TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altus Group Limited (ʺAltus” or “the Company”) (TSX: AIF), a market leading intelligence-as-a-service provider to the global commercial real estate (“CRE”) industry, announced today its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021.
Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars and percentages are in comparison to the same period in 2020.
2021 Summary:
- Consolidated revenues were $625.4 million, up 11.4% (14.7% on a constant currency basis).
- Consolidated profit from continuing operations, in accordance with IFRS, was $25.6 million, down 5.3% from $27.0 million.
- Consolidated earnings per share from continuing operations, in accordance with IFRS, was $0.62 per share basic and $0.60 per share diluted, compared to $0.67 and $0.66, respectively.
- Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA* was $109.8 million, up 10.9% (15.1% on a constant currency basis).
- Adjusted EPS* was $1.90, up 13.8% from $1.67.
- Altus Analytics revenues were $251.1 million, up 23.3% (29.9% on a constant currency basis), of which Over Time revenues* were $207.8 million, up 23.9% (29.4% on a constant currency basis), and Adjusted EBITDA was $41.6 million, up 16.0% (25.2% on a constant currency basis).
- Altus Analytics Bookings* totaled $95.1 million, up 76.1% (84.9% on a constant currency basis), of which organic growth in Bookings was 65.3% (74.1% on a constant currency basis).
- At the end of 2021, 42%* of the Company’s total ARGUS Enterprise (“AE”) user base had been contracted on ARGUS Cloud, compared to 14% at the end of 2020.
- CRE Consulting revenues were $374.6 million, up 4.7% (6.0% on a constant currency basis) and Adjusted EBITDA was $104.1 million, up 13.0% (14.0% on a constant currency basis).
- As at December 31, 2021, bank debt was $287.6 million and cash and cash equivalents was $51.3 million (representing a funded debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio of 2.47 times, as such ratio is defined in our credit facility agreement, or a net debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio* of 2.17 times).
- During the year three highly strategic acquisitions were completed:
- Finance Active, a debt management SaaS solution that provides Altus with a platform for CRE debt valuation and risk management and an international footprint;
- StratoDem Analytics, a data-science-as-a-service for the real estate sector that, together with Altus’ data and technology, provides predictive analytics to maximize asset and portfolio performance; and
- Reonomy, an AI-powered data platform for the CRE industry that provides comprehensive data and technology for the delivery of Altus’ intelligence-as-a-service offering.
Fourth Quarter 2021 Summary:
- Consolidated revenues were $162.9 million, up 16.8% (19.9% on a constant currency basis).
- Consolidated profit from continuing operations, in accordance with IFRS, was $6.9 million, up 49.1% from $4.6 million.
- Consolidated earnings per share from continuing operations, in accordance with IFRS, was $0.16 per share basic and $0.15 per share diluted, compared to $0.11 per share basic and diluted.
- Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $25.9 million, down 3.3% (up 1.3% on a constant currency basis).
- Adjusted EPS was $0.42 down from $0.44.
- Altus Analytics revenues were $72.4 million, up 40.6% (46.6% on a constant currency basis), of which Over Time revenues were $59.8 million, up 37.6% (41.0% on a constant currency basis), and Adjusted EBITDA was $10.7 million, up 9.0% (19.1% on a constant currency basis).
- Altus Analytics Bookings totaled $31.1 million, up 109.5% (113.3% on a constant currency basis), of which organic growth in Bookings was 86.9% (90.7% on a constant currency basis).
- CRE Consulting revenues were $90.6 million, up 2.9% (4.2% on a constant currency basis) and Adjusted EBITDA was $24.2 million, in line with 2021.
- Completed a $172.5 million equity financing, including the issuance of approximately 2.8 million shares priced at $62.00 per common share in October 2021, and further amended our bank credit facilities in November 2021 to increase borrowing capacity to $400 million, with certain provisions to further increase the limit to $450 million.
*Altus uses certain non-GAAP financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS, constant currency, and net debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio, as well as supplementary financial measures such as Bookings, and Over Time revenues. Since these measures are not standard measures under GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other entities. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Measures” section for more information on each measure and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Profit (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share to Profit (Loss).
Jim Hannon, incoming Chief Executive Officer of Altus said:
“Our fourth quarter results reflect growing momentum in our business and underscore strong operating execution during 2021. Our 11% topline and earnings growth marked a solid finish to a very productive year for Altus. We made tremendous strategic progress to put the Company on a path to accelerate growth and deliver competitive differentiation to our customers. We enter 2022 with strong demand for our solutions, with an improved operating posture and strong momentum to deliver sustained robust revenue growth at expanded margins. I couldn’t be more excited to lead Altus during this pivotal time of growth and transformation.”
