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Bank Polska Kasa Opieki

peo · TSX Financial Services
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Ticker peo
Exchange TSX
Sector Financial Services
Industry Asset Management
Employees 501-1000
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FY2011 Annual Report · Bank Polska Kasa Opieki
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T O   T H E   S H A R E H O L D E R S 
O F   P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

I would describe this past fi scal year as a year of cultural breakthrough. Yes, you 
might think it a strange term for a CEO to set as the opening theme to sum up 
fi scal 2011. Perhaps that is true, yet I couldn’t think of a more appropriate way 
to describe the pride we have from having moved our organization to a place 
where Clients Come First – Always. What this means is that, while we have always 
focussed on and tried to exceed client expectations, we decisively took our 
service model to the next level, and in so doing, realized how important it is to 
build our brand from the inside out.

Thanks to our people, we accomplished great things this past year – successes 
which are borne from the contributions of our leadership team right through 
to our newest, youngest and brightest; many of whom have recently joined our 
organization. After all, we are in the people business. That is precisely why we 
decided to rebrand our organization People Corporation, a name which has a lot 
of meaning to us and we anticipate will have a lot of meaning to our clients and 
their people too.

Our vision is to build the leading provider of innovative group benefi ts, group 
retirement and human resource consulting services in Canada. We are a company 
comprised of the best consultants in the industry through which we deliver and 
will continue to deliver customized solutions to our clients. In recognizing the 
value we provide, our clients are helping us deliver exceptional growth rates in an 
economy which continues to struggle to regain its momentum. 

HERE ARE THE FACTS:

•  Revenue grew by 17%.
•  EBITDA grew by 44%.
•  EBITDA per share grew by 42% to $0.084 per share.
•  Premiums exceeded $400M.
•  Our footprint across Canada is growing with 14 offi ces across 

7 provinces with over 200 people serving clients across the nation.

AND HERE’S WHY:

We continue to invest in our people and the tools they need to provide responsive 
solutions which address their client’s business challenges. Renaming our company 
to People Corporation, and the addition of our tag line – Experience the Benefi ts 
of People – set the culture in which these foundational principals can thrive. We 
mean that. We want our clients to experience the benefi ts People Corporation 
professionals can bring to the table. We want our clients to experience the 
benefi ts their people can deliver to them. We want our relationship with our 
clients to be an experience, not a transaction.

While our work will never be over, we are well on our way and we have achieved 
much this past year. In addition to a focus on fi nancial results, which remain a critical 
part of our performance measures, we continue to invest signifi cantly in our future.

CEO AND CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

1

I’ll try to capture the highlights from 2011, but will no doubt leave out some of the 
great things our people do day-to-day in the fi eld:

1. We have attracted from amongst the best talent in the industry. They are all 

accomplished leaders in their fi eld from some of the top consulting houses, insurance 
companies, benefi ts brokers and human resource consulting fi rms in our country. 
These folks have chosen to join our company and to participate in our vision. 

2. We established our Shared Services group with top leadership talent in the area 
of product innovation, benefi t consulting capabilities, group retirement solutions, 
and inside sales. We have also expanded our human resource consulting business 
in the areas of compensation consulting and leadership development programs.

3. Our balance sheet has never been stronger. We have purposefully and consistently 
paid down our acquisition debt which is now at its lowest level ever. Our intent has 
been to repay long term debt through operational cash-fl ow and increased EBITDA – 
which we have done – and to position our organization to secure a larger and more 
appropriate acquisition fi nancing facility to fi nance the next level of growth in our 
organization. As a result, in 2011, we obtained $14.5 million in debt facilities from a 
Schedule 1 Canadian bank. Our ability to respond to acquisition opportunities, as 
well as strategic growth opportunities, is more securely in hand.

4. We have invested signifi cantly in our Third Party Administration and Service 

Delivery Platform. This includes an ability to deliver a customized benefi t and 
wellness program to clients using multiple suppliers and wrapping it into one 
comprehensive offering and our Concierge Service Delivery Program ensures 
we deliver what we promise – an industry fi rst in Canada.

5. In connection with the addition of a number of new consultants - both early career 
and established, we have developed and rolled out The Mentorship Program. This 
program includes comprehensive training for our consultants including technical 
skills, service methodologies and helps them to keep abreast of industry trends. We 
felt this program was important to ensure consistent high level client advice and 
service - critical to the development and delivery of our brand promise.

6. We launched our employee share ownership program (ESOP) this year and 
achieved over a 50% participation rate – very successful for a fi rst launch by 
most standards, demonstrating a high level of employee engagement in our 
fi rm. I believe this ESOP will deliver a number of benefi ts including allowing our 
people to participate in the success of the company; the ability to attract the 
best talent in Canada; higher employee retention, which is good for clients who 
prefer consistency in the client service team; and greater stock liquidity which is 
always good for our shareholders.

7. We complimented our Board of Directors with the addition of Sue Dabarno, 

previously the President of Merrill Lynch Canada, and President of Richardson 
Partners Financial, amongst other signifi cant leadership responsibilities. Sue 
brings many years of experience to our Board, all directly relevant to our 
service focussed business and strategy to consolidate the group benefi ts, group 
retirement and human resource industry in Canada. 

2

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

Overall, I am very proud of our performance – both fi nancial and non-fi nancial. 
We delivered another year of signifi cant growth in terms of revenue, EBITDA and 
cash-fl ow. Our balance sheet is strong. We continue to attract top-tier professionals. 
In addition, we are proud to work with a large number of premier clients across multiple 
industries who are themselves choosing to work with us and who are benefi tting 
from our continued investment in innovative products and technology platforms. 

Others are recognizing our results too – for the second year in a row, 
People Corporation was recognized as one of the Top 50 Fastest Growing 
Companies in Canada by Profi t Magazine. 

The People Corporation value proposition to consultants – both current 
and prospective, is deep. The platform allows them to continue to enjoy 
entrepreneurial freedom – we call it: “Be in business for yourself but not by 
yourself”. Moreover, our proprietary products, service and technology platform 
enables consultants to signifi cantly grow their business while ensuring they meet 
and exceed their clients’ expectations. All combined, this provides an opportunity 
for wealth creation unsurpassed in our industry.

For clients, who always come fi rst, they can expect to be served by top 
professionals across the country and our current scale has enabled us to go far 
beyond the general practitioner model. We have subject matter experts across 
industries, sectors, ASO and fully insured programs, and human resources – such 
as compensation consulting and wellness programs – and much more. Given our 
current footprint, we have the ability to provide local service on a national scale and 
our fi nancial strength has facilitated investing in proprietary products and services.

Lastly, let me remind you why this is a great industry to be in, and why we are in it. 
Canadians believe they have a ‘right’ to employee benefi ts – it’s part of our social 
infrastructure. That reality, combined with the increasing cost of employee benefi ts 
driven in large part due to the increased cost of healthcare and utilization rates, 
and an aging demographic, result in employers being faced with challenges around 
recruitment, retention and cost containment. Although a distinct challenge for many 
employers, providing powerful employee benefi ts and human resource solutions 
remains good business. Their challenge is our opportunity. Our opportunity is to 
deliver solutions, including advice, products and services that help employers deliver 
best in class employee benefi ts and human resource solutions so they will prosper.

So, why did I start off by saying this year can be described as a year of cultural 
breakthrough? Simply put, this is a year we focussed entirely on building our brand – 
starting from the inside out. And by doing so, we focussed on what we needed to 
support our consultants and service teams to ensure our Clients come First.

I invite you to come and see what we’ve got going on here at People Corporation. 
Please do come, and Experience the Benefi ts of People.

Laurie Goldberg,
Chairman and CEO

CEO AND CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

3

4

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

M A N A G E M E N T ’ S   D I S C U S S I O N 
&   A N A LY S I S   F O R   T H E 
F O U R T H   Q U A R T E R   &   Y E A R   E N D E D 
A U G U S T   3 1 ,   2 0 1 1

TA B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................6

BUSINESS OVERVIEW..................................................................................................... 7

FORMATION AND OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE ..........................................................8

SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................................9

OUTLOOK .......................................................................................................................... 11

ACQUISITIONS .................................................................................................................. 11

ANALYSIS OF THE FOURTH QUARTER AND 2011 ANNUAL RESULTS  .......... 11

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES......................................................................... 16

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION .......................................... 18

SELECTED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION ................................................. 19

SEASONALITY ................................................................................................................ 20

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES .................................................................. 20

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS ........................................................................... 24

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES ........................................ 25

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (“IFRS”)..................27

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES ..................................................................................... 30

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 34

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ........................................................................ 34

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

5

The following management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) is current to November 22, 2011 and should 
be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated fi nancial statements for the year ended August 31, 2011, 
and related notes therein, which are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting 
principles (“GAAP”). Annual references are to the Company’s fi scal year, which end on August 31. All 
amounts are expressed in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise noted. Amounts set forth in this MD&A are 
stated in thousands of dollars except for per share, issued and outstanding share data, and unless otherwise 
noted. Certain totals, subtotals and percentages may not reconcile due to rounding.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

People Corporation, formerly Groupworks 
Financial Corp., (the “Company”) is a leading 
employee benefi t, pension and human resource 
consulting fi rm in Canada. With a growing 
national footprint of fourteen offi ces in seven 
provinces, the Company is bringing together 
leading consultants in the industry, offering 
innovative and customized benefi t, pension and 
human resource solutions to its clients. 

Although the human resource industry is highly 
competitive and fragmented, it is poised for 
signifi cant growth in the next ten years. As the 
baby boomers age, companies in Canada will be 
increasingly faced with a shortage of qualifi ed 
talent. Virtually every company in Canada 
purchases human resource products or services, 
be it employee benefi ts, life and health insurance 
products, recruitment services, payroll processing, 
consulting services, training and development, 
group pension services or other outsourcing 
functions and services. To take advantage of this 
unique opportunity within this vast marketplace 
the Company focuses on group and employee 
benefi t advisory and administrative services, 
group pension consulting, human resource 
consulting and recruitment services. 

Small and medium enterprise group insurance 
and pension consulting is serviced by a large 
number of small regional and local participants. 
The balance of the industry, which is focused 
on large employers and government accounts, 
is serviced by a small number of multinational 
consulting fi rms. The scope of their services 
generally includes pension and benefi ts 
consulting, pension and benefi ts administration, 
communication consulting, actuarial services and 
wellness consulting. The industry has been under 
signifi cant competitive pressure over the past 
several years due to the signifi cant cost increases 
in group insurance premiums resulting from 
increasing healthcare costs, aging demographics 

and related consumer utilization. With an aging 
population that is both living and working longer 
and taking advantage of more medical services 
and improvements in drugs; cost and utilization 
are naturally increasing. This, combined with 
the continued cost shifting from the public to 
the private sector through reduced coverage 
under provincial healthcare programs and other 
public plans, and the long term outlook for group 
insurance costs, suggests that such premiums will 
continue to rise. In addition, the group insurance 
and pension consulting industry has undergone a 
substantial corporate restructuring in recent years, 
including a signifi cant consolidation of insurers 
which has in turn resulted in less competition and 
potentially increased premiums charged to clients. 
Employers who provide group insurance coverage 
are therefore demanding greater services from 
their insurance consultants, including enhanced 
resources, outsourcing solutions and more creative 
ways to reduce costs. The multinational consulting 
fi rms primarily offer fee based consulting and 
administrative services, with the balance of the 
marketplace operating primarily on commission 
based compensation, with limited fee based 
services available depending upon the client and 
the services required.

Human resource consulting and staffi ng services 
are dominated by many small players and a few 
large multinational fi rms. The aging workforce 
and limited infl ow of skilled labour has long been 
recognized as creating a shortage of skilled 
labour and talent, therefore, increasing the need 
for client companies to use recruitment fi rms and 
human resource consulting fi rms to help them 
to recruit, retain and reward employees. This is 
particularly evident in many small to medium sized 
enterprises which lack the expertise and internal 
resources to effectively recruit and retain talent, 
which creates the need to outsource this function. 
Human resource consulting and recruitment fi rms 
primarily offer fee based services.

6

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

Management believes that the continued evolution and growth of the benefi ts, pension, insurance and 
human resource industries combined with external factors such as aging demographics, regulatory 
and legal changes, and technology will continue to cultivate the need by clients for external expertise 
in consulting and administrative matters in order to recruit, retain and reward employees. In addition, 
Management believes that consultant demographics and lack of succession planning options is 
positioning the industry for consolidation. The Company’s unique approach to provide these services 
within a one stop shop approach positions the Company well within the overall human resources and 
insurance distribution industry.

Revenue from group retirement consulting is 
principally earned through commissions and fees 
earned from pension assets under administration 
and is paid by the carrier which administers and 
invests the funds. 

The human resource consulting and recruitment 
services offered by the Company derive revenue 
primarily by charging clients fees for consulting 
engagements. Fees for human resource 
consulting services are generally based on hourly 
rates and depend on the nature of the project 
and skill set and experience of the consultant 
engaged on the project. Fees for recruitment 
services are generally charged as a percentage of 
projected compensation of the candidate being 
placed. Fees for career management services are 
based on the level of the program selected by the 
client. Fees are negotiated with the client prior to 
the services or engagement starting.

The largest operating expense of the Company is 
compensation and related costs which includes 
salaries, commissions, bonuses, stock options, 
group benefi ts, and payroll taxes. Other operating 
expenses include occupancy costs, technology 
costs (equipment leases, telecommunications 
and software), non recoverable client service 
costs (such as printing, travel and third party 
professional services), claims adjudication fees, 
training, marketing, offi ce costs, professional 
services (legal and audit) and insurance.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

The Company delivers employee group benefi t 
consulting, third party benefi ts administration, 
group retirement consulting, strategic human 
resource consulting and recruitment services 
to help companies recruit, retain and reward 
employees. The Company achieves this through 
its approximately 200 professionals and support 
staff with fourteen offi ces in seven provinces in 
Canada and earns its revenues from a diverse 
base of clients in various industries. The shares of 
the Company trade on the TSX Venture Exchange 
under the symbol “PEO”, formerly “GWC”.

On October 1, 2011, the Company was rebranded 
as People Corporation. As the Company 
continues to grow and expand its consultant 
team, service offerings and national footprint, 
Management felt that a rebranding was an 
essential part of the growth strategy in order to 
more accurately refl ect what the Company does. 
The Company’s business is to help its clients 
attract and engage their people, thereby enabling 
their people and the Company’s clients to 
prosper. The Company’s new tag line ‘Experience 
the Benefi ts of People’ is intended to refl ect a 
commitment to bring the right people to deliver 
solutions that help clients to attract and get the 
best from their people. 

Revenue from group benefi t consulting is primarily 
earned by receiving commissions through and 
from multiple insurance carriers. Revenues from 
third party administration services are earned 
by charging clients a percentage of claims 
adjudicated and by earning higher commissions 
from insurance carriers as the insurance carrier 
is effectively outsourcing this service to the 
Company. The Company is a reseller of benefi t 
products and services and therefore assumes 
no underwriting risk as the insurance policy is 
underwritten by the insurance carrier.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

7

FORMATION AND OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE

On July 5, 2007, the Company completed the 
acquisition of Gallivan & Associates Student 
Networks Inc. (“Gallivan”) and 1246689 Ontario 
Limited (“124”) which operate a student benefi ts 
advisory business across Canada. Gallivan operated 
as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company 
during fi scal 2008. On September 1, 2008, the 
Company amalgamated with Gallivan and 124 and 
continued to operate as Groupworks Financial Corp.

