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Canadian Apartment Properties REIT

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FY2015 Annual Report · Canadian Apartment Properties REIT
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CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

A STRONG TRACK RECORD 
OF ACCRETIVE GROWTH

2015
46,790 units

1997
2,900 units

PROFILE
Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust 
(“CAPREIT”) is a growth-oriented investment trust owning 
interests in multi-unit residential complexes, including 
apartment buildings, townhomes and manufactured home 
communities (“MHC”), principally located in or near major 
urban centres across Canada.

2015 Highlights

Objectives 

• To provide Unitholders with long-term, 

stable and predictable monthly 
distributions

• To grow NFFO, sustainable distribu-
tions and Unit value through the 
active management of our properties, 
accretive acquisitions and strong 
fi nancial management 

• To reinvest capital within the property 
portfolio in order to ensure the life 
safety of residents and maximize 
earnings and cash fl ow potential

• Acquired 5,362 residential suites and 
sites for total costs of $823.9 million, 
further strengthening and diversifying 
the portfolio

• Revenues, Net Operating Income 

(“NOI”) and Normalized Funds From 
Operations (“NFFO”) at record levels, 
driven by strong occupancies, 
increased same property average 
monthly rents and acquisitions

• Average monthly rents on stabilized 
residential properties up 1.7%, with 
strong 97.3% occupancy

• Same property NOI up 3.3%, our 
10th consecutive year of strong 
organic growth

• NFFO up 9.1%, with NFFO per Unit up 

an accretive 1.0%

• Named one of Canada’s Fifty Best 
Employers for the third year in a row

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Year Ended December 31, 

2015 

 2014 

Portfolio Performance 
Overall Portfolio Occupancy 1 
Overall Portfolio Average Monthly Rents 1 
Operating Revenues (000s) 
NOI (000s) 
NOI Margin 

Operating Performance 2
FFO per Unit – Basic 
NFFO per Unit – Basic 
Weighted Average Number of Units – Basic (000s) 
Cash Distributions per Unit 
FFO Payout Ratio 
NFFO Payout Ratio 

Liquidity and Leverage 
Total Debt to Gross Book Value 1 
Total Debt to Gross Historical Cost 1, 3 
Weighted Average Mortgage Interest Rate 1 
Weighted Average Mortgage Term (years) 1 
Debt Service Coverage (times) 4 
Interest Coverage (times) 4 
Available Liquidity – Acquisition and Operating Facility (000s) 1 

Other
Number of Suites and Sites Acquired 
Number of Suites Disposed 
Closing Price of Trust Units 1 
Market Capitalization (millions) 5 

97.5% 
$ 
 963 
$   533,798 
$   324,614 
60.8% 

$ 
$ 

$ 

 1.619 
 1.692 
 118,220 
 1.207 
76.4% 
73.1% 

45.71% 
55.41% 
3.39% 
 6.3 
 1.63 
 2.96 
 70,315 

 5,632 
 530 
 26.84 
3,478 

$ 

$ 
$ 

 97.9%
$ 
 964 
$   506,411 
$   303,885 
 60.0%

$ 
$ 

$ 

 1.644 
 1.675 
 109,456 
 1.168 
72.8%
 71.5%

 46.49%
 56.73%
 3.66%
 6.3 
 1.61 
 2.82 
$  152,043 

 474 
 338 
 25.13 
2,844 

$ 
$ 

1  As at December 31.
2  NOI, FFO and NFFO are not defi ned by IFRS, do not have standard meanings and may not be 

comparable with other industries or companies (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures).

3  Based on the historical cost of investment properties. 
4  Based on the trailing four quarters.
5  Defi ned as the closing price of the Units on the last trading date of the period times 

the number of Units outstanding on that date (see discussion of Unitholders’ 
equity in the Liquidity and Financial Condition section). 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7. GREATER TORONTO AREA (GTA)

Total Suites   
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

15,518
99.1%
$ 1,218

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable  1,273 
 Mid-tier 
9,299
 Luxury 
4,946

6. OUTSIDE GREATER TORONTO AREA

Total Suites   
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

1,696
99.1%
$ 1,126

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

0 
1,506
190

5. KITCHENER, WATERLOO & LONDON

Total Suites   
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

1,650
97.3%
$ 894

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

0
769
881

4. REGINA & SASKATOON

Total Suites   
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

367
93.2%
$ 975

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

31
336
0

Total Suites   
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

0
126 
310

Total Suites   
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

0 
1,452
431

3. EDMONTON

436
91.5%
$ 1,157

2. CALGARY
1,883
89.9%
$ 1,118

1. GREATER VANCOUVER AREA & VICTORIA

Total Suites 
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

4,411
99.7%
$ 1,070

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

148
2,607
1,656

2

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

High-Quality Portfolio

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

TOTAL SUITES 

OCCUPANCY 

3,291 
21,679
15,331

40,501

97.4%

AVERAGE RENTS 

$ 1,059

10%

 6%      1%                

3

1

1

2

4

4

Balanced, 
Diversifi ed 
Portfolio 
by Province

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                      
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  
 
 
 
 
       
PORTFOLIO 
DIVERSIFICATION 
BY REGION

CAPREIT’S high-quality property portfolio 
is well-diversifi ed both demographically 
and by property type, and is strongly 
positioned in key Canadian urban markets 
from coast to coast.

8. OTTAWA
Total Suites   
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

1,527
99.7%
$ 946

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

0 
1,527
0

9. GREATER MONTRÉAL REGION
Total Suites   
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

8,243
96.6%
$ 830

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable  1,334 
 Mid-tier 
3,044
 Luxury 
3,865

10. QUÉBEC CITY
Total Suites   
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

2,729
95.5%
$ 947

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

0 
833
1,896

11. HALIFAX
Total Suites   
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

1,588
92.1%
$ 1,004

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

505 
0
1,083

12. CHARLOTTETOWN
Total Suites 
Occupancy 
Average Monthly Rents 

453
84.8%
$ 951

Units Breakdown:

 Affordable 
 Mid-tier 
 Luxury 

0 
180
273

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

3

                   24%                      
   49%

10

9

8

6

5

7

NB 5%

12

PEI 2%

NS 3%
11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
MANUFACTURED HOME 
COMMUNITIES
Our growing MHC portfolio continues to 
deliver strong Unitholder returns and stable, 
sustainable cash fl ows

1

2

3

4

5

6

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

SASKATCHEWAN

ONTARIO

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

NEW BRUNSWICK

Total Suites 
246

Occupancy 
97.2%

Average 
Monthly Rents 
$353

Total Suites 
2,690

Occupancy 
99.6%

Average 
Monthly Rents 
$500

Total Suites 
500

Occupancy 
95.8%

Average 
Monthly Rents 
$140

Total Suites 
2,308

Occupancy 
96.8%

Average 
Monthly Rents 
$250

Saskatoon

Sunset Estates

Beamsville

Golden Horseshoe 

Estates
Grand Bend
Grand Cove

Newcastle

Wilmot Creek

Orillia

Fergushill Estates
Parkside Estates
Silver Creek Estates

Sarnia

Green Haven Estates

Trenton

Bayview Estates
Sunny Creek Estates

Charlottetown

Bathurst

Parkwood Estates
River Ridge Estates
Riverview Estates

Cornwall

Chateau Estates 

Bayview Park & Kent 

Estates
Beresford

Bayview Park & Kent 

Estates

Burton

Burton Estates

Edmundston

Park P’Tiso Estates

Lincoln

Tamarack Estates

Moncton

Pine Tree Village
White Frost Estates

Quispamsis

Parkside Estates

Riverview

River East Estates

Saint John

Milford Estates

Waqsis

Crown & Currie 

Estates

Total Suites 
130

Occupancy 
96.9%

Average 
Monthly Rents 
$411

Gibson

The Poplars

Total Suites 
415

Occupancy 
100%

Average 
Monthly Rents 
$404

Slave Lake

Lynwood Gardens

Whitecourt

Evergreen Village
Hillpark Estates

Brooks

Greenbrook Estates

1

2

3

TOTAL
Units
6,289

Occupancy 
98.2%

Average 
Monthly Rents 
$366

4

6

5

4

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

Th  omas Schwartz 

President and Chief 
Executive Offi  cer

INVESTING IN 
ACCRETIVE GROWTH

Mark Kenney

Chief Operating 
Offi  cer

Scott Cryer

Chief Financial 
Offi  cer

Roberto Israel

Chief Information 
Offi  cer

Jodi Lieberman

Chief Human 
Resources Offi  cer

Corinne Pruzanski

General Counsel and 
Corporate Secretary

2015 was another year of record growth as 
we signifi cantly expanded, strengthened and 
further diversifi ed our property portfolio in our 
key target markets across Canada. Combined 
with industry-leading organic growth result-
ing from our proven property management 
programs, we generated strong and accretive 
increases in all our performance benchmarks 
for the year. Most importantly, since our 
initial public offering in 1997, we have clearly 
demonstrated our ability to deliver solid, 
sustainable and growing returns to our Unit-
holders through both good times and bad. 

We look for this stellar track record 
of performance to continue in
the years ahead.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

5

SUITE COUNT SINCE INCEPTION

50,000

45,000

40,000

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

2,900

46,790

1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

Over the past eighteen years we have 
signifi cantly increased the size and scale of 
our property portfolio, expanding from 
coast to coast and increasing our presence in 
all of Canada’s strongest rental markets

Record Growth Continues
For the year ended December 31, 2015 we acquired 
a total of 5,362 apartment suites, townhomes and 
MHC land lease sites, building our presence and criti-
cal mass in many of Canada’s strongest rental mar-
kets, including Montréal, the Greater Toronto Area, 
Vancouver and Victoria. The total acquisition cost for 
these property purchases amounted to approximately 
$823.9 million, funded primarily by two accretive 
bought-deal equity offerings during the year aggregat-
ing gross proceeds of $405.0 million, fi nancing on 
acquisitions, and cash from our credit lines. 

Subsequent to the year end, the pace of our record 
portfolio growth continued with the purchase of a 
portfolio of six apartment and townhome properties 
in London, Ontario totalling 670 rental suites for a 
purchase price of $52.0 million, funded with cash 
from our credit lines.

With the completion of these transactions, our 
property portfolio now consists of 41,171 apart-
ment and townhome suites and 6,289 land lease 
sites well diversifi ed from coast to coast across all 

6

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

of Canada’s key rental markets. The critical mass 
and economies of scale we are generating in these 
markets is leading to very strong, industry-leading 
growth in same-property performance, as we can 
add many new properties to our regional manage-
ment structure without any material increase in 
costs. Cash fl ow from newly acquired properties 
also increases as we apply our highly successful 
sales and marketing strategies to achieve near-full 
occupancies and the highest average monthly rents 
in each respective market. In addition, as we inte-
grate new properties into our proven management 
systems, cash fl ow is increasing through reduced 
costs and enhanced effi ciencies. Most importantly, 
our programs are geared to ensuring our residents 
receive the best and most effective responses to 
their questions and concerns, ensuring they choose 
a CAPREIT property and remain there, adding to the 
stability of our cash fl ows.

Record Performance Continues
Combining this stellar portfolio growth with property 
management programs that are second to none in 
the industry has resulted in another year of record 
performance in 2015. 

Operating revenues rose by 5.4% to $533.8 million, 
the result of contributions from the signifi cant number 
of acquisitions completed during the year, continuing 
high stable occupancies, and increased same-proper-
ty average monthly rents compared to 2014. Ancillary 
revenues, including parking, laundry, communications 
services and antenna rentals, continue to make a 

strong contribution to our revenues, rising 7.0% to 
$28.6 million in 2015 compared to the prior year. 

With this increase in operating revenues, combined 
with our relentless focus on managing our costs, 
our Net Operating Income (“NOI”) rose 6.8% to 
$324.6 million, with an improved NOI margin of 60.8% 
compared to 60.0% in 2014. As a measure of our 
ability to increase cash fl ows, NOI from our stabilized 
portfolio rose 3.3% for the year ended December 31, 
2015, among the highest levels of organic growth 
in our industry. Stabilized properties represented 
87.2% of our total portfolio at December 31, 2015.

Normalized Funds From Operations (“NFFO”), our 
key performance benchmark, increased 9.1% for 
the year to $200.0 million, resulting in strong accre-
tive growth as NFFO per Unit rose to $1.692 per 
Unit from $1.675 per Unit in 2014, despite reduced 
leverage and the 8% increase in the weighted 
average number of Units outstanding resulting 
from our two equity fi nancings during the year. Our 
payout ratio of distributions declared to NFFO also 
remained very strong at 73.1%.

Despite our record growth in 2015, we continue to 
maintain one of the strongest balance sheets in our 
industry. Our total debt to gross book value ratio 

The signifi cant growth in our property 
portfolio, combined with property 
management programs that are second 
to none in the industry, resulted in another 
year of record performance in 2015

was a conservative 45.7% at year-end, well within 
our guidelines. Our mortgage portfolio remained 
well-balanced, with the weighted average interest 
rate declining to 3.39% at December 31, 2015 with 
a weighted average term to maturity of 6.3 years, 
adding to the stability of our fi nancial position.

Record of Strong and Accretive Growth Continues
We have come a long way since we entered the 
Canadian capital markets more than eighteen years 
ago. At the time of our initial public offering in 1997, 
we owned interests in 2,900 apartment suites 
located in only one market, the Greater Toronto 
Area. Since those early days we have proven we can 
source, acquire and integrate property purchases 
effi ciently, effectively and, most importantly, accre-
tively for the benefi t of our Unitholders. Total assets 
have increased from $48.5 million at February 4, 
1997 to $7.1 billion at the end of 2015.

OPERATING REVENUES
($ Thousands)

NET OPERATING INCOME
($ Thousands)

533,798

506,411

477,023

412,421

361,955

324,614

303,885

273,854

237,916

206,157

NORMALIZED FUNDS FROM 
OPERATIONS
($ Millions)

200.0

183.4

159.4

132.6

103.9

2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

7

 
2016 marks the third consecutive year that 
CAPREIT has been recognized as one of Canada’s 
50 best employers. We are proud of everything 
our team has accomplished over the past 
eighteen years, a testament to their commitment, 
experience and dedication to excellence

classes in the rental residential real estate busi-
ness, building a growing portfolio of manufactured 
home land lease communities that deliver strong 
and growing cash fl ows with a reduced risk profi le. 

All of these growth initiatives have transformed 
CAPREIT into Canada’s largest publicly-traded 
residential landlord with a high-quality and growing 
property portfolio and a management team located 
in key centres from coast to coast. We will continue 
to build on this dominant market presence in the 
years ahead. 

We are also not afraid to sell non-core properties 
when we believe we have maximized their value or 
when a property no longer fi ts our strategic focus. 
The sale of 47 non-core properties (excluding Irish 
properties) over the past eighteen years generated 
approximately $328 million in net proceeds after 
the repayment of associated mortgages, debt, and 
transaction costs, funds that were then recycled 
into more strategic and higher-return investments.

Since our IPO we have successfully expanded into 
new geographic regions, diversifying our portfolio 
to reduce risk and strengthen our presence in all 
of Canada’s strongest rental markets. We have 
repositioned the portfolio with an increased 
emphasis on the higher margin luxury and mid-tier 
demographic segments of the business, while main-
taining a strong presence in the profi table affordable 
sector. We have also expanded into new asset 

We have also demonstrated our ability to generate 
highly innovative growth in our business, buying 
a strong and expanding property portfolio in the 
Dublin, Ireland market and then selling it to a sepa-
rate publicly-traded company in which CAPREIT 
continues to retain a signifi cant 15.7% ownership 
interest. CAPREIT now manages the Irish proper-
ties on behalf of the new public company, exporting 
our proven property management expertise and 
generating a new source of cash fl ows for our Unit-
holders. Irish Residential Properties REIT delivered 
$3.3 million in property and asset management 
fees to CAPREIT in 2015, and we look for this sus-
tainable contribution to grow in the years ahead.

Rental properties need constant investment, and 
at CAPREIT we have invested more than $1.1 billion 
since the REIT’s founding in 1997 in new energy-
effi cient boilers and other environmentally friendly 

NFFO PER UNIT SINCE INCEPTION ( 

  NFFO PAYOUT RATIO)

NFFO per unit

1.800
1.600
1.400
1.200
1.000
0.800
0.600
0.400
0.200
0

NFFO payout ratio

1.692

73.1%

120%

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

8

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

REMARKABLE UNITHOLDER RETURN SINCE IPO

1,100%

900%

700%

500%

300%

100%

-100%

CAPREIT 950%

S&P/TSX REIT
 INDEX 526%

S&P/TSX 
COMPOSITE 
INDEX 215%

1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

and energy-saving initiatives, upgraded parking 
garages, balconies and other structural improve-
ments, as well as enhancements to suites and 
property common areas. These investments have 
not only increased the total value of CAPREIT’s prop-
erty portfolio and enhanced its income-producing 
potential and economic life, they ensure our proper-
ties remain the best and most attractive in their 
respective markets, leading to average occupancies 
and rental rates that continue to exceed those of 
our peers.  

Our portfolio growth and the investments we have 
made in our properties have resulted in a remark-
able track record of operating results over the 
past eighteen years. Revenues have grown from 
only $42.5 million in 1998, our fi rst full year 
of operation, to $533.8 million in 2015. NOI 
has risen from $21.7 million to $324.6 million 
for the year ended December 31, 2015. Most 
importantly, this growth has been very accretive 
to Unitholders as NFFO per Unit has risen from 
$0.906 per Unit in 1998 to $1.692 per Unit in 
2015, despite the signifi cant increase in the 
number of Units outstanding. CAPREIT’s market 
capitalization has risen from approximately $87 
million at the time of our IPO to $3.5 billion today. 

All of this growth and progress could not have been 
achieved without the hard work and commitment of 
everyone on the CAPREIT team. We are very proud 
of everything we have accomplished over the past 
eighteen years, and very pleased to have been 
recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers for 
three years in a row. 

Looking ahead, we remain very positive about our 
future. The apartment business offers proven stabil-
ity through both good and bad economic times, 
and as Canada’s largest publicly-traded residential 
landlord, we are well positioned to deliver strong, 
sustainable and growing value to our Unitholders 
over the long term. We look forward to keeping you 
apprised of our progress in the years ahead. 

Thomas Schwartz
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Michael Stein
CHAIRMAN

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

9

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CSR AND 
FINANCIAL REPORTING

Corporate and Social
Responsibiity Reporting

Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis

SECTION I

IRES Transaction 

17  Forward-Looking Disclaimer 
18  Non-IFRS Financial Measures 
18  Overview 
18 
20  Objectives 
20  Business Strategy 
21  Key Performance Indicators 
22  Performance Measures 
23  Property Portfolio 
26 

Investment Properties 

SECTION II

28  Average Monthly Rents 
and Occupancy 
32  Results of Operations 
33  Net Operating Income 
35  Stabilized Portfolio Performance 
37  Net Income and Other 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

SECTION III

41  Non-IFRS Financial Measures 
41  Per Unit Calculations 

SECTION IV

45  Property Capital Investments 
46  Productive Capacity 
47  Capital Structure 
48  Liquidity and Financial Condition 
53  Unitholder Taxation 

SECTION V

54  Selected Consolidated Quarterly 

Information 

56  Selected Consolidated Financial 

Information 

11  Built on Responsible and 

Sustainable Business Practices 
12  Corporate Social Responsibility 

and Sustainability

10

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

SECTION VI

56  Accounting Policies and Critical 

Estimates, Assumptions, and 
Judgements 

58  Controls and Procedures 

SECTION VII

59  Risks and Uncertainties 
68  Related Party Transactions 
69  Commitments and Contingencies 

SECTION VIII

69  Subsequent Events 
69  Future Outlook

Consolidated Annual Financial 
Statements

71  Management’s Responsibility 
for Financial Statements 
72 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
73  Consolidated Balance Sheets 
74  Consolidated Statements of 

Income and Comprehensive Income 

75  Consolidated Statements of 

Unitholders’ Equity 

76  Consolidated Statements of 

Cash Flows 

77  Notes to Consolidated Financial 

Statements 
110  Five-Year Review

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSR REPORTING

A STRONG TRACK RECORD OF ACCRETIVE GROWTH…
BUILT ON RESPONSIBLE 
AND SUSTAINABLE 
BUSINESS PRACTICES

Since CAPREIT’s inception in 1997, we have recognized that to 
deliver stable, sustainable and growing returns to our Unitholders, 
we must ensure we remain a good corporate citizen and adopt the 
highest levels of responsible and sustainable business practices. To 
this end, our focus has been on enhancing the engagement of our 
employees, ensuring we build strong and enduring relationships with 
our residents, strengthening our environmental performance, and 
building on our strong corporate governance initiatives. 

We are very proud to have been selected as a Platinum Level Aon 
Best Employer in Canada in 2015. It was the third year in a row 
that we had been recognized for the high level of our employee 
engagement, our leadership programs, our culture of performance, 
and our employment brand. This year’s survey results show that our 
people are fully engaged with our leadership development initiatives, 
programs that encompass a mentoring program, a management 
trainee program, and a leadership curriculum. These programs 
provide our employees with the skills and tools they need to grow 
their careers at CAPREIT. Our team at CAPREIT is our most important 
asset, and we are proud of everything they have accomplished 
over the past eighteen years through their experience, dedication 
and commitment.

Building strong and enduring relationships with our tenants is another 
key reason for our growth and success. By ensuring our residents 
receive timely assistance and answers to their questions and 
concerns, we reduce turnover and vacancy loss, experience fewer 
repairs and maintenance issues, achieve the highest sustainable 
monthly rents, and develop high-quality communities. We work hard 
to ensure our tenants are happy, and will continue to implement 
best-practice resident programs going forward.

Reducing our environmental footprint is another goal of our 
sustainable business practices. Since inception we have made 
signifi cant investments in energy-effi cient heating boilers, energy-
saving lighting, high-effi ciency toilets, low-fl ow taps and showerheads, 
and numerous other initiatives. All of these programs have reduced 
our energy use and water consumption, not only improving our 
environmental performance but also reducing operating costs. We 
will continue to invest in our properties to ensure they are modern 
and effi cient, improving the environment in which we live.

From a governance perspective, CAPREIT’s Board of Trustees is 
comprised of skilled and experienced individuals, the majority 
of whom are independent, and all of whom are fully engaged in 
CAPREIT’s operations, ensuring our business practices remain 
ethical, open and transparent. We continue to bring diversity and a 
broad and deep wealth of knowledge to the Board, and will continue 
to ensure we adopt the highest standards of corporate governance 
practices going forward.

Through the balance of this report you will learn more about our 
progress in meeting established goals related to our corporate 
social responsibility and sustainability initiatives. Focusing on these 
important practices is another reason we have been able to deliver 
a strong, stable and sustainable track record of accretive growth 
to our Unitholders.

Thomas Schwartz
President and Chief Executive Offi cer

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

11

CSR REPORTING

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 
AND SUSTAINABILITY

CAPREIT is Canada’s largest publicly-traded residential landlord, serving more than 46,700 families. 
CAPREIT owns and operates a large portfolio of multi-unit residential rental properties, including 
apartments, townhomes and manufactured home communities, located predominantly in or near 
major urban centres across Canada. CAPREIT’s portfolio serves residents across all demographic 
segments and is highly diversifi ed geographically. 

Established in 1997, CAPREIT has grown by acquiring properties at 
values below their replacement cost, primarily in large urban rental 
markets close to public amenities such as transportation links, schools, 
shopping, parks, libraries and hospitals. CAPREIT creates value by 
ensuring its acquisitions are accretive and through focused operational 
strategies oriented to long-term ownership. This focus has contributed 
to steady and sustainable growth in net operating income, normalized 
funds from operations and net asset value.

CAPREIT’s vision is to be the premier residential real estate 
landlord in Canada, the landlord and employer of choice, and 
the investment of choice in its industry.

CAPREIT’s mission is to attract the right tenants by hiring the 
right employees and acquiring the right properties to generate 
long-term sustainable growing distributions and profi table 
growth for Unitholders.

CAPREIT’s Board of Trustees and Management have made sustainable 
business practices a priority, seeking to incorporate the principles of 
sustainability into CAPREIT’s long-term business strategy, corporate 
culture and operations. The goals of this focus are to operate the 
business safely, and more efficiently, use energy more wisely and 
produce less waste, while retaining and attracting the best employees 
and residents. Management believes this approach will lead to better 
risk management, cost effi ciency, innovation, and operational and 
sustainable fi nancial performance.