Summary of Operating and Financial Performance by Business Segment:
Comparative figures have been restated to reflect accrued variable compensation costs within the respective business units.
| Consolidated | Year ended December 31, | Quarter ended December 31, | ||||||||||
| In thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts | 2021 | 2020 | % Change | Constant Currency % Change | 2021 | 2020 | % Change | Constant Currency % Change | ||||
| Revenues | $ | 625,387 | $ | 561,156 | 11.4% | 14.7% | $ | 162,909 | $ | 139,480 | 16.8% | 19.9% |
| Adjusted EBITDA* | $ | 109,755 | $ | 98,928 | 10.9% | 15.1% | $ | 25,861 | $ | 26,734 | -3.3% | 1.3% |
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin* | 17.5% | 17.6% | 15.9% | 19.2% | ||||||||
| Profit (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 25,573 | $ | 27,009 | $ | 6,890 | $ | 4,622 | ||||
| Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations: | ||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.62 | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.11 | ||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.60 | $ | 0.66 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.11 | ||||
| Adjusted* | $ | 1.90 | $ | 1.67 | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.44 | ||||
| Dividends declared per share | $ | 0.60 | $ | 0.60 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.15 | ||||
*Altus uses certain non-GAAP financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted EPS. Since these measures are not standard measures under GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other entities. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Measures” section for more information on each measure and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Profit (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share to Profit (Loss).
| Altus Analytics | Year ended December 31, | Quarter ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| In thousands of dollars | 2021 | 2020 | % Change | Constant Currency % Change | 2021 | 2020 | % Change | Constant Currency % Change | ||||||
| Revenues | $ | 251,084 | $ | 203,707 | 23.3% | 29.9% | $ | 72,407 | $ | 51,515 | 40.6% | 46.6% | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA* | $ | 41,567 | $ | 35,845 | 16.0% | 25.2% | $ | 10,698 | $ | 9,815 | 9.0% | 19.1% | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin* | 16.6% | 17.6% | 14.8% | 19.1% | ||||||||||
Other Measures* | ||||||||||||||
| Bookings | $ | 95,066 | $ | 53,973 | 76.1% | 84.9% | $ | 31,120 | $ | 14,851 | 109.5% | 113.3% | ||
| Over Time revenues | $ | 207,805 | $ | 167,678 | 23.9% | 29.4% | $ | 59,801 | $ | 43,468 | 37.6% | 41.0% | ||
| AE software maintenance retention rate | 94% | 96% | 94% | 94% | ||||||||||
| Geographical revenue split | ||||||||||||||
| North America | 75% | 81% | 75% | 81% | ||||||||||
| International | 25% | 19% | 25% | 19% | ||||||||||
| Cloud adoption rate (as at end of period) | 42% | 14% | ||||||||||||
*Altus uses certain non-GAAP financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin as well as supplementary financial measures such as Bookings, Over Time revenues, AE software maintenance retention rate, and cloud adoption rate. Since these measures are not standard measures under GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other entities. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Measures” section for more information on each measure and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Profit (Loss).
| CRE Consulting | Year ended December 31, | Quarter ended December 31, | ||||||||||
| In thousands of dollars | 2021 | 2020 | % Change | Constant Currency % Change | 2021 | 2020 | % Change | Constant Currency % Change | ||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||
| Property Tax | $ | 259,911 | $ | 245,162 | 6.0% | 8.0% | $ | 60,060 | $ | 57,477 | 4.5% | 6.2% |
| Valuation and Cost Advisory | 114,693 | 112,592 | 1.9% | 1.7% | 30,517 | 30,564 | (0.2%) | 0.6% | ||||
| Revenues | $ | 374,604 | $ | 357,754 | 4.7% | 6.0% | $ | 90,577 | $ | 88,041 | 2.9% | 4.2% |
| Adjusted EBITDA* | ||||||||||||
| Property Tax | $ | 87,616 | $ | 76,961 | 13.8% | 15.1% | $ | 18,222 | $ | 18,121 | 0.6% | 2.0% |
| Valuation and Cost Advisory | 16,440 | 15,127 | 8.7% | 8.5% | 5,948 | 6,086 | (2.3%) | (1.9%) | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 104,056 | $ | 92,088 | 13.0% | 14.0% | $ | 24,170 | $ | 24,207 | (0.2%) | 1.0% |
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin* | 27.8% | 25.7% | 26.7% | 27.5% | ||||||||
*Altus uses certain non-GAAP financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. Since these measures are not standard measures under GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other entities. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Measures” section for more information on each measure and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Profit (Loss).
