into three geographic regions – Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); and Asia Pacific.

 

On June 1, 2015, “old” FirstService Corporation (“Old FSV”) completed a plan of arrangement (the “Spin-off) which separated Old FSV into two independent public companies – Colliers and “new” FirstService Corporation (“FirstService”). Under the Spin-off, Old FSV shareholders received one Colliers share and one FirstService share of the same class as each Old FSV share previously held.

 

The historical operations of FirstService have been reclassified as discontinued operations (see note 4).

 

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 recoverability of deferred income tax assets, timing of revenue recognition, recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets, determination of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, estimated fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, quantification of uncertain tax positions and the collectability of accounts receivable. Actual results could be materially different from these estimates.

 

During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, a revenue transaction initially recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014 was reversed as it was determined through subsequent events in 2015 that the revenue was not realized. The impact of this immaterial out of period adjustment was a reduction in revenue of $5,040, a reduction in net earnings of $635 and a reduction in diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.02.

 

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.

 

Unbilled revenues

Unbilled revenues relate to real estate project management and workplace solutions engagements 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:

 

 
 
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 is applied and swaps are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, with gains or losses recognized in interest expense. 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 are deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method.

 

Goodwill and intangible assets

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

 

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

 

 
 
Customer lists and relationships  straight-line over 4 to 20 years
Trademarks and trade names  straight-line over 2 to 10 years
Management contracts and other  straight-line over life of contract ranging from 2 to 10 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 three reporting units determined with reference to 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 may 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 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.

 

(b) Service operations other than real estate brokerage operations

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

 

 
 

Stock-based compensation

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

 

Foreign currency translation

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

 

Income tax

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

 

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

 

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

 

Business combinations

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

 

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

 

2016 acquisitions:

The Company acquired controlling interests in ten businesses, six operating in the Americas (Central Florida, Northeast Florida, New York, Quebec, Western Michigan and Long Island (New York)) and four operating in EMEA (United Kingdom, Netherlands and France). These acquisitions were accounted for by the purchase method of accounting for business combinations and accordingly, the consolidated statements of earnings do not include any revenues or expenses related to these acquisitions prior to their closing dates.

 

Details of these acquisitions are as follows:

 

 
 

   Aggregate
Acquisitions
    
Current assets  $16,643 
Non-current assets   3,719 
Current liabilities   (18,556)
Long-term liabilities   (4,207)
Non-controlling interests   (25)
   $(2,427)
      
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $10,067   (82,073)
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration   (12,056)
Total purchase consideration  $(94,129)
      
Acquired intangible assets  $43,602 
Goodwill  $52,954 

 

2015 acquisitions:

The Company acquired controlling interests in nine businesses. Acquisitions included controlling interests in regional firms in the US, Belgium, and Morocco expanding Colliers’ geographic presence in these markets.

 

Details of these acquisitions are as follows:

 

   Aggregate
Acquisitions
    
Current assets  $10,649 
Non-current assets   2,407 
Current liabilities   (13,264)
Long-term liabilities   (1,605)
Redeemable non-controlling interest   (13,284)
   $(15,097)
      
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $5,873   (44,108)
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration   (14,566)
Total purchase consideration  $(58,674)
      
Acquired intangible assets  $30,398 
Goodwill  $43,373 

 

2014 acquisitions:

The Company acquired controlling interests in nine businesses. Acquisitions included controlling interests in regional firms in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia expanding Colliers’ geographic presence in these markets. The Company also acquired a controlling interest in AOS Group, which was rebranded immediately as Colliers International, establishing a base of operations in France and Belgium.

 

Details of these acquisitions are as follows:

  

 
 

   Aggregate
Acquisitions
    
Current assets  $35,003 
Non-current assets   6,705 
Current liabilities   (44,880)
Long-term liabilities   (9,734)
Redeemable non-controlling interest   (17,700)
Non-controlling interests   (255)
   $(30,861)
      
Note consideration  $(3,171)
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $11,427   (91,559)
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration   (13,339)
Total purchase consideration  $(108,069)
      
Acquired intangible assets  $39,369 
Goodwill  $99,561 

 

Acquisition-related transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $2,794 (2015 - $5,301; 2014 - $9,103) 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 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, 2016, goodwill in the amount of $18,837 is deductible for income tax purposes (2015 - $25,745; 2014 - $712).

 

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, under purchase accounting contingent consideration is recorded at fair value each reporting period. The fair value recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2016 was $32,266 (see note 20). The liability recorded on the balance sheet for the compensatory element of contingent consideration arrangements as at December 31, 2016 was $5,335. 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 $65,519 to a maximum of $72,798. These contingencies will expire during the period extending to December 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2016, $2,018 was paid with reference to such contingent consideration (2015 - $6,083; 2014 - $25,535).

 

The consideration for the acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2016 was financed from borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility and cash on hand.

