UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2002
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission
File Number 0-24762
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Ontario, Canada | Not Applicable | |
(State or other | (I.R.S. employer | |
jurisdiction of incorporation | identification number, | |
or organization) | if applicable) |
FirstService Building
1140 Bay Street, Suite 4000
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5S 2B4
(416) 960-9500
(Address and telephone number of Registrant's principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ý or No o
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date:
Subordinate
Voting Shares 13,500,543 as of January 31, 2003
Multiple Voting Shares 662,847 as of January 31, 2003
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2002
INDEX
|
|
Page |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||
ITEM 1. |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
3 |
||
ITEM 2. |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
13 |
||
ITEM 3. |
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
18 |
||
ITEM 4. |
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
18 |
||
PART II OTHER INFORMATION |
||||
ITEM 6. |
EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K |
18 |
||
SIGNATURES |
19 |
|||
CERTIFICATIONS |
20 |
2
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts) in accordance with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
|
Three month periods ended December 31 |
Nine month periods ended December 31 |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2002 |
2001 |
2002 |
2001 |
||||||||
Revenues | $ | 126,684 | $ | 117,809 | $ | 417,929 | $ | 394,852 | ||||
Cost of revenues | 89,664 | 81,189 | 280,998 | 260,894 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 28,840 | 27,405 | 89,077 | 83,971 | ||||||||
Depreciation | 3,065 | 2,938 | 9,144 | 8,467 | ||||||||
Amortization of intangibles | 328 | 102 | 740 | 429 | ||||||||
Interest | 2,082 | 3,000 | 6,666 | 8,951 | ||||||||
Earnings before income taxes and minority interest | 2,705 | 3,175 | 31,304 | 32,140 | ||||||||
Income taxes | 896 | 1,063 | 10,330 | 10,961 | ||||||||
Earnings before minority interest | 1,809 | 2,112 | 20,974 | 21,179 | ||||||||
Minority interest share of earnings | 376 | 375 | 3,241 | 3,514 | ||||||||
Net earnings before extraordinary item | 1,433 | 1,737 | 17,733 | 17,665 | ||||||||
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt, net of income tax benefit of $nil (2001 $578) | | | | 797 | ||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 1,433 | $ | 1,737 | $ | 17,733 | $ | 16,868 | ||||
Earnings per share | ||||||||||||
Net earnings before extraordinary item: | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.10 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 1.28 | $ | 1.31 | ||||
Diluted | 0.10 | 0.12 | 1.21 | 1.21 | ||||||||
Net earnings: | ||||||||||||
Basic | 0.10 | 0.13 | 1.28 | 1.25 | ||||||||
Diluted | 0.10 | 0.12 | 1.21 | 1.16 | ||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Basic | 13,876 | 13,592 | 13,846 | 13,501 | ||||||||
Diluted | 14,445 | 14,644 | 14,628 | 14,555 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
3
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars) in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
|
December 31, 2002 |
March 31, 2002 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|||||
Assets | |||||||
Current assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 12,012 | $ | 7,332 | |||
Accounts receivable, net | 92,347 | 88,587 | |||||
Inventories | 8,450 | 9,078 | |||||
Prepaids and other assets | 13,603 | 13,303 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 2,367 | 2,571 | |||||
128,779 | 120,871 | ||||||
Other receivables | 5,127 | 4,908 | |||||
Interest rate swap | 6,250 | | |||||
Fixed assets | 44,956 | 45,367 | |||||
Other assets | 3,030 | 5,411 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,623 | 972 | |||||
Intangible assets | 30,197 | 29,422 | |||||
Goodwill | 159,326 | 151,254 | |||||
250,509 | 237,334 | ||||||
$ | 379,288 | $ | 358,205 | ||||
Liabilities and shareholders' equity | |||||||
Current liabilities | |||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 22,215 | $ | 20,587 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 34,057 | 38,269 | |||||
Income taxes payable | 7,901 | 2,259 | |||||
Unearned revenues | 6,495 | 9,654 | |||||
Long-term debt current | 3,276 | 7,193 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 39 | 583 | |||||
73,983 | 78,545 | ||||||
Long-term debt non-current | 164,876 | 158,418 | |||||
Interest rate swap | | 2,070 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 7,810 | 7,881 | |||||
Minority interest | 14,023 | 11,449 | |||||
186,709 | 179,818 | ||||||
Shareholders' equity | |||||||
Capital stock | 58,419 | 57,712 | |||||
Receivables pursuant to share purchase plan | (2,630 | ) | (2,630 | ) | |||
Retained earnings | 63,119 | 45,386 | |||||
Cumulative other comprehensive loss | (312 | ) | (626 | ) | |||
