0001171843-21-003210.txt : 20210506 0001171843-21-003210.hdr.sgml : 20210506 20210506080027 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001171843-21-003210 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 6-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20210331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20210506 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20210506 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FirstService Corp CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001637810 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE [6500] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: A6 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 6-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-36897 FILM NUMBER: 21895858 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1140 BAY STREET, SUITE 4000 CITY: TORONTO STATE: A6 ZIP: M5S 2B4 BUSINESS PHONE: (416) 960-9500 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1140 BAY STREET, SUITE 4000 CITY: TORONTO STATE: A6 ZIP: M5S 2B4 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: New FSV Corp DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20150326 6-K 1 f6k_050621.htm FORM 6-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

 

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

For the month of: May 2021

Commission file number 001-36897

 

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

 

1255 Bay Street, Suite 600

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

M5R 2A9

(Address of principal executive office)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F [ ] Form 40-F [X]

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): [ ]

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): [ ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the Registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Yes [ ] No [X]

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate the file number assigned to the Registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A

 

Exhibit 99.1 of this Form 6-K is incorporated by reference into FirstService Corporation’s registration statement on Form F-10 (File no. 333-242497)

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

   FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
    
    
    
Date: May 6, 2021  /s/ Jeremy Rakusin
   Name: Jeremy Rakusin
   Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

 

ExhibitDescription of Exhibit
  
99.1Interim consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion & analysis for the three month period ended March 31, 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EX-99.1 2 exh_991.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

March 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Page 2 of 13 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America        
         
   Three months 
   ended March 31 
   2021   2020 
         
Revenues (note 4)  $711,066   $633,831 
           
Cost of revenues   490,812    435,149 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   163,246    158,786 
Depreciation   13,213    12,146 
Amortization of intangible assets   10,012    11,361 
Acquisition-related items   (99)   405 
Operating earnings   33,882    15,984 
           
Interest expense, net   4,187    8,887 
Other income, net   (1,868)   (229)
Earnings before income tax   31,563    7,326 
Income tax expense (note 7)   7,720    1,546 
Net earnings   23,843    5,780 
           
Non-controlling interest share of earnings (note 10)   3,767    1,755 
Non-controlling interest redemption decrement (note 10)   (1,815)   (1,260)
           
Net earnings attributable to Company  $21,891   $5,285 
           
Net earnings per share (note 11)          
Basic  $0.50   $0.13 
Diluted   0.50    0.13 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Page 3 of 13 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of US dollars) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
         
   Three months 
   ended March 31 
   2021   2020 
         
Net earnings  $23,843   $5,780 
           
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)   1,060    (6,051)
Comprehensive earnings (loss)   24,903    (271)
           
Less: Comprehensive earnings attributable to non-controlling shareholders   1,952    495 
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Company  $22,951   $(766)

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Page 4 of 13 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION        
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS        
(Unaudited)        
(in thousands of US dollars) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
         
   March 31, 2021   December 31, 2020 
Assets          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $152,712   $184,295 
Restricted cash   24,714    24,643 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $14,892 (note 3)          
(December 31, 2020 - $15,822)   411,937    418,890 
Income tax recoverable   -    7,397 
Inventories   155,808    141,979 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   46,414    42,112 
    791,585    819,316 
           
Other receivables   2,955    4,170 
Other assets   8,852    8,752 
Deferred income tax   2,166    2,048 
Fixed assets   128,153    126,569 
Operating lease right-of-use assets (note 6)   154,035    153,185 
Intangible assets   372,795    378,762 
Goodwill   710,222    703,738 
    1,379,178    1,377,224 
   $2,170,763   $2,196,540 
           
Liabilities and shareholders' equity          
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable  $92,407   $98,500 
Accrued liabilities   232,490    251,192 
Income tax payable   2,717    7,892 
Unearned revenues   103,112    90,131 
Operating lease liabilities - current (note 6)   36,340    35,315 
Long-term debt - current (note 8)   56,637    56,478 
Contingent acquisition consideration - current (note 9)   7,048    4,243 
    530,751    543,751 
           