 

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

 

 
 

   Revenues  Net earnings
from continuing
operations
       
Actual from acquired entities for 2016  $72,702   $1,939 
Supplemental pro forma for 2016 (unaudited)   1,926,462    94,152 
Supplemental pro forma for 2015 (unaudited)   1,902,724    52,762 

 

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

 

4.Discontinued operations

 

There were no discontinued operations during the year ended December 31, 2016. Discontinued operations of prior years include three businesses: (i) FirstService (which comprises Old FSV’s Residential Real Estate Services and Property Services segments); (ii) a residential real estate rental operation (previously reported in Old FSV’s Residential Real Estate Services segment); and (iii) a US-based commercial real estate consulting operation (previously reported in Old FSV’s Commercial Real Estate Services segment).

 

The Spin-off of FirstService was completed on June 1, 2015, resulting in the distribution of one FirstService share of the same class as each Old FSV share previously held to all shareholders. The Spin-off distribution was accounted for at the carrying amount, without gain or loss, and resulted in a reduction of shareholders’ equity of $138,396. Colliers and FirstService were separated into two independent public companies to enable each company to intensify its focus on its distinct brand, customers and industry dynamics and also have the flexibility to pursue independent value creation strategies while optimizing its capital structure and financial resources.

 

In April 2014, the Company completed the sale of its REO rental operation for cash consideration of $1,500. The pre-tax loss on disposal was $1,601, before income tax recovery of $773 resulting in a net loss of $828. In July 2014, the Company completed the sale of a US-based commercial real estate consulting operation for cash consideration of $12,100. The pre-tax gain on disposal was $6,607, before income tax expense of $3,023 resulting in a net gain of $3,584.

 

   2016  2015  2014
          
Revenues  $-   $479,636   $1,132,002 
                
Cost of revenues   -    340,941    800,046 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   -    106,894    249,481 
Depreciation   -    7,566    17,634 
Amortization of intangible assets   -    4,253    8,744 
Acquisition-related items   -    214    723 
Operating earnings   -    19,768    55,374 
                
Interest expense, net   -    993    6,932 
Other expense   -    147    255 
Earnings before income tax   -    18,628    48,187 
                
Income tax expense   -    9,216    13,593 
Net operating earnings from discontinued operations   -    9,412    34,594 
                
Net gain on disposal   -    -    2,756 
Net earnings from discontinued operations  $-   $9,412   $37,350 
                
Non-controlling interest share of earnings   -    4,566    3,426 
Non-controlling interest redemption increment   -    3,742    10,117 
Net earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Company  $-   $1,104   $23,807 
                
Net earnings per share from discontinued operations               
Basic  $-   $0.03   $0.66 
Diluted   -    0.03    0.65 

 

 
 

5.Acquisition-related items

 

Acquisition-related expense (income) comprises the following:

 

   2016  2015  2014
          
Transaction costs  $2,794   $5,301   $9,103 
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments   (4,591)   383    1,774 
Contingent consideration compensation expense   5,356    915    226 
   $3,559   $6,599   $11,103 

 

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

 

6.Other income

 

   2016  2015  2014
          
Disposal (gain) loss, net  $(1,084)  $(11)  $100 
Unusual gain   (439)   (382)   (773)
Equity earnings   (894)   (729)   (589)
   $(2,417)  $(1,122)  $(1,262)

 

7.Other assets

 

   December 31,
2016
  December 31,
2015
       
Advisor loans receivable  $28,477   $10,115 
Equity and cost method investments   7,028    5,897 
Financing fees, net of accumulated amortization of $947 (December 31, 2015 - $353)   2,044    2,676 
Other   1,108    599 
           
   $38,657   $19,287 

 

8.Fixed assets

 

December 31, 2016  Cost  Accumulated
depreciation
  Net
          
Buildings  $1,483   $805   $678 
Vehicles   1,500    886    614 
Furniture and equipment   42,753    29,659    13,094 
Computer equipment and software   86,333    62,878    23,455 
Leasehold improvements   57,696    30,263    27,433 
   $189,765   $124,491   $65,274 

 

December 31, 2015  Cost  Accumulated
depreciation
  Net
          
Buildings  $1,365   $771   $594 
Vehicles   1,556    884    672 
Furniture and equipment   41,535    28,565    12,970 
Computer equipment and software   82,576    59,215    23,361 
Leasehold improvements   52,916    27,960    24,956 
   $179,948   $117,395   $62,553 

 

 
 

Included in fixed assets are vehicles, office and computer equipment under capital lease at a cost of $4,739 (2015 - $4,649) and net book value of $1,827 (2015 - $2,276).

 

9.Intangible assets

 

December 31, 2016  Gross
carrying
amount
  Accumulated
amortization
  Net
          
Customer lists and relationships  $168,998   $64,397   $104,601 
Franchise rights   5,301    3,478    1,823 
Trademarks and trade names:               
Indefinite life   23,604    -    23,604 
Finite life   2,993    1,484    1,509 
Management contracts and other   13,586    5,566    8,020 
   $214,482   $74,925   $139,557 

 

December 31, 2015  Gross
carrying
amount
  Accumulated
amortization
  Net
          
Customer lists and relationships  $134,112   $50,029   $84,083 
Franchise rights   5,444    3,222    2,222 
Trademarks and trade names:               
Indefinite life   23,639    -    23,639 
Finite life   2,312    1,220    1,092 
Management contracts and other   13,690    4,213    9,477 
Brokerage backlog   3,588    3,139    449 
   $182,785   $61,823   $120,962 

 