118,596 | 99,842 | ||||||
$ | 379,288 | $ | 358,205 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share information) in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
|
Issued and outstanding shares |
Capital stock |
Receivables pursuant to share purchase plan |
Retained earnings |
Cumulative other comprehensive earnings (loss) |
Total shareholders' equity |
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance, March 31, 2001 | 13,168,240 | $ | 54,863 | $ | (3,196 | ) | $ | 27,972 | $ | (183 | ) | $ | 79,456 | ||||||
Comprehensive earnings: | |||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | | | | 16,868 | | 16,868 | |||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | | | (432 | ) | (432 | ) | |||||||||||
Comprehensive earnings | $ | 16,436 | |||||||||||||||||
Subordinate Voting Shares: | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock options exercised | 450,725 | 2,150 | | | | 2,150 | |||||||||||||
Cash payments on share purchase plan | | | 504 | | | 504 | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2001 | 13,618,965 | $ | 57,013 | $ | (2,692 | ) | $ | 44,840 | $ | (615 | ) | $ | 98,546 | ||||||
|
Issued and outstanding shares |
Capital stock |
Receivables pursuant to share purchase plan |
Retained earnings |
Cumulative other comprehensive earnings (loss) |
Total shareholders' equity |
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance, March 31, 2002 | 13,775,265 | $ | 57,712 | $ | (2,630 | ) | $ | 45,386 | $ | (626 | ) | $ | 99,842 | ||||||
Comprehensive earnings: | |||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | | | | 17,733 | | 17,733 | |||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | | | 314 | 314 | |||||||||||||
Comprehensive earnings | $ | 18,047 | |||||||||||||||||
Subordinate Voting Shares: | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock options exercised | 104,750 | 747 | | | | 747 | |||||||||||||
Purchased for cancellation | (2,000 | ) | (40 | ) | | | | (40 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2002 | 13,878,015 | $ | 58,419 | $ | (2,630 | ) | $ | 63,119 | $ | (312 | ) | $ | 118,596 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
5
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars) in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles
|
Nine month periods ended December 31 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2002 |
2001 |
||||||
Cash provided by (used in) | ||||||||
Operating activities | ||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 17,733 | $ | 16,868 | ||||
Items not affecting cash: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles | 9,884 | 8,896 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | (1,051 | ) | (308 | ) | ||||
Minority interest share of earnings | 3,241 | 3,514 | ||||||
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt | | 1,375 | ||||||
Other | 425 | 335 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (3,113 | ) | (8,746 | ) | ||||
Inventories | 754 | 447 | ||||||
Prepaids and other assets | (229 | ) | (508 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | 2,791 | 1,500 | ||||||
Unearned revenues | (3,595 | ) | (4,963 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 26,840 | 18,410 | ||||||
Investing activities | ||||||||
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired | (5,396 | ) | (12,023 | ) | ||||
Purchases of minority shareholders' interests | (4,204 | ) | (3,322 | ) | ||||
Purchases of fixed assets | (8,055 | ) | (12,678 | ) | ||||
Disposals (purchases) of intangibles and other assets | 1,236 | (271 | ) | |||||
Increase (decrease) in other receivables | (121 | ) | 195 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (16,540 | ) | (28,099 | ) | ||||
Financing activities | ||||||||
Increases in long-term debt | 10,342 | 126,611 | ||||||
Repayments of long-term debt | (16,632 | ) | (113,038 | ) | ||||
Financing fees paid | | (3,084 | ) | |||||
Issuance of Subordinate Voting Shares, net | 707 | 2,150 | ||||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders of subsidiaries | (179 | ) | (109 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (5,762 | ) | 12,530 | |||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 142 | (549 | ) | |||||
Increase in cash and cash equivalents during the period | 4,680 | 2,292 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 7,332 | 5,115 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 12,012 | $ | 7,407 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
6
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2002
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per
share amounts)
In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and the results of its operations for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 and its cash flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2002 and 2001. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending March 31, 2003. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto for the year ended March 31, 2002 contained in the Company's Form 10-K filed on May 24, 2002.