Long-term debt - non-current (note 8)   495,678    533,126 
Operating lease liabilities - non-current  (note 6)   128,623    128,793 
Contingent acquisition consideration (note 9)   17,722    19,885 
Unearned revenues   13,993    13,939 
Other liabilities   63,053    62,269 
Deferred income tax   41,286    41,345 
    760,355    799,357 
Redeemable non-controlling interests (note 10)   191,250    193,034 
           
Shareholders' equity   688,407    660,398 
   $2,170,763   $2,196,540 

 

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

 

 

 Page 5 of 13 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)
                         
   Common shares           Accumulated     
   Issued and           Retained   other   Total 
   outstanding       Contributed   earnings   comprehensive   shareholders' 
   shares   Amount   surplus   (deficit)   earnings   equity 
                         
Balance, December 31, 2020   43,587,554   $770,032   $59,303   $(171,085)  $2,148   $660,398 
                               
Net earnings   -    -    -    21,891    -    21,891 
Other comprehensive earnings   -    -    -    -    1,060    1,060 
                               
                               
Subsidiaries' equity transactions   -    -    23    -    -    23 
                               
Common Shares:                              
Stock option expense   -    -    2,787    -    -    2,787 
Stock options exercised   241,152    13,018    (2,771)   -    -    10,247 
Dividends   -    -    -    (7,999)   -    (7,999)
Balance, March 31, 2021   43,828,706   $783,050   $59,342   $(157,193)  $3,208   $688,407 

 

 

 

   Common shares           Accumulated     
   Issued and           Retained   other   Total 
   outstanding       Contributed   earnings   comprehensive   shareholders' 
   shares   Amount   surplus   (deficit)   loss   equity 
                         
Balance, December 31, 2019   41,495,957   $605,428   $50,789   $(229,874)  $(456)  $425,887 
                               
Net earnings   -    -    -    5,285    -    5,285 
Other comprehensive earnings   -    -    -    -    (6,051)   (6,051)
                               
Impact of ASU 2016-13 (Topic 326)   -    -    -    (53)   -    (53)
                               
                               
Common Shares:                              
Stock option expense   -    -    3,969    -    -    3,969 
Stock options exercised   120,000    4,535    (924)   -    -    3,611 
Dividends   -    -    -    (6,867)   -    (6,867)
Balance, March 31, 2020   41,615,957   $609,963   $53,834   $(231,509)  $(6,507)  $425,781 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Page 6 of 13 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION        
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS        
(Unaudited)        
(in thousands of US dollars) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America        
         
   Three months ended 
   March 31 
   2021   2020 
Cash provided by (used in)          
           
Operating activities          
Net earnings  $23,843   $5,780 
           
Items not affecting cash:          
Depreciation and amortization   23,225    23,507 
Deferred income tax   (749)   (2,056)
Other   2,974    3,824 
           
Changes in non-cash working capital:          
Accounts receivable   8,252    20,982 
Inventories   (13,795)   (2,130)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (4,541)   (719)
Payables and accruals   (26,920)   (10,479)
Unearned revenues   12,294    2,404 
Other liabilities   2,128    (1,294)
Net cash provided by operating activities   26,711    39,819 
           
Investing activities          
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (note 5)   (2,521)   - 
Purchases of fixed assets   (13,337)   (15,348)
Other investing activities   (2,066)   (183)
Net cash used in investing activities   (17,924)   (15,531)
           
Financing activities          
Increase in long-term debt   -    17,395 
Repayment of long-term debt   (37,653)   (34,247)
Purchases of non-controlling interests, net   (3,391)   (3,751)
Contingent acquisition consideration   (650)   (1,219)
Proceeds received on exercise of stock options   10,247    3,611 
Dividends paid to common shareholders   (7,192)   (6,224)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests   (1,870)   (50)
Net cash used in financing activities   (40,509)   (24,485)
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   210    (910)
           
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (31,512)   (1,107)
           
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   208,938    134,291 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period  $177,426   $133,184 

 

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

 

 

 Page 7 of 13 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

FirstService Brands provides a range of essential property services to residential and commercial customers in North America through franchise networks and company-owned locations. The principal brands in this division include Paul Davis Restoration, FIRST ONSITE, California Closets, Certa Pro 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.