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

 

   Amount  Estimated
weighted
average
amortization
period (years)
       
Customer lists and relationships  $39,457    12.9 
Trademarks and trade names - finite life   1,634    2.0 
Brokerage backlog   2,299    0.3 
Other   212    6.3 
           
   $43,602    11.8 

 

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

 

2017  $18,169 
2018   16,329 
2019   14,802 
2020   13,361 
2021   12,049 

 

 
 

10.Goodwill

 

   Americas  EMEA  Asia
Pacific
  Consolidated
             
Balance, December 31, 2014  $69,820    167,304    48,997    286,121 
Goodwill acquired during the year   39,627    3,322    424    43,373 
Goodwill disposed during the year   -    (111)   -    (111)
Foreign exchange   (2,650)   (16,159)   (4,894)   (23,703)
Balance, December 31, 2015   106,797    154,356    44,527    305,680 
Goodwill acquired during the year   19,665    33,289    -    52,954 
Other items   (603)   (266)   -    (869)
Foreign exchange   558    (10,236)   (81)   (9,759)
Balance, December 31, 2016   126,417    177,143    44,446    348,006 
Goodwill   152,688    180,455    44,446    377,589 
Accumulated impairment loss   (26,271)   (3,312)   -    (29,583)
   $126,417   $177,143   $44,446   $348,006 

 

A test for goodwill impairment is required to be completed annually, in the Company’s case as of August 1, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. No goodwill impairments were identified in 2016, 2015 or 2014. The accumulated impairment loss reflects a goodwill impairment incurred in 2009.

 

11. Accrued liabilities

 

   December 31,
2016
  December 31,
2015
       
Accrued payroll, commission and benefits  $267,715   $247,476 
Accrued project management costs   41,499    41,155 
Value added tax payable   24,605    29,956 
Customer advances   10,432    6,930 
Accrued contract costs (overbillings)   16,713    8,875 
Other   38,795    43,387 
           
   $399,759   $377,779 

 

12.Long-term debt

 

   December 31,
2016
  December 31,
2015
       
Revolving credit facility  $259,081   $255,165 
Capital leases maturing at various dates through 2019   1,868    1,870 
Other long-term debt maturing at various dates up to 2020   1,549    3,912 
    262,498    260,947 
Less: current portion   1,961    3,200 
Long-term debt - non-current  $260,537   $257,747 

 

On June 1, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks to provide a $525,000 committed revolving credit facility (the “Facility”). The Facility has a five-year term ending June 1, 2020 and bears interest at 1.5% to 2.75% over floating reference rates, depending on certain leverage ratios. The weighted average interest rate for 2016 was 2.4% (2015 - 2.3%). The Facility had $253,696 of available un-drawn credit as at December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, letters of credit in the amount of $12,073 were outstanding ($17,232 as at December 31, 2015). The Facility requires a commitment fee of 0.30% to 0.55% of the unused portion, depending on certain leverage ratios. At any time during the term, the Company has the right to increase the Facility by up to $150,000 on the same terms and conditions as the original Facility.

 

 
 

The Company granted the banks collateral including an interest in 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 minority interests. The credit agreement covenants require the Company to maintain certain ratios including financial leverage, interest coverage and net worth. The Company is limited from undertaking certain mergers, acquisitions and dispositions without prior approval.

 

On January 18, 2017, the credit agreement for the Facility was amended and restated (see note 25).

 

The effective interest rate on the Company’s long-term debt for the year ended December 31, 2016 was 2.8% (2015 - 3.1%). 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:

 

2017  $1,961 
2018   1,102 
2019   350 
2020   4 
2021 and thereafter   259,081 

 

13.Redeemable non-controlling interests

 

The minority equity positions in the Company’s subsidiaries are referred to as redeemable non-controlling interests (“RNCI”). The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending RNCI amounts:

 

   2016  2015
       
Balance, January 1  $139,592   $150,066 
RNCI share of earnings   15,943    17,381 
RNCI redemption increment   3,521    (3,837)
Distributions paid to RNCI   (14,428)   (15,774)
Purchases of interests from RNCI, net   (9,825)   (6,785)
RNCI exchanged for Subordinate Voting Shares   -    (14,670)
RNCI recognized on business acquisitions   -    13,284 
Other   -    (73)
Balance, December 31  $134,803   $139,592 

 

The Company has shareholders’ agreements in place at each of its non-wholly owned subsidiaries. These agreements allow the Company to “call” the RNCI 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 income taxes, interest, depreciation, and amortization. The agreements also have redemption features which allow the owners of the RNCI to “put” their equity to the Company at the same price subject to certain limitations. The formula price is referred to as the redemption amount and may be paid in cash or in Subordinate Voting Shares. The redemption amount as of December 31, 2016 was $126,007 (2015 - $137,357). The redemption amount is lower than that recorded on the balance sheet as the formula price of certain RNCI are lower than the amount initially recorded at the inception of the minority equity position. If all put or call options were settled with Subordinate Voting Shares as at December 31, 2016, approximately 3,400,000 such shares would be issued. The pro forma annual impact of such a settlement would be an increase of approximately $0.32 to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.

