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Colliers International Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Yearend Results

February 5, 2016 6:55 AM

Operating highlights:

Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31 December 31
2015 2014 2015 2014
Revenues (millions)$556.1 $541.7 $1,722.0 $1,582.3
Adjusted EBITDA (millions) (note 1) 79.1 67.1 181.3 146.8
Adjusted EPS (note 2) 1.06 0.97 2.29 1.83

TORONTO, Feb. 05, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGI) (TSX: CIG) today announced record fourth quarter and yearend operating and financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015. All amounts are in US dollars.

Revenues for the fourth quarter were $556.1 million, a 3% increase (11% in local currency) relative to the strong performance in the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA (note 1) was $79.1 million, up 18% (29% in local currency), and Adjusted EPS (note 2) was $1.06, up 9% from the prior year quarter. GAAP EPS from continuing operations was $0.92 per share in the quarter, compared to $0.44 for the same quarter a year ago. Fourth quarter adjusted EPS and GAAP EPS would have been approximately $0.13 higher if foreign exchange rates were held constant at prior period rates.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenues were $1.72 billion, a 9% increase (18% in local currency) relative to the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $181.3 million, up 24% (34% in local currency). Adjusted EPS was $2.29, up 25% versus the prior year. GAAP EPS from continuing operations for the year was $0.59, compared to $0.54 in the prior year and was impacted by one-time transaction costs and stock-based compensation totalling $1.20 per share, both related to the separation from FirstService Corporation on June 1, 2015. Full year adjusted EPS and GAAP EPS would have been approximately $0.31 higher if foreign exchange rates were held constant at prior year rates.

“2015 was a transformational year for Colliers International in so many ways. It was our first as a stand-alone public company; we strengthened our leadership team for the future; we reported record revenues and profits despite foreign currency headwinds; exceeded our double-digit margin target we set five years ago, one year earlier than expected; further strengthened an already strong balance sheet; and declared and paid our inaugural semi-annual dividend,” said Jay S. Hennick, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Perhaps most importantly, our real estate service professionals worldwide continued to demonstrate the Colliers difference by delivering exceptional results for our clients, resulting in strong internal growth across all service lines. Finally, with several acquisitions completed during the quarter and three more acquisitions completed after yearend, Colliers International is advantageously positioned to build further momentum in 2016 while navigating the ever changing global markets in which we operate,” he concluded.

About Colliers International Group Inc.Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGI) (TSX: CIG) is an industry leading global real estate service company with more than 16,100 professionals operating from 554 offices in 66 countries. With an enterprising culture and significant insider ownership, Colliers professionals provide a full range of services to real estate occupiers, owners and investors worldwide. Colliers people think differently, share great ideas and create effective solutions that help clients accelerate their success. Services include brokerage, global corporate solutions, investment sales and capital markets, project management and workplace solutions, property and asset management, consulting, valuation and appraisal services, and customized research and thought leadership. Colliers International has been ranked among the top 100 outsourcing firms by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals’ Global Outsourcing for 10 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

Three months ended Twelve months ended
(in thousands of US$) December 31Growth December 31Growth
(LC = local currency) 2015 2014 in LC % 2015 2014 in LC %
Outsourcing & Advisory$191,098 $185,946 13% $634,595 $535,116 32%
Lease Brokerage 186,044 173,747 15% 564,280 520,055 17%
Sales Brokerage 178,972 181,959 8% 523,110 527,100 10%
Total revenues $556,114 $541,652 11% $1,721,985 $1,582,271 18%

Consolidated revenues for the fourth quarter grew 11% on a local currency basis, led by growth in lease brokerage in the Americas and EMEA, particularly the US and UK, and strong growth in outsourcing & advisory services. Fourth quarter consolidated internal revenue growth in local currencies was 8% with the balance from acquisitions.

Consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 grew 18% on a local currency basis, led by 32% growth in outsourcing & advisory services from significant new business wins in project management and workplace solutions, as well as recently completed acquisitions. Consolidated internal revenue growth in local currencies was 11%. For the year, outsourcing & advisory services represented 37% of total revenues, up from 34% in the prior year, demonstrating the success the Company is achieving in executing its long-term growth plan to generate a higher percentage of non-transaction revenue.

Segmented Fourth Quarter ResultsThe Americas region’s revenues totalled $276.4 million for the fourth quarter compared to $254.8 million in the prior year quarter, which equated to a 13% increase on a local currency basis, and led by the US. Revenue growth was comprised of 6% internal growth and 7% from acquisitions. Internal growth for the quarter was driven by increased lease brokerage revenues as well as growth in outsourcing & advisory revenues. Adjusted EBITDA was $35.2 million, up from $32.0 million the prior year quarter.

EMEA region revenues totalled $151.7 million for the fourth quarter compared to $149.6 million in the prior year quarter, which equated to a 13% increase on a local currency basis. Revenue growth was comprised of 12% internal growth and 1% from acquisitions. Internal growth was driven by strong sales and lease brokerage activity, particularly in the UK. Adjusted EBITDA was $25.5 million, up 12% from the prior year quarter.

Asia Pacific region revenues totalled $127.9 million for the fourth quarter compared to $137.1 million in the prior year quarter, which equated to a 6% increase on a local currency basis, entirely from internal growth with significant foreign exchange headwinds impacting results in US dollar reporting currency. Growth was driven by solid lease brokerage activity in the Australia and New Zealand markets. Adjusted EBITDA was $21.1 million versus $23.4 million in the prior year quarter, and was impacted by foreign exchange on translation of earnings into US dollars.

Global corporate costs were $2.8 million in the fourth quarter, relative to $11.1 million in the prior year period, and were positively impacted by lower performance-based incentive compensation and lower compensation costs due to reduced headcount.

Segmented Full Year ResultsThe Americas region’s revenues totalled $889.7 million for the full year compared to $823.1 million in the prior year, which equated to a 13% increase on a local currency basis. Revenue growth was comprised of 8% internal growth and 5% from acquisitions, all attributable to US operations. Internal growth for the year was driven by increased outsourcing & advisory and lease brokerage revenues. Adjusted EBITDA was $88.7 million, up 20% from the prior year as a result of operating leverage.

EMEA region revenues totalled $446.1 million for the year compared to $352.4 million in the prior year, which equated to a 41% increase on a local currency basis. Revenue growth was comprised of 21% internal growth and 20% from acquisitions. Internal growth was driven by strong outsourcing & advisory revenues and solid growth in lease brokerage, primarily in the UK. Adjusted EBITDA was $56.6 million, up 34% from the prior year.

Asia Pacific region revenues totalled $385.1 million for the year compared to $406.0 million in the prior year, which equated to a 7% increase on a local currency basis, entirely from internal growth with significant foreign exchange headwinds impacting results in US dollar reporting currency. Growth was driven by solid lease and sales brokerage activity, particularly in the Australia and New Zealand markets. Adjusted EBITDA was $47.8 million versus $53.3 million in the prior year, and was impacted by foreign exchange on translation of earnings into US dollars.

Global corporate costs were $11.8 million in the year, relative to $22.5 million in the prior year, and were positively impacted by lower performance-based incentive compensation, foreign currency translation and lower compensation costs due to reduced headcount.

Conference CallColliers will be holding a conference call on Friday, February 5, 2016 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 “Investors / Newsroom” section.

