Cushman & Wakefield Reports Financial Results for Second Quarter 2021; Announces Planned CEO Succession, John Forrester to become Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2022 and Brett White to remain Executive Chairman

Rhea-AI Summary

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) reported a strong second quarter for 2021, with revenue of $2.2 billion, a 29% increase year-over-year. Fee revenue surged 39% to $1.6 billion, driven by robust growth in leasing and capital markets. Adjusted EBITDA reached $219.9 million, up 85%, and net income was $52.7 million, reversing a loss from the previous year. The company has substantial liquidity of $2.1 billion, including $1.1 billion in cash. An executive transition was also announced, with John Forrester appointed as the new CEO effective January 1, 2022.

Positive

• Revenue increased by 29% to $2.2 billion compared to Q2 2020.
• Fee revenue rose by 39% to $1.6 billion, indicating robust performance across all segments.
• Adjusted EBITDA grew 85% to $219.9 million, with an expanded margin of 13.5%.
• Net income was $52.7 million, a significant recovery from a loss of $100.8 million year-over-year.
• Strong liquidity position with $2.1 billion available, including $1.1 billion in cash.

Negative

• Cost of services increased 23% to $1.78 billion, driven by higher variable costs.
• Operating, administrative, and other costs rose by 4%, affecting overall efficiency.
• Interest expenses increased by 13%, which may pressure future profitability.

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021:

• Revenue for the second quarter of 2021 of $2.2 billion was up 29% (up 25% local currencyⁱ) from the second quarter of 2020. Fee revenue of $1.6 billion was up 39% (up 34% local currency) versus prior year.
  • Fee revenue better than expected across all segments and service lines, brokerage fee revenue improved 89% on local currency led by the Americas
  • Property, facilities and project management and Valuation and other fee revenue grew 7% and 16%, respectively, on local currency
• Net income and earnings per share for the second quarter of 2021 were $52.7 million and $0.23, respectively. Adjusted earnings per share was $0.50.
• Adjusted EBITDA was $219.9 million, up 85% (76% local currency) from the second quarter of 2020.
• Adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.5% expanded 335 basis points from the second quarter of 2020.
• Generated $30 million of gross savings for the second quarter from permanent cost reduction actions.
• Significant liquidity as of June 30, 2021 of $2.1 billion consisting of cash on hand of $1.1 billion and availability under the Company's undrawn revolving credit facility of $1.0 billion.
• Planned executive transition announced -- John Forrester, currently Cushman & Wakefield’s Global President, will become CEO, effective January 1, 2022. Brett White to remain Executive Chairman, a role he’s held at Cushman & Wakefield since 2015.
• As Executive Chairman, Brett White will remain an employee of Cushman & Wakefield and will continue to lead strategy, M&A and succession planning, alongside Forrester.

“I began my work here as Executive Chairman, and, given the firm’s strong performance and bright future, now is the right time for me to return to that role,” said Brett White, Cushman & Wakefield Chief Executive Officer. “John is a deeply admired and respected leader both inside our firm and across our industry. His high level of integrity, exceptional work ethic, deep client knowledge and strong global relationships, make him the obvious choice as our next CEO.”

In his current role as Cushman & Wakefield’s Global President, Forrester has direct operational and management oversight of all of the firm’s service lines and regions (Americas, EMEA and APAC). He is a member of the Global Executive Committee and Global Management Board. Forrester joined Cushman & Wakefield predecessor DTZ in 1988, and served as Group Chief Executive, before DTZ’s eventual merger with Cushman & Wakefield in 2015.

“I’m honoured to continue leading this great organization, now as the Chief Executive. Our people and our brand carry incredible momentum as we continue to lead the industry through this global recovery,” said John Forrester, Global President, Cushman & Wakefield.

“In this time of significant innovation and transition in the commercial real estate industry, and the need for relentless focus on operational excellence, there is no question John is the ideal executive to assume the CEO position at Cushman & Wakefield,” said Timothy Dattels, Cushman & Wakefield Director and Co-Managing Partner of TPG Capital Asia.