 

 
 
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:

 

   Subordinate Voting Shares  Multiple Voting Shares  Total Common Shares
   Number  Amount  Number  Amount  Number  Amount
                   
Balance, December 31, 2015   37,178,617   $395,693    1,325,694   $373    38,504,311   $396,066 
Balance, December 31, 2016   37,322,767    399,401    1,325,694    373    38,648,461    399,774 

 

On June 1, 2015, the Company completed the Spin-off. Under the Spin-off, shareholders received one Company share and one FirstService share of the same class as each Old FSV share previously held. The Spin-off distribution was accounted for at the carrying amount, without gain or loss, and resulted in a reduction of shareholders’ equity of $138,396.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company declared dividends on its Common Shares of $0.10 per share (2015 - $0.14; 2014 - $0.40).

 

Pursuant to an agreement approved in February 2004 and restated on June 1, 2015 to reflect the impact of the Spin-off, the Company agreed that it will make payments to Jay S. Hennick, 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$3.324. 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$6.472. The two base prices shown above have been restated to 58.57% of their original values to reflect the Spin-off on June 1, 2015. Assuming an arm’s length sale of control of the Company took place on December 31, 2016, the amount required to be paid to the CEO, based on a market price of C$49.49 per Subordinate Voting Share, would be US$132,562.

 

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, 2016, there were 980,750 options available for future grants.

 

 
 

Grants under the Company’s stock option plan are equity-classified awards. Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 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, 2013   1,687,050   $26.25           
Granted   343,000    49.57           
Exercised   (558,150)   19.26           
Forfeited   (8,000)   31.28           
Shares issuable under options - December 31, 2014   1,463,900   $34.35           
Granted   698,500    36.61           
Exercised   (699,400)   20.09           
Forfeited   (22,500)   38.71           
Shares issuable under options - December 31, 2015   1,440,500   $28.65           
Granted   395,000    32.94           
Exercised   (144,150)   19.83           
Forfeited   (88,500)   32.14           
Shares issuable under options - December 31, 2016   1,602,850   $30.31    2.8   $11,305 
Options exercisable - End of year   510,975   $25.88    1.9   $5,777 

 

The Company incurred stock-based compensation expense related to these awards of $3,279 during the year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - $4,253; 2014 - $4,077).

 

As at December 31, 2016, the range of option exercise prices was $15.57 to $43.57 per share. Also as at December 31, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value and weighted average remaining contractual life for in-the-money options vested and expected to vest were $11,305 and 2.6 years, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information about option exercises during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 

   2016  2015  2014
          
Number of options exercised   144,150    699,400    558,150 
                
Aggregate fair value  $5,222   $35,516   $27,973 
Intrinsic value   2,364    21,463    17,223 
Amount of cash received   2,858    14,053    10,750 
                
Tax benefit recognized  $-   $91   $5,856 

 

As at December 31, 2016, there was $3,845 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards which is expected to be recognized over the next four years. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the fair value of options vested was $2,998 (2015 - $2,589; 2014 - $3,750).

 

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

 

 
 

   2016  2015  2014
          
Risk-free rate   1.1%   1.0%   0.9%
Expected life in years   4.75    4.75    4.75 
Expected volatility   33.0%   28.6%   25.5%
Dividend yield   0.3%   0.2%   0.8%
                
Weighted average fair value per option granted  $9.64   $11.91   $10.52 

 

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.

 

Subsidiary stock option plan

Prior to June 1, 2015, Old FSV had a stock option plan at its Commercial Real Estate Services subsidiary. In conjunction with the Spin-off, the Company exchanged the redeemable non-controlling interests and stock options at this subsidiary for 1,997,956 Subordinate Voting Shares of the Company. Upon the exchange, the Company reclassified $16,622 of stock-based compensation liability and $14,670 of redeemable non-controlling interests to shareholders’ equity and also recognized $35,400 of stock-based compensation expense. Of the 1,997,956 Subordinate Voting Shares issued, 1,187,697 remain subject to contractual retention and escrow periods extending to June 1, 2018.

 

16.Income tax

 

The following is a reconciliation stated as a percentage of pre-tax earnings of the Ontario, Canada combined statutory corporate income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate:

 

   2016  2015  2014
          
Combined statutory rate   26.5%   26.5%   26.5%
Nondeductible expenses   2.4    5.8    6.4 
Tax effect of flow-through entities   (1.1)   (2.5)   (2.9)
Impact of changes in foreign exchange rates   -    (2.1)   (0.8)
Adjustments to tax liabilities for prior periods   (0.4)   (1.4)   (2.5)
Effects of changes in enacted tax rates   -    (0.5)   0.1 
Changes in liability for unrecognized tax benefits   (0.6)   (0.6)   (1.9)
Stock-based compensation   0.5    13.9    4.1 
Foreign, state, and provincial tax rate differential   4.4    1.1    (6.2)
Other taxes   1.4    2.4    2.4 
Change in valuation allowance   0.3    0.6    (1.7)
Outside basis difference in investments   0.5    1.4    1.4 
Other   0.4    0.3    0.3 
Effective income tax rate   34.3%   44.9%   25.2%

 

Earnings before income tax by jurisdiction comprise the following:

 

   2016  2015  2014
          
Canada  $23,309   $(31,818)  $(11,751)
United States   40,435    27,301    14,242 
Foreign   75,656    76,984    69,623 
Total  $139,400   $72,467   $72,114 

 

The Canadian earnings before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2015 includes stock-based compensation and transaction costs of $49,465 related to the Spin-off.

