EX-2 3 exh_2p.htm EXHIBIT 2

EXHIBIT 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Page 2 of 31 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America using the best estimates and judgments of management, where appropriate. The most significant of these accounting principles are set out in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. Management has prepared the financial information presented elsewhere in this annual report and has ensured that it is consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

 

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

 

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

 

These consolidated financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, which have been appointed as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company by the shareholders. Their report outlines the scope of their examination and opinion on the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of ICFR at December 31, 2020. As auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have full and independent access to the Audit Committee to discuss their findings.

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

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

 

Management has excluded six 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, 2020. The total assets and total revenues of the six majority-owned entities represent 2.7% and 1.4%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as at and for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2020, 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, 2020, 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, 2020, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm as stated in their report which appears herein.

 

   

/s/ Scott Patterson

Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Jeremy Rakusin

Chief Financial Officer

February 25, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Page 3 of 31 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of FirstService Corporation

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FirstService Corporation and its subsidiaries (together, the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of earnings (loss), consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings (loss), consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP). Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

 

Change in Accounting Principles

 

As discussed in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for credit losses in 2020.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

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

 

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.

 

Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded six entities from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 because they were acquired by the Company in purchase business combinations during 2020. We have also excluded these six entities from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Total assets and total revenues of these majority-owned entities excluded from management’s assessment and our audit of internal control over financial reporting represent 2.7% and 1.4%, respectively, of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

 

 Page 4 of 31 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

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

 

Critical Audit Matters

 

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

 

Acquisitions – fair value of customer relationships

 

As described in notes 3, 5 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company acquired controlling interests in six businesses for total purchase consideration of $111.8 million in 2020, which resulted in $43.7 million of customer relationships intangible assets being recorded. One acquisition represented a significant portion of the total customer relationships intangible assets acquired during the year. Management recorded this customer relationships intangible asset acquired at fair value on the date of acquisition using the income approach on an individual asset basis. Management applied judgment in estimating the fair value of the customer relationships acquired, which included the use of assumptions with respect to the future earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) margin, revenue growth rate, expected attrition rate of acquired customer relationships and the discount rate.

 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the fair value of the customer relationships intangible asset acquired is a critical audit matter are (i) the judgment by management when developing the fair value estimate of the customer relationships acquired; (ii) the high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s assumptions related to the future EBITDA margin, revenue growth rate, expected attrition rate of acquired customer relationships and the discount rate; and (iii) the fact that the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the acquisition accounting, including controls over management’s valuation of the customer relationships and controls over development of the future EBITDA margin, revenue growth rate, expected attrition rate of acquired customer relationships and discount rate assumptions utilized in the valuation of the customer relationships. These procedures also included, among others (i) reading the purchase agreement; (ii) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate of the customer relationships; (iii) evaluating the appropriateness of the valuation method; (iv) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the valuation method; and (v) evaluating the reasonableness of assumptions used by management. Evaluating the reasonableness of assumptions used by management related to the future EBITDA margin, the revenue growth rate and expected attrition rate of acquired customer relationships involved considering the past performance of the acquired business, consistency with external industry data and similar prior acquisitions made by the Company. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the reasonableness of the discount rate assumption used by management.

 

 

 Page 5 of 31 

Goodwill impairment assessment

 

As described in notes 3 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s goodwill balance was $703.7 million as of December 31, 2020. Management conducts an impairment test annually as of August 1, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. Potential impairment is identified by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Fair value is estimated by management using a market multiple method. Management applied judgment in estimating the fair value of each reporting unit, which included the use of significant assumptions relating to market multiples of EBITDA for comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics.

 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill impairment assessment is a critical audit matter are (i) the judgment by management when developing the fair value estimate of each reporting unit; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to market multiples of EBITDA for comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics; and (iii) the fact that the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment assessment, including controls over the valuation of the Company’s reporting units. These procedures also included, among others (i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate of each reporting unit; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the market multiple method; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the market multiple method; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management related to market multiples of EBITDA for comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. Evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management involved (i) comparing the market multiples of EBITDA to the market multiples of similar prior acquisitions made by the Company and to the current trading multiple of the Company, as well as to external market and industry data; and (ii) performing sensitivity analyses. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the appropriateness of the market multiple method and the reasonableness of the market multiples of EBITDA for comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics assumptions used by management.

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

 

Toronto, Canada

February 25, 2021

 

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

 

 

 

 Page 6 of 31 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
(in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts)
         
Years ended December 31  2020   2019 
         
Revenues (note 4)  $2,772,415   $2,407,410 
           
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)   1,871,798    1,634,097 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   628,523    546,257 
Depreciation   51,918    40,859 
Amortization of intangible assets   46,464    38,698 
Settlement of long-term incentive arrangement ("LTIA") (note 20)   -    314,379 
Acquisition-related items (note 5)   4,300    7,539 
Operating earnings (loss)   169,412    (174,419)
           
Interest expense, net   24,318    32,080 
Other (income) expense, net  (note 7)   (361)   (6,015)
Earnings (loss) before income tax   145,455    (200,484)
Income tax (note 16)   35,865    27,147 
Net earnings (loss)   109,590    (227,631)
           