Consolidated Results (unaudited)

(in millions)	Three Months Ended June 30, 2021				Three Months Ended June 30, 2020				% Change in USD			% Change in Local Currency				Six Months Ended June 30, 2021				Six Months Ended June 30, 2020				% Change in USD			% Change in Local Currency
Revenue:
Property, facilities and project management	$	769.8			$	693.3			11		%	7		%		$	1,537.9			$	1,425.4			8		%	5		%
Leasing	453.5				263.5				72		%	67		%		745.2				565.3				32		%	29		%
Capital markets	282.2				112.8				150		%	141		%		448.6				294.9				52		%	48		%
Valuation and other	124.2				100.1				24		%	16		%		235.6				204.5				15		%	9		%
Total service line fee revenue(1)	1,629.7				1,169.7				39		%	34		%		2,967.3				2,490.1				19		%	16		%
Gross contract reimbursables(2)	618.6				573.9				8		%	5		%		1,204.8				1,148.9				5		%	2		%
Total revenue	$	2,248.3			$	1,743.6			29		%	25		%		$	4,172.1			$	3,639.0			15		%	11		%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services provided to clients	$	1,163.8			$	880.0			32		%	28		%		$	2,167.1			$	1,903.8			14		%	11		%
Cost of gross contract reimbursables	618.6				573.9				8		%	5		%		1,204.8				1,148.9				5		%	2		%
Total costs of services	1,782.4				1,453.9				23		%	19		%		3,371.9				3,052.7				10		%	7		%
Operating, administrative and other	284.2				272.1				4		%	2		%		565.0				556.1				2		%	(1	)	%
Depreciation and amortization	42.5				74.6				(43	)	%	(44	)	%		85.6				146.6				(42	)	%	(43	)	%
Restructuring, impairment and related charges	14.7				5.8				153		%	142		%		32.3				31.9				1		%	(1	)	%
Total costs and expenses	2,123.8				1,806.4				18		%	14		%		4,054.8				3,787.3				7		%	4		%
Operating income (loss)	124.5				(62.8		)		298		%	299		%		117.3				(148.3		)		179		%	179		%
Interest expense, net of interest income	(43.8		)		(38.8		)		13		%	10		%		(86.2		)		(75.3		)		14		%	12		%
Earnings from equity method investments	5.1				1.7				200		%	177		%		7.5				3.0				150		%	128		%
Other income (expense), net	10.1				(8.6		)		217		%	224		%		12.1				30.5				(60	)	%	(50	)	%
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	95.9				(108.5		)		188		%	187		%		50.7				(190.1		)		127		%	125		%
Provision (benefit) from income taxes	43.2				(7.7		)		661		%	675		%		15.2				(34.2		)		144		%	148		%
Net income (loss)	$	52.7			$	(100.8	)		152		%	149		%		$	35.5			$	(155.9	)		123		%	120		%
Adjusted EBITDA(3)	$	219.9			$	118.8			85		%	76		%		$	319.6			$	189.1			69		%	62		%
Adjusted EBITDA margin(3)	13.5			%	10.2			%								10.8			%	7.6			%
Net income ( loss)	$	52.7			$	(100.8	)		152		%					$	35.5			$	(155.9	)		123		%
Adjusted net income(3)	112.6				41.7				170		%					138.0				48.6				184		%
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic	223.0				220.4											222.7				220.2
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted(4)	226.3				220.8											225.1				222.7
Earnings (loss) per share, basic	$	0.24			$	(0.46	)									$	0.16			$	(0.71	)
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted	$	0.23			$	(0.46	)									$	0.16			$	(0.71	)
Adjusted earnings per share, diluted(3)	$	0.50			$	0.19										$	0.61			$	0.22

(1)		Service line fee revenue represents revenue for fees generated from each of our service lines.
(2)		Gross contract reimbursables reflects revenue from clients which have substantially no margin.
(3)		See the end of this press release for reconciliations of (i) Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss); and (ii) Adjusted net income to net income (loss); and for explanations on the calculations of Adjusted EBITDA margin and Adjusted earnings per share, diluted. See also the definition of, and a description of the purposes for which our management uses these non-GAAP measures under the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures section in this press release.
(4)		For all periods with GAAP net loss, weighted average shares outstanding, diluted is used to calculate Adjusted earnings per share, diluted.

Second Quarter Results (unaudited)

Revenue

Revenue was $2.2 billion, an increase of $504.7 million versus the three months ended June 30, 2020. Revenue growth in Leasing and Capital markets of $190.0 million and $169.4 million, respectively, reflects the recovery of brokerage activity, particularly in the Americas. Revenue growth in Property, facilities and project management, Gross contract reimbursables and Valuation and other of $76.5 million, $44.7 million and $24.1 million, respectively, reflects owners and occupiers' reliance and confidence in the Company’s industry leading capabilities and thought leadership during this recovery, in regards to return to work best practices and work space requirements along with continued demand for enhanced cleaning and facility services to ensure buildings are safe for tenants.

Cost of services

Cost of services of $1.8 billion increased $328.5 million or 23%. Cost of services provided to clients increased principally due to higher variable costs including commissions, annual bonus for non-fee earners and direct labor, as well as compensation costs. This increase was partially offset by operating efficiency initiatives and cost savings actions. Cost of Gross contract reimbursables increased 8% driven by growth in our Property, facilities and project management service line.