 

Income tax expense (recovery) comprises the following:

 

 
 

   2016  2015  2014
          
Current               
Canada  $5,091   $(770)  $(6,343)
United States   2,090    1,555    (3,474)
Foreign   30,650    29,014    28,901 
    37,831    29,799    19,084 
                
Deferred               
Canada   2,278    (875)   (336)
United States   12,753    5,980    2,728 
Foreign   (5,033)   (2,352)   (3,271)
    9,998    2,753    (879)
                
Total  $47,829   $32,552   $18,205 

 

The significant components of deferred income tax are as follows:

 

   2016  2015
       
Loss carry-forwards and other credits  $56,822   $70,952 
Expenses not currently deductible   22,525    22,018 
Stock-based compensation   474    210 
Investments   17,303    15,470 
Provision for doubtful accounts   4,990    3,601 
Financing fees   376    267 
Net unrealized foreign exchange   (399)   3,097 
Depreciation and amortization   (21,713)   (18,932)
Less: valuation allowance   (12,707)   (15,603)
Net deferred income tax asset  $67,671   $81,080 

 

As at December 31, 2016, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets of $67,671 will be realized based upon future earnings, consideration of net operating loss (“NOL”) limitations, earnings trends and tax planning strategies. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future earnings are reduced.

 

The Company has gross NOL carry-forward balances as follows:

 

   Gross loss carry forward  Gross losses not recognized  Net
   2016  2015  2016  2015  2016  2015
                   
Canada  $37,428   $49,924   $153   $141   $37,275   $49,783 
United States   85,550    118,224    4,100    4,100    81,450    114,124 
Foreign   45,988    41,333    31,543    31,902    14,445    9,431 

 

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

 

   Gross loss carry forward  Gross losses not recognized  Net
   2016  2015  2016  2015  2016  2015
                   
Canada  $183   $369   $108   $369   $75   $- 
United States   54    -    -    -    54    - 
Foreign   6,521    6,489    6,521    6,489    -    - 

 

 
 

These amounts above are available to reduce future federal, state, and provincial income taxes in their respective jurisdictions. NOL carry-forward balances attributable to Canada begin to expire in 2030. NOL carry-forward balances attributable to the United States begin to expire in 2030. Foreign NOL carry-forward balances begin to expire in 2018. The utilization of NOLs may be subject to certain limitations under federal, provincial, state or foreign tax laws.

 

Cumulative unremitted foreign earnings of the US subsidiaries is nil (2015 - nil). Cumulative unremitted foreign earnings of international subsidiaries of the Company approximated $21,886 as at December 31, 2016 (2015 - $21,642). The Company has not provided a deferred tax liability on the unremitted foreign earnings as it is management’s intent to permanently reinvest such earnings outside of Canada. In addition, any repatriation of such earnings would not be subject to significant Canadian or foreign taxes.

 

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

 

   2016  2015
       
Balance, January 1  $2,519   $3,624 
Gross increases for tax positions of current period   111    174 
Gross increases for tax positions of prior periods   41    365 
Amount recognized on acquisitions   613    - 
Reduction for settlements with taxing authorities   -    (335)
Reduction for lapses in applicable statutes of limitations   (1,031)   (967)
Foreign currency translation   39    (342)
           
Balance, December 31  $2,292   $2,519 

 

Of the $2,292 (2015 - $2,519) in gross unrecognized tax benefits, $2,292 (2015 - $2,519) would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. For the year ended December 31, 2016, additional interest and penalties of $234 related to uncertain tax positions were accrued (2015 - $174; 2014 - 106). The Company reversed $58 of accrued interest and penalties related to settled positions in 2016 (2015 - $106; 2014 - nil). As at December 31, 2016, the Company had accrued $350 (2015 - $174) for potential income tax related interest and penalties.

 

Within the next twelve months, the Company believes it is reasonably possible that $581 of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions may be reduced due to lapses in statutes of limitations.

 

The Company files tax returns in Canada, the United States and multiple foreign jurisdictions. The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. Generally, income tax returns filed with the Canada Revenue Agency and related provinces are open for four to seven years and income tax returns filed with the United States Internal Revenue Service and related states are open for three to five years. Tax returns in the significant foreign jurisdictions that the Company conducts business in are generally open for four years.

 

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

 

17.Pension plan

 

The Company has one defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”), which was assumed in connection with a business acquired during 2016. The Plan covers eligible employees in the Netherlands and provides old age, survivor, orphan and disability benefits. Effective December 31, 2016, enrollment in the Plan was frozen and no additional employees are entitled to join the Plan. The Plan is covered by an insurance contract which limits the Company’s exposure to returns below a fixed discount rate.

 

 
 

The following table details the net periodic pension cost of the Plan:

 

   2016
    
Gross employer service cost  $1,378 
Plan participant contributions   (336)
Interest cost on service cost   34 
Employer's service cost   1,076 
Interest cost   794 
Expected net return on plan assets   (787)
Other costs   168 
Total employer's pension expense  $1,251 

 

The following tables provide reconciliations of projected benefit obligations and plan assets (the net of which represents the Company’s funded status), as well as the funded status, of the Plan.