In  line  with  Management’s  commitment  to  best  practices  in 
communication, CAPREIT’s annual reporting incorporates corporate 
social responsibility and sustainability information deemed relevant 
and material to CAPREIT’s employees, residents and investors. Such 
reporting will better demonstrate how the business is managed and 
how fi nancial and non-fi nancial objectives contribute to CAPREIT’s long-
term sustainability. 

12

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

CSR REPORTING

Key Opportunities and Achievements
Management continually monitors emerging trends in its business and, where appropriate, takes steps 
to mitigate risk through the use of such methods as economic hedges related to utility costs and interest 
rate volatility, programs to reduce the consumption of natural resources, targeted capital investments 
to enhance the comfort and life safety of residents, philanthropic and charitable efforts, and tenant 
satisfaction and employee engagement initiatives. CAPREIT was able to meet and exceed many of the key 
targets it set for 2015, affecting several key stakeholders. 

CAPREIT achieved the following goals in 2015

Employment practices
•  Selected as a Platinum Level Aon Best Employer in Canada 
and chosen as one of Canada’s best employers for a third 
consecutive year 

•  Completed corporate head offi ce workplace redesign for 

improved employee satisfaction and productivity

•  Successfully completed the Accounting Modernization 

Project to increase effi ciencies and enhance processes while 
improving employee engagement

•  Hired a Chief Information Offi cer to streamline CAPREIT’s 

information and technology while realizing the full benefi ts and 
effi ciencies of CAPREIT’s state-of-the-art technology platform

•  Established the Operations Centre of Excellence team 

dedicated to process improvement and standardization 
across the organization

•  Created a new Forecast, Planning and Analysis team 

focused on overall planning, budgeting and forecasting 
for the organization

•  Increased the number of free breakfasts served to 

schoolchildren at CAPREIT properties 

•  Continued commitment with the Toronto Foundation for 

Student Success in support of serving nutritious meals at 
a school near CAPREIT properties

Environmental conservation
•  Invested $8.5 million in energy-effi ciency capital investments 

to reduce resource consumption

•  Implemented better tracking and visibility of resource 
consumption to identify underperforming properties
•  Recognized for a best performing building by the City of 

Toronto and for gas savings by Burlington Hydro and Enbridge 
•  Continued to expand electricity submetering to 91 properties 
and water submetering to 12 properties across the portfolio 

Corporate governance
•  Continued to improve transparency and timely disclosure of 

•  Aligned executive performance incentives with key 

corporate results and events 

sustainability performance indicators that include qualitative 
and quantitative measures

Resident satisfaction
•  $59.4 million in structural capital investments for enhanced 

life safety and property improvement 

•  $89.5 million in suite improvements, common areas and 
other enhancements for the greater comfort of residents 

Investors
•  Increased cash distributions for the 18th time since IPO to 

$1.22 per Unit annually

•  Continued to maintain conservative total debt to gross book 
value ratios and weighted average term to maturity for the 
mortgage portfolio

•  Maintained a minimum of $130 million of unencumbered 

•  $8.7 million in repairs and maintenance, including for 

assets 

reconditioning, and improved curb appeal of properties 

•  Continue to maintain CAP CARES, a 24/7 urgent maintenance 

request line for residents

Affordable housing and philanthropic efforts
•  Provided more than 2,000 affordable suites to families 

in need in partnership with multiple government agencies
•  Worked alongside local community organizations to assist 

in providing housing to Syrian refugees

•  Diversifi ed revenue streams by providing asset management 
duties and property services for Irish Residential Properties 
REIT plc

•  Announced fi rst joint venture development contract in the 
residential component of Toronto’s King High Line project 

•  Continued stabilized net operating income growth and 
sustained overall portfolio occupancy at above 97%

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

13

CSR REPORTING

Future Targets

2016
Employment practices
•  Continue to maintain Platinum Level Aon Best Employer in 

Canada status

Resident satisfaction
•  Improve customer relationship management by continuing 

to conduct resident satisfaction surveys 

•  Continue to focus on renovations to improve the quality of life 

of our residents

Affordable housing and philanthropic efforts
•  Expand breakfast programs to allow both staff and residents 

to donate and volunteer 

Environmental conservation
•  Invest $8 million in energy-effi cient and environment-friendly 

projects

In the medium term
•  Implement a Human Resource Information System – an 
employee and manager self-service system enabling the 
entire organization to perform collaboratively on a single 
platform to foster growth and development

•  Develop an integrated talent management plan for succession 

planning and leadership development, and to provide 
mentorship opportunities to all CAPREIT employees
•  Expand charitable efforts to improve the livelihoods of 

underprivileged families and further engage the community
•  Reduce average energy use and water consumption intensity 

on a per suite basis

•  Continue to investigate opportunities to enter into joint 

venture relationships with other real estate entities to develop 
new multi-unit rental residential properties on excess land 
owned by CAPREIT or other vacant land

Investors
•  Acquire between 1,500 and 2,000 suites and sites on an 

Ultimately, these will help CAPREIT 
achieve its goal to
•  Continue to maintain Platinum Level Aon Best Employer in 

annualized basis

Canada status

•  Raise between $275 million and $325 million in total 

•  Attain above 98% occupancy while improving average 

mortgage refi nancings 

monthly rents 

•  Deliver year-over-year stabilized net operating income growth
•  Sustain overall portfolio occupancy above 97% while 

•  Attain the lowest energy and water consumption intensity 

in the multi-residential industry 

increasing average monthly rents

Sustainability Performance

Employment Practices
At CAPREIT, employees are considered the company’s most essential 
resource. Success is attributed to skillful and gifted operations people 
supported by effective and specialized corporate departments. CAPREIT 
prides itself on a culture focused on collaboration and excellent quality 
and  service,  as  well  as  on  providing  employees  with  meaningful 
opportunities to advance their careers and develop leadership skills. 
One such opportunity is the recently launched mentorship program, 
which pairs employees at all levels with senior management mentors. The 
company plans to expand this valuable and popular program each year. 

50 of Canada’s Best Employers for 2015, an award bestowed upon 
CAPREIT for the last three consecutive years, and to be selected as a 
Platinum Level Aon Best Employer. 

Management’s dedication to quality and continuous improvement is 
also evident in other areas of the company. The newly formed CAPTECH 
department and an employee self-service solution were developed to 
deliver increased technological effi ciencies, while the recently renovated 
corporate offi ce provides a more modern and collaborative workspace 
for head offi ce employees. 

CAPREIT is also committed to maintaining a diverse workforce, with 
75% of employees speaking at least one other language. 

In  order  to  attract  and  retain  top  talent,  CAPREIT  is  committed 
to  continually  striving  for  excellence  in  its  employment  practices. 
This commitment has been demonstrated through the company’s 
achievement of one of its primary goals: to be named one of The Top 

Looking ahead, CAPREIT will continue to establish itself as an industry 
leader  focused  on  exceptional  quality  and  service,  and  providing 
enriching opportunities to engage existing and future employees.

14

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

CSR REPORTING

Societal and Resident Satisfaction Practices
CAPREIT’s success is also driven by strong relationships with its residents 
and the communities in which it operates. Building relationships with 
residents begins before a lease is signed, with an up-to-date, easy-to-
navigate and interactive website featuring building fl oor plans, virtual 
tours, pictures and videos, and local points of interest, all combined 
with a proactive social media presence to address any questions. 
Additional investments in technologies to improve resident experience 
are currently being explored. During 2016, we will introduce a customer 
relation ship management tool to conduct automated surveys to monitor 
and improve resident satisfaction.

Happy  and  satisfied  residents  mean  lower  lease  turnover,  lower 
vacancy  loss,  fewer  repairs  and  lower  maintenance  costs,  higher 
average monthly rents, more resident referrals and a better resident 
community. Therefore, Management ensures resident engagement 
initiatives focused on strengthening these relationships are in place 
at every building.

In addition to a formalized annual resident satisfaction survey, CAP CARES 
is an effective and effi cient means for residents to communicate urgent 
maintenance requests. The program serves to reduce response time for 
residents while also addressing and mitigating potentially costly repairs. 
Feedback to CAPREIT helps identify areas for improvement and enables 
CAPREIT’s team to enhance and deliver resident services provided at its 
properties. In 2015, call volumes decreased year over year across all 
tiers. CAPREIT also employs a “mystery shopper” program to ensure its 
customer service initiatives are effective in meeting its goals. 

The reconditioning and enhancement of buildings under CAPREIT’s capital 
investment program ensures residents enjoy safe, secure and comfortable 
homes. In the interest of resident safety and security, building manuals 
are maintained at every property in order to provide easily accessible 
information on shutdown procedures for all building mechanical systems 
in case of an emergency. Efforts are underway to fi nd opportunities within 
the current portfolio to convert unused space and provide more amenities 
to tenants for greater resident satisfaction. 

To help working families in need of assistance, CAPREIT has formed long-
term partnerships over the past 15 years with housing agencies at the 
federal, provincial and municipal levels of government across Canada 
to  provide  well-managed,  high-quality  accommodation  that  would 
otherwise be out of reach for many families. Such partnerships also 
help to integrate disadvantaged families into the broader community, 
while the effi cient operating platforms of landlords such as CAPREIT 
have the added benefi t of effectively reducing the burden and cost to 
governments. CAPREIT works closely with virtually every agency and 
under every program possible to provide additional suites; however, 
the imbalance between growing needs and available accommodation 
persists due to the limited funding available to partnering agencies. 
In 2015, CAPREIT worked alongside local community organizations to 
assist in providing housing to Syrian refugees. As of 2015, CAPREIT 

provides more than 2,000 suites across Canada and is one of the 
largest private-sector contributors of affordable housing in the Greater 
Toronto Area. CAPREIT is committed to supporting and expanding these 
programs as they contribute to the well-being of communities and 
society and ensures properties are fully occupied at market rents.

CAPREIT’s breakfast club is in its second year of a three-year commitment 
of a partnership with a local Toronto breakfast program to provide 
children with a hot breakfast every morning at a school close to some 
of the properties. 

The breakfast program is funded mostly through staff and vendor 
donations; only a third is paid for by CAPREIT.

Due to the success of the existing breakfast club location, this effort 
will be expanded to three additional locations across the country. In 
2016, the breakfast programs will be expanded to give both staff and 
residents the opportunity to donate and volunteer.

Environmental and Resource Conservation Practices
CAPREIT’s ability to measure and monitor energy consumption is critical 
to reducing operational costs, which fl uctuate due to changes in energy 
consumption and prices. The type and volume of energy used also 
determine the volume of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated 
from CAPREIT’s operations.

CAPREIT  believes  it  can  minimize  its  environmental  impact  while 
improving its long-term fi nancial performance through the optimization 
of its utility consumption and by facilitating the reduction of resident 
waste. Since inception, CAPREIT has strived to reduce energy and water 
consumption in a cost-effective manner, thereby reducing emissions 
and contributing to improved overall fi nancial performance. 

One of CAPREIT’s key strategies is to evaluate the implementation of a 
variety of energy-effi ciency initiatives at every property on acquisition 
and thereafter on a regular basis by means of newer, cost-effective 
technology  allowing  even  greater  reduction  in  energy  use.  These 
initiatives, with favourable payback periods, include:
•  Installation of new high-effi ciency boilers and chillers
•  Installation of building automation systems to better control 

equipment performance and tenant comfort 

•  Installation of effi cient LED and fl uorescent lighting technology in 

suites and common areas

•  Replacement of laundry machines with high-effi ciency washing 

machines and dryers

•  Optimization of electricity and water consumption by way of 

submetering 

•  Use of refl ective panels to cost-effectively reduce heat loss
•  Regular cleaning of in-suite heating coils, fi ns and radiators
•  Installation of variable frequency drives to further reduce 

electricity use

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

15

CSR REPORTING

High-effi ciency boilers, remotely monitored by CAPREIT’s in-house energy 
department, allow for optimal temperatures for residents’ comfort while 
ensuring effi cient energy use. Total expenditures since 2010 on energy 
consumption optimization investments amount to $44.9 million. 

The primary form of energy consumed by volume is natural gas, a clean-
burning energy source used for heating the majority of the property 
portfolio. Over the past few years, a number of properties using heating 
oil have been converted to natural gas, reducing overall emissions as 
well as operating costs. 

The following table shows the results of CAPREIT’s energy-effi ciency 
and environmental initiatives on a per suite basis based on energy 
consumption for the years 2011–2014, calculated by an independent 
consulting fi rm in accordance with GHG Protocol (including Scopes 1 to 3):

ENERGY USE INTENSITY PERFORMANCE OVER PRIOR YEAR

CAPREIT also evaluates the prompt installation of the latest water-
effi ciency equipment at newly acquired properties and on a regular basis 
where considered cost-effective. Such initiatives include the installation 
of the following since 2010:
•  Over 20,000 ultra-low-fl ow toilets 
•  Over 25,000 low-fl ow showerheads plus faucets using aerators 
•  Over 3,000 high-effi ciency laundry machines

The following table shows the results of CAPREIT’s initiatives to reduce 
water consumption on a per suite basis based on water consumption 
calculated  by  an  independent  consulting  firm  in  accordance  with 
GHG Protocol:

WATER USE INTENSITY PERFORMANCE OVER PRIOR YEAR

In Accordance with 
  GHG Protocol 

2014  

2013  

2012  

2011 

(3.4%) 

 (2.8%) 

(1.0%) 

(7.1%)

2014  

2013  

2012  

2011 

Based on stabilized properties using 2010 as a base year.

In Accordance with 
  GHG Protocol 
In Accordance with GHG 
  Protocol Adjusted for 
Impact of Weather 

 0.5% 

4.5% 

(7.9%) 

0.2%

  and Occupancy 

(2.5%) 

(1.8%) 

(2.6%) 

(1.8%)

Based on stabilized properties using 2010 as a base year.

In addition, to optimize electricity consumption, as of December 31, 2015 
CAPREIT had installed tenant submetering systems at 91 properties 
for electricity submetering and 12 properties for water submetering, 
comprising more than 16,000 suites. On lease turnovers, new rental 
agreements include metered billing payable by the resident, which acts 
as a strong incentive to reduce energy consumption. 

The following table demonstrates the benefi ts of submetering through 
the reduction in annual electricity use intensity on a per suite basis 
based on energy consumption in submetered buildings compared with 
those for the overall portfolio for the years 2011 to 2014. 

PERCENT REDUCTION IN ELECTRICITY USE INTENSITY OVER PRIOR YEAR

Sub-metered Properties 
Overall Portfolio 

2014  
(4.4%) 
(2.9%) 

2013  
 (6.4%) 
 3.1% 

2012  
(2.6%) 
(0.6%) 

2011 
(1.5%)
0.2%

Based on stabilized properties using 2010 as a base year.

The historical data above was adjusted to exclude the impact of weather 
and occupancy fl uctuation. It should be noted that while sub-metered 
buildings performed, on average, better than the overall portfolio, other 
factors such as energy retrofi ts and operational improvements also 
contributed to the improved performance.

16

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

CAPREIT maintains a waste-diversion policy and has expanded recycling 
initiatives at almost all of its properties. This policy consists of increased 
use of blue bins and garbage compactors, adaptation of building waste 
collection substructure for recycling, and education of residents about 
the benefi ts of recycling. 

CAPREIT’s operations have little or no impact on land contamination. Prior 
to the acquisition or refi nancing of a property, thorough environmental 
studies are performed by an independent consulting fi rm to ensure there 
are no pre-existing contaminations and, if present, that appropriate 
remediation work is performed to current standards prior to acquisition. 

CAPREIT contributes to the benefi ts of greater urban density and reduces 
pollution by revitalizing existing residential properties. Revitalization 
adds to the useful economic life of properties while modernizing them 
for changing demographic needs and adding to the beautification 
of the neighbourhood through contemporary landscaping and other 
improvements. 

Over the past eighteen years, CAPREIT has come a long way from a 
small, regional property owner to one of Canada’s largest residential 
landlords, with a portfolio spanning the country and all demographic 
sectors. This growth and success would not have been possible without 
CAPREIT’s service-oriented approach to residents, the engagement and 
productivity of its employees, the control of resource consumption, and 
to addressing the needs of the investment community. It is CAPREIT’s 
goal to maintain its focus on programs that enable CAPREIT to be the 
premier residential landlord in Canada, the landlord and employer 
of choice, and the investment of choice in its industry. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION 
AND ANALYSIS

SECTION I

Forward-Looking Disclaimer

The  following  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  (“MD&A”) 
of Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust’s 
(“CAPREIT”)  results  of  operations  and  financial  condition  for  the 
year ended December 31, 2015 should be read in conjunction with 
CAPREIT’s audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements for the 
year ended December 31, 2015. 

Certain statements contained, or contained in documents incorporated 
by reference, in this MD&A constitute forward-looking information within 
the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate 
to CAPREIT’s future outlook and anticipated events or results and may 
include statements regarding the future fi nancial position, business 
strategy, budgets, litigation, projected costs, capital investments, 
fi nancial results, taxes, plans and objectives of or involving CAPREIT. In 
particular, statements regarding CAPREIT’s future results, performance, 
achievements, prospects, costs, opportunities and fi nancial outlook, 
including those relating to acquisition and capital investment strategy 
and the real estate industry in general, are forward-looking statements. 
In  some  cases,  forward-looking  information  can  be  identified  by 
terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, 
“believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or 
the negative thereof, or other similar expressions concerning matters 
that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on 
certain factors and assumptions regarding expected growth, results of 
operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. In 
addition, certain specifi c assumptions were made in preparing forward-
looking information, including: that the Canadian and Irish economies 
will generally experience growth, however, may be adversely impacted 
by the global economy; that inflation will remain low; that interest 
rates will remain low in the medium term; that Canada Mortgage and 
Housing Corporation (“CMHC”) mortgage insurance will continue to 
be available and that a suffi cient number of lenders will participate 
in the CMHC-insured mortgage program to ensure competitive rates; 
that the Canadian capital markets will continue to provide CAPREIT 
with access to equity and/or debt at reasonable rates; that vacancy 
rates for CAPREIT properties will be consistent with historical norms; 
that rental rates will grow at levels similar to the rate of infl ation on 
renewal; that rental rates on turnovers will remain stable; that CAPREIT 
will effectively manage price pressures relating to its energy usage; 
and, with respect to CAPREIT’s financial outlook regarding capital 

investments, assumptions respecting projected costs of construction 
and  materials,  availability  of  trades,  the  cost  and  availability  of 
financing, CAPREIT’s investment priorities, the properties in which 
investments will be made, the composition of the property portfolio 
and the projected return on investment in respect of specifi c capital 
investments. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this 
MD&A are based on assumptions Management believes are reasonable 
as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance actual results will 
be consistent with these forward-looking statements and they may 
prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve 
known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond 
CAPREIT’s control, that may cause CAPREIT or the industry’s actual 
results, performance, achievements, prospects and opportunities in 
future periods to differ materially from those expressed or implied 
by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties 
include, among other things, risks related to: reporting investment 
properties at fair value, real property ownership, leasehold interests, 
co-ownerships, investment restrictions, operating risk, energy costs 
and hedging, environmental matters, insurance, capital investments, 
indebtedness, interest rate hedging, foreign operation and currency 
risks, taxation, harmonization of federal goods and services tax and 
provincial sales tax, government regulations, controls over fi nancial 
accounting,  legal  and  regulatory  concerns,  the  nature  of  units  of 
CAPREIT (“Trust Units”) and of CAPREIT’s subsidiary, CAPREIT Limited 
Partnership (“Exchangeable Units”) (collectively, the “Units”), unitholder 
liability, liquidity and price fl uctuation of Units, dilution, distributions, 
participation in CAPREIT’s distribution reinvestment plan, potential 
confl icts of interest, dependence on key personnel, general economic 
conditions, competition for residents, competition for real property 
investments, continued growth, and risks related to acquisitions. There 
can be no assurance the expectations of CAPREIT’s Management will 
prove to be correct. For a detailed discussion of risk factors, refer to 
the Risks and Uncertainties section. Subject to applicable law, CAPREIT 
does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any 
forward-looking information.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

17

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

CAPREIT  prepares  and  releases  unaudited  consolidated  interim 
financial  statements  and  audited  consolidated  annual  financial 
statements  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards  (“IFRS”).  In  this  MD&A,  and  in  earnings  releases  and 
investor conference calls, as a complement to results provided in 
accordance with IFRS, CAPREIT also discloses and discusses certain 
fi nancial measures not recognized under IFRS and that do not have 
standard  meanings  prescribed  by  IFRS,  including  Net  Operating 
Income (“NOI”), Net Rental Revenue Run-Rate, Funds From Operations 
(“FFO”), Normalized Funds From Operations (“NFFO”) and Adjusted 
Funds From Operations (“AFFO”), and applicable per Unit amounts and 
payout ratios (collectively, the “non-IFRS measures”). These non-IFRS 
measures are further defi ned and discussed in Section III under Non-
IFRS Financial Measures. Since NOI, Net Rental Revenue Run-Rate, 
FFO, NFFO and AFFO are not measures recognized under IFRS, they 
may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other 
issuers. CAPREIT has presented such non-IFRS measures because 
Management believes these non-IFRS measures are relevant measures 
of the ability of CAPREIT to earn and distribute cash returns to investors 
in the Units (“Unitholders”) and to evaluate CAPREIT’s performance. 
A reconciliation of non-IFRS measures is provided in Section III under 
Non-IFRS Financial Measures. These non-IFRS measures should not 
be construed as alternatives to net income (loss) or cash fl ows from 
operating activities determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators 
of CAPREIT’s performance. 

Overview 

CAPREIT is an unincorporated open-ended publicly-traded real estate 
investment trust and one of Canada’s largest residential landlords, 
serving over 46,700 families across the country. CAPREIT owns and 
operates a portfolio of multi-unit residential rental properties, including 
apartments, townhomes and manufactured home communities, located 
in and near major urban centres in Canada. CAPREIT’s concentration on 
the residential rental real estate market is aimed at generating solid year-
over-year income growth in a portfolio with stable occupancy and rising 
average monthly rents. In addition, CAPREIT mitigates concentration risk 
through demographic diversifi cation by operating properties across the 
affordable, mid-tier and luxury sectors, as well as through geographic 
diversifi cation across Canada. 

CAPREIT’s vision is to be the premier residential rental real estate 
landlord in Canada, the landlord and employer of choice, and the 
investment of choice in its industry. CAPREIT’s mission is to attract 
the right tenants by hiring the right employees and acquiring the right 
properties to generate long-term sustainable growing distributions 
and profi table growth for Unitholders.

Established in 1997, CAPREIT has grown by acquiring properties at 
prices below their replacement cost, primarily in large urban rental 
markets with high employment and close to public facilities such as 
schools, libraries and hospitals. CAPREIT focuses on acquisitions 
deemed accretive to growth and employing successful operational 
strategies aimed at long-term ownership. This focus has contributed 
to growing net operating income, Normalized Funds From Operations 
and value for Unitholders.

CAPREIT was established under the laws of the Province of Ontario 
by  a  declaration  of  trust  (the  “DOT”)  dated  February  3,  1997,  as 
most  recently  amended  and  restated  on  June  12,  2014.  As  at 
December 31, 2015, CAPREIT owned interests in 46,790 residential 
units, comprised of 40,501 residential suites and 30 manufactured 
home communities (“MHC”), comprised of 6,289 land lease sites. As 
at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT had 937 employees (840 employees 
as at December 31, 2014).

IRES Transaction

On  March  20,  2014,  Irish  Residential  Apartments  REIT  Limited 
(formerly,  CAPREIT  Ireland  Limited,  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of 
CAPREIT) registered as a public limited company and changed its 
name  to  Irish  Residential  Properties  REIT  public  limited  company 
(“IRES”). It comprised a portfolio of 338 apartment suites in four 
residential properties located in Dublin, Ireland. It was listed on the 
Irish Stock Exchange on April 16, 2014. On admission, IRES issued 
200,000,000 shares to the public on top of the existing 2,000,000 
shares owned by CAPREIT LP, which resulted in dilution of CAPREIT 
LP’s beneficial interest in IRES by 79.2%. On dilution, CAPREIT LP 
had a loss of control of its subsidiary resulting in CAPREIT no longer 
consolidating  IRES  but  rather  equity  accounting  for  its  retained 
investment. As a result of the disposition, CAPREIT recognized a gain 
of $717 thousand relating to the consideration received in lieu of the 
net asset value of the properties in IRES on the disposition date, which 
is recorded in other income. On March 25, 2015, CAPREIT invested an 
additional €23.5 million in Ordinary Shares in IRES as part of IRES’s 
€215.0 million secondary equity offering. As at December 31, 2015, 
CAPREIT LP holds 65.5 million ordinary shares of IRES, representing 
15.7% of the issued share capital of IRES.