Operating, administrative and other

Operating, administrative and other of $284.2 million increased by $12.1 million principally due to higher annual bonus expense for non-fee earners. This increase was partially offset by operating efficiency initiatives and cost savings actions. Overall, as a percentage of total revenue, operating, administrative and other costs was 13% for the second quarter of 2021 as compared to 16% for the second quarter of 2020.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization was $42.5 million, a decrease of $32.1 million. The decrease primarily reflects the complete amortization of certain merger related customer relationships that occurred in the third quarter of 2020.

Restructuring, impairment and related charges

Restructuring, impairment and related charges were $14.7 million, an increase of $8.9 million, primarily due to actions taken in connection with the Company's strategic realignment of the business principally including severance and employment-related charges.

Interest expense, net

Net interest expense was $43.8 million, an increase of $5.0 million. This increase was principally attributed to the incremental interest incurred as a result of the issuance of 2020 senior secured notes in the second quarter of 2020.

Other income, net

Other income was $10.1 million, an increase of $18.7 million. This increase is principally due to losses incurred in the prior year from the disposal of holding companies in connection with the Company's strategic realignment of the business and the current year mark-to-market gain on investments in real estate ventures.

Provision for income taxes

The Company's income tax provision for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was an expense of $43.2 million on the income before taxes of $95.9 million. For the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company's income tax provision was a benefit of $7.7 million on losses before taxes of $108.5 million. The Company's estimated effective tax rate was higher in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period last year primarily due to a change in jurisdictional mix of earnings in 2021 resulting in a greater expense.

Net income and Adjusted EBITDA

Net income of $52.7 million principally reflects the impact of the significant increase in brokerage activity, as Leasing and Capital markets fee revenue increased 67% and 141% on a local currency basis, respectively. Revenue in Property, facilities and project management and Valuation and other also increased 7% and 16% on a local currency basis, respectively.

Adjusted EBITDA of $219.9 million increased by $101.1 million or 76%, on a local currency basis, primarily due to the impact of revenue growth in all service lines, particularly Leasing and Capital markets, and savings generated by cost reduction actions and operating efficiency initiatives. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA margin, measured against service line fee revenue, of 13.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2021, expanded 335 basis points as compared to 10.2% in the three months ended June 30, 2020.

Year-to-Date Results (unaudited)

Revenue

Revenue was $4.2 billion, an increase of $533.1 million versus the six months ended June 30, 2020. Revenue growth in Leasing and Capital markets of $179.9 million and $153.7 million, respectively, reflects the recovery of brokerage activity, particularly in the Americas. Revenue growth in Property, facilities and project management, Gross contract reimbursables and Valuation and other of $112.5 million, $55.9 million, and $31.1 million, respectively, reflects owners and occupiers' reliance and confidence in the Company’s industry leading capabilities and thought leadership during this recovery, in regards to return to work best practices and work space requirements along with continued demand for enhanced cleaning and facility services to ensure buildings are safe for tenants.

Cost of services

Cost of services of $3.4 billion increased $319.2 million or 10%. Cost of services provided to clients increased principally due to higher variable costs including commissions, annual bonus for non-fee earners and direct labor, as well as higher compensation costs. This increase was partially offset by operating efficiency initiatives and cost savings actions. Cost of Gross contract reimbursables increased 5% driven by growth in our Property, facilities and project management service line.

Operating, administrative and other

Operating, administrative and other of $565.0 million increased by $8.9 million principally due to higher annual bonus for non-fee earners. This increase was partially offset by operating efficiency initiatives and cost savings actions. Overall, as a percentage of total revenue, operating, administrative and other costs was 14% for the first half of 2021 as compared to 15% for the first half of 2020.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization was $85.6 million, a decrease of $61.0 million. The decrease primarily reflects the complete amortization of certain merger related customer relationships that occurred in the third quarter of 2020.

Restructuring, impairment and related charges

Restructuring, impairment and related charges were $32.3 million, an increase of $0.4 million. The increase was primarily due to actions taken in connection with the Company's strategic realignment of the business principally including severance and employment-related charges.

Interest expense, net

Net interest expense was $86.2 million, an increase of $10.9 million. This increase was principally attributed to the incremental interest incurred as a result of the issuance of 2020 senior secured notes in the second quarter of 2020.

Other income, net

Other income was $12.1 million, a decrease of $18.4 million. This decline reflects the $36.9 million gain recognized last year as a result of the formation of the Cushman & Wakefield Vanke Service joint venture in China, partially offset by prior year losses incurred from the disposal of holding companies in connection with the Company's strategic realignment of the business and the current year mark-to-market gain on investments in real estate ventures.