 

    
Change in benefit obligation:  2016
    
Projected benefit obligation - January 1, 2016  $31,421 
Current service cost   1,076 
Plan participant / third party contributions   336 
Interest cost   794 
Benefits paid   (438)
Foreign exchange   (969)
Expected projected benefit obligation, December 31, 2016   32,220 
Actuarial loss, net of foreign exchange   4,438 
Projected benefit obligation - December 31, 2016  $36,659 

 

Change in plan assets:  2016
    
Fair value of plan assets - January 1, 2016  $30,627 
Expected net return on plan assets   787 
Contributions     
Employer   603 
Plan participants   336 
Benefits paid   (438)
Other costs   (168)
Foreign exchange   (916)
Expected fair value of plan assets - December 31, 2016   30,830 
Actuarial gain, net of foreign exchange   2,185 
Fair value of plan assets - December 31, 2016  $33,016 

 

Defined benefit pension plan amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheet are shown in the table below:

 

   December 31,
2016
    
Present value of accumulated benefit obligation  $(34,934)
Effect of future compensation increases   (1,724)
Present value of projected benefit obligation   (36,659)
Fair value of plan assets   33,016 
Net liability for pension benefits  $(3,643)

 

The following table details the amount recognized in other comprehensive income:

 

   2016
    
Actuarial loss on remeasurement of projected benefit obligation  $4,654 
Actuarial gain on remeasurement of fair value of assets   (2,292)
Total loss recognized in other comprehensive income  $2,362 

 

 
 

The assumptions used in developing the projected benefit obligation as of December 31, 2016 are as follows:

 

Discount rate used in determining present values   1.8%
Annual increase in future compensation levels   2.0%

 

The assumptions used in determining net periodic cost for the period ended December 31, 2016 are as follows:

 

Discount rate used in determining present values   1.8%
Annual increase in future compensation levels   2.0%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets   1.8%

 

The discount rate assumption used for the Plan was derived from the expected yield of Euro-denominated “AA”-rated corporate bonds with durations consistent with the liabilities of the Plan.

 

The expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on the current level of return expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. The expected return for each asset class is weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the portfolio.

 

For the period ended December 31, 2016 the actual return on assets was $3,079 composed of an expected return on assets of $787 and an actuarial gain of $2,292.

 

Plan assets measured at fair value and cash are presented in the following table with the overall allocation of assets.

 

   December 31,  Fair value measurements   
   2016  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
             
Equity type investments  $2,693   $2,693   $-   $- 
Fixed interest type investments Government bonds   30,117    30,117    -      
Cash   83    83    -    - 
Other   122    -    -    122 
Total  $33,016   $32,894   $-   $122 

 

The Plan’s assets are invested with a third party insurance company in the Netherlands that insures the performance of Plan assets. The valuation of the insurance assets is included in the “Other” category in the tables above.

 

The Company expects the following pension benefit payments over the next 10 years:

 

Year ending December 31   
2017   $464 
2018    546 
2019    617 
2020    644 
2021    687 
2022 - 2026    4,375 

 

18.Net earnings (loss) 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:

 

 
 

   2016  2015  2014
          
Shares issued and outstanding at beginning of year   38,504,311    35,806,955    35,801,732 
Weighted average number of shares:               
Issued during the year   91,754    1,389,361    335,253 
Repurchased during the year   -    -    (220,333)
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share   38,596,065    37,196,316    35,916,652 
Assumed exercise of stock options acquired under the treasury stock method   271,771    389,937    392,326 
Number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share   38,867,836    37,586,253    36,308,978 

 

19.Other supplemental information

 

   2016  2015  2014
          
Cash payments made during the year               
Income taxes, net of refunds  $36,349   $35,679   $34,904 
Interest   7,980    8,057    9,002 
                
Non-cash financing activities               
Increases in capital lease obligations  $988   $1,021   $2,581 
Dividends declared but not paid   1,932    1,540    3,581 
                
Other expenses               
Rent expense  $57,850   $52,561   $53,873 

 

20.Financial instruments

 

Concentration of credit risk

The Company is subject to credit risk with respect to its cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, unbilled revenues 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 different service lines in various countries.

 

Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk is related to the portion of the Company’s business transactions denominated in currencies other than US dollars. A significant portion of revenue is generated by the Company’s Canadian, Australian, UK and European operations. The Company’s head office expenses are incurred primarily in Canadian dollars which are hedged by Canadian dollar denominated revenue.

 

Fluctuations in foreign currencies impact the amount of total assets and liabilities that are reported for foreign subsidiaries upon the translation of these amounts into US dollars. In particular, the amount of cash, working capital, goodwill and intangibles held by these subsidiaries is subject to translation variance caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates as of the end of each respective reporting period (the offset to which is recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheets).

 

Interest rate risk

The Company utilizes an interest rate risk management strategy that may use 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. As of December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any hedging contracts.