In April 2002, the Company adopted SFAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on results of operations or financial condition.
In April 2002, FASB issued SFAS 145, Rescission of SFAS 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of SFAS 13 and Technical Corrections as of April 2002. Among other changes, this new standard impacts the reporting of gains and losses from extinguishment of debt and accounting for leases, and is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning April 1, 2003. Had SFAS 145 been in effect during the nine months ended December 31, 2001, the extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt of $797, net of income tax benefit of $578, would have been reported as interest expense of $1,375 and a reduction of income tax expense of $578.
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. This statement requires recording costs associated with such activities at their fair values when a liability has been incurred. Previously, certain exit costs were accrued upon management's commitment to an exit plan, which is generally before an actual liability has been incurred. SFAS 146 is effective for such
7
activities initiated after December 31, 2002, and will impact the Company's accounting for its Business Services division integration plan announced on January 28, 2003.
In November 2002, FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (an interpretation of SFAS 5, 57 and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34) ("FIN 45") was issued. FIN 45 clarifies the requirements relating to a guarantor's accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of certain types of guarantees. FIN 45's provisions for initial recognition and measurement are effective for guarantees issued or modified by the Company after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements are effective for the Company's quarter ended December 31, 2002 and are included in Note 9 below.
In December 2002, FASB issued SFAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of SFAS 123. SFAS 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation, as well as amended disclosure requirements in annual and interim and financial statements. The standard will be effective for the Company's annual financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2003. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have an impact on results of operations or financial condition.
In January 2003, FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (an interpretation of ARB No. 51) ("FIN 46") was issued. FIN 46 addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities having certain characteristics and applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. The Company expects that FIN 45 will have no impact on its results of operations or financial condition.
Certain vendors, at the time of acquisition, are entitled to receive contingent consideration if the acquired businesses meet certain minimum financial thresholds during the two- to four-year period following the date of acquisition. As at December 31, 2002, there was contingent consideration of up to $9.0 million payable during the period extending to September 30, 2005. In addition, vendors are entitled to receive interest on the principal amount of each contingent payment, to the extent payable, which interest is calculated from the acquisition date to the payment date at interest rates ranging from 7 to 9%. These amounts have been treated as contingent consideration and any resulting payments will be recorded as additional costs of the acquired entities to the extent the contingencies are determined payable.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2002 the Company purchased minority interests from five (2001 one) shareholders for total consideration of $4,204 (2001 $3,322). The fair values of minority interests were calculated using formula prices based on multiples of operating profits.
Purchase price allocations for the current period initial acquisitions and minority interest purchases have not yet been finalized, but are expected to be finalized by March 31, 2003. The completion of the
8
purchase price allocations may result in adjustments to goodwill, intangible assets, amortization and income taxes retroactively to the respective dates of acquisition.
The Company has outstanding $100,000 of 8.06% fixed-rate Senior Secured Notes (the "Notes"), held by a group of U.S. institutional investors. The final maturity of the Notes is June 29, 2011, with equal annual principal repayments commencing on June 29, 2005.
The Credit Facility and the Notes rank equally in terms of security. The Company has granted the lenders and Note-holders various security including the following: an interest in all of the assets of the Company including the Company's share of its subsidiaries, an assignment of material contracts and an assignment of the Company's "call rights" with respect to shares of the subsidiaries held by minority interests.
The covenants and other limitations within the amended and restated credit agreement and the Note agreement are substantially the same. The covenants require the Company to maintain certain ratios including leverage, fixed charge coverage, interest coverage and net worth. Other limitations include prohibition from paying dividends, and without prior approval, from undertaking certain mergers, acquisitions and dispositions.