Provision for income taxes

The Company's income tax provision for the first six months of 2021 was an expense of $15.2 million on income before taxes of $50.7 million. For the first six months of 2020, the Company's income tax provision was a benefit of $34.2 million on losses before taxes of $190.1 million. The Company's effective tax rate was higher in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period last year primarily due to benefit recorded in 2020 for the release of valuation allowance related to tax attributes as a result of the U.S. CARES Act.

Net income and Adjusted EBITDA

Net income of $35.5 million principally reflects the improvement of brokerage activity as Leasing and Capital markets fee revenue increased 29% and 48% on a local currency basis, respectively. Revenue in Property, facilities and project management and Valuation and other also increased by 5% and 9%, respectively.

Adjusted EBITDA of $319.6 million increased by $130.5 million or 62%, on a local currency basis, primarily due to the impact of revenue growth in all service lines, particularly Leasing and Capital markets, and savings generated by cost reduction actions and operating efficiency initiatives. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA margin, measured against service line fee revenue, of 10.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2021, expanded 320 basis points as compared to 7.6% in the six months ended June 30, 2020.

Balance Sheet

Liquidity at the end of the second quarter was $2.1 billion, including availability on the Company's undrawn revolving credit facility of $1.0 billion and cash and cash equivalents of $1.1 billion.

Net debt as of June 30, 2021 was $2.2 billion including the Company's 2018 First Lien debt of $2.6 billion and the 2020 Notes of $640.1 million and net of cash and cash equivalents of $1.1 billion.

ⁱ In order to assist our investors and improve comparability of results, we present the period-over-period changes in certain of our financial measures, such as Service line fee revenue and Adjusted EBITDA, in "local" currency. The local currency change represents the period-over-period change assuming no movement in foreign exchange rates from the prior period. We believe that this presentation provides our management and investors with a better view of comparability and trends in the underlying operating business.

Conference Call

The Company’s Second Quarter 2021 Earnings Conference Call will be held today, August 5, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A webcast, along with an associated slide presentation, will be accessible through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://ir.cushmanwakefield.com.

The direct dial-in number for the conference call is 855-327-6837 for U.S. callers and 631-891-4304 for international callers. The Conference ID is 10015498. A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the conference call by accessing http://ir.cushmanwakefield.com. A transcript of the call will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at http://ir.cushmanwakefield.com.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 50,000 employees in 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2020, the firm had revenue of $7.8 billion across core services of Property, facilities and project management, Leasing, Capital markets, Valuation and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com or follow @CushWake on Twitter.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this release other than historical facts are forward-looking statements, which rely on a number of estimates, projections and assumptions concerning future events. Such statements are also subject to a number of uncertainties and factors outside Cushman & Wakefield’s control. Such factors include, but are not limited to, uncertainty regarding and changes in global economic or market conditions and changes in government policies, laws, regulations and practices. Should any Cushman & Wakefield estimates, projections and assumptions or these other uncertainties and factors materialize in ways that Cushman & Wakefield did not expect, there is no guarantee of future performance and the actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including the possibility that recipients may lose a material portion of the amounts invested. While Cushman & Wakefield believes the assumptions underlying these forward-looking statements are reasonable under current circumstances, recipients should bear in mind that such assumptions are inherently uncertain and subjective and that past or projected performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this press release, and nothing shall be relied upon as a promise or representation as to the performance of any investment. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or other information in this press release and should rely on your own assessment of an investment or a transaction. Any estimates or projections as to events that may occur in the future are based upon the best and current judgment of Cushman & Wakefield as actual results may vary from the projections and such variations may be material. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws, Cushman & Wakefield expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information concerning factors that may influence the company’s results is discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I Item 1A of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Cushman & Wakefield plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended June 30,									Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions, except per share data)	2021				2020					2021				2020
Revenue	$	2,248.3			$	1,743.6				$	4,172.1			$	3,639.0
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	1,782.4				1,453.9					3,371.9				3,052.7
Operating, administrative and other	284.2				272.1					565.0				556.1
Depreciation and amortization	42.5				74.6					85.6				146.6
Restructuring, impairment and related charges	14.7				5.8					32.3				31.9
Total costs and expenses	2,123.8				1,806.4					4,054.8				3,787.3
Operating income (loss)	124.5				(62.8		)			117.3				(148.3		)
Interest expense, net of interest income	(43.8		)		(38.8		)			(86.2		)		(75.3		)
Earnings from equity method investments	5.1				1.7					7.5				3.0
Other income (expense), net	10.1				(8.6		)			12.1				30.5
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	95.9				(108.5		)			50.7				(190.1		)
Provision (benefit) from income taxes	43.2				(7.7		)			15.2				(34.2		)
Net income (loss)	$	52.7			$	(100.8	)			$	35.5			$	(155.9	)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$	0.24			$	(0.46	)			$	0.16			$	(0.71	)
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share	223.0				220.4					222.7				220.2
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders, diluted	$	0.23			$	(0.46	)			$	0.16			$	(0.71	)
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per share	226.3				220.4					225.1				220.2