Forward-looking StatementsThis 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 consumer spending, particularly in regions where our business may be concentrated; commercial real estate property values, vacancy rates and general conditions of financial liquidity for real estate transactions; trends in pricing and risk assumption for commercial real estate services; the effect of significant movements in average cap rates across different property types; a reduction by companies in their reliance on outsourcing for their commercial real estate needs, which would affect revenues and operating performance; competition in the markets served by the Company; the ability to attract new clients and to retain major clients and renew related contracts; the ability to retain and incentivize producers; increases in wage and benefit costs; the effects of changes in interest rates on the cost of borrowing; unexpected increases in operating costs, such as insurance, workers’ compensation and health care; changes in the frequency or severity of insurance incidents relative to historical experience; the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates in relation to the US dollar on the Company’s Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, UK pound and Euro denominated revenues and expenses; the ability to identify and make acquisitions at reasonable prices and successfully integrate acquired operations; the ability to execute on, and adapt to, information technology strategies and trends; the ability to comply with laws and regulations related to our global operations, including real estate licensure, labour and employment laws and regulations, as well as the anti-corruption laws and trade sanctions; political conditions, including political instability and any outbreak or escalation of terrorism or hostilities and the impact thereof on our business; and changes in government laws and policies at the federal, state/provincial or local level that may adversely impact the business.

Additional information and risk factors are identified in the Company’s other periodic filings with Canadian and US securities regulators (which factors are adopted herein and a copy of which can be obtained at www.sedar.com). 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 annual consolidated financial statements and MD&A to be made available at www.sedar.com.

Notes1. Reconciliation of net earnings from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA:

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings from continuing operations, adjusted to exclude: (i) income tax; (ii) other expense (income); (iii) interest expense; (iv) depreciation and amortization; (v) acquisition-related items; (vi) Spin-off stock-based compensation costs; (vii) Spin-off transaction costs; (viii) corporate costs allocated to Spin-off and (ix) 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 from continuing operations 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 (loss) from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA appears below.

Three months ended Twelve months ended
(in thousands of US$)December 31 December 31
2015 2014 2015 2014
Net earnings from continuing operations$ 42,820 $ 32,383 $ 39,915 $ 53,909
Income tax 20,476 9,901 32,552 18,205
Other income, net (835) (326) (1,122) (1,262)
Interest expense, net 2,516 2,670 9,038 7,304
Operating earnings 64,977 44,628 80,383 78,156
Depreciation and amortization 10,555 10,165 38,624 36,033
Acquisition-related items 2,903 6,265 6,599 11,103
Spin-off stock-based compensation costs - - 35,400 -
Spin-off transaction costs (82) - 14,065 -
Corporate costs allocated to Spin-off - 2,580 2,010 8,397
Stock-based compensation expense 790 3,415 4,253 13,083
Adjusted EBITDA$ 79,143 $ 67,053 $ 181,334 $ 146,772

2. Reconciliation of net earnings from continuing operations and diluted net earnings per common share from continuing operations to adjusted net earnings and adjusted EPS:

Adjusted EPS is defined as diluted net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations, 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) Spin-off stock-based compensation costs; (v) Spin-off transaction costs; (vi) corporate costs allocated to Spin-off and (vii) 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 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 from continuing operations, 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 (loss) from continuing operations to adjusted net earnings and of diluted net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations to adjusted EPS appears below.

Three months ended Twelve months ended
(in thousands of US$)December 31 December 31
2015 2014 2015 2014
Net earnings from continuing operations$ 42,820 $ 32,383 $ 39,915 $ 53,909
Non-controlling interest share of earnings (8,123) (10,440) (21,509) (25,096)
Amortization of intangible assets 5,070 4,073 17,013 15,549
Acquisition-related items 2,903 6,265 6,599 11,103
Spin-off stock-based compensation costs - - 35,400 -
Spin-off transaction costs (82) - 14,065 -
Corporate costs allocated to Spin-off - 2,604 2,048 8,494
Stock-based compensation expense 790 3,415 4,253 13,083
Income tax on adjustments (1,497) (2,552) (10,563) (9,200)
Non-controlling interest on adjustments (951) (570) (1,115) (1,541)
Adjusted net earnings$ 40,930 $ 35,178 $ 86,106 $ 66,301
Three months ended Twelve months ended
(in US$)December 31 December 31
2015 2014 2015 2014
Diluted net earnings per common share
from continuing operations$ 0.92 $ 0.44 $ 0.59 $ 0.54
Non-controlling interest redemption increment (0.03) 0.17 (0.10) 0.26
Amortization of intangible assets, net of tax 0.07 0.07 0.29 0.29
Acquisition-related items 0.08 0.16 0.17 0.29
Spin-off stock-based compensation costs - - 0.94 -
Spin-off transaction costs, net of tax - - 0.26 -
Corporate costs allocated to Spin-off, net of tax - 0.05 0.04 0.15
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax 0.02 0.08 0.10 0.30
Adjusted EPS$ 1.06 $ 0.97 $ 2.29 $ 1.83

