Colliers Reports Fourth Quarter Results

Robust revenue growth

Strengthened momentum across all business segments 

Fourth quarter and full year operating highlights:

		Three months ended						Twelve months ended
		December 31						December 31
(in millions of US$, except EPS)			2024			2023			2024			2023
Revenues		$	1,501.6		$	1,235.2		$	4,822.0		$	4,335.1
Adjusted EBITDA (note 1)			225.3			198.4			644.2			595.0
Adjusted EPS (note 2)			2.26			2.00			5.75			5.35
GAAP operating earnings			121.4			132.6			389.2			300.9
GAAP diluted net earnings per share			1.47			1.42			3.22			1.41

TORONTO, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ and TSX:CIGI) ("Colliers" or the "Company") today announced operating and financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. All amounts are in US dollars.

For the fourth quarter, revenues were $1.50 billion, up 22% (22% in local currency) and Adjusted EBITDA (note 1) was $225.3 million, up 14% (15% in local currency) versus the prior year quarter. Adjusted EPS (note 2) was $2.26, up 13% from $2.00 in the prior year quarter. Fourth quarter adjusted EPS would have been approximately $0.02 higher excluding foreign exchange impacts. The GAAP operating earnings were $121.4 million as compared to $132.6 million in the prior year quarter. The GAAP diluted net earnings per share were $1.47, up 4% from $1.42 in the prior year quarter. The fourth quarter GAAP diluted net earnings per share would have been approximately $0.02 higher excluding foreign exchange impacts.

For the full year, revenues were $4.82 billion, up 11% (11% in local currency) and adjusted EBITDA (note 1) was $644.2 million, up 8% (9% in local currency) versus the prior year. Adjusted EPS (note 2) was $5.75, relative to $5.35 in the prior year. Adjusted EPS would have been approximately $0.03 higher excluding foreign exchange impacts. The GAAP operating earnings were $389.2 million compared to $300.9 million in the prior year, favourably impacted by revenue growth as well as the reversal of contingent consideration expense related to an acquisition. The GAAP diluted net earnings per share were $3.22 compared to $1.41 in the prior year. The GAAP diluted net earnings per share would have been approximately $0.03 higher excluding foreign exchange impacts.

"In the fourth quarter, Colliers delivered robust revenue growth and strengthened momentum across all business segments. Engineering revenues recorded the highest percentage increase driven by recent acquisitions in Canada, the US and Australia. Real Estate Services performed strongly in both Capital Markets and Leasing, while Investment Management experienced modest growth compared to the previous year," said Jay S. Hennick, Chairman & CEO of Colliers.

"Over the past few years, Colliers has evolved into a stronger, more resilient company with three high-value growth engines – Real Estate Services, Engineering, and Investment Management – supported by recurring revenues that now account for 70% of our earnings."

"Looking ahead to 2025, we expect another year of solid growth. Our enterprising culture thrives with experienced operational leadership fully aligned with our shareholders. Our global Engineering platform, now boasting over 8,000 professionals, is underpinned by strong recurring revenues and robust contractual backlogs, offering significant growth opportunities internally and through acquisition. We are also seeing near-term catalysts: Capital Markets is showing a cyclical recovery as interest rates and asset valuations stabilize, and in Investment Management, improved institutional allocations and fundraising conditions, coupled with several new vintages of closed-end products launching this year, position us well for future growth. In addition, we have accelerated our plans to integrate and streamline our Investment Management operations. This sets the stage for future opportunities and creates optionality as we continue to build one of the world's leading mid-market alternative asset managers with nearly $100 billion in assets under management," he concluded.