9
|
Three month periods ended December 31 |
Nine month periods ended December 31 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(in thousands) |
2002 |
2001 |
2002 |
2001 |
||||
Basic earnings per share weighted average shares outstanding | 13,876 | 13,592 | 13,846 | 13,501 | ||||
Assumed exercise of stock options, net of shares assumed acquired under the Treasury Stock method | 569 | 1,052 | 782 | 1,054 | ||||
Diluted earnings per share weighted average shares outstanding | 14,445 | 14,644 | 14,628 | 14,555 | ||||
From time to time, the Company provides performance guarantees with respect to certain security systems installation projects and painting and restoration contracts. At December 31, 2002, no such guarantees were in force.
Residential Property Management provides comprehensive property management and a full range of related services, including grounds maintenance, landscaping, painting and restoration to multiple unit residential community associations. Integrated Security Services installs, repairs, maintains and monitors electronic security systems for commercial facilities and residential properties, and also offers a security officer service in the Canadian market. Consumer Services provides closet installation, disaster restoration, painting and lawn care services to residential and commercial customers through franchised and Company-owned outlets. Business Services provides customer support & fulfillment and business process outsourcing services to corporate and government clients.
10
|
Property Services-Residential Property Management |
Property Services-Integrated Security Services |
Property Services- Consumer Services |
Business Services |
Other reconciling items |
Consolidated |
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Three month period ended December 31, 2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 46,810 | $ | 28,253 | $ | 19,132 | $ | 32,428 | $ | 61 | $ | 126,684 | ||||||||
Operating profit | 1,205 | 1,735 | 642 | 2,268 | (1,063 | ) | 4,787 | |||||||||||||
Interest | (2,082 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | (896 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Minority interest | (376 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 1,433 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 90,897 | $ | 65,107 | $ | 74,427 | $ | 132,341 | $ | 16,516 | $ | 379,288 | ||||||||
Three month period ended December 31, 2001 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 45,431 | $ | 24,168 | $ | 16,624 | $ | 31,519 | $ | 67 | $ | 117,809 | ||||||||
Operating profit | 1,741 | 1,193 | 370 | 3,916 | (1,045 | ) | 6,175 | |||||||||||||
Interest | (3,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | (1,063 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Minority interest | (375 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 1,737 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 101,110 | $ | 55,637 | $ | 63,271 | $ | 121,207 | $ | 5,854 | $ | 347,079 | ||||||||
|
Property Services-Residential Property Management |
Property Services-Integrated Security Services |
Property Services- Consumer Services |
Business Services |
Other reconciling items |
Consolidated |
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nine month period ended December 31, 2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 163,496 | $ | 80,779 | $ | 76,509 | $ | 96,923 | $ | 222 | $ | 417,929 | ||||||||
Operating profit | 11,163 | 5,089 | 14,973 | 10,269 | (3,524 | ) | 37,970 | |||||||||||||
Interest | (6,666 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | (10,330 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Minority interest | (3,241 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 17,733 | ||||||||||||||||||
Nine month period ended December 31, 2001 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 160,751 | $ | 70,441 | $ | 69,475 | $ | 93,998 | $ | 187 | $ | 394,852 | ||||||||
Operating profit | 13,661 | 4,282 | 12,945 | 13,680 | (3,477 | ) | 41,091 | |||||||||||||
Interest | (8,951 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | (10,961 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Minority interest | (3,514 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Extraordinary loss | (797 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 16,868 | ||||||||||||||||||
11
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
|
Canada |
United States |
Consolidated |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Three month period ended December 31, 2002 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 39,002 | $ | 87,682 | $ | 126,684 | |||
Total long-lived assets | 53,917 | 180,562 | 234,479 | ||||||
Three month period ended December 31, 2001 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 39,625 | $ | 78,184 | $ | 117,809 | |||
Total long-lived assets | 53,504 | 163,609 | 217,113 | ||||||
Nine month period ended December 31, 2002 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 136,257 | $ | 281,672 | $ | 417,929 | |||
Nine month period ended December 31, 2001 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 132,750 | $ | 262,102 | $ | 394,852 | |||
12
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(in U.S. Dollars)
Results of operations three months ended December 31, 2002 and 2001
Revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2003 were $126.7 million, 7% higher than the prior year's third quarter. Approximately 3% or $3.9 million of the increase resulted from the acquisition of the Fulfillment Division of Right Choice Services, Inc. ("Right Choice") in February 2002 as well as the acquisitions of two California Closets franchises in October 2002. The balance of the revenue increase came from internal growth of 4%.