 

3.       SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the disclosure requirements for the presentation of interim financial information pursuant to applicable Canadian securities law. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such disclosure requirements, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

These interim financial statements follow the same accounting policies as the most recent audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as at March 31, 2021 and the results of operations and its cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021.

 

Accounting policy for Credit Losses

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.

 

 

 Page 8 of 13 

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

    
   2021
(In thousands)     
      
Allowance for doubtful accounts, December 31, 2020  $15,822 
Bad debt expense   393 
Write-offs to accounts receivable   (1,679)
Recoveries to accounts receivable   186 
Other   170 
Allowance for doubtful accounts, March 31, 2021   14,892 

 

4.       REVENUE RECOGNITION – Within the FirstService Brands segment, franchise fee revenue recognized in the quarter that was included in deferred revenue at the beginning of the period was $1,047 (2020 - $793). 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 and are amortized over the life of the underlying franchise agreement. Costs amortized in the quarter were $439 (2020 - $327). The closing amount of the capitalized costs to obtain contracts on the balance sheet as at March 31, 2021 was $7,287 (2020 - $6,631). There were no impairment losses recognized related to those assets in the quarter.

 

The Company’s backlog represents remaining performance obligations and is defined as contracted work yet to be performed. As at March 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of backlog was $429,600 (December 31, 2020 - $376,479). The Company expects to recognize revenue on the remaining backlog over the next 12 months.

 

Disaggregated revenues are as follows:

 

   Three months
   ended March 31
   2021  2020
       
       
FirstService Residential revenue  $350,480   $339,663 
FirstService Brands company-owned operations revenue   327,378    264,100 
FirstService Brands franchisor revenue   32,144    29,275 
FirstService Brands franchise fee revenue   1,064    793 

 

The Company disaggregates revenue by segment. Within the FirstService Residential segment, property and amenity management services represent a series of distinct daily services, which 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. Within the FirstService Brands segment, the Company further disaggregates its company-owned operations revenue; these businesses primarily recognize revenue over time as they perform because of continuous transfer of control to the customer. As such, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The Company generally uses the 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.

 

 

 

 Page 9 of 13 

5.       ACQUISITIONS – In the quarter, the Company acquired controlling interests in two businesses, both in the FirstService Brands segment. The Company acquired an independent restoration company operating in Oklahoma, as well as a California Closets franchise located in Minnesota. The acquisition date fair value of consideration transferred was as follows: cash of $2,521 (net of cash acquired $263), and contingent consideration of $1,014. In the prior year quarter, the Company did not complete any acquisitions.

 

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

 

Unless it contains an element of compensation, contingent consideration is recorded at fair value each reporting period. The fair value recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as at March 31, 2021 was $24,770 (see note 9). The estimated range of outcomes (undiscounted) for these contingent consideration arrangements is $23,110 to a maximum of $27,188. The contingencies will expire during the period extending to September 2023. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, $650 was paid with reference to such contingent consideration (2020 - $1,219).

 

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 three months ended March 31, 2021 was $10,672 (2020 - $9,043).

 

Other information related to leases was as follows (in thousands):

 

Supplemental Cash Flows Information, three months ended March 31  2021
    
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities  $10,322 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligation  $11,552 

 

7.       INCOME TAX – The provision for income tax for the three months ended March 31, 2021 reflected an effective tax rate of 24% (2020 - 21%) relative to the statutory rate of approximately 27% (2020 - 27%). The difference between the effective rate and the statutory rate relates to the differential between tax rates in certain jurisdictions, as well as taxable permanent differences.

 

8.       LONG-TERM DEBT – The Company has $120,000 of senior secured notes (the “Senior Notes”) bearing interest at a rate of 3.84%. The Senior Notes are due on January 16, 2025, with four remaining annual equal repayments, the next payment coming due on January 16, 2022.

 

The Company has a 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 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.

 

 

 

 

 Page 10 of 13 

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.