Cushman & Wakefield plc Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
	As of
(in millions, except per share data)	June 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,073.2			$	1,074.8
Trade and other receivables, net of allowance of $78.1 million and $70.9 million, as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	1,186.6				1,301.6
Income tax receivable	41.0				43.5
Short-term contract assets	274.0				247.6
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	270.8				223.2
Total current assets	2,845.6				2,890.7
Property and equipment, net	207.8				235.9
Goodwill	2,091.7				2,098.0
Intangible assets, net	956.4				991.2
Equity method investments	122.3				114.9
Deferred tax assets	61.0				61.4
Non-current operating lease assets	405.6				438.2
Other non-current assets	565.6				507.6
Total assets	$	7,256.0			$	7,337.9
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	$	39.0			$	39.7
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	996.6				1,054.4
Accrued compensation	729.7				720.5
Income tax payable	10.3				45.1
Other current liabilities	195.8				205.8
Total current liabilities	1,971.4				2,065.5
Long-term debt	3,225.9				3,235.7
Deferred tax liabilities	114.9				102.2
Non-current operating lease liabilities	383.3				405.6
Other non-current liabilities	393.0				433.3
Total liabilities	6,088.5				6,242.3
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 11 to financial statements)
Shareholders' Equity:
Ordinary shares, nominal value $0.10 per share, 223.3 and 222.0 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and at December 31, 2020, respectively	22.3				22.2
Additional paid-in capital	2,854.3				2,843.4
Accumulated deficit	(1,492.7		)		(1,528.2		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(217.3		)		(242.7		)
Total equity attributable to the Company	1,166.6				1,094.7
Non-controlling interests	0.9				0.9
Total equity	1,167.5				1,095.6
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	7,256.0			$	7,337.9

Cushman & Wakefield plc Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)	2021				2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	35.5			$	(155.9	)
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	85.6				146.6
Impairment charges	13.8				2.8
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss)	3.2				(4.3		)
Stock-based compensation	17.8				24.8
Lease amortization	51.0				55.8
Amortization of debt issuance costs	4.7				5.0
Change in deferred taxes	13.7				(43.7		)
Provision for loss on receivables and other assets	21.4				17.9
Other non-cash operating activities	(23.8		)		(33.1		)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade and other receivables	52.4				292.3
Income taxes payable	(29.8		)		(19.8		)
Short-term contract assets and Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(67.3		)		(38.7		)
Other non-current assets	(33.1		)		(3.6		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(7.0		)		(133.1		)
Accrued compensation	10.6				(367.2		)
Other current and non-current liabilities	(61.8		)		(45.7		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	86.9				(299.9		)
Cash flows from investing activities
Payment for property and equipment	(20.9		)		(17.8		)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	—				(102.5		)
Return of beneficial interest in a securitization	—				(85.0		)
Investments in equity securities	(20.6		)		(10.6		)
Other investing activities, net	—				(7.8		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(41.5		)		(223.7		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Shares repurchased for payment of employee taxes on stock awards	(7.6		)		(11.3		)
Payment of contingent consideration	(1.2		)		(1.4		)
Proceeds from senior secured notes	—				650.0
Repayment of borrowings	(13.3		)		(6.7		)
Debt issuance costs	—				(22.7		)
Payment of finance lease liabilities	(6.3		)		(6.8		)
Other financing activities, net	0.8				1.1
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(27.6		)		602.2
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	17.8				78.6
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of the period	1,164.1				872.3
Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(2.2		)		(8.4		)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of the period	$	1,179.7			$	942.5

Segment Results

The following tables summarize our results of operations for our operating segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Adjusted EBITDA is the profitability metric reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocation of resources to each segment and assessing performance of each segment. Adjusted EBITDA excludes Depreciation and amortization, interest expense, net of interest income, income taxes, as well as integration and other costs related to merger, stock-based compensation for plans enacted before the Company's initial public offering, acquisition related costs and efficiency initiatives and other charges. Segment operating expense is comprised of Fee-based operating expenses and Cost of gross contract reimbursables. Corporate expenses are allocated to the segments based upon Service line fee revenue of each segment.