18

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The tables below summarize property acquisitions and dispositions for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

ACQUISITIONS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

($ Thousands) 

January 28, 2015 4 
February 18, 2015 
March 31, 2015 
June 15, 2015 
June 30, 2015 
July 31, 2015 
September 14, 2015 
September 30, 2015 
November 1, 2015 

Demographic 
Sector 
Luxury 
Mid-tier 
Mid-tier 
Mid-tier 
Affordable 
Luxury 
Various 6 
Various 7 
MHC 

December 17, 2015  Mid-tier 
Total 
Subsequent Acquisition Financing 

Suite 
or Site 
Count 
270 
126 
285 
32 
108 
58 
919 
3,661 
4 

169 
5,632 

Region(s) 
Dublin, Ireland 
Edmonton 
Burlington 
Victoria 
Langley 
Langley 
Greater Vancouver Area 
Montréal 
Bowmanville 
and Grand Bend 
Victoria 

Total 
Acquisition 
Costs 
$  125,416 
  31,092 
  54,500 
5,479 
  13,010 
17,070 
  170,611 
  502,276 

372 
  29,474 
$  949,300 

$ 

Assumed 
Mortgage 
Funding 

– 3 
–  3 
–  3 
–  3 
–  3 
–  3 
–  3 
–  5 

–  3 
3,030  8 
3,030 

$ 
$  382,203   

Interest   
Rate  1 
– 3 
–  3 
– 3 
– 3 
– 3 
– 3 
– 3 
– 5 

– 3 
1.80% 8 

Term to
Maturity

(Years)  2
– 3
– 3
– 3
– 3
– 3
– 3
– 3
– 5

– 3
4.2 8

2.36%   

8.2

1  Weighted average stated interest rate on mortgage funding.
2  Weighted average term to maturity on mortgage funding.
3  The acquisition was funded from CAPREIT’s Acquisition and Operating Facility (see Liquidity and Financial Condition section).
4  The Rockbrook Portfolio acquisition is the fi rst portfolio CAPREIT acquired for IRES for €89.7 million (including transaction costs), under the previously-announced 

agreement entered into between IRES and CAPREIT on November 21, 2014 and as amended on February 9, 2015 (the “Pipeline Agreement”). 
Refer to note 5 of the audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements for further details.

5  The acquisition was funded from CAPREIT’s Bridge Increase and Acquisition and Operating Facility (see Liquidity and Financial Condition section).
6  The acquisition comprised 919 suites (807 mid-tier and 112 luxury suites) in 19 properties located in the Greater Vancouver Area.
7  The acquisition comprised 3,661 suites (717 affordable, 1,356 mid-tier, and 1,588 luxury suites) in 51 buildings located in Montréal.
8  The acquisition was funded by the assumption of a $3.0 million mortgage maturing in February 2020 with an effective interest rate of 1.8% and cash from 

CAPREIT’s Acquisition and Operating Facility.

ACQUISITIONS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

($ Thousands) 

January 15, 2014 
April 17, 2014 

Demographic 
Sector 
Commercial 3 
MHC 

July 31, 2014 
Various 5 
September 30, 2014  Mid-tier 
November 20, 2014  MHC 

December 8, 2014 
December 16, 2014  MHC 
Total   

Mid-tier 

Suite 
or Site 
Count 
– 
2 

213 
126 
5 

31 
97 
474 

Region(s) 
Burlington 
Bowmanville 
and Grand Bend 
Charlottetown 
Regina 
Bowmanville 
and Grand Bend 
Calgary 
Brooks, Alberta 

Total 
Acquisition 
Costs 
$  11,356 

Assumed 
Mortgage 
Funding 

$ 

– 4 

141 
  20,624 
  17,097 

– 4 
  14,747   
8,391   

426 
7,570 
4,331 
$  61,545 

– 4 
2,984   
– 4 

$  26,122 

Interest   
Rate  1 
–  4 

–  4 
3.95%   
3.05%   

–  4 
3.27%   
–  4 

Term to
Maturity

(Years)  2
– 4

– 4

3.1
8.9

– 4

2.0

– 4

1  Weighted average stated interest rate on mortgage funding.
2  Weighted average term to maturity on mortgage funding.
3  The acquisition of a commercial property is situated beside an existing residential property in the Burlington area.
4  The acquisition was funded from CAPREIT’s Acquisition and Operating Facility (see Liquidity and Financial Condition section).
5  The acquisition comprised 213 suites (48 mid-tier and 165 luxury suites) in nine properties located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

19

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

DISPOSITIONS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

($ Thousands) 

February 18, 2015 
March 31, 2015 
Total   

Demographic 
Sector 
Mid-tier 
Luxury 1 

Suite 
Count 
260 
270 
530 

Region 
Toronto 
Dublin, Ireland 

Sale Price 
$ 
47,000 
  123,450 
$  170,450 

Cash Proceeds 
23,642 
$ 
362 
24,004 

$ 

  Mortgage
  Discharged
$ 
22,901 
  123,016 
$  145,917 

1  Pursuant to the terms of the Pipeline Agreement, on March 31, 2015, CAPREIT sold the Rockbrook Portfolio via the sale of its interest in its wholly-owned Irish 
subsidiary (“Rockbrook SPV”) to IRES at the original acquisition cost of €89.7 million and earned an underwriters’ fee of €0.9 million. IRES repaid the loan to 
CAPREIT for approximately €89.7 million, the original acquisition cost (for which CAPREIT had initially drawn from its Acquisition and Operating Facility for the 
purchase of the Rockbrook Portfolio). In total, IRES paid €90.6 million for the acquisition of the Rockbrook Portfolio. CAPREIT repaid the euro LIBOR borrowings of 
€90.3 million subsequent to the sale. Included in foreign currency translation in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income is a foreign 
exchange loss of $3.2 million relating to the disposition and a foreign exchange gain of $3.1 million in respect of the repayment of the euro LIBOR borrowings. 

DISPOSITIONS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

($ Thousands) 

April 16, 2014 
Total   

Demographic 
Sector 
Luxury 1 

Suite 
Count 
338 
338 

Region 
Dublin, Ireland 

Sale Price 
70,871 
70,871 

$ 
$ 

  Mortgage
  Discharged
7,599 
$ 
7,599 
$ 

1  The disposition of CAPREIT’s wholly-owned subsidiary in Ireland, CAPREIT Ireland Limited (renamed to Irish Residential Properties REIT plc (“IRES”)) 

comprised a portfolio of 338 apartment suites in four properties located in Dublin, Ireland relating to IRES obtaining admission of its Ordinary Shares to the 
Irish Stock Exchange. The public offering decreased CAPREIT’s ownership of IRES from 100% to 20.8% at admission. 

Objectives

CAPREIT’s objectives are to:
•  Provide Unitholders with long-term, stable and predictable monthly 

cash distributions;

•  Grow Normalized Funds From Operations, sustainable distributions 
and Unit value through the active management of its properties, 
accretive acquisitions and strong fi nancial management; and

•  Invest capital within the property portfolio in order to ensure life 
safety of residents and maximize earnings and cash fl ow potential.

Business Strategy

To meet its objectives, CAPREIT has established the following strategies:

Customer Service
CAPREIT recognizes that it is in a “people business” and strives to 
be recognized as the Landlord of Choice in all its chosen markets by 
providing its residents with safe, secure and comfortable homes. It takes 
a hands-on approach to managing its properties, stressing open and 
frequent communications to ensure residents’ needs are met effi ciently 
and effectively, thereby maintaining a high occupancy level. Numerous 
initiatives, such as newsletters, special events, resident committees 
and other initiatives, help to build a true sense of community at its 

properties. CAPREIT’s strong sales and marketing team continues to 
execute innovative and highly effective strategies to help attract and 
retain residents and adapt to changing conditions in specifi c markets. 
In addition, CAPREIT’s lease administration system improves control 
of rent-setting by suite, increasing resident service and enhancing the 
overall profi le of its resident base.

Cost Management
While ensuring the needs of its residents are met, CAPREIT also carefully 
monitors operating costs to ensure it is delivering services to residents 
both effi ciently and cost effectively. CAPREIT strives to capture potential 
economies of scale and cost generated by the growth in its property 
portfolio. CAPREIT’s enterprise-wide procurement system streamlines 
and centralizes purchasing controls and procedures and is realizing 
reduced costs through national master sourcing contracts, improved 
pricing and enhanced operating effi ciencies.

Capital Investments 
CAPREIT strives to acquire properties at prices signifi cantly below their 
current replacement costs, and is committed to improving its operating 
performance by incurring appropriate capital investments in order to 
maintain the productive capacity of its property portfolio and to sustain 
the portfolio’s rental income-generating potential over its useful life. 
CAPREIT continues to invest in environment-friendly and energy-saving 
initiatives that improve overall net operating income. CAPREIT completes 

20

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

a review of its portfolio and revises its long-term capital investment 
plan on an annual basis, which allows Management to ensure capital 
investments extend the useful economic life of CAPREIT’s properties, 
enhance life safety, maximize earnings and improve the long-term cash 
fl ow potential of its portfolio.

Average Monthly Rents
Through its active property management strategies, lease administration 
system and proactive capital investment programs, CAPREIT strives to 
achieve the highest possible average monthly rents in accordance with 
local market conditions. 

Portfolio Growth
CAPREIT will grow its portfolio over the long term through accretive 
acquisitions that meet its strategic criteria and, where possible, enhance 
geographic diversifi cation while capturing economies of scale and cost 
synergies, thereby increasing net operating income. As a component 
of this growth strategy, CAPREIT will monitor its portfolio and, from 
time to time, identify certain non-core properties for divestiture. The 
funds from these divestitures will be used to acquire additional strategic 
assets better suited to CAPREIT’s portfolio composition and property 
management objectives or to pay down existing debt. Management 
believes the continued realization and reinvestment of capital is a 
fundamental component of its growth strategy and demonstrates 
the success of CAPREIT’s capital investment programs and its ability 
to maximize and manage the earnings and cash fl ow potential of its 
property portfolio. In addition, Management has recently entered into 
and continues to prudently investigate the opportunity to enter into joint 
venture relationships with other real estate entities to potentially develop 
new multi-unit rental residential properties on excess land owned by 
CAPREIT or other vacant land.

Financial Management
CAPREIT takes a conservative approach and strives to manage its 
exposure to interest rate volatility by proactively managing its mortgage 
debt portfolio to fi x and, where possible, reduce average interest rates, 
effectively manage the average term to maturity and stagger maturity 
dates. In addition, CAPREIT strives to maintain a conservative overall 
liquidity position and achieve a balance in its overall capital resource 
requirements between debt and equity.

Key Performance Indicators

To assist Management and investors in monitoring and evaluating 
CAPREIT’s achievement of its objectives, CAPREIT has defi ned a number 
of key operating and performance indicators (“KPIs”) to measure the 
success of its operating and fi nancial strategies:

Occupancy 
Management strives, through a focused, hands-on approach to its busi-
ness, to achieve occupancies that are in line with, or higher than, market 
conditions in each of the geographic regions in which CAPREIT operates 
while enhancing the overall qualitative profi le of its resident base.

NOI 
As a measure of its operating performance, CAPREIT currently strives 
to achieve an annual net operating income margin that is in the range 
of 58% to 60% of operating revenues. 

FFO and NFFO 
CAPREIT is focused on achieving steady increases in these metrics. 
Management believes these measures are indicative of CAPREIT’s 
operating performance and the sustainability of its distributions. 

Payout Ratio 
To help ensure it retains suffi cient cash to meet its capital investment 
objectives, CAPREIT anticipates a long-term annual NFFO payout ratio 
of between 70% and 80%. 

Portfolio Growth
Management’s objective is to pursue acquisitions of between 1,500 and 
2,000 suites and sites on an annual basis, subject to market conditions 
and available fi nancing, which meet its strategic objectives, serve to 
accretively increase NFFO and continue to further diversify the portfolio 
by geography and by demographic sector. In addition, Management 
has recently entered into and continues to prudently investigate the 
opportunity to enter into joint venture relationships with other real estate 
entities to potentially develop new multi-unit rental residential properties 
on excess land owned by CAPREIT or other vacant land.

Financing 
CAPREIT takes a proactive approach with its mortgage portfolio, striving 
to manage interest expense volatility risk by achieving the lowest possible 
average interest rates while mitigating refi nancing risk by prudently 
managing the portfolio’s average term to maturity and staggering the 
maturity dates. For this purpose, CAPREIT strives to ensure its overall 
leverage ratios and interest and debt service coverage ratios are 
maintained at a sustainable level. In addition, CAPREIT focuses on 
maintaining capital adequacy by complying with investment and debt 
restrictions in its DOT and the fi nancial covenants in its credit agreement 
comprised of an acquisition and operating facility, which includes a euro 
LIBOR borrowing (“Acquisition and Operating Facility”), and a fi ve-year 
non-revolving term credit facility (collectively, the “Credit Facilities”), as 
described under Liquidity and Financial Condition in Section IV.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

21

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Performance Measures

The following table presents an overview of certain key IFRS and non-IFRS fi nancial measures and operational results of CAPREIT for the years 
ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Management believes that these measures are useful in assessing CAPREIT’s performance vis-à-vis its 
objectives, business strategy and KPIs. Effective May 2015, monthly cash distributions declared to Unitholders increased to $0.102 per Unit 
($1.22 annually), compared to $0.098 per Unit ($1.18 annually) effective since June 2014 and $0.096 per Unit ($1.15 annually) effective 
since June 2013.

Year Ended December 31, 

Portfolio Performance 
Overall Portfolio Occupancy 1 
Overall Portfolio Average Monthly Rents 1 
Operating Revenues (000s) 
NOI (000s) 
NOI Margin 

Operating Performance 2
FFO Per Unit – Basic 
NFFO Per Unit – Basic 
Weighted Average Number of Units – Basic (000s) 
Cash Distributions Per Unit 
FFO Payout Ratio 
NFFO Payout Ratio 

Liquidity and Leverage
Total Debt to Gross Book Value 1 
Total Debt to Gross Historical Cost 1, 3 
Weighted Average Mortgage Interest Rate 1 
Weighted Average Mortgage Term (years) 1 
Debt Service Coverage (times) 4 
Interest Coverage (times) 4 
Available Liquidity – Acquisition and Operating Facility (000s) 1 

Other 
Number of Suites and Sites Acquired 
Number of Suites Disposed 
Closing Price of Trust Units 1 
Market Capitalization (millions) 5 

2015 

2014 

97.5% 
963 
533,798 
324,614 
60.8% 

1.619 
1.692 
118,220 
1.207 
76.4% 
73.1% 

45.71% 
55.41% 
3.39% 
6.3 
1.63 
2.96 
70,315 

5,632 
530 
26.84 
3,478 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

97.9%
964 
506,411 
303,885 
60.0%

1.644 
1.675 
109,456 
1.168 
72.8%
71.5%

46.49%
56.73%
3.66%
6.3 
1.61 
2.82 
152,043 

474 
338 
25.13 
2,844 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

1  As at December 31.
2  NOI, FFO and NFFO are not defi ned by IFRS, do not have standard meanings and may not be comparable with other industries or companies 

(see Non-IFRS Financial Measures).

3  Based on the historical cost of investment properties. 
4  Based on the trailing four quarters.
5  Defi ned as the closing price of the Units on the last trading date of the period times the number of Units outstanding (including all Unit-based incentive plans 

except UOP) (see discussion of Unitholders’ equity under the Liquidity and Financial Condition section). 

22

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Property Portfolio

Types of Property Interests
CAPREIT’s investments in its property portfolio refl ect different forms 
of property interests, including:

Fee Simple Interests – Apartments and Townhomes
The majority of CAPREIT’s investment in its property portfolio is in the 
form of fee simple interests, representing freehold ownership of the 
properties subject only to typical encumbrances, such as mortgages. 

Operating Leasehold Interests
CAPREIT owns leasehold interests in 15 properties located in the 
Greater Toronto Area. The leases mature between 2033 and 2037. 
While separate lease arrangements exist for each property, the general 
structure is common across all leases: each lease is for a 35-year 
term  and  the  rent  for  the  entire  lease  term  was  fully  paid  at  the 
time the leasehold interest was acquired. Each lease also provides 
CAPREIT with a purchase option exercisable between the 26th and 

35th year of the lease term. In the case of one of the properties, 
the purchase option entitles CAPREIT to acquire a prepaid operating 
leasehold interest in the property maturing in 2072 (see Portfolio of 
Operating Leasehold Interests for additional information). 

Land Leasehold Interests
CAPREIT owns leasehold interests in three land parcels in Alberta and 
one land parcel in British Columbia. CAPREIT acquired a residential 
building on each of the four land parcels and pays ground rent on an 
annual basis for its use of the land. One land lease matures in 2045, 
two mature in 2068 and another matures in 2070. CAPREIT does not 
have the unilateral right to acquire the land or extend the lease term at 
the maturity of the respective leases (see Portfolio of Land Leasehold 
Interests for additional information).

Fee Simple Interests – MHC Land Lease Sites
CAPREIT has fee simple interests in 30 MHCs, whereby CAPREIT owns 
the sites, which it rents to residents.

PORTFOLIO BY TYPE OF PROPERTY INTEREST

As at December 31, 
Fee Simple Interests – Apartments and Townhomes 
Operating Leasehold Interests 
Land Leasehold Interests 
Total Residential Suites 
Fee Simple Interests – MHC Land Lease Sites 
Total Suites and Sites 

2015 

35,635 
3,815 
1,051 
40,501 
6,289 
46,790 

% 
76.2 
8.2 
2.2 
86.6 
13.4 
100.0 

2014 
30,538 
3,815 
1,051 
35,404 
6,284 
41,688 

%
73.3 
9.2 
2.5 
85.0 
15.0 
100.0 

Portfolio Diversifi cation
CAPREIT’s property portfolio continues to be diversifi ed by geography and balanced among demographic sectors and asset types. Management’s 
long-term goal is to further enhance the geographic diversifi cation and the defensive nature of its portfolio through acquisitions. 

PORTFOLIO BY DEMOGRAPHIC SECTOR 

As at December 31, 
Affordable 
Mid-tier 
Luxury  
Total Residential Suites 
MHC Land Lease Sites 
Total Suites and Sites 

2015 

3,291 
21,679 
15,531 
40,501 
6,289 
46,790 

% 
7.0 
46.4 
33.2 
86.6 
13.4 
100.0 

2014 
2,470 
19,161 
13,773 
35,404 
6,284 
41,688 

%
5.9 
46.1 
33.0 
85.0 
15.0 
100.0 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

23

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

PORTFOLIO BY GEOGRAPHY 

As at December 31, 

Residential Suites
ONTARIO
Greater Toronto Area 
Ottawa 
London / Kitchener / Waterloo 
Other Ontario 

QUÉBEC 
Greater Montréal Region 
Québec City 

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Greater Vancouver Region 
Victoria 

ALBERTA
Edmonton 
Calgary 

NOVA SCOTIA
Halifax 
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatoon 
Regina 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Charlottetown 
Total Residential Suites 

MHC Land Lease Sites
Ontario 
British Columbia 
Alberta 
Saskatchewan 
Prince Edward Island 
New Brunswick 
Total MHC Land Lease Sites 
Total Suites and Sites 

2015 

% 

2014 

%

15,518 
1,527 
1,650 
1,696 
20,391 

8,243 
2,729 
10,972 

3,030 
1,381 
4,411 

436 
1,883 
2,319 

1,588 

133 
234 
367 

33.2 
3.3 
3.5 
3.6 
43.6 

17.6 
5.8 
23.4 

6.5 
3.0 
9.5 

0.9 
4.0 
4.9 

3.4 

0.3 
0.5 
0.8 

15,780 
1,527 
1,649 
1,410 
20,366 

4,581 
2,728 
7,309 

1,948 
1,180 
3,128 

310 
1,883 
2,193 

1,588 

133 
234 
367 

37.9 
3.7 
3.9 
3.4 
48.9 

11.0 
6.6 
17.6 

4.7 
2.8 
7.5 

0.7 
4.5 
5.2 

3.8 

0.3 
0.6 
0.9 

453 
40,501 

1.0 
86.6 

453 
35,404 

1.1 
85.0 

2,690 
130 
415 
246 
500 
2,308 
6,289 
46,790 

5.7 
0.3 
0.9 
0.5 
1.1 
4.9 
13.4 
100.0 

2,685 
130 
415 
246 
500 
2,308 
6,284 
41,688 

6.4 
0.3 
1.0 
0.6 
1.2 
5.5 
15.0 
100.0 

While maintaining a strong and strategic presence in Ontario’s residential market, CAPREIT continues to focus on diversifying its geographic 
portfolio outside of Ontario by increasing its presence in markets with stronger growth potential. CAPREIT continues to look for investment 
opportunities that meet its investment criteria and that, where possible, will further its diversifi cation strategy. The geographic diversifi cation of 
its portfolio also enables CAPREIT to mitigate the risks arising from potential downturns in specifi c markets. 

24

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CAPREIT has acquired a total of 5,362 suites (excluding the Irish 
acquisition and subsequent disposition to IRES) in 2015 and continues 
to target acquisitions of between 1,500 and 2,000 suites and sites on 
an annualized basis over the long term.

Portfolio of Operating Leasehold Interests
CAPREIT has the option to acquire fee simple interests in 14 of the 
properties, which are exercisable between the 26th and 35th years 
of the respective leases. In the case of a 15th property, comprised of 
327 suites, CAPREIT’s option entitles it to acquire a prepaid operating 
leasehold interest in the property maturing in 2072.

The purchase options are independently exercisable, enabling CAPREIT 
to acquire additional interests in any or all of the properties. The option 
prices vary by property and by the year in which the option is to be 

exercised. The aggregate range of option prices would be approximately 
$283 million to $339 million if each of the options were exercised in the 
26th and 35th years, respectively, of the lease terms. If CAPREIT elected 
to exercise any option prior to the maturity of the lease term, CAPREIT 
would be entitled to receive a pro rata amount of the prepaid lease 
amount based on the remaining lease term. In addition, under certain 
circumstances, the option price may be reduced by the unamortized 
portion of capital expenditures incurred during the fi nal ten years of the 
lease term.

The mortgages on each of these 15 properties are scheduled to be fully 
repaid by their respective option exercise dates, which Management 
expects will enable CAPREIT to utilize the equity in these properties to 
fully fi nance the option exercise prices. 

OPERATING LEASEHOLD INTERESTS PORTFOLIO BY LEASE MATURITY

($ Thousands) 

As at December 31, 2015 and 2014 

Option Exercise Prices 

Year of Lease Maturity 
2033  
2034  
2035  
2037  
Total Operating Leasehold Interests Portfolio 

Properties 
10 
2 
1 
2 
15 

Suites 
3,099 
161 
200 
355 
3,815 

% 
81.3 
4.2 
5.2 
9.3 
100.0 

26th Year 
$  202,071 
19,300 
14,200 
47,200 
$  282,771 

35th Year 
$  242,596 
23,150 
17,000 
56,000 
$  338,746 

1  As at the acquisition dates of these leasehold interests by a CAPREIT predecessor.

Prepaid
Lease
Amount 1
$  136,101 
13,700 
9,000 
33,500 
$  192,301 

Portfolio of Land Leasehold Interests
In the absence of any new arrangements negotiated between CAPREIT and the landowners of the four parcels on which CAPREIT has land 
leasehold interests, CAPREIT’s interests in one property mature in 2045, in two properties in 2068 and in one property in 2070. Generally, each 
lease provides for annual ground rent and additional rent calculated from the properties’ operating results. All rental payments associated with 
land leasehold interests are included in other operating expenses (see Results of Operations). 

LAND LEASEHOLD INTERESTS PORTFOLIO BY LEASE MATURITY

($ Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 

Year of Lease Maturity 
2045   
2068   
2070   
Total Land Leasehold Interests Portfolio 

Suites 
473 
306 
272 
1,051 

% 
45.0 
29.1 
25.9 
100.0 

Annual Ground Rent

2015 
1,000 
561 
1,246 
2,807 

$ 

$ 

2014
1,000 
621 
1,280 
2,901 

$ 

$ 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Investment Properties 

Investment property is defi ned as property held to earn rental income 
or for capital appreciation or both. Investment property is recognized 
initially at cost. Subsequent to initial recognition, all investment property 
is measured using the fair value model, whereby changes in fair value 
are recognized for each reporting period in net income. 