 

9.       FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS – The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2021:

 

      Fair value measurements at March 31, 2021
             
   Carrying value at         
   March 31, 2021  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
                     
Contingent consideration liability  $24,770   $-   $-   $24,770 
Interest rate swap liability   1,202    -    1,202      

 

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.

 

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

 

   2021
    
Balance, January 1  $24,128 
Amounts recognized on acquisitions   1,014 
Fair value adjustments   (98)
Resolved and settled in cash   (650)
Other   376 
Balance, March 31  $24,770 
      
Less: Current portion   7,048 
Non-current portion  $17,722 

 

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments, unless otherwise indicated. The inputs to the measurement of the fair value of long term debt are Level 3 inputs. The fair value measurements were made using a net present value approach; significant model inputs were expected future cash outflows and discount rates (which range from 2.0% to 2.5%). The following are estimates of the fair values for other financial instruments:

 

   March 31, 2021  December 31, 2020
   Carrying  Fair  Carrying  Fair
   amount  value  amount  value
             
Other receivables  $2,955   $2,955   $4,170   $4,170 
Long-term debt   552,315    561,356    589,604    604,091 

 

 

 

 Page 11 of 13 

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

 

   2021
    
Balance, January 1  $193,034 
RNCI share of earnings   3,767 
RNCI redemption decrement   (1,815)
Distributions paid to RNCI   (1,870)
Purchases of interests from RNCI, net   (3,391)
RNCI recognized on business acquisitions   592 
Other   933 
Balance, March 31  $191,250 

 

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 March 31, 2021 was $183,369. The redemption amount is lower than that recorded on the balance sheet as the formula prices of certain RNCI are lower than the amount initially recorded at the inception of the minority equity position. If all put or call options were settled with Common Shares as at March 31, 2021, approximately 1,200,000 such shares would be issued; this would be accretive to net earnings per share.

 

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

 

11.       NET EARNINGS PER SHARE – The following table reconciles the basic and diluted shares outstanding:

 

   Three months ended
(in thousands)  March 31
   2021  2020
       
Basic shares   43,696    41,557 
Assumed exercise of Company stock options   522    380 
Diluted shares   44,218    41,937 

 

12.       STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Company stock option plan

The Company has a stock option plan for certain directors, officers and key full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, other than its Founder and Chairman. The stock option plan came into existence on June 1, 2015. Options are granted at the market price for the underlying shares on the date of grant. Each option vests over a four-year term, expires five years from the date granted and allows for the purchase of one Common Share. All Common Shares issued are new shares. As at March 31, 2021, there were 103,250 options available for future grants.

 

Grants under the Company’s stock option plan are equity-classified awards. There were 48,000 stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2021 (2020 - 475,000). Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was as follows:

 

 

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         Weighted average   
      Weighted  remaining   
   Number of  average  contractual life  Aggregate
   options  exercise price  (years)  intrinsic value
             
Shares issuable under options -                    
Beginning of period   1,883,112   $79.11           
Granted   48,000    154.44           
Exercised   (241,152)   42.68           
Shares issuable under options -                    
End of period   1,689,960   $86.45    2.68   $104,633 
Options exercisable - End of period   858,163   $72.70    2.01   $64,810 

 

The amount of compensation expense recorded in the statement of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $2,787 (2020 - $3,969). As of March 31, 2021, there was $12,238 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards which is expected to be recognized over the next 5 years. During the three month period ended March 31, 2021, the fair value of options vested was $7,921 (2020 - $6,811).