Americas Results

(in millions) (unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,											Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021			2020			% Change in USD		% Change in Local Currency			2021			2020			% Change in USD		% Change in Local Currency
Revenue:
Property, facilities and project management	$	533.0		$	487.1		9	%	9	%		$	1,073.8		$	988.9		9	%	8	%
Leasing	341.0			189.9			80	%	78	%		560.7			428.0			31	%	30	%
Capital markets	239.6			75.5			217	%	215	%		373.0			222.0			68	%	67	%
Valuation and other	44.6			33.4			34	%	32	%		81.9			72.2			13	%	13	%
Total service line fee revenue(1)	1,158.2			785.9			47	%	46	%		2,089.4			1,711.1			22	%	22	%
Gross contract reimbursables(2)	522.0			462.6			13	%	13	%		1,015.7			932.2			9	%	9	%
Total revenue	$	1,680.2		$	1,248.5		35	%	34	%		$	3,105.1		$	2,643.3		17	%	17	%
Costs and expenses:
Americas Fee-based operating expenses	$	1,002.3		$	733.4		37	%	36	%		$	1,856.5		$	1,594.6		16	%	16	%
Cost of gross contract reimbursables	522.0			462.6			13	%	13	%		1,015.7			932.2			9	%	9	%
Segment operating expenses	$	1,524.3		$	1,196.0		27	%	27	%		$	2,872.2		$	2,526.8		14	%	13	%
Adjusted EBITDA	$	157.1		$	53.8		192	%	192	%		$	234.9		$	117.9		99	%	98	%
Adjusted EBITDA margin(3)	13.6		%	6.8		%						11.2 %			6.9		%

(1)		Service line fee revenue represents revenue for fees generated from each of our service lines
(2)		Gross contract reimbursables reflects revenue paid by clients which have substantially no margin
(3)		Calculated as a percentage of Total service line fee revenue

EMEA Results

(in millions) (unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021				2020			% Change in USD		% Change in Local Currency			2021				2020			% Change in USD		% Change in Local Currency
Revenue:
Property, facilities and project management	$	91.4			$	82.9		10	%	—	%		$	175.1			$	167.8		4	%	(4	)%
Leasing	59.7				41.4			44	%	32	%		102.3				82.2			24	%	14	%
Capital markets	33.0				24.0			38	%	24	%		55.3				45.6			21	%	10	%
Valuation and other	45.4				36.6			24	%	12	%		89.9				76.8			17	%	7	%
Total service line fee revenue(1)	229.5				184.9			24	%	13	%		422.6				372.4			13	%	4	%
Gross contract reimbursables(2)	34.6				20.2			71	%	56	%		65.4				42.7			53	%	42	%
Total revenue	$	264.1			$	205.1		29	%	17	%		$	488.0			$	415.1		18	%	8	%
Costs and expenses:
EMEA Fee-based operating expenses	$	199.2			$	159.6		25	%	13	%		$	391.5			$	351.7		11	%	2	%
Cost of gross contract reimbursables	34.6				20.2			71	%	56	%		65.4				42.7			53	%	42	%
Segment operating expenses	$	233.8			$	179.8		30	%	18	%		$	456.9			$	394.4		16	%	6	%
Adjusted EBITDA	$	31.9			$	26.1		22	%	10	%		$	34.3			$	22.7		51	%	32	%
Adjusted EBITDA margin(3)	13.9			%	14.1		%						8.1			%	6.1		%

(1)		Service line fee revenue represents revenue for fees generated from each of our service lines
(2)		Gross contract reimbursables reflects revenue paid by clients which have substantially no margin
(3)		Calculated as a percentage of Total service line fee revenue

APAC Results

(in millions) (unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,													Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021			2020			% Change in USD			% Change in Local Currency				2021				2020			% Change in USD			% Change in Local Currency
Revenue:
Property, facilities and project management	$	145.4		$	123.3		18		%	7		%		$	289.0			$	268.7		8		%	(2	)	%
Leasing	52.8			32.2			64		%	51		%		82.2				55.1			49		%	38		%
Capital markets	9.6			13.3			(28	)	%	(32	)	%		20.3				27.3			(26	)	%	(29	)	%
Valuation and other	34.2			30.1			14		%	5		%		63.8				55.5			15		%	7		%
Total service line fee revenue(1)	242.0			198.9			22		%	11		%		455.3				406.6			12		%	3		%
Gross contract reimbursables(2)	62.0			91.1			(32	)	%	(40	)	%		123.7				174.0			(29	)	%	(37	)	%
Total revenue	$	304.0		$	290.0		5		%	(5	)	%		$	579.0			$	580.6		—		%	(9	)	%
Costs and expenses:
APAC Fee-based operating expenses	$	217.4		$	162.9		33		%	22		%		$	413.5			$	363.1		14		%	5		%
Cost of gross contract reimbursables	62.0			91.1			(32	)	%	(40	)	%		123.7				174.0			(29	)	%	(37	)	%
Segment operating expenses	$	279.4		$	254.0		10		%	(1	)	%		$	537.2			$	537.1		—		%	(9	)	%
Adjusted EBITDA	$	30.9		$	38.9		(21	)	%	(27	)	%		$	50.4			$	48.5		4		%	(5	)	%
Adjusted EBITDA margin(3)	12.8		%	19.6		%								11.1			%	11.9		%

(1)		Service line fee revenue represents revenue for fees generated from each of our service lines
(2)		Gross contract reimbursables reflects revenue paid by clients which have substantially no margin
(3)		Calculated as a percentage of Total service line fee revenue

Cushman & Wakefield plc

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We have used the following measures, which are considered "non-GAAP financial measures" under SEC guidelines:

i.	Segment operating expenses and Fee-based operating expenses;
ii.	Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, Depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") and Adjusted EBITDA margin;
iii.	Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share;
iv.	Local currency; and
v.	Net debt.