Management values each investment property based on the most 
probable price that a property could be sold for in a competitive and 
open market as of the specifi ed date under all conditions requisite to a 
fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, 
and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. This does not 
contemplate the potential for general declines in real estate markets or 
the sale of assets by CAPREIT under fi nancial or other hardship. Each 
investment property has been valued on a highest and best use basis 
but, specifi cally, does not include any portfolio premium that may be 
associated with economies of scale from owning a large portfolio or the 
consolidation value of having compiled a large portfolio of properties 
over a long period of time, many through individual property acquisitions. 

Market assumptions applied for valuation purposes do not necessarily 
refl ect the specifi c history or experience related to CAPREIT and, in many 
cases, the stabilized cash fl ows or NOI used for appraisal purposes may 
not refl ect the results ultimately realized during future periods. 

The fair value of investment properties is established by a qualifi ed, 
independent  appraiser  annually.  Each  quarter,  CAPREIT  utilizes 
market assumptions for rent increases, capitalization and discount 
rates provided by the independent appraiser to determine the fair 
value of the investment properties for interim reporting purposes. 
Capitalization rates employed by the appraiser are based on recently 
closed transactions, generally within the last three months, and other 
current market indicators for similar properties. To the extent that the 
externally provided capitalization rates or results of operations change 
from one reporting period to the next, the fair value of the investment 
properties would increase or decrease accordingly. 

For  a  discussion  of  risk  factors  associated  with  the  valuation  of 
investment properties, refer to the Risks and Uncertainties section. 
For a detailed description of valuation methods and key assumptions 
used  for  investment  properties,  see  note  6  to  the  accompanying 
audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements for the year ended 
December 31, 2015.

The  following  table  summarizes  the  changes  in  the  investment 
properties portfolio during the years: 

($ Thousands) 

As at December 31, 
Balance, Beginning of the Year  $ 

2015 
5,749,640 

2014 
5,459,218 

$ 

Add: 
Acquisitions 
Property Capital Investments 1 
Capitalized Leasing Costs 2 
Unrealized Gain on 
  Remeasurement at Fair Value  

Less: 
Dispositions 
Realized Loss on Dispositions 
Foreign Currency Translation 
Investment Properties at 
  Fair Value, End of the Year  $ 

949,300 
163,208 
166 

61,545 
145,601 
597 

173,242 

150,897 

(168,622) 
(639) 
(3,155) 

(70,871)
–
2,653 

6,863,140 

$ 

5,749,640 

1  See Property Capital Investments section. 
2  Comprises tenant inducements, straight-line rent and direct leasing costs.

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the unrealized 
gain on remeasurement of investment properties is primarily the result 
of changes in net operating income and capitalization rates offset 
by certain capital investments not having an immediate effect on 
stabilized NOI and thus not refl ected in the fair value of the investment 
properties at the measurement date. 

26

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

A summary of the fair values of CAPREIT’s investment properties and changes, along with key market assumptions, is presented below: 

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES BY GEOGRAPHY

As at December 31, 

2014 

Change Due to Change in 

2015 

2014 

2015

($ Millions) 
Greater Toronto Area 
Other Ontario 
Québec 
British Columbia 
Alberta 
Nova Scotia 
Saskatchewan 
Prince Edward Island 
Dublin, Ireland 2 
MHC Land Lease Sites 
Total   

Fair Value 
$  2,615 
512 
937 
610 
476 
232 
48 
47 
– 
273 
$  5,750 

Rates 1 
130 
25 
22 
17 
(21) 
5 
(1) 
(1) 
– 
(2) 
174 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Stabilized 
NOI 
144 
17 
22 
46 
(20) 
– 
(2) 
1 
– 
12 
220 

$ 

Forex 
Translation 
– 
$ 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

$ 

Net
Acquisitions 
(43) 
$ 
47 
453 
232 
30 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
719 

$ 

Fair Value 
$  2,846 
601 
  1,434 
905 
465 
237 
45 
47 
– 
283 
$  6,863 

Rates 1 
  4.67% 
  5.12% 
  5.24% 
  4.28% 
  4.79% 
  5.75% 
  5.84% 
  6.04% 
– 
  6.18% 
  4.91% 

Rates 1
  4.41%
  4.81%
  4.94%
  4.20%
  4.99%
  5.62%
  5.99%
  6.17%
–
  6.23%
  4.74%

1  Weighted average capitalization rates excluding implied capitalization rates on Operating and Land Leasehold Interests. See note 6 to the accompanying 

audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements for further valuation assumption details including discount rates as at December 31, 2015 for Operating 
and Land Leasehold Interests.

2  During the fi rst quarter of 2015, CAPREIT acquired and sold the Rockbrook Portfolio in Dublin, Ireland for IRES pursuant to the Pipeline Agreement.

Alberta Market
Alberta’s economy has been negatively impacted by the continued decline in the price of oil on international markets therefore resulting in higher 
unemployment and declines in GDP. This has adversely affected the fair values of CAPREIT’s properties in the Alberta region (as indicated in 
the above chart) resulting in an unrealized loss on fair value remeasurement on investment properties from appreciation of capitalization rates 
and decrease in stabilized NOI. The appreciation of capitalization rates is a refl ection of higher risk in the Alberta real estate market while the 
decrease in stabilized NOI is due to higher projected vacancy and bad debt exposure. 

As at December 31, 2015, a 25 basis point change in capitalization rates would have the following approximate effect on the fair value of 
investment properties:

($ Millions)

As at December 31, 2015 
Weighted Average Capitalization Rate 
Weighted Average Capitalization Rate 

Change (basis points) 1 
+25 
–25 

Estimated (Decrease) Increase 
(338) 
376

$ 
$ 

1  For Operating Leasehold Interests, CAPREIT applies discount rates to determine the fair value of these properties. However, for the purposes of the above 
sensitivity analysis, CAPREIT has utilized the implied capitalization rates for Operating Leasehold Interests to determine the impact on fair value of the 
total portfolio. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

SECTION II

Average Monthly Rents and Occupancy

PORTFOLIO AVERAGE MONTHLY RENTS (“AMR”) AND OCCUPANCY BY DEMOGRAPHIC SECTOR

As at December 31, 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 1 

Total Portfolio 

Properties Owned Prior to 
December 31, 2014 

Properties
Acquired Since
December 31, 2014

Affordable 
Mid-tier 
Luxury 
Average Residential
  Suites 
Average MHC Land 
Lease Sites 

Overall Portfolio 
  Average 

AMR  Occ. % 
95.7 
98.1 
96.6 

$ 
815 
$  1,028 
$  1,152 

AMR  Occ. % 
94.9 
$ 
869 
98.6 
$  1,033 
97.6 
$  1,170 

AMR  Occ. % 
95.5 
98.0 
96.6 

$ 
890 
$  1,047 
$  1,192 

AMR  Occ. % 
94.9 
$ 
869 
98.6 
$  1,033 
97.6 
$  1,170 

AMR  Occ. %
96.4 
98.6 
96.6 

592 
903 
841 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$  1,059 

97.4 

$  1,076 

97.9 

$  1,094 

97.3 

$  1,076 

97.9 

$ 

835 

97.6 

$ 

366 

98.2 

$ 

356 

97.5 

$ 

365 

98.2 

$ 

356 

97.5 

$ 

615  100.0 

$ 

963 

97.5 

$ 

964 

97.9 

$ 

980 

97.4 

$ 

964 

97.8 

$ 

835 

97.6 

1  Prior year comparable AMR and occupancy have been restated for properties disposed of since December 31, 2014.

AMR is defi ned as actual residential rents, net of vacancies, divided by the total number of suites and sites in the property, and does not include 
revenues from parking, laundry or other sources. Average monthly rents decreased slightly in all demographic sectors of the residential suite 
portfolio, resulting in a 1.6% decrease in overall average monthly rents as at December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year while occupancy 
remained strong at 97.4% compared to 97.9% for the prior year. The decreases in average monthly rents were due to acquisitions in lower rent 
demographic sectors offset by strong stabilized rental growth, a combination of ongoing successful sales and marketing strategies, above-guideline 
increases (“AGI”) and continued strength in the residential rental sector in the majority of CAPREIT’s regional markets.

Average monthly rents for residential properties owned prior to December 31, 2014 increased as at December 31, 2015 to $1,094 from 
$1,076 as at December 31, 2014, an increase of 1.7% from the prior year. As at December 31, 2015, occupancy remained stable at 97.3%.

For the MHC land lease portfolio, average monthly rents increased to $366 as at December 31, 2015 compared to $356 as at December 31, 
2014, while occupancy for MHC properties increased to 98.2% as at December 31, 2015. Management believes MHC land lease sites provide 
secure and stable cash fl ows due to long-term tenancies, high occupancies, steady increases in average monthly rents, and signifi cantly lower 
capital and maintenance costs. 

28

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The table below summarizes the changes in average monthly rents due to suite turnovers and lease renewals compared to the prior year. 

SUITE TURNOVERS AND LEASE RENEWALS

For the Year Ended December 31, 

Suite Turnovers 
Lease Renewals 
Weighted Average of Turnovers and Renewals 

2015 

Change in AMR 
% 
$ 

20.7 
21.6 
21.4 

1.9 
2.0 
1.9 

% Turnovers 
& Renewals 1 
24.8 
71.6 

2014 

Change in AMR 
% 
$ 
3.0 
32.6 
1.6 
17.4 
2.0 
21.4 

% Turnovers
& Renewals 1
28.1 
79.7 

1  Percentage of suites turned over or renewed during the year based on the total number of residential suites (excluding co-ownerships) 

held at the end of the year.

Suite turnovers in the residential suite portfolio (excluding co-ownerships) during the year ended December 31, 2015, resulted in average 
monthly rents increasing by approximately $21 or 1.9%, compared to an increase of approximately $33 or 3.0% for the prior year. 

Pursuant to Management’s focus on increasing overall portfolio rents for the year ended December 31, 2015, average monthly rents on lease 
renewals increased by approximately $22 or 2.0%, compared to an increase of approximately $17 or 1.6% for the prior year. The higher rate of 
growth in average monthly rents on lease renewals during the year is due primarily to the higher guideline increases for 2015 (Ontario – 1.6%, 
British Columbia – 2.5%), compared to the permitted guideline increases in 2014 (Ontario – 0.8%, British Columbia – 2.2%), and by increases 
due to AGI achieved in Ontario. Increased portfolio diversifi cation helped mitigate geographical risk in particular areas of Canada. Management 
continues to pursue applications in Ontario for AGIs where it believes increases to raise average monthly rents on lease renewals above the 
annual guideline are supported by market conditions (see discussion in the Future Outlook section). For 2016, the permitted guideline increases 
in Ontario and British Columbia have been set at 2.0% and 2.9%, respectively. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

PORTFOLIO AVERAGE MONTHLY RENTS AND OCCUPANCY BY GEOGRAPHY

As at December 31, 

Residential Suites
ONTARIO 
Greater Toronto Area 
Ottawa 
London / Kitchener / 
  Waterloo 
Other Ontario 

894 
  1,126 
$  1,171 

QUÉBEC 
Greater Montréal Region  $  830 
Québec City 
947 
$  859 

BRITISH COLUMBIA 
Greater Vancouver Region  $  1,095 
  1,017 
Victoria 
$  1,070 

$  1,157 
  1,118 
$  1,125 

ALBERTA 
Edmonton 
Calgary 

NOVA SCOTIA 
Halifax 
SASKATCHEWAN 
Saskatoon 
Regina 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 
Charlottetown 
Total Residential Suites 

MHC Land Lease Sites
Ontario 
British Columbia 
Alberta 
Saskatchewan 
Prince Edward Island 
New Brunswick 
Total MHC Land 
Lease Sites 

Total Suites and Sites 

Total Portfolio 

Properties Owned Prior to 
December 31, 2014 

2015 
AMR  Occ. % 

2014 
AMR  Occ. % 

2015 
AMR  Occ. % 

2014 1 
AMR  Occ. % 

Properties
Acquired Since
December 31, 2014

AMR  Occ. %

$  1,218 
946 

99.1 
99.7 

$  1,181 

98.8 
937  100.0 

$  1,218 
946 

99.1 
99.7 

$  1,184 

98.8 
937  100.0 

$ 

– 
– 

–
–

97.3 
99.1 
99.0 

96.6 
95.5 
96.4 

99.6 
99.9 
99.7 

91.5 
89.9 
90.2 

883 
  1,095 
$  1,140 

$  895 
938 
$  911 

$  1,100 
972 
$  1,052 

$  1,201 
  1,211 
$  1,209 

97.9 
99.1 
98.8 

97.0 
96.8 
96.9 

99.6 
99.3 
99.5 

98.1 
96.5 
96.7 

894 
  1,125 
$  1,172 

$  905 
947 
$  920 

$  1,139 
  1,009 
$  1,090 

$  1,180 
  1,118 
$  1,127 

97.3 
99.3 
99.0 

96.0 
95.5 
95.8 

99.7 
99.8 
99.8 

93.9 
89.9 
90.5 

883 
  1,095 
$  1,141 

$  895 
938 
$  911 

$  1,100 
972 
$  1,052 

$  1,201 
  1,211 
$  1,209 

97.9 
99.1 
98.8 

97.0 
96.8 
96.9 

99.6 
99.3 
99.5 

98.1 
96.5 
96.7 

– 
  1,129 
$  1,129 

$  737 
– 
$  737 

– 
97.9 
97.9 

97.4 
– 
97.4 

99.3 
$  1,016 
  1,061  100.0 
99.4 
$  1,023 

$  1,101 
– 
$  1,101 

85.7 
– 
85.7 

$ 

$ 

$ 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

$  1,004 

92.1 

$  995 

90.8 

$  1,004 

92.1 

$  995 

90.8 

$  894 
  1,022 
$  975 

88.7 
95.7 
93.2 

$  965 
  1,021 
$  1,000 

97.7 
95.3 
96.2 

$  894 
  1,022 
$  975 

88.7 
95.7 
93.2 

$  965 
  1,021 
$  1,000 

97.7 
95.3 
96.2 

$  951 
$  1,059 

84.8 
97.4 

$  930 
$  1,076 

94.9 
97.9 

$  951 
$  1,094 

84.8 
97.3 

$  930 
$  1,076 

94.9 
97.9 

$ 
– 
$  835 

– 
97.6 

99.6 
$  500 
411 
96.9 
404  100.0 
97.2 
353 
95.8 
140 
96.8 
250 

99.6 
$  489 
99.2 
409 
381 
98.6 
335  100.0 
95.6 
138 
94.8 
244 

99.6 
$  500 
96.9 
411 
404  100.0 
97.2 
353 
95.8 
140 
96.8 
250 

99.6 
$  489 
99.2 
409 
381 
98.6 
335  100.0 
95.6 
138 
94.8 
244 

$  615  100.0
–
– 
–
– 
–
– 
–
– 
–
– 

$  366 
$  963 

98.2 
97.5 

$  356 
$  964 

97.5 
97.9 

$  365 
$  980 

98.2 
97.4 

$  356 
$  964 

97.5 
97.8 

$  615  100.0
97.6
$  835 

1  Prior year comparable AMR and occupancy have been restated for properties disposed of since December 31, 2014.

30

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Overall average monthly rents for the residential suite portfolio as at December 31, 2015 decreased by approximately 1.6%, as compared to 
December 31, 2014, due to acquisitions in lower rent demographic sectors late in the third quarter, while occupancies remained stable at 97.4%. 
Management believes annual occupancies can be maintained in the 97% to 98% range and the trend for gradual increases in same-property 
average monthly rents will continue, providing the basis for sustainable year-over-year increases in revenues.

Management also believes the defensive characteristics of its nationwide portfolio and its strategy to further diversify among Canada’s major 
rental markets and by demographic sector will continue to protect Unitholders from downturns in any specifi c geographic region or demographic 
sector. This characteristic is demonstrated by CAPREIT’s ability to increase same-property average monthly rents and maintain high occupancy 
levels in the course of the recent period of soft economic growth.

The table below shows the new tenant inducements incurred during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 as well as the amortization 
of tenant inducements, loss from vacancies, and bad debt expense included in net rental revenue for the same years. 

TENANT INDUCEMENTS, VACANCY LOSS, AND BAD DEBT EXPENSE ON RESIDENTIAL SUITES AND SITES

($ Thousands) 
Year Ended December 31, 
New Tenant Inducements Incurred 2 

Tenant Inducements Amortized 
Vacancy Loss Incurred 
Total Amortization and Loss 

Bad Debt Expense 

1  As a percentage of total operating revenues. 
2 

Includes tenant inducements for commercial leases.

2015 
1,691 

1,652 
12,585 
14,237 

1,504 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

% 1 

0.3 
2.4 
2.7 

0.3 

2014 
1,732 

1,317 
10,711 
12,028 

1,624 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

% 1

0.3 
2.1 
2.4 

0.3 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Results of Operations

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

($ Thousands) 

For the Year Ended 
December 31, 

2015 

% 1 

2014 

% 1

Operating Revenues
Net Rental Revenues  $  505,188 
Other 2 
28,610 
Total Operating 
  Revenues 

94.6  $  479,664 
26,747 

5.4 

94.7 
5.3 

$  533,798  100.0  $  506,411  100.0 

(59,337)  11.1 
(54,241)  10.2 
17.9 
(95,606) 

(56,591)  11.2 
(52,210)  10.3 
(93,725)  18.5 

Operating Expenses 
Realty Taxes 
Utilities 
Other 3 
Total Operating 
Expenses 

NOI 

$  324,614 

60.8  $  303,885 

(209,184)  39.2 

(202,526)  40.0 
60.0 

1  As a percentage of total operating revenues.
2  Comprises ancillary income such as parking, laundry and antenna income.
3  Comprises R&M, wages, general and administrative, insurance, 

advertising, and legal costs.

Operating Revenues 
For the year ended December 31, 2015, total operating revenues 
increased by 5.4% compared to the prior year, due to the contributions 
from  acquisitions,  increased  average  monthly  rents  on  stabilized 
properties,  and  continuing  high  stable  occupancies.  As  CAPREIT 
continues to enhance the profi le of its resident base and increase the 
level of service to residents, it expects to realize further increases in 
operating and ancillary revenues. Ancillary revenues, such as parking, 
laundry and antenna income, increased slightly by 7% for the year ended 
December 31, 2015.

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES BY GEOGRAPHY

($ Thousands) 

For the Year Ended December 31, 

2015 

2014 

Residential Suites
ONTARIO
Greater Toronto Area 
Ottawa 
London / Kitchener / Waterloo 
Other Ontario 

QUÉBEC
Greater Montréal Region 
Québec City 

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Greater Vancouver Region 
Victoria 

ALBERTA
Edmonton 
Calgary 

NOVA SCOTIA
Halifax 
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatoon 
Regina 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Charlottetown 
IRELAND
Dublin 
Total Residential Suites 

MHC Land Lease Sites
Ontario 
British Columbia 
Alberta 
Saskatchewan 
Prince Edward Island 
New Brunswick 
Total MHC Land Lease Sites 
Total Residential Suites 

$  235,037  $  231,831 
9,088 
17,783 
20,549 
$  285,782  $  279,251 

9,193 
17,939 
23,613 

$  65,961  $  56,673 
34,724 
$  101,007  $  91,397 

35,046 

$  33,384  $  27,979 
15,275 
$  49,656  $  43,254 

16,272 

$ 

6,890  $ 

5,013 
32,135 
$  39,345  $  37,148 

32,455 

$  20,193  $  20,397 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,500  $ 
2,938 
4,438  $ 

1,510 
1,764 
3,274 

5,136  $ 

3,654 

1,072  $ 

1,615 
$ 
$  506,629  $  479,990 

$  16,182  $  15,830 
633 
1,447 
971 
822 
6,718 
$  27,169  $  26,421 

640 
1,518 
1,027 
870 
6,932 

and MHC Land Lease Sites 

$  533,798  $  506,411 

32

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

ESTIMATED NET RENTAL REVENUE RUN-RATE

($ Thousands)

As at December 31, 

Residential Rent Roll 1, 2 
Commercial Rent Roll 1, 2 

Annualized Net Rental 
  Revenue Run-Rate 

2015 

2014

$  524,341  $  465,958 
20,545 

20,386 

$  544,727  $  486,503 

1  Based on rent roll as at December 31, net of vacancy loss, tenant 
inducements and bad debt for the 12 months ended on such date.
Includes rent roll for all properties owned as at December 31.

2 

The table above shows the estimated Net Rental Revenue Run-Rate 
based  on  average  monthly  rents  in  place  for  CAPREIT’s  share  of 
residential suites and sites as at December 31, 2015 and 2014, net 
of average historical vacancy loss, tenant inducements and bad debt. 
The estimated annualized Net Rental Revenue Run-Rate improved by 
12.0% to $544.7 million from $486.5 million, primarily as a result 
of new acquisitions over the past 12 months. Net rental revenue net 
of dispositions for the 12 months ended December 31, 2015 was 
$503.7 million (2014 – $478.1 million). 

Operating Expenses 
Overall operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenues 
decreased in the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the 
prior year, partially due to lower realty taxes, utilities, and repairs and 
maintenance (“R&M”). 

Realty Taxes 
For the year ended December 31, 2015, realty taxes as a percentage 
of operating revenues decreased to 11.1% compared to 11.2% the 
prior year. 

Utilities 
As a percentage of operating revenues, utility costs for the year ended 
December 31, 2015 decreased to 10.2% compared to 10.3% for the 
prior year. 

CAPREIT’s  utility  costs  can  be  highly  variable  from  year  to  year 
depending on energy consumption and rates. The table below provides 
CAPREIT’s utility costs by type.

($ Thousands)

Year Ended December 31,   

2015 

Electricity 
Natural Gas 
Water 

Total 

$ 

$ 

23,257 
14,878 
16,106 
54,241 

% 1 
4.4  $ 
2.8 
3.0 

2014 

22,262 
15,227 
14,721 

% 1

4.4 
3.0 
2.9 

10.2  $ 

52,210 

10.3 

1  As a percentage of total operating revenues.

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  electricity  costs  as  a 
percentage  of  total  operating  revenues  remained  stable  at  4.4% 
compared to 4.4% for the prior year. In dollar terms, electricity costs 
for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  increased  compared  to 
the prior year due to acquisitions partially offset by lower rates and 
consumption on stabilized properties and an increase in submetered 
units in Ontario and Alberta. As at December 31, 2015, tenants who 
pay their hydro charges directly represent 57.6% of the total 16,061 
recently submetered suites in Ontario and Alberta.

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  natural  gas  costs  as  a 
percentage of total operating revenues decreased to 2.8% compared 
to 3.0% for the prior year, primarily due to lower consumption partially 
offset by higher rates in 2015. 

The table below provides information on CAPREIT’s fi xed natural gas 
contracts for the fi scal years 2016 and 2017:

  Actual
  2015 2   

2016 

2017

Gas Commodity
Fixed Weighted Average Cost per GJ 1 
Total of CAPREIT’s Actual/
  Estimated Requirements 

$  3.75  $  3.66  $  3.00 

  70.0% 

  59.2% 

  33.7%

Transport
Fixed Weighted Average Cost per GJ 1 
Total of CAPREIT’s Actual/
  Estimated Requirements 

$  1.84  $  1.66  $  1.12 

  52.0% 

  40.2% 

  23.5%

1  Fixed weighted average cost per gigajoule (“GJ”) excludes other 

administrative costs.

2  Based on actual fi xed hedged gas commodity and transport costs per GJ. 
Also shown above is the actual percentage of utilized hedge contracts 
against actual total requirements.

Other Operating Expenses 
Other  operating  expenses,  which  include  R&M  costs,  wages  and 
benefi ts, insurance and advertising, decreased as a percentage of 
operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 to 17.9% 
from 18.5% for the prior year, primarily due to lower wages and R&M 
costs compared to the prior year. 

Net Operating Income 

Management believes NOI is a key indicator of operating performance 
in  the  real  estate  industry.  NOI  includes  all  rental  revenues  and 
other related ancillary income generated at the property level, less: 
(i) related direct costs such as utilities, realty taxes, insurance, R&M 
costs and on-site wages and salaries; and (ii) an appropriate allocation 
of overhead costs. It may not, however, be comparable to similar 
measures presented by other real estate trusts or companies. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following table shows the NOI and the NOI margin attained for each regional market for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. 

