Colliers International Reports Strong First Quarter Results


Revenue up 12% with substantial increase to earnings

Operating highlights:

    Three months ended 
    March 31 
(in millions of US$, except EPS)  2017 2016
 
          
Revenues  $422.8 $376.1  
Adjusted EBITDA (note 1)   29.3  22.2  
Adjusted EPS (note 2)   0.33  0.19  
          
GAAP operating earnings   10.9  8.9  
GAAP EPS   -  (0.19) 

TORONTO, May 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CIGI) (TSX:CIGI) today reported operating and financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2017. All amounts are in US dollars.

Revenues for the first quarter were $422.8 million, a 12% increase (13% in local currency) relative to the same quarter in the prior year, Adjusted EBITDA (note 1) was $29.3 million, up 32% (33% in local currency) and Adjusted EPS (note 2) was $0.33, a 74% increase versus the prior year quarter. GAAP operating earnings were $10.9 million, relative to $8.9 million reported in the prior year period. GAAP diluted net earnings per common share was breakeven for the quarter, versus a loss of $0.19 per share for the same quarter a year ago. First quarter adjusted EPS and GAAP EPS would have been approximately unchanged excluding foreign exchange impacts.

“Colliers delivered strong results to start the year, with solid revenue growth from acquisitions and internally from our existing operations. Our revenue pipelines indicate sustained activity across all service lines, with generally stable conditions in most major markets,” said Jay S. Hennick, Chairman and CEO of Colliers International. “With five strategic acquisitions completed to date, expanding our presence in Northern California, Nevada, Minnesota and Denmark and strengthening our existing businesses in the UK and Michigan, we remain optimistic about our growth prospects for 2017. Anchored by our strong balance sheet and disciplined growth strategy, Colliers International is well positioned to continue building our global platform and market leadership in the years to come,” he concluded.

About Colliers International
Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CIGI) (TSX:CIGI) is an industry-leading global real estate services company with 15,000 skilled professionals operating in 68 countries. With an enterprising culture and significant employee ownership, Colliers professionals provide a full range of services to real estate occupiers, owners and investors worldwide. Services include strategic advice and execution for property sales, leasing and finance; global corporate solutions; property, facility and project management; workplace solutions; appraisal, valuation and tax consulting; customized research; and thought leadership consulting.

Colliers professionals think differently, share great ideas and offer thoughtful and innovative advice that help clients accelerate their success. Colliers has been ranked among the top 100 global outsourcing firms by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals for 12 consecutive years, more than any other real estate services firm.

For the latest news from Colliers, visit Colliers.com or follow us on Twitter: @Colliers and LinkedIn.

Consolidated Revenues by Line of Service

  Three months ended  
 (in thousands of US$)March 31 Growth Growth 
 (LC = local currency)2017 2016 in USD % in LC % 
                
 Outsourcing & Advisory   $163,565 $159,818 2% 3% 
 Lease Brokerage    136,859  112,885 21% 22% 
 Sales Brokerage    122,418  103,405 18% 18% 
                
 Total revenues    $422,843 $376,108 12% 13% 

Consolidated revenues for the first quarter grew 13% on a local currency basis, led by significant increases in Lease Brokerage and Sales Brokerage in the Americas and Asia Pacific regions. Consolidated internal revenue growth in local currencies was 1% (note 3), impacted by a decline in lower margin Outsourcing & Advisory activity in the EMEA region relative to very strong comparatives in the prior year period. Excluding this, consolidated internal revenue growth in local currencies was 6%.

Segmented Quarterly Results
Americas region revenues totalled $257.0 million for the first quarter compared to $210.5 million in the prior year quarter, up 21% on a local currency basis. Revenue growth was comprised of 17% contribution from recent acquisitions and 4% internal growth. Adjusted EBITDA was $21.2 million, relative to $21.6 million in the prior year quarter, impacted by (i) recent investments in people to add new service line capabilities in the US and (ii) timing of expenses. GAAP operating earnings were $11.5 million, relative to $17.0 million in the prior year quarter, impacted by acquisition-related costs incurred in the current quarter.

EMEA region revenues totalled $89.0 million for the first quarter compared to $98.9 million in the prior year quarter, down 4% on a local currency basis, comprised of an 11% decline in internal revenues offset by 7% growth from recent acquisitions. Internal revenues were impacted by (i) a decline in Outsourcing & Advisory activity, particularly in France with several large project management assignments in the prior year quarter involving the supply and installation of materials at lower margins than other revenue types, offset by (ii) increased Lease Brokerage activity, primarily in the UK. Foreign exchange headwinds with respect to the UK pound sterling negatively affected results on a US dollar reporting currency basis. Adjusted EBITDA was $3.6 million, versus a loss of $0.6 million in the prior year quarter, driven by changes in revenue mix and recent acquisitions. The GAAP operating loss was $1.1 million for the quarter, relative to a loss of $5.9 million in the prior year quarter.