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)
(in thousands of US$, except per share amounts)
Three months Twelve months
ended December 31 ended December 31
(unaudited) 2015 2014 2015 2014
Revenues $ 556,114 $ 541,652 $ 1,721,986 $ 1,582,271
Cost of revenues 330,914 319,742 1,044,434 947,130
Selling, general and administrative expenses 146,846 160,852 502,480 509,849
Depreciation 5,486 6,092 21,611 20,484
Amortization of intangible assets 5,070 4,073 17,013 15,549
Acquisition-related items (1) 2,903 6,265 6,599 11,103
Spin-off stock-based compensation costs (2) - - 35,400 -
Spin-off transaction costs (3) (82) - 14,065 -
Operating earnings 64,977 44,628 80,384 78,156
Interest expense, net 2,516 2,670 9,038 7,304
Other expense (income) (835) (326) (1,122) (1,262)
Earnings before income tax 63,296 42,284 72,467 72,114
Income tax 20,476 9,901 32,552 18,205
Net earnings from continuing operations 42,820 32,383 39,915 53,909
Discontinued operations, net of income tax (4) - 1,147 1,104 23,807
Net earnings 42,820 33,530 41,019 77,716
Non-controlling interest share of earnings 8,123 10,440 21,509 25,096
Non-controlling interest redemption increment (1,002) 6,115 (3,837) 9,304
Net earnings attributable to Company $ 35,699 $ 16,975 $ 23,347 $ 43,316
Net earnings (loss) per common share
Basic
Continuing operations $ 0.93 $ 0.44 $ 0.60 $ 0.54
Discontinued operations - 0.03 0.03 0.66
$ 0.93 $ 0.47 $ 0.63 $ 1.20
Diluted
Continuing operations $ 0.92 $ 0.44 $ 0.59 $ 0.54
Discontinued operations - 0.03 0.03 0.65
$ 0.92 $ 0.47 $ 0.62 $ 1.19
Adjusted EPS (5) $ 1.06 $ 0.97 $ 2.29 $ 1.83
Weighted average common shares (thousands)
Basic 38,298 35,829 37,196 35,917
Diluted 38,674 36,188 37,586 36,309

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) Stock-based compensation costs related to the exchange of non-controlling interests in the former Commercial Real Estate Services division for publicly traded shares of Colliers International Group Inc., in connection with the Spin-off completed on June 1, 2015.(3) Transaction costs related to the Spin-off of FirstService completed on June 1, 2015.(4) Discontinued operations include FirstService, which was spun off on June 1, 2015; a commercial real estate consulting business which was sold in July 2014; and an REO rental operation which was sold in April 2014.(5) See definition and reconciliation above.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of US$)
(unaudited)December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$116,150 $90,003
Accounts receivable 298,466 294,174
Prepaids and other assets 81,363 72,919
Assets held for spin-off - 250,723
Current assets 495,979 707,819
Other non-current assets 23,209 21,596
Fixed assets 62,553 65,191
Deferred income tax 84,038 79,067
Goodwill and intangible assets 426,642 400,933
Assets held for spin-off - 364,821
Total assets$1,092,421 $1,639,427
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$455,243 $461,918
Other current liabilities 20,698 23,476
Long-term debt - current 3,200 18,671
Liabilities held for spin-off - 126,094
Current liabilities 479,141 630,159
Long-term debt - non-current 257,747 235,320
Other liabilities 48,034 37,997
Deferred income tax 18,414 21,969
Liabilities held for spin-off - 330,701
Redeemable non-controlling interests 139,592 150,066
Shareholders' equity 149,493 233,215
Total liabilities and equity$1,092,421 $1,639,427
Supplemental balance sheet information
Total debt$260,947 $253,991
Total debt, net of cash 144,797 163,988