Non-controlling interest share of earnings (note 13)   6,354    7,874 
Non-controlling interest redemption increment (note 13)   15,977    16,105 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Company  $87,259   $(251,610)
           
           
Net earnings (loss) per common share (note 17)          
           
Basic  $2.04   $(6.58)
Diluted  $2.02   $(6.58)

 

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

 

 

 Page 7 of 31 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS)
(in thousands of US dollars)
         
Years ended December 31  2020   2019 
         
Net earnings (loss)  $109,590   $(227,631)
           
Foreign currency translation gain   2,604    2,659 
Comprehensive earnings (loss)   112,194    (224,972)
           
Less: Comprehensive earnings attributable to non-controlling shareholders   22,331    23,979 
           
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Company  $89,863   $(248,951)

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Page 8 of 31 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION        
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS        
(in thousands of US dollars)
         
As at December 31  2020   2019 
Assets        
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $184,295   $121,198 
Restricted cash   24,643    13,093 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $15,822 (December 31, 2019 - $13,136) (note 3)   418,890    393,730 
Income tax recoverable   7,397    4,147 
Inventories (note 8)   141,979    94,511 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   42,112    41,457 
    819,316    668,136 
           
Other receivables   4,170    4,033 
Other assets   8,752    4,955 
Deferred income tax (note 16)   2,048    2,836 
Fixed assets (note 9)   126,569    131,545 
Operating lease right-of-use assets (note 6)   153,185    132,893 
Intangible assets (note 10)   378,762    366,224 
Goodwill (note 11)   703,738    644,847 
    1,377,224    1,287,333 
   $2,196,540   $1,955,469 
           
Liabilities and shareholders' equity          
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable  $98,500   $76,226 
Accrued liabilities (note 8)   251,192    165,444 
Income tax payable   7,892    - 
Unearned revenues   90,131    74,100 
Operating lease liabilities - current (note 6)   35,315    30,622 
Long-term debt - current (note 12)   56,478    5,545 
Contingent acquisition consideration - current (note 19)   4,243    6,269 
    543,751    358,206 
           
Long-term debt - non-current (note 12)   533,126    761,078 
Operating lease liabilities - non-current (note 6)   128,793    111,247 
Contingent acquisition consideration (note 19)   19,885    8,154 
Unearned revenues   13,939    12,593 
Other liabilities   62,269    45,403 
Deferred income tax (note 16)   41,345    58,239 
    799,357    996,714 
Redeemable non-controlling interests (note 13)   193,034    174,662 
           
Shareholders' equity   660,398    425,887 
   $2,196,540   $1,955,469 

 

Commitments and contingencies (note 20)

 

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

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

 

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

 

 

 Page 9 of 31 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)
                         
   Common shares           Accumulated     
   Issued and           Retained   other     
   outstanding       Contributed   Earnings   comprehensive     
   shares   Amount   surplus   (Deficit)   income (loss)   Total 
Balance, December 31, 2018   35,980,047   $148,707   $45,097   $45,537   $(3,115)  $236,226 
                               
Net loss   -    -    -    (251,610)   -    (251,610)
Other comprehensive loss   -    -    -    -    2,659    2,659 
                               
Impact of ASC 842 - Leases (note 6)   -    -    -    (390)   -    (390)
                               
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions   -    -    (10)   -    -    (10)
                               
Common Shares:                              
Stock option expense   -    -    8,126    -    -    8,126 
Stock options exercised   432,050    13,481    (2,424)   -    -    11,057 
Dividends   -    -    -    (23,411)   -    (23,411)
Issued - settlement of LTIA (note 20)   2,918,860    251,503    -    -    -    251,503 
Issued - share offering   2,165,000    191,737    -    -    -    191,737 
Balance, December 31, 2019   41,495,957   $605,428   $50,789   $(229,874)  $(456)  $425,887 
                               
Net earnings   -    -    -    87,259    -    87,259 
Other comprehensive earnings   -    -    -    -    2,604    2,604 
                               
Impact of ASU 2016-13 (Topic 326) (note 3)   -    -    -    (53)   -    (53)
                               
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions   -    -    (28)   -    -    (28)
                               
Common Shares:                              
Stock option expense   -    -    11,628    -    -    11,628 
Stock options exercised   294,238    14,596    (3,086)   -    -    11,510 
Dividends   -    -    -    (28,417)   -    (28,417)
Issued - private placement (note 14)   1,797,359    150,008    -    -    -    150,008 
Balance, December 31, 2020   43,587,554   $770,032   $59,303   $(171,085)  $2,148   $660,398 

 

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

 

 

 Page 10 of 31 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION        
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS        
(in thousands of US dollars)        
         
Years ended December 31  2020   2019 
         
Cash provided by (used in)          
           
Operating activities          
Net earnings (loss)  $109,590   $(227,631)
           
Items not affecting cash:          
Depreciation and amortization   98,382    79,557 
Settlement of long-term incentive arrangement   -    251,503 
Deferred income tax   (18,054)   (8,988)
Other   12,307    2,258 
           
Changes in non-cash working capital:          
Accounts receivable   8,908    (17,396)
Inventories   (44,235)   (7,107)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (1,618)   (1,033)
Accounts payable   13,710    858 
Accrued liabilities   72,270    7,228 
Income tax payable   4,642    4,644 
Unearned revenues   13,055    11,808 
Other liabilities   22,808    13,069 
Contingent acquisition consideration paid   -    (962)
Net cash provided by operating activities   291,765    107,808 
           