During the quarter, 31% of the Company's revenues were originally denominated in Canadian currency. Based on the average foreign exchange rates in effect during the quarter, the Canadian dollar was 0.7% stronger relative to the U.S. dollar during the quarter than in the comparable quarter last year. If exchange rates had stayed constant year over year, the current year's third quarter revenues would have been $0.3 million lower.
The third quarter's EBITDA1 was $8.2 million, down $1.0 million from the prior year quarter. The EBITDA margin declined from 7.8% to 6.5% primarily because of weakness in the Business Services segment and also because of poor profitability in certain of the Company's Residential Property Management operations.
Depreciation expense increased 4% year-over-year, to $3.0 million, as result of fixed asset additions and fixed assets acquired through business acquisitions during the prior year. Amortization arising from customer lists acquired during the past year caused amortization expense to increase to $0.3 million for the quarter versus $0.1 million in the prior year quarter.
Interest expense declined to $2.1 million versus $3.0 million recorded in the prior year quarter. Average indebtedness during the quarter was similar to the third quarter of last year at approximately $163 million. The average interest rate during the quarter was 5.1% versus 7.4% in the comparable quarter. Last year's average interest rate was impacted by the $100 million of 8.06% fixed rate Guaranteed Senior Secured Notes (the "Notes") issued on June 29, 2001. In the current quarter, the effective interest rate on the full face value of the Notes was reduced to approximately 4.4% as a result of two interest rate swap agreements entered in December 2001 and October 2002.
The consolidated income tax rate declined to approximately 33% of earnings before income taxes and minority interest from 33.5% in the prior year's quarter. The reduction in tax rate is a result of lower statutory tax rates in several jurisdictions and continuing leverage from the cross-border tax structure implemented in fiscal 2000.
13
Net earnings for the quarter were $1.4 million, compared to $1.7 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease in net earnings is the result of a decline in operating profits partially offset by lower interest expense and income taxes relative to the prior year.
Revenues from Residential Property Management operations were $46.8 million for the quarter, up $1.4 million versus the prior year quarter. Core management revenues and painting and restoration revenues contributed equally to revenue growth of 3%. Painting & restoration services are sold to management clients when buildings are in need of exterior painting, concrete work and waterproofing, and represented 12% of segment revenues for the quarter. Due to heavy competition and difficult market conditions, management has decided to reduce the scope of painting and restoration activities to a level representing approximately 5% of segment revenues going forward.
Residential Property Management EBITDA declined to $2.1 million from $2.4 million recorded in the year ago quarter, and margins fell to 4.6% from 5.4%. Approximately $0.4 million of increased insurance costs were incurred during the quarter, out of an estimated minimum annual insurance cost increase of $2.0 million. A large portion of the annual insurance increase was incurred in the first and second quarters as these costs were matched with seasonal revenues, particularly swimming pool management contracts. The Company was able to pass on only a small portion of these increased costs to customers in the current season. Results from painting and restoration activities were weak, generating breakeven profits similar to those reported in the prior year period due to intense competition in the marketplace.
Integrated Security Services revenues rose 17% to $28.3 million in the third quarter relative to a year ago due to several large systems projects completed during the quarter. There were no acquisitions during the past twelve months. EBITDA increased to $2.1 million, 34% higher than the prior year's quarter, while the margin increased to 7.4% from 6.5% in the prior year's quarter. The quarter's EBITDA margin is comparable to margins experienced in the year-to-date period.
Consumer Services revenues were $19.1 million for the quarter, 15% higher than the prior year period. Internal growth was 10% after adjusting for the impact of the two California Closets franchises acquired in October 2002. Internal growth resulted from strong system-wide sales volumes at Paul Davis Restoration and Certa Pro Painters, both of which are non-seasonal in nature.
EBITDA at Consumer Services was $1.3 million, 24% higher than last year's third quarter. Margins increased to 6.6% from 6.2%, primarily because of higher revenues and contribution from non-seasonal franchise systems described above and also from the acquisition of the two California Closets franchises.