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands of US$)
Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31 December 31
(unaudited) 2015 2014 2015 2014
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities
Net earnings from continuing operations $ 42,818 $ 32,383 $ 39,915 $ 53,909
Items not affecting cash:
Depreciation and amortization 10,557 10,165 38,624 36,033
Spin-off stock-based compensation - - 35,400 -
Deferred income tax 8,227 588 2,752 1,488
Other 209 467 6,507 (4,054)
61,811 43,603 123,198 87,376
Changes in non-cash working capital
Accounts receivable (23,588) (50,431) (5,574) (25,285)
Prepaids and other current assets (2,689) 3,055 (18,618) (4,864)
Payables and accruals 66,685 120,739 38,293 63,956
Other (3,727) 4,689 (9,204) 1,327
Contingent acquisition consideration (89) - (1,421) (19,785)
Net cash provided by operating activities
before discontinued operations 98,403 121,655 126,674 102,725
Discontinued operations - 5,650 30,564 56,343
Net cash provided by operating activities 98,403 127,305 157,238 159,068
Investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (15,208) (47,593) (44,108) (91,559)
Disposition of business, net of cash disposed - (321) - 8,373
Purchases of fixed assets (6,722) (10,086) (22,515) (30,067)
Other investing activities (753) (3,151) (7,919) (3,018)
Net cash used in investing activities
before discontinued operations (22,683) (61,151) (74,542) (116,271)
Discontinued operations - (6,599) (10,871) (39,906)
Net cash used in investing activities (22,683) (67,750) (85,413) (156,177)
Financing activities
(Decrease) increase in long-term debt, net (55,556) 12,420 (62,321) 114,682
Purchases of non-controlling interests (1,698) (23,099) (9,039) (36,025)
Dividends paid to common shareholders - (3,586) (7,178) (14,361)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests (6,287) (6,640) (19,065) (25,956)
Repurchases of Subordinate Voting Shares - (8,513) - (28,868)
Other financing activities 10,319 3,262 8,972 9,631
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (53,222) (26,156) (88,631) 19,103
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (4,515) (6,611) (23,837) (7,905)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents 17,983 26,788 (40,643) 14,089
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 98,167 130,005 156,793 142,704
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 116,150 $ 156,793 $ 116,150 $ 156,793

Segmented Results
(in thousands of US dollars)
Asia
(unaudited)Americas EMEA Pacific Corporate Consolidated
Three months ended December 31
2015
Revenues$276,374 $151,653 $127,854 $ 233 $556,114
Adjusted EBITDA 35,238 25,521 21,148 (2,764) 79,143
Operating earnings 29,788 20,535 19,109 (4,456) 64,976
2014
Revenues$254,751 $149,578 $137,109 $ 214 $541,652
Adjusted EBITDA 32,023 22,788 23,359 (11,117) 67,053
Operating earnings 28,003 14,742 21,646 (19,763) 44,628
Asia
Americas EMEA Pacific Corporate Consolidated
Twelve months ended December 31
2015
Revenues$889,738 $446,146 $385,123 $ 979 $1,721,986
Adjusted EBITDA 88,740 56,559 47,809 (11,774) 181,334
Operating earnings 69,247 38,777 41,092 (68,733) 80,383
2014
Revenues$823,146 $352,363 $405,957 $ 805 $1,582,271
Adjusted EBITDA 73,765 42,231 53,268 (22,492) 146,772
Operating earnings 60,473 22,009 47,392 (51,718) 78,156

COMPANY CONTACTS:

Jay S. Hennick
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

John B. Friedrichsen
Chief Financial Officer

(416) 960-9500

Source: Colliers International Group Inc.

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