 

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

 

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

 

OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

   FirstService  FirstService      
   Residential  Brands  Corporate  Consolidated
             
Three months ended March 31                    
                     
2021                    
Revenues  $350,480   $360,586   $-   $711,066 
Depreciation and amortization   6,268    16,934    23    23,225 
Operating earnings   23,244    16,506    (5,868)   33,882 
                     
2020                    
Revenues  $339,663   $294,168   $-   $633,831 
Depreciation and amortization   5,876    17,603    28    23,507 
Operating earnings   17,424    4,907    (6,347)   15,984 

 

 

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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

 

   United States  Canada  Consolidated
          
Three months ended March 31               
                
2021               
Revenues  $618,796   $92,270   $711,066 
Total long-lived assets   1,077,142    288,063    1,365,205 
                
2020               
Revenues  $559,135   $74,696   $633,831 
Total long-lived assets   1,010,783    251,236    1,262,019 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE three MONTH PERIOD ENDED March 31, 2021

(in US dollars)

May 6, 2021

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) should be read together with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of FirstService Corporation (the “Company” or “FirstService”) for the three month period ended March 31, 2021 and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, and MD&A, for the year ended December 31, 2020. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). All financial information herein is presented in United States dollars.

 

The Company has prepared this MD&A with reference to National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Under the U.S./Canada Multijurisdictional Disclosure System, the Company is permitted to prepare this MD&A in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canada, which requirements are different from those of the United States. This MD&A provides information for the three month period ended March 31, 2021 and up to and including May 6, 2021.

 

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

 

 

Consolidated review

 

Our operating results for the first quarter were strong. Consolidated revenue growth was 12% relative to the same quarter in the prior year and, together with increased operating margins, resulted in year-over-year gains in operating earnings, earnings per share, and Adjusted EBITDA.

 

Organic growth accounted for approximately half of the revenue increase. During the past year, we completed various acquisitions in both divisions, which provided the remaining revenue growth for the first quarter of 2021.

 

Re-branding to FIRST ONSITE

 

In the first quarter, we brought our eight commercial restoration brands together under the FIRST ONSITE name with a single purpose and vision (formerly referred to as Global Restoration). The new brand is expected to enhance our culture-building initiatives and help accelerate organic growth.

 

Results of operations - three months ended March 31, 2021

 

Consolidated revenues for our first quarter were $711.1 million, 12% higher than the comparable prior year quarter. On an organic basis, revenues were up 6%, with the balance from contribution of acquisitions.

 

Adjusted EBITDA (see “Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures” below) for the first quarter was $59.8 million versus $43.9 million reported in the prior year quarter. Our Adjusted EBITDA margin was 8.4% of revenues, versus 6.9% in the prior year quarter. Consolidated operating earnings for the quarter were $33.9 million, up from $16.0 million in the prior year period. The operating earnings margin was 4.8% versus 2.5% in the prior year quarter. The increased operating margins reflected margin expansion in both the FirstService Residential and FirstService Brands segments.

 

Net interest expense was $4.2 million versus $8.9 million recorded in the prior year quarter and is primarily attributable to the decrease in our average outstanding debt.

 

 

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The consolidated income tax rate for the quarter was 24%, compared to 21% in the prior year quarter, relative to the statutory rate of 27% in both periods. The effective tax rate for the full year is expected to be approximately 25%.

 

Net earnings for the quarter were $23.8 million, versus $5.8 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was attributable to growth in operating earnings in both the FirstService Residential and FirstService Brands segments, as well as lower interest expense versus the prior year.

 

The non-controlling interest (“NCI”) share of earnings was $3.8 million for the quarter, relative to $1.8 million in the prior year, with the increase due to higher earnings from non-wholly owned subsidiaries.

 

The FirstService Residential segment reported revenues of $350.5 million for the first quarter, up 3% versus the prior year quarter, including 1% organic growth. Top-line performance continued to be moderated by temporary COVID-19-driven amenity closures and management contract suspensions in certain regions, particularly in the northeast U.S. and Canada. Adjusted EBITDA was $29.4 million relative to $23.9 million in the prior year quarter. Operating earnings for the first quarter were $23.2 million versus $17.4 million in the prior year period. Operating margins were positively impacted by ancillary revenue, primarily driven by increased home resale activity.

 

Revenues from the FirstService Brands segment in the first quarter were $360.6 million, up 23% relative to the prior year period. The revenue increase was comprised of 13% organic growth, together with the contribution from recent tuck-under acquisitions. Revenue was driven by robust growth at our home improvement brands, and further bolstered by increased weather-related activity across our restoration operations. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $33.4 million, up from $21.9 million in the prior year period. Operating earnings were $16.5 million versus $4.9 million in the prior year quarter. Operating margin expansion reflected the benefit of operating leverage in our businesses tied to strong home remodelling activity, as well as the increased contribution mix of restoration operations to the Brands division for the current quarter.