Q4 2021 Review
On a consolidated basis, revenues were $162.9 million, up 16.8% (19.9% on a constant currency basis).and Adjusted EBITDA was $25.9 million, down 3.3% (up 1.3% on a constant currency basis). Organic revenue growth was 6.9% (9.3% on a constant currency basis) and organic Adjusted EBITDA growth was 0.3% (4.4% on a constant currency basis). Adjusted EPS was $0.42, compared to $0.44 in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Consolidated profit from continuing operations, in accordance with IFRS, was $6.9 million, up 49.1% from $4.6 million in the same period in 2020. In addition to the higher Adjusted EBITDA performance, profit from continuing operations was impacted by additional acquisition and related transition costs, costs related to the June 13, 2021 cybersecurity incident net of insurance proceeds received and receivable, share-based compensation costs, amortization of acquisition-related intangibles and right-of-use assets, and incremental finance costs on our bank debt. This was offset by lower restructuring costs related to the Company’s 2020 global restructuring program, additional gains on its partnership investments, gains on equity derivatives, and our share of profit from our GeoVerra joint venture. Consolidated earnings per share from continuing operations, in accordance with IFRS, was $0.16 per share basic and $0.15 per share diluted, compared to $0.11 per share basic and diluted in the same period in 2020.
Altus Analytics revenues increased to $72.4 million, up 40.6% (46.6% on a constant currency basis). Organic revenues were up 17.3% (21.9% on a constant currency basis). The acquisitions of Finance Active, StratoDem Analytics and Reonomy represented 23.2% of the 40.6% revenue growth. Over Time revenues were $59.8 million, up 37.6% (41.0% on a constant currency basis). Adjusted EBITDA was $10.7 million, up 9.0% (19.1% on a constant currency basis).
- The healthy growth in Over Time revenues benefitted from higher sales across all the key solutions, both organic and from acquisitions, including customer expansion and new customer additions. Sequentially, Over Time revenues grew 8.5% (8.8% on a constant currency basis) from $55.1 million in the third quarter of 2021.
- Bookings in the fourth quarter increased by 109.5% year-over-year to $31.1 million (113.3% on a constant currency basis). Organic growth in Bookings was 86.9% (90.7% on a constant currency basis).
- The transition of AE to cloud subscriptions progressed at a healthy pace throughout the fourth quarter with continued momentum in migrating existing customers from the on-premise product and selling cloud-enabled AE to new customers. As at the end of the fourth quarter, 42% of Company’s total AE user base had been contracted on ARGUS Cloud, compared to 14% at the start of the year.
- Adjusted EBITDA improved on higher revenues however was impacted by the purchase price accounting adjustment of $1.7 million to Finance Active and Reonomy’s deferred revenues as well as higher investment related to accelerating the Company’s data strategy. The purchase price accounting adjustment had a 3.3% impact to revenue growth and a 1.9% impact to Adjusted EBITDA margin.
CRE Consulting revenues increased to $90.6 million, up 2.9% (4.2% on a constant currency basis) and Adjusted EBITDA was $24.2 million, in line with the past year.
- Property Tax revenues were $60.1 million, up 4.5% (6.2% on a constant currency basis) and Adjusted EBITDA was $18.2 million, up 0.6% (2.0% on a constant currency basis). The growth in Canada and the U.S. was offset by a decline in the U.K. which was impacted by a decrease in settlement activity.
- Valuation and Cost Advisory revenues were $30.5 million, down 0.2% (up 0.6% on a constant currency basis) and Adjusted EBITDA was $5.9 million, down 2.3% (down 1.9% on a constant currency basis).
Corporate Costs were $9.0 million, compared to $7.3 million (restated to reflect accrued variable compensation costs within the respective business units) in the same period in 2020. Corporate costs increased primarily due to higher IT, compensation, travel and IR program costs.
As at December 31, 2021, bank debt was $287.6 million and cash and cash equivalents was $51.3 million (representing a funded debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio of 2.47 times, as such ratio is defined in our credit facility agreement, or a net debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio of 2.17 times).
2022 Outlook Summary
Altus remains strongly positioned to sustain and grow its market leadership position in CRE intelligence-as-a-service solutions. The Company’s mission critical solutions are in non-discretionary demand, supported by a highly repeatable and economically insulated revenue base.
At Altus Analytics, reflecting the strength of the business in 2021 and the contributions from the acquisitions made, Altus is well positioned for another strong year to drive sustained double-digit year-over-year revenue growth in 2022, including double-digit Organic and Over Time revenue growth, both on a constant currency basis. Management also expects a double-digit year-over-year improvement in Adjusted EBITDA, on a constant currency basis, which should translate to a year-over-year improvement in Adjusted EBITDA margins for fiscal year 2022. As supported by the acceleration of growth rates and strong Bookings performance, the Company is on track to meet its aspirational long-term goal of achieving revenues of $400 million by the end of 2023.
At CRE Consulting, growth is expected to be driven primarily by the Property Tax business, which is poised for another record revenue year, supported by a significant pipeline of cases to be settled in all three geographical markets, as well as a healthy backlog of new sales bookings achieved by business development activities, and record annuity billings in the U.K. The Valuation and Cost Advisory practices enjoy significant market share and, as a result, are expected to continue growing modestly with a focus on unlocking operating efficiencies supported by technology.