Third quarter revenues in Business Services were $32.4 million, 3% higher than the prior year. The March 2002 acquisition of Right Choice accounted for an 8% increase in revenues while year-over-year reductions at Herbert A. Watts Ltd. ("Watts") and DDS Distribution Services Ltd. ("DDS") accounted for a 5% decline. In particular, the Watts inbound customer support operations experienced a significant year-over-year decline in call volumes relating to contracts with two large clients, which translated into approximately $2.0 million of lost revenues for the quarter.
Business Services posted EBITDA of $3.7 million, down from $5.2 million recorded in the same quarter last year, while the margin declined to 11.4% from 16.5%. The margin decline was attributed to several factors, including: (i) the acquisition of Right Choice, which carries margins of approximately 10%, diluting the margin for the segment as a whole; (ii) the reduction in volumes at Watts, which had a large negative impact on margins due to the relatively high fixed costs associated with its customer support operations and (iii) costs related to the departure of a significant client, which was previously announced.
Corporate expenses for the quarter totaled $1.0 million, equivalent to the prior year's third quarter.
Results of operations nine months ended December 31, 2002 and 2001
Revenues for the first nine months of fiscal 2003 were $417.9 million, 6% higher than the prior year period. Approximately 3% or $9.9 million of the increase resulted from four acquisitions completed during the past nine months. The balance of the revenue increase came from internal growth of 3%.
14
During the current nine-month period, 33% of the Company's revenues were originally denominated in Canadian currency. Based on the average foreign exchange rates in effect during the period, the Canadian dollar was 0.4% weaker relative to the U.S. dollar during the period than in the comparable period last year, which resulted in revenues that were approximately $0.5 million lower than they would have been had exchange rates remained constant.
EBITDA was $47.9 million, down $2.1 million versus the prior year. The EBITDA margin declined from 12.7% to 11.5% primarily due to lower activity levels in Business Services and higher insurance costs in Residential Property Management.
Depreciation expense increased 8% year-over-year, to $9.1 million, driven by capital expenditures during fiscal 2002 that were higher than historical amounts. Amortization expense rose to $0.7 million relative $0.4 million a year ago due to amortization from several customer lists acquired during the current fiscal year.
Interest expense declined to $6.7 million versus $9.0 million recorded in the prior period. Average indebtedness was up $4.0 million relative to last year and the average interest rate was 5.4% versus 7.4% in the prior year. The $75 million interest rate swap in connection with the 8.06% Notes was in effect during the current period, while it was not in the prior period. A second interest rate swap in connection with the Notes in the amount of $25 million was entered in early October 2002.
The consolidated income tax rate was 33% of earnings before income taxes and minority interest for the year-to-date period, down from 34% in the prior year comparative period. The reduction in tax rate is a result of lower statutory tax rates in several jurisdictions and continuing leverage from the cross-border tax structure implemented in fiscal 2000.
Minority interest was $3.2 million, down from $3.5 million in the prior year period as a result of several minority share purchases that occurred during the last twelve months, including shares of American Pool Enterprises, Inc., Security Services & Technologies, Watts, and The Wentworth Group, Inc.
Net earnings were $17.7 million, compared to $16.9 million in the prior year ($17.7 million before the extraordinary item). The unchanged net earnings before the extraordinary item are the result of interest, income tax and minority interest declines relative to the prior year, offset by lower operating profits.
Revenues from Residential Property Management operations were $163.5 million, an increase of $2.7 million or 2% versus the prior year. Growth in the core management business was 3%, offset by a reduction in painting & restoration activities. Residential Property Management EBITDA declined to $14.0 million from $16.4 million recorded in the prior year while margins declined to 8.6% from 10.2%. The main factor behind the margin decline is a $1.6 million increase in insurance costs relative to the prior period, especially in swimming pool management activities. Very little of the cost increase was passed on to clients in the current season. Weak painting and restoration results, which are historically higher than core management, also impacted the year-over-year margin change.
Integrated Security Services revenues increased 15% to $80.8 million relative to a year ago. Year-to-date revenues include several large equipment sales, which caused internal growth to be higher than the expected 8-10% range. EBITDA increased to $6.2 million, 17% higher than the prior year, while the margin increased slightly to 7.6% from 7.5% in the prior year.