Asia Pacific region revenues totalled $76.4 million for the first quarter compared to $66.4 million in the prior year quarter, up 12% on a local currency basis entirely from internal growth, and concentrated in Lease Brokerage and Sales Brokerage. Foreign exchange tailwinds positively impacted results on a US dollar reporting currency basis. Adjusted EBITDA was $6.2 million versus $3.3 million in the prior year quarter, benefitting from operating leverage from higher revenues. GAAP operating earnings were $4.9 million for the first quarter, relative to $1.9 million in the prior year quarter.

Global corporate costs were $1.8 million in the first quarter, relative to $2.2 million in the prior year period, positively impacted by lower variable expenses. The corporate GAAP operating loss for the first quarter was $4.4 million, relative to a loss of $4.1 million in the prior year period.

Conference Call
Colliers will be holding a conference call on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the quarter’s results. The call, as well as a supplemental slide presentation, will be simultaneously web cast and can be accessed live or after the call at www.colliers.com in the “Shareholders / Newsroom” section.

Forward-looking Statements
This press release includes or may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include the Company’s financial performance outlook and statements regarding goals, beliefs, strategies, objectives, plans or current expectations. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements contemplated in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include: economic conditions, especially as they relate to commercial and consumer credit conditions and business spending; commercial real estate property values, vacancy rates and general conditions of financial liquidity for real estate transactions; the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates in relation to the US dollar on Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, UK pound sterling and Euro denominated revenues and expenses; competition in markets served by the Company; labor shortages or increases in commission, wage and benefit costs; disruptions or security failures in information technology systems; and political conditions or events, including elections, referenda, changes to international trade and immigration policies, and any outbreak or escalation of terrorism or hostilities.

Additional factors and explanatory information are identified in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2016 under the heading “Risk Factors” (which factors are adopted herein and a copy of which can be obtained at www.sedar.com) and other periodic filings with Canadian and US securities regulators. Forward looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Except as required by applicable law, Colliers undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Summary financial information is provided in this press release. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company's quarterly financial statements and MD&A to be made available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Notes
1. Reconciliation of net earnings to adjusted EBITDA:

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings, adjusted to exclude: (i) income tax; (ii) other expense (income); (iii) interest expense; (iv) depreciation and amortization; (v) acquisition-related items; (vi) restructuring costs and (vii) stock-based compensation expense. We use adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our own operating performance and our ability to service debt, as well as an integral part of our planning and reporting systems. Additionally, we use this measure in conjunction with discounted cash flow models to determine the Company’s overall enterprise valuation and to evaluate acquisition targets. We present adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure because we believe such measure is useful to investors as a reasonable indicator of operating performance because of the low capital intensity of the Company’s service operations. We believe 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. Our 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 to adjusted EBITDA appears below.

    Three months ended
(in thousands of US$)  March 31
      2017  2016 
             
Net earnings      $5,506  $4,032 
Income tax       3,658   3,071 
Other income, net       (1,229)  (600)
Interest expense, net       2,942   2,364 
Operating earnings       10,877   8,867 
Depreciation and amortization       12,027   11,034 
Acquisition-related items       4,208   1,071 
Restructuring costs       734   - 
Stock-based compensation expense       1,443   1,212 
Adjusted EBITDA      $29,289  $22,184 

2. Reconciliation of net earnings and diluted net earnings (loss) per common share to adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share:

Adjusted earnings per share is defined as diluted net earnings (loss) per common share, adjusted for the effect, after income tax, of: (i) the non-controlling interest redemption increment; (ii) amortization expense related to intangible assets recognized in connection with acquisitions; (iii) acquisition-related items; (iv) restructuring costs and (v) stock-based compensation expense. We believe 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 earnings per share 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. Our 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 (loss) per share to adjusted earnings per share appears below.

    Three months ended
(in thousands of US$)  March 31
      2017  2016 
             
Net earnings      $5,506  $4,032 
Non-controlling interest share of earnings       (2,113)  (2,414)
Amortization of intangible assets       6,050   5,637 
Acquisition-related items       4,208   1,071 
Restructuring costs       734   - 
Stock-based compensation expense       1,443   1,212 
Income tax on adjustments       (2,010)  (1,691)
Non-controlling interest on adjustments       (844)  (502)
Adjusted net earnings      $12,974  $7,345 
             
    Three months ended
(in US$)  March 31
      2017  2016 
             
Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share      $-  $(0.19)
Non-controlling interest redemption increment       0.08   0.23 
Amortization of intangible assets, net of tax       0.10   0.09 
Acquisition-related items       0.10   0.03 
Restructuring costs, net of tax       0.01   - 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax       0.04   0.03 
Adjusted earnings per share      $0.33  $0.19 

3. Local currency revenue growth rate and internal revenue growth

Percentage revenue variances presented on a local currency basis are calculated by translating the current period results of our non-US dollar denominated operations to US dollars using the foreign currency exchange rates from the periods against which the current period results are being compared. Percentage revenue variances presented on an internal growth basis are calculated assuming acquired entities were owned for the entire current period as well as the entire prior period. Revenue from acquired entities is estimated based on the operating performance of each acquired entity for the year prior to the acquisition date. We believe that these revenue growth rate methodologies provide a framework for assessing the Company’s performance and operations excluding the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and acquisitions. Since these revenue growth rate measures are not calculated under GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers.