Q4 & Fiscal Year 2021 Results Conference Call & Webcast
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2022
Time: 5:00 p.m. (ET)
Webcast: altusgroup.com (under Investor Relations)
Live Call: 1-800-319-4610 (toll-free North America) or 416-915-3239 (Toronto area)
Replay: available via webcast at altusgroup.com
About Altus
Altus provides the global commercial real estate industry with vital actionable intelligence solutions driven by our de facto standard ARGUS technology, unparalleled asset level data, and market leading expertise. A market leader in providing intelligence-as-a-service, Altus empowers CRE professionals to make well-informed decisions with greater speed and scale to maximize returns and reduce risk. Trusted by most of the world’s largest CRE leaders, our solutions for the valuation, performance, and risk management of CRE assets are integrated into workflows critical to success across the CRE value chain. Founded in 2005, Altus is a global company with over 2,600 employees across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information about Altus (TSX: AIF) please visit altusgroup.com.
Non-GAAP and Other Measures
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use certain non-GAAP measures as indicators of financial performance. Readers are cautioned that they are not defined performance measures, are not generally accepted financial measures nor do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may differ from similar computations as reported by other similar entities and, accordingly, may not be comparable to financial measures as reported by those entities. We believe that these measures which include non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios as defined in National Instrument 52-112 "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure" (“NI 52-112”), may assist investors in assessing an investment in our shares as they provide additional insight into our performance. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) is a non-GAAP financial measure which represents profit (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, adjusted for the effects of: occupancy costs calculated on a similar basis prior to the adoption of IFRS 16, finance costs (income), net - other, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangibles, depreciation of right-of-use assets, finance costs (income), net - leases, acquisition and related transition costs (income), unrealized foreign exchange (gains) losses, (gains) losses on disposal of right-of-use assets, property, plant and equipment and intangibles, share of (profit) loss of joint venture, impairment charges, non-cash share-based compensation costs, (gains) losses on equity derivatives net of mark-to-market adjustments on related restricted share units (“RSUs”) and deferred share units (“DSUs”) being hedged, (gains) losses on derivatives, restructuring costs (recovery), (gains) losses on investments, (gains) losses on hedging transactions, and other costs or income of a non-operating and/or non-recurring nature. Refer to the below for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to profit (loss).
Organic Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which represents Adjusted EBITDA (as defined above) excluding Adjusted EBITDA from business acquisitions that are not fully integrated, up to the first anniversary of the acquisition.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin is a non-GAAP financial ratio which represents the percentage factor of Adjusted EBITDA to revenues. We use Adjusted EBITDA, Organic Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to evaluate the performance of our business, as well as when making decisions about the ongoing operations of the business and our ability to generate cash flows.
Adjusted Earnings (Loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure which represents profit (loss) from continuing operations adjusted for the effects of: occupancy costs calculated on a similar basis prior to the adoption of IFRS 16, depreciation of right-of-use assets, finance costs (income), net - leases, amortization of intangibles of acquired businesses, unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains), (gains) losses on disposal of right-of-use assets, property, plant and equipment and intangibles, non-cash share-based compensation costs, losses (gains) on equity derivatives net of mark-to-market adjustments on related RSUs and DSUs being hedged, interest accretion on contingent consideration payables, restructuring costs (recovery), losses (gains) on hedging transactions and interest expense (income) on swaps, acquisition and related transition costs (income), losses (gains) on investments, share of (profit) loss of joint venture, impairment charges, (gains) losses on derivatives, other costs or income of a non-operating and/or non-recurring nature, and the tax impact on these items. We use Adjusted Earnings (Loss) to facilitate the calculation of Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share (“Adjusted EPS”).
Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP financial ratio calculated by dividing Adjusted Earnings (Loss) by the basic weighted average number of shares adjusted for the effects of the weighted average number of restricted shares. We use Adjusted EPS to assess the performance of our business before the effects of the noted items, because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Refer to the below for a reconciliation of Adjusted EPS to profit (loss).
Constant currency is a non-GAAP financial measure that presents the financial results and non-GAAP measures within this press release by translating monthly results denominated in local currency (US dollars, British pound, Euro, Australian dollars, and other foreign currencies) at the foreign exchange rates of the comparable month. We adjust for currency so that our financial and operational performance can be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates against the Canadian dollar, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of the Company's business performance.
Other Measures
We also apply certain other measures to allow us to measure our performance against our operating strategy and against the results of our peers and competitors. Readers are cautioned that they are not standardized financial measurements in accordance with IFRS and may differ from similar computations as reported by other similar entities and, accordingly, may not be comparable to financial measures as reported by those entities. These other measures, which include supplementary financial measures as defined in NI 52-112 should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any other measure of performance under IFRS.