Consumer Services revenues for the three quarters were $76.5 million, 10% higher than the prior year period. Excluding the two October 2002 California Closets franchise acquisitions, internal growth was 8%. EBITDA was $16.5 million, 15% higher than last year. Margins increased to 21.6% from 20.7% as a result of strong seasonal College Pro Painters system-wide sales. In addition, acquisitions and strong growth in non-seasonal revenues are reducing the seasonality of EBITDA.
Revenues in Business Services were $96.9 million, 3% higher than the prior year due to the acquisition of Right Choice in February 2002. Internal revenues were down 4% primarily due to year-over-year decline in volumes at the DDS Southwest school textbook fulfillment operations in the first and second quarters and at Watts in the third quarter. EBITDA was $14.6 million, down from $17.3 million recorded in the prior year. The margin declined to 15.0% from 18.4%, as a result of the dilutive impact of the Right Choice acquisition,
15
DDS Southwest's lower margins in the period relative to last year, and the large impact of volume declines on Watts margins.
Corporate expenses totaled $3.4 million, the same as recorded in the prior year.
Business Services integration
On January 28, 2003, the Company announced that it had initiated a plan to reduce overheads and more aggressively realize synergies in its Business Services division. To facilitate the plan, the earn-out in connection with the March 2001 Watts acquisition was settled one year earlier than originally contracted and the balance of the purchase price contingent on post-acquisition earnings, totaling $10.4 million, was not paid.
The plan includes certain cost reductions to better align fixed costs with complementary BDP Business Data Services Ltd. ("BDP") and DDS operating units. The Company expects to recognize and incur integration and severance costs of approximately $2.5 million in executing the plan during the fourth quarter.
Outlook for the remainder of fiscal year and for fiscal 2004
The Company updated its outlook for the year ending March 31, 2003 and now anticipates diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.08-1.12. The previous range was diluted earnings per share of $1.37-1.43. The range reduction was the result of operational weakness in the third quarter that is expected to continue into the fourth quarter, especially in Business Services, and the $2.5 million (approximately $0.12 per diluted share) of integration costs to be incurred in the fourth quarter.
The Company also provided an initial outlook for fiscal 2004. Revenues are expected to grow at low- to mid-single digit percentages in all segments except Business Services, where revenues are expected to decline by percentages in the mid-single digits. Overall revenues are expected to grow in the low-single digit range. Diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $1.20-1.30.
Seasonality and quarterly fluctuations
Certain segments of the Company's operations, which in the aggregate comprise approximately 15% of revenues, are subject to seasonal variations. Specifically, the demand for residential lawn care, exterior painting, and swimming pool management in the northern United States and Canada is highest during late spring, summer and early fall and very low during winter. As a result, these operations generate a large percentage of their annual revenues between April and September. The Company has historically generated lower profits or net losses during its third and fourth fiscal quarters, from October to March. Residential Property Management (with the exception of swimming pool management), Integrated Security Services, and Business Services generate revenues evenly throughout the fiscal year.
The seasonality of swimming pool management and certain Consumer Services operations (exterior painting and lawn care) results in variations in quarterly EBITDA margins. Variations in quarterly EBITDA margins can also be caused by acquisitions, which alter the consolidated service mix. The Company's non-seasonal businesses typically generate a consistent EBITDA margin over all four quarters, while the Company's seasonal businesses experience high EBITDA margins in the first two quarters, offset by negative EBITDA in the last two quarters. As non-seasonal revenues increase as a percentage of total revenues, the Company's quarterly EBITDA margin fluctuations should be reduced.
Liquidity and capital resources
Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine-month period was $26.8 million, up from $18.4 million in the prior year. A large decline in accounts receivable expansion relative to last year was the most significant factor contributing to the increase in cash flow. Accounts receivable were impacted by more aggressive collections and also by decreases in activity in Business Services. Management believes that cash from operations and other existing resources will continue to be adequate to satisfy the ongoing working capital needs of the Company.
16
Net indebtedness at December 31, 2002 was $149.9 million, down from $160.3 million at March 31, 2002. Net indebtedness is calculated as the current and non-current portion of long-term debt adjusted for interest rate swaps less cash and cash equivalents. Cash from operating activities effected the $10.4 million reduction in net indebtedness during the nine-month period.