On December 31, 2008, the Company signed 
a Share Exchange Agreement acquiring all 
the outstanding shares of People Corporation 
(“People”) and consequently its two operating 
entities, Health Source Plus Inc./Source Santé Plus 
Inc. (“HSP”) of Toronto, Ontario and People First 
HR Services Ltd. (“People First”) of Winnipeg, 
Manitoba. The transaction closed on March 1, 2009, 
after receiving regulatory approval. Effective 
October 1, 2011, the Company amalgamated with 
People and Advansis Capital Corporation, a wholly 
owned subsidiary of People, and continued to 
operate under the name People Corporation.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company acquired 
all of the outstanding shares of White Willow 
Benefi t Consultants Incorporated (“White 
Willow”) of Stouffville, Ontario. Effective 
September 1, 2011, the Company amalgamated 
with White Willow and continued under the name 
Groupworks Financial Corp.

Effective May 1, 2011, the Company acquired all of 
the outstanding shares of Les Assurances W.B. Inc. 
(“LAWB”) of Quebec City, Quebec. The Company 
operates LAWB as a wholly owned subsidiary.

The Company was formed in July 2006 in order 
to consolidate various pension and benefi ts 
advisory and administrative services businesses 
under a single corporate structure. The Company 
issued 4,358,334 common shares and raised 
$795.0 through various private placements 
and also arranged for $1,000.0 of short term 
debt which was drawn down for acquisitions as 
needed. On September 1, 2006, the Company 
acquired the Investment Guild Insurance Agency 
Inc. (“Investment Guild”) and Buffett, Taylor & 
Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. (“Buffett 
Taylor”) both of which operate established 
pension and benefi ts consulting and outsourcing 
service businesses in Canada. On May 1, 2007, 
the Company amalgamated with the Investment 
Guild and Buffett Taylor and continued to operate 
as Groupworks Financial Corp.

On May 28, 2007, the Company closed its 
initial public offering (the “Offering”) for 
approximately $3,780.0 before agent fees, by 
issuing 6.3 million units. On June 7, 2007, the 
Offering was completed when Jones Gable & 
Company Limited (the “Agent”) exercised its over 
allotment option for an additional 600,000 units 
for gross proceeds of approximately $360.0 to 
the Company. Agent, legal and accounting fees 
related to the offering totaled approximately 
$687.2 for net overall proceeds of approximately 
$3,452.8. Each unit consisted of one common 
share and one half of one share purchase warrant 
of the Company (each whole such purchase 
warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitled the 
holder thereof to acquire, subject to adjustments 
pursuant to the warrant indenture under which 
the Warrants had been issued, one common share 
at a price of $1.00 until May 27, 2009, provided 
the closing price of common shares on the 
principal stock exchange on which such shares 
traded exceeded $1.20 for 20 consecutive trading 
days, then the Warrant term would automatically 
be reduced and the Warrants would expire on the 
date 30 days following the issuance of a press 
release announcing the reduced Warrant term. 
On May 27, 2009, 3,891,000 warrants expired 
unexercised. On June 6, 2009, the remaining 
42,000 warrants associated with the exercising of 
the over allotment from the initial public offering 
expired unexercised.

8

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

SUMMARY

As the Company continues to execute its 
strategic plan, it has been successful in adding 
signifi cant operating capabilities including an 
enhanced corporate management team, a third 
party administration platform and has broadened 
its product offerings to include Group Retirement 
Solutions (“GRS”), optional benefi t products 
that enhance existing group benefi t programs 
and human resource services such as recruiting, 
career transition and strategic human resource 
consulting. As a result, the Company increased 
the scale of the business, the size of its employee 
population and geographic footprint.

During the most recent fi scal year, the Company 
focused its effort on identifying synergies and 
economies of scale across divisions and executed 
a number of strategic initiatives including the 
integration and consolidation of fi nance and 
accounting which included the selection and 
implementation of an enterprise accounting 
system and enhanced fi nancial policies, fi nancial 
reporting and controls. The systematic focus of 
consolidating and integrating services across the 
divisions has allowed for the standardization of 
systems and procedures across the Company. 
The Company combined acquisition growth 
with organic growth through new and existing 
clients via increased client service offerings. In 
addition, the Company invested signifi cantly in 
its proprietary inside sales system and processes 
to increase lead generation and future revenue 
generating opportunities with a view to build 
out a unique service and product offering for 
both existing consultants as well as for future 
acquisitions.

2011 MILESTONES:

The Company continued its positive momentum 
and strong performance during the fourth quarter 
ended August 31, 2011. Corporately, our objectives 
continued to focus on: (i) shifting expenses from 
non-revenue generating activities to revenue 
generating activities with a view of boosting 
organic growth; (ii) promoting and recruiting 
leadership to execute our organic growth plans; 
(iii) building three key revenue generating 
functions: Business Development, Integrated 
Solutions and Group Retirement Solutions with 

a view to enhance growth and to enhance 
our value proposition for future recruiting, 
acquisitions and client retention; and (iv) focusing 
on building a funnel of possible acquisitions.

Results from the implementation of the above 
strategic initiatives, momentum from past 
initiatives and the overall improvement in revenue 
growth can be seen in the Company’s continued 
improvement in fi nancial performance. Our results 
are demonstrative of excellent operating leverage 
whereby increased revenue resulted in increased 
profi tability.

FOURTH QUARTER MILESTONES:

•  Hired an additional benefi ts consultant under 

its HealthSource Plus brand in Toronto.

•  Continued to enhance sales and client service 
capabilities by expanding the compliment of 
Client Managers in Ontario and Quebec. Client 
Managers are responsible for ensuring top-tier 
client service delivery.

• 

In addition to the above, the Company 
continued to build upon its client service 
model by restructuring the client services 
departments under the leadership of the 
Client Managers previously hired in Ontario 
and Quebec. The new structure will allow the 
Company to provide localized client service 
based on its Concierge Service Standards. 

•  As part of the continued roll out of the 
Company’s shared services division, the 
Company combined business development 
specialists across the Company into one 
location based out of the Company’s Executive 
Offi ces in Winnipeg. This provides the ability 
to scale operations, increase lead generation 
capabilities and provides for greater control 
and leverage across the Company.

•  Combined the Company’s HealthSource 

Plus, Investment Guild and Group Retirement 
Solutions divisions into a single location 
taking advantage of synergies.

•  Centralized the group benefi t accounting 

functions, technology operations and servers 
into one location at the Company’s Executive 
Offi ces in Winnipeg.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

9

ADDITIONAL MILESTONES IN THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR INCLUDE:

• 

Invested in additional leadership by hiring a 
Regional Vice-President who will have overall 
leadership responsibility for the Province of 
Quebec.

•  Acquired LAWB, a Quebec based group 

benefi ts and pension advisory company to 
expand the Company’s presence in Quebec.

•  Entered into an agreement with Canadian 
Imperial Bank of Commerce to establish a 
$2 million operating line of credit, a $2.5 million 
installment loan to be utilized to refi nance 
existing vendor-take-back debt with more 
favourable repayment terms and interest rates, 
and a $10 million term revolving credit facility to 
fi nance future growth through acquisition.

•  Opened a new facility in Cambridge, Ontario 

from which the Integrated Solutions team will 
operate.

•  Expanded relationships with several third 
party associate brokerage fi rms which will 
serve as an additional revenue channel for the 
Company, further expanding organic revenue 
generating opportunities. 

•  Continued to roll out Shared Services functions 
with a view to providing added value to our 
various divisions, service groups and operating 
brands.

•  As part of the new Shared Services structure, 

the Company continued to establish the 
Integrated Solutions Group. The Integrated 
Solutions Group provides services to help the 

Company’s benefi ts consultants grow and 
enhance their client service offering by going 
to market on an integrated basis and offering 
existing clients the Company’s full suite of 
products. In addition, the group will have 
responsibility for product development and 
launching a suite of optional and individual 
insurance products. The Company has full staff 
complement within this division which includes 
a client manager, an account executive and a 
consulting & marketing specialist which will 
support the unit’s mandate.

•  Following the hiring of Ms. Andrea Kreutzer 
to the position of Vice President, Group 
Retirement Solutions the company has 
hired a seasoned account executive under 
Ms. Kreutzer to provide further support and 
concierge level client services to our group 
retirement clients.

•  On September 15, 2010, the Company paid the 
fi nal balance of the vendor-take-back debt 
associated with the acquisition of Gallivan.

•  The Company completed the fi nal part of the 
human resource restructuring resulting from 
the integration of People and the Company by 
eliminating non-revenue generating positions 
and adding additional revenue generating 
positions at no incremental overhead cost to 
the Company.

LOOKING FORWARD, THE COMPANY IS FOCUSED ON INCREASING ITS RECRUITING 
EFFORTS IN ORDER TO INCREASE ITS FORCE OF REVENUE GENERATING CONSULTANTS. 
IN ADDITION, THE COMPANY IS DEVOTING MORE RESOURCES TOWARD ACQUISITION 
ACTIVITIES AND TOWARDS ORGANIC GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES.

10

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

OUTLOOK

ACQUISITIONS

Management believes that the employee benefi ts 
industry and the business of the Company are 
poised for growth. The industry is poised for 
growth as a result of rising health care costs and 
the long term trend of tightening labour markets. 
The industry is also ripe for consolidation as a 
result of the aging demographics of regional 
consulting practices and the signifi cant demand 
from mid-market employers to manage the costs 
and requirements of providing employee benefi ts 
to staff and while ancillary human resource 
services like recruiting, career transition and 
human resource consulting services have suffered 
decreased demand through the recent economic 
downturn, these service areas are expected to grow 
signifi cantly due to long term employment trends.

In order to take advantage of these industry 
trends and the opportunity for growth, the 
Company has developed and implemented a 
strategic plan that focuses on growth through 
acquisition combined with specifi c business 
plans for each of its operating brands to enhance 
organic growth opportunities. The Company’s 
design and recent roll out of its Shared Services 
structure is expected to provide both signifi cant 
revenue growth opportunities to the existing 
operating brands as well as a value added 
recruiting tool for new consultants and acquisition 
targets. The last quarter saw certain fi xed costs 
that were focused on non-revenue generating 
activities restructured so as to be more focused 
on revenue generating activities including 
investments in the areas of group retirement 
solutions, business development and integrated 
solutions. Management expects that their plan, 
the restructuring of costs and focus on organic 
growth and its Shared Services strategy will result 
in accelerated organic growth during fi scal 2012 
and be demonstrative of enhanced operating 
leverage going forward.

The Company’s business plan, in addition to 
organically growing the Company through client 
growth and product expansion, is to acquire 
additional businesses which are complementary to 
the existing businesses. Management has identifi ed 
and is pursuing a number of group benefi t and 
pension advisory businesses across Canada. To date 
the Company has completed six acquisitions which 
includes seven operating entities.

During the year ended August 31, 2011, the 
Company acquired all the outstanding shares 
of LAWB, a Quebec based group benefi ts 
and pension advisory company to expand the 
Company’s presence in Quebec. The acquisition 
will allow the Company to implement its service 
focused operational methodology to its latest 
acquisition that will allow for rapid synergies 
while broadening its footprint in eastern Canada.

ANALYSIS OF THE FOURTH 
QUARTER & 2011 ANNUAL RESULTS 

REVENUE

During fi scal 2011, the Company increased its 
revenues by $3,587.7 over the prior year. Revenue 
for the year ended August 31, 2011 was $24,275.0, 
an increase of 17.3% from the prior year. Growth 
in revenue was due to a combination of organic 
revenue growth resulting from the addition 
of new clients from leads generated through 
the Company’s proprietary inside sales system 
combined with enhanced client service offerings 
as well as acquisition of new clients from leads 
generated from the Shared Services division.

Revenue for the fourth quarter ended August 31, 
2011 experienced strong growth of $945.1 
from $5,889.8 in the prior year, to $6,834.9 – 
an increase of 16.0%. The increase is comprised of 
$717.9 attributable to growth in commission based 
revenue and a $227.2 increase in fee based revenue. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

11

SALARIES AND BENEFITS EXPENSE

The increase in salaries and benefi ts expense results from the Company’s 
continued integration efforts which replaced redundant and non-revenue 
generating roles with roles that focused on revenue generation and client 
retention. Salaries and benefi ts expense is composed of expenditures identifi ed 
in the following tables:

FOR THE THREE 
MONTHS ENDED
Salary, commissions 
and benefi ts
Bonuses

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

$ 2,881.6

274.7

$ 3,156.3

$ 2,811.8

136.1

$ 2,947.9

$  69.8

138.6

$  208.4

2.5%

101.8%

7.1%

The increase in salaries is the result of hiring a RVP for Quebec, hiring 
additional benefi ts consultants, hiring client managers in both Ontario and 
Quebec, expanding the client service teams and the expansion of the business 
development team offset by reductions in non-revenue generating roles. 
Performance based bonuses increased by $138.6 for the quarter and is the result 
of employees being awarded for meeting or surpassing established revenue 
targets coupled with bonuses for retaining existing clients. 

FOR THE 
YEAR ENDED
Salary, commissions 
and benefi ts
Bonuses

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

$  10,983.4

$  10,576.2

$ 

407.2

1,291.6

995.2

296.4

$  12,275.0

$  11,571.4

$ 

703.2

3.8%

29.8%

6.1%

During the year ended August 31, 2011 the Company hired additional revenue 
generating and client service staff; the Vice-President of Integrated Solutions, 
the Vice-President of Group Retirement Solutions, the Manager of Business 
Development and several client managers to lead the Company’s new service 
standards, as well as several other frontline revenue generating roles within the 
Shared Services Group. The cost of these additional hires were partially offset 
by the elimination of several non-revenue generating roles as well as through 
compensation practices that sees lower base salaries for staff additions and more 
variable compensation tied to revenue generation and client retention. 

The Company has a variable bonus program tied to revenue generation and client 
retention. The $296.4 increase in bonuses is a result of revenue-based goals and 
client retention goals being achieved. 

12

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

The Company’s efforts on identifying and implementing cost reduction 
opportunities where possible continue to generate cost saving. While cost 
reduction efforts are ongoing, increases amongst the various subcategories of 
general and administrative expenses are a direct result of growth in operations 
that is driving the revenue growth. General and administrative expenses are 
composed of expenditures identifi ed in the following tables:

FOR THE THREE 
MONTHS ENDED

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

Claims adjudication

$ 

355.1

$ 

314.6

$ 

40.5

Offi ce space

Offi ce Supplies and 
Communication

Professional Fees

Public Company Costs

Other

308.2

329.9

317.9

80.9

61.0

273.2

264.2

34.2

132.3

60.9

35.0

65.7

283.7

(51.4)

0.1

$ 

1,453.0

$ 

1,079.4

$ 

373.6

12.9%

12.8%

24.9%

829.5%

(38.9)%

0.2%

34.6%

This increase of $373.6 in general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter 
of fi scal 2011 is comprised largely of increases in professional fees, which include 
legal, accounting, and consulting services, resulting from the efforts to execute 
the Company’s strategic plan. Specifi cally, professional and consulting costs were 
incurred to launch the Employee Share Ownership Plan, centralize the accounting 
and fi nancial reporting function, conversion to International Financial Reporting 
Standards, and execution of the new credit facility. In addition, the Company incurs 
legal fees for general corporate, compliance and employment matters. 