Bookings is a supplementary financial measure we introduced in the first quarter of 2021 for the Altus Analytics business segment. We define Bookings as the annual contract value (“ACV”) for new sales of our recurring offerings (software, Appraisal Management solutions and data subscriptions) and the total contract value (“TCV”) for one-time engagements (consulting, training and due diligence). The contract value of renewals is excluded from this metric, with the exception of additional capacity or products purchased at the time of renewal. We use Bookings as a measure to track the performance and success of our sales initiatives, and as an indicator of future revenue growth.
Over Time revenues is a supplementary financial measure consistent with IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, for the Altus Analytics business segment. Our Over Time revenues are comprised of software subscription revenues recognized on an over time basis in accordance with IFRS 15, software maintenance revenues associated with our legacy licenses sold on perpetual terms, Appraisal Management revenues, and data subscription revenues. For greater clarity, this measure does not include revenue from distinct on-premise licenses which is recognized upfront at the point in time when the software is delivered to the customer. We use Over Time revenues as a measure to assess revenue trends in our business, and as an indicator of future revenue growth.
Organic Revenue is a supplementary financial measure which represents revenue, consistent with IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, excluding the revenues from business acquisitions that are not fully integrated, prior to the first anniversary of the acquisition. We use Organic Revenue to evaluate to assess revenue trends in our business on a comparable basis versus the prior year, and as an indicator of future revenue growth.
AE software maintenance retention rate is a supplementary financial measure calculated as a percentage of AE software maintenance revenue retained upon renewal; it represents the percentage of the available renewal opportunity in a fiscal period that renews, calculated on a dollar basis, excluding any growth in user count or product expansion. We use AE software maintenance retention rate as a measure to evaluate our success in retaining our AE software customers.
Cloud adoption rate is another measure that represents the percentage of the total AE user base contracted on the ARGUS Cloud platform. It includes both new AE cloud users as well as those who have migrated from our AE on-premise software. We use Cloud adoption rate as a measure of our progress in transitioning the AE user base to our cloud-based platform, a key component of our overall product strategy.
Forward-Looking Information
Certain information in this press release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All information contained in this press release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the discussion of our business and operating initiatives, focuses and strategies, our expectations of future performance for our various business units and our consolidated financial results, including the guidance on financial expectations, and our expectations with respect to cash flows and liquidity. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by use of words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “would”, “could”, “remain” and other similar terminology. All of the forward-looking information in this press release is qualified by this cautionary statement.
Forward-looking information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by us at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, industry results or events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The material factors or assumptions that we identified and applied in drawing conclusions or making forecasts or projections set out in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: engagement and product pipeline opportunities in Altus Analytics will result in associated definitive agreements; settlement volumes in the Property Tax business will occur on a timely basis and that assessment authorities will process appeals in a manner consistent with expectations; the successful execution of our business strategies; consistent and stable economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; consistent and stable legislation in the various countries in which we operate; no disruptive changes in the technology environment; the opportunity to acquire accretive businesses and the absence of negative financial and other impacts resulting from strategic investments or acquisitions on short term results; the successful integration of acquired businesses; and the continued availability of qualified professionals. Projections may also be impacted by macroeconomic factors, in addition to other factors not controllable by the Company. Altus has also made certain macroeconomic and general industry assumptions in the preparation of such forward-looking statements. Not all factors which affect the forward-looking information are known, and actual results may vary from the projected results in a material respect, and may be above or below the forward-looking information presented in a material respect.
The COVID-19 pandemic has cast additional uncertainty on each of these factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that they will continue to be valid. Given the rapid pace of change with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to make further assumptions about these matters. The duration, extent and severity of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic, including measures to prevent its spread, will have on our business is uncertain and difficult to predict at this time. As of the date of this press release, many of our offices and clients remain subject to limitations and restrictions set to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and a significant portion of our employees continue to work remotely.
Inherent in the forward-looking information are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Those risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the general state of the economy; the COVID‐19 pandemic; our financial performance; our financial targets; the commercial real estate market; acquisitions; industry competition; business interruption events; third party information; cybersecurity; professional talent; our cloud subscriptions transition; software renewals; our sales pipeline; enterprise transactions; customer concentration and loss of material clients; product enhancements and new product introductions; technological strategy; intellectual property; property tax appeals and seasonality; legislative and regulatory changes; privacy and data protection; our brand and reputation; fixed-price and contingency engagements; the Canadian multi-residential market; currency fluctuations; interest rates; credit; income tax matters; health and safety hazards; our contractual obligations; legal proceedings; our insurance limits; our ability to meet the solvency requirements necessary to make dividend payments; our leverage and financial covenants; our share price; our capital investments; and the issuance of additional common shares and debt, as well as those described in our annual publicly filed documents, including the Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2021 (which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com).