For the Year Ended December 31, 

($ Thousands) 

Residential Suites
ONTARIO
Greater Toronto Area 
Ottawa 
London / Kitchener / Waterloo 
Other Ontario 

QUÉBEC
Greater Montréal Region 
Québec City 

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Greater Vancouver Region 
Victoria 

ALBERTA
Edmonton 
Calgary 

NOVA SCOTIA
Halifax 
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatoon 
Regina 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Charlottetown 
IRELAND 
Dublin 
Total Residential Suites 

MHC Land Lease Sites
Ontario 
British Columbia 
Alberta 
Saskatchewan 
Prince Edward Island 
New Brunswick 
Total MHC Land Lease Sites 
Total Suites and Sites 

2015 

NOI 
NOI  Margin (%) 

2014 

NOI 
NOI  Margin (%) 

$  144,294 
4,776 
10,750 
13,814 
$  173,634 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

37,359 
19,227 
56,586 

22,472 
11,043 
33,515 

4,772 
20,605 
25,377 

61.4 
52.0 
59.9 
58.5 
60.8 

56.6 
54.9 
56.0 

67.3 
67.9 
67.5 

69.3 
63.5 
64.5 

$  139,528 
4,783 
10,819 
12,225 
$  167,355 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

31,690 
19,316 
51,006 

18,153 
10,093 
28,246 

3,429 
19,847 
23,276 

60.2 
52.6 
60.8 
59.5 
59.9 

55.9 
55.6 
55.8 

64.9 
66.1 
65.3 

68.4 
61.8 
62.7 

Increase (Decrease)

Revenue 

NOI
Change (%)  Change (%)  Change (%)

Expense 

1.4 
1.2 
0.9 
14.9 
2.3 

16.4 
0.9 
10.5 

19.3 
6.5 
14.8 

37.4 
1.0 
5.9 

(1.7) 
2.6 
3.2 
17.7 
0.2 

14.5 
2.7 
10.0 

11.1 
0.9 
7.5 

33.7 
(3.6) 
0.7 

3.4
(0.1)
(0.6)
13.0
3.8 

17.9 
(0.5)
10.9 

23.8 
9.4 
18.7 

39.2 
3.8 
9.0 

$ 

12,513 

62.0 

$ 

12,988 

63.7 

(1.0) 

3.7 

(3.7)

$ 

$ 

$ 

761 
1,838 
2,599 

50.7 
62.6 
58.6 

2,497 

48.6 

$ 

$ 

$ 

725 
1,106 
1,831 

48.0 
62.7 
55.9 

(0.7) 
66.6 
35.6 

(5.9) 
67.2 
27.4 

5.0 
66.2 
41.9 

1,671 

45.7 

40.6 

33.1 

49.4 

$ 
878 
$  307,599 

81.9 
60.7 

$ 
1,268 
$  287,641 

$ 

10,656 
490 
1,030 
644 
372 
3,823 
$ 
17,015 
$  324,614 

65.9 
76.6 
67.9 
62.7 
42.8 
55.2 
62.6 
60.8 

$ 

10,267 
435 
910 
541 
312 
3,779 
$ 
16,244 
$  303,885 

78.5 
59.9 

64.9 
68.7 
62.9 
55.7 
38.0 
56.3 
61.5 
60.0 

(33.6) 
5.5 

(44.1) 
3.5 

(30.8)
6.9 

2.2 
1.1 
4.9 
5.8 
5.8 
3.2 
2.8 
5.4 

(0.7) 
(24.2) 
(9.1) 
(10.9) 
(2.4) 
5.8 
(0.2) 
3.3 

3.8 
12.6 
13.2 
19.0 
19.2 
1.2 
4.7 
6.8 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, NOI increased by 6.8% and the NOI margin increased to 60.8% from 60.0% for the prior year due to 
higher rental revenues and lower operating expenses. The signifi cant increase in NOI in specifi c regions of the portfolio was primarily the result 
of acquisitions completed in the prior twelve months and higher operating revenues. CAPREIT remains focused on continuing to improve the NOI 

34

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

and NOI margin through a combination of accretive and value-enhancing acquisitions, successful sales and marketing strategies to improve 
revenues, and investments in capital programs to enhance the quality and value of its portfolio. For a comprehensive analysis of stabilized NOI 
growth or decline compared to the prior year by geography, refer to the Stabilized Portfolio Performance section.

Stabilized Portfolio Performance

For the Year Ended December 31, 

($ Thousands) 

Residential Suites
ONTARIO
Greater Toronto Area 
Ottawa 
London / Kitchener / Waterloo 
Other Ontario 

QUÉBEC
Greater Montréal Region 
Québec City 

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Greater Vancouver Region 
Victoria 

ALBERTA
Edmonton 
Calgary 

NOVA SCOTIA
Halifax 
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatoon 
Regina 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Charlottetown 
Total Residential Suites 

MHC Land Lease Sites
Ontario 
British Columbia 
Alberta 
Saskatchewan 
Prince Edward Island 
New Brunswick 
Total MHC Land Lease Sites 
Total Suites and Sites 
Stabilized Suites and Sites 

2015 

NOI 
NOI  Margin (%) 

2014 

NOI 
NOI  Margin (%) 

$  143,272 
4,776 
10,750 
11,905 
$  170,703 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

32,044 
19,227 
51,271 

19,442 
10,872 
30,314 

3,622 
20,052 
23,674 

61.3 
52.0 
59.9 
60.1 
60.8 

56.2 
54.9 
55.7 

67.0 
67.8 
67.3 

68.9 
63.5 
64.3 

$  137,167 
4,783 
10,819 
11,651 
$  164,420 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

31,690 
19,316 
51,006 

18,153 
10,093 
28,246 

3,429 
19,808 
23,237 

60.1 
52.6 
60.8 
60.0 
59.9 

55.9 
55.6 
55.8 

64.9 
66.1 
65.3 

68.4 
61.7 
62.6 

Increase (Decrease)

Revenue 

NOI
Change (%)  Change (%)  Change (%)

Expense 

2.4 
1.2 
0.9 
2.1 
2.2 

0.6 
0.9 
0.7 

3.7 
5.0 
4.1 

4.9 
(1.6) 
(0.7) 

(0.7) 
2.6 
3.2 
1.9 
(0.1) 

(0.1) 
2.7 
0.9 

(2.7) 
(0.3) 
(1.9) 

3.3 
(6.1) 
(5.0) 

4.5 
(0.1)
(0.6)
2.2 
3.8 

1.1 
(0.5)
0.5 

7.1 
7.7 
7.3 

5.6 
1.2 
1.9 

$ 

12,513 

62.0 

$ 

12,988 

63.7 

(1.0) 

3.7 

(3.7)

$ 

$ 

761 
863 
1,624 

1,674 
$ 
$  291,773 

$ 

10,656 
490 
1,030 
644 
372 
3,823 
$ 
17,015 
$  308,788 
39,799 

50.7 
63.5 
56.8 

57.0 
60.7 

65.9 
76.6 
67.9 
62.7 
42.8 
55.2 
62.6 
60.8 

$ 

$ 

725 
847 
1,572 

1,310 
$ 
$  282,779 

$ 

10,267 
435 
910 
541 
312 
3,779 
$ 
16,244 
$  299,023 
39,799

48.0 
62.6 
54.9 

48.0 
59.9 

64.9 
68.7 
62.9 
55.7 
38.0 
56.3 
61.5 
60.0 

(0.7) 
0.4 
(0.2) 

7.7 
1.8 

2.2 
1.1 
4.9 
5.8 
5.8 
3.2 
2.8 
1.8 

(5.9) 
(2.2) 
(4.4) 

(10.9) 
(0.3) 

(0.7) 
(24.2) 
(9.1) 
(10.9) 
(2.4) 
5.8 
(0.2) 
(0.3) 

5.0 
1.9 
3.3 

27.8 
3.2 

3.8 
12.6 
13.2 
19.0 
19.2 
1.2 
4.7 
3.3 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Stabilized properties for the year ended December 31, 2015 are defi ned 
as all properties owned by CAPREIT continuously since December 31, 
2013, and therefore do not take into account the impact on performance 
of acquisitions or dispositions completed during 2015 and 2014. As 
at December 31, 2015, stabilized suites and sites represent 87.2% of 
CAPREIT’s overall portfolio (excluding co-ownerships).

For the year ended December 31, 2015, operating revenues increased 
by 1.8% and operating costs decreased by 0.3% compared to the prior 
year. As a result, stabilized NOI increased by 3.3% for the year ended 
December 31, 2015. For the fourth quarter of 2015, operating revenues 
increased by 1.3% and operating costs decreased by 0.3% compared to 
the same period in the prior year, driving a 2.3% increase in stabilized 
NOI for the three months ended December 31, 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the NOI margin for properties 
acquired since December 31, 2013 was 58.9%.

Ontario:
NOI for the stabilized Ontario portfolio increased by 3.8% during the 
year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year, primarily 
due to higher operating revenues and lower R&M costs partially offset 
by higher wages. The NOI margin improved to 60.8% for the year ended 
December 31, 2015 compared to 59.9% for the prior year. Management 
believes the Ontario portfolio will remain strong and generate steady 
returns in the medium term. As discussed earlier, the rent guideline 
increase for 2016 is 2.0%.

Québec:
NOI for the stabilized Québec portfolio increased by 0.5% during the 
year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year, primarily 
due to higher operating revenues and lower R&M costs partially offset 
by higher realty taxes, utilities and wage costs. For the year ended 
December  31,  2015,  the  NOI  margin  remained  stable  at  55.7% 
compared to 55.8% for the prior year. CAPREIT believes the Québec 
rental market will remain stable and generate steady to improving 
returns in the medium term.

British Columbia:
NOI for the stabilized British Columbia portfolio increased by 7.3% 
during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior 
year, primarily due to higher operating revenues and lower insurance 
and wage costs partially offset by higher R&M costs and realty taxes. 
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the NOI margin increased 
to 67.3% from 65.3% for the prior year. Management believes the 
British Columbia portfolio will continue to generate steady returns in 
the medium term. The rent guideline increase for 2016 is 2.9%.

Alberta:
NOI for the stabilized Alberta portfolio increased by 1.9% during the 
year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year, primarily 
due to higher rental revenues and lower utility, R&M, and wage costs 
partially offset by higher vacancies and realty taxes. For the year ended 
December 31, 2015, the NOI margin increased to 64.3% compared to 
62.6% for the prior year. Despite recent declines in the price of oil on 
international markets, management believes its well-located properties 
and CAPREIT’s proven property management programs should help 
mitigate any downturn in the local market. In addition, with Alberta 
representing only 7.8% of CAPREIT’s total NOI, it is not overly exposed 
to any unanticipated significant downturn in the Alberta multi-unit 
residential rental business.

Nova Scotia:
NOI for the stabilized Nova Scotia portfolio decreased by 3.7% for the 
year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year, primarily 
due to higher vacancies, utilities and wage costs offset by higher rental 
revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the NOI margin 
decreased  to  62.0%  from  63.7%  for  the  prior  year.  Management 
believes its presence primarily in downtown Halifax locations will serve 
to maintain or increase occupancy levels and average monthly rents 
in the medium term. 

MHC Land Lease Sites:
NOI for the stabilized MHC land lease sites portfolio increased by 4.7% 
for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year, 
primarily due to higher rental revenue and lower vacancies, and wage 
costs offset by higher realty taxes. For the year ended December 31, 
2015, the NOI margin increased to 62.6% from 61.5% for the prior 
year. Management believes its MHC land lease portfolio will provide 
accretive growth in the long term.

36

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Net Income and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

($ Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 
Net Operating Income 
(Less) Plus:

Trust Expenses 

  Unrealized Gain on Remeasurement of Investment Properties 
  Realized Loss on Disposition of Investment Properties 
  Remeasurement of Exchangeable Units 
  Unit-based Compensation Expenses 

Interest on Mortgages Payable and Other Financing Costs 
Interest on Bank Indebtedness 
Interest on Exchangeable Units 

  Other Income 
  Amortization 
  Severance and Other Employee Costs 
  Unrealized and Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments 
  Dilution Loss on Equity Accounted Investments 
(Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Translation 

Net Income 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Items That May Be Reclassifi ed Subsequently to Net Income 
  Amortization of Losses from AOCL to Interest and Other Financing Costs 
  Change in Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments 
  Change in Fair Value of Investments 
  Foreign Currency Translation 
  Reversal of Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Relating to IRES Ownership Dilution 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
Comprehensive Income 

2015 
324,614 

$ 

2014 
303,885 

$ 

(22,707) 
173,242 
(639) 
(276) 
(13,417) 
(103,795) 
(3,988) 
(194) 
12,340 
(2,799) 
(5,237) 
282 
(4,346) 
(7,447) 
345,633 

3,311 
(2,641) 
652 
8,305 
3,127 
12,754 
358,387 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(20,944)
150,897 
–
(626)
(16,478)
(99,931)
(5,326)
(188)
6,942 
(2,400)
–
(2,810)
–
4,954 
317,975 

3,333 
(3,649)
(478)
(5,296)
–
(6,090)
311,885 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Trust Expenses
Trust expenses include costs directly attributable to third-party property 
and asset management services and head offi ce, such as salaries, 
trustee fees, professional fees for legal and advisory services, trustees’ 
and offi cers’ insurance premiums, and other general and administrative 
expenses net of amounts allocated to property operating expenses for 
properties owned by CAPREIT. Trust expenses increased for the year 
ended December 31, 2015 to $22.7 million from $20.9 million for 
the prior year mainly due to higher compensation relating to a special 
one-time bonus to senior management of $0.8 million, information 
technology, consulting, travel costs and a reversal of a legal provision 
of approximately $0.5 million in 2014 offset by non-recurring corporate 
taxes  of  $1.4  million  in  2014  relating  to  the  former  wholly-owned 
subsidiary, CAPREIT Ireland Ltd.

Unrealized Gain on Remeasurement of 
Investment Properties
CAPREIT recognizes its investment properties at fair value at each 
reporting period, with any unrealized gain or loss on remeasurement 
recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive 
income for the year. A description of the key components of the change 
in the fair value of investment properties is included in the Investment 
Properties section.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Remeasurement of Exchangeable Units 
CAPREIT accounts for its Exchangeable Units as a fi nancial liability, 
remeasures  such  liability  at  each  reporting  period,  and  includes 
this remeasurement in the consolidated statements of income and 
comprehensive  income.  The  increase  in  the  market  price  of  the 
underlying CAPREIT Trust Units since the last reporting date resulted in a 
loss on remeasurement of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 
2015 compared to $0.6 million the prior year. A description of the key 
components of the remeasurement of Exchangeable Units is included 
in note 11 to the accompanying audited consolidated annual fi nancial 
statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. 

Unit-based Compensation Expenses
Unit-based compensation benefi ts are provided to offi cers, trustees and 
certain employees and are intended to facilitate long-term ownership 
of Trust Units and to provide additional incentives by increasing the 
participants’ interest, as owners, in CAPREIT. Unit-based compensation 
expenses include costs attributable to these incentive plans, namely 
the Restricted Unit Rights Plan (“RUR Plan”), Unit Option Plan (“UOP”), 
Deferred Unit Plan (“DUP”), Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) and Senior 
Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (“SELTIP”) (see notes 11 and 12 
to the accompanying audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements 
for the year ended December 31, 2015. 

As a result of CAPREIT being an open-ended mutual fund trust, whereby 
each Unitholder of Trust Units is entitled to redeem their Units in 
accordance with the conditions specified in CAPREIT’s DOT, under 
IFRS the underlying Trust Units relating to the Unit-based compensation 
awards are not treated as equity and are instead considered fi nancial 
liabilities. As such, these Unit-based compensation awards must be 
presented as liabilities and remeasured at fair value at each reporting 
date. Close-ended mutual fund trusts, such as certain of CAPREIT’s 
industry peers, are not required to remeasure their respective Unit-
based compensation awards. In such cases, the related expense 
is limited to the amortization of the fair value of the award over the 
applicable vesting period. 

In order to aid comparability with CAPREIT’s peers, the Unit-based 
compensation expense has been separated into two components: (i) 
the amortization of the grant date fair value of the award over its vesting 
period, and (ii) the remeasurement of awards outstanding at year end 
at fair value.

As at December 31, 2015, the maximum number of Units issuable 
under  all  of  CAPREIT’s  Unit-based  incentive  plans  is  9,500,000 
Units (December 31, 2014 – 9,500,000). The maximum number of 
Units available for future issuance under all Unit incentive plans as 
at December 31, 2015 is 2,020,762 Units (December 31, 2014 – 
2,380,445 Units). 

A description of the key components of the market-based rates and 
assumptions used to determine the fair values of the awards is included 
in notes 11 and 12 to the accompanying audited consolidated annual 
fi nancial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. 

CAPREIT’s  Unit-based  compensation  expense  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015 resulted in a loss of $13.4 million compared to 
$16.5 million for the prior year due to the increase in the market price 
of the underlying CAPREIT Trust Units compared to the same period 
the prior year and higher DUP and RUR awards and UOP grant date 
amortization expense compared to 2014. The table below demonstrates 
the impact of each component of CAPREIT’s benefi t plans on the total 
compensation expense.

($ Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 
Remeasurement of Unit-based 
  Compensation Liabilities 
Amortization of Fair Value 

on Grant Date of Unit-based 

  Compensation 
Total 

2015 

2014 

$ 

7,511  $  12,131 

5,906 

4,347 
$  13,417  $  16,478 

Interest on Mortgages Payable and Other Financing Costs 
Interest on mortgages, which includes the amortization of certain 
fi nancing costs, increased for the year ended December 31, 2015 to 
$103.8 million from $99.9 million for the prior year due to mortgage 
top-ups and acquisition fi nancings in 2015. As a percentage of operating 
revenues, mortgage interest expense decreased to 19.4% for the year 
ended December 31, 2015 compared to 19.7% for the prior year due 
to refi nancing of mortgages at lower interest rates and higher operating 
revenues  from  stabilized  properties  and  acquisitions.  Additional 
information on the interest on mortgages payable and other fi nancing 
costs is included in note 21 to the accompanying audited consolidated 
annual fi nancial statements and the Liquidity and Financial Condition 
section of this report.

38

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Interest on Bank Indebtedness 
Interest on bank indebtedness relates to borrowings under the Credit 
Facilities (see Liquidity and Capital Resources section).

Other Income 
Other income primarily consists of dividends received from investments 
(see  note  7  to  the  accompanying  audited  consolidated  annual 
fi nancial statements), income from associate, gains realized on sale 
of investments, and asset management and property management fees. 

($ Thousands)

For the Year Ended December 31, 

2015 

2014 

Recurring
Investment Income 
Net Profi t from Equity 

Accounted Investment 1 

Asset and Property 
  Management Fees 

Non Recurring 2 
Total 

$ 

1,305  $ 

1,305 

6,894 

2,000 

3,316 

1,177 

825 

$  12,340  $ 

2,460 
6,942 

1 

2 

Includes unrealized gain on remeasurement of IRES investment properties 
of $4,024 and $1,710 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 
December 31, 2014, respectively.
Includes other interest income and underwriters’ fee relating to the sale 
of Rockbrook SPV in 2015. Also includes gain on sale of investments, 
termination fee income relating to U.S. property and asset management 
agreements, and a reversal of a legal provision in 2014.

Effective April 11, 2014, CAPREIT entered into an external management 
agreement to perform certain asset management duties and property 
services for IRES REIT (formerly CAPREIT’s Irish subsidiary) which 
owns properties in Dublin, Ireland. Asset management and property 
management  fees  included  in  other  income  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015 are $3.3 million compared to $1.2 million in the 
prior year. Expenses related to the asset management and property 
management services are included in trust expenses for the year ended 
December 31, 2015.

Included in non-recurring other income is $0.8 million (net of taxes) for 
the year ended December 31, 2015 from one-time underwriters’ fee 
income relating to the sale of the Rockbrook Portfolio to IRES pursuant 
to the Pipeline Agreement. 

Effective December 5, 2012, CAPREIT entered into third-party external 
management agreements to perform certain asset management duties 
and property services with a third-party real estate investment trust 
in the United States, which owned and operated 16 manufactured 
home communities in Colorado, Texas, Arizona, and Michigan. The 
external management agreements relating to the asset management 
and property management services concluded effective January 31, 
2014. Included in non-recurring other income is $1.3 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2014 from asset management and property 
management fees and one-time termination fee income. Expenses 
related to the asset and property management services are included 
in trust expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Amortization 
These  costs  represent  the  amortization  of  CAPREIT’s  head  office 
property,  plant  and  equipment  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  their 
estimated useful lives, ranging primarily between three and fi ve years. 

Severance and Other Employee Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2015, $5.2 million of severance 
and other employee costs were incurred including compensation costs 
related to the accelerated vesting of previously-granted RUR Units.

Unrealized and Realized Loss on 
Derivative Financial Instruments
i)  Interest  rate  contracts  for  which  hedge  accounting  is  being 
applied: As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT has two interest rate 
swap agreements, which include: 

a.  A $65.0 million interest rate swap agreement fi xing the interest 
rate at 3.60%, which matures in September 2022. The agreement 
effectively converts borrowings on a bankers’ acceptance-based 
fl oating rate credit facility to a fi xed rate facility for a ten-year term. 
The related fl oating rate credit facility is for a fi ve-year term; on 
expiry of the term it is expected to be refi nanced for an additional 
fi ve-year term. At each reporting date, the hedging derivative will 
be marked-to-market with the ineffective portion recognized in 
net income ($nil for the year ended December 31, 2015). 
b.  The €45.0 million credit facility agreement and interest rate 
swap agreement fi xing the interest rate at 3.22%, which matures 
in September 2018, was partially paid down by €5.0 million on 
April 21, 2014, and the entire hedge was therefore deemed 
ineffective  and  the  marked-to-market  loss  of  approximately 
$2.0 million on the date of repayment was recognized in net 
income in 2014. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

ii)  Interest rate contracts for which hedge accounting is not being 
applied: The new €40 million interest rate swap agreement effective 
April 21, 2014, fi xes the interest rate at 2.87% (assuming a constant 
margin of 1.65% per annum) and matures in August 2018. This 
agreement effectively converts borrowings on a EURIBOR-based 
fl oating rate credit facility to a fi xed rate facility for a fi ve-year term. 
At each reporting date, the hedging derivative will be marked-to-
market in net income ($0.2 million unrealized loss for the year ended 
December 31, 2015). 

iii)  Foreign currency exchange contracts for which hedge accounting 
is  not  being  applied:  CAPREIT  had  quarterly  foreign  currency 
exchange contracts aggregating to €2.8 million which commenced 
December 2013 and matured quarterly until September 2015 fi xing 
the exchange rate between the euro and the Canadian dollar for 
which hedge accounting was not being applied. The mark-to-market 
gain of $23 thousand has been recognized in net income for the 
year ended December 31, 2015.

iv)  Forward interest rate hedge agreement for which hedge accounting 
is not being applied: CAPREIT had a $100.0 million forward interest 
hedge agreement fi xing the Government of Canada 10-year bond 
at 1.44% effective October 29, 2015. The agreement effectively 
converted mortgage fi nancings of $100.0 million for a 10-year term. 
The realized gain of $0.4 million has been recorded in net income 
for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Additional  information  on  the  above  instruments  is  included  in 
notes 15 and 16 to the accompanying audited consolidated annual 
fi nancial statements.

Dilution Loss on Equity Accounted Investments
On March 25, 2015, IRES raised €215.0 million from the secondary 
equity  offering.  Due  to  the  issuance  of  additional  IRES  ordinary 
shares, CAPREIT recorded a loss resulting from ownership dilution of 
$1.2 million. This loss represents the difference between CAPREIT’s 
share of the fair value of the secondary equity offering and the carrying 
value of CAPREIT’s deemed disposed equity interest. In addition, due 
to CAPREIT’s ownership dilution, $3.1 million of accumulated foreign 
currency loss was reclassifi ed from other comprehensive loss to dilution 
loss on equity accounted investments in the consolidated statements of 
income and comprehensive income. A corresponding foreign exchange 
gain has been recognized in current and prior periods in the consolidated 
statements of income on the euro LIBOR borrowings related to the 
investment in IRES. 

The investment in IRES for €63.5 million is funded fully by euro LIBOR 
borrowings, thereby economically substantially eliminating its foreign 
exchange exposure. CAPREIT does not apply hedge accounting for its 
investment in IRES against the euro LIBOR borrowings related to it; 
therefore, the accounting results may differ from the naturally offsetting 
asset and liability exposures to foreign exchange.

(Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Translation
For the year ended December 31, 2015, CAPREIT recognized a loss 
on foreign exchange of $7.4 million compared to a gain of $5 million 
for  the  same  period  the  prior  year.  The  gain  or  loss  on  foreign 
currency translation recognized in the consolidated statements of 
income primarily represents the foreign exchange translation on the 
€63.5 million euro LIBOR borrowings. The foreign exchange gain or loss 
on the investment in IRES relating to these borrowings is recorded in 
other comprehensive income.