FOR THE 
YEAR ENDED

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

Claims adjudication

$ 

1,447.5

$ 

1,337.2

$ 

110.3

Offi ce space

Offi ce Supplies and 
Communication

Professional Fees

Public Company Costs

Other

1,142.7

1,158.1

877.0

264.7

303.7

1,060.8

1,023.2

268.6

282.5

293.8

81.9

134.9

608.4

(17.8)

9.9

$ 

5,193.7

$  4,266.1

$ 

927.6

8.2%

7.7%

13.2%

226.5%

(6.3)%

3.4%

21.7%

Increases in claims adjudication fees are related to continued growth in revenue 
while other general and administrative expenses are directly attributable to the 
growth in staff and operating costs associated with the Shared Services Group. 
Increases in offi ce supplies and communication relate to the development of new 
and updated websites for the Company and certain of its divisions, the rebranding 
of the Company, and the increase in the number of employees. In addition to 
the points discussed above, the increase in professional fees was also due to the 
building and roll out the Group Retirement Solutions and Shared Services divisions. 
The Company expects general and administrative expenses will be reduced in the 
coming fi scal year as a result of decreased spending in professional fees.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

13

COMMISSION EXPENSES

Commission expenses are as follows:

For the three 
months ended

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

$ 

1,194.4  

$ 

812.0  

$ 

382.4

47.1%

For the year ended

2,767.9

1,851.9

916.0

49.5%

The increase in the fourth quarter and annual expense is largely refl ective of 
increased commissions tied to revenue generation. In particular, the Company has 
expanded its network of associate consultants through which it sells its products 
and services which has resulted in signifi cant growth. Consultants are paid 
commissions which have increased as a result of growth in revenue.

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION EXPENSES

Advertising and promotion expenses are composed of expenditures 
identifi ed in the following tables:

FOR THE THREE 
MONTHS ENDED

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

Business Development

$ 

116.5

$ 

120.4

$ 

(3.9)

Travel

Advertising

173.9

19.9

141.0

5.6

32.9

14.3

$  310.3

$  267.0

$  43.3

(3.2)%

23.3%

255.4%

16.2%

The fourth quarter increase in travel is associated with the continued roll out 
of the shared services divisions, the expansion of the Company’s sales force, 
restructuring efforts and acquisition related travel.

FOR THE 
YEAR ENDED

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

Business Development

$  449.3

$  336.3

$ 

113.0

Travel

Advertising

736.9

69.3

650.5

74.8

86.4

(5.5)

$  1,255.5

$  1,061.6

$ 

193.9

33.6%

13.3%

(7.4)%

18.3%

The increase for the year ended August 31, 2011 is comprised of additional costs 
related to the Company efforts to generate revenue growth, and ongoing travel 
relating to the roll out of the shared services divisions, the expansion of the 
Company’s sales force, restructuring efforts and acquisition related travel.

14

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

 
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock-based compensation expense is as follows:

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

For the three 
months ended

  $ 

(53.3)

  $ 

-

  $ 

(53.3)

n/a

For the year ended

46.9

68.7

(21.8)

(31.7)%

Stock-based compensation expenses relates to the vesting of various options 
issued under the Company’s Stock Option Plan. The recovery of stock-based 
compensation recorded in the fourth quarter related to the recapture of 
previously recorded expense resulting from the termination of certain non-vested 
options.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense is as follows:

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

For the three 
months ended

$  204.5

$ 

121.0

$ 

83.5

For the year ended

529.9

534.4

(4.5)

69.0%

(0.8)%

The decrease for the year ended August 31, 2011 is due to the repayment of 
long-term debt and the associated reduced debt levels in general. The increase for 
the three months ended August 31, 2011 is due to an amount paid for the settlement 
of certain vendor-take-back loans in excess of their carrying value. These loans 
were non-interest bearing and therefore discounted for accounting purposes.

AMORTIZATION

Amortization expense is as follows:

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

For the three 
months ended

$  315.6

$  294.2

$ 

21.4

For the year ended

1,199.4

1,149.0

50.4

7.3%

4.4%

Amortization of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets 
for the year ended August 31, 2011 were $308.3 and $891.1, which are increases of 
$45.4 and $5.0 over the prior year. The increases are representative of additional 
amortization relating to required purchase of capital assets. Asset purchases are 
predominantly associated with the recent relocation of HealthSource Plus, Investment 
Guild and Group Retirement Solutions divisions, the establishment of a Cambridge 
facility, and upgrade and integration of the Company’s technology infrastructure.

Amortization of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets 
for the three months ended August 31, 2011 were $90.3 and $225.3, which are 
increases of $17.6 and $3.8 over the prior year. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

15

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Current and future income tax expense is as follows:

For the three months ended

$  (144.2)

$  318.5

$  (462.7)

For the year ended

52.2

316.7

(264.5)

(145.3)%

(83.5)%

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

For the year ended August 31, 2011 current income taxes have increased from the $389.0 incurred in 
the prior year to $485.4 in the current year. This is primarily a result of the increase in profi tability of the 
Company offset in part by the utilization of tax loss carry forwards that had occurred in prior periods. For 
the fourth quarter ended August 31, 2011 the company recorded a recovery of future income tax expense 
related to the reversal of a previously recorded valuation allowance.

NET INCOME

Net income is as follows:

For the three months ended

$ 

(20.8)

$  (129.7)

$ 

108.9

For the year ended

517.6

(131.5)

649.1

(84.0)%

(493.6)%

AUG 31, 2011

AUG 31, 2010

$ VARIANCE

% VARIANCE

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Net income details for the four quarters ended August 31, 2011: 
(amounts derived from the unaudited interim fi nancial statements).

Revenue

Operating costs (i)

Operating Income before 
Corporate Costs

Corporate costs (ii)

EBITDA (iii)

LESS:

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

2010

5,234.9

4,896.3

6,179.4

4,999.4

6,025.8

4,901.8

6,834.9

5,889.8

3,908.5

3,860.4

4,410.8

3,936.8

4,702.0

3,708.3

5,264.6

4,308.3

1,326.4

1,035.9

1,768.6

1,062.6

1,323.8

1,193.5

1,570.3

1,581.5

642.9

683.5

687.3

348.6

885.5

883.1

684.6

846.3

378.1

477.5

780.2

413.3

831.5

738.8

784.1

797.4

Stock-based compensation expense

-

-

-

-

Income before undernoted items

683.5

348.6

883.1

378.1

Interest expense (iv)
Depreciation of capital assets
Amortization of intangibles
Restructuring costs
Income taxes

99.1

69.3

221.5

-

63.3

140.3

62.1

230.7

-

105.9

74.2

221.5

-

137.1

63.2

212.4

-

(66.3)

123.7

(96.6)

100.2

377.3

120.4

74.5

222.8

-

9.4

68.7

(53.3)

-

344.6

792.1

797.3

135.9

65.0

221.5

-

204.5

90.3

225.3

436.9

(32.2)

(144.1)

121.0

72.7

221.5

-

511.8

Net income

230.3

(18.2)

357.8

62.0

(49.8)

(45.6)

(20.8)

(129.7)

(i)  Represent operating expenses of acquired businesses which are part of the expenses disclosed in the unaudited interim and audited 

annual fi nancial statements.

(ii)  Represent expenses incurred at the corporate head offi ce and are part of the expense disclosed in the unaudited interim and audited 

annual fi nancial statements.

(iii)  Management defi nes EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and other 
non cash charges. Management believes that in addition to net income (loss), EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure for investors 
of earnings before debt service, capital asset charges and taxes. This earnings measure should not be construed as an alternative 
to net income or as an alternative to cash fl ow from operating, investing and fi nancing activities or the Company’s liquidity. EBITDA 
does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore the Company’s method of calculating EBITDA may not be 
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies or issuers.

(iv) Includes interest on long-term debt, vendor-take-back loans and an amount paid for settlement amount in excess of carrying value.

16

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

OPERATING INCOME BEFORE CORPORATE COSTS

Operating Income before Corporate Costs for the year ended August 31, 2011 
increased from $4,873.5 in the prior period to $5,989.1 in the current period, an 
increase of 22.9%. The increase in Operating Income before Corporate Costs is 
comprised of a combination of the increases in revenues from organic growth and 
additions to the existing client base offset with the smaller proportionate increase in 
related operating costs. The Company allocates various services and supplies, which 
include Error and Omission insurance, Property and Casualty insurance, consolidation 
of professional services including recruiting, legal and accounting services to the 
subsidiaries. These costs were previously absorbed within the Corporate Cost Centre.

Operating Income before Corporate Costs for the three months ended August 
31, 2011 decreased from $1,581.5 in the prior period to $1,570.3 in the current fi scal 
year, a decrease of $11.2. The decrease is largely attributable to projects initiated by 
the Company during the fourth quarter. These projects included: deploying a new 
website for the Company’s student benefi t operations and the reorganization of 
the Company’s client service team. The latter project resulted in signifi cant travel 
related costs, as well as, professional fees related to new employment agreements, 
recruiting fees and related employment costs. The Company rolled out new 
compensation programs at the beginning of the fi scal year. These compensation 
programs have signifi cant variable components that reward consultants and service 
staff at greater levels of net new sales achieved through the fi scal year, as a result, 
compensation is greater in the latter part of the fi scal year than in the beginning of 
the fi scal year depending on sales success and the timing thereof. 

CORPORATE COSTS

Corporate Costs for the year ended August 31, 2011 were $3,206.2 versus 
$2,936.2 incurred in the prior period. Corporate Costs for the fourth quarter 
ended August 31, 2011 were $831.5 versus $784.1 for the same period in the prior 
year. The increase in Corporate Costs is a result of general professional and legal 
fees associated with legal counsel and accounting advice relating to various 
employee matters, the development of an employee share purchase plan, new 
employee contracts, professional fees associated with adopting IFRS, a new 
consultant compensation program coupled with acquisition related legal fees. 
In addition, corporate costs were infl uenced by various projects initiated by 
the Corporate Management Team. These projects included: the rebranding of 
the Company from Groupworks Financial Corp. to People Corporation and the 
integration of the accounting team from Toronto to head offi ce. The latter project 
resulted in signifi cant travel related costs, as well as, professional fees related to 
new employment agreements, recruiting fees and related employment costs. In 
addition, the Company continued to engage the services of legal counsel with 
respect to prior employment matters. 

EBITDA

EBITDA for the year ended August 31, 2011 was $2,783.0, an increase of $845.8 
from the $1,937.2 of EBITDA that was reported for the same period in the prior year. 
EBITDA for the fourth quarter ended August 31, 2011 was $738.8, a decrease of $58.6 
from the $797.4 of EBITDA that was reported for the same period in the prior year.

Continued improvement in EBITDA illustrates the effective measures the Company 
has developed to generate additional revenue while minimizing controllable costs.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

17

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

2011

2010

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Income Statement Information

Revenue

Expenses

6,834.9

6,025.8

6,179.4

5,234.9

5,889.8

4,901.8

4,999.4

4,896.3

Salaries and benefi ts

3,156.4

3,292.0

3,032.3

2,794.3

2,947.9

2,798.1

2,996.5

2,829.0

General and 
administrative

Commissions

Advertising and 
promotion

EBITDA

Stock based 
compensation

Income before 
undernoted items

Other expenses

Interest expense

Depreciation of 
capital assets

Amortization of 
intangible assets

1,435.1

1,243.8

1,392.5

1,122.4

1,065.5

1,050.9

1,034.6

1 ,1 1 5 .1

1,194.4

669.1

554.5

350.0

812.0

350.5

317.0

372.5

310.3

343.5

317.0

284.7

267.0

289.1

273.3

231.2

738.8

477.5

883.1

683.5

797.3

413.3

378.1

348.6

(53.3)

100.2

-

-

-

68.7

-

-

792.1

377.3

883.1

683.5

797.3

344.6

378.1

348.6

(204.5)

(120.4)

(105.9)

(99.1)

(121.0)

(135.9)

(137.1)

(140.3)

(90.3)

(74.5)

(74.2)

(69.3)

(72.7)

(65.0)

(63.2)

(62.1)

(225.3)

(222.8)

(221.5)

(221.5)

(221.5)

(221.5)

(212.4)

(230.7)

Restructuring costs

(436.9)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Income (loss) 
before taxes

Income taxes 
(recovered)

Current

Future

Net income (loss) 
and comprehensive 
income (loss)

(164.9)

(40.4)

481.5

293.6

382.1

(77.8)

(34.6)

(84.5)

72.0

69.9

(216.1)

(60.5)

112.2

11.5

231.3

167.2

136.1

34.9

(168.0)

344.6

(168.3)

(131.5)

50.9

(117.2)

(20.8)

(49.8)

357.8

230.3

(129.7)

(45.6)

62.0

(18.2)

Balance Sheet Information

Total assets

Total debt

Other liabilities 
(excl. future taxes)

24,994.1

23,671.4

24,051.9

23,948.1

25,081.9

25,246.1

25,843.5

27,104.8

2,889.4

2,695.7

2,870.5

2,953.7

3,716.3

4,099.7

4,349.5

4,685.9

7,907.9

6,488.9

6,710.9

6,983.4

7,326.8

6,398.8

6,682.2

7,584.7

Shareholders’ equity

12,930.1

13,004.1

12,953.7

12,595.8

12,365.5

12,521.4

12,511.4

12,412.4

Total liabilities and 
shareholders’ equity

24,994.1

23,671.4

24,051.9

23,948.1

25,081.9

25,246.1

25,843.5

27,104.8

Weighted average shares outstanding

- basic

- fully diluted

Income (loss) per 
share

Fully diluted income 
(loss) per share

32,970,527

32,970,527

32,970,527

35,954,205 32,970,527

32,970,527 32,811,268

32,803,861

32,970,527

36,105,985

35,952,670 35,954,205 32,970,527

32,970,527 35,468,223

32,803,861

$  (0.001)

$  (0.002)

$  0.011

$  0.006

$  (0.003)

$  (0.001)

$  0.002

$  (0.001)

$  (0.001)

$  (0.001)

$  0.010

$  0.006

$  (0.003)

$  (0.001)

$  0.002

$  (0.001)

18

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

SELECTED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Amounts are derived from the audited annual fi nancial statements.