About Colliers

Colliers ((NASDAQ, TSX:CIGI) is a global diversified professional services and investment management company. Operating through three industry-leading platforms – Real Estate Services, Engineering, and Investment Management – we have a proven business model, an enterprising culture, and a unique partnership philosophy that drives growth and value creation. For 30 years, Colliers has consistently delivered approximately 20% compound annual returns for shareholders, fuelled by visionary leadership, significant inside ownership and substantial recurring earnings. With annual revenues exceeding $4.8 billion, a team of 23,000 professionals, and $99 billion in assets under management, Colliers remains committed to accelerating the success of our clients, investors, and people worldwide. Learn more at corporate.colliers.com, X @Colliers or LinkedIn.

Consolidated Revenues by Line of Service 

		Three months ended					Change	Change		Twelve months ended					Change	Change
(in thousands of US$)		December 31					in US$ %	in LC %		December 31					in US$ %	in LC %
(LC = local currency)		2024			2023					2024			2023
Leasing			359,364			318,706	13%	14%			1,157,484			1,063,355	9%	9%
Capital Markets			255,705			207,423	23%	25%			765,297			702,472	9%	10%
Outsourcing			328,459		$	317,321	4%	4%			1,148,829			1,090,911	5%	6%
Real Estate Services		$	943,528			843,450	12%	13%		$	3,071,610		$	2,856,738	8%	8%
Engineering		$	421,361			262,482	61%	61%		$	1,237,384		$	990,477	25%	25%
Investment Management (1)		$	136,616			129,134	6%	6%		$	512,593		$	487,457	5%	5%
Corporate			112			102	NM	NM			437			469	NM	NM
Total revenues		$	1,501,617		$	1,235,168	22%	22%		$	4,822,024		$	4,335,141	11%	11%
(1) Investment Management local currency revenues, excluding pass-through performance fees (carried interest), were up 1% and 2% for the three and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024, respectively.

Fourth quarter consolidated revenues were up 22% on a local currency basis driven by robust growth across all service lines, particularly Engineering and Capital Markets. Consolidated internal revenue growth measured in local currencies was 10% (note 5) versus the prior year quarter.

For the full year, consolidated revenues increased 11% on a local currency basis, led by Engineering. Consolidated internal revenues measured in local currencies were up 6% (note 5).

Segmented Fourth Quarter Results

Real Estate Services revenues totalled $943.5 million, up 12% (13% in local currency) versus $843.4 million in the prior year quarter with strong growth in all service lines. Revenue growth was led by Capital Markets, which was up 23%, as transaction activity rebounded across all geographies, particularly Europe and the US, and most asset classes. Leasing momentum increased from earlier this year with several large office and industrial transactions in the quarter. Outsourcing revenues increased on a modest uptick in valuation activity. Adjusted EBITDA was $136.2 million, up 12% (14% in local currency) compared to $121.7 million in the prior year quarter with the margin flat due to continued strategic investments in recruiting in key markets. The GAAP operating earnings were $107.9 million, relative to $96.2 million in the prior year quarter.

Engineering revenues totalled $421.4 million, up 61% (61% in local currency) compared to $262.5 million in the prior year quarter. Net service revenues (note 4), which exclude sub-consultant and other pass-through expenses, were $300.2 million relative to $186.9 million in the prior year quarter, up 61% (61% in local currency) driven by the favourable impact of recent acquisitions and strong internal growth with the demand for technical and multi-disciplined professional services increasing across most end-markets. Adjusted EBITDA was $38.1 million, up 51% (51% in local currency) compared to $25.2 million in the prior year quarter. The GAAP operating earnings were $8.0 million relative to $11.9 million in the prior year quarter and were primarily impacted by higher intangible asset amortization expense related to recent acquisitions.

Investment Management revenues were $136.6 million, relative to $129.1 million in the prior year quarter, up 6% (6% in local currency) including historical pass-through performance fees of $12.8 million relative to $6.2 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding performance fees, revenue was up 1% (1% in local currency), as expected. Adjusted EBITDA was $54.4 million, also up 1% (1% in local currency) compared to the prior year quarter. The GAAP operating earnings were $38.0 million in the quarter versus $41.5 million in the prior year quarter. AUM was up $98.9 billion, up slightly from $98.8 billion as of September 30, 2024.