Investing activities          
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (note 5)   (98,559)   (579,863)
Disposal of businesses, net of cash disposed (note 7)   -    13,030 
Purchases of fixed assets   (39,415)   (46,628)
Other investing activities   (4,288)   (1,504)
Net cash used in investing activities   (142,262)   (614,965)
           
Financing activities          
Increase in long-term debt   25,281    624,052 
Repayment of long-term debt   (204,568)   (194,193)
Proceeds received on common share issuance (note 14)   150,008    191,737 
Financing fees paid   -    (4,000)
Purchases of non-controlling interests   (20,231)   (34,319)
Sale of interests in subsidiaries to non-controlling interests   -    3,671 
Contingent acquisition consideration paid   (4,664)   (9,094)
Proceeds received on exercise of stock options   11,510    11,057 
Dividends paid to common shareholders   (27,448)   (22,044)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests   (5,084)   (5,725)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (75,196)   561,142 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   340    462 
           
Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   74,647    54,447 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year   134,291    79,844 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year  $208,938   $134,291 

 

 

 Page 11 of 31 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

 

1.Description of the business

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

2.Risks and uncertainties

 

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

 

Given the uncertainties surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company took certain actions during the year to preserve liquidity, manage cash flow and strengthen its financial flexibility. Such actions included, but were not limited to, expense containment initiatives in areas including labour costs and other operating expenses, capital expenditures reductions, and management of its working capital requirements, as well as completing a private placement for $150,008 in the second quarter of the current year. Refer to note 14 for more detail.

 

3.Summary of significant accounting policies

 

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

 

 

 

 Page 12 of 31 

Significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:

 

Basis of consolidation

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

 

Cash and cash equivalents

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

 

Restricted cash

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

 

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

 

Accounts Receivable

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

 

Credit Losses

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326), which replaces existing incurred loss impairment guidance and establishes a single allowance framework for financial assets carried at amortized cost. The Company adopted Topic 326 using a modified retrospective approach, which requires a cumulative-effect adjustment, if any, to the opening balance of retained earnings (deficit) to be recognized on the date of adoption with prior periods not restated. The cumulative-effect adjustment recorded on January 1, 2020 was not material.

 

Accounting policy for Credit Losses

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

 

A reconciliation of our allowance for doubtful accounts is found below:

 

(In thousands)  2020
    
Allowance for doubtful accounts, December 31, 2019  $13,136 
Bad debt expense   11,624 
Write-offs to accounts receivable   (9,446)
Recoveries to accounts receivable   169 
Adjustment to opening retained earnings   53 
Other   286 
Allowance for doubtful accounts, December 31, 2020  $15,822 

 

 

 Page 13 of 31 

Inventories

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

 

Fixed assets

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

 

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

 

Fair value

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

 

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

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

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

 

Financing fees

Financing fees related to our amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders and our $150,000 of senior secured notes (the “Senior Notes”) are deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method.

 

Leases

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 Page 14 of 31 

Minimum lease payments include base rent, fixed escalation of rental payments, and rental payments that are adjusted periodically depending on a rate or index. In determining minimum lease payments, the Company does not separate non-lease components for real estate leases. Non-lease components are generally services that the lessor performs for the Company associated with the leased asset, such as common area maintenance.

 

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

 

Goodwill and intangible assets

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

 

Intangible assets are recorded at fair value on the date they are acquired. They are amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Customer relationships  straight-line over 4 to 20 years
Franchise rights  by pattern of use, currently estimated at 2.5% to 15% per year
Trademarks and trade names  straight-line over 1 to 35 years
Management contracts and other  straight-line over life of contract ranging from 2 to 15 years
Backlog  straight-line over 6 to 12 months

 

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

 

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

 

Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level. The Company has seven reporting units determined with reference to business segment, customer type, service delivery model and geography. Impairment is tested by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Where it is determined to be more likely than not that its fair value is greater than its carrying amount, then no further testing is required. Where the qualitative analysis is not sufficient to support that the fair value exceeds the carrying amount then a goodwill impairment test is performed. A quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value is estimated using a market multiple method, which estimates market multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. Significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value of each reporting unit include the market multiples of EBITDA.

 

Redeemable non-controlling interests

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

 

 

 Page 15 of 31 

Revenue recognition and unearned revenues

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

 

(a) Revenues from property and amenity management services

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

 

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

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

 

(c) Franchisor operations

The Company operates several franchise systems within its FirstService Brands segment. Initial franchise fees are deferred and recognized over the term of the franchise agreement. Royalty revenues are recognized based on a contracted percentage of franchisee revenues, as reported by the franchisees. Revenues from administrative and other support services, as applicable, are recognized as the services are provided.

 

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

 

Stock-based compensation

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

 

Notional value appreciation plans

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

 

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.

 

 

 Page 16 of 31 

Income tax

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

 

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

 

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

 

Business combinations

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

 

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

 

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

 

4.Revenue from contracts with customers

 

Within the FirstService Brands segment, franchise fee revenue recognized during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 that was included in deferred revenue at the beginning of the period was $4,012 (2019 - $4,462). These fees are recognized over the life of the underlying franchise agreement, usually between 5 - 10 years.