Income Statement Information

Revenue

Expenses

Salaries and benefi ts

General and administrative

Commissions

Advertising and promotion

EBITDA (i)

Stock based compensation

Income before undernoted items

Other Expenses

Interest expense

Depreciation of capital assets

Amortization of intangible assets

Recovery of development costs

Gain on settlement of debt

Write-down of capital asset

Restructuring costs

Income (loss) before taxes

Income taxes (recovered)

Current

Future

Net income (loss) and 
comprehensive income (loss)

Balance Sheet Information

Total assets

Total debt

Other liabilities (excl. future 
taxes)

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ 
equity

Weighted average shares outstanding

- basic

- fully diluted

Income (loss) per share

Fully diluted income (loss) 
per share

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

24,275.0

20,687.3

13,616.8

6,897.9

3,848.2

12,275.0

5,193.7

2,767.9

1,255.5

2,783.0

46.9

2,736.1

(529.9)

(308.3)

(891.1)

-

-

-

(436.9)

569.9

485.4

(433.1)

11,571.4

4,266.1

1,851.9

1,060.6

1,937.2

68.7

1,868.5

(534.4)

(262.9)

(886.1)

-

-

-

-

7,844.2

2,566.7

1,154.8

811.3

1,239.8

36.5

1,203.4

(332.4)

(165.4)

(717.7)

15.3

289.0

-

-

185.1

292.2

389.0

(72.4)

505.3

(557.5)

3,170.9

1,210.8

830.5

460.3

1,225.4

142.7

1,082.7

(168.7)

(98.8)

(552.4)

-

-

(26.3)

-

236.5

318.2

(230.6)

1,786.7

686.3

650.1

224.5

500.6

124.1

376.5

(295.7)

(47.8)

(296.7)

-

-

(48.7)

-

(312.3)

113.4

(11.5)

517.6

(131.5)

344.5

149.0

(414.2)

24,994.1

25,081.9

26,079.4

2,889.4

3,716.3

4,815.5

7,907.9

12,930.1

7,326.8

12,365.5

7,139.9

12,378.4

13,806.5

2,384.9

1,948.3

7,761.6

15,327.2

3,573.9

2,343.0

7,468.2

24,994.1

25,081.9

26,079.4

13,806.5

15,327.2

32,970,527

32,889,705

24,434,844

15,806,049

7,955,969

32,975,620

32,889,705

29,209,328

21,173,956

7,955,969

$0.016

$0.016

$(0.004)

$(0.004)

$0.014

$0.012

$0.009

$0.007

$(0.052)

$(0.052)

(i)  Management defi nes EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and other 

non cash charges. Management believes that in addition to net income (loss), EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure for investors of 
earnings before debt service, capital asset charges and taxes. This earnings measure should not be construed as an alternative to net 
income or as an alternative to cash fl ow from operating, investing and fi nancing activities or the Company’s liquidity. EBITDA does not 
have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore the Company’s method of calculating EBITDA may not be comparable 
to similar measures presented by other companies or issuers.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

19

SEASONALITY

During the year ended August 31 2011, the Company began to experience the impacts of the newly 
developed Shared Services Group. The Company expects higher revenues in the fourth quarter due to 
the renewal of a large association client, as well as, the seasonal impacts associated with student benefi t 
advisory services. During the past fi scal year the Company had greater cash fl ows during the third and 
fourth quarter. The fourth quarter is primarily strong due to cash receipts associated with its student benefi t 
advisory business which renews in August. It is Management’s belief that as growth from strategic activities 
continues to develop and mature the seasonal impacts in revenue and cash fl ow will be minimized.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fi nancial instruments of the Company consist of basic fi nancial instruments which are typically used 
in the Company’s operation, including cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and 
other liabilities, obligations under capital lease and long-term debt.

For the current assets and liabilities, the main risk is the credit risk associated with accounts receivable. 
The credit risk is reduced due to a diversifi ed customer base. The risks associated with long-term debt 
include the risk of interest rate increases and the risk of potential defaults in debt payments due to 
insuffi cient cash fl ows.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CASH FLOWS

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash fl ows for the fourth quarter and year ended August 
31, 2011: (amounts derived from the unaudited interim fi nancial statements).

2011

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

TOTAL

Operating activities

$ 

75.2

$ 

175.5

$ 

289.7

$ 

576.7

$ 

1,117.1

Investing activities

Financing activities

Increase (decrease) 
in cash

(24.8)

(800.3)

(90.4)

(74.2)

(96.9)

(419.4)

(128.2)

(340.3)

187.6

(1,106.3)

$ 

(749.9)

$ 

10.9

$ 

(226.6)

$ 

636.1

$ 

(329.5)

2010

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

TOTAL

Operating activities

$ 

928.3

$ 

(494.2)

$ 

(170.5)

$ 

803.2

$ 

1,066.8

Investing activities

Financing activities

Increase (decrease) 
in cash

(25.9)

(181.7)

(23.5)

(17.0)

(206.4)

(272.8)

(333.7)

(294.6)

(424.5)

(1,234.5)

$ 

720.7

$ 

(851.4)

$ 

(482.1)

$ 

172.3

$ 

(440.5)

20

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

CASH FLOW ANALYSIS OF THE FOURTH QUARTER 
AND YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 

Cash generated from operating activities for the year ended August 31, 2011 
was $1,117.0 an increase of $50.2 or 4.7% from the $1,066.8 of cash generated 
in the same period in the prior year. Increases in non-cash items were offset by 
a decrease in accounts receivable balances and an increase in cash utilized in 
payment of accounts payable and accrued liabilities and income taxes payable. 

Cash used by investing activities for the year ended August 31, 2011 of $340.3 was largely 
comprised of capital asset additions required for the Shared Services Group, upgrading 
existing technology, offi ce furnishings for new offi ce space for the Integrated Solutions 
Group, the development of new offi ce space for its Toronto operations and also 
includes the payout of existing lines of credit relating to the acquisition of LAWB.

During the year ended August 31, 2011, the Company used $1,152.5, as compared to 
$1,234.6 used in the prior year. Cash outfl ows relating to repayment of long-term 
debt of $3,749.9 (2010 - $1,312.0) were offset by proceeds of $2,618.2 received 
from a new credit facility entered into during the year (see Capital Resources). In 
addition, the Company had cash infl ows of $25.4 (2010 - nil) related to new capital 
lease transactions entered into, net of $20.9 of repayments (2010 - $34.0).

SHARE CAPITAL

The Company has authorized share capital of an unlimited number of common 
voting shares. 

Common shares issued and outstanding:

Stock options outstanding:

32,970,527

2,891,142

32,970,527

2,983,678

AUGUST 31, 2011

AUGUST 31, 2010

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide opportunities for 
growth to shareholders and benefi ts for other stakeholders and to maintain 
fi nancial fl exibility in, or to take advantage of, organic growth and new acquisition 
opportunities as they arise.

In the management of capital, the Company includes cash, bank fi nancing, 
vendor-take-back debt and shareholders’ equity in the defi nition of capital. The 
Company manages its capital structure and can adjust it in light of changes in 
economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In 
order to maintain or adjust capital structure, the Company may issue new shares, 
issue new debt, renegotiate vendor-take-back debt or issue new debt to replace 
existing debt with different characteristics. The Company’s acquisition strategy 
includes the issuance of debt and shares. The Company has the opportunity to 
use its operating line of credit during the year to fi nance cash fl ows related to 
seasonal changes in non-cash working capital items. The Company has not made 
use of its operating line of credit during the year-ended August 31, 2011. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

21

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table summarizes the Company’s capital resources at:

Current assets

Cash

Working capital (including cash)

Current assets

Current liabilities

Bank indebtedness

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Deferred revenue (i)

Income tax payable

Current portion of deferred lease inducements

Current portion of obligations under capital lease

Current portion of long-term debt 

Total current liabilities

Working capital

Long-term debt

Shareholders’ equity

AUGUST 31, 2011

AUGUST 31, 2010

$ 

1,287.7

$ 

1,663.6

4,809.9

4,327.8

-

3,909.6

3,345.0

107.0

86.8

15.2

746.0

8,209.6

(3,399.7)

2,143.4

12,930.1

-

3,066.6

3,168.7

531.6

39.2

15.8

1,418.1

8,240.0

(3,912.2)

2,298.3

12,365.5

(i)  Deferred revenue represents funds received in advance for services that will be provided in future periods.

Deferred revenue is a non-cash liability and therefore management believes that adding back the 
deferred revenue provides a more accurate refl ection of the liquidity and working capital position of 
the Company. Deferred revenue has a substantial impact on the traditional working capital position of 
the Company and therefore it is worth fully understanding the nature of the deferred revenue when 
assessing the liquidity and working capital position of the Company. 

Most insurance brokerage and consulting fi rms are paid commissions at the beginning of the policy 
year for a twelve month period. It is general practice in the industry to record 90% to 100% of 
the commission received as revenue on receipt of payment or on implementation of the client or 
renewal of the client. 

The Company is paid commissions 12 to 27 months in advance depending on what rate guarantee 
was sold on the group. Unlike the typical broker or consulting fi rm, the Company does not record 
90% to 100% of the commission received in advance as revenue on groups where it provides 
both the consulting and the administration services. Instead it records the revenue monthly over 
the period for which it was received. The primary reason for the revenue being recognized in this 
manner is the fact that services are provided on an ongoing basis, as compared to when only 
providing the advisory or consulting services where almost all of the services are provided at the 
time of renewal or implementation.

The ongoing services relate to billing & administration and customer service support. The only time 
deferred revenue is paid back to the insurance carrier is when the client terminates the policy with an 
effective date of termination which falls within the policy year. Clients that terminate generally do so 
close to or at the end of the policy year and therefore any claw back by the carrier is generally for a 
small amount relative to the original advance. In addition, the Company has negotiated with its primary 
insurance carriers that any claw back of deferred revenue be offset against future commission due.

22

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

After adjustments, the calculation of working capital is as follows:

AUGUST 31, 2011

AUGUST 31, 2010

Working capital (including cash)

Current assets

Total current liabilities

Working capital

Add back:

Deferred revenue

Current portion of VTB debt held by senior 
management

Adjusted operating liabilities

Adjusted operating working capital

4,809.9

8,209.5

(3,399.6)

3,345.0

250.7

4,613.8

196.1

4,327.8

8,240.0

(3,912.2)

3,168.7

1,310.1

3,761.2

566.6

Adjusted operating working capital has decreased by $370.5 to an adjusted working 
capital surplus of $196 from the adjusted working capital experienced a year ago. The 
decrease in working capital surplus results from the Company’s aggressive repayment 
strategy of higher interest debt, payment of income taxes and general fl uctuations 
in accounts receivable. During the fourth quarter, the Company fi nalized the terms 
of a credit agreement with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and a portion 
of the installment loan was used to refi nance the existing vendor-take-back debt.

The following summarizes the Company’s future expected payments:

PAYMENTS DUE AS FOLLOWS:

TOTAL

NEXT 12 
MONTHS

13 TO 24
MONTHS

THEREAFTER

Current portion of long-term debt

$ 

746.0

$ 

746.0

$ 

-

$ 

-

Long-term debt

Operating leases

2,143.4

-

2,695.0

800.6

404.1

569.3

1,739.3

1,325.1

$  5,584.4

$  1,546.6

$ 

973.4

$ 

3,064.4

With enhanced controls around cash management, Management believes that 
operations will generate suffi cient cash fl ows to fund ongoing operations and 
fi nance its seasonal working capital needs.

On June 10, 2011, the Company entered into a Credit Facility Agreement with the 
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce which includes the following components:

1.  A $2 million operating line of credit

2.  A $10 million term revolving acquisition credit facility to fund future 

acquisitions. The acquisition credit facility is available via loans bearing interest 
at prime plus 1.5% or via bankers’ acceptances with a stamping fee of 2.5% 
annually. Each draw on the facility will be treated as a separate loan repayable 
over a period of up to seven years. As at August 31, 2011, the Company had not 
utilized this facility.

3.  A $2.5 million installment loan which was utilized to repay and discharge a 

substantial amount of long-term debt facilities and vendor-take-back debt of 
the Company. The installment loan will be repaid in quarterly installments over 
a seven year period and bears interest at prime plus 1.5%.

The facility is secured by a general security agreement over the assets of the 
Company and its subsidiaries and is subject to covenants.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

23

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year ended August 31, 2011 outlined below, the Company had the 
following activity with directors and offi cers or shareholders of the Company. 
All the transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at 
the exchanged amount, which is the consideration agreed to by the parties. The 
related party transactions and balances are as follows:

Interest expense (i)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Current portion of long-term debt (ii)

Long-term debt (ii)

AUGUST 31, 2011

AUGUST 31, 2010

$ 

268.1

$ 

238.1

-

-

-

2.1

906.6

1,484.2

(i)   Interest on vendor-take-back debt related to prior acquisitions was paid or accrued totaling $268.1 for 

the year ended August 31, 2011 (2010 – $238.1) to certain offi cers and directors of the Company. 

(ii)  Represents vendor-take-back debt on acquisitions and promissory notes payable (Financial Statement 

note 14 (a), (d), (e),(g) and (h)) owed to offi cers and directors of the Company.

24

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Critical accounting policies are defi ned as those that are both very important 
to the portrayal of the Company’s fi nancial condition and results, and require 
management’s most diffi cult, subjective or complex judgments. We are required in 
preparing the Company’s fi nancial statements, in accordance with GAAP, to make 
certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable 
based upon available information, historical information and/or forecasts. These 
estimates, judgments and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets 
and liabilities at the date of the fi nancial statements and the reported revenues 
and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these 
estimates. The accounting policies which management believes are the most critical 
to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported fi nancial results include 
those relating to revenue recognition, business acquisitions and accounting for the 
resulting customer relationships and contracts, goodwill and income taxes.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue includes fees and commissions generated from administrative, advisory 
and consulting services provided to clients. Revenue is recognized when it can be 
measured and collectability is reasonably assured. 

The detailed revenue recognition policies for the signifi cant types of revenue 
are as follows:

Group benefi t commission revenue from clients where advisory services and plan 
administration services are provided by the Company is generally received in 
advance and recorded as deferred revenue. Commission advances are recognized 
in income on a monthly basis based on the number of months for which the 
commission revenue was advanced, net of a provision for return commissions 
due to policy cancellation and adjustments. The provision is determined by 
management based on historical data.

Group benefi t commission revenue from clients where the Company provides only 
advisory services are recognized in income at the effective or renewal date of the 
policy, net of a provision for return commissions due to policy cancellation and 
adjustments. The provision is determined by management based on historical data.

Fee revenue from administrative and consulting services are recognized on the 
percentage of completion basis of accounting. For fee revenue that is contingent on 
certain criteria being met, the revenue is not recognized until the work is completed. 

All other revenues are recognized upon the completion of services rendered by 
the Company. Other revenue includes investment income recorded on the accrual 
basis of accounting. 

For clients that purchase multiple administrative, advisory or consulting services 
from the Company, the Company recognizes revenues in accordance with CICA 
Handbook EIC-142 “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables”, to 
determine whether each deliverable qualifi es as a separate unit of account. For 
each deliverable to the client the Company establishes a separate agreement 
which is independent of any other deliverable, thereby ensuring that revenue is 
recognized on a basis that is consistent with the elements of the service contract. 

Deferred revenue represents excess billings and commissions for clients where the 
work has not been completed.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

25

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Business acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method whereby 
the fair value of consideration given is allocated to identifi able assets acquired 
and liabilities assumed. The results of operations and cash fl ows of an acquired 
business are included in the Company’s fi nancial statements from the effective 
date of acquisition. Where the consideration given is subject to contingent 
adjustment based on future periods’ operating results, such adjustment is 
recognized in the period the contingency is resolved.

AMORTIZATION OF FINITE-LIFE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Under GAAP, fi nite-life intangible assets are amortized over their estimated 
useful lives. Management estimates that the estimated useful life of the customer 
relationships and contracts acquired is 10 years. The Company amortizes the 
cost of these fi nite-life intangible assets on a straight-line basis over 10 years. 
Management tests for recoverability of the carrying value of these intangible 
assets annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
their carrying value may not be recoverable.

GOODWILL

Goodwill results from business combinations and represents the excess of 
the consideration given over the fair value of identifi able net assets acquired. 
Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is subject to an impairment test that is 
performed at least annually.

FUTURE INCOME TAX

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. 
Under this method, current income taxes are recognized for the estimated income 
taxes payable for the year. Future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized 
for the estimated income tax consequences attributable to differences between the 
fi nancial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective 
income tax bases. Future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized using 
substantively enacted income tax rates. Future income tax assets are recognized 
with respect to deductible temporary differences and loss carryforwards only to the 
extent their realization is considered more likely than not.