Our management principally uses these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate operating performance, develop budgets and forecasts, improve comparability of results and assist our investors in analyzing the underlying performance of our business. These measures are not recognized measurements under GAAP. When analyzing our operating results, investors should use them in addition to, but not as an alternative for, the most directly comparable financial results calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Because the Company’s calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from other companies, our presentation of these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

The Company believes that these measures provide a more complete understanding of ongoing operations, enhance comparability of current results to prior periods, and may be useful for investors to analyze our financial performance. The measures eliminate the impact of certain items that may obscure trends in the underlying performance of our business. The Company believes that they are useful to investors, for the additional purposes described below.

Segment operating expenses and Fee-based operating expenses: Consistent with GAAP, reimbursed costs for certain customer contracts are presented on a gross basis in both revenue and operating expenses for which the Company recognizes substantially no margin. Total costs and expenses include segment operating expenses as well as other expenses such as depreciation and amortization, integration and other costs related to merger, pre-IPO stock-based compensation, acquisition related costs and efficiency initiatives. Segment operating expense includes Fee-based operating expenses and Cost of gross contract reimbursables. We believe Fee-based operating expenses more accurately reflects the costs we incur during the course of delivering services to our clients and is more consistent with how we manage our expense base and operating margins.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin: We have determined Adjusted EBITDA to be our primary measure of segment profitability. We believe that investors find this measure useful in comparing our operating performance to that of other companies in our industry because these calculations generally eliminate integration and other costs related to merger, pre-IPO stock-based compensation, acquisition related costs and efficiency initiatives and other items. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes the effects of financings, income tax and the non-cash accounting effects of depreciation and intangible asset amortization. Adjusted EBITDA margin, a non-GAAP measure of profitability as a percent of revenue, is measured against service line fee revenue.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted earnings per share: Management also assesses the profitability of the business using Adjusted net income. We believe that investors find this measure useful in comparing our profitability to that of other companies in our industry because this calculation generally eliminates integration and other costs related to merger, pre-IPO stock-based compensation, acquisition related costs and efficiency initiatives, depreciation and amortization related to merger and acquisition activity and other items. Income tax, as adjusted, reflects management’s expectation about our long-term effective rate as a public company. The Company also uses Adjusted EPS as a significant component when measuring operating performance. Management defines Adjusted EPS as Adjusted net income, divided by total basic and diluted weighted-average outstanding shares.

Local currency: In discussing our results, we refer to percentage changes in local currency. These metrics are calculated by holding foreign currency exchange rates constant in year-over-year comparisons. Management believes that this methodology provides investors with greater visibility into the performance of our business excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations.

Net debt: Net debt is used as a measure of our liquidity and is calculated as total debt minus cash and cash equivalents.

The interim financial information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 is unaudited. All adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, except as otherwise noted, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited interim consolidated financial information for these periods have been included. Users of all of the aforementioned unaudited interim financial information should refer to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Please see the following tables for reconciliations of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely comparable GAAP measures.

Adjustments to GAAP financial measures used to calculate non-GAAP financial measures

Reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:

	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021			2020					2021			2020
Net income (loss)	$	52.7		$	(100.8	)			$	35.5		$	(155.9	)
Add/(less):
Depreciation and amortization(1)	42.5			74.6					85.6			146.6
Interest expense, net of interest income	43.8			38.8					86.2			75.3
Provision (benefit) from income taxes	43.2			(7.7		)			15.2			(34.2		)
Integration and other costs related to merger(2)	5.6			17.5					21.8			34.8
Pre-IPO stock-based compensation(3)	1.5			5.9					3.1			12.2
Acquisition related costs and efficiency initiatives(4)	27.2			70.5					67.4			86.4
Other(5)	3.4			20.0					4.8			23.9
Adjusted EBITDA	$	219.9		$	118.8				$	319.6		$	189.1

(1)		Depreciation and amortization includes merger and acquisition-related depreciation and amortization of $20.6 million and $50.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and $41.4 million and $98.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2)		Integration and other costs related to merger include certain direct and incremental integration and restructuring efforts.
(3)		Pre-IPO stock-based compensation represents non-cash compensation expense associated with our pre-IPO equity compensation plans. Refer to Note 9: Stock-based Payments of the Notes to unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 for additional information.
(4)		Acquisition related costs and efficiency initiatives reflect costs incurred to implement operating efficiency initiatives in 2020 and 2021 to allow the Company to be a nimbler and more agile partner to its clients, as well as incremental costs related to in-fill M&A.
(5)		Other principally reflects $1.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively, for COVID-19 related items including contributions to the Global Employee Assistance Fund and preparation costs for employee return to office for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, and other items including accounts receivable securitization.

Reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted Net Income:

	Three Months Ended June 30,									Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions) (unaudited)	2021				2020					2021					2020
Net income (loss)	$	52.7			$	(100.8	)			$	35.5				$	(155.9	)
Add/(less):
Merger and acquisition-related depreciation and amortization(1)	20.6				50.5					41.4					98.5
Financing and other facility costs	—				(0.3		)			—					(0.9		)
Integration and other costs related to merger	5.6				17.5					21.8					34.8
Pre-IPO stock-based compensation	1.5				5.9					3.1					12.2
Acquisition related costs and efficiency initiatives	27.2				70.5					67.4					86.4
Other	3.4				20.0					4.8					23.9
Income tax adjustments(2)	1.6				(21.6		)			(36.0		)			(50.4		)
Adjusted Net Income	$	112.6			$	41.7				$	138.0				$	48.6
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic	223.0				220.4					222.7					220.2
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted(3)	226.3				220.8					225.1					222.7
Adjusted earnings per share, basic	$	0.50			$	0.19				$	0.62				$	0.22
Adjusted earnings per share, diluted	$	0.50			$	0.19				$	0.61				$	0.22

(1)		Includes amortization of acquired intangible assets.
(2)		Reflective of management's estimation of an adjusted effective tax rate (adjusted for certain items) of 27% and 25% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(3)		Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted ("WACS, diluted") is calculated by taking WACS, basic and adding in dilutive shares of 3.3 million and 0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 2.4 million and 2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which is used to calculate Adjusted earnings per share, diluted.

Summary of Total costs and expenses:

	Three Months Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021			2020				2021			2020
Americas Fee-based operating expenses	$	1,002.3		$	733.4			$	1,856.5		$	1,594.6
EMEA Fee-based operating expenses	199.2			159.6				391.5			351.7
APAC Fee-based operating expenses	217.4			162.9				413.5			363.1
Cost of gross contract reimbursables	618.6			573.9				1,204.8			1,148.9
Segment operating expenses:	2,037.5			1,629.8				3,866.3			3,458.3
Depreciation and amortization(1)	42.5			74.6				85.6			146.6
Integration and other costs related to merger(2)	5.6			17.5				21.8			34.8
Pre-IPO stock-based compensation(3)	1.5			5.9				3.1			12.2
Acquisition related costs and efficiency initiatives(4)	33.3			58.6				73.2			111.5
Other(5)	3.4			20.0				4.8			23.9
Total costs and expenses	$	2,123.8		$	1,806.4			$	4,054.8		$	3,787.3

(1)		Depreciation and amortization includes merger and acquisition-related depreciation and amortization of $20.6 million and $50.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and $41.4 million and $98.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2)		Integration and other costs related to merger include certain direct and incremental integration and restructuring efforts.
(3)		Pre-IPO stock-based compensation represents non-cash compensation expense associated with our pre-IPO equity compensation plans. Refer to Note 9: Stock-based Payments of the Notes to unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 for additional information.
(4)		Acquisition related costs and efficiency initiatives, reflect costs incurred to implement operating efficiency initiatives in 2020 and 2021 to allow the Company to be a nimbler and more agile partner to its clients, as well as incremental costs related to in-fill M&A.
(5)		Other principally reflects $1.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively, for COVID-19 related items including contributions to the Global Employee Assistance Fund and preparation costs for employee return to office for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, and other items including accounts receivable securitization.

 

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FAQ

What were Cushman & Wakefield's Q2 2021 revenue figures?

Cushman & Wakefield reported a revenue of $2.2 billion for Q2 2021.

How much did the adjusted EBITDA increase for CWK in Q2 2021?

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 85%, reaching $219.9 million.

What is the net income for CWK in Q2 2021?

Cushman & Wakefield reported a net income of $52.7 million for Q2 2021.

What major leadership change was announced by CWK?

John Forrester will become the CEO of Cushman & Wakefield effective January 1, 2022.

What is the liquidity position of Cushman & Wakefield as of June 30, 2021?

Cushman & Wakefield has a liquidity position of $2.1 billion.