The Rockbrook Portfolio acquisition and its subsequent disposition 
in  the  first  quarter  of  2015  resulted  in  foreign  exchange  loss  of 
approximately $13 thousand. The foreign exchange loss on the sale of 
the Rockbrook Portfolio was substantially offset by the foreign exchange 
gain on the repayment of the euro LIBOR borrowings that were used 
to fund the acquisition.

40

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

SECTION III

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Per Unit Calculations

As a result of CAPREIT being an open-ended mutual fund trust, Unitholders are entitled to redeem their Trust Units, subject to certain restrictions. 
The impact of this redemption feature causes CAPREIT’s Trust Units to be treated as fi nancial liabilities under IFRS. Consequently, all per Unit 
calculations are considered non-IFRS measures. 

The following table explains the number of Units used in calculating non-IFRS fi nancial measures on a per Unit basis: 

(Thousands) 

Year Ended December 31, 
Trust Units 
Exchangeable Units 1 
Units under the DUP 2 
Basic Weighted Average Number of Units 
Plus:
  Dilutive Units under the LTIP 2, 3 
  Dilutive Units under the SELTIP 2, 3 
  Units Rights under the RUR Plan 2 
  Dilutive Unexercised Options under the UOP 2, 4 
Diluted Weighted Average Number of Units 

Weighted Average 
Number of Units 

Outstanding 
Number of Units

2015 
117,835 
161 
224 
118,220 

564 
316 
608 
218 
119,926 

2014 
109,122 
161 
173 
109,456 

689 
315 
474 
93 
111,027 

2015
127,140 
161 
248 
127,549 

891 
555 
586 
– 5
129,581 

1  See note 11 to the accompanying audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements for details of Exchangeable Units. 
2  See notes 11 and 12 to the accompanying audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 for details 

of CAPREIT’s Unit-based compensation plans. 

3  Calculated using the treasury method after taking into account the respective subscriptions receivable (see note 12 to the accompanying audited 

consolidated annual fi nancial statements). 

4  Calculated using the treasury method after taking into account the exercise prices. 
5  There are 1,334,432 unexercised options outstanding under the UOP.

DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT PLAN (“DRIP”) AND NET DISTRIBUTIONS PAID

($ Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 
Distributions Declared on Trust Units 
Distributions Declared on Exchangeable Units 
Distributions Declared on Awards Outstanding under Unit-based Compensation Plans 1 
Total Distributions Declared 
Less:
  Distributions on Trust Units Reinvested 
  Distributions on Unit Awards Reinvested 1 
Net Distributions Paid 
Percentage of Distributions Reinvested 

$ 

$ 

2015 

142,973 
194 
3,031 
146,198 

(44,372) 
(3,031) 
98,795 
32.4% 

$ 

$ 

2014
127,496 
188 
3,360 
131,044 

(40,633)
(3,360)
87,051 
33.6%

1  Comprises: (i) non-cash distributions related to the DUP and the RUR Plan, and (ii) retained distributions on LTIP and SELTIP Units (see notes 11 and 12 

to the accompanying audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 for a discussion of these plans).

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Under CAPREIT’s DRIP, a participant may purchase additional Units 
with the cash distributions paid on the eligible Units, registered in 
the participant’s name or held in a participant’s account maintained 
pursuant to the DRIP. Each participant has the right to receive an 
additional amount equal to 5% of their monthly distributions reinvested 
pursuant  to  the  DRIP,  which  will  automatically  be  paid  on  each 
distribution date in the form of additional Units. The price at which 
Units will be purchased with cash distributions will be the weighted 
average trading price for CAPREIT’s Trust Units on the Toronto Stock 
Exchange (“TSX”) for the fi ve trading days immediately preceding the 
relevant distribution date. 

The average participation rate in the DRIP and other plans under which 
distributions are reinvested decreased for the year ended December 31, 
2015 to 32.4% from 33.6% for the prior year. The DRIP participation 
rate is subject to factors beyond Management’s control and varies 
between investors.

distributions to Unitholders, the Board of Trustees relies on cash fl ow 
information, including forecasts and budgets.

Net Operating Income 
NOI is a key non-IFRS fi nancial measure of the operating performance 
of CAPREIT and is defi ned and reported in the Results of Operations 
section. 

Funds From Operations 
FFO  is  a  measure  of  operating  performance  based  on  the  funds 
generated by the business before reinvestment or provision for other 
capital needs. FFO as presented is based on the recommendations 
of the Real Property Association of Canada, with the exception of the 
amortization of certain other assets. It may not, however, be comparable 
to similar measures presented by other real estate trusts or companies 
in similar or different industries. Management considers FFO to be an 
important measure of CAPREIT’s operating performance.

Distributions declared on Units outstanding under the Unit-based 
compensation plans in these tables are based on all awards granted 
under the RUR Plan, DUP, LTIP and SELTIP (see notes 12 and 13 to the 
accompanying audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements for a 
discussion of these plans). When establishing the level of monthly cash 

Payout ratios compare total and net distributions declared to these non-
IFRS fi nancial measures. Management also considers these ratios to 
be important measures of the sustainability of the level of distributions.

A reconciliation of net income to FFO is as follows:

($ Thousands, except per Unit amounts)

Year Ended December 31, 
Net Income 
Adjustments:
  Unrealized Gain on Remeasurement of Investment Properties 
  Realized Loss on Disposition of Investment Properties 
  Remeasurement of Exchangeable Units 
  Remeasurement of Unit-based Compensation Liabilities 

Interest on Exchangeable Units 

  Corporate Income Taxes 

Loss (Gain) on Foreign Currency Translation 

  FFO Adjustment for Income from Equity Accounted Investments 1 
  Unrealized and Realized (Gain) Loss on Derivative Financial Instruments 
  Dilution Loss on Equity Accounted Investments 
  Amortization of Property, Plant and Equipment 
FFO 
FFO per Unit – Basic 
FFO per Unit – Diluted 

Total Distributions Declared 
FFO Payout Ratio 

Net Distributions Paid 
Excess FFO over Net Distributions Paid 
FFO Effective Payout Ratio 

1 

Included in Other Income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

42

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

2015 

$ 

345,633 

$ 

(173,242) 
639 
276 
7,511 
194 
59 
7,447 
(4,024) 
(282) 
4,346 
2,799 
191,356 
1.619 
1.596 

146,198 
76.4% 

98,795 
92,561 
51.6% 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

2014 
317,975 

(150,897)
–
626 
12,131 
188 
1,405 
(4,954)
(1,710)
2,810 
–
2,400 
179,974 
1.644 
1.621 

131,044 
72.8%

87,051 
92,923 
48.4%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Normalized Funds From Operations 
Management considers NFFO to be the key measure of CAPREIT’s 
operating  performance  and  the  primary  indicator  with  respect  to 
the sustainability of CAPREIT’s distributions. NFFO is calculated by 
excluding from FFO the effects of certain non-recurring items, including 
amortization of losses on certain hedging instruments, and mortgage 
prepayment penalties, offset by the write-off of fair value adjustment 
on assumed mortgages that were refi nanced early, and severance 

and other employee costs. Management relies on NFFO on a per Unit 
basis as it facilitates better comparability to historical performance and 
provides a better indicator of CAPREIT’s long-term cash fl ow generation 
capability than other measures. See the discussions in the Net Income 
and Other Comprehensive Income and Risks and Uncertainties sections 
for additional information on hedging instruments currently in place.

A reconciliation of FFO to NFFO is as follows:

($ Thousands, except per Unit amounts)

Year Ended December 31, 
FFO 
Adjustments:
  Amortization of losses from AOCL to interest and other fi nancing costs 
  Net Mortgage Prepayment Cost 1 
  Realized Gain on Sale of Investments 2 
  Severance and Other Employee Costs 
NFFO 
NFFO per Unit – Basic 
NFFO per Unit – Diluted 

Total Distributions Declared 
NFFO Payout Ratio 

Net Distributions Paid 
Excess NFFO over Net Distributions Paid 
Effective NFFO Payout Ratio 

2015 
191,356 

$ 

2014 
179,974 

$ 

3,311 
123 
– 
5,237 
200,027 
1.692 
1.668 

146,198 
73.1% 

98,795 
101,232 
49.4% 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

3,333 
763 
(717)
–
183,353 
1.675 
1.651 

131,044 
71.5%

87,051 
96,302 
47.5%

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

1  Net mortgage prepayment cost relates to early refi nancing fees net of fully amortized fair value adjustment on assumed mortgages.
2 

Included in Other Income in the Net Income and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) section. 

NFFO for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by 9.1% 
compared  to  the  prior  year,  primarily  due  to  contributions  from 
acquisitions and higher net operating income for properties owned 
prior to December 31, 2014.

details), offset by strong organic NOI growth. Management expects 
per Unit FFO and NFFO and related payout ratios to improve in the 
medium term as a result of NOI contributions from recent acquisitions.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, basic NFFO per Unit increased 
by 1.0% compared to the prior year despite reduced leverage and an 
approximate 8% increase in the weighted average number of Units 
outstanding resulting from the March 2015 and October 2015 equity 
offerings (see Liquidity and Capital Resources section for further 

Comparing distributions declared to NFFO, the NFFO payout ratio for the 
year ended December 31, 2015 increased to 73.1% compared to 71.5% 
for the prior year. The effective NFFO payout ratio, which compares NFFO 
to net distributions paid, increased for the year ended December 31, 
2015 to 49.4% from 47.5% for the prior year. Management believes NFFO 
will be suffi cient to fund CAPREIT’s distributions at their current level.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Adjusted Funds From Operations
AFFO is a supplemental measure of cash generated from operations 
that is used in the real estate industry to assess the sustainability of 
future distributions paid to Unitholders after provision for maintenance 
property capital investments. 

for CAPREIT, because maintenance property capital investments are 
not clearly identifi able. However, given the current use by investors and 
other stakeholders of this non-IFRS fi nancial measure, CAPREIT currently 
intends to continue presenting an estimate of AFFO.

Management relies on an industry-based estimate to determine the 
amount of maintenance property capital investments, as signifi cant 
judgement is required to classify property capital investments as 
maintenance, stabilizing or value-enhancing (see discussion in the 
Productive Capacity section). Management views AFFO as less reliable 
or applicable under a gross lease operating structure, as is the case 

CAPREIT calculates AFFO by deducting from NFFO an industry-based 
estimate for maintenance property capital investments and adding back 
the non-cash Unit-based compensation costs. In order to determine the 
AFFO payout ratio, CAPREIT compares distributions declared to AFFO. The 
effective AFFO payout ratio compares net cash distributions paid to AFFO.

A reconciliation of NFFO to AFFO is as follows:

($ Thousands, except per Unit amounts)

Year Ended December 31, 
NFFO 
Adjustments:
  Provision for Maintenance Property Capital Investments 1 
  Amortization of Fair Value on Grant Date of Unit-based Compensation 
AFFO 
AFFO per Unit – Basic 
AFFO per Unit – Diluted 

Total Distributions Declared 
AFFO Payout Ratio 

Net Distributions Paid 
Excess AFFO over Net Distributions Paid 
Effective AFFO Payout Ratio 

2015 

$ 

200,027 

(16,343) 
5,906 
189,590 
1.604 
1.581 

146,198 
77.1% 

98,795 
90,795 
52.1% 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

2014 
183,353 

(15,466)
4,347 
172,234 
1.574 
1.551 

131,044 
76.1%

87,051 
85,183 
50.5%

1  Based on an industry estimate of $450 per suite per year and the weighted average number of residential suites during the year 

(see Productive Capacity section).

44

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Cash Generated From Operating Activities to AFFO Reconciliation
In compliance with Canadian Securities Administrators Staff Notice 52-306 (Revised), Non-GAAP Financial Measures, the table below reconciles 
cash generated from operating activities to AFFO.

A reconciliation of cash generated from operating activites to AFFO is as follows: 

($ Thousands, except per Unit amounts)

Year Ended December 31, 
Cash Generated From Operating Activities 
Adjustments:
  Net Income Items Related to Financing and Investing Activities 
  Changes in Non-Cash Operating Assets and Liabilities 
  Amortization of Other Financing Costs 
  Straight-line Rent Adjustment 

Interest on Exchangeable Units 

  Corporate Income Taxes 
  Severance and Other Employee Costs 
  Net Mortgage Prepayment Costs 
  FFO Adjustment for Income from Equity Accounted Investments 1 
  Provision for Maintenance Property Capital Investments 
AFFO 

2015 

$ 

292,824 

$ 

(97,667) 
12,921 
(3,612) 
(122) 
194 
59 
5,237 
123 
(4,024) 
(16,343) 
189,590 

$ 

$ 

2014 
283,982 

(94,338)
19 
(2,751)
142 
188 
1,405 
–
763 
(1,710)
(15,466)
172,234 

1  Included in Other Income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 

SECTION IV

Property Capital Investments

CAPREIT capitalizes all capital investments related to the improvement 
of its properties. These investments have the objective of growing NOI 
in the future.

An important component of CAPREIT’s property capital investment 
strategy is to acquire properties at values signifi cantly below current 
replacement costs and improve their operating performance by investing 
annually in order to sustain and grow the portfolio’s future rental income-
generating potential over its useful life. 

To  achieve  its  property  capital  investment  objectives,  taking  into 
account CAPREIT’s acquisition history, the soft economic conditions 
and the availability of competitive pricing from construction trades 
at the time, in 2009 CAPREIT formulated and embarked on a multi-
year capital investment plan that accelerates spending on planned 
building improvement programs, including upgrading parking garages, 
balconies and other structural improvements. These investments are 
closely connected to CAPREIT’s property acquisitions, many of which 
were anticipated at the time of such acquisitions and were included 
in the acquisition analysis, to ensure such transactions are accretive. 

Management believes these investments will increase the productive 
capacity, the useful economic life and the operating capabilities of 
CAPREIT’s properties and enhance their future cash fl ow generating 
potential. Management also believes these building improvement 
programs, combined with existing suite improvement, common area and 
environment-friendly and energy-saving initiatives, will enable CAPREIT 
to reposition its portfolio and maintain high occupancy levels throughout 
any unfavourable economic conditions. These investments are expected 
to continue to increase average monthly rents while improving life safety 
and resident services. Management believes strategic investments 
will position the portfolio for improved operating performance over the 
long term. 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, CAPREIT made property 
capital investments (excluding disposed properties, head offi ce assets, 
tenant  improvements  and  signage)  of  $161.7  million,  compared 
to  $143.6  million  for  the  prior  year.  Property  capital  investments 
were higher compared to the prior year primarily due to investments 
in acquisitions completed in 2015 and higher building, suite and 
common area improvement costs which generally tend to increase 
NOI more quickly. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

In addition, CAPREIT continues to invest in environment-friendly and 
energy-saving initiatives, including high-efficiency boilers, energy-
efficient lighting systems and water saving programs, which have 
permitted CAPREIT to mitigate potential increases in utility and R&M 
costs and have improved overall portfolio NOI signifi cantly, as discussed 
in the Results of Operations section.

A breakdown of property capital investments (excluding disposed 
properties, head offi ce assets, tenant improvements and signage) is 
summarized by category below:

PROPERTY CAPITAL INVESTMENTS BY CATEGORY

($ Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 
2015 
Building Improvements  $  59,436 
  44,018 
Suite Improvements 
  25,336 
Common Area 
Energy-saving Initiatives 
2,196 
  10,926 
Equipment 
  16,394 
Boilers and Elevators 
Appliances 
3,364 
Total 

% 
36.7 
27.2 
15.7 
1.4 
6.8 
10.1 
2.1 
$ 161,670  100.0 

2014 
$  59,000 
  33,503 
  20,885 
1,230 
  11,519 
  15,031 
2,441 

%
41.1 
23.3 
14.5 
0.9 
8.0 
10.5 
1.7 
$ 143,609  100.0 

The signifi cant portfolio growth generated since 2011 has led CAPREIT 
to adjust its multi-year capital investment programs. Based on a revised 
multi-year property capital investment plan, Management expects 
CAPREIT to complete property capital investments of approximately 
$170 million to $180 million during 2016, including approximately 
$87 million targeted at acquisitions completed since January 1, 2011 
and approximately $20 million for high-effi ciency boilers and other 
energy-saving initiatives.

Set  out  in  the  next  table  is  Management’s  current  estimate, 
established through consultation with an independent engineering 
firm, of CAPREIT’s investments in building improvements for 2016 
through  2019  for  properties  owned  as  of  December  31,  2015. 
Building improvements represent the most significant category of 
property capital investment at present, but are expected to decline 
signifi cantly in the coming years. 

46

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

FUTURE INVESTMENTS IN BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

Properties Held As At 
December 31, 2015 Excluding 
Acquisitions Since 2012 

Estimated Range 
$  23,000  –  $  27,000 
$  19,000  –  $  23,000 
$  14,000  –  $  18,000 
$  6,000  –  $  10,000 

($ Thousands) 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 

Acquisitions
Since 2012

Estimate 
$  29,000
$  8,000
$  11,000
$  7,000

Management believes CAPREIT has suffi cient liquidity and access to 
top-up fi nancing opportunities (see the Liquidity and Financial Condition 
section) to execute the above property capital investment strategy. 

CAPREIT continues its multi-phase implementation of an Enterprise 
Resource Planning (“ERP”) system, and Management believes this 
unifi ed platform will continue to drive operational effi ciencies in the 
business. To date, $8.5 million of costs related to this initiative have 
been capitalized to property, plant and equipment. 

Productive Capacity

The primary focus of the following discussion is to differentiate between 
investments to maintain existing cash fl ows from the properties and 
investments incurred in order to achieve CAPREIT’s longer-term goals 
of enhanced cash fl ows and stable Unit distributions.

Maintenance property capital investments vary with market conditions, 
are partially related to suite turnover and are intended to maintain 
the earning capacity of the portfolio. Industry estimates for annual 
overall maintenance capital investments are approximately $450 per 
residential suite. These maintenance property capital investments 
are in addition to regular R&M costs, which have historically averaged 
in the range of $800 to $850 per residential suite annually and are 
expensed to NOI. 

Stabilizing and value-enhancing property capital investments are 
focused on increasing the productivity of the property portfolio. These 
investments enhance operating effectiveness and profi tability and 
increase revenues or reduce costs to improve NOI over the long term. 
In addition, they improve the economic life and value of the properties 
and are mainly long term in nature. 

Owing to the gross lease structure of its portfolio, CAPREIT does not 
divide its property capital investments between the two categories 
described  above.  Instead,  CAPREIT  uses  industry  guidelines  for 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

maintenance property capital investments to estimate its stabilizing and 
value-enhancing property capital investments as follows:

($ Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 
Total Property Capital Investments 1 
Less: Estimated Maintenance 

2015 

2014 
$  161,670  $  143,609 

Property Capital Investments 2 

(16,343) 

(15,466)

Stabilizing and Value-enhancing 
Property Capital Investments 

$  145,327  $  128,143 

1  Excludes capital investments for disposed properties, head offi ce assets, 

tenant improvements, and signage.

2  Based on an industry estimate of $450 per suite per year and the 
weighted average number of residential suites during the year.

Management believes its increased emphasis on targeted property 
capital investment programs for its property portfolio is yielding positive 
results, as signifi cant benefi ts are being, and are expected to continue 
to be, realized through maintaining high occupancy, increasing average 
monthly rents and reducing operating costs. These positive results are 
demonstrated below. 

The following table presents the average NOI growth from 2011 through 
2015, refl ecting a segregation of the portfolio based on the amount 
of capital investment per suite. For example, for each year, properties 
with the highest capital investment per suite were included in the fi rst 
quartile, and properties with the lowest capital investment per suite 
were included in the fourth quartile. NOI growth was measured for 
those properties by quartile for the year following the year in which 
the capital investments were made, with the assumption that capital 
investments are undertaken throughout the year and the impact on NOI 
could reasonably be measured in the following year. A simple average 
was calculated covering each of the last fi ve years. To compute the 
results on a stabilized basis, only those properties owned prior to 2011 
and held as at December 31, 2015 were included in the analysis.

AVERAGE NOI GROWTH BY LEVEL OF PROPERTY 

CAPITAL INVESTMENT PER SUITE

Quartile 
1st 
2nd 
3rd 
4th 

Number of 
Properties 
35 
35 
35 
35 
140 

Average 
Number of 
Suites 
6,159 
6,929 
6,449 
6,647 
26,184 

% of Total   
Capital 

Investments 1 
51.3% 
28.4% 
14.0% 
6.3% 
100.0% 

Average
NOI
Growth
6.4%
4.6%
5.4%
3.7%
5.0%

1  As a percentage of total property capital investments over the fi ve-year 

period to December 31, 2015.

The analysis indicates a positive relationship between capital invest-
ments and higher NOI growth rates, which supports Management’s 
assertion that continued reinvestment of capital is a fundamental 
component of CAPREIT’s growth strategy. The analysis demonstrates 
the success of CAPREIT’s capital investment programs, which increase 
the earnings potential of the property portfolio.

Capital Structure

CAPREIT defi nes capital as the aggregate of Unitholders’ equity, debt 
financing,  Unit-based  compensation  liabilities  and  Exchangeable 
Units. CAPREIT’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard 
its ability to continue to fund distributions to Unitholders, to retain a 
portion to meet repayment obligations under its mortgages and credit 
facilities, and to ensure suffi cient funds are available to meet capital 
commitments. Management aims to maintain an optimal degree of 
leverage relative to the gross book value of CAPREIT’s assets depending 
on a number of factors at any given time, which include expected 
cash fl ow requirements, impact on near-term and long-term fi nancial 
performance, current and expected state of the credit markets and 
any risks, among other considerations. Capital adequacy is monitored 
against investment and debt restrictions contained in CAPREIT’s DOT 
and the Credit Facilities agreement.

CAPREIT’s  Credit  Facilities  (see  Liquidity  and  Financial  Condition 
section) require compliance with the fi nancial covenants shown in the 
table below. In addition, borrowings must not exceed the borrowing 
base, calculated as a predefi ned percentage of the fair value of the 
investment properties determined on an annual basis. 

In addition, CAPREIT requires compliance with all investment and debt 
restrictions and fi nancial covenants under the agreement with CMHC. 
Refer to the Liquidity and Financial Condition section of this report for 
further details. 

In the short term, CAPREIT utilizes the Credit Facilities to fi nance its 
capital investments, which may include acquisitions. In the long term, 
equity issuances, mortgage fi nancings and refi nancings, including top-
ups, are put in place to fi nance the cumulative investment in the property 
portfolio and ensure the sources of fi nancing better refl ect the long-term 
useful lives of the underlying investments. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CAPREIT is in compliance with all the investment and debt restrictions and fi nancial covenants contained in the DOT and the Credit Facilities. 
The total capital managed by CAPREIT and the results of compliance with the key covenants are summarized below:

($ Thousands)

As at December 31,  
Mortgages Payable 
Bank Indebtedness 
Unit-based Compensation Liabilities 
Exchangeable Units 
Unitholders’ Equity 
Total Capital 

Total Debt to Gross Book Value 1 
Total Debt to Gross Historical Cost 3 
Tangible Net Worth 4 

For the four quarters ended December 31, 
Debt Service Coverage Ratio (times) 2, 5 
Interest Coverage Ratio (times) 2, 6 

2015 
$  3,097,773 
168,211 
46,163 
4,330 
  3,659,953 
$  6,976,430 

2014
$  2,658,454 
113,167 
48,686 
4,054 
2,983,105 
$  5,807,466 

45.71% 
55.41% 
$  3,710,446 

46.49%
56.73%
$  3,035,845 

2015 
1.63 
2.96 

 2014
1.61 
2.82 

Threshold 
Maximum 70.00% 

Minimum $1,200,000 

Minimum 1.20 
Minimum 1.50 

1  CAPREIT’s DOT limits the maximum amount of total debt to 70% of the gross book value (“GBV”) of CAPREIT’s total assets. GBV is defi ned as the gross book 
value of CAPREIT’s assets as per CAPREIT’s fi nancial statements, determined on a fair value basis for investment properties, plus accumulated amortization 
on property, plant and equipment, CMHC fees, and deferred loan costs. In addition, the DOT provides for investment restrictions on type and maximum limits 
on single property investments. 
2  Based on the trailing four quarters.
3  Based on the historical cost of investment properties, calculated as CAPREIT’s assets, as disclosed under IFRS, plus accumulated amortization on property, 

plant and equipment, CMHC fees, and deferred loan costs, and minus fair value adjustment on investment properties. 

4  As per the Credit Facilities agreement, the tangible net worth is generally represented by Unitholders’ Equity and Unit-based rights and compensation 

liabilities or assets, including Exchangeable Units are added back. 