Given these risks, uncertainties and other factors, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information as a prediction of actual results. The forward-looking information reflects management’s current expectations and beliefs regarding future events and operating performance and is based on information currently available to management. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information contained herein, there are other factors that could cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is current as of the date of this press release and, except as required under applicable law, we do not undertake to update or revise it to reflect new events or circumstances. Additionally, we undertake no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of Altus, our financial or operating results, or our securities.
Certain information in this press release may be considered as “financial outlook” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The purpose of this financial outlook is to provide readers with disclosure regarding Altus’ reasonable expectations as to the anticipated results of its proposed business activities for the periods indicated. Readers are cautioned that the financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Camilla Bartosiewicz
Vice President, Investor Relations, Altus
(416) 641-9773
camilla.bartosiewicz@altusgroup.com
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
(Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, Except for Per Share Amounts)
| For the year ended December 31, 2021 | For the year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||
| Revenues | $ | 625,387 | $ | 561,156 | |||
| Expenses | |||||||
| Employee compensation | 401,455 | 354,951 | |||||
| Occupancy | 7,743 | 7,591 | |||||
| Office and other operating | 123,023 | 102,193 | |||||
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 12,119 | 11,210 | |||||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 5,446 | 5,620 | |||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 29,017 | 24,784 | |||||
| Acquisition and related transition costs (income) | 10,137 | (887) | |||||
| Share of (profit) loss of joint venture | (1,187) | (459) | |||||
| Restructuring costs (recovery) | 15 | 11,984 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on investments | (2,930) | (21) | |||||
| Finance costs (income), net - leases | 2,219 | 2,494 | |||||
| Finance costs (income), net - other | 4,130 | 4,138 | |||||
| Profit (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | 34,200 | 37,558 | |||||
| Income tax expense (recovery) | 8,627 | 10,549 | |||||
| Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations | $ | 25,573 | $ | 27,009 | |||
| Profit (loss) for the year from discontinued operations | - | (5,576) | |||||
| Profit (loss) for the year attributable to: | |||||||
| Non-controlling interest | (115) | - | |||||
| Shareholders of the Company | 25,688 | 21,433 | |||||
| Profit (loss) for the year | $ | 25,573 | $ | 21,433 | |||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||||||
| Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods: | |||||||
| Currency translation differences | (4,828) | 1,533 | |||||
| Items that are not reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods: | |||||||
| Change in fair value of FVOCI investments, net of tax | 2,476 | (987) | |||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (2,352) | 546 | |||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of tax, attributable to: | |||||||
| Non-controlling interest | (115) | - | |||||
| Shareholders of the Company | 23,336 | 21,979 | |||||
| Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of tax | $ | 23,221 | $ | 21,979 | |||
| Earnings (loss) per share attributable to the shareholders of the Company during the year | |||||||
| Basic earnings (loss) per share: | |||||||
| Continuing operations | $ | 0.62 | $ | 0.67 | |||
| Discontinued operations | $ | 0.00 | $ | (0.14) | |||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per share: | |||||||
| Continuing operations | $ | 0.60 | $ | 0.66 | |||
| Discontinued operations | $ | 0.00 | $ | (0.14) | |||
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at December 31, 2021 and 2020
(Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars)
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||
| Assets | |||||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 51,271 | $ | 69,637 | |||
| Trade receivables and other | 223,315 | 193,072 | |||||
| Income taxes recoverable | 3,280 | 3,385 | |||||
| Derivative financial instruments | 5,868 | 2,477 | |||||
| 283,734 | 268,571 | ||||||
| Non-current assets | |||||||
| Trade receivables and other | 2,818 | 1,370 | |||||
| Derivative financial instruments | 15,661 | 8,800 | |||||
| Investments | 20,806 | 10,356 | |||||
| Investment in joint venture | 16,496 | 15,309 | |||||
| Deferred tax assets | 24,089 | 19,930 | |||||
| Right-of-use assets | 59,992 | 51,690 | |||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 21,624 | 20,376 | |||||
| Intangibles | 286,670 | 77,928 | |||||
| Goodwill | 467,310 | 261,070 | |||||
| 915,466 | 466,829 | ||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 1,199,200 | $ | 735,400 | |||
| Liabilities | |||||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||
| Trade payables and other | $ | 193,388 | $ | 140,294 | |||
| Income taxes payable | 2,629 | 1,190 | |||||
| Lease liabilities | 13,914 | 11,700 | |||||
| 209,931 | 153,184 | ||||||
| Non-current liabilities | |||||||
| Trade payables and other | 24,913 | 17,206 | |||||
| Lease liabilities | 57,225 | 51,883 | |||||
| Borrowings | 286,924 | 122,432 | |||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 27,864 | 7,246 | |||||
| Non-controlling interest | 2,980 | - | |||||
| 399,906 | 198,767 | ||||||
| Total Liabilities | 609,837 | 351,951 | |||||
| Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||
| Share capital | 726,325 | 529,866 | |||||
| Contributed surplus | 42,364 | 30,428 | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 38,439 | 40,791 | |||||
| Other equity | (244) | - | |||||
| Retained earnings (deficit) | (217,406) | (217,636) | |||||
| Equity attributable to the shareholders of the Company | 589,478 | 383,449 | |||||
| Non-controlling interest | (115) | - | |||||