Unallocated global corporate costs as reported in Adjusted EBITDA were $3.4 million relative to $2.4 million in the prior year quarter. The corporate GAAP operating loss was $32.5 million compared to $17.1 million in the prior year quarter.

Segmented Full Year Results



Real Estate Services revenues totalled $3.07 billion, up 8% (8% in local currency) versus $2.86 billion in the prior year. All service lines delivered solid growth with transaction activity rebounding relative to the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $333.4 million, up 14% (15% in local currency) compared to $291.7 million in the prior year, with the margin benefitting from service mix as well as operating leverage. The GAAP operating earnings were $231.4 million, relative to $188.2 million in the prior year quarter.

Engineering revenues totalled $1.24 billion, up 25% (25% in local currency) compared to $990.5 million in the prior year. Net service revenues (note 4), which exclude sub-consultant and other pass-through expenses, were $931.2 million relative to $716.4 million in the prior year, up 30% (30% in local currency) driven by the favourable impact of recent acquisitions and internal growth. Adjusted EBITDA was $109.9 million, up 14% (14% in local currency) compared to $96.8 million in the prior year. The GAAP operating earnings were $40.6 million relative to $54.6 million in the prior year.

Investment Management revenues were $512.6 million, relative to $487.5 million in the prior year, up 5% (5% in local currency) including historical pass-through performance fees of $23.6 million relative to $6.8 million in the prior year. Excluding performance fees, revenue was up 2% (2% in local currency) driven by additional management fees from new investor capital commitments. Adjusted EBITDA was $213.7 million, flat compared to the prior year, with the margin impacted by incremental investments in new products and strategies as well as fundraising talent. The GAAP operating earnings were $199.1 million versus $103.1 million in the prior year, with the variance largely attributable to the reversal of contingent consideration expense related to a fundraising condition in a recent acquisition. AUM was $98.9 billion at year-end, up from $98.2 billion as of December 31, 2023. 

Unallocated global corporate costs as reported in Adjusted EBITDA were $12.8 million relative to $7.4 million in the prior year from additional claim reserves taken in the Company's captive insurance operation and higher performance-based incentive compensation. The corporate GAAP operating loss was $81.9 million compared to $45.0 million in the prior year. 

Outlook for 2025

The Company expects growth in 2025 both internally and from completed acquisitions. On a consolidated basis, high single digit to low-teens percentage revenue growth and low-teens Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS growth are expected. The outlook reflects currently prevailing foreign exchange rates, which are closely tied to international trade uncertainty. The outlook drivers by segment are described in the accompanying earnings call presentation. 

The financial outlook is based on the Company's best available information as of the date of this press release, and remains subject to change based on numerous macroeconomic, geopolitical, international trade, health, social and related factors. Continued interest rate volatility and/or lack of credit availability for commercial real estate transactions could materially impact the outlook. The outlook does not include future acquisitions. 

Conference Call



Colliers will be holding a conference call on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the quarter's results. The call will be simultaneously web cast and can be accessed live or after the call at corporate.colliers.com in the Events section.