There have been no material changes to the terms of the Company's financing agreements since March 31, 2002 except the renewal and extension of the Credit Facility on April 25, 2002. The Company is in compliance with the covenants within its financing agreements as at December 31, 2002 and, based on its outlook for the balance of the year, expects to remain in compliance with the covenants. The Company had $81.1 million of available un-drawn credit as of December 31, 2002.
For the nine months ended December 31, 2002, capital expenditures were $8.1 million. Significant purchases included $2.4 million in service vehicles for the Residential Property Management and Consumer Services operations and $2.0 million in Business Services warehousing equipment and software. The annual capital expenditures outlook for fiscal 2003 is $11.0 million.
As part of its acquisition strategy, the Company structures many of its acquisitions such that portions of purchase prices are contingent on post-acquisition operating performance of the acquired businesses during a period of two to four years after the date of acquisition. If post-acquisition performance exceeds pre-determined thresholds, then the balance of the purchase price is paid. Contingent acquisition liabilities are not recognized in the financial statements unless they are paid or determined to be payable. During the fourth quarter, the Company's contingent acquisition liabilities declined from $19.5 million to $9.0 million primarily because the contingency regarding the March 2001 Watts acquisition was resolved without making a payment.
In those operations where operating managers are also minority owners, the Company is party to shareholders' agreements. These agreements allow the Company to "call" the minority position for a pre-determined formula price, which is usually equal to the multiple of earnings paid by the Company for the original acquisition. Minority owners may also "put" their interest to the Company at the same price, with certain limitations. The total value of the minority interests was approximately $33.0 million at December 31, 2002. While it is not management's intention to acquire outstanding minority interests, doing so would materially increase indebtedness and net earnings.
Critical accounting policies
There has been no change in the Company's critical accounting policies since March 31, 2002.
Forward-looking statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains or incorporates by reference certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created by such legislation. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future events and the Company's plans, expectations, goals and objectives. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "outlook" or similar statements. The Company's actual results may differ materially from such statements.
Among the factors that could result in such differences are the impact of weather conditions, increased competition, labor shortages, the condition of the United States and Canadian economies, changes in interest rates, changes in the value of the Canadian Dollar relative to the U.S. Dollar, changes in the pricing and availability of insurance, the continuing impact of terrorism on the economy and on customer sentiment, and the ability of the Company to make acquisitions at reasonable prices.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying its 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
17
future events, plans or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. The Company notes that past performance in operations and share price are not necessarily predictive of future performance.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
During the past nine months, there was no material change to the Company's market risk profile, including foreign currency and interest rate risks as described in Item 7A of Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2002.
ITEM 4. EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
1. a) | Exhibits | |||
99.1-99.2 | Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as enacted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
b) | Reports on Form 8-K | |
None. |
18
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 thereunto duly authorized.
February 14, 2003
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION | |
/s/ Jay S. Hennick Jay S. Hennick President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
/s/ John B. Friedrichsen John B. Friedrichsen Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
19
I, Jay S. Hennick, certify that:
February 14,
2003
/s/ Jay S. Hennick
Jay S. Hennick
President and Chief Executive Officer
20
CERTIFICATION
I, John B. Friedrichsen, certify that:
February 14,
2003
/s/ John B. Friedrichsen
John B. Friedrichsen
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
21
EXHIBIT 99.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ENACTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the report on Form 10-Q of FirstService Corporation (the "Company") dated February 14, 2003 containing the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2002 (the "Report") filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Jay S. Hennick, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as enacted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that, to the best of my knowledge:
|
|
|
---|---|---|
/s/ Jay S. Hennick Jay S. Hennick President and Chief Executive Officer February 14, 2003 |
EXHIBIT 99.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ENACTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the report on Form 10-Q of FirstService Corporation (the "Company") dated February 14, 2003 containing the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2002 (the "Report") filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, John B. Friedrichsen, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as enacted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that, to the best of my knowledge:
|
|
|
---|---|---|
/s/ John B. Friedrichsen John B. Friedrichsen Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer February 14, 2003 |
22