| Total Shareholders’ Equity | 589,363 | 383,449 | |||||
| Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 1,199,200 | $ | 735,400 | |||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
(Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars)
| For the year ended December 31, 2021 | For the year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | |||||||
| Profit (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | $ | 34,200 | $ | 37,558 | |||
| Profit (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes | - | (5,576 | ) | ||||
| Profit (loss) before income taxes | $ | 34,200 | $ | 31,982 | |||
| Adjustments for: | |||||||
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 12,119 | 11,262 | |||||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 5,446 | 5,731 | |||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 29,017 | 24,785 | |||||
| Finance costs (income), net - leases | 2,219 | 2,559 | |||||
| Finance costs (income), net - other | 4,130 | 4,123 | |||||
| Share-based compensation | 23,938 | 15,398 | |||||
| Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss | 1,104 | 165 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on investments | (2,930) | (21) | |||||
| (Gain) loss on disposal of right-of-use assets, property, plant and equipment and intangibles | (248) | 518 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on derivatives | (10,252) | (3,991) | |||||
| Share of (profit) loss of joint venture | (1,187) | (459) | |||||
| Impairment charge - leases | - | 36 | |||||
| Fair value loss (gain) on net assets directly associated with discontinued operations | - | 5,163 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of the discontinued operations | - | (483) | |||||
| Net changes in operating working capital | (18,832) | (1,910) | |||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) operations | 78,724 | 94,858 | |||||
| Less: interest paid on borrowings | (3,606) | (3,547) | |||||
| Less: interest paid on leases | (2,219) | (2,559) | |||||
| Less: income taxes paid | (19,547) | (19,051) | |||||
| Add: income taxes refunded | 2,956 | 2,599 | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 56,308 | 72,300 | |||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of options | 13,814 | 11,988 | |||||
| Proceeds from share issuance, net of transaction costs | 164,771 | - | |||||
| Financing fees paid | (414) | (723) | |||||
| Proceeds from borrowings | 341,024 | 38,135 | |||||
| Repayment of borrowings | (178,819) | (53,265) | |||||
| Payments of principal on lease liabilities | (12,070) | (11,960) | |||||
| Dividends paid | (21,564) | (21,859) | |||||
| Treasury shares purchased for share-based compensation | (6,312) | (3,614) | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 300,430 | (41,298) | |||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||||||
| Purchase of investments | (4,157) | (365) | |||||
| Cash contribution to investment in joint venture | - | (3,794) | |||||
| Purchase of intangibles | (4,664) | (770) | |||||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (5,965) | (3,580) | |||||
| Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangibles | - | 96 | |||||
| Proceeds from investment | 326 | - | |||||
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (358,855) | (12,490) | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (373,315) | (20,903) | |||||
| Effect of foreign currency translation | (1,789) | (724) | |||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (18,366) | 9,375 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | 69,637 | 60,262 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | $ | 51,271 | $ | 69,637 | |||
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Profit (Loss)
The following table provides a reconciliation between Adjusted EBITDA and profit (loss):
| Year ended December 31, | Quarter ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| In thousands of dollars | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 109,755 | $ | 98,928 | $ | 25,861 | $ | 26,734 | ||||
| Occupancy costs calculated on a similar basis prior to the adoption of IFRS 16 (1) | 13,199 | 12,312 | 3,477 | 3,053 | ||||||||
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | (12,119) | (11,210) | (3,209) | (2,706) | ||||||||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangibles | (34,463) | (30,404) | (9,815) | (7,511) | ||||||||
| Acquisition and related transition (costs) income | (10,137) | 887 | (2,025) | (217) | ||||||||
| Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) (2) | (1,104) | (165) | 145 | (382) | ||||||||
| Gain (loss) on disposal of right-of-use assets, property, plant and equipment and intangibles (2) | 248 | (457) | - | (454) | ||||||||
| Share of profit (loss) of joint venture | 1,187 | 459 | 745 | 9 | ||||||||
| Non-cash share-based compensation costs (3) | (19,455) | (10,261) | (6,178) | (2,133) | ||||||||
| Gain (loss) on equity derivatives net of mark-to-market adjustments on related RSUs and DSUs being hedged (3) | 2,040 | (471) | 1,035 | (2,237) | ||||||||
| Restructuring (costs) recovery | (15) | (11,984) | 238 | (3,374) | ||||||||
| Gain (loss) on investments (4) | 2,930 | 21 | 1,091 | (1) | ||||||||
| Impairment charge - leases | - | (36) | - | - | ||||||||
| Other non-operating and/or non-recurring income (costs) (5) | (11,517) | (3,429) | (2,944) | (1,631) | ||||||||
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before finance costs and income taxes | 40,549 | 44,190 | 8,421 | 9,150 | ||||||||
| Finance (costs) income, net - leases | (2,219) | (2,494) | (515) | (584) | ||||||||
| Finance (costs) income, net - other | (4,130) | (4,138) | (1,322) | (716) | ||||||||
| Profit (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | 34,200 | 37,558 | 6,584 | 7,850 | ||||||||
| Income tax (expense) recovery | (8,627) | (10,549) | 306 | (3,228) | ||||||||
| Profit (loss) for the period from continuing operations | $ | 25,573 | $ | 27,009 | $ | 6,890 | $ | 4,622 | ||||
| Profit (loss) for the period from discontinued operations | - | (5,576) | - | (276) | ||||||||
| Profit (loss) for the period | $ | 25,573 | $ | 21,433 | $ | 6,890 | $ | 4,346 | ||||
(1) Management uses the non-GAAP occupancy costs calculated on a similar basis prior to the adoption of IFRS 16 when analyzing financial and operating performance.