Forward-looking Statements



This press release includes or may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include the Company's financial performance outlook and statements regarding goals, beliefs, strategies, objectives, plans or current expectations. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements contemplated in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include: economic conditions, especially as they relate to commercial and consumer credit conditions and consumer spending, particularly in regions where the business may be concentrated; commercial real estate and real asset values, vacancy rates and general conditions of financial liquidity for real estate transactions; trends in pricing and risk assumption for commercial real estate services; the effect of significant movements in capitalization rates across different asset types; a reduction by companies in their reliance on outsourcing for their commercial real estate needs, which would affect revenues and operating performance; competition in the markets served by the Company; the ability to attract new clients and to retain clients and renew related contracts; the ability to attract new capital commitments to Investment Management funds and retain existing capital under management; the ability to retain and incentivize employees; increases in wage and benefit costs; the effects of changes in interest rates on the cost of borrowing; unexpected increases in operating costs, such as insurance, workers' compensation and health care; changes in the frequency or severity of insurance incidents relative to historical experience; the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates in relation to the US dollar on the Company's Canadian dollar, Euro, Australian dollar and UK pound sterling denominated revenues and expenses; the impact of pandemics on client demand for the Company's services, the ability of the Company to deliver its services and the health and productivity of its employees; the impact of global climate change; the impact of political events including elections, referenda, trade policy changes, immigration policy changes, hostilities, war and terrorism on the Company's operations; the ability to identify and make acquisitions at reasonable prices and successfully integrate acquired operations; the ability to execute on, and adapt to, information technology strategies and trends; the ability to comply with laws and regulations, including real estate investment management and mortgage banking licensure, labour and employment laws and regulations, as well as the anti-corruption laws and trade sanctions; and changes in government laws and policies at the federal, state/provincial or local level that may adversely impact the business.

Additional information and risk factors identified in the Company's other periodic filings with Canadian and US securities regulators are adopted herein and a copy of which can be obtained at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Except as required by applicable law, Colliers undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

Summary unaudited 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. 

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase an interest in any fund. 

Colliers International Group Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(in thousands of US$, except per share amounts)
					Three months								Twelve months
					ended December 31								ended December 31
(unaudited)					2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenues				$	1,501,617			$	1,235,168			$	4,822,024			$	4,335,141
Cost of revenues					894,598				731,254				2,899,949				2,596,823
Selling, general and administrative expenses					414,033				326,603				1,339,063				1,185,469
Depreciation					17,510				14,818				66,239				54,608
Amortization of intangible assets					47,666				36,269				155,363				147,928
Acquisition-related items (1)					6,410				(6,406	)			(27,802	)			47,096
Loss on disposal of operations					-				-				-				2,282
Operating earnings					121,400				132,630				389,212				300,935
Interest expense, net					23,181				22,347				85,779				94,077
Equity earnings from non-consolidated investments					(2,030	)			(707	)			(7,270	)			(5,078	)
Other (income) expense					54				(205	)			(410	)			(841	)
Earnings before income tax					100,195				111,195				311,113				212,777
Income tax					18,699				29,974				74,177				68,086
Net earnings					81,496				81,221				236,936				144,691
Non-controlling interest share of earnings					18,894				17,593				53,968				56,560
Non-controlling interest redemption increment					(12,515	)			(3,805	)			21,243				22,588
Net earnings attributable to Company				$	75,117			$	67,433			$	161,725			$	65,543
Net earnings per common share
	Basic			$	1.49			$	1.42			$	3.24			$	1.43
	Diluted (2)			$	1.47			$	1.42			$	3.22			$	1.41
Adjusted EPS (3)				$	2.26			$	2.00			$	5.75			$	5.35
Weighted average common shares (thousands)
		Basic			50,507				47,333				49,897				45,680
		Diluted			51,036				47,582				50,182				46,274

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(1) Acquisition-related items include contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments, contingent acquisition consideration-related compensation expense and transaction costs.

(2) Diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2023 is calculated using the "if-converted" method of calculating earnings per share in relation to the Convertible Notes, which were fully converted or redeemed by June 1, 2023. As such, the interest (net of tax) on the Convertible Notes is added to the numerator and the additional shares issuable on conversion of the Convertible Notes are added to the denominator of the earnings per share calculation to determine if an assumed conversion is more dilutive than no assumption of conversion. The "if-converted" method is used if the impact of the assumed conversion is dilutive.

(3) See definition and reconciliation above.