 

 
 

Fair values of financial instruments

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

 

   Carrying value at  Fair value measurements
   December 31, 2016  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
                     
Contingent consideration liability  $32,266   $-   $-   $32,266 

 

The inputs to the measurement of the fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions are Level 3 inputs. The fair value measurements were made using a discounted cash flow model; significant model inputs were expected future operating cash flows (determined with reference to each specific acquired business) and discount rates (which range from 4% to 10.1%, with a weighted average of 9.3%). The wide range of discount rates is attributable to level of risk related to economic growth factors combined with the length of the contingent payment periods; and the dispersion was driven by unique characteristics of the businesses acquired and the respective terms for these contingent payments. Within the range of discount rates, there is data point concentration at the 9.4% and 10.1% levels. A 2% increase in the weighted average discount rate would reduce the fair value of contingent consideration by $1,000. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability comprise the following:

 

Balance, December 31, 2015  $29,119 
Amounts recognized on acquisitions   12,056 
Fair value adjustments (note 5)   (4,591)
Resolved and settled in cash   (1,434)
Other   (2,884)
Balance, December 31, 2016   32,266 
      
Less: current portion   4,884 
Non-current portion  $27,382 

 

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities, 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 other receivables and long-term debt are Level 3 inputs.

 

The following are estimates of the fair values for other financial instruments:

 

   2016  2015
   Carrying
amount
  Fair
value
  Carrying
amount
  Fair
value
             
Other receivables  $10,203   $10,203   $3,922   $3,922 
Long-term debt   262,498    262,498    260,947    260,947 

 

Other receivables include notes receivable from non-controlling shareholders, accounts receivable from customers with terms of greater than one year and non-current income tax recoverable.

 

21.Commitments and contingencies

 

(a) Lease commitments

Minimum operating lease payments are as follows:

 

 
 
Year ending December 31   
2017  $63,378 
2018   53,367 
2019   43,620 
2020   38,600 
2021   33,068 
Thereafter   61,959 
   $293,992 

 

(b) Purchase commitments

Minimum contractual purchase commitments are as follows:

 

Year ending December 31   
2017  $5,016 
2018   3,412 
   $8,428 

 

(c) 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.

 

22.Related party transactions

 

The Company has entered into office space rental arrangements and property management contracts with minority shareholders of certain subsidiaries. The business purpose of the transactions is to rent office space for the Company and to generate property management revenues for the Company. The recorded amount of the rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $643 (2015 - $478; 2014 - $1,080). The recorded amount of the property management revenues for year ended December 31, 2016 was $715 (2015 - $372; 2014 - $154). 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 one to three years.

 

As at December 31, 2016, the Company had $4,897 of loans receivable from non-controlling shareholders (2015 - $728) and no loans payable to minority shareholders (2015 - $43). 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 one to ten years, but are open for repayment without penalty at any time.

 

After the completion of the June 1, 2015 Spin-off, FirstService entered into a lease agreement with the Company for head office space. The amount of rent income earned from FirstService during the year ended December 31, 2016 was $344 (2015 - $265). Loans receivable from FirstService as of December 31, 2016 are nil (2015 - $307).

 

23.Segmented information

 

Operating segments

Upon completion of the Spin-off of FirstService on June 1, 2015, the Residential Real Estate Services and Property Services operating segments of Old FSV were distributed to shareholders. The Commercial Real Estate Services segment was retained and comprises the business of Colliers.

 

 
 

Colliers has identified three reportable operating segments, which are grouped geographically and based on the manner in which the segments are managed by the chief operating decision maker, which is identified as both the CEO and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Management assesses each segment’s performance based on operating earnings or operating earnings before depreciation and amortization. Corporate includes the costs of global administrative functions and corporate head office.

 

Included in segment total assets at December 31, 2016 are investments in subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method or cost method: Americas $4,753 (2015 - 4,215); EMEA $2,610 (2015 - $2,023) and Asia Pacific $7 (2015 - nil). The reportable segment information excludes intersegment transactions.

 

2016  Americas   EMEA   Asia
Pacific
   Corporate   Consolidated 
                     
Revenues  $1,021,317   $474,868   $399,368   $1,171   $1,896,724 
Depreciation and amortization   21,612    15,121    5,479    2,712    44,924 
Operating earnings (loss)   85,255    34,275    45,614    (18,971)   146,173 
Other income, net                       2,417 
Interest expense, net                       (9,190)
Income tax expense                       (47,829)
                          
Net earnings from continuing operations                      $91,571 
                          
Net earnings from discontinued operations                      $- 
                          
Net earnings                      $91,571 
                          
Total assets  $559,295   $443,945   $181,425   $10,114   $1,194,779 
Total additions to long-lived assets   50,948    67,325    4,654    1,141    124,068 

 

2015  Americas   EMEA   Asia
Pacific
   Corporate   Consolidated 
                     
Revenues  $889,738   $446,146   $385,123   $979   $1,721,986 
Depreciation and amortization   18,100    12,429    5,263    2,832    38,624 
Operating earnings (loss)   69,247    38,777    41,092    (68,732)   80,384 
Other income, net                       1,122 
Interest expense, net                       (9,039)
Income tax expense                       (32,552)
                          
