FirstService Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstService Corporation (FSV) announced its fourth quarter and full-year results for the year ended December 31, 2023. Consolidated revenues for the fourth quarter were $1.08 billion, a 6% increase relative to the same quarter in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $103.3 million, up 1%, and Adjusted EPS was $1.11. For the full year, consolidated revenues were $4.33 billion, a 16% increase relative to the prior year, including 10% organic growth. Adjusted EBITDA was $415.7 million, up 18%, and Adjusted EPS was $4.66. Operating Earnings for the year were $244.9 million, versus $219.0 million in the prior year period. Diluted earnings per share was $2.24, compared to $2.72 in the prior year.

Positive

• Double-digit organic top-line growth and strong profitability
• 10% organic growth in consolidated revenues
• 18% increase in Adjusted EBITDA
• 16% increase in consolidated revenues for the full year

Negative

• Decrease in Operating Earnings for the quarter
• Decrease in Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported double-digit annual revenue growth and increased Adjusted EBITDA by FirstService Corporation are indicators of the company's robust financial performance. The 16% year-over-year revenue increase, including 10% organic growth, is particularly noteworthy as it suggests the company is successfully expanding its operations and market share without solely relying on acquisitions. Organic growth is a key metric as it reflects the company's ability to increase sales and output through its existing operations.

However, the decline in Adjusted EPS from $1.22 to $1.11 in the fourth quarter and the decrease in GAAP Operating Earnings from $67.5 million to $48.1 million, raise questions about rising costs or potential one-time charges that may have impacted profitability. The significant drop in GAAP EPS from $0.86 to $0.14 also warrants a closer examination of non-operational factors that could have influenced these figures, such as the mentioned contingent acquisition consideration adjustments.

Market Research Analyst

FirstService Corporation's performance reflects broader market trends where companies that show strong organic growth are often rewarded by investors. The firm's ability to achieve share gains in its respective markets is indicative of competitive strength and effective strategy execution. However, the market may react cautiously to the mixed signals sent by the decline in GAAP EPS, which could be interpreted as a potential red flag for underlying issues.

It's also important to consider the context of the industry in which FirstService operates. Depending on the competitive landscape and macroeconomic conditions, the reported financials could be seen as either outperforming, meeting, or underperforming relative to industry peers. The company's forward-looking statements and management's commentary on future expectations will also play a crucial role in shaping investor sentiment.

Economist

The reported financial results of FirstService Corporation must be analyzed in the context of the current economic environment. The 16% revenue increase is a strong signal of growth, especially when considering global economic challenges such as inflationary pressures and potential market volatility. The organic growth component of 10% is particularly commendable as it suggests resilience and adaptability in economic headwinds.

However, the discrepancy between the revenue growth and the decline in GAAP EPS could imply that the company's cost structure may be increasing, or it could reflect one-time expenses related to acquisitions. Such financial nuances are critical for stakeholders to understand the company's operating leverage and how it might perform in different economic scenarios.

Double-Digit Annual Revenue and Operating Earnings Growth

Operating highlights:

		Three months ended						Year ended
		December 31						December 31
		2023			2022			2023			2022
Revenues (millions)		$	1,079.3		$	1,020.1		$	4,334.5		$	3,745.8
Adjusted EBITDA (millions) (note 1)			103.3			102.5			415.7			351.7
Adjusted EPS (note 2)			1.11			1.22			4.66			4.24
GAAP Operating Earnings			48.1			67.5			244.9			219.0
GAAP EPS			0.14			0.86			2.24			2.72

TORONTO, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FirstService Corporation (TSX: FSV; NASDAQ: FSV) today announced fourth quarter and full year results for the year ended December 31, 2023. All amounts are in US dollars.

Consolidated revenues for the fourth quarter were $1.08 billion, a 6% increase relative to the same quarter in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA (note 1) was $103.3 million, up 1%, and Adjusted EPS (note 2) was $1.11, versus $1.22 in the prior year quarter.

Operating Earnings for the quarter were $48.1 million, relative to $67.5 million in the prior year period, with the decrease attributable to contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments on prior tuck-under acquisitions. Diluted EPS was $0.14 per share in the quarter, compared to $0.86 for the same quarter a year ago.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, consolidated revenues were $4.33 billion, a 16% increase relative to the prior year, including 10% organic growth. Adjusted EBITDA was $415.7 million, up 18%, and Adjusted EPS was $4.66, versus the prior year of $4.24. Operating Earnings were $244.9 million, versus $219.0 million in the prior year period. Diluted earnings per share was $2.24, compared to $2.72 in the prior year.