 

External broker costs and employee sales commissions in obtaining new franchisees are capitalized in accordance with the revenue standard and are amortized over the life of the underlying franchise agreement. Costs amortized during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 were $1,888 (2019 - $1,717). The closing amount of the capitalized costs to obtain contracts on the balance sheet as at December 31, 2020 was $7,157 (2019 - $6,711). There were no impairment losses recognized related to those assets in the quarter.

 

The Company’s backlog represents remaining performance obligations and is defined as contracted work yet to be performed. As at December 31, 2020, the aggregate amount of backlog was $376,479. The Company expects to recognize revenue on the remaining backlog over the next 12 months.

 

Disaggregated revenues are as follows: 

   Year ended
   December 31
   2020  2019
Revenues      
       
FirstService Residential  $1,415,121   $1,411,998 
FirstService Brands company-owned operations   1,216,254    836,637 
FirstService Brands franchisor   136,746    153,826 
FirstService Brands franchise fee   4,294    4,949 

 

 

 Page 17 of 31 

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

 

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

 

5.Acquisitions

 

2020 acquisitions:

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

 

Details of these acquisitions are as follows:

 

   Aggregate
   Acquisitions
    
Current assets  $36,281 
Non-current assets   7,277 
Current liabilities   (21,491)
Non-current liabilities   (1,350)
Deferred tax liabilities   (2,035)
Redeemable non-controlling interest   (21,293)
   $(2,611)
      
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $7,252  $(98,559)
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration   (13,259)
Total purchase consideration  $(111,818)
      
Acquired intangible assets  $57,882 
Goodwill  $56,547 

 

“Acquisition-related items” included both transaction costs and contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments. Acquisition-related transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 totaled $4,561 (2019 - $8,042). Also included in acquisition-related items was a reversal of $261 related to contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments (2019 – $503).

 

The acquisitions referred to above were accounted for by the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings do not include any revenues or expenses related to these acquisitions prior to their respective closing dates. The consideration for the acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2020 was financed from borrowings under the Credit Agreement and cash on hand.

 

The amount of revenues and earnings contributed from the date of acquisition and included in the Company’s consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2020, and the supplemental pro forma revenues and earnings of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2019, are as follows:

 

 

 Page 18 of 31 

       
   Revenues  Net earnings
       
Actual from acquired entities for 2020  $37,790   $3,382 
Supplemental pro forma for 2020 (unaudited)   2,840,173    116,708 
Supplemental pro forma for 2019 (unaudited)   2,805,492    (194,179)

 

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

 

2019 acquisitions:

The Company acquired controlling interests in fifteen businesses, including three in the FirstService Residential segment and twelve in the FirstService Brands segment.

 

In the FirstService Brands segment, the Company acquired Global Restoration (aka Bellwether FOS Holdco, Inc.), a leading commercial and large loss firm headquartered in Colorado and with operations across the U.S. and Canada.

 

Details of the final fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the Company’s significant Global Restoration acquisition, which closed in June 2019 are as follows:

 

   Global
   Restoration
    
Accounts receivable  $118,678 
Inventories   31,677 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   3,240 
Fixed assets   22,574 
Operating lease right-of-use assets   10,566 
Accounts payable   (24,337)
Accrued liabilities   (21,345)
Unearned revenues   (12,779)
Operating lease liabilities - current   (6,500)
Other current liabilities   (649)
Operating lease liabilities - non-current   (4,072)
Long-term debt - non-current   (5,711)
Other liabilities   (615)
Deferred tax liabilities   (51,590)
Redeemable non-controlling interests   (25,433)
   $33,704 
      
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $6,518  $(506,680)
      
Backlog  $7,130 
Customer relationships   213,150 
Trademarks and trade names   1,850 
Goodwill  $250,846 

 

Other 2019 acquisitions:

In the FirstService Residential segment, the Company acquired controlling interests in regional firms operating in Chicago and western Canada.

 

Within the FirstService Brands segment, in addition to Global Restoration, the Company acquired five independent restoration companies, operating in Ohio, California, Missouri, Illinois and Quebec, as well as a Paul Davis Restoration franchise located in the mid-western U.S. The Company also acquired three California Closets franchises operating in Maryland, New Jersey, and Arizona and two fire protection operations based in Houston and Atlanta.

 

 

 Page 19 of 31 

Details of the other 2019 acquisitions, in aggregate, are as follows:

 

   Aggregate
   Acquisitions
    
Current assets  $34,454 
Non-current assets   8,175 
Current liabilities   (29,059)
Non-current liabilities   (1,574)
Deferred tax liabilities   (6,328)
Redeemable non-controlling interest   (9,874)
   $(4,206)
      
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired of $4,964  $(73,183)
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration   (10,611)
Total purchase consideration  $(83,794)
      
Backlog  $4,240 
Customer relationships   13,168 
Trademarks and trade names   567 
Management contracts and other   11,644 
Goodwill  $58,381 

 

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

 

The purchase price allocations of all acquisitions resulted in the recognition of goodwill. The primary factors contributing to goodwill are assembled workforces, synergies with existing operations and future growth prospects. For certain acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2020, goodwill in the amount of $34,661 is deductible for income tax purposes (2019 - $6,911).