5  As per the Credit Facilities agreement and DOT, the debt service coverage ratio is defi ned as earnings before interest, depreciation, amortization, income 

taxes and other adjustments including non-cash costs (“EBITDA”) less taxes paid divided by the sum of principal and interest payments.
6  As per the Credit Facilities agreement and DOT, the interest coverage ratio is defi ned as EBITDA less taxes paid divided by interest payments.

Liquidity and Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Management ensures there is adequate overall liquidity by maintaining 
suffi cient available credit facilities to fund maintenance and property 
capital  investment  commitments  and  distributions  to  Unitholders 
and to provide for future growth in the business. CAPREIT fi nances 
these commitments through: (i) cash fl ow from operating activities; (ii) 
mortgage debt secured by its investment properties; (iii) secured short-
term debt fi nancing with two Canadian chartered banks; and (iv) equity. 
Management’s assessment of CAPREIT’s liquidity position continues to 
be stable for the foreseeable future based on its evaluation of capital 
resources as summarized below:

i)  CAPREIT’s business continues to be stable and is expected to 
generate suffi cient cash fl ow from operating activities to fund the 
current level of distributions. Management expects the combination 

of the current level of funds reinvested from its DRIP, the retained 
portion of its annual NFFO, mortgage top-ups and the available 
borrowing capacity of the Credit Facilities to be suffi cient to fund 
its  ongoing  property  capital  investments.  For  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015, CAPREIT’s NFFO payout ratio was 73.1% 
compared to 71.5% for the prior year, and the effective NFFO payout 
ratio was 49.4% compared to 47.5% for the prior year, both well 
within CAPREIT’s annual target. CAPREIT anticipates a long-term 
annual NFFO payout ratio in the 70% to 80% range. 

ii)  Management  believes  CAPREIT  is  well-positioned  to  meet  its 
mortgage renewals and refinancing goals for 2016 due to the 
continuing availability of CMHC-insured fi nancing. Management does 
not anticipate any material diffi culties in completing the renewal of 
mortgages maturing during 2016 of approximately $145.4 million, 
which have an effective interest rate of approximately 4.10%, or 

48

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

in refi nancing approximately $93.7 million of principal repayments 
through 2016 with new mortgages. 

deal basis with an over-allotment option. The transaction closed on 
October 9, 2015. CAPREIT used the net proceeds of the offering to 
repay a portion of its borrowings under its Bridge Increase.

iii)  Investment properties with a fair value of $6.6 billion have been 
pledged as security as at December 31, 2015. In addition, CAPREIT 
has  investment  properties  with  a  fair  value  of  approximately 
$289.1 million as at December 31, 2015 that are not encumbered 
by mortgages and secure only the Acquisition and Operating Facility 
(as described below). CAPREIT intends to maintain unencumbered 
investment properties with an aggregate fair value in the range of 
$150 million to $180 million over the long term. 

iv)  On September 30, 2015, CAPREIT amended its credit agreement for 
the $340.0 million revolving credit facility (“Acquisition and Operating 
Facility”) to provide for a six-month temporary bridge facility of up to 
$450.0 million (the “Bridge Increase”) to fund specifi c acquisitions. 
The Bridge Increase was a term credit facility and any principal 
amount repaid may not be reborrowed, and its maturity date is 
six months from the initial drawdown of the advance, which was 
September 30, 2015. As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT has 
fully repaid the $450.0 million Bridge Increase. In respect to the 
Acquisition and Operating Facility, the aggregate amount of euro 
LIBOR borrowings at any time shall not exceed €70.0 million while 
the Canadian dollar equivalent of the aggregate principal amount 
of all advances (including the euro LIBOR borrowings) under the 
Acquisition and Operating Facility shall not exceed $340.0 million. 

v)  Effective September 28, 2012, CAPREIT has a $65.0 million credit 
facility on two of the MHC land lease sites bearing interest at the 
bankers’ acceptance rate plus 1.4% per annum. This credit facility is 
a fi ve-year non-revolving term credit facility, and any principal amount 
repaid under this facility may not be reborrowed. On expiry of the 
term, it is expected to be refi nanced for an additional fi ve-year term. 
There is an interest rate swap agreement on this facility, fi xing the 
bankers’ acceptance rate to 2.20%, maturing in September 2022. 
The swap agreement fi xes the all-in rate of the loan at 3.60% for a 
fi ve-year term.

vi)  As at December 31, 2015, the euro LIBOR borrowings of €63.5 million 
bear interest at the euro LIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.65% per 
annum. The margin is renegotiated annually. There is an interest 
rate swap agreement on the euro LIBOR borrowings of €40.0 million, 
fi xing the euro LIBOR rate to 1.22%, maturing in August 2018. The 
swap agreement fi xes the all-in rate of the loan at 2.87% (assuming 
a constant margin of 1.65%) for the remaining three years of the 
original fi ve-year term. 

viii) On March 3, 2015, CAPREIT announced it had agreed to sell, subject 
to regulatory approval, 5,050,000 Units for $27.85 per Unit for 
aggregate gross proceeds of $140.6 million on a bought-deal basis 
with an over-allotment option. The transaction closed on March 25, 
2015, and under the over-allotment option, 505,000 additional 
Units were also issued on March 25, 2015 for gross proceeds 
of $14.1 million. CAPREIT used the net proceeds of the offering 
to  repay  a  portion  of  its  borrowings  under  its  Acquisition  and 
Operating Facility.

In order to maintain and enhance its CMHC-insured fi nancing program, 
and consistent with CMHC’s risk management practices involving 
large borrowers, CAPREIT has entered into an agreement with CMHC 
(the “Large Borrower Agreement” or “LBA”). Other than improving 
the effi ciency and consistency of such processes, the LBA has not 
materially affected the manner in which CAPREIT conducts its business 
or its approach to mortgage fi nancing. The LBA provides for, among 
other things:

i)  Enhanced disclosure to CMHC;

ii)  Certain  financial  covenants  and  commitments  and  limitations 
on indebtedness, none of which are inconsistent with CAPREIT’s 
current requirements under its DOT and existing credit and mortgage 
facilities;

iii)  The posting of a revolving letter of credit with respect to certain 
capital expenditures on a portfolio basis, rather than an individual 
property basis; and

iv)  Cross-collateralization of mortgage loans for certain CMHC-insured 

mortgage lenders.

CAPREIT is in compliance with all its investment and debt restrictions 
and fi nancial covenants contained in the DOT, the LBA and the Credit 
Facilities. Under the terms of the LBA, total indebtedness of CAPREIT 
is limited to the greater of (i) 60% of Gross Book Value determined 
on a fair value basis, or (ii) 70% of Gross Book Value determined on 
a historical basis, and may only be increased above such limits with 
CMHC’s consent. Under the LBA, fi nancial covenants are not signifi cantly 
different than those required under the DOT or Credit Facilities other 
than as described above. 

vii) On September 21, 2015, CAPREIT announced it had agreed to sell, 
subject to regulatory approval, 8,720,000 Units for $28.70 per 
Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $250.3 million on a bought-

The working capital defi ciency, as presented on CAPREIT’s consolidated 
balance sheets as at December 31, 2015, which includes non-cash 
Unit-based compensation liabilities, is managed through the available 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

49

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

liquidity under the Credit Facilities as well as the ongoing refi nancing 
of mortgages payable. 

The table below summarizes CAPREIT’s bank indebtedness position as 
at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

As at December 31, 2015, the overall leverage represented by the 
ratio of total debt to gross book value improved to 45.71% compared 
to 46.49% for the prior year. As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT’s total 
debt was 48.46% of total market capitalization compared to 49.35% for 
the prior year. 

($ Thousands) 
As at December 31, 2015 
Facility 
Less: 

Euro LIBOR Borrowings 1 

  Bank Indebtedness 
Letters of Credit 

Available Borrowing Capacity 
Weighted Average Floating Interest Rate 

($ Thousands) 
As at December 31, 2014 
Facility 
Less: 

Euro LIBOR Borrowings 1 

  Bank Indebtedness 
Letters of Credit 

Available Borrowing Capacity 
Weighted Average Floating Interest Rate 

1 

Included in mortgages payable.

Acquisition and
Operating Facility 
  $  340,000 

(95,434)
  (168,211)
(6,040)
  $  70,315 
2.56%

Acquisition and
Operating Facility 
  $  340,000 

(68,646)
  (113,167)
(6,144)
  $  152,043 
3.09%

CAPREIT’s key liquidity metrics are summarized as follows:

As at December 31, 
Mortgage Debt to Gross Book Value 
Total Debt to Gross Book Value 
Total Debt to Gross Historical Cost 1 
Total Debt to Total Capitalization 

Debt Service Coverage Ratio (times) 2 
Interest Coverage Ratio (times) 2 

2015 
43.36% 
45.71% 
55.41% 
48.46% 

1.63 
2.96 

2014
44.60%
46.49%
56.73%
49.35%

The effective portfolio weighted average interest rate has declined 
from 3.66% as at December 31, 2014 to 3.39% as at December 31, 
2015, which Management expects could result in continued interest 
rate savings in future years. Management believes that as CAPREIT’s 
refi nancing plan continues to be realized, there may be scope to further 
reduce the effective portfolio weighted average interest rate based 
on foreseeable market conditions. Management is also focused on 
ensuring the portfolio weighted average term to maturity remains above 
the fi ve-year range or longer and expects to gradually extend the term, 
while continuing to balance the maturity profi le. 

Mortgages Payable
CAPREIT takes a conservative approach and actively manages its 
mortgage portfolio to reduce interest costs while ensuring it is not overly 
exposed to interest rate volatility risk. Management takes a portfolio 
approach to its mortgage debt, proactively staggering maturities to 
reduce risk while taking advantage of the current low interest rate 
environment. 

CAPREIT focuses on multi-unit residential real estate, which is eligible 
for government-backed insurance for mortgages administered by CMHC, 
which benefi ts CAPREIT in two ways:
•  CAPREIT obtains lower interest rate spreads for mortgage fi nancing; 

and

•  CAPREIT’s overall renewal risk for mortgage refi nancings is reduced as 
the mortgage insurance premium is transferable between approved 
lenders and is effective for the full initial amortization period of the 
underlying mortgage ranging between 25 and 35 years.

1.61 
2.82 

As at December 31, 
Percentage of CMHC-Insured Mortgages 1 
Percentage of Fixed-Rate Mortgages 

2015 
96.5% 
98.9% 

2014
95.7%
100.0%

1  Excludes the mortgages on the MHC land lease sites and the 

euro LIBOR borrowings.

Weighted Average Mortgage Interest Rate 3   
Weighted Average Mortgage 
Term to Maturity (years) 

3.39% 

3.66%

6.3 

6.3 

1  Based on the historical cost of investment properties. 
2  Based on the trailing four quarters ended December 31, 2015. 
3  Weighted average mortgage interest rate includes deferred fi nancing 
costs and fair value adjustments on an effective interest rate basis. 
Including the amortization of the realized component of the loss on 
settlement of $32.5 million included in AOCL, the effective portfolio 
weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2015 would be 3.52% 
(December 31, 2014 – 3.81%).

50

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following table summarizes the changes in the mortgage portfolio during the years:

($ Thousands) 

As at December 31, 
Balance, Beginning of the Year 

Add:
  New Borrowings on Acquisitions 
  Assumed 
  Refi nanced 
  Foreign Currency Translation 
Less:
  Mortgage Repayments 
  Mortgages Matured 
  Mortgages Repaid on Dispositions of Investment Properties 
  Change in Deferred Financing Costs, Fair Value Adjustments, Net 
Balance, End of the Year 

2015 
$  2,658,454 

2014
$  2,457,182 

524,197 
3,030 
284,779 
4,780 

(84,890) 
(143,328) 
(145,917) 
(3,332) 
$  3,097,773 

12,650 
26,122 
576,457 
(1,121)

(76,821)
(324,915)
(7,599)
(3,501)
$  2,658,454 

The following table presents refi nancings for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the weighted average interest rates obtained. 

($ Thousands) 
First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 
Acquisitions 3 
Total and Weighted Average 

Original 
Mortgage 
Amount 
$  20,211 
58,130 
58,068 
6,919 
– 
$  143,328 

Original 
Stated 
Interest 

Rate 1 
4.01% 
3.75% 
3.82% 
3.55% 
0.00% 
3.81% 

New 
Mortgage 
Amount 
$  77,932 
88,502 
85,657 
32,688 
  382,203 
$  666,982 

New Stated 
Interest 

Rate 1, 2 

  2.46% 
  2.69% 
  2.52% 
  2.51% 
  2.36% 
  2.44% 

  Weighted Average
Term on New
Mortgages 
(Yrs) 
10.1 
10.3 
8.8 
10.0 
8.2 
8.8 

Top-Up
Amount
$  57,721 
30,372 
27,589 
25,769 
  382,203 
$  523,654 

1  Weighted average.
2  Excludes CMHC and Other Financing Costs and hedge impact.
3  Excludes the January 2015 Rockbrook Portfolio acquisition fi nancing for €89.7 million, as this portfolio was disposed of in March 2015 and the loan was repaid 

concurrently. Also excludes the new fi nancings of €23.5 million on IRES investment in March 2015, which forms part of the euro LIBOR borrowings.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For purposes of estimating top-up fi nancing potential, the following table provides annualized NOI for those properties with mortgages maturing 
over the next fi ve years and beyond. A property’s full NOI is included in the fi rst year in which a mortgage matures. The balance of mortgages 
remaining on the same property but maturing in other years is also shown. Management expects to raise between $275 million and $325 million 
in total mortgage renewals and refi nancings for 2016 excluding fi nancings on acquisitions. 

($ Thousands)

As at December 31, 2015 

Year of Maturity 
2016  
2017  
2018  
2019  
2020  
2021 Onward 
Total   

$ 

Mortgage 
Maturities 1 
145,442 
171,163 
192,850 
240,250 
222,309 
1,433,312 
$  2,405,326 

1  Mortgage balance due upon maturity.
2  NOI for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015.
3  Projected NOI included for acquisitions since December 31, 2014.

Mortgages on the 
Same Properties 

$ 

Maturing in Other Years 1 
79,634 
56,618 
15,241 
(43,310) 
(3,278) 
(104,905) 
– 

$ 

Total Mortgages 
225,076 
$ 
227,781 
208,091 
196,940 
219,031 
  1,328,407 
$  2,405,326 

NOI of Properties with
Maturing Mortgage(s) 2, 3

$ 

$ 

30,526 
26,866
11,429 
30,335 
26,735 
205,927 
331,818

The breakdown of future principal repayments, including mortgage maturities, and effective weighted average interest rates as at December 31, 
2015 is as follows:

($ Thousands)

Year 
2016   
2017 3 
2018 4 
2019   
2020   
2021   
2022   
2023   
2024   
2025   
2026 – 2030 

$ 

Principal Repayments 
93,709 
91,683 
92,550 
89,066 
83,852 
72,736 
63,180 
45,150 
30,602 
20,552 
14,337 

$ 

Mortgage Maturities 
145,442 
171,163 
192,850 
240,250 
222,309 
255,335 
318,225 
249,786 
230,133 
299,390 
80,443 

Total   
Deferred Financing Costs, Fair Value Adjustments, Net   

697,417 

$ 

$  2,405,326 

Total   

% of Total 
Mortgage Balance 
7.7 
8.5 
9.2 
10.6 
9.9 
10.6 
12.3 
9.5 
8.4 
10.2 
3.1 

100.0 

Interest Rate (%)  1, 2 

4.10 
4.17 
3.02 
3.52 
2.58 
4.12 
3.11 
3.23 
3.84 
2.76 
3.93 

3.39 2

$ 

Mortgage Balance 
239,151 
262,846 
285,400 
329,316 
306,161 
328,071 
381,405 
294,936 
260,735 
319,942 
94,780 

$  3,102,743 
(4,970)

$  3,097,773 

1  Effective weighted average interest rates for maturing mortgages only. 
2  Effective weighted average interest rate includes deferred fi nancing costs and fair value adjustments but excludes CMHC premiums. Including the 

amortization of the realized component of the loss on settlement of $32.5 million included in AOCL, the effective portfolio weighted average interest rate as 
at December 31, 2015 would be 3.52% (December 31, 2014 – 3.81%).
Included in mortgages payable is a $65.0 million non-amortizing credit facility on two of the MHC land lease sites.
Included in mortgages payable is a €63.5 million non-amortizing euro LIBOR borrowing.

3 
4 

To ensure CAPREIT is not overly exposed to interest rate volatility risk, Management has been successful in staggering the maturity dates within 
its mortgage portfolio or entering into long-term fi nancing arrangements. 

To reduce its interest cost and cost of capital, Management will continue to leverage its balance sheet strength and the stability of its property 
portfolio to fund acquisitions and its capital investment plan, and to refi nance its mortgage principal repayments. 

52

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Unitholders’ Equity and Units Awarded under Unit-based Compensation Plans
Unitholders’ Equity only represents the issued and outstanding Trust Units, and excludes the Exchangeable Units and any Units issued in 
connection with Unit-based incentive plans. For the purposes of the discussion below, Exchangeable Units and Units issued in connection with 
Unit-based incentive plans are treated as equity as they have claims similar or identical to those of the Trust Units. 

Equity offerings and over-allotments as at December 31, 2015:

($ Thousands, except per Unit amounts)

Price per Unit 

Gross Proceeds 

Transaction Costs 

Net Proceeds 

Units Issued

Period   

March 2015
Bought-deal 
Over-allotment 

Total   

October 2015
Bought-deal 

Total   

$ 
$ 

27.85 
27.85 

$ 

28.70 

$  140,643 
14,064 

$  154,707 

$  250,264 

$  250,264 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

6,491 
563 

7,054 

10,911 

10,911 

$  134,152 
13,501 

$  147,653 

$  239,353 

$  239,353 

Year Ended December 31, 
Market Capitalization ($ thousands) 
Number of Units Outstanding 
LTIP and SELTIP Units 

  Deferred Units 
  RUR Plan Units 
  Exchangeable Units 
Number of Unit Options Outstanding and Exercisable 
Ownership by Trustees, Offi cers and Senior Managers 

Normal Course Issuer Bid
On a periodic basis, CAPREIT may apply to the Toronto Stock Exchange 
(“TSX”) for approval of a Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”). Pursuant to 
regulations governing NCIBs, CAPREIT will receive approval to purchase 
and cancel a specifi ed number of Trust Units, representing 10% of the 
public fl oat of its Trust Units at the time of the TSX approval. The NCIB 
will terminate on the earlier of the termination date or at such time 
as the purchases under the bid are completed. CAPREIT believes the 
purchase of its outstanding Trust Units from time to time may be an 
appropriate use of its resources. 

The  table  below  summarizes  the  NCIB  programs  in  place  since 
January 1, 2014. No Trust Units were acquired and cancelled under 
these NCIB programs.

Period Covered under Each NCIB 
July 8, 2013 to July 7, 2014 
July 8, 2014 to July 7, 2015 
July 28, 2015 to July 27, 2016 

Approval Limit
9,773,361 
10,659,524 
11,493,069 

  5,050,000 
  505,000 

  5,555,000 

  8,720,000 

  8,720,000 

2015 
3,477,954 
$ 
  129,580,995 
1,445,398 
248,076 
586,313 
161,311 
1,334,432 
2.8%

Unitholder Taxation

For taxable Canadian resident Unitholders, the distributions are treated 
as follows for income tax purposes:

Year Ended December 31, 
Taxable to Unitholders as Other Income 
Taxable to Unitholders as 

2015 
14.46% 

2014 
23.42%

Eligible Dividend Income 

0.90% 

1.00%

Taxable to Unitholders as 
  Capital Gain Income 
Income Tax Deferral 
Total 
Total Effective Non-taxable
Portion of Distributions 

0.30% 
84.34% 
100.00% 

2.58%
73.00%
100.00%

84.49% 

74.29%

The portion of CAPREIT’s distributions to Canadian resident Unitholders 
treated as taxable for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased 
over the prior year primarily due to higher distributions and capital 
cost allowance, and lower capital gain and recapture, offset by higher 
earnings from operations in the current year. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

SECTION V

Selected Consolidated Quarterly Information

Overall Portfolio AMR 
Operating 
  Revenues (000s) 1 
NOI (000s) 1 
NOI Margin 1 

Q4 15 

Q3 15 

$ 

963  $ 

964  $ 

Q2 15 
976  $ 

Q1 15 

Q4 14 

Q3 14 

Q2 14 

975  $ 

964  $ 

969  $ 

958  $ 

Q1 14
954 

$  142,776  $  131,812  $  130,256  $  128,954  $  128,111  $  126,356  $  125,411  $  126,533 
$  86,427  $  82,087  $  81,276  $  74,824  $  76,806  $  77,615  $  78,089  $  71,375 
56.4%

61.4% 

60.0% 

62.3% 

58.0% 

62.3% 

62.4% 

60.5% 

Net Income (Loss) (000s)  $  137,375  $ 
FFO (000s) 
NFFO (000s) 
Total Debt to 
  Gross Book Value 

45.71% 

(3,727)  $  159,118  $  52,867  $  82,759  $  117,601  $  72,282  $  45,333 
$  51,640  $  48,434  $  50,821  $  40,461  $  45,774  $  45,869  $  46,253  $  42,078 
$  52,813  $  51,830  $  51,665  $  43,719  $  46,620  $  46,707  $  47,113  $  42,913 

  49.27% 

  43.71% 

  44.32% 

  46.49% 

  46.80% 

47.22% 

47.63%

FFO per Unit – Basic 
NFFO per Unit – Basic 

$ 
$ 

0.408  $ 
0.417  $ 

0.411  $ 
0.440  $ 

0.434  $ 
0.441  $ 

0.364  $ 
0.393  $ 

0.415  $ 
0.423  $ 

0.417  $ 
0.426  $ 

0.424  $ 
0.431  $ 

0.387 
0.395 

Weighted Average 
  Number of Units (000s) 
  – Basic 
  – Diluted 

  126,515 
  128,056 

  117,912 
  119,566 

  117,081 
  118,845 

  111,207 
  113,076 

  110,193 
  111,962 

  109,684 
  111,333 

  109,211 
  110,726 

  108,714 
  110,063 

1 

Includes the results of investment properties owned as at the period-end.

Non-IFRS fi nancial measures are reconciled with IFRS reported amounts in the respective quarterly SEDAR fi lings.

CAPREIT’s operations are affected by seasonal cycles, and operating 
performance  in  one  quarter  may  not  be  indicative  of  operating 
performance in any other quarter of the year. The fourth and fi rst 
quarters of each year typically tend to generate weaker performance 
due to increased energy consumption in the winter months. 

Fourth Quarter
Operating revenues in the fourth quarter of 2015 increased by 11.4% 
over the same quarter in 2014, while NOI increased by a signifi cant 
12.5%, driven by acquisitions, higher operating revenues and lower 
realty taxes, R&M costs and utility costs as a percentage of total 

operating revenues compared to the same period the prior year. Net 
income in the fourth quarter of 2015 increased over the same period 
the prior year to $137.4 million, mainly due to a higher unrealized gain 
on remeasurement of investment properties of $81.0 million compared 
to $42.0 million for the same period the prior year, and higher NOI of 
$9.6 million offset by higher Unit-based compensation expenses of 
$7.7 million and interest on mortgage payable and other fi nancing 
costs of $1.7 million. Higher NFFO was primarily due to a 3.3% increase 
in stabilized property NOI and the NOI contribution from acquisitions 
completed over the prior twelve months. 