26

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (“IFRS”)

In February 2008, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) confi rmed 
that IFRS will be mandatory in Canada for profi t-oriented publicly accountable 
entities for fi scal periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Accordingly, 
the Company will prepare its fi nancial statements in accordance with IFRS 
commencing September 1, 2011; thus, its fi rst quarter under IFRS reporting 
standards will be for the three months ended November 30, 2011 for which current 
and comparative information will be prepared under IFRS including an opening 
IFRS balance sheet as at September 1, 2010 (the date of transition).

Described below are the Company’s IFRS changeover plan, selected key activities 
and their status, and the signifi cant, known possible high impact accounting areas 
on the Company’s fi nancial reporting identifi ed to date.

This information is provided to allow investors and others to obtain a better 
understanding of our IFRS changeover plan. Readers are cautioned, however, 
that it may not be appropriate to use such information for any other purpose. 
This information also refl ects our most recent assumptions and expectations; 
circumstances may arise, such as changes in IFRS, regulations or economic 
conditions, which could have an impact on these assumptions or expectations. 
The information presented below is therefore subject to change and does not 
represent a fi nal assessment of divergences noted by the Company to date but is 
intended to highlight areas in which it has achieved considerable progress.

IFRS CHANGEOVER PLAN

The Company developed a plan for its changeover to IFRS which comprised 
three phases:

•  Phase 1: Scope and Plan: The objective of this phase was to identify the 

required changes to the Company’s accounting policies and practices resulting 
from the changeover to IFRS and to thereby determine the scope of the work 
effort required for the subsequent phases of the project.

•  Phase 2: Design and Build: The objective of this phase was to design and 

develop solutions to address the differences identifi ed in Phase 1.

•  Phase 3: Implementation and Review: The objective of this phase was the 
implementation and review of changes that affect accounting policies and 
practices, business processes, systems and internal controls. Changes will be 
tested prior to the formal reporting requirements under IFRS to ensure all 
signifi cant differences are addressed in time for the fi rst reporting period.

The Company is working through the phases as it prepares for its November 
30, 2011 unaudited interim fi nancial statements under IFRS. The fi ndings of the 
Phases, insofar as they relate to the signifi cant accounting areas for conversion to 
IFRS that will impact the Company’s fi nancial statements are summarized below.

PROGRESS TOWARDS COMPLETION 
OF THE COMPANY’S IFRS CHANGEOVER PLAN

The Company has now fi nalized Phases 1 and 2. It has reviewed all currently 
relevant IFRS standards and identifi ed a number of areas of measurement and 
classifi cation differences under IFRS as compared to Canadian GAAP.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

27

IFRS 1 “FIRST TIME ADOPTION OF REPORTING STANDARDS”

IFRS 1, “First-Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards” 
(“IFRS 1”), provides entities adopting IFRS for the fi rst time with a number of 
optional exemptions and mandatory exceptions in certain areas to the general 
requirement for full retrospective application of IFRS.

The areas below have been identifi ed as having an impact on the Company’s 
fi nancial statements.

Business combinations – IFRS 1 allows entities to elect to implement the guidance 
under IFRS 3 – Business Combinations either; (i) prospectively from the date 
of transition to IFRS, or (ii) retrospectively from a previous date chosen by the 
entity and onwards. The Company intends to make the election to apply IFRS 
3 to business combinations prospectively from the date of transition to IFRS. 
This election will not result in an opening retained earnings adjustment upon 
conversion to IFRS.

Share-based payment transactions – Full retrospective application of IFRS 2 
“Share-based Payments” is not required for certain share-based instruments 
depending on the grant date, vesting terms and settlement of any related 
liabilities. The Company will not apply IFRS 2 to equity instruments that were 
granted after 7 November 2002 and vested before January 1, 2010.

IFRS ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In accordance with IFRS 1, the Company, as a fi rst-time adopter has free choice 
to select accounting policies that will be used on an ongoing basis under IFRS. 
Consequently, the Company has evaluated all signifi cant accounting policies and 
selected new policies which comply with IFRS and provide reliable and relevant 
information about the effects of transactions on fi nancial performance. New IFRS 
accounting policies which are expected to generate a fi nancial impact on the 
IFRS opening balance sheet are discussed in more detail below. The Company’s 
analysis of the chosen IFRS accounting policies specifi cally considers the current 
IFRSs that are in effect. As a result, any new or amended accounting standards 
that are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) in 
future periods may impact our current assessment of the chosen IFRS accounting 
policies and the expected fi nancial impact on transition to IFRS.

The following summarizes signifi cant accounting areas analyzed by management 
for conversion to IFRS that could possibly impact the Company’s fi nancial 
statements post transition:

IAS 18 “REVENUE”

Under Canadian GAAP, certain commission revenue was recorded upon renewal 
or execution of a client’s group benefi ts agreement with a third-party insurance 
carrier. Under IFRS, the Company is proposing to adopt a policy where certain 
commission revenue will be deferred and recorded over the term of the related 
agreements where the Company retains ongoing responsibility to provide 
support to administered clients throughout the term of the contract. The revenue 
recognition policy adopted by the Company on conversion to IFRS is not 
expected to have a material effect on the Company’s annual operating results, but 
will likely impact the seasonality between quarters.

28

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

IAS 36 “IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS”

Under Canadian GAAP, capital assets and intangible assets subject to 
amortization are tested for recoverability when events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable.

As it relates to the measurement of the impairment loss, under Canadian GAAP for 
assets other than fi nancial assets, a write-down to estimated fair value is recognized 
if the estimated undiscounted future cash fl ows from an asset or group of assets 
are less than their carrying value. Under IAS 36, a write-down is recognized if the 
recoverable amount, determined as the higher of the estimated fair value less costs 
to sell or the discounted future cash fl ows from an asset or group of assets, is less 
than carrying value. In contrast, under Canadian GAAP, impairments are measured 
at the amount by which carrying value exceeds fair value.

The difference in testing and determining an impairment may result in more frequent 
impairment charges, where carrying values of assets may have been supported under 
Canadian GAAP on an undiscounted cash fl ow basis, but cannot be supported on a 
discounted cash fl ow basis.

IAS 36 also requires the reversal of any previous impairment losses where 
circumstances requiring the impairment charge have changed and reversed, other 
than for goodwill. With respect to long-lived assets, Canadian GAAP does not permit 
the reversal of impairment losses under any circumstances.

Under IFRS, the Company will need to assess impairment in terms of the 
recoverable amount as defi ned under IFRS. The Company will monitor possible 
subsequent reversals of previously written down long-lived assets; this will require 
that the Company track assets and their original carrying values as well as implied 
accumulated depreciation for possible future reversals of impairment allowed under 
IFRS. The Company has not identifi ed any past impairments of intangible assets 
that would require reversal upon transition.

IFRS 2 “SHARE-BASED PAYMENT”

IFRS 2 requires the expense related to share-based payments to be recognized 
as the options vest. For options with different vesting periods, each vesting 
tranche must be treated as a separate option grant which accelerates the expense 
recognition (“Graded Vesting Amortization”) in comparison to Canadian GAAP, 
which allows the expense to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the period 
the options vest. The Company must also apply an estimated forfeiture rate at 
the initial grant date for each option tranche. The forfeiture rate is taken into 
account by adjusting the number of stock options expected to vest under each 
tranche and subsequently revising this estimate throughout the vesting period, as 
necessary. When determining the fair value of each vesting tranche, the Company 
will apply an estimated option tranche life which refl ects historical experiences 
in comparison to GAAP, which allows the life of the option to equal the fi ve year 
expiry period. The Company expects total aggregate stock-based compensation 
expense to be lower under IFRS as compared to Canadian GAAP as a result of 
using a lower estimated option life when calculating the fair value of an option 
tranche under IFRS. However, because of the graded vesting requirements, stock 
based compensation expense will be higher in earlier vesting periods for an 
option tranche under IFRS as compared to GAAP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

29

OTHER IFRS TRANSITION ITEMS

The Company has performed an analysis of its data system infrastructure and 
internal controls and has concluded that transition to IFRS will not result in a 
material modifi cation to any of its IT processes as a result of the differences it has 
identifi ed to date. Signifi cant impacts identifi ed, if any, on processes and controls 
will be disclosed in future fi lings when the assessment will be fi nalized.

Phase 3 of the changeover plan began in the fourth quarter of 2010. The 
Company is completing the fi nal selection of accounting policies and transition 
options under IFRS. As described above some adjustments to the opening IFRS 
defi cit balance as at September 1, 2010, are expected.

Prior to fi ling fi nancial statements for its fi rst quarter of 2011, the Company will 
complete the design and implementation effort required to ready business 
processes and internal controls for the changeover. Based on the analysis to date, 
no signifi cant changes are anticipated to processes and internal controls.

Appropriate resources have been secured to complete the changeover on a 
timely basis according to the Company’s plan milestones. The Company continues 
to ensure that appropriate training needs are met. Third-party subject matter 
experts continue to assist the Company throughout the changeover.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The Company operates in a well established and highly competitive industry and 
its results of operations, business prospects and fi nancial condition are subject 
to a number of risks and uncertainties and are affected by a number of factors 
outside the control of management of the Company. These factors include, but 
are not limited to, the following:

KEY PERSONNEL

The Company is highly dependent upon the expertise and experience of its personnel, 
particularly those engaged in generating revenue. The Company’s operations depend, 
in part, on the relationships and reputations these individuals have established with 
clients, often over many years. In the event the Company were to lose key personnel, 
client relationships could be negatively impacted which could lead to material adverse 
effects on the Company’s operating and fi nancial results. In addition, many of the 
Company’s employees have developed specialized expertise and experience in the 
delivery of human resource and benefi t solutions. These solutions include, but are 
not limited to, specialized human resource consulting engagements, recruitment 
projects, career management, benefi ts plan design and administration, legislative 
and regulatory issues, as well as group retirement plan design. 

The Company currently has many well experienced employees that have served 
the Company for fi ve years or more, who hold senior positions in the Company, 
that have various professional designations and that have developed deep and 
trusted relationships with clients. While the Company provides a competitive 
compensation structure including stock options to its employees and has signed 
comprehensive employment agreements with its employees to protect the 
Company, in the event that the Company were to lose any of its key personnel, it 
may have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company. The ability to 
attract, retain and develop new employees into senior positions could affect the 
business of the Company. 

30

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

REGULATION AND CERTIFICATION

The Company’s benefi t and pension consulting and administration services are 
subject to laws and regulations that are constantly evolving. In addition, the laws 
and regulations differ from province to province and the Company is required to 
keep up to date with the laws and regulations of each province. 

Although there are currently restrictions on the ability of Canadian banks to 
market insurance products in competition with the Company, such legislation 
is currently under review. Accordingly, dependent upon the nature of legislative 
reforms, Canadian banks may in the future be able to offer products which are 
competitive with the products offered by the Company. 

Currently the provisions of recruitment services and human resource consulting 
engagements are not generally subject to government regulation. However, there 
is no certainty that regulation will not be introduced.

Any changes to laws, rules, regulations or policies could have a material adverse 
effect on the Company’s business, fi nancial condition and operating results.

TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS

Group insurance contracts are generally re-negotiated on an annual basis with 
clients, pursuant to which insurance premium pricing increases or decreases. 
Accordingly, there can be no guarantee that insurance contracts sold through the 
Company in the past will be renewed on a go-forward basis. While the Company 
has several benefi t and insurance clients with contracts that extend for one to 
seven years, the majority of the Company’s benefi t and pension revenue is derived 
from contracts that can be cancelled with thirty days notice. The Company’s 
experience is that most clients terminate during the renewal process rather than 
during the policy year. No single client makes up more than 5% of the Company’s 
revenue and the clients are diversifi ed both in size and industry. During the 
renewal process the benefi ts consulting team will provide benefi ts planning 
and consulting services which could result in decreased benefi ts coverage and/
or decreased premiums which generally results in decreased revenue for the 
Company. The Company is often paid commissions in advance from the insurance 
carrier. In the event that a contract is terminated by a client and the Company has 
been paid in advance for the year, then the Company must rebate the amount 
paid on a pro rata basis to the insurance company.

COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS

The insurance brokerage market is highly competitive and is composed of a large 
number of companies of varying size and scope of services. Insurance companies 
themselves also offer their products through other methods, including insurance 
agents and direct distribution channels, which are competitive with the insurance 
brokerage industry and the Company. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

31

FUTURE GROWTH VIA ACQUISITIONS

The Company’s growth and expansion plans contain a dual approach of generating 
organic growth through enhanced service offerings amongst the Company’s 
existing client base and through ongoing acquisition of independent Group Benefi t, 
Pension Advisory businesses and human resource Consulting and Staffi ng fi rms at 
reasonable prices. There can be no assurance that an adequate number of suitable 
acquisition candidates will be available to the Company to meet this area of focus of 
its expansion plans, or in the event that such businesses are available for acquisition 
that they will be available at a price which would allow the Company to operate on a 
profi table basis. The Company competes for acquisition and expansion opportunities 
with entities that have substantially greater resources than the Company and these 
entities may be able to outbid the Company for acquisition targets. 

INTEGRATION OF ACQUISITIONS

There can be no assurance that the businesses acquired by the Company in the 
future will achieve acceptable levels of revenue and profi tability or otherwise 
perform as expected. The Company has limited experience in acquiring and 
integrating brokerages in other markets. The Company may be unable to 
successfully integrate any business it may acquire in the future, due to diversion 
of management attention, strains on the Company’s infrastructure, diffi culties 
in integrating operations and personnel, entry into unfamiliar markets, or 
unanticipated legal liabilities or tax, accounting or other issues. A failure to 
integrate acquired businesses may be disruptive to the Company’s operations and 
negatively impact the Company’s revenue or increase the Company’s expenses.

AVAILABILITY OF FINANCING

The Company has relied principally on equity and vendor-take-back debt 
fi nancing to fund its acquisitions. The Company may require additional funds to 
make future acquisitions of Group Benefi t and Pension Advisory businesses and 
may require additional funds to market and sell its products into the marketplace. 
The ability of the Company to arrange such fi nancing in the future, and to repay 
its existing debt, will depend in part upon the prevailing capital market conditions 
as well as the business performance of the Company. There can be no assurance 
that the Company will be successful in its efforts to arrange additional fi nancing, 
when needed, on terms satisfactory to the Company. If additional fi nancing is 
raised by the issuance of shares from the treasury of the Company, control of 
the Company may change and shareholders may suffer additional dilution. If 
additional fi nancing is not available on terms favourable to the Company, the 
Company may be unable to grow or may be required to limit or halt its expansion 
plans. In addition, the Company’s existing creditors, some of whom have security 
interests in the Company’s assets, may exercise their rights to acquire or dispose 
of the Company’s assets.

NO INTENTION TO DECLARE DIVIDENDS

The Company currently intends to retain any future earnings to fund growth 
and operations and it is not likely to pay any dividends in the immediate or 
foreseeable future. Any decision to pay dividends on its common shares in the 
future will be made by the Board of Directors on the basis of the Company’s 
earnings, fi nancial requirements and other conditions at such time.

32

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

LEGAL RISK

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is and could be involved in 
litigation and other claims as a defendant or as a plaintiff. The outcomes of 
these actions could result in signifi cant losses to the Company which could have 
a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, fi nancial condition and 
operating results.

REPUTATION RISK 

The Company is dependent, to a large extent, on its client relationships and its 
reputation with clients. In addition, the human resource Consulting and Staffi ng 
part of the Company is dependent upon its reputation with potential candidates 
that will be placed with clients through its recruitment services. The Company’s 
reputation can be signifi cantly damaged by failing to deliver timely and quality 
consulting and recruitment services or by failing to provide quality services to 
potential candidates. The benefi t and pension part of the Company relies upon 
information systems and technology to maintain accurate records and to carry 
out its contractual administrative obligations. Failing to meets its contractual 
obligations to clients could result in litigation as well as signifi cant reputation 
damage to the Company. Damage to the Company’s reputation could result in the 
loss of client and candidate relationships which could result in a material adverse 
effect on the Company’s business, fi nancial condition and operating results. 

CANADIAN ECONOMY 

The Company’s future success is dependent upon the direction and state of the 
Canadian economy. The business, operating results and fi nancial condition of 
the Company could be materially affected by a prolonged and deep recession or 
downturn in the Canadian economy. The Company may not have suffi cient fi nancial 
resources to withstand a prolonged and deep recession. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

33

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information regarding the Company is available on SEDAR at 
www.sedar.com and on the Company’s website at www.peoplecorporation.com. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This MD&A contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable 
securities laws, such as statements concerning anticipated future events, results, 
circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical facts. Use of 
words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, or other words of similar effect may 
indicate a “forward-looking” statement. These statements are not guarantees of 
future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including 
those described in our publicly fi led documents (available on SEDAR at www.sedar.
com) and in this MD&A under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties”. Those risks 
and uncertainties include the ability to maintain profi tability and manage organic 
or acquisition growth, reliance on information systems and technology, reputation 
risk, dependence on key clients, reliance on key professionals and general economic 
conditions. Many of these risks and uncertainties can affect our actual results and 
could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied 
in any forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf. Given these risks 
and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking 
statements as a prediction of actual results. All forward-looking statements in this 
MD&A are qualifi ed by these cautionary statements. These statements are made as 
of the date of this MD&A and, except as required by applicable law, we undertake no 
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a 
result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, we undertake no 
obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties 
in respect of the Company, its fi nancial or operating results or its securities. 

Readers are cautioned that EBITDA or the Company’s calculation of Operating 
Income, Operating Income before Corporate Costs, Corporate Costs, Adjusted 
Working Capital, Operating Working Capital and other similar terms do not have 
standardized meanings as prescribed by GAAP and may not be comparable to 
similar measures presented by other companies. Further, readers are cautioned 
that EBITDA or Operating Income should not replace Net income or loss or 
cash fl ows from operating, investing and fi nancing activities (as determined in 
accordance with GAAP), as an indicator of the Company’s performance.

34

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

C O N S O L I D AT E D   F I N A N C I A L 
S TAT E M E N T S   F O R   T H E   Y E A R S 
E N D E D   A U G U S T   3 1 ,   2 0 1 1   A N D   2 0 1 0

MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT OF 
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING .................................................. 36

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT ........................................................................37

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ....................................................................... 38

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ............................................................... 39

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY ......................... 40

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS .............................................. 40

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ................... 41 – 56

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOR THE 
FOURTH QUARTER & YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011

35

MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT OF 
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Shareholders of People Corporation:

Management is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the 
accompanying consolidated fi nancial statements, including responsibility for 
signifi cant accounting judgments and estimates in accordance with Canadian 
generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This responsibility includes 
selecting appropriate accounting principles and methods, and making decisions 
affecting the measurement of transactions in which objective judgment is required.

In discharging its responsibilities for the integrity and fairness of the consolidated 
fi nancial statements, management designs and maintains the necessary 
accounting systems and related internal controls to provide reasonable assurance 
that transactions are authorized, assets are safeguarded and fi nancial records 
are properly maintained to provide reliable information for the preparation of 
consolidated fi nancial statements.

The Board of Directors and Audit Committee are composed primarily of Directors 
who are neither management nor employees of the Company. The Board is 
responsible for overseeing management in the performance of its fi nancial 
reporting responsibilities, and for approving the consolidated fi nancial information 
included in the annual report. The Board fulfi ls these responsibilities by reviewing 
the fi nancial information prepared by management and discussing relevant 
matters with management and the Company’s external auditor. The primary 
function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfi lling its 
fi nancial oversight responsibilities by reviewing the fi nancial reports and other 
fi nancial information provided by the Company to regulatory authorities and 
shareholders, the Company’s systems of internal controls regarding fi nance and 
accounting, and the Company’s auditing, accounting and fi nancial reporting 
processes. The Committee is also responsible for recommending the appointment 
of the Company’s external auditor.

MNP LLP, an independent fi rm of Chartered Accountants, is appointed by the 
shareholders to audit the consolidated fi nancial statements and report directly 
to them; their report follows. The external auditor has full and free access to, and 
meet periodically and separately with, both the Committee and management to 
discuss their audit fi ndings.

Laurie Goldberg 
Chief Executive Offi cer 

Brevan Canning
Vice President of Finance

36

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 & 2010

37

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS AT AUGUST 31,

2011

2010

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash

Accounts receivable

Prepaid expenses

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (note 5)

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (note 6)

GOODWILL (note 7)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES

$  1,287,741

$ 

1,663,557

3,208,481

313,659

2,415,898

248,375

4,809,881

4,327,830

984,908

938,268

5,651,434

6,442,568

13,547,835

13,373,247

$  24,994,058

$  25,081,913

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 15)

$  3,909,632

$  3,066,601

Deferred revenue

Income taxes payable

Current portion of deferred lease inducements

Current portion of obligations under capital leases (note 10)

3,344,981

3,168,695

107,041

86,752

15,174

531,559

39,236

15,840

Current portion of long-term debt (notes 11 and 15)

745,954

1,418,095

8,209,534

8,240,026

60,465

324,150

59,707

2,143,422

1,266,697

147, 21 7

324,015

33,616

2,298,252

1,673,240

12,063,975

12,716,366

11,990,956

11,990,956

418,869

520,258

371,969

2,622

12,930,083

12,365,547

$  24,994,058

$  25,081,913

DEFERRED LEASE INDUCEMENTS

DEFERRED REVENUE

OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES (note 10)

LONG-TERM DEBT (notes 11 and 15)

FUTURE INCOME TAXES (note 18)

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Share capital (note 12)

Contributed surplus

Retained earnings

TRUST ACCOUNTS (note 9)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (note 19)
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (note 23)
BANK INDEBTEDNESS (note 8)

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert Sillcox 
Director, Chairman of the 
Audit Committee 

Laurie Goldberg
Director, Chief Executive Offi cer

38

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,

2011

2010

REVENUE

Commissions 

Fees

EXPENSES

Salaries and benefi ts 

General and administrative 

Commissions

Advertising and promotion 

Stock-based compensation 

$ 

13,339,741

$  10,499,000

10,935,249

24,274,990

10,188,278

20,687,278

12,274,952

5,193,682

2,767,894

1,255,478

46,900

21,538,906

11,571,447

4,266,1 1 3

1,851,929

1,060,574

68,716

18,818,779

INCOME BEFORE UNDERNOTED ITEMS 

2,736,084

1,868,499

OTHER EXPENSES

Interest expense, net (note 11)

Amortization of property and equipment 

Amortization of intangible assets 

Restructuring costs (note 14)

(529,864)

(308,292)

(891,134)

(436,896)

(2,166,186)

(534,368)

(262,880)

(886,132)

-

(1,683,380)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 

569,898

185,1 1 9

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (RECOVERY)

Current (note 18)

Future (note 18)

NET INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE 
INCOME (LOSS) 

Earnings (loss) per share 

- Basic 

- Diluted 

$ 

$ 

485,385

(433,123)

52,262

517,636

0.016

0.016

Weighted average number of 
shares outstanding: 

- Basic 

32,970,527

- Diluted 

32,975,620

389,039

(72,375)

316,664

(131,545)

(0.004)

(0.004)

$ 

$ 

32,807,544

32,807,544

The accompanying notes are an integral part of 
these consolidated fi nancial statements.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 & 2010

39

 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

NUMBER OF 
COMMON SHARES

AMOUNT

CONTRIBUTED
SURPLUS

RETAINED
EARNINGS

BALANCE, AUGUST 31, 2009

32,803,861

$  11,940,956

$  303,253

$  134,167

Shares issued - Private placement

166,666

50,000

Stock-based compensation 

Net loss and comprehensive loss 
for the year 

-

-

-

-

BALANCE, AUGUST 31, 2010 

32,970,527

11,990,956

Stock-based compensation 

Net income and comprehensive 
income for the year

-

-

-

-

-

68,716

-

371,969

46,900

-

-

(131,545)

2,622

-

-

517,636

BALANCE AUGUST 31, 2011 

32,970,527

$  11,990,956

$  418,869

$  520,258

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 

2011

2010

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income (loss) 
Items not affecting cash:

Amortization of property and equipment 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Accretion of interest 
Future income taxes 
Stock-based compensation 

Changes in non-cash working capital:

Accounts receivable 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Deferred revenue 
Deferred lease inducements 
Income taxes payable 
Prepaid expenses 

Cash fl ow provided by operating activities 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchase of property and equipment 
Business acquisition (note 4)
Cash utilized for business acquisition 

Cash fl ow used by investing activities 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Repayment of bank indebtedness 
Proceeds from long-term debt 
Repayment of long-term debt 
Repayment of obligations under capital lease
Private placement of shares 

Cash fl ow used by fi nancing activities 

DECREASE IN CASH 

Cash - beginning of year 

CASH - END OF YEAR 

$ 

517,636

$ 

(131,545)

308,292

891,134

89,572

(433,123)

46,900

1,420,411

(792,583)

841,795

176,421

(39,236)

(424,518)

(65,284)

(303,405)

1,117,006

(305,608)

(1)

(34,671)

(340,280)

-

2,618,267

(3,749,928)

(20,881)

-

(1,152,542)

(375,816)

1,663,557

262,880

886,132

151,380

(72,375)

68,716

1,165,188

(212,433)

(70,948)

(60,399)

(15,238)

326,798

(66,143)

(98,363)

1,066,825

(272,704)

-

-

(272,704)

(42,072)

103,473

(1,311,953)

(34,000)

50,000

(1,234,552)

(440,431)

2,103,988

$ 

1,287,741

$ 

1,663,557

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (note 20)

40

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

The accompanying notes are an integral part of 
these consolidated fi nancial statements.

 
 
revenue was advanced, net of a provision 
for return commissions due to policy 
cancellation and adjustments. The provision 
is determined based on historical data.

Group benefi t commission revenue from 
clients where the Company provides 
only advisory services are recognized in 
income at the effective or renewal date 
of the policy, net of a provision for return 
commissions due to policy cancellation 
and adjustments. The provision is 
determined based on historical data.

Fee revenue from administrative and 
consulting services are recognized on 
the percentage of completion basis. For 
fee revenue that is contingent on certain 
criteria being met, the revenue is not 
recognized until the work is completed. 

All other revenues are recognized upon 
the completion of services rendered by 
the Company. Other revenue includes 
investment income recorded on the 
accrual basis of accounting. 

For clients that purchase multiple 
administrative, advisory or consulting 
services from the Company, the 
Company recognizes revenues in 
accordance with CICA Handbook EIC-142 
“Revenue Arrangements with Multiple 
Deliverables”, to determine whether 
each deliverable qualifi es as a separate 
unit of accounting. For each deliverable 
to the client the Company establishes a 
separate agreement and fair value which 
is independent of any other deliverable, 
thereby ensuring that revenue is 
recognized on a basis that is consistent 
with the elements of the service contract. 

Deferred revenue represents excess billings 
and commissions for clients where the 
work has not been completed.

1.  NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION 

People Corporation, formerly Groupworks 
Financial Corp. (the “Company”) was 
incorporated under the Ontario Business 
Corporations Act on July 5, 2006. The 
Company delivers employee group benefi t 
consulting, pension consulting and third party 
benefi ts administration services, as well as, 
recruiting services, strategic HR consulting and 
career management services to help companies 
recruit, retain and reward employees. 

Effective September 1, 2008, the Company 
amalgamated with its wholly owned 
subsidiaries, Gallivan & Associates Student 
Networks Inc. and 1246689 Ontario Limited 
and continued under the name Groupworks 
Financial Corp. The consolidated fi nancial 
statements include the accounts of the 
Company and its three wholly owned 
Canadian subsidiaries, White Willow Benefi t 
Consultants Incorporated (“White Willow”), 
People Corporation (“People”) and Les 
Assurances W.B. Inc. (“LAWB”) (Note 23). All 
inter-company balances and transactions have 
been eliminated on consolidation.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

These consolidated fi nancial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with Canadian generally 
accepted accounting principles and include the 
following signifi cant accounting policies:

(A)  REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue includes fees and commissions 
generated from administrative, advisory 
and consulting services provided to clients. 
Revenue is recognized when it can be 
measured and collectability is reasonably 
assured. 

The detailed revenue recognition policies 
for the signifi cant types of revenue are as 
follows:

Group benefi t commission revenue from 
clients where advisory services and plan 
administration services are provided by 
the Company is generally received in 
advance and recorded as deferred revenue. 
Commission advances are recognized in 
income on a monthly basis based on the 
number of months for which the commission 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of 
these consolidated fi nancial statements.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 & 2010

41

(B)  USE OF ESTIMATES

(D)  GOODWILL

At the acquisition date, goodwill is recorded 
at the excess of the purchase price of an 
acquired business over the fair value of the 
net assets acquired. Goodwill is not subject 
to amortization. On an annual basis or more 
frequently when an event or circumstance 
occurs that indicates that goodwill might 
be impaired, management will review the 
carrying amount of goodwill for possible 
impairment by conducting a two-step test. 
In the fi rst step, fair value of the reporting 
unit, as determined by undiscounted cash 
fl ows, is compared to its carrying value. If 
the carrying value cannot be recovered from 
future discounted cash fl ows, an appropriate 
amount will be charged to income as an 
impairment charge at that time.

(E) 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets consist of customer 
relationships and contracts. Customer 
relationships and contracts are initially 
recognized at fair value and then 
amortized on a straight line basis over its 
estimated useful life. 

(F)  LONG LIVED ASSETS

Long lived assets comprise property and 
equipment and intangible assets subject to 
amortization. Long lived assets are reviewed 
for impairment whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. 
For purposes of evaluating the recoverability 
of long lived assets, the recoverability tests 
are performed using undiscounted future net 
cash fl ows of the asset. The amount of the 
impairment is measured as the difference 
between the carrying value and the fair value 
of the asset.

The preparation of fi nancial statements 
requires management to make estimates 
and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of assets and liabilities and 
disclosure of contingent assets and 
liabilities at the date of the consolidated 
fi nancial statements and the reported 
amounts of revenue and expenses during 
the reporting period. 

The most signifi cant estimates that the 
Company is required to make relates to 
the provision for return commissions due 
to policy cancellation and adjustments, 
the assumptions for valuing customer 
contracts, revenue estimates for group 
benefi t clients that have been implemented 
or renewed but for which the insurance 
carrier has yet to advance commissions, 
the collectability of accounts receivable, 
the valuation of future income tax assets 
and liabilities and the valuation and useful 
lives of goodwill, intangible assets and 
property and equipment. 