“We are pleased with our fourth quarter performance which lined up with our expectations,” said Scott Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of FirstService. “For the full year, we delivered double-digit organic top-line growth and strong profitability across both divisions, as our brands continued to realize share gains in their respective markets,” he concluded.

About FirstService Corporation
FirstService Corporation is a North American leader in the property services sector serving its customers through two industry leading platforms: FirstService Residential - North America’s largest manager of residential communities; and FirstService Brands - one of North America’s largest providers of essential property services delivered through individually branded franchise systems and company-owned operations.

FirstService generates more than US$4.3 billion in annual revenues and has approximately 29,000 employees across North America. With significant insider ownership and an experienced management team, FirstService has a long-term track record of creating value and superior returns for shareholders. The Common Shares of FirstService trade on the NASDAQ under the symbol “FSV” and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “FSV”, and are included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index. More information is available at www.firstservice.com.

Segmented Fourth Quarter Results
FirstService Residential generated revenues of $496.3 million for the fourth quarter, up 12% relative to the prior year quarter, including 9% organic growth. Growth was driven by new contract wins, with particularly strong performance at our sited labour communities. Adjusted EBITDA was $43.5 million, an increase of 14% compared to $38.1 million reported in the prior year period. Operating Earnings were $34.1 million, versus $30.6 million for the fourth quarter of last year. Operating margins were relatively in-line with the prior year quarter.

FirstService Brands recorded revenues of $583.0 million, up 1% versus $578.0 million in the prior year period. Revenues declined 7% on an organic basis due to milder weather patterns at our restoration operations, compared to the significant loss claims activity from hurricanes Ian and Fiona in the prior year quarter. The division top-line performance included very strong growth at Century Fire together with solid contribution from our home services brands, partially offsetting the restoration-driven headwinds. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $61.1 million, compared to $67.4 million in the prior year quarter. Operating Earnings were $20.6 million, versus $44.0 million in the prior year quarter. The segment Adjusted EBITDA margin (note 1) decline was primarily attributable to lower profitability in our restoration operations due to the reduced weather-related activity during the period. The operating earnings margin was further impacted by contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments.

Corporate costs, as presented in Adjusted EBITDA (note 1), were $1.2 million in the fourth quarter, relative to $3.0 million in the prior year period. Corporate costs for the quarter were $6.7 million, relative to $7.1 million in the prior year period.

Segmented Full Year Results
FirstService Residential reported revenues of $2.0 billion, up 13% relative to 2022, including 10% organic growth and the balance from tuck-under acquisitions. The strong organic growth was primarily driven by new contract wins, together with contribution from increased labour-related and ancillary services with our existing clients. Adjusted EBITDA was $187.8 million, up 11% versus the prior year. Operating Earnings were $155.0 million, compared to $138.9 million in the prior year. Operating margins were in-line with the prior year.

FirstService Brands revenues were $2.34 billion, up 18% versus the prior year, and comprised of 11% organic growth with the balance from acquisitions. All service lines contributed to the division’s organic revenue growth, including an exceptionally strong increase over the prior year at our Century Fire Protection operations. Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $242.4 million, up 23% relative to the prior year. Operating Earnings were $126.5 million, versus $111.6 million a year ago. The segment Adjusted EBITDA margin was positively impacted by operating leverage realized from the strong top-line performance in our restoration and Century Fire businesses. The operating earnings margin was slightly down due to acquisition-related items, primarily contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments.

Corporate costs, as presented in Adjusted EBITDA, were $14.4 million for the full year, relative to $13.2 million in the prior year. Corporate costs were $36.6 million, relative to $31.5 million a year ago, with the increase driven primarily by stock-based compensation expense.

Conference Call & Presentation
FirstService will be holding a conference call on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results for the fourth quarter and full year.

This call is being webcast live at the Company’s website at www.firstservice.com. Participants may register for the call here https://register.vevent.com/register/BI3a29ed98b6cc4f77b35613631b9849bb to receive the dial-in number and their unique PIN. To join the webcast in listen only mode, use this link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/d4d3hvrj . It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

Forward-looking Statements
This press release includes or may include forward-looking statements. Much of this information can be identified by words such as “expect to,” “expected,” “will,” “estimated” or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. FirstService believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements contemplated in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include: (i) general economic and business conditions, which will, among other things, impact demand for FirstService’s services and the cost of providing services; (ii) the ability of FirstService to implement its business strategy, including FirstService’s ability to acquire suitable acquisition candidates on acceptable terms and successfully integrate newly acquired businesses with its existing businesses; (iii) changes in or the failure to comply with government regulations; and (iv) other factors which are described in FirstService’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2022 under the heading “Risk factors” (a copy of which may be obtained at www.sedarplus.ca) and Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (a copy of which may be obtained at www.sec.gov), and subsequent filings (which factors are adopted herein). Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we do not intend, nor do we undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect subsequent information, events, results or circumstances or otherwise.