 

Corporate costs, as presented in Adjusted EBITDA were $3.0 million for the quarter, relative to $2.0 million in the prior year period. On a GAAP basis, corporate costs for the current quarter were $5.9 million, compared to $6.3 million in the prior year period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Summary of quarterly results

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

 

Quarter  Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4 
                 
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2021                    
Revenues  $711,066                
Operating earnings   33,882                
Net earnings per share:                    
Basic   0.50                
Diluted   0.50                
                     
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020                    
Revenues  $633,831   $621,597   $741,932   $775,055 
Operating earnings   15,984    44,903    59,130    49,395 
Net earnings per share:                    
Basic   0.13    0.64    0.76    0.51 
Diluted   0.13    0.64    0.75    0.50 
                     
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019                    
Revenues  $485,655   $573,908   $672,253   $675,594 
Operating earnings (loss)   12,930    (268,470)   49,698    31,423 
Net earnings (loss) per share:                    
Basic   0.06    (7.48)   0.51    0.13 
Diluted   0.06    (7.48)   0.50    0.13 
                     
OTHER DATA                    
Adjusted EBITDA - 2021  $59,795                
Adjusted EBITDA - 2020   43,865   $71,231   $88,732   $79,894 
Adjusted EBITDA - 2019   29,150   $65,031   $77,144   $63,857 
Adjusted EPS - 2021   0.66                
Adjusted EPS - 2020   0.37    0.86    1.19    1.02 
Adjusted EPS - 2019   0.30    1.12    0.92    0.66 

 

Seasonality and quarterly fluctuations

 

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

 

FirstService Residential generates peak revenues and earnings in the third quarter, as seasonal ancillary swimming pool management revenues are earned. FirstService Brands includes certain home improvement brands, which generate the majority of their revenues during the second and third quarters, and restoration operations which are influenced by weather patterns that typically should result in higher revenues and earnings in the third and fourth quarters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures

 

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

 

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

 

   Three months ended
(in thousands of US dollars)  March 31
   2021  2020
       
Net earnings  $23,843   $5,780 
Income tax   7,720    1,546 
Other income   (1,868)   (229)
Interest expense, net   4,187    8,887 
Operating earnings   33,882    15,984 
Depreciation and amortization   23,225    23,507 
Acquisition-related items   (99)   405 
Stock-based compensation expense   2,787    3,969 
Adjusted EBITDA  $59,795   $43,865 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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   Three months ended
(in thousands of US dollars)  March 31
   2021  2020
       
Net earnings  $23,843   $5,780 
Non-controlling interest share of earnings   (3,767)   (1,755)
Acquisition-related items   (99)   405 
Amortization of intangible assets   10,012    11,361 
Stock-based compensation expense   2,787    3,969 
Income tax on adjustments   (3,328)   (3,986)
Non-controlling interest on adjustments   (175)   (222)
Adjusted net earnings  $29,273   $15,552 

 

   Three months ended
(in US dollars)  March 31
   2021  2020
       
Diluted net earnings per share  $0.50   $0.13 
Non-controlling interest redemption increment (decrement)   (0.04)   (0.03)
Acquisition-related items   -    0.01 
Amortization of intangible assets, net of tax   0.16    0.19 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax   0.04    0.07 
Adjusted EPS  $0.66   $0.37 

 

 

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

 

Liquidity and capital resources

 

The Company generated cash flow from operating activities of $26.7 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2021, relative to $39.8 million in the prior year period. The decrease in operating cash flow was impacted by changes in non-cash working capital to fund growth, partially offset by increased profitability in both segments.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, capital expenditures were $13.3 million. Based on our current operations, maintenance capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2021 are expected to be approximately $60 million.