(2) Included in office and other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(3) Included in employee compensation expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(4) Gain (loss) on investments relates to changes in the fair value of investments in partnerships.
(5) Other non-operating and/or non-recurring income (costs) for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2021 relate to (i) costs relating to the June 13, 2021 cybersecurity incident net of insurance proceeds received and receivable, and (ii) transaction and other related costs. For the year and quarter ended December 31, 2020, other non-operating and/or non-recurring income (costs) relate to (i) transitional costs related to the departure of senior executives, (ii) legal, advisory, and other consulting costs related to a Board strategic initiative, and (iii) transaction and other related costs. These are included in office and other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share to Profit (Loss)
The following table provides a reconciliation between Adjusted EPS and profit (loss):
| Year ended December 31, | Quarter ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| In thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
| Profit (loss) for the period | $ | 25,573 | $ | 21,433 | $ | 6,890 | $ | 4,346 | ||||
| (Profit) loss for the period from discontinued operations | - | 5,576 | - | 276 | ||||||||
| Occupancy costs calculated on a similar basis prior to the adoption of IFRS 16 (1) | (13,199) | (12,312) | (3,477) | (3,053) | ||||||||
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 12,119 | 11,210 | 3,209 | 2,706 | ||||||||
| Finance costs (income), net - leases | 2,219 | 2,494 | 515 | 584 | ||||||||
| Amortization of intangibles of acquired businesses | 28,435 | 23,533 | 7,654 | 5,724 | ||||||||
| Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) | 1,104 | 165 | (145) | 382 | ||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of right-of-use assets, property, plant and equipment and intangibles | (248) | 457 | - | 454 | ||||||||
| Non-cash share-based compensation costs | 19,455 | 10,261 | 6,178 | 2,133 | ||||||||
| Loss (gain) on equity derivatives net of mark-to-market adjustments on related RSUs and DSUs being hedged | (2,040) | 471 | (1,035) | 2,237 | ||||||||
| Interest accretion on contingent consideration payables | - | 102 | - | - | ||||||||
| Restructuring costs (recovery) | 15 | 11,984 | (238) | 3,374 | ||||||||
| Loss (gain) on hedging transactions, including currency forward contracts and interest expense (income) on swaps | - | 138 | - | - | ||||||||
| Acquisition and related transition costs (income) | 10,137 | (887) | 2,025 | 217 | ||||||||
| Loss (gain) on investments | (2,930) | (21) | (1,091) | 1 | ||||||||
| Share of loss (profit) of joint venture | (1,187) | (459) | (745) | (9) | ||||||||
| Impairment charge - leases | - | 36 | - | - | ||||||||
| Other non-operating and/or non-recurring costs (income) | 11,517 | 3,429 | 2,944 | 1,631 | ||||||||
| Tax impact on above | (10,656) | (9,836) | (3,840) | (2,933) | ||||||||
| Adjusted earnings (loss) for the period | $ | 80,314 | $ | 67,774 | $ | 18,844 | $ | 18,070 | ||||
| Weighted average number of shares - basic | 41,684,077 | 40,158,543 | 43,945,167 | 40,379,692 | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of restricted shares | 580,280 | 351,452 | 680,150 | 345,089 | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of shares - adjusted | 42,264,357 | 40,509,995 | 44,625,317 | 40,724,781 | ||||||||
| Adjusted earnings (loss) per share (2) | $ | 1.90 | $ | 1.67 | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.44 | ||||
(1) Management uses the non-GAAP occupancy costs calculated on a similar basis prior to the adoption of IFRS 16 when analyzing financial and operating performance.
(2) Refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Measures section above for the definition of Adjusted EPS.