Net earnings from continuing operations                      $39,915 
                          
Net earnings from discontinued operations                      $1,104 
                          
Net earnings                      $41,019 
                          
Total assets  $488,228   $396,789   $176,521   $30,883   $1,092,421 
Total additions to long-lived assets   78,124    12,997    4,402    1,677    97,200 

 

 
 
2014  Americas   EMEA   Asia
Pacific
   Corporate   Consolidated 
                     
Revenues  $823,146   $352,363   $405,957   $805   $1,582,271 
Depreciation and amortization   14,959    12,371    5,651    3,052    36,033 
Operating earnings (loss)   60,473    22,009    47,392    (51,718)   78,156 
Other income, net                       1,262 
Interest expense, net                       (7,304)
Income tax expense                       (18,205)
                          
Net earnings from continuing operations                      $53,909 
                          
Net earnings from discontinued operations                      $23,807 
                          
Net earnings                      $77,716 
                          
Total assets  $421,423   $425,461   $183,436   $(6,437)  $1,023,883 
Total additions to long-lived assets   23,988    134,587    15,763    1,980    176,318 

 

Geographic information

Revenues in each geographic region are reported by customer locations.

 

   2016   2015   2014 
             
United States               
Revenues  $734,488   $628,954   $522,641 
Total long-lived assets   178,908    152,326    90,276 
                
Canada               
Revenues  $253,529   $229,551   $263,215 
Total long-lived assets   52,547    51,473    53,241 
                
Euro currency countries               
Revenues  $261,626   $207,495   $135,482 
Total long-lived assets   174,932    152,833    169,963 
                
Australia               
Revenues  $219,406   $206,254   $231,029 
Total long-lived assets   43,808    44,936    51,083 
                
United Kingdom               
Revenues  $137,216   $164,204   $150,933 
Total long-lived assets   69,565    56,076    60,046 
                
Other               
Revenues  $290,459   $285,528   $278,971 
Total long-lived assets   33,077    31,551    41,514 
                
Consolidated               
Revenues  $1,896,724   $1,721,986   $1,582,271 
Total long-lived assets   552,837    489,195    466,124 

 

24.Impact of recently issued accounting standards

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company has assessed each of its revenue streams for the possible impact of this standard and does not anticipate any material impacts on its financial statements. However, the assessment is not yet finalized. The Company will adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2018 using the retrospective transition method.

 

 
 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This ASU simplifies the presentation of all tax assets and liabilities by no longer requiring an allocation between current and non-current. All deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance are to be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. This change will reduce the Company’s net current assets (expressed as current assets minus current liabilities). The Company will adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2017.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This ASU affects all aspects of lease accounting and has a significant impact to lessees as it requires the recognition of a right-of use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases including operating leases. In addition to balance sheet recognition, additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures will be required. The ASU will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company has catalogued and abstracted key terms of its leases and is in the final stages of selecting a software solution to assist with the additional disclosures required. The Company’s assets and liabilities will be impacted by the recognition of a right-of-use asset and lease liability. Related balance sheet ratios will also be impacted. Covenant ratio calculations under the Company’s revolving credit facility will however not be impacted, as they will continue to be based on the accounting standards in place as of September 30, 2016. The Company will adopt this ASU with an effective date of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition method.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU simplifies how share-based payments are accounted for and presented. Income tax expense is expected to be impacted as entities are required to record all of the tax effects related to share-based payments at settlement through the income statement. This standard removes the requirement to delay recognition of a windfall tax benefit until it reduces taxes payable and instead records the benefit when it arises. The standard also permits entities to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures by allowing them to be estimated, as required today, or recognized when they occur. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2017, using the prospective transition method, with the forfeiture rate continuing to be estimated, and does not expect the changes to have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU reduces diversity in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Under this guidance contingent consideration payments made soon after an acquisition’s close date should be classified as cash outflows for investing activities. Payments made thereafter should be classified as cash outflows for financing activities up to the amount of the original contingent consideration liability. Payments in excess of the amount of the original contingent consideration liability should be classified as outflows for operating activities. This standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its financial statements. The Company will adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2018, using the retrospective transition method.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations – Clarifying the Definition of a Business which clarifies and simplifies the definition of a business. Under this guidance, when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or group of similar assets), the assets acquired would not represent a business. This will likely result in more acquisitions being accounted for as asset purchases which impacts many areas of accounting such as acquisitions, disposals, goodwill impairment and consolidation. This standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this ASU on its financial statements.

 

 
 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment to remove Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under this guidance, a goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this ASU on its financial statements.

 

25.Subsequent events

 

In January 2017, the Company acquired controlling interests in three commercial real estate services businesses, one operating in Northern California and Nevada in the Americas region and two operating in Denmark and the United Kingdom in the EMEA region. The total initial cash consideration for these acquisitions was $66,400. These acquisitions will be accounted for by the purchase method of accounting for business combinations and accordingly, the results from these operations will be included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition.

 

On January 18, 2017, the Company amended and restated the credit agreement for its multi-currency revolving credit facility (the “Facility”). The Facility’s maturity date was extended to January 18, 2022 (from June 1, 2020) and total borrowing capacity was increased to $700,000 (from $525,000). In addition, certain collateral requirements and financial covenants were removed. Other material terms and conditions were unchanged.