 

In April 2021, we paid a quarterly dividend of $0.1825 per common share in respect of the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

 

 

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Net indebtedness as at March 31, 2021 was $399.6 million, versus $405.3 million at December 31, 2020. Net indebtedness is calculated as the current and non-current portion of long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents. The change in indebtedness resulted primarily from the repayment of debt, offset by changes in non-cash working capital and purchases of fixed assets. We are in compliance with the covenants within our financing agreements as at March 31, 2021 and, based on our outlook for the balance of the year, we expect to remain in compliance with these covenants. We had $422.4 million of available un-drawn credit as of March 31, 2021.

 

In relation to acquisitions completed during the past two years, we have outstanding contingent consideration totalling $24.8 million as at March 31, 2021 ($24.1 million as at December 31, 2020) assuming all contingencies are satisfied and payment is due in full. Such payments, if any, are due during the period extending to September 2023. The contingent consideration liability is recognized at fair value upon acquisition and is re-measured each quarter, unless it contains an element of compensation, in which case such element is treated as compensation expense over the contingency period. The contingent consideration is based on achieving specified earnings levels, and is paid or payable at the end of the contingency period. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, $0.7 million of contingent consideration was paid (2020 - $1.2 million).

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as at March 31, 2021:

 

Contractual obligations  Payments due by period 
(in thousands of US dollars)      Less than           After 
   Total   1 year   1-3 years   4-5 years   5 years 
                     
Long-term debt  $541,684   $52,602   $104,550   $384,532   $- 
Interest on long-term debt   53,625    16,696    30,144    6,785    - 
Capital lease obligations   10,631    4,050    5,377    1,204    - 
Contingent acquisition consideration   24,770    7,048    17,722    -    - 
Operating leases   167,209    41,270    62,330    35,657    27,952 
                          
Total contractual obligations  $797,919   $121,666   $220,123   $428,178   $27,952 

 

At March 31, 2021, we had commercial commitments totaling $12.6 million comprised of letters of credit outstanding due to expire within one year. We are required to make semi-annual payments of interest on our senior notes at a weighted average interest rate of 3.8%.

 

Redeemable non-controlling interests

 

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

 

   March 31  December 31
(in thousands of US dollars)  2021  2020
       
FirstService Residential  $64,357   $60,316 
FirstService Brands   119,012    128,215 
   $183,369   $188,531 

 

The amount recorded on our balance sheet under the caption “redeemable non-controlling interests” (“RNCI”) is the greater of: (i) the redemption amount (as above) or (ii) the amount initially recorded as RNCI at the date of inception of the minority equity position. As at March 31, 2021, the RNCI recorded on the balance sheet was $191.3 million. The purchase prices of the RNCI may be paid in cash or in our common shares, at the option of FirstService. If all RNCI were redeemed in cash, the pro forma estimated accretion to GAAP diluted net earnings per share for the first quarter of 2021 would be $0.03 and the accretion to adjusted EPS would be $0.07.

 

 

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Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

The Company does not believe that it has off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial performance or financial condition.

 

Critical accounting policies and estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions with respect to the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are based upon management’s historical experience and are believed by management to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Our critical accounting policies and estimates have been reviewed and discussed with our Audit Committee. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Financial instruments

 

We use financial instruments as part of our strategy to manage the risk associated with interest rates and currency exchange rates from time to time. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. As of the date of this MD&A, we have one interest swap in place to exchange the floating interest rate on $100 million of debt under our Credit Agreement for a fixed rate.

 

Transactions with related parties

 

The Company has entered into office space rental arrangements and property management contracts with senior managers of certain subsidiaries. These senior managers are usually also minority shareholders of the subsidiaries. The business purpose of the transactions is to rent office space for the Company and to generate property management revenues for the Company. The recorded amount of the rent expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $1.0 million (2020 - $0.5 million).

 

As at March 31, 2021, the Company had $2.4 million of loans receivable from minority shareholders (December 31, 2020 - $2.4 million). The business purpose of the loans receivable is to finance the sale of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries to senior managers. The loan amounts are measured based on the formula price of the underlying non-controlling interests, and interest rates are determined based on the Company’s cost of borrowing plus a spread. The loans generally have terms of 5 to 10 years, but are open for repayment without penalty at any time.