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

Notes
1. Reconciliation of net earnings to adjusted EBITDA:

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings, adjusted to exclude: (i) income tax; (ii) other expense (income); (iii) interest expense; (iv) depreciation and amortization; (v) acquisition-related items; and (vi) stock-based compensation expense. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate its own operating performance and its ability to service debt, as well as an integral part of its planning and reporting systems. Additionally, this measure is used in conjunction with discounted cash flow models to determine the Company’s overall enterprise valuation and to evaluate acquisition targets. Adjusted EBITDA is presented as a supplemental measure because the Company believes such measure is useful to investors as a reasonable indicator of operating performance because of the low capital intensity of its service operations. The Company believes this measure is a financial metric used by many investors to compare companies, especially in the services industry. This measure is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP in the United States, and should not be considered as a substitute for operating earnings, net earnings or cash flow from operating activities, as determined in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s method of calculating Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other issuers and accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. A reconciliation of net earnings to Adjusted EBITDA appears below.

	Three months ended								Twelve months ended
(in thousands of US$)	December 31								December 31
	2023				2022				2023				2022
Net earnings	$	23,783			$	44,339			$	147,021			$	145,007
Income tax		12,051				14,806				56,317				48,974
Other income, net		(595	)			(712	)			(5,810	)			(146	)
Interest expense, net		12,823				9,025				47,364				25,191
Operating earnings		48,062				67,458				244,892				219,026
Depreciation and amortization		33,872				30,417				127,934				110,140
Acquisition-related items		16,485				599				21,517				4,520
Stock-based compensation expense		4,924				4,073				21,385				18,046
Adjusted EBITDA	$	103,343			$	102,547			$	415,728			$	351,732

A reconciliation of segment operating earnings to segment Adjusted EBITDA appears below.
(in thousands of US$)
Three months ended December 31, 2023					FirstService				FirstService
					Residential				Brands			Corporate(1)
Operating earnings (loss)				$	34,136			$	20,603		$	(6,677	)
Depreciation and amortization					8,373				25,477			22
Acquisition-related items					1,002				14,992			491
Stock-based compensation expense					-				-			4,924
Adjusted EBITDA				$	43,511			$	61,072		$	(1,240	)
Three months ended December 31, 2022					FirstService				FirstService
					Residential				Brands			Corporate(1)
Operating earnings (loss)				$	30,562			$	44,040		$	(7,144	)
Depreciation and amortization					7,591				22,804			22
Acquisition-related items					(38	)			594			43
Stock-based compensation expense					-				-			4,073
Adjusted EBITDA				$	38,115			$	67,438		$	(3,006	)
Year ended December 31, 2023					FirstService				FirstService
					Residential				Brands			Corporate(1)
Operating earnings (loss)				$	155,044			$	126,468		$	(36,620	)
Depreciation and amortization					33,114				94,729			91
Acquisition-related items					(366	)			21,159			724
Stock-based compensation expense					-				-			21,385
Adjusted EBITDA				$	187,792			$	242,356		$	(14,420	)
Year ended December 31, 2022					FirstService				FirstService
					Residential				Brands			Corporate(1)
Operating earnings (loss)				$	138,873			$	111,638		$	(31,485	)
Depreciation and amortization					28,611				81,439			90
Acquisition-related items					1,153				3,200			167
Stock-based compensation expense					-				-			18,046
Adjusted EBITDA				$	168,637			$	196,277		$	(13,182	)
Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as segment Adjusted EBITDA divided by segment revenues.
(1) Corporate costs represent corporate overhead expenses not directly attributable to reportable segments and are therefore unallocated within segment operating earnings (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA.

 

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

Adjusted EPS is defined as diluted net earnings per share, adjusted for the effect, after income tax, of: (i) the non-controlling interest redemption increment; (ii) acquisition-related items; (iii) amortization of intangible assets recognized in connection with acquisitions; and (iv) stock-based compensation expense. The Company believes this measure is useful to investors because it provides a supplemental way to understand the underlying operating performance of the Company and enhances the comparability of operating results from period to period. Adjusted EPS is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as a substitute for diluted net earnings per common share, as determined in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s method of calculating this non-GAAP measure may differ from other issuers and, accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. A reconciliation of diluted net earnings per common share to Adjusted EPS appears below.

		Three months ended								Twelve months ended
(in thousands of US$)		December 31								December 31
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Net earnings		$	23,783			$	44,339			$	147,021			$	145,007
Non-controlling interest share of earnings			(3,925	)			(3,462	)			(14,140	)			(9,381	)
Acquisition-related items			16,485				599				21,517				4,520
Amortization of intangible assets			13,942				13,659				54,238				48,725
Stock-based compensation expense			4,924				4,073				21,385				18,046
Income tax on adjustments			(4,905	)			(4,611	)			(19,662	)			(17,361	)
Non-controlling interest on adjustments			(665	)			(254	)			(1,517	)			(968	)
Adjusted net earnings		$	49,639			$	54,343			$	208,842			$	188,588
		Three months ended								Twelve months ended
(in US$)		December 31								December 31
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Diluted net earnings per share		$	0.14			$	0.86			$	2.24			$	2.72
Non-controlling interest redemption increment			0.30				0.06				0.72				0.33
Acquisition-related items			0.36				0.01				0.47				0.10
Amortization of intangible assets, net of tax			0.23				0.22				0.88				0.79
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax			0.08				0.07				0.35				0.30
Adjusted earnings per share		$	1.11			$	1.22			$	4.66			$	4.24

FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
Operating Results
(in thousands of US$, except per share amounts)
					Three months								Twelve months
					ended December 31								ended December 31
					2023				2022				2023				2022
Revenues				$	1,079,260			$	1,020,101			$	4,334,548			$	3,745,835
Cost of revenues					735,920				690,314				2,947,008				2,565,720
Selling, general and administrative expenses					244,921				231,313				993,197				846,429
Depreciation					19,930				16,758				73,696				61,415
Amortization of intangible assets					13,942				13,659				54,238				48,725
Acquisition-related items (1)					16,485				599				21,517				4,520
Operating earnings					48,062				67,458				244,892				219,026
Interest expense, net					12,823				9,025				47,364				25,191
Other income, net					(595	)			(712	)			(5,810	)			(146	)
Earnings before income tax					35,834				59,145				203,338				193,981
Income tax					12,051				14,806				56,317				48,974
Net earnings					23,783				44,339				147,021				145,007
Non-controlling interest share of earnings					3,925				3,462				14,140				9,381
Non-controlling interest redemption increment					13,596				2,631				32,490				14,552
Net earnings attributable to Company				$	6,262			$	38,246			$	100,391			$	121,074
Net earnings per common share
		Basic		$	0.14			$	0.86			$	2.25			$	2.74
		Diluted			0.14				0.86				2.24				2.72
Adjusted earnings per share (2)				$	1.11			$	1.22			$	4.66			$	4.24
Weighted average common shares (thousands)
		Basic			44,639				44,420				44,556				44,175
		Diluted			44,874				44,499				44,795				44,494

(1) Acquisition-related items include transaction costs, and contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments.
(2) See definition and reconciliation above.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of US$)
		December 31, 2023			December 31, 2022
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	187,617		$	136,219
Restricted cash			19,260			23,129
Accounts receivable			848,230			635,942
Other current assets			311,889			313,582
	Current assets		1,366,996			1,108,872
Other non-current assets			34,418			38,549
Fixed assets			204,188			167,012
Operating lease right-of-use assets			218,299			205,544
Goodwill and intangible assets			1,807,836			1,254,537
	Total assets	$	3,631,737		$	2,774,514
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	477,077		$	398,313
Other current liabilities			211,661			153,866
Operating lease liabilities - current			50,898			49,145
Long-term debt - current			37,132			35,665
	Current liabilities		776,768			636,989
Long-term debt - non-current			1,144,975			698,798
Operating lease liabilities - non-current			183,923			168,557
Other liabilities			115,938			78,178
Deferred income tax			53,024			51,097
Redeemable non-controlling interests			332,963			233,429
Shareholders' equity			1,024,146			907,466
	Total liabilities and equity	$	3,631,737		$	2,774,514
Supplemental balance sheet information
Total debt		$	1,182,107		$	734,463
Total debt, net of cash			994,490			598,244

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands of US$)
		Three months ended								Twelve months ended
		December 31								December 31
			2023				2022				2023				2022
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities
Net earnings		$	23,783			$	44,339			$	147,021			$	145,007
Items not affecting cash:
Depreciation and amortization			33,872				30,417				127,934				110,140
Deferred income tax			(18,413	)			9,249				(19,049	)			7,436
Other			18,384				2,076				34,416				18,371
			57,626				86,081				290,322				280,954
Changes in non-cash working capital
Accounts receivable			(23,039	)			(68,445	)			(99,816	)			(69,671	)
Payables and accruals			44,153				28,729				25,656				(11,118	)
Other			36,040				7,653				68,532				(94,272	)
Contingent acquisition consideration paid			(4,334	)			-				(4,334	)			-
Net cash provided by operating activities			110,446				54,018				280,360				105,893
Investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired			(434,366	)			(44,464	)			(547,182	)			(51,994	)
Purchases of fixed assets			(25,065	)			(22,155	)			(92,734	)			(77,609	)
Other investing activities			(6,173	)			(15,196	)			(6,413	)			(31,197	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(465,604	)			(81,815	)			(646,329	)			(160,800	)
Financing activities
Increase in long-term debt, net			390,998				14,338				446,847				80,156
Purchases of non-controlling interests, net			(111	)			(114	)			(4,285	)			(21,451	)
Dividends paid to common shareholders			(10,042	)			(8,954	)			(39,055	)			(34,884	)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests			(454	)			-				(7,376	)			(8,061	)
Other financing activities			4,178				(2,960	)			17,814				3,022
Net cash provided by financing activities			384,569				2,310				413,945				18,782
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			(420	)			(347	)			(447	)			1,202
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash			28,991				(25,834	)			47,529				(34,923	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, start of period			177,886				185,182				159,348				194,271
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period		$	206,877			$	159,348			$	206,877			$	159,348

Segmented Results
(in thousands of US$)
		FirstService			FirstService
		Residential			Brands			Corporate				Consolidated
Three months ended December 31
2023
	Revenues	$	496,281		$	582,979		$	-			$	1,079,260
	Adjusted EBITDA (1)		43,511			61,072			(1,240	)			103,343
	Operating earnings		34,136			20,603			(6,677	)			48,062
2022
	Revenues	$	442,124		$	577,977		$	-			$	1,020,101
	Adjusted EBITDA		38,115			67,438			(3,006	)			102,547
	Operating earnings		30,562			44,040			(7,144	)			67,458
		FirstService			FirstService
		Residential			Brands			Corporate				Consolidated
Year ended December 31
2023
	Revenues	$	1,996,823		$	2,337,725		$	-			$	4,334,548
	Adjusted EBITDA		187,792			242,356			(14,420	)			415,728
	Operating earnings		155,044			126,468			(36,620	)			244,892
2022
	Revenues	$	1,772,258		$	1,973,577		$	-			$	3,745,835
	Adjusted EBITDA		168,637			196,277			(13,182	)			351,732
	Operating earnings		138,873			111,638			(31,485	)			219,026
	(1) See definition and reconciliation on pages 5 and 6.

COMPANY CONTACTS:

D. Scott Patterson
Chief Executive Officer

Jeremy Rakusin
Chief Financial Officer

(416) 960-9566

FAQ

What were FirstService Corporation's (FSV) consolidated revenues for the fourth quarter?

FirstService Corporation's consolidated revenues for the fourth quarter were $1.08 billion, a 6% increase relative to the same quarter in the prior year.

What was the percentage increase in Adjusted EBITDA for FirstService Corporation (FSV)?

Adjusted EBITDA for FirstService Corporation (FSV) was up 1%.

What was the percentage increase in consolidated revenues for FirstService Corporation (FSV) for the full year?

Consolidated revenues for FirstService Corporation (FSV) for the full year were up 16%, including 10% organic growth.

What was the percentage increase in Adjusted EBITDA for FirstService Corporation (FSV) for the full year?

Adjusted EBITDA for FirstService Corporation (FSV) was up 18%.

What were the Operating Earnings for FirstService Corporation (FSV) for the year ended December 31, 2023?

Operating Earnings for FirstService Corporation (FSV) for the year ended December 31, 2023, were $244.9 million, versus $219.0 million in the prior year period.

What was the Diluted EPS for FirstService Corporation (FSV) for the year ended December 31, 2023?

Diluted earnings per share for FirstService Corporation (FSV) was $2.24, compared to $2.72 in the prior year.