 

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

 

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

 

 

The fair value of the contingent consideration liability recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2020 was $24,128 (see note 19). The estimated range of outcomes (undiscounted) for these contingent consideration arrangements is determined based on the formula price and the likelihood of achieving specified earnings levels over the contingency period, and ranges from $22,286 to a maximum of $26,219. These contingencies will expire during the period extending to September 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2020, $4,664 was paid with reference to such contingent consideration (2019 - $10,056).

 

 

 

 Page 20 of 31 

6.Leases

 

The Company has operating leases for corporate offices, copiers, and certain equipment. Its leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 11 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 10 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. The Company evaluates renewal terms on a lease by lease basis to determine if the renewal is reasonably certain. The amount of operating lease expense recorded in the statement of earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 was $37,788 (2019 - $32,161).

 

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

 

Supplemental Cash Flows Information, twelve months ended December 31  2020
    
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities  $37,018 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligation  $50,963 
      
Weighted Average Remaining Operating Lease Term (years)   5  
Weighted Average Discount Rate   3.7%

 

Future minimum operating lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

    
2021  $47,803 
2022   39,607 
2023   28,175 
2024   20,863 
2025   14,985 
Thereafter   29,984 
Total future minimum lease payments   181,417 
Less imputed interest   (17,309)
Total   164,108 

 

7.Other (income) expense

 

   2020  2019
       
Gain on disposal of business  $-   $(6,082)
Other (income) expense   (361)   67 
   $(361)  $(6,015)

 

During the second quarter of the prior year, the Company completed the divestiture of two non-core businesses. The Company sold its national accounts commercial painting operations for cash consideration of $3,386 and notes receivable of $2,800. The pre-tax gain on disposal was $1,406. The Company also completed the sale of its Florida and Arizona-based landscaping operations for cash consideration of $9,644 (net of cash disposed of $600). The pre-tax gain on disposal was $4,676.

 

 

 Page 21 of 31 

8.Components of working capital accounts

 

   December 31,  December 31,
   2020  2019
       
Inventories          
Work-in-progress  $103,969   $66,514 
Finished goods   16,531    15,347 
Supplies and other   21,479    12,650 
           
   $141,979   $94,511 
           
Accrued liabilities          
Accrued payroll and benefits  $160,795   $94,010 
Value appreciation plans   35    6,510 
Customer advances   2,730    1,454 
Other   87,632    63,470 
   $251,192   $165,444 

 

9.Fixed assets

 

December 31, 2020     Accumulated   
   Cost  depreciation  Net
          
Land  $1,941   $-   $1,941 
Buildings   6,168    4,144    2,024 
Vehicles   94,267    59,775    34,492 
Furniture and equipment   110,499    68,834    41,665 
Computer equipment and software   128,061    99,427    28,634 
Leasehold improvements   47,333    29,520    17,813 
   $388,269   $261,700   $126,569 

 

December 31, 2019     Accumulated   
   Cost  depreciation  Net
          
Land  $2,521   $-   $2,521 
Buildings   10,602    5,136    5,466 
Vehicles   85,585    48,308    37,277 
Furniture and equipment   92,863    54,806    38,057 
Computer equipment and software   112,752    83,371    29,381 
Leasehold improvements   43,170    24,327    18,843 
   $347,493   $215,948   $131,545 

 

Included in fixed assets are vehicles, office and computer equipment under finance lease at a cost of $24,198 (2019 - $21,060) and net book value of $11,416 (2019 - $10,745).

 

 

 Page 22 of 31 

10.Intangible assets

 

December 31, 2020  Gross      
   carrying  Accumulated   
   amount  amortization  Net
          
Customer relationships  $403,976   $103,884   $300,092 
Franchise rights   49,925    29,930    19,995 
Trademarks and trade names   29,765    20,051    9,714 
Management contracts and other   94,514    45,553    48,961 
   $578,180   $199,418   $378,762 

 

   Gross      
December 31, 2019  carrying  Accumulated   
   amount  amortization  Net
          
Customer relationships  $360,228   $71,474   $288,754 
Franchise rights   49,806    26,707    23,099 
Trademarks and trade names   30,303    18,543    11,760 
Management contracts and other   79,073    36,462    42,611 
   $519,410   $153,186   $366,224 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company acquired the following intangible assets:

 

      Estimated
      weighted
      average
      amortization
   Amount  period (years)
       
Customer relationships  $43,665    10.0 
Trademarks and trade names   310    2.0 
Management Contracts and other   13,907    10.0 
   $57,882    10.0 

 

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

 

 2021   $42,298 
 2022    40,823 
 2023    39,373 
 2024    37,534 
 2025    36,759 

 

11.Goodwill

 

   FirstService  FirstService   
   Residential  Brands  Consolidated
          
Balance, December 31, 2018  $193,943   $141,212   $335,155 
Goodwill acquired during the year   18,446    290,781    309,227 
Goodwill disposed during the year   (2,025)   (229)   (2,254)
Other items   527    956    1,483 
Foreign exchange   835    401    1,236 
Balance, December 31, 2019   211,726    433,121    644,847 
Goodwill acquired during the year   15,369    41,178    56,547 
Other items   200    1,096    1,296 
Foreign exchange   441    607    1,048 
Balance, December 31, 2020  $227,736   $476,002   $703,738 

 

 

 Page 23 of 31 

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. A test for goodwill impairment is required to be completed annually, in the Company’s case as of August 1, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. Based on the quantitative assessment in 2020, the Company has concluded that goodwill is not impaired. There were no triggering events since the impairment test in August.

 

12.Long-term debt

 

   December 31,
   2020
    
Credit Agreement  $425,750 
Senior Notes   150,000 
Capital leases maturing at various dates through 2026   10,898 
Other long-term debt maturing at various dates up to 2023   2,956 
    589,604 
Less: current portion   56,478 
Long-term debt - non-current  $533,126 

 

The Company has $150 million of Senior Notes bearing interest at a rate of 3.84%. The Senior Notes are due on January 16, 2025, with five annual equal repayments beginning on January 16, 2021.

 

The Company has entered into the Credit Agreement with a syndicate of lenders. The Credit Agreement is comprised of a committed multi-currency revolving credit facility of $450,000 (the “Facility”) and a term loan (drawn in a single advance) in the aggregate amount of $440,000 (the “Term Loan”). The Facility portion of the Credit Agreement has a term ending on January 17, 2023 and bears interest at 0.25% to 2.50% over floating preference rates, depending on certain leverage ratios. The Term Loan portion of the Credit Agreement has a term ending on June 21, 2024, with repayments of 5% per annum, paid quarterly, beginning in September 2020, with the balance payable at maturity, and bears interest at 0.25% to 2.50% over floating preference rates, depending on certain leverage ratios. The weighted average interest rate for 2020 was 3.4%. The Facility had $422,369 of available un-drawn credit as at December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, letters of credit in the amount of $12,631 were outstanding ($6,316 as at December 31, 2019). The Credit Agreement requires a commitment fee of 0.25% to 0.50% of the unused portion, depending on certain leverage ratios. The Company may repay amounts owing under the Credit Agreement at any time without penalty. The Facility is available to fund working capital requirements (including acquisitions and any associated contingent purchase consideration) and other general corporate purposes. The Term Loan was implemented in order to substantially finance the purchase price for Global Restoration in the prior year.

 

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

 

The effective interest rate on the Company’s long-term debt for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 3.4% (2019 – 4.4%). The estimated aggregate amount of principal repayments on long-term debt required in each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter to meet the retirement provisions are as follows:

 

 2021   $56,479 
 2022    56,968 
 2023    54,536 
 2024    391,056 
 2025 and thereafter    30,565 

 

 

 Page 24 of 31 

13.Redeemable non-controlling interests

 

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

 

   2020  2019
       
Balance, January 1  $174,662   $151,585 
RNCI share of earnings   6,354    7,874 
RNCI redemption increment   15,977    16,105 
Distributions paid to RNCI   (5,084)   (5,725)
Purchases of interests from RNCI, net   (20,231)   (30,648)
RNCI recognized on business acquisitions   21,293    35,307 
Other   63    164 
Balance, December 31  $193,034   $174,662 

 

The Company has shareholders’ agreements in place at each of its non-wholly owned subsidiaries. These agreements allow the Company to “call” the non-controlling interest at a price determined with the use of a formula price, which is usually equal to a fixed multiple of average annual net earnings before extraordinary items, income taxes, interest, depreciation, and amortization. The agreements also have redemption features which allow the owners of the RNCI to “put” their equity to the Company at the same price subject to certain limitations. The formula price is referred to as the redemption amount and may be paid in cash or in Common Shares. The redemption amount as of December 31, 2020 was $188,531 (2019 - $170,983). The redemption amount is lower than that recorded on the balance sheet as the formula price of certain RNCI are lower than the amount initially recorded at the inception of the minority equity position. If all put or call options were settled with Common Shares as at December 31, 2020, approximately 1,400,000 such shares would be issued, and would have resulted in an increase of $0.44 to earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

14.Capital stock

 

The authorized capital stock of the Company is as follows:

 

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

 

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

 

   Common Shares
   Number  Amount
           
Balance, December 31, 2020   43,587,554   $770,032 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Page 25 of 31 

15.Stock-based compensation

 

The Company has a stock option plan for certain officers and key full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Options are granted at the market price for the underlying shares on the date of grant. Each option vests over a four-year term, expires five years from the date granted and allows for the purchase of one Common Share. All Common Shares issued are new shares. As at December 31, 2020, there were 151,250 options available for future grants.

 

Grants under the Company’s stock option plan are equity-classified awards. Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

         Weighted average   
      Weighted  remaining   
   Number of  average  contractual life  Aggregate
   options  exercise price  (years)  intrinsic value
             
Shares issuable under options - Beginning of period   1,639,100   $60.26           
Granted   542,000    114.90           
Exercised   (294,238)   40.34           
Forfeited   (3,750)   54.88           
Shares issuable under options - December 31, 2020   1,883,112   $79.11    2.6   $108,772 
Options exercisable - End of period   714,014   $60.63    1.6   $54,383 

 

The Company incurred stock-based compensation expense related to these awards of $11,628 during the year ended December 31, 2020 (2019 - $8,126).

 

As at December 31, 2020, the range of option exercise prices was $35.96 to $140.03 per share. Also as at December 31, 2020, the aggregate intrinsic value and weighted average remaining contractual life for in-the-money options vested and expected to vest were $108,772 and 2.47 years, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information about option exercises during year ended December 31, 2020:

 

   2020
    
Number of options exercised   294,238 
      
Aggregate fair value  $33,734 
Intrinsic value   22,224 
Amount of cash received   11,510 

 

As at December 31, 2020, there was $13,434 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards which is expected to be recognized over the next 4 years. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the fair value of options vested was $7,060 (2019 - $4,711).

 

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:

 

   2020
    
Risk free rate   1.3%
Expected life in years   4.75 
Expected volatility   30.5%
Dividend yield   0.5%
      
Weighted average fair value per option granted  $29.56 

 

 

 Page 26 of 31 

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

 

16.Income tax

 

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

 

   2020  2019
       
Income tax expense using combined statutory rate of 26.5% (2019 - 26.5%, 2018 - 26.5%)  $38,545   $(53,128)
Permanent differences   820    1,566 
Tax effect of flow through entities   -    (307)
Adjustments to tax liabilities for prior periods   882    (328)
Non-deductible stock-based compensation   3,081    2,153 
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation   -    (3,672)
Foreign, state and provincial tax rate differential   (7,463)   (2,402)
Settlement of long-term incentive arrangement   -    83,310 
Other taxes   -    (45)
Provision for income taxes as reported  $35,865   $27,147 

 

Earnings before income tax by jurisdiction comprise the following:

 

   2020  2019
       
Canada  $19,166   $(323,100)
United States   126,289    122,616 
Total  $145,455   $(200,484)

 

Income tax expense (recovery) comprises the following:

 

   2020  2019
       
Current          
Canada  $3,300   $369 
United States   49,759    33,978 
    53,059    34,347 
           
Deferred          
Canada   1,350    (1,620)
United States   (18,544)   (5,580)
    (17,194)   (7,200)
           
Total  $35,865   $27,147 

 

 

 Page 27 of 31 

The significant components of deferred income tax are as follows:

 

   2020  2019
       
Deferred income tax assets          
Loss carry-forwards  $1,441   $2,788 
Expenses not currently deductible   39,415    23,283 
Stock-based compensation   -    749 
Allowance for doubtful accounts   5,535    3,860 
Inventory and other reserves   865    3,024 
    47,256    33,704 
           
Deferred income tax liabilities          
Depreciation and amortization   83,676    86,072 
Basis differences of partnerships and other entities   769    793 
Prepaid and other expenses deducted for tax purposes   1,505    1,276 
    85,950    88,141 
           
Net deferred income tax asset (liability) before valuation allowance   (38,694)   (54,437)
Valuation allowance   603    965 
           
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)  $(39,297)  $(55,402)

 

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

 

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

 

   Loss carry forward  Gross losses not recognized  Net
   2020  2019  2020  2019  2020  2019
                   
Canada  $1,364   $4,430   $-   $-   $1,364   $4,430 
United States   13,733    18,615    11,417    15,840    2,316    2,775 

 

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

 

Cumulative unremitted earnings of US and foreign subsidiaries approximated $628,142 as at December 31, 2020 (2019 - $528,519). Income tax is not provided on the unremitted earnings of US and foreign subsidiaries because it has been the practice and is the intention of the Company to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in these subsidiaries.

 

The gross unrecognized tax benefits are $148 (2019 - $148). Of this balance, $148 (2019 - $148) would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. For the year ended December 31, 2020, there was no adjustment to interest and penalties related to provisions for income tax (2019 - nil). As at December 31, 2020, the Company had accrued $38 (2019 - $38) for potential income tax related interest and penalties.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 Page 28 of 31 

17.Net earnings per common share

 

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

 

   2020  2019
       
Shares issued and outstanding at beginning of period   41,495,957    35,980,047 
Weighted average number of shares:          
Issued during the period   1,260,042    2,245,229 
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share   42,755,999    38,225,276 
Assumed exercise of stock options, net of shares assumed acquired under the Treasury Stock Method   428,098    437,204 
Number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share   43,184,097    38,662,480 

 

18.Other supplemental information

 

   2020  2019
       
Franchisor operations          
Revenues  $136,746   $148,607 
Operating earnings   38,340    33,999 
Initial franchise fee revenues   4,294    4,956 
Depreciation and amortization   8,569    6,959 
Total assets   155,319    140,439 
           
Cash payments made during the period          
Income taxes  $49,031   $31,562 
Interest   22,305    29,772 
           
Non-cash financing activities          
Increases in finance lease obligations  $3,898   $9,928 

 

19.Financial instruments

 

Concentration of credit risk

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

 

Interest rate risk

The Company maintains an interest rate risk management strategy that uses interest rate hedging contracts from time to time. The Company’s specific goals are to: (i) manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the characteristics of its debt and (ii) lower the long-term cost of its borrowed funds.

 

Foreign currency risk

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

 

 

 Page 29 of 31 

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, 2020:

 

   Carrying value at  Fair value measurements
   December 31, 2020  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
             
Contingent consideration liability  $24,128   $-   $-   $24,128 
Interest rate swap liability   2,101    -    2,101    - 

 

The Company has one interest rate swap in place to exchange the floating interest rate on $100,000 of debt under its Credit Agreement for a fixed rate. The fair value of the interest rate swap liability was determined using widely accepted valuation techniques. The inputs to the measurement of the fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions are Level 3 inputs using a discounted cash flow model; significant model inputs were expected future operating cash flows (determined with reference to each specific acquired business) and discount rates (which range from 8% to 10%). The range of discount rates is attributable to level of risk related to economic growth factors combined with the length of the contingent payment periods; and the dispersion was driven by unique characteristics of the businesses acquired and the respective terms for these contingent payments. Within the range of discount rates, there is a data point concentration at 9%. A 2% increase in the weighted average discount rate would not have a significant impact on the fair value of the contingent consideration balance.

 

Balance, December 31, 2019  $14,423 
Amounts recognized on acquisitions   13,259 
Amounts recognized on acquisitions of management contracts   890 
Fair value adjustments   (261)
Resolved and settled in cash   (4,664)
Other   481 
Balance, December 31, 2020  $24,128 
      
Less: current portion  $4,243 
Non-current portion  $19,885 

 

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments, unless otherwise indicated. The inputs to the measurement of the fair value of long term debt are Level 3 inputs. The fair value measurements were made using a net present value approach; significant model inputs were expected future cash outflows and discount rates (which range from 1.0% to 1.5%). The following are estimates of the fair values for other financial instruments:

 

   2020  2019
   Carrying  Fair  Carrying  Fair
   amount  value  amount  value
             
Other receivables  $4,170   $4,170   $4,033   $4,033 
Long-term debt   589,604    604,091    766,623    779,279 

 

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

 

 

 Page 30 of 31 

20.Contingencies

 

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

 

In May 2019, the Company settled the restated management services agreement (“MSA”), including the long-term incentive arrangement (the “LTIA”), between the Company and Jay S. Hennick, the Company’s Founder and Chairman. As part of the settlement, the Multiple Voting Shares of the Company were converted into Subordinate Voting Shares on a one-for-one basis for no consideration, thereby eliminating the Company’s dual class share structure. For consideration of $314,379, which is the purchase price determined with reference to the LTIA formula provided in the restated MSA, FirstService acquired all of the shares in the company which indirectly held the MSA. The Company, under the terms of the transaction: (a) paid $62,900 (approximately C$84,300) in cash; and issued a total of 2,918,860 Subordinate Voting Shares. Subsequent to the completion of the transaction, the MSA was terminated, thereby eliminating the LTIA and all future fees and other entitlements owing thereafter, and the Company filed an amendment to its articles that re-classified its Subordinate Voting Shares as Common Shares. The settlement of the LTIA was considered a modification of a share-based payment arrangement, which was accounted for as compensation expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The net cash impact was included in operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

21.Related party transactions

 

The Company has entered into office space rental arrangements and property management contracts with senior managers of certain subsidiaries. These senior managers are usually also minority shareholders of the subsidiaries. The business purpose of the transactions is to rent office space for the Company and to generate property management revenues for the Company. The recorded amount of the rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $2,844 (2019 - $1,330). These amounts are settled monthly in cash, and are priced at market rates. The rental arrangements have fixed terms of up to 10 years.

 

As at December 31, 2020, the Company had $2,421 of loans receivable from minority shareholders (December 31, 2019 - $2,564). The business purpose of the loans receivable was to finance the sale of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries to senior managers. The loan amounts are measured based on the formula price of the underlying non-controlling interests, and interest rates are determined based on market rates plus a spread. The loans generally have terms of 5 to 10 years, but are open for repayment without penalty at any time.

 

22.Segmented information

 

Operating segments

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

 

 

 Page 31 of 31 

             
2020  FirstService  FirstService      
   Residential  Brands  Corporate  Consolidated
             
Revenues  $1,415,121   $1,357,294   $-   $2,772,415 
Depreciation and amortization   26,846    71,442    94    98,382 
Operating earnings   112,555    78,786    (21,929)   169,412 
Other income, net                  361 
Interest expense, net                  (24,318)
Income taxes                  (35,865)
                     
Net earnings                 $109,590 
                     
Total assets  $662,616   $1,527,705   $6,219   $2,196,540 
Total additions to long lived assets   45,933    133,157    1,656    180,746 

 

 

2019  FirstService  FirstService      
   Residential  Brands  Corporate  Consolidated
             
Revenues  $1,411,998   $995,412   $-   $2,407,410 
Depreciation and amortization   25,628    53,886    43    79,557 
Operating earnings (loss)   104,706    60,586    (339,711)   (174,419)
Other expense, net                  6,015 
Interest expense, net                  (32,080)
Income taxes                  (27,147)
                     
Net earnings (loss)                 $(227,631)
                     
Total assets  $625,310   $1,323,024   $7,135   $1,955,469 
Total additions to long lived assets   112,482    636,555    308    749,345 

 

Geographic information

Revenues in each geographic region are reported by customer locations.

 

   2020  2019
       
United States          
Revenues  $2,441,025   $2,184,789 
Total long-lived assets   1,072,466    1,022,721 
           
Canada          
Revenues  $331,390   $222,621 
Total long-lived assets   289,788    252,788 
           
Consolidated          
Revenues  $2,772,415   $2,407,410 
Total long-lived assets   1,362,254    1,275,509