 
COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)
(in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts)
        Three months
        ended March 31
(unaudited)        2017   2016 
               
Revenues       $422,843  $376,108 
               
Cost of revenues        258,871   236,867 
Selling, general and administrative expenses        136,860   118,269 
Depreciation        5,977   5,397 
Amortization of intangible assets        6,050   5,637 
Acquisition-related items (1)        4,208   1,071 
Operating earnings        10,877   8,867 
Interest expense, net        2,942   2,364 
Other income, net        (1,229)  (600)
Earnings before income tax        9,164   7,103 
Income tax expense        3,658   3,071 
Net earnings        5,506   4,032 
Non-controlling interest share of earnings        2,113   2,414 
Non-controlling interest redemption increment        3,275   8,814 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Company       $118  $(7,196)
               
Net earnings (loss) per common share             
  Basic       $-  $(0.19)
  Diluted        -   (0.19)
               
Adjusted earnings per share (2)       $0.33  $0.19 
               
Weighted average common shares (thousands)            
  Basic        38,720   38,558 
  Diluted        39,117   38,825 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)
(1) Acquisition-related items include transaction costs, contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments, and contingent acquisition consideration-related compensation expense.
(2) See definition and reconciliation above.

         
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of US dollars)   
         
          
(unaudited)March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2016
          
Assets        
Cash and cash equivalents$97,695 $113,148 $107,468
Accounts receivable 289,336  311,020  260,635
Prepaids and other assets 90,606  82,154  85,806
 Current assets 477,637  506,322  453,909
Other non-current assets 54,384  48,860  31,398
Fixed assets 69,169  65,274  63,937
Deferred income tax 70,993  82,252  97,389
Goodwill and intangible assets 586,145  487,563  476,574
 Total assets$1,258,328 $1,190,271 $1,123,207
          
          
Liabilities and shareholders' equity        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$396,683 $483,376 $381,455
Other current liabilities 30,259  24,890  18,435
Long-term debt - current 2,618  1,961  2,763
 Current liabilities 429,560  510,227  402,653
Long-term debt - non-current 402,370  260,537  346,132
Other liabilities 65,840  57,609  56,108
Deferred income tax 16,206  14,582  19,639
Redeemable non-controlling interests 121,846  134,803  145,153
Shareholders' equity 222,506  212,513  153,522
 Total liabilities and equity$1,258,328 $1,190,271 $1,123,207
          
          
Supplemental balance sheet information        
Total debt$404,988 $262,498 $348,895
Total debt, net of cash 307,293  149,350  241,427
Net debt / pro forma adjusted EBITDA ratio 1.4  0.7  1.2


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows       
(in thousands of US dollars)
       Three months ended
       March 31
(unaudited)        2017   2016 
              
Cash provided by (used in)            
              
Operating activities            
Net earnings       $5,506  $4,032 
Items not affecting cash:            
 Depreciation and amortization        12,027   11,034 
 Deferred income tax        1,178   657 
 Other        8,220   1,329 
          26,931   17,052 
              
Net changes from assets / liabilities            
 Accounts receivable        32,748   49,308 
 Payables and accruals        (145,107)  (101,194)
 Other        4,191   (8,306)
 Contingent acquisition consideration paid        (301)  - 
Net cash used in operating activities        (81,538)  (43,140)
              
Investing activities            
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired        (29,643)  (36,575)
Purchases of fixed assets        (6,733)  (4,187)
Other investing activities        (10,596)  (6,142)
Net cash used in investing activities        (46,972)  (46,904)
              
Financing activities            
Increase in long-term debt, net        140,137   86,467 
Purchases of non-controlling interests, net        (24,282)  620 
Dividends paid to common shareholders        (1,932)  (1,541)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests        (4,118)  (5,116)
Other financing activities        (61)  1,190 
Net cash provided by financing activities        109,744   81,620 
              
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash        3,313   (258)
              
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents        (15,453)  (8,682)
              
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period        113,148   116,150 
              
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period       $97,695  $107,468 
              


Segmented Results
(in thousands of US dollars)
                
      Asia    
(unaudited)Americas EMEA Pacific Corporate Consolidated
                
Three months ended March 31
              
                
2017              
 Revenues$256,959 $89,022  $76,392 $470  $422,843
 Adjusted EBITDA 21,218  3,610   6,241  (1,780)  29,289
 Operating earnings (loss) 11,477  (1,066)  4,856  (4,390)  10,877
                
2016              
 Revenues$210,545 $98,915  $66,441 $207  $376,108
 Adjusted EBITDA 21,611  (561)  3,282  (2,150)  22,182
 Operating earnings (loss) 16,959  (5,889)  1,934  (4,137)  8,867

 


            

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