 

Outstanding share data

 

The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares. The holders of common shares are entitled to one vote in respect of each common share held at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company.

 

As of the date of this MD&A, the Company has outstanding 43,828,706 common shares. In addition, as at the date hereof 2,127,360 common shares are issuable upon exercise of options granted under the Company’s stock option plan.

 

Canadian tax treatment of dividends

 

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

 

 

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Changes in internal controls over financial reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the three month period ended March 31, 2021 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Public Health Crisis

 

FirstService’s business, operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics or pandemics or other health crises beyond our control, including current or future waves of the COVID-19 outbreak. Many governments may declare that an outbreak, or one or more waves or an outbreak, constitutes an emergency in their jurisdictions. Reactions to the spread of an outbreak, or the worsening of an outbreak from time to time, may lead to, among other things, significant restrictions on travel, business closures, quarantines, social distancing and other containment measures and a general reduction in consumer activity. While these effects may be temporary, the duration of any business disruptions and related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated, and may be instituted, terminated and re-instituted from time to time as an outbreak worsens or waves of an outbreak occur from time to time.

 

Such public health crises can also result in volatility and disruptions in the supply and demand for various products and services, global supply chains and financial markets, as well as declining trade and market sentiment and reduced mobility of people, all of which could affect interest rates, credit ratings, credit risk and inflation. The risks to FirstService of such public health crises also include risks to employee health and safety and a slowdown or temporary suspension of operations in geographic locations impacted by an outbreak.

 

Forward-looking statements

 

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

 

·Economic conditions, especially as they relate to credit conditions, consumer spending and demand for managed residential property, particularly in regions where our business may be concentrated.
·Residential real estate property values, resale rates and general conditions of financial liquidity for real estate transactions.
·Extreme weather conditions impacting demand for our services or our ability to perform those services.
·Economic deterioration impacting our ability to recover goodwill and other intangible assets.
·A decline in our ability to generate cash from our businesses to fund future acquisitions and meet our debt obligations.
·The effects of changes in foreign exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar on our Canadian dollar denominated revenues and expenses.
·Competition in the markets served by the Company.
·Labour shortages or increases in wage and benefit costs.
·The effects of changes in interest rates on our cost of borrowing.
·A decline in our performance impacting our continued compliance with the financial covenants under our debt agreements, or our ability to negotiate a waiver of certain covenants with our lenders.
·Unexpected increases in operating costs, such as insurance, workers’ compensation, health care and fuel prices.

 

 

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·Changes in the frequency or severity of insurance incidents relative to our historical experience.
·A decline in our ability to make acquisitions at reasonable prices and successfully integrate acquired operations.
·The performance of acquired businesses and potential liabilities acquired in connection with such acquisitions.
·Changes in laws, regulations and government policies at the federal, state/provincial or local level that may adversely impact our businesses.
·Risks related to liability for employee acts or omissions, or installation/system failure, in our fire protection businesses.
·A decline in our performance impacting our ability to pay dividends on our common shares.
·Risks arising from any regulatory review and litigation.
·Risks associated with intellectual property and other proprietary rights that are material to our business.
·Disruptions or security failures in our information technology systems.
·Political conditions, including any outbreak or escalation of terrorism or hostilities and the impact thereof on our business.
·Performance in our commercial and large loss property restoration business.
·Volatility of the market price of our common shares.
·Potential future dilution to the holders of our common shares.
·Risks related to our qualification as a foreign private issuer.
·Public health crisis, including COVID-19.

 

We caution that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all possible factors, as other factors could adversely affect our results, performance or achievements. The reader is cautioned against undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in such forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of such forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future events, plans or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. We note that past performance in operations and share price are not necessarily predictive of future performance. All forward-looking statements in this MD&A are qualified by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this MD&A and, unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we do not intend, nor do we undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A to reflect subsequent information, events, results or circumstances or otherwise.

 

 

Additional information

 

Additional information regarding the Company, including our Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Further information about us can also be obtained at www.firstservice.com.