54

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The stabilized portfolio performance for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014, is summarized as follows:

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 

2015 

($ Thousands) 

Residential Suites
ONTARIO
Greater Toronto Area 
Ottawa 
London / Kitchener / Waterloo 
Other Ontario 

QUÉBEC
Greater Montréal Region 
Québec City 

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Greater Vancouver Region 
Victoria 

ALBERTA
Edmonton 
Calgary 

NOVA SCOTIA
Halifax 
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatoon 
Regina 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Charlottetown 
Total Residential Suites 

MHC Land Lease Sites
Ontario 
British Columbia 
Alberta 
Saskatchewan 
Prince Edward Island 
New Brunswick 
Total MHC Land Lease Sites 
Total Suites and Sites 

Stabilized Suites and Sites 

NOI 
NOI  Margin (%) 

36,286 
1,183 
2,671 
3,031 
43,171 

8,063 
4,812 
12,875 

4,936 
2,769 
7,705 

887 
4,573 
5,460 

61.4 
51.1 
59.1 
60.6 
60.9 

56.8 
55.1 
56.1 

67.1 
67.4 
67.2 

67.2 
61.1 
62.0 

3,092 

61.2 

41.6 
61.7 
51.5 

57.5 
60.6 

63.3 
70.6 
67.7 
59.9 
35.8 
55.7 
60.8 
60.6 

148 
213 
361 

435 
73,099 

2,598 
113 
264 
157 
76 
971 
4,179 
77,278 

39,799 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

2014 

NOI 
NOI  Margin (%) 

35,216 
1,127 
2,748 
2,804 
41,895 

7,755 
4,896 
12,651 

4,633 
2,555 
7,188 

948 
5,045 
5,993 

61.1 
49.4 
60.9 
57.5 
60.5 

54.5 
55.6 
54.9 

65.3 
66.4 
65.7 

69.5 
61.8 
62.9 

Increase (Decrease)

Revenue 

NOI
Change (%)  Change (%)  Change (%)

Expense 

2.6 
1.5 
0.2 
2.5 
2.4 

(0.1) 
(0.8) 
(0.4) 

3.8 
6.8 
4.8 

(3.2) 
(8.2) 
(7.5) 

1.8 
(1.8) 
4.9 
(5.0) 
1.3 

(5.1) 
0.3 
(3.0) 

(1.4) 
3.6 
0.3 

4.1 
(6.4) 
(5.1) 

3.0
5.0
(2.8)
8.1 
3.0 

4.0
(1.7)
1.8 

6.5
8.4 
7.2 

(6.4)
(9.4)
(8.9)

3,130 

62.5 

0.8 

4.2 

(1.2)

30.2 
57.7 
43.0 

54.1 
60.0 

61.9 
78.5 
68.5 
58.6 
32.0 
53.9 
59.6 
60.0 

117 
194 
311 

394 
71,562 

2,474 
124 
250 
146 
66 
916 
3,976 
75,538 

39,799

(8.2) 
2.7 
(3.2) 

3.8 
1.2 

2.6 
1.3 
6.8 
5.2 
2.9 
2.7 
2.9 
1.3 

(23.2) 
(7.0) 
(17.7) 

(3.9) 
(0.3) 

(1.3) 
38.2 
9.6 
1.9 
(2.9) 
(1.2) 
(0.3) 
(0.3) 

26.5
9.8 
16.1 

10.4 
2.1 

5.0
(8.9)
5.6 
7.5 
15.2 
6.0 
5.1 
2.3 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Selected Consolidated Financial Information

The following table presents a summary of selected fi nancial information for the fi scal years indicated below:

($ Thousands, except per Unit amounts)

Year Ended December 31, 
Income Statement
  Operating Revenues 
  Net Income 

Distributions
  Distributions Declared 
  Distributions per Unit 

Balance Sheet 

Investment Properties 
Total Assets 

  Mortgages Payable 
  Bank Indebtedness 

SECTION VI

2015 

2014 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

533,798 
345,633 

142,973 
1.207 

$  6,863,140 
$  7,102,828 
$  3,097,773 
168,211 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

506,411 
317,975 

127,496 
1.168 

$  5,749,640 
$  5,926,161 
$  2,658,454 
113,167 
$ 

2013 

477,023 
267,678 

116,056 
1.138 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$  5,459,218 
$  5,558,934 
$  2,457,182 
187,030 
$ 

Accounting Policies and Critical Estimates, 
Assumptions, and Judgements

New Accounting Policies and Accounting Standards

As at February 16, 2016, the following new or amended IFRS have been 
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and 
are expected to apply to CAPREIT for annual reporting periods beginning 
after December 31, 2015: 

IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements
This amendment clarifi es guidance on materiality and aggregation, 
the presentation of subtotals, the structure of fi nancial statements 
and the disclosure of accounting policies. This amendment will come 
into effect for years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. 

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”)
The revised IFRS 9 incorporates requirements for the classifi cation 
and measurement of fi nancial liabilities over the existing derecognition 
requirements  of  IAS  39,  Financial  Instruments:  Recognition  and 
Measurement.  IFRS  9  also  introduces  new  requirements  for 
classifying and measuring fi nancial assets; specifi cally, investments 
in equity instruments can be designated as “fair value through other 
comprehensive income” with only dividends being recognized in profi t 

or loss. IFRS 9 was further amended in November 2013 to: (i) include 
guidance on hedge accounting, (ii) allow entities to early adopt the 
requirement to recognize changes in fair value attributable to changes 
in an entity’s own credit risk, from fi nancial liabilities designated under 
the fair value option, in OCI (without having to adopt the remainder 
of IFRS 9); and (iii) remove the previous mandatory effective date of 
January 1, 2015.

The fi nal amendment of IFRS 9 as at July 2014 included: (i) a third 
measurement category for fi nancial assets – fair value through other 
comprehensive income; (ii) a single, forward-looking “expected loss” 
impairment model; and (iii) a mandatory effective date for IFRS 9 for 
annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. 

IFRS 7, Financial Instruments – Disclosure 
This amendment requires additional disclosures on transition from 
IAS 39 to IFRS 9 upon adoption of IFRS 9. An additional amendment, 
which is prospective with an option to apply retrospectively, requires 
disclosure of all types of continuing involvement that an entity may have 
in transferred fi nancial assets when the transfer of fi nancial assets 
to a third party occurs under conditions which allow the transferor 
to derecognize the asset. This amendment will come into effect on 
January 1, 2016. 

56

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

IFRS 10 and IAS 28, Sale or Contribution of Assets 
Between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture
The amendment clarifi es an inconsistency between the two standards, 
and  establishes  that  a  gain  or  loss  is  fully  recognized  when  the 
transaction involves a business, and a partial gain or loss is recognized 
when the transaction involves assets that do not constitute a business. 
This amendment will come into effect on January 1, 2016.

IFRS 11, Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests 
in Joint Operations
This amendment provides specifi c guidance for the acquisition of an 
interest in a joint operation that is a business. This amendment will 
come into effect on January 1, 2016.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
This new standard on revenue recognition supersedes IAS 18, Revenue, 
IAS 11, Construction Contracts and related interpretations. The new 
standard provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model. 
While early adoption is permitted for IFRS reporters, this standard is 
effective for the interim periods within years beginning on or after 
January 1, 2018.

IFRS 16, Leases
This new standard on leases supersedes IAS 17, Leases and related 
interpretations. IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, 
measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties 
to a contract: i.e. the customer (“lessee”) and the supplier (“lessor”). 
From a lessee perspective, IFRS 16 eliminates the classifi cation of 
leases as either operating leases or fi nance leases as required by IAS 17 
and, instead, introduces a single lessee accounting model. IFRS 16 
is effective from January 1, 2019; however, a company can choose 
to apply IFRS 16 before that date but only if it also applies IFRS 15, 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements
This amendment restores the option to use the equity method to 
account for investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 
in an entity’s separate fi nancial statements. The amendment will come 
into effect on January 1, 2016.

IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting
This amendment is retrospective and requires a cross-reference from 
the interim fi nancial statements to the location of that information. This 
amendment will come into effect on January 1, 2016.

CAPREIT is currently assessing the impact of the above standards 
and amendments but does not expect to be signifi cantly impacted on 
adoption in their current form.

Critical Estimates, Assumptions, and Judgements

In preparing the accompanying audited consolidated annual fi nancial 
statements  in  accordance  with  IFRS,  certain  accounting  policies 
require  the  use  of  estimates,  assumptions  and  judgements  that 
in some cases relate to matters that are inherently uncertain, and 
which affect the amounts reported in the audited consolidated annual 
fi nancial statements and accompanying notes. Areas of such estimation 
include, but are not limited to, valuation of investment properties, 
remeasurement at fair value of financial instruments, valuation of 
accounts receivable, capitalization of costs, accounting accruals, 
the amortization of certain assets, accounting for deferred income 
taxes and Unit-based compensation liabilities. Changes to estimates 
and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the 
date of the audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements and the 
reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 
Actual results could also differ from those estimates under different 
assumptions and conditions.

Management  believes  the  nature  of  the  business  and  CAPREIT’s 
portfolio is defensive against economic downturns and, therefore, the 
current economic conditions have not had as signifi cant an impact on 
CAPREIT’s critical accounting estimates as may have been realized in 
other industries. However, the current economic conditions impacting 
the general economy or those more specifi c to the housing industry 
or to CAPREIT could have the potential to alter accounting estimates 
and could impact CAPREIT’s fi nancial condition, changes in fi nancial 
condition or results of operations. Disclosures in the MD&A, including 
specifically the Property Portfolio, Results of Operations, Property 
Capital Investments, Liquidity and Financial Condition and Future 
Outlook sections, outline the risks and both the positive and negative 
impacts on CAPREIT’s performance that have resulted, or may in the 
future result, from the unusual economic conditions.

Estimates deemed by Management to be more significant, due to 
subjectivity, are as follows:

Valuation of Investment Properties 
Investment properties are measured at fair value as at the consolidated 
balance sheet dates. Any changes in the fair value are included in 
the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 
Fair  values  are  supported  by  independent  external  valuations  or 
detailed internal valuations using market-based assumptions, each 
in accordance with recognized valuation techniques. The techniques 
used comprise both the capitalized net operating income method and 
the discounted cash fl ow method and include estimating, among other 
things, future stabilized net operating income, capitalization rates, 
reversionary capitalization rates, discount rates and other future cash 
fl ows applicable to investment properties.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

57

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

In the case of Leasehold Interests, CAPREIT established the fair value 
of such interests using the discounted cash fl ow method, including 
an  estimate  of  future  lease  payments.  Management’s  internal 
assessments of fair value are based on a combination of internal 
fi nancial information and external market data, including components 
of  net  operating  income  and  capitalization  rates,  all  of  which  are 
obtained from an independent appraiser.

Management’s internal valuations and the independent appraisals 
are both subject to signifi cant judgement, estimates and assumptions 
about market conditions in effect as at the consolidated balance sheet 
dates. See note 6 to the accompanying audited consolidated annual 
fi nancial statements for a detailed discussion of valuation methods 
and the signifi cant assumptions and estimates used.

Valuation of Unit-based Compensation Liabilities 
The  fair  value  of  Unit-based  compensation  liabilities  is  based  on 
assumptions of future events and involves signifi cant estimates. The 
basis of valuation for CAPREIT’s Unit-based compensation liabilities, 
such as market assumptions, estimates and valuation methodology, are 
set out in note 12 to the accompanying audited consolidated annual 
fi nancial statements; however, the fair values as at the reporting date 
may differ materially from how they are ultimately recognized if there 
is volatility in Trust Unit prices, interest rates or other key assumptions 
in future years. 

Interest Classifi cation in the Consolidated 
Statements of Cash Flows
IFRS permits the classifi cation of interest paid as operating cash fl ows 
because they enter into the determination of profi t or loss, or alternatively 
as fi nancing cash fl ows because they are costs of obtaining fi nancial 
resources. CAPREIT has applied its judgement and concluded that debt 
fi nancing, which is used to provide leveraged returns to its Unitholders, 
is an integral part of its capital structure and not directly associated 
with its principal revenue-producing activities. Therefore interest paid is 
classifi ed as a fi nancing activity in CAPREIT’s consolidated statements 
of cash fl ows.

Controls and Procedures 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

CAPREIT’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide 
reasonable  assurance  that  information  required  to  be  disclosed 
is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time 
periods specifi ed under Canadian securities laws, and include controls 
and procedures designed to ensure information is accumulated and 
communicated to Management, including the President and Chief 
Executive Offi cer and the Chief Financial Offi cer, to allow timely decisions 
regarding required disclosure.

Valuation of Derivative Financial Instruments
The  fair  value  of  a  derivative  financial  instrument  is  based  on 
assumptions of future events and involves signifi cant estimates. The 
basis of valuation for CAPREIT’s derivatives is set out in note 15 to 
the accompanying audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements; 
however, the fair values of derivatives reported may differ from how 
they are ultimately recognized if there is volatility in interest rates in 
future years.

As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT’s President and Chief Executive 
Offi cer and its Chief Financial Offi cer with the assistance of Management 
evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures 
in accordance with the rules adopted by the Canadian Securities 
Administrators under National Instrument 52-109, Certification of 
Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings and based on that 
evaluation concluded that the design and operation of the disclosure 
controls and procedures were effective as at December 31, 2015.

Investment in Irish Residential Properties REIT plc (“IRES”)
CAPREIT  has  determined  that  its  investment  in  IRES  should  be 
accounted  for  using  the  equity  method  of  accounting  given  the 
significant influence it has over IRES. In making the determination 
that CAPREIT does not control IRES, CAPREIT used judgement when 
considering the extent of its ownership interest in IRES, the level of its 
involvement, responsibilities and remuneration as IRES’s investment 
manager  and  the  control  exerted  over  IRES  by  its  independent 
Board  of  Directors.  Management  will  reassess  this  conclusion 
should its ownership interest or the terms of the asset management 
agreement change.

58

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

Related to Reporting Investment Property at Fair Value

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate 
internal controls over fi nancial reporting to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of fi nancial reporting and the preparation of 
consolidated fi nancial statements for external purposes in accordance 
with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS).  As  at 
December 31, 2015, CAPREIT’s President and Chief Executive Offi cer and 
its Chief Financial Offi cer with the assistance of Management assessed 
the effectiveness of the internal controls over fi nancial reporting using 
the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
(“COSO”) in 2013 and, based on that assessment, determined that the 
internal controls over fi nancial reporting were designed and operating 
effectively as at December 31, 2015. 

CAPREIT did not make any changes to the design of internal controls 
over  financial  reporting  in  2015  that  have  materially  affected,  or 
are reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal controls over 
fi nancial reporting.

It should be noted that a control system, no matter how well conceived 
and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that 
the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent 
limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide 
absolute assurance that all control issues, including instances of fraud, 
if any, have been detected. The design of any system of controls is also 
based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future 
events, and there can be no assurances that any design will succeed 
in achieving its stated goals under all potential conditions.

SECTION VII

Risks and Uncertainties

There are certain risks inherent in an investment in the Units and the 
activities of CAPREIT. The following is a description of the principal risks 
in CAPREIT’s business, defi ned as either those that, although unlikely 
to occur, could have a signifi cant impact on CAPREIT or those that are 
signifi cant to CAPREIT’s day-to-day operations. Investors should carefully 
consider these risks before investing in CAPREIT Units. 

CAPREIT holds investment property to earn rental income or for capital 
appreciation or both. All investment property is measured using the 
fair value model, whereby changes in fair value are recognized for 
each reporting period in the consolidated statements of income and 
comprehensive income. Management values each investment property 
based on the most probable price that a property could be sold for 
in a competitive and open market as of the specifi ed date under all 
conditions requisite to a fair sale, such as the buyer and seller each 
acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not 
affected by undue stimulus. Each investment property has been valued 
on a highest and best use basis. 

Market assumptions applied for valuation purposes do not necessarily 
refl ect CAPREIT’s specifi c history or experience and the conditions for 
realizing the fair values through a sale may change or may not be 
realized. In addition, there is an inherent risk related to the reliance on 
and use of a single appraiser, as this approach may not adequately 
capture the range of fair values that market participants would assign 
to the investment properties. CAPREIT mitigates this risk by undertaking 
a detailed review of the assumptions utilized in valuing the properties, 
including comparing the assumptions to the benchmarks derived from 
Management’s own observations of market transactions. Downturns 
in the real estate market could negatively affect CAPREIT’s operating 
revenues  and  cash  flows;  and  could  significantly  impact  the  fair 
values of the investment properties as well as certain fi nancial ratios 
and covenants.

Related to Ownership and Operation of Real Property

Real Property Ownership
Real property investments are relatively illiquid. This illiquidity will 
tend to limit the ability of CAPREIT to respond to changing economic 
or investment conditions. If CAPREIT were required to quickly liquidate 
assets, there is a risk the proceeds realized from such sale would be 
less than the book value of the assets or less than what could be 
expected to be realized under normal circumstances. By specializing in 
a particular type of real estate, CAPREIT is exposed to adverse effects 
on that segment of the real estate market and does not benefi t from a 
broader diversifi cation of its portfolio by property class.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

59

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CAPREIT is committed to preserving the life safety of its residents and 
to ensuring its properties are well maintained. CAPREIT believes that 
investing back into its properties increases resident satisfaction, which 
ultimately makes CAPREIT’s business more profi table. The multi-unit 
residential rental business, like any other real estate enterprise, is capital 
intensive and is exposed to various risks associated with maintaining the 
infrastructure of its property portfolio. CAPREIT takes into account the 
capital maintenance requirements of its properties when determining 
future cash fl ows available for distributions. A signifi cant increase in 
capital maintenance requirements could adversely impact the cash 
available to CAPREIT.

Leasehold Interests
Some long-term leases and ground leases are subject to elements of 
risk. Unlike a freehold interest, a lessee’s interest in a lease may be 
affected by mortgage defaults by the lessor, which cannot be cured 
by the lessee. 

Pursuant to the terms of certain of CAPREIT’s long-term leases, CAPREIT 
is responsible for payment of all taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance, 
repairs and replacements in respect of all of the leased premises, 
with certain exceptions in the last ten years of each of those long-
term leases. Upon the transfer of such a long-term lease by CAPREIT, 
CAPREIT will only be released from liability thereunder if the transferee 
meets certain tests. The lessor under any such long-term lease may 
terminate such long-term lease only if there is a substantial event of 
default (as defi ned in the leases) by CAPREIT that remains uncured 
after a cure period. 

CAPREIT has the option to acquire fee simple interests in 14 of the 
operating leasehold interest properties, exercisable between the 26th 
and 35th year of the respective leases. In the case of the 15th property, 
CAPREIT’s option entitles it to acquire a prepaid operating leasehold 
interest in the property maturing in 2072. If Management chooses not 
to exercise any or all such options, the NOI and cash fl ow associated 
with such properties would no longer contribute to CAPREIT’s results of 
operations and could adversely impact its ability to make distributions 
to Unitholders. 

Co-ownerships 
CAPREIT has entered into co-ownership relationships with two other 
entities. If the properties in the respective portfolios do not perform as 
expected, or there is a default on fi nancial obligations, CAPREIT would 
risk bearing its proportionate share of any related losses. CAPREIT aims 
to reduce this risk by seeking to: (i) negotiate contractual rights upon 
default of a partner; (ii) enter into agreements with fi nancially stable 
partners; and/or (iii) work with partners who have a historical record 
of success.

Investment Restrictions
CAPREIT has been structured and operates in adherence to the stringent 
investment restrictions and operating policies set out in its DOT and 
as applicable under tax laws relating to real estate investment trusts 
(also see Taxation-Related Risks in this section). These policies cover 
such matters as the type and location of properties that CAPREIT can 
acquire, the maximum leverage allowed, environmental matters and 
investment restrictions. In addition, pursuant to the DOT, CAPREIT’s 
overall leverage is limited to 70% of its reported gross book value, 
unless a majority of trustees, at their discretion, determine that the 
maximum amount of indebtedness shall be based on the appraised 
value of the real properties of CAPREIT. As CAPREIT reports gross book 
value at fair market value under IFRS, these amounts are not expected 
to be materially different.

Operating Risk
CAPREIT is subject to general business risks and to risks inherent in 
the multi-residential rental property industry and in the ownership of 
real property. These risks include fl uctuations in occupancy levels, the 
inability to achieve economic rents (including anticipated increases in 
rent), controlling bad debt exposure, rent control regulations, increases 
in labour costs and other operating costs including the costs of utilities, 
possible future changes in labour relations, competition from other 
landlords or the oversupply of rental accommodations, the imposition 
of increased taxes or new taxes and capital investment requirements. 

In general, economic conditions will also affect the performance of the 
portfolio. Additionally, the portfolio is currently weighted with 49.3% of 
the overall portfolio (by number of suites and sites) in Ontario (33% in the 
GTA), making CAPREIT’s performance particularly sensitive to economic 
conditions in and changes affecting Ontario and, in particular, the GTA. 

CAPREIT’s  investment  properties  generate  income  through  rental 
payments made by residents. Residential tenant leases are relatively 
short, exposing CAPREIT to market rental-rate volatility. Upon the expiry 
of any lease, there can be no assurance that such lease will be renewed 
or the resident replaced. The terms of any subsequent lease may be 
less favourable to CAPREIT than the existing lease. Renewal rates may 
be subject to restrictions on increases to the then current rent (see 
Government Regulations in this section). As well, unlike commercial 
leases, which are generally “net” leases and allow a landlord to recover 
expenditures, residential leases are generally “gross” leases (with the 
exception of submetering of certain utilities at some properties) under 
which the landlord is not able to pass on costs to residents. Moreover, 
there is no assurance that occupancy levels achieved to date at the 
properties will continue to be achieved and/or that occupancy levels 
expected in the future will be achieved. Any one of, or a combination of, 
these factors may adversely affect the cash available to or the fi nancial 
position of CAPREIT.

60

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Energy Costs and Hedging
As a signifi cant part of CAPREIT’s operating expenses are attributable to 
energy and energy-related charges and fees, fl uctuations in the price of 
energy and any related charges and fees (including transportation costs 
and commodity taxes) can have a material impact on the performance 
of CAPREIT, its ability to pay distributions and the value of the Units.

From time to time, CAPREIT may enter into agreements to pay fi xed prices 
on all or certain of its energy requirements (principally natural gas and 
electricity in certain markets) to offset the risk of rising expenditures 
if prices for these energy commodities increase; however, if the prices 
for these energy commodities decline beyond the levels set in these 
agreements, CAPREIT will not benefi t from such declines in energy 
prices and will be required to pay the higher price contracted for such 
energy supplies. 

CAPREIT enters into new natural gas physical delivery contracts, fi xing 
a portion of its variable rate natural gas commitments. The fi xed price 
arrangement is intended to mitigate the risk of rising natural gas prices 
over the related period. See the Natural Gas table in the Results of 
Operations section for additional information.

Environmental Matters
Environmental and ecological legislation and policies have become 
increasingly important, and generally more restrictive, in recent years. 
Under various laws, CAPREIT could be liable for the costs of removal or 
remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances released on or in 
its properties or disposed of at other locations. The failure to remove or 
remediate such substances, if any, may adversely affect an owner’s ability 
to sell such real estate or to borrow using such real estate as collateral, 
and could potentially also result in regulatory enforcement proceedings 
and/or private claims against the owner. Unless determined otherwise 
by the Board of Trustees, it is CAPREIT’s operating policy to obtain 
a Phase I environmental assessment, conducted by an independent 
and  experienced  environmental  consultant,  prior  to  acquiring  a 
property. Phase I environmental assessments have been performed 
in respect of each of the properties. Where Phase I environmental 
assessments warrant further assessment, it is CAPREIT’s operating 
policy to obtain Phase II or Phase III environmental assessments. 
Wherever required by environmental regulations, CAPREIT also carries 
out assessments to determine the presence of asbestos-containing 
material and underground storage tanks to ensure compliance with 
appropriate provincial legislation. CAPREIT maintains environmental 
liability insurance to protect Unitholders against such risks (also see 
Insurance in this section). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Management 
is not aware of any environmental condition with respect to any of 
the properties that it believes would have a material adverse effect 
on CAPREIT.

Insurance
All real property investments owned and operated by CAPREIT entail 
an inherent risk of liability. From time to time, CAPREIT will be subject 
to lawsuits as a result of its business operations. It is CAPREIT’s policy 
to protect against this risk by maintaining a comprehensive insurance 
program to cover general liabilities: i.e., fi re, fl ood, injury or death, rental 
loss and environmental insurance, etc., with policy specifi cation limits 
and deductibles as deemed appropriate based on the nature of the risk, 
historical experience and industry standards. There are some types 
of losses, including those of a catastrophic nature, that are generally 
uninsurable or not economically feasible to insure, or that might be 
subject to insurance coverage limitations, such as large deductibles or 
co-payments. There can be no assurance that claims in excess of the 
insurance coverage or claims not covered by the insurance coverage 
will not arise or that liability coverage will continue to be available on 
acceptable terms. In addition, should an uninsured or underinsured 
loss occur, CAPREIT could lose its investment in, and anticipated profi ts 
and cash fl ows from, one or more of its properties but would continue 
to be obligated to repay any recourse mortgage indebtedness on such 
properties. These types of events/losses could adversely affect the 
performance of CAPREIT, its ability to make distributions and the market 
value of the Units.

Capital Investments
For prudent management of its property portfolio, CAPREIT makes 
significant  property  capital  investments  throughout  the  period  of 
ownership of its properties (for example, to upgrade and maintain 
building structure, balconies, parking garages, electrical and mechanical 
systems). CAPREIT has prepared building condition reports and has 
committed to a multi-year property capital investment plan. CAPREIT 
must continuously monitor its properties to ensure appropriate and timely 
capital repairs and replacements are carried out in accordance with 
its property capital investment programs. CAPREIT requires suