Double-digit year-over-year growth in consolidated Revenues and Adjusted EBITDA

TORONTO, May 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altus Group Limited (ʺAltus Groupʺ or “the Company”) (TSX:AIF), a leading provider of independent advisory services, software and data solutions to the global commercial real estate industry, announced today its financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018.

First Quarter 2018 Highlights: 
In comparison to Q1 2017:

• Consolidated revenues increased 14.1% to $124.7 million
• Consolidated profit (loss), in accordance with IFRS, was $(2.3) million compared to $0.6 million during the same period in 2017
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 16.0% to $15.5 million
• Altus Analytics revenues increased 3.2% to $40.5 million, and Adjusted EBITDA decreased 35.5% to $8.2 million; recurring revenues increased 1.2% to $29.6 million
• Property Tax revenues increased 46.4% to $48.6 million, and Adjusted EBITDA increased 209.7% to $13.1 million

“While maintaining double-digit growth in both consolidated revenues and Adjusted EBITDA, we are tracking well against our growth objectives at Altus Analytics as we continue to make investments to expand and deepen our solution offerings with our global clients. During the quarter, Property Tax enjoyed strong results reflecting the continuing potential of our business model. We continue to plan for a good year and maintain a very strong long–term outlook for this segment based on recent investments and tax cycles,” said Robert Courteau, Chief Executive Officer at Altus Group.  “Our focus for the remainder of 2018 is to ensure our customers are equipped with all of our analytical tools as we continue to become the global standard in the CRE market which will further drive our customer acquisition initiatives.”

Summary of Operating and Financial Performance by Business Segment:

All amounts are in Canadian dollars and percentages are in comparison to the first quarter of 2017.

 

Altus Analytics	Quarter ended March 31,
In thousands of dollars		2018			2017 (1)		% Change
Revenues	$	40,536		$	39,270		3.2%
Adjusted EBITDA	$	8,230		$	12,751		(35.5%)
Adjusted EBITDA Margin		20.3%			32.5%
Commercial Real Estate Consulting	Quarter ended March 31,
In thousands of dollars		2018			2017 (1)		% Change
Revenues
Property Tax	$	48,619		$	33,212		46.4%
Valuation and Cost Advisory		25,249			24,514		3.0%
Revenues	$	73,868		$	57,726		28.0%
Adjusted EBITDA
Property Tax	$	13,073		$	4,221		209.7%
Valuation and Cost Advisory		2,595			2,889		(10.2%)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	15,668		$	7,110		120.4%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin		21.2%			12.3%
Geomatics	Quarter ended March 31,
In thousands of dollars		2018		2017 (1)			% Change
Revenues	$	10,446		$	12,592		(17.0%)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	50		$	1,246		(96.0%)
Adjusted EBITDA Margin		0.5%			9.9%
Consolidated	Quarter ended March 31,
In thousands of dollars		2018			2017 (1)		% Change
Revenues	$	124,690		$	109,293		14.1%
Adjusted EBITDA	$	15,508		$	13,369		16.0%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin		12.4%			12.2%
(1)  Reported financial information has been restated for the impact of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Refer to Note 2 - Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements to the financial statements for further discussion.

First Quarter 2018 Review:

On a consolidated basis, first quarter revenues increased 14.1% to $124.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA increased by 16.0% to $15.5 million. Exchange rate movements against the Canadian dollar impacted consolidated revenues by (0.9%) and Adjusted EBITDA by (3.4%). Acquisitions contributed 4.9% to revenues and (6.8%) to Adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter. Organic growth contributed 9.2% to revenues during the first quarter. 

Consolidated profit (loss), in accordance with IFRS, was $(2.3) million or $(0.06) per share on a basic and diluted basis, compared to $0.6 million and $0.01 per share basic and diluted during the same period in 2017.  

Adjusted EPS was $0.23 in the first quarter, compared to $0.22 in the first quarter of 2017.

Altus Analytics revenues increased by 3.2% to $40.5 million. Revenue growth would have been 5.9% if the impact from foreign exchange movements was excluded. Growth in the quarter was driven by new license sales, education revenues and subscriptions from Altus Data Solutions, offset by the currency impact. Recurring revenues were $29.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, up 1.2% or $0.4 million from $29.2 million in the same period in 2017. Movements in the exchange rate against the Canadian dollar impacted revenues by (2.7%).

Adjusted EBITDA was $8.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, down 35.5% or $4.6 million from $12.8 million in the same period in 2017. Changes in foreign exchange impacted Adjusted EBITDA by (4.5%). Adjusted EBITDA decreased because of higher expenses as we made significant incremental investments for ARGUS product development activities.

The CRE Consulting revenues increased 28.0% to $73.9 million. Property Tax revenues increased by 46.4%, with a strong start to the year across the global Property Tax practices. The Canadian Property Tax practice experienced significant revenue growth in Western Canada, including Vancouver, Alberta and Manitoba, where the business is at the start of a new cycle. The U.S. had strong contribution from across all service lines and the U.K. showed organic improvement from the legacy business as well as acquisitive growth from CVS. Exchange rate fluctuations impacted Property Tax revenues by 0.3%. Valuation and Cost Advisory revenues increased by 3.0% on stronger performance from the global Cost practice, driven by growth in both Canada and Australia. Changes in exchange rates impacted CRE Consulting revenues by 0.1%. Adjusted EBITDA was $15.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, up 120.4% or $8.6 million from $7.1 million in the same period in 2017, largely driven by an increase of 209.7% or $8.9 million in Property Tax. The increase in Property Tax earnings was driven by higher revenues. Changes in exchange rates impacted CRE Consulting Adjusted EBITDA by 1.7%.

Geomatics’ revenues were lower by 17.0% at $10.4 million, while Adjusted EBITDA declined 96.0% to $0.1 million as a result of lower revenues.

Corporate costs (recovery) were $8.4 million in the first quarter, compared to $7.7 million in the same period in 2017. During the quarter, corporate costs increased on higher accrual of variable compensation resulting from increased earnings.

At the end of the first quarter, Altus Group’s balance sheet remained strong, giving the Company the financial flexibility to pursue its growth strategy. The Company’s bank debt was $163.3 million, representing a funded debt to EBITDA leverage ratio of 1.95 times, compared to 1.84 times at December 31, 2017. Also, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents stood at $20.6 million at the end of the first quarter (compared to $28.1 million as at December 31, 2017).

Q1 2018 Results Conference Call & Webcast

Date:		Thursday, May 3, 2018
Time:		5:00 p.m. (ET)
Webcast:		altusgroup.com  (under the Investors tab)
Live Call:		1-800-273-9672 (toll-free) or 416-340-2218 (Toronto area)
Replay:		A replay of the call will be available via the webcast at altusgroup.com

About Altus Group Limited

Altus Group Limited is a leading provider of independent advisory services, software and data solutions to the global commercial real estate industry. Our businesses, Altus Analytics and Altus Expert Services, reflect decades of experience, a range of expertise, and technology-enabled capabilities. Our solutions empower clients to analyze, gain insight and recognize value on their real estate investments. Headquartered in Canada, we have approximately 2,500 employees around the world, with operations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Our clients include some of the world’s largest real estate industry participants. Altus Group pays a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share and our shares are traded on the TSX under the symbol AIF.

For more information on Altus Group, please visit: www.altusgroup.com.

Non-IFRS Measures

Altus Group uses certain non-IFRS measures as indicators of financial performance. Readers are cautioned that they are not defined performance measures, and 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 are useful supplemental measures that may assist investors in assessing an investment in our shares and provide more insight into our performance.

Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, (“Adjusted EBITDA”), represents profit (loss) before income taxes adjusted for the effects of finance costs (income), amortization of intangibles, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, acquisition and related transition costs (income), restructuring costs, share of profit (loss) of associates, unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses), gains (losses) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, gains (losses) on investments, impairment charges, non-cash Executive Compensation Plan costs, gains (losses) on hedging transactions, gains (losses) on equity derivatives net of mark-to-market adjustments on related restricted share units (“RSUs”) and deferred share units (“DSUs”) being hedged and other costs or income of a non-operating and/or non-recurring nature. Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues.

Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share, (“Adjusted EPS”), represents basic earnings (loss) per share adjusted for the effects of amortization of intangibles acquired as part of business acquisitions, non-cash finance costs (income) related to the revaluation of amounts payable to U.K. unitholders, net of changes in fair value of related equity derivatives, acquisition and related transition costs (income), restructuring costs, share of profit (loss) of associates, unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses), gains (losses) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, gains (losses) on investments, interest accretion on contingent consideration payables, impairment charges, non-cash Executive Compensation Plan costs, gains (losses) on hedging transactions, gains (losses) on equity derivatives net of mark-to-market adjustments on related RSUs and DSUs being hedged and other costs or income of a non-operating and/or non-recurring nature. All of the adjustments are made net of tax.

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, 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” 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 were applied by us in drawing conclusions or making forecasts or projections set out in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: 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; the successful integration of acquired businesses; and the continued availability of qualified professionals.

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: general state of the economy; currency risk; ability to maintain profitability and manage growth; commercial real estate market; competition in the industry; acquisitions; oil and gas sector; ability to attract and retain professionals; information from multiple sources; reliance on larger enterprise transactions with longer and less predictable sales cycles; success of new product introductions; ability to respond to technological change and develop products on a timely basis; protection of intellectual property or defending against claims of intellectual property rights of others; ability to implement technology strategy and ensure workforce adoption; information technology governance and security, including cyber security; fixed-price and contingency engagements; appraisal and appraisal management mandates; Canadian multi-residential market; weather; legislative and regulatory changes; customer concentration and loss of material clients; interest rate risk; credit risk; income tax matters; revenue and cash flow volatility; health and safety hazards; performance of contractual obligations and client satisfaction; risk of legal proceedings; insurance limits; ability to meet solvency requirements to pay dividends; leverage and financial covenants; unpredictability and volatility of common share price; capital investment; and issuance of additional common shares diluting existing shareholders’ interests, as well as those described in Altus Group’s publicly filed documents, including the MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2017 (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 Group, our financial or operating results, or our securities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Ali Mahdavi
Investor Relations, Altus Group Limited
(416) 641-9710
ali.mahdavi@altusgroup.com

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, Except for Shares and Per Share Amounts)

Three months ended March 31
			2018	Restated (1) 2017
Revenues		$	124,690	$	109,293
Expenses
	Employee compensation		82,109		71,362
	Occupancy		5,407		5,017
	Office and other operating		22,623		20,919
	Amortization of intangibles		10,735		6,594
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		1,809		1,584
	Acquisition and related transition costs (income)		734		294
	Share of (profit) loss of associates		-		1,132
	Restructuring costs		2,853		995
	(Gain) loss on investments		(85)		492
	Finance costs (income), net		1,428		1,248
Profit (loss) before income taxes			(2,923)		(344)
Income tax expense (recovery)			(596)		(895)
Profit (loss) for the period attributable to equity holders		$	(2,327)	$	551
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:
	Currency translation differences		8,003		(1,705)
	Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of associates		-		(83)
Items that are not reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:
	Change in fair value through other comprehensive income investment reserves		(25,254)		-
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			(17,251)		(1,788)
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax, attributable to equity holders		$	(19,578)	$	(1,237)
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to the equity holders of the Company during the period
Basic earnings (loss) per share		$	(0.06)	$	0.01
Diluted earnings (loss) per share		$	(0.06)	$	0.01

⁽¹⁾  Reported financial information has been restated for the impact of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Refer to Note 2 - Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements to the financial statements for further discussion.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars)

		March 31, 2018		Restated (1) December 31, 2017
Assets
Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	20,616	$	28,070
	Trade receivables and other		152,487		143,667
	Income taxes recoverable		7,086		5,680
	Derivative financial instruments		-		1,021
			180,189		178,438
Non-current assets
	Trade receivables and other		1,081		4,967
	Derivative financial instruments		5,454		6,029
	Investments		80,529		108,073
	Deferred income taxes		15,928		15,285
	Property, plant and equipment		32,519		30,374
	Intangibles		132,512		132,959
	Goodwill		258,023		249,990
			526,046		547,677
Total Assets		$	706,235	$	726,115
Liabilities
Current liabilities
	Trade payables and other	$	93,271	$	101,454
	Income taxes payable		2,129		2,887
	Borrowings		600		661
	Derivative financial instruments		2,377		918
			98,377		105,920
Non-current liabilities
	Trade payables and other		32,324		30,422
	Borrowings		163,016		150,135
	Deferred income taxes		25,210		27,576
			220,550		208,133
Total Liabilities			318,927		314,053
Shareholders’ Equity
	Share capital		483,474		479,181
	Contributed surplus		15,677		18,550
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(6,821)		10,402
	Deficit		(105,022)		(96,071)
Total Shareholders’ Equity			387,308		412,062
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity		$	706,235	$	726,115

⁽¹⁾  Reported financial information has been restated for the impact of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Refer to Note 2 - Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements to the financial statements for further discussion.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars)

Three months ended March 31
				2018	Restated (1) 2017
	Cash flows from operating activities
		Profit (loss) before income taxes	$	(2,923)	$	(344)
		Adjustments for:
		Amortization of intangibles		10,735		6,594
		Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		1,809		1,584
		Amortization of lease inducements		(117)		(209)
		Amortization of capitalized software development costs		-		127
		Finance costs (income), net		1,428		1,248
		Share-based compensation		2,113		1,886
		Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss		(1,049)		(229)
		(Gain) loss on investments		(85)		492
		(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		379		319
		(Gain) loss on equity derivatives and currency forward contracts		3,099		642
		Share of (profit) loss of associates		-		1,132
		Net changes in operating working capital		(17,424)		(11,896)
	Net cash generated by (used in) operations			(2,035)		1,346
		Less: interest paid		(1,206)		(931)
		Less: income taxes paid		(1,590)		(1,903)
		Add: income taxes received		54		191
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			(4,777)		(1,297)
	Cash flows from financing activities
		Proceeds from exercise of options		204		1,183
		Redemption of Altus UK LLP Class B and D units		-		(883)
		Proceeds from borrowings		13,081		21,726
		Repayment of borrowings		(372)		(244)
		Dividends paid		(5,186)		(5,495)
		Treasury shares purchased under the Restricted Share Plan		(2,956)		(3,540)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			4,771		12,747
	Cash flows from investing activities
		Purchase of investments		(1,463)		-
		Purchase of intangibles		(27)		(208)
		Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(3,801)		(622)
		Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangibles		-		29
		Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(3,073)		(15,273)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(8,364)		(16,074)
Effect of foreign currency translation				916		(129)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				(7,454)		(4,753)
Cash and cash equivalents
		Beginning of period		28,070		43,673
		End of period	$	20,616	$	38,920

⁽¹⁾  Reported financial information has been restated for the impact of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Refer to Note 2 - Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements to the financial statements for further discussion.

 

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