Colliers International Group Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of US$)
		December 31,			December 31,
(unaudited)		2024			2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	176,257		$	181,134
Restricted cash (1)			41,724			37,941
Accounts receivable and contract assets			869,948			726,764
Mortgage warehouse receivables (2)			77,559			177,104
Prepaids and other assets			323,117			306,829
Warehouse fund assets			110,779			44,492
	Current assets		1,599,384			1,474,264
Other non-current assets			220,299			188,745
Warehouse fund assets			94,334			47,536
Fixed assets			227,311			202,837
Operating lease right-of-use assets			398,507			390,565
Deferred tax assets, net			79,258			59,468
Goodwill and intangible assets			3,481,524			3,118,711
	Total assets	$	6,100,617		$	5,482,126
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	1,140,605		$	1,104,935
Other current liabilities			109,439			75,764
Long-term debt - current			6,061			1,796
Mortgage warehouse credit facilities (2)			72,642			168,780
Operating lease liabilities - current			92,950			89,938
Liabilities related to warehouse fund assets			86,344			-
	Current liabilities		1,508,041			1,441,213
Long-term debt - non-current			1,502,414			1,500,843
Operating lease liabilities - non-current			383,921			375,454
Other liabilities			135,479			151,333
Deferred tax liabilities, net			78,459			43,191
Liabilities related to warehouse fund assets			14,103			47,536
Redeemable non-controlling interests			1,152,618			1,072,066
Shareholders' equity			1,325,582			850,490
	Total liabilities and equity	$	6,100,617		$	5,482,126
Supplemental balance sheet information
Total debt (3)		$	1,508,475		$	1,502,639
Total debt, net of cash and cash equivalents (3)			1,332,218			1,321,505
Net debt / pro forma adjusted EBITDA ratio (4)			2.0			2.2

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(1) Restricted cash consists primarily of cash amounts set aside to satisfy legal or contractual requirements arising in the normal course of business.

(2) Mortgage warehouse receivables represent mortgage loans receivable, the majority of which are offset by borrowings under mortgage warehouse credit facilities which fund loans that financial institutions have committed to purchase.

(3) Excluding mortgage warehouse credit facilities.

(4) Net debt for financial leverage ratio excludes restricted cash and mortgage warehouse credit facilities, in accordance with debt agreements.

Colliers International Group Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands of US$)
				Three months ended								Twelve months ended
				December 31								December 31
(unaudited)				2024			2023				2024			2023
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities
Net earnings			$	81,496			$	81,221			$	236,936			$	144,691
Items not affecting cash:
	Depreciation and amortization			65,176				51,087				221,602				202,536
	Loss on disposal of operations			-				-				-				2,282
	Gains attributable to mortgage servicing rights			(4,185	)			(5,436	)			(15,363	)			(17,722	)
	Gains attributable to the fair value of loan
	premiums and origination fees			(3,776	)			(5,422	)			(13,000	)			(16,335	)
	Deferred income tax			(16,615	)			10,522				(30,538	)			(9,924	)
	Other			44,105				17,374				44,581				112,450
				166,201				149,346				444,218				417,978
Increase in accounts receivable, prepaid
	expenses and other assets			(45,720	)			(70,451	)			(209,951	)			(203,727	)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued
	expenses and other liabilities			(22,071	)			15,118				16,054				9,036
Increase (decrease) in accrued compensation				111,622				54,793				63,173				(70,395	)
Contingent acquisition consideration paid				(250	)			(469	)			(3,357	)			(39,115	)
Mortgage origination activities, net				4,078				6,633				14,861				20,667
Sales to AR Facility, net				1,447				2,133				1,011				31,217
Net cash provided by operating activities				215,307				157,103				326,009				165,661
Investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired				(44,766	)			952				(517,176	)			(60,343	)
Purchases of fixed assets				(19,574	)			(24,113	)			(65,085	)			(84,524	)
Purchases of warehouse fund assets				(46,231	)			(73,039	)			(319,250	)			(122,604	)
Proceeds from disposal of warehouse fund assets				-				24,258				76,438				74,627
Cash collections on AR Facility deferred purchase price				35,776				33,106				137,581				124,313
Other investing activities				6,041				(17,656	)			(95,610	)			(65,452	)
Net cash used in investing activities				(68,754	)			(56,492	)			(783,102	)			(133,983	)
Financing activities
Increase (decrease) in long-term debt, net				(198,110	)			(117,779	)			221,573				92,046
Purchases of non-controlling interests, net				6,721				(8,072	)			(11,068	)			(32,661	)
Dividends paid to common shareholders				-				-				(14,674	)			(13,517	)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests				(5,316	)			(9,578	)			(71,618	)			(77,400	)
Issuance of subordinate voting shares				-				-				286,924				-
Other financing activities				12,979				15,981				41,075				23,726
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities				(183,726	)			(119,448	)			452,212				(7,806	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash,
	cash equivalents and restricted cash			9,896				(679	)			3,787				(3,839	)
Net change in cash and cash
	equivalents and restricted cash			(27,277	)			(19,516	)			(1,094	)			20,033
Cash and cash equivalents and
	restricted cash, beginning of period			245,258				238,591				219,075				199,042
Cash and cash equivalents and
	restricted cash, end of period		$	217,981			$	219,075			$	217,981			$	219,075

 

Colliers International Group Inc.
Segmented Results
(in thousands of US dollars)
		Real Estate						Investment
(unaudited)		Services			Engineering			Management			Corporate				Total
Three months ended December 31
2024
	Revenues	$	943,528		$	421,361		$	136,616		$	112			$	1,501,617
	Adjusted EBITDA		136,164			38,115			54,374			(3,363	)			225,290
	Operating earnings (loss)		107,884			7,995			37,976			(32,455	)			121,400
2023
	Revenues	$	843,450		$	262,482		$	129,134		$	102			$	1,235,168
	Adjusted EBITDA		121,722			25,207			53,825			(2,376	)			198,378
	Operating earnings (loss)		96,229			11,918			41,540			(17,057	)			132,630
		Real Estate						Investment
		Services			Engineering			Management			Corporate				Total
Twelve months ended December 31
2024
	Revenues	$	3,071,610		$	1,237,384		$	512,593		$	437			$	4,822,024
	Adjusted EBITDA		333,400			109,929			213,675			(12,759	)			644,245
	Operating earnings (loss)		231,392			40,609			199,105			(81,894	)			389,212
2023
	Revenues	$	2,856,738		$	990,477		$	487,457		$	469			$	4,335,141
	Adjusted EBITDA		291,710			96,803			213,925			(7,445	)			594,993
	Operating earnings (loss)		188,220			54,585			103,139			(45,009	)			300,935

Notes

Non-GAAP Measures

1. Reconciliation of net earnings to Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings, adjusted to exclude: (i) income tax; (ii) other income; (iii) interest expense; (iv) loss on disposal of operations; (v) depreciation and amortization, including amortization of mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs"); (vi) gains attributable to MSRs; (vii) acquisition-related items (including contingent acquisition consideration fair value adjustments, contingent acquisition consideration-related compensation expense and transaction costs); (viii) restructuring costs and (ix) stock-based compensation expense, including related to the CEO's performance-based long-term incentive plan ("LTIP"). We use Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our own operating performance and our ability to service debt, as well as an integral part of our planning and reporting systems. Additionally, we use this measure in conjunction with discounted cash flow models to determine the Company's overall enterprise valuation and to evaluate acquisition targets. We present Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure because we believe such measure is useful to investors as a reasonable indicator of operating performance because of the low capital intensity of the Company's service operations. We believe this measure is a financial metric used by many investors to compare companies, especially in the services industry. This measure is not a recognized measure of financial performance of the consolidated Company 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. Our method of calculating Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other issuers and accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. A reconciliation of net earnings to Adjusted EBITDA appears below.

		Three months ended								Twelve months ended
		December 31								December 31
(in thousands of US$)		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net earnings		$	81,496			$	81,221			$	236,936			$	144,691
Income tax			18,699				29,974				74,177				68,086
Other income, including equity earnings from non-consolidated investments			(1,976	)			(912	)			(7,680	)			(5,919	)
Interest expense, net			23,181				22,347				85,779				94,077
Operating earnings			121,400				132,630				389,212				300,935
Loss on disposal of operations			-				-				-				2,282
Depreciation and amortization			65,176				51,087				221,602				202,536
Gains attributable to MSRs			(4,185	)			(5,436	)			(15,363	)			(17,722	)
Equity earnings from non-consolidated investments			2,030				707				7,270				5,078
Acquisition-related items			6,410				(6,406	)			(27,802	)			47,096
Restructuring costs			9,365				15,435				23,285				27,701
Stock-based compensation expense			25,094				10,361				46,041				27,087
Adjusted EBITDA		$	225,290			$	198,378			$	644,245			$	594,993

2. Reconciliation of net earnings and diluted net earnings per common share to adjusted net earnings and Adjusted EPS

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) loss on disposal of operations; (iii) amortization expense related to intangible assets recognized in connection with acquisitions and MSRs; (iv) gains attributable to MSRs; (v) acquisition-related items; (vi) restructuring costs and (vii) stock-based compensation expense, including related to the CEO's LTIP. We believe this measure is useful to investors because it provides a supplemental way to understand the underlying operating performance of the Company and enhances the comparability of operating results from period to period. Adjusted EPS is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as a substitute for diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our method of calculating this non-GAAP measure may differ from other issuers and, accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. A reconciliation of net earnings to adjusted net earnings and of diluted net earnings per share to adjusted EPS appears below.

Similar to GAAP diluted EPS, Adjusted EPS is calculated using the "if-converted" method of calculating earnings per share in relation to the Convertible Notes, which were fully converted or redeemed by June 1, 2023. As such, the interest (net of tax) on the Convertible Notes is added to the numerator and the additional shares issuable on conversion of the Convertible Notes are added to the denominator of the earnings per share calculation to determine if an assumed conversion is more dilutive than no assumption of conversion. The "if-converted" method is used if the impact of the assumed conversion is dilutive. The "if-converted" method is dilutive for the Adjusted EPS calculation for all periods where the Convertible Notes were outstanding. 

		Three months ended								Twelve months ended
		December 31								December 31
(in thousands of US$)		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net earnings		$	81,496			$	81,221			$	236,936			$	144,691
Non-controlling interest share of earnings			(18,894	)			(17,593	)			(53,968	)			(56,560	)
Interest on Convertible Notes			-				-				-				2,861
Loss on disposal of operations			-				-				-				2,282
Amortization of intangible assets			47,666				36,269				155,363				147,928
Gains attributable to MSRs			(4,185	)			(5,436	)			(15,363	)			(17,722	)
Acquisition-related items			6,410				(6,406	)			(27,802	)			47,096
Restructuring costs			9,365				15,435				23,285				27,701
Stock-based compensation expense			25,094				10,361				46,041				27,087
Income tax on adjustments			(24,287	)			(13,313	)			(50,403	)			(48,359	)
Non-controlling interest on adjustments			(7,409	)			(5,534	)			(25,740	)			(22,667	)
Adjusted net earnings		$	115,256			$	95,004			$	288,349			$	254,338
		Three months ended								Twelve months ended
		December 31								December 31
(in US$)		2024				2023				2024				2023
Diluted net earnings per common share(1)		$	1.47			$	1.42			$	3.22			$	1.38
Interest on Convertible Notes, net of tax			-				-				-				0.04
Non-controlling interest redemption increment			(0.25	)			(0.08	)			0.42				0.47
Loss on disposal of operations			-				-				-				0.05
Amortization expense, net of tax			0.50				0.47				1.98				1.92
Gains attributable to MSRs, net of tax			(0.05	)			(0.07	)			(0.17	)			(0.21	)
Acquisition-related items			0.08				(0.14	)			(0.75	)			0.83
Restructuring costs, net of tax			0.14				0.24				0.35				0.43
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax			0.37				0.16				0.70				0.44
Adjusted EPS		$	2.26			$	2.00			$	5.75			$	5.35
Diluted weighted average shares for Adjusted EPS (thousands)			51,036				47,582				50,182				47,504
(1) Amount shown for the year ended December 31, 2023, reflects the "if-converted" method's dilutive impact on the adjusted EPS calculation.

3. Reconciliation of net cash flow from operations to free cash flow 

Free cash flow is defined as net cash flow from operating activities plus contingent acquisition consideration paid, less purchases of fixed assets, plus cash collections on AR Facility deferred purchase price less distributions to non-controlling interests. We use free cash flow as a measure to evaluate and monitor operating performance as well as our ability to service debt, fund acquisitions and pay dividends to shareholders. We present free cash flow as a supplemental measure because we believe this measure is a financial metric used by many investors to compare valuation and liquidity measures across 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. Our method of calculating free cash flow may differ from other issuers and accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. A reconciliation of net cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow appears below.

		Three months ended								Twelve months ended
		December 31								December 31
(in thousands of US$)		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	215,307			$	157,103			$	326,009			$	165,661
Contingent acquisition consideration paid			250				469				3,357				39,115
Purchase of fixed assets			(19,574	)			(24,113	)			(65,085	)			(84,524	)
Cash collections on AR Facility deferred purchase price			35,776				33,106				137,581				124,313
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests			(5,316	)			(9,578	)			(71,618	)			(77,400	)
Free cash flow		$	226,443			$	156,987			$	330,244			$	167,165

4. Reconciliation of Engineering revenue to net service revenue 

Net service revenue is defined as revenue excluding pass-through subconsultant and other direct expenses to better reflect the operating performance of our Engineering segment.

		Three months ended								Twelve months ended
		December 31								December 31
(in thousands of US$)		2024				2023				2024				2023
Engineering revenues		$	421,361			$	262,482			$	1,237,384			$	990,477
Subconsultant and other direct expenses			(121,187	)			(75,582	)			(306,142	)			(274,030	)
Engineering net service revenues		$	300,174			$	186,900			$	931,242			$	716,447

5. Local currency revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth rate and internal revenue growth rate measures 

Percentage revenue and Adjusted EBITDA variances presented on a local currency basis are calculated by translating the current period results of our non-US dollar denominated operations to US dollars using the foreign currency exchange rates from the periods against which the current period results are being compared. Percentage revenue variances presented on an internal growth basis are calculated assuming no impact from acquired entities in the current and prior periods. Revenue from acquired entities, including any foreign exchange impacts, are treated as acquisition growth until the respective anniversaries of the acquisitions. We believe that these revenue growth rate methodologies provide a framework for assessing the Company's performance and operations excluding the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and acquisitions. Since these revenue growth rate measures are not calculated under GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers.

6. Assets under management 

We use the term assets under management ("AUM") as a measure of the scale of our Investment Management operations. AUM is defined as the gross market value of operating assets and the projected gross cost of development assets of the funds, partnerships and accounts to which we provide management and advisory services, including capital that such funds, partnerships and accounts have the right to call from investors pursuant to capital commitments. Our definition of AUM may differ from those used by other issuers and as such may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other issuers.

7. Adjusted EBITDA from recurring revenue percentage 

Adjusted EBITDA from recurring revenue percentage is computed on a trailing twelve-month basis and represents the proportion of Adjusted EBITDA (note 1) that is derived from Engineering, Outsourcing and Investment Management service lines. All these service lines represent medium to long-term duration revenue streams that are either contractual or repeatable in nature. Adjusted EBITDA for this purpose is calculated in the same manner as for our debt agreement covenant calculation purposes, incorporating the expected full year impact of business acquisitions and dispositions.

COMPANY CONTACTS:

Jay S. Hennick

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer 

Christian Mayer

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 960-9500