The estimates are based on historical 
trends and information, future industry 
factors and economic cycles, as well 
as management’s judgment based on 
available information at the time. These 
assumptions are limited by: the availability 
of reliable information and comparable 
data, economic uncertainty and the 
uncertainty concerning the predictability 
of future events. By its very nature these 
estimates and assumptions are subjective 
and should the underlying assumptions 
change the estimated values could change 
by a material amount.

(C)  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are initially 
recorded at cost. Repairs and maintenance 
are charged to operations as incurred. 
Amortization is computed using the 
straight line or declining balance method 
over the remaining estimated useful life of 
the property and equipment as outlined 
below:

Furniture and fi xtures

20% declining balance

Computer equipment

30% declining balance

Leasehold 
improvements

straight line over the 
term of the lease

Computer software

4 years straight line

Software licenses

straight line over the 
term of the license

42

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

(G)  LEASES

(I)  STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

Leases are accounted for as either 
operating or capital. Capital leases are 
those that substantially transfer the 
benefi ts and risks of ownership to the 
lessee. Assets acquired under capital lease 
are capitalized and amortized over their 
estimated useful lives. On the inception of 
the lease, obligations under capital lease 
are measured and recorded at the present 
value of future minimum lease payments. 
Imputed interest on the lease payments 
is charged against income. Leases not 
meeting the criteria for a capital lease are 
treated as operating and are recorded as 
an expense in the year paid or payable.

Deferred lease inducements

Lease inducements comprise rent-free 
periods and leasehold improvement 
allowances. Lease inducements are 
deferred and amortized to rental expense 
on a straight-line basis over the term of the 
related lease.

(H)  FUTURE INCOME TAXES

The asset and liability method is used to 
account for income taxes whereby future 
tax assets and liabilities are determined 
based on temporary differences between 
the carrying amount and the tax basis of 
assets and liabilities. Future income tax 
assets and liabilities are measured using 
the substantively enacted tax rates that 
will be in effect when these differences are 
expected to reverse. Future income tax 
assets, if any, are recognized only to the 
extent that, in the opinion of management, 
it is more likely than not that future 
benefi ts will ultimately be realized.

The Company uses the fair value based 
method to account for all stock-based 
payments. Under this method, 
compensation cost is charged based on 
the underlying nature of services. Direct 
awards of stock granted to employees 
are recorded at fair value on the date 
of grant and the associated expense is 
amortized over the vesting period with 
a corresponding credit to contributed 
surplus. When stock options are exercised, 
the proceeds, together with the amount 
recorded in contributed surplus, are 
recorded in share capital. The fair value of 
stock options granted is estimated using 
the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

(J)  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings and loss per share is 
calculated by dividing income available 
to common shareholders by the weighted 
average number of common shares 
outstanding during the year. 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated 
using the treasury stock method, by 
dividing income available to common 
shareholders, adjusted for the effects 
of dilutive convertible securities, by the 
weighted average number of common 
shares outstanding during the year and all 
additional common shares that would have 
been outstanding had all potential dilutive 
common shares been issued. This method 
computes the number of additional 
shares by assuming all dilutive options are 
exercised. That total number of shares is 
then reduced by the number of common 
shares assumed to be repurchased from 
the total of issuance proceeds, using the 
average market price of the Company’s 
common shares for the year. The effect 
of contingently convertible instruments 
has been included in the computation of 
diluted earnings per share.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 & 2010

43

(K)  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

(I)  NON-DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSETS

The Company initially recognizes loans 
and receivables and deposits on the date 
that they are originated. All other fi nancial 
assets (including assets designated as held 
for trading) are recognized initially on the 
trade date at which the Company becomes 
a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument.

The Company derecognizes a fi nancial 
asset when the contractual rights to 
the cash fl ows from the asset expire, 
or it transfers the rights to receive the 
contractual cash fl ows on the fi nancial asset 
in a transaction in which substantially all 
the risks and rewards of ownership of the 
fi nancial asset are transferred. Any interest 
in transferred fi nancial assets that is created 
or retained by the Company is recognized 
as a separate asset or liability.

The Company has the following 
non-derivative fi nancial assets: 
Held-for-trading and Loans and 
receivables.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are fi nancial assets 
with fi xed or determinable payments that 
are not quoted in an active market. Such 
assets are recognized initially at fair value 
plus any directly attributable transaction 
costs.

Subsequent to initial recognition loans and 
receivables are measured at amortized 
cost using the effective interest method, 
less any impairment losses. Loans and 
receivables comprise accounts receivable.

(II) NON-DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL 

LIABILITIES

The Company initially recognizes debt 
securities issued and subordinated 
liabilities on the date that they are 
originated. All other fi nancial liabilities 
are recognized initially on the trade 
date at which the Company becomes a 
party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument.

The Company derecognizes a fi nancial 
liability when its contractual obligations 
are discharged or cancelled or expire.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset 
and the net amount presented in the 
balance sheet when, and only when, the 
Company has a legal right to offset the 

amounts and intends either to settle on a 
net basis or to realize the asset and settle 
the liability simultaneously.

The Company has the following 
non-derivative fi nancial liabilities: 
long-term debt, accounts payable and 
accrued liabilities, and any drawings 
against bank indebtedness.

Such fi nancial liabilities are recognized 
initially at fair value plus any directly 
attributable transaction costs. Subsequent 
to initial recognition these fi nancial 
liabilities are measured at amortized cost 
using the effective interest method.

(L)  OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income includes net 
earnings and other comprehensive income. 
Other comprehensive income is defi ned as 
the change in equity from transactions and 
other events from non owner sources. 

3. ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL 

FINANCIAL REPORTING 
STANDARDS (“IFRS”)

In February 2008, the Canadian Accounting 
Standards Board (AcSB) announced that 
2011 is the changeover date for publicly-listed 
companies to use IFRS, replacing Canada’s 
own GAAP. The date is for interim and annual 
fi nancial statements relating to fi scal years 
beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The 
Company’s fi rst year end under IFRS will be 
August 31, 2012. The transition date for the 
Company is September 1, 2010 and will require 
the restatement for comparative purposes of 
amounts reported by the Company for the year 
ended August 31, 2011.

4. BUSINESS ACQUISITION

Effective April 30, 2011, the Company acquired 
all the outstanding shares of Les Assurances 
W.B. Inc (“LAWB”), a Quebec based group 
benefi ts and pension advisory company in 
exchange for cash consideration of $1. 

The acquisition was accounted for using the 
purchase method. The results of operations 
from April 30, 2011 have been included in 
these consolidated fi nancial statements. The 
consideration paid was allocated to the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed based on 
their fair values and the excess of the purchase 
price over the value of the net identifi able 
assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill. 
All acquired property and equipment and 
intangible assets are subject to amortization.

44

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The allocation of the purchase price, net of cash acquired, of the assets acquired and the liabilities 
assumed are as follows:

ASSETS

Property and equipment 

Intangible asset 

LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

Line of credit 

Promissory notes payable 

Future income tax liability 

Fair value of net assets acquired 

Discounted purchase price, net of cash acquired 

Total goodwill on purchase 

5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Furniture and fi xtures 

Computer equipment 

Leasehold improvements 

Computer software 

Software licenses 

Furniture and fi xtures 

Computer equipment 

Leasehold improvements 

Computer software 

Software licenses 

$ 

3,019

100,000

103,019

1,237

34,671

215, 1 1 8

26,580

277,606

(174,587)

1

$ 

174,588

2011

Cost

Accumulated 
amortization

Net Book Value

$ 

703,818

$ 

434,478

$ 

269,340

930,222

437,845

227,137

159,891

579,1 1 8

230,1 93

186,922

43,294

351,104

207,652

40,215

116,597

$ 

2,458,913

$ 

1,474,005

$ 

984,908

20102010

Cost

Accumulated 
amortization

Net Book Value

$ 

647,150

$ 

376,472

$ 

270,678

742,468

433,474

218,163

109,347

471,652

202,306

136,834

25,070

270,816

231,168

81,329

84,277

$ 

2,150,602

$ 

1,212,334

$ 

938,268

Property and equipment include assets acquired through capital leases in the amount of $150,641 
(2010 – $104,334). During the year ended August 31, 2011, amortization expense attributable to 
assets acquired by capital lease was $21,723 (2010 – $34,000) while accumulated amortization 
attributable to assets acquired by capital lease is $77,217 (2010 – $55,494)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 & 2010

45

 
 
 
 
6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Customer contracts 

Customer relationships 

Customer contracts 

Customer relationships 

7.  GOODWILL 

Goodwill, beginning of year 

Acquisitions (Note 4)

2011

Cost

Accumulated 
amortization

Net Book Value

$ 

3,000,000

$ 

1,250,000

$ 

1,750,000

5,961, 3 5 1

2,059,917

3,901,434

$  

8,961, 3 5 1

$ 

3,309, 91 7

$ 

5,651,434

2010

Cost

Accumulated 
amortization

Net Book Value

$ 

3,000,000

$ 

950,000

$ 

2,050,000

5,861, 3 5 1

1,468,783

4,392,568

$ 

8,861, 351

$ 

2,418,783

$ 

6,442,568

2011

2010

$ 

13,373,247

$ 

13,373,247

174,588

-

$ 

13,547,835

$ 

13,373,247

When a subsidiary is acquired the purchase price paid is allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired, 
including identifi able intangible assets. Any excess of the amount paid over the fair value of those net 
assets is considered to be goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized; however, it is tested for impairment at least 
annually. There was no write-down of goodwill due to impairment during the year ended August 31, 2011.

8. BANK INDEBTEDNESS

As at the fi nancial statement date, the Company did not have any bank indebtedness.

The Company has entered into an agreement with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce to establish a 
$2 million operating line of credit bearing interest at prime plus 1.5% with no specifi c repayment terms. 
The new facility replaces the previous facility that was in place with another fi nancial institution. This 
facility is secured by a general security agreement over the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries.

46

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

 
 
 
9. INSURANCE PREMIUM LIABILITIES AND RELATED CASH OR CASH EQUIVALENTS

In its capacity as consultant and administrator, the Company collects premiums from the insured 
individual or group(s) and remits premiums, net of agreed deductions, such as taxes and commissions, 
to insurance carriers. These are considered fl ow-through items for the Company which held in 
segregated accounts and, as such, the cash balances are offset against the related liability and not 
included in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company.

As at August 31, 2011, the insurance premium liabilities are:

Payable to insurance companies and insured individuals or groups 

$ 

13,045,780

$ 

10,456,515

2011

2010

Less: related cash balances 

13,045,780

10,456,515

$ 

-

$ 

-

10. OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES 

The obligations under capital leases are secured by the assets to which the capital lease relates. The 
leases expire by 2015 and include implicit interest rates ranging from 8.6% to 11.3%. These rates are 
approximately equal to the Company’s discount rate, as such the carrying value approximates the 
fair value of the debt. 

Future minimum lease payments required at August 31, 2011 are as follows:

Next 12 months

13 to 24 months

25 to 36 months

37 to 48 months

49 to 60 months

Less: amount representing interest

Less: current portion

$ 

22,055

22,055

22,055

22,055

4,028

92,248

(17,367)

74,881

(15,174)

$ 

59,707

For the year ended August 31, 2011, interest expense related to obligations under capital lease was 
$6,296 (2010 - $2,785).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 & 2010

47

 
11. LONG-TERM DEBT

(a)  A vendor-take-back loan bearing interest of 7% per annum. The loan was secured by 
the assets of the Company and was subordinated to bank indebtedness and certain 
other vendor-take-back loans. The loan was repaid in September 2010. 

$ 

-

$ 587,203

(b)  A loan bearing interest of 7% per annum, unsecured, repayable in quarterly 

installments of principal and interest of $21,422. The loan matures on September 30, 
2012. 

101,711

176,960

2011

2010

(c)  A vendor-take-back loan bearing no interest per annum, repayable in three equal 

installments of $143,333. The loan matures on January 1, 2012 and is secured by the 
assets of the Company and is subordinated to bank indebtedness. The loan has 
been discounted by 8% to arrive at the fair value which is the present value of the 
future cash fl ows. 

(d)  A group of vendor-take-back loans bearing no interest per annum, repayable in 

monthly installments and is secured by certain assets of the Company. The loans 
mature on dates ranging from August 1, 2010 to February 1, 2013. The loans have 
been discounted by 8% to arrive at the fair value which is the present value of the 
future cash fl ows. 

(e)  A group of vendor-take-back loans bearing no interest per annum, repayable in 

monthly installments. The loans were secured by certain assets of the Company and 
were subordinated to bank indebtedness and certain vendor-take-back loans. The 
loan was repaid in June 2011. 

(f) 

 A loan bearing interest and fees tied to a percentage of claims paid by the 
Company. The percentage applicable for a month depended on the level of the loan 
outstanding as a percentage of the annualized claims paid. The loan was repaid in 
June 2011. 

(g)   A group of vendor-take-back loans assumed on the acquisition of People 

Corporation bearing interest of 12% per annum, repayable in monthly installments 
of principal and interest of $16,133. The loans were secured by certain assets of the 
Company. The loan was repaid in June 2011 

(h)   A group of vendor-take-back loans assumed on the acquisition of People 

Corporation, unsecured, bearing no interest per annum, repayable in monthly 
installments. The loans mature on April 30, 2012. The loan has been discounted by 
8% to arrive at the fair value which is the present value of the future cash fl ows. 

(i) 

(j) 

(k) 

 A loan bearing interest of 4% per annum, repayable in monthly installments of 
principal and interest of $8,896. The loan was repaid in October 2010. 

 A loan bearing interest of 7% per annum, repayable in monthly installments of 
principal and interest of $2,554. The loan was repaid in February 2011. 

 A loan bearing interest of 4.5% per annum, unsecured, repayable in monthly 
installments of principal and interest of $8,847. The loan matures on November 1, 
2011 

(l) 

 A loan bearing interest of 7% per annum, unsecured, repayable in monthly 
installments of principal and interest of $2,274. The loan matures on February 1, 2012 

139,795

269,233

34,392

66,821

-

-

-

1,413,742

450,000

507,313

88,343

212,356

-

-

17,703

15,016

26,328

13,365

-

-

-

-

-

(m)  A loan bearing interest of 4.5% per annum, unsecured, repayable in monthly 

installments of principal and interest of $1,195. The loan matures on November 1, 2011 

3,7 1 9

(n)  A non-interest bearing loan, unsecured, repayable in monthly installments of $933. 

The loan matures on June 1, 2016 

51,723

(o) A loan bearing interest at prime plus 1.5% per annum (currently 4.50%), repayable 

in quarterly installments of $90,000 plus accrued interest. The loan matures May 31, 
2018 (i)

2,430,000

Less current portion 

2,889,376

3,716,347

(745,954)

(1,418,095)

$  2,143,422

$ 2,298,252

48

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

Principal repayment terms are approximately:

Next 12 months

13 to 24 months

25 to 36 months

37 to 48 months

49 to 60 months

Later

$  745,954

404,099

371,200

371,200

366,923

630,000

$ 2,889,376

Interest expense for the year consists of the following:

Interest accrued on discounted vendor-take-back loans 

$ 

89,572

$ 

151,380

2011

2010

Vendor-take-back loan interest 

Interest on long-term debt 

Interest on bank indebtedness 

Interest income 

257,657

185,659

61,851

191,491

193,961

12,542

(64,875)

(15,006)

$ 

529,864

$  534,368

Included in vendor-take-back loan interest is an amount paid for settlement amount in excess of carrying 
value in the amount of $147,415.

(i)  On June 10, 2011, the Company entered into a Credit Facility Agreement with the Canadian 

Imperial Bank of Commerce which includes the following components:

(a)  A $2 million operating line of credit (Note 8).

(b)  A $10 million term revolving acquisition credit facility to fund future acquisitions. The 

acquisition credit facility is available via loans bearing interest at prime plus 1.5% or via 
bankers’ acceptances with a stamping fee of 2.5% annually. Each draw on the facility will 
be treated as a separate loan repayable over a period of up to seven years. As at August 
31, 2011, the Company had not utilized this facility.

(c)  A $2.5 million installment loan which was utilized to repay and discharge a substantial 

amount of long-term debt facilities and vendor-take-back debt of the Company. The 
installment loan will be repaid in quarterly installments over a seven year period and 
bears interest at prime plus 1.5%.

The facility is secured by a general security agreement over the assets of the Company 
and its subsidiaries and is subject to covenants. At August 31, 2011, the Company was in 
compliance with the fi nancial covenant requirements of this agreement.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 & 2010

49

 
12. SHARE CAPITAL

AUTHORIZED

The Company has authorized share capital of an unlimited number of common voting shares.

SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING

Shares issued and outstanding are as follows:

2011

2010

NUMBER OF 
COMMON SHARES

AMOUNT

NUMBER OF 
COMMON SHARES

AMOUNT

32,970,527

$ 

11,990,956

32,803,861

$ 

11,940,956

Balance, beginning of year 
Issued during the year: 

Private placement of shares (i) 

-

-

166,666

50,000

Balance, end of year 

32,970,527

$ 

11,990,956

32,970,527

$ 

11,990,956

(i)  On February 25, 2010, 166,666 common shares at $0.30 per share were issued to a company insider.

SHARES HELD IN ESCROW

At the year ended August 31, 2011 The Company has 4,920,579 shares held in escrow (2010 – 10,012,158). 
Shares are released every six months in 15% increments in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange 
policies. The fi nal increments will be released on January 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012.

13. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION 

On February 23, 2011, at the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders, the Shareholders 
re-approved and amended the Stock Option Plan and approved the Company’s Employee Share 
Purchase Plan. Under the terms of the plan, the number of shares issued under the Stock Option 
Plan and the Employee Share Purchase Plan, as well as all other security based compensation 
agreements combined cannot exceed 15% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares. The 
stock option plan was amended from a “10% rolling plan” to a 15% fi xed stock option plan thereby 
allocating a maximum of 4,945,579 common shares. The Company’s Employee Share Purchase Plan 
was developed to encourage equity participation in the Company by its employees in order to attract 
and retain employees, as well as to, encourage and motivate employees to act in the best interests of 
the Company. The Company is currently developing the policies and processes that will be utilized to 
effectively administer the plan and expects to formally launch the Share Purchase Plan to employees 
at the beginning of the new fi scal year. 

Options may be granted to directors, offi cers, employees and service providers of the Company on 
terms that the directors of the Company may determine within the limitations set forth in the Stock 
Option Plan or by security regulators. Options shall not be granted for a term exceeding fi ve years. 

Changes in stock options are as follows:

2011

2010

NUMBER

WEIGHTED AVERAGE 
EXERCISE PRICE

NUMBER

WEIGHTED AVERAGE 
EXERCISE PRICE

Outstanding, beginning of year 

2,983,678

$ 

0.40

2,956,954

$ 

0.44

Granted 

Expired 

Outstanding, end of year

Exercisable, end of year

190,000

(282,536)

2,891,1 42

2,055,059

Weighted average fair value of options granted 
during year 

425,000

(398,276)

2,983,678

1,607,1 6 9

0.27

0.48

0.39

0.42

0.10

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.25

0.50

0.40

0.48

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.52

50

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

The following table sets forth information relating to stock options outstanding as at August 31, 2011:

EXPIRY

EXERCISE 
PRICE

NUMBER 
OUTSTANDING

WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE 
REMAINING 
CONTRACTUAL 
LIFE (IN YEARS)

WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE 
EXERCISE 
PRICE

NUMBER 
EXERCISABLE

WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE 
EXERCISE 
PRICE

Nov 23, 2011 

$  0.60

Sep 17, 2012 

Feb 27, 2013 

Apr 21, 2014 

Mar 9, 2015

Dec 14, 2015 

Apr 14, 2016 

Apr 27, 2016 

0.67

0.38

0.34

0.25

0.25

0.30

0.30

618,000

75,000

75,000

1,508,1 4 2

425,000

115,000

50,000

25,000

2,891,1 4 2

0.23

1.05

1.49

2.66

3.52

4.29

4.62

4.66

2.31

$ 

0.60

618,000

$ 

0.60

0.67

0.38

0.34

0.25

0.25

0.30

0.30

75,000

75,000

1,062,060

224,999

-

-

-

0.67

0.38

0.34

0.25

-

-

-

$ 

0.39

2,055,059

$ 

0.42

The Company applies the fair value method using the Black-Scholes option pricing model to account 
for stock options granted to employees, directors of the Company. 

The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of stock 
options that have no vesting provisions and are fully transferable. Option pricing models require the 
input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility. The Company uses 
expected volatility rates which are based upon historical volatility rates.

Inputs used to calculate the fair value estimate are as follows:

Risk-free interest rate

Dividend yield

Expected volatility

Expected option life

2011

2.22%

0.00%

72%

2010

2.43%

0.00%

25%

3.65 years

3.00 years

The expense to be recognized in future periods from the options outstanding at year-end is estimated 
to be $64,578 (2010 – $151,557). 

14. RESTRUCTURING COSTS

The Company recorded restructuring charges of $436,895 related to workforce reductions relating 
to the centralization of certain management and fi nance functions at the Company’s head offi ce. The 
recognition of these charges required management to make certain judgements regarding the nature, 
timing and amounts associated with the planned restructuring activities. At the end of each reporting 
period, the Company will evaluate the appropriateness of the remaining accrued balances.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 & 2010

51

 
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company engages in transactions with directors and offi cers or shareholders of the Company. All 
the transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchanged amount, 
which is the consideration agreed to by the parties. The related party transactions and balances are as 
follows:

Interest expense (i) 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

Current portion of long-term debt (ii) 

Long-term debt (ii) 

2011

2010

$ 

268,137

$ 

238,146

$ 

2011

-

-

-

2010

$ 

2,059

906,577

1,484,240

Interest on vendor-take-back debt related to prior acquisitions was paid or accrued totaling $268,137 
for the year ended August 31, 2011 (2010 – $238,146) to certain offi cers and directors of the Company.

Represents vendor-take-back debt on acquisitions in prior years and promissory notes payable
(Note 11) (a), (d), (e), (g) and (h)) owed to certain offi cers and directors of the Company.

16. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern in order to provide opportunities for growth to shareholders and benefi ts for other 
stakeholders and to maintain fi nancial fl exibility in, or to take advantage of, organic growth and new 
acquisition opportunities as they arise.

In the management of capital, the Company includes cash, bank indebtedness, long-term debt, 
vendor-take-back loans and shareholders’ equity in the defi nition of capital. The Company manages 
its capital structure and can adjust it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk 
characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust capital structure, the Company 
may issue new shares, issue new debt, renegotiate vendor take back debt or issue new debt to 
replace existing debt with different characteristics. The Company’s acquisition strategy includes the 
issuance of debt and shares. 

Under the terms and conditions of the credit facility agreement the Company is required to 
maintain certain bank covenants including debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and 
amortization ratios and certain debt service coverage ratios. As at August 31, 2011, the Company was 
in compliance with all debt covenants.

52

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

17.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

FAIR VALUE

The Company’s carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
approximate their fair values due to the immediate or short term maturity of these instruments.

The carrying value of the long term debt approximates its fair value as they are discounted using the 
effective interest rate method.

The following is a summary of the accounting model the Company has elected to apply to each of its 
signifi cant categories of fi nancial instruments outstanding at August 31, 2011:

Cash 

Accounts receivable 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

Obligations under capital leases 

Long-term debt 

Held-for-trading

Loans and receivables

Other fi nancial liabilities

Other fi nancial liabilities

Other fi nancial liabilities

Carrying value and fair value of fi nancial assets and liabilities are summarized as follows:

Classifi cation 

Held-for-trading 

Loans and receivables 

Other fi nancial liabilities 

2011

2010

Carrying value

Fair value

Carrying value

Fair value

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

1,287,741

  $ 

1,287,741

  $ 

1,663,557   $ 

1,663,557

3,208,481

  $ 

3,208,481

  $ 

2,415,898   $ 

2,415,898

6,873,888   $ 

6,873,888   $ 

6,832,353   $ 

6,832,353

Amendments to CICA 3862 - Financial Instruments Disclosures establish a fair value hierarchy requires 
the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The Company 
primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements. CICA 3862 describes 
three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market 
for the asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with suffi cient 
frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or 
liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can 
be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are 
signifi cant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

All held for trading fi nancial instruments are measured at fair value using Level 1 inputs.

INTEREST RATE RISK

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash fl ows of a fi nancial instrument will 
fl uctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Financial assets and fi nancial liabilities with 
variable interest rates expose the Company to cash fl ow interest rate risk. Financial assets and 
fi nancial liabilities that bear interest at fi xed rates are subject to fair value interest rate risk. The 
Company’s long term debt (vendor-take-back debt) bears interest at fi xed rates. The carrying value 
of the long term debt approximates its fair value as the interest rates are consistent with the current 
rates offered to the Company for debt with similar terms. The Company’s credit facilities bear variable 
interest rates, but the facilities are not material and are not currently being utilized. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 & 2010

53

CREDIT RISK

Credit risk arises from the potential that a counter party will fail to perform its obligations. The 
Company is exposed to credit risk from customers. In order to reduce its credit risk, the Company 
reviews a new customer’s credit history before extending credit and conducts regular reviews of its 
existing customers’ credit performance. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established based upon 
factors surrounding the credit risk of specifi c accounts, historical trends and other information. The 
Company has experienced few bad debt write offs and accordingly its allowance at August 31, 2011 is 
$22,698 (2010 – $18,485). 

Pursuant to their respective payment terms, consolidated accounts receivable are aged as follows as 
at August 31, 2011:

Under 31 days past due

31-60 days past due

61-90 days past due

Over 91 days past due

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Total

LIQUIDITY RISK

$  2,998,481

187,448

40,212

5,038

3,231,179

(22,698)

$  3,208,481

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company would not be able to meet its fi nancial obligations as they 
come to maturity or can only do so at excessive costs. Based on the Company’s ability to generate 
cash fl ows through its ongoing operations, management believes that cash fl ows are suffi cient to 
cover its known operating and capital requirements, as well as its debt servicing costs. Management 
evaluates that the Company’s liquidity risk is moderate at this time. The Company manages its cash 
resources through ongoing fi nancial forecasts and anticipated cash fl ows.

The maturity dates of the Company’s fi nancial liabilities as at August 31, 2011 are as follows:

CARRYING 
AMOUNT

CONTRACTUAL 
CASH FLOWS

MATURING 
IN THE 
NEXT 12 
MONTHS

MATURING 
IN 13 TO 36 
MONTHS

MATURING 
IN 37 TO 60 
MONTHS

MATURING 
IN MORE 
THAN 60 
MONTHS

Accounts payable 
and accrued 
liabilities

Obligations under 
capital leases

Long-term debt

Deferred lease 
inducements

Interest payments 
on long-term debt

Total

$  3,909,631

$ 

3,909,631

$  3,909,631

$ 

-

$ 

-

$ 

74,881

74,881

15,174

35,294

24,413

-

-

2,889,376

2,889,376

745,954

775,299

738,123

630,000

147,217

147,217

86,752

53,361

7,104

1,412

4,215

4,092

123

-

-

-

$ 

7,022,517

$ 

7,025,320

$  4,761,603

$  864,077

$ 

769,640

$  630,000

54

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N

18. INCOME TAXES

Income (loss) subject to income taxes 

Statutory tax rate 

Income taxes (recovery) at statutory tax rates 

Adjustments to income taxes 

Non-deductible items 

Non-deductible accruals

Realization of losses 

Change in estimated timing of realization of temporary differences

Change in valuation allowance 

Other 

2011

2010

$  569,898

$ 

185,1 1 9

28.91%

164,766

71,990

(12,257)

(104,280)

(67,957)

31.12%

57,609

105,467

32,880

70,072

77,172

22,244

(48,780)

Total income taxes (recovery), as reported 

$ 

52,262

$  316,664

Current taxes 

Future taxes 

$  485,385

$  389,039

(433,123)

(72,375)

$ 

52,262

$  316,664

Signifi cant components of future tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

Future income tax assets 

Equity issue costs 

Deferred lease inducements 

Other reserves 

Loss carry forwards 

Valuation allowance 

Future income tax liabilities 

Property and equipment 

Intangible assets 

2011

2010

$ 

34,993

$ 

79,967

37,540

97,308

117,858

-

49,887

-

104,280

(104,280)

$ 

287,699

$ 

129,854

113,280

1,441,116

1,554,396

92,174

1,710,920

1,803,094

Net future income tax liability 

$ 

1,266,697

$ 

1,673,240

The Company has non-capital loss carryforwards that expire as follows:

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

$ 

14,401

45, 5 8 1

6,646

254,084

74,437

67,038

$ 

462,187

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011 & 2010

55

 
 
 
19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

(A) COMMITMENTS

The Company leases premises and various offi ce equipment under agreements which expire from 
March 2012 to February 2018. Future minimum lease payments as at August 31, 2011 are as follows:

Next 12 months

13 to 24 months

25 to 36 months

37 to 48 months

49 to 60 months

Thereafter

  $ 

800,591

569,283

428,608

396,301

169,004

331,1 6 7

  $ 

2,694,954

(B) CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of operating the Company’s business it may from time to time be subject to 
various claims or possible claims. Although management currently believes there are no claims or 
possible claims that if resolved would either individually or collectively result in a material adverse 
impact on the Company’s fi nancial position, results of operations, or cash fl ows, these matters are 
inherently uncertain and management’s view of these matters may change in the future.

20. CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Interest paid

Income taxes paid

related to the year ended August 31, 2011
related to the year ended August 31, 2010
related to the year ended August 31, 2009

21. SEGMENTED INFORMATION

2011

2011

$ 

98,549

$ 

144,334

$  409,153

$ 

379,719

130,087

68,589

-

-

$ 

918,959

$ 

68,589

The Company offers human resource consulting, recruitment services, pension advisory services, 
group benefi ts Insurance, benefi ts and pension administration. As at August 31, 2011, on the basis of 
type of services provided and in accordance with CICA Handbook Section 1701, Segment Disclosures, 
the Company was represented by and had one reportable segment. The Company operates 
exclusively within Canada.

22. PENSION PLAN

Certain employees of the Company participate in a defi ned contribution pension plan. Costs 
recognized and cash paid to the plan by the Company totaled $30,376 for the year ended August 
31, 2011 (2010 – $29,141). The amount is included in the salaries, wages and benefi ts expense in these 
fi nancial statements.

23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Effective September 1, 2011, the Company amalgamated with White Willow Benefi t Consultants 
Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary, and continued under the name Groupworks Financial Corp.

Effective October 1, 2011, the Company amalgamated with People Corporation (“People”), a wholly 
owned subsidiary, and Advansis Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of People, and 
continued under the name People Corporation.

56

P E O P L E   C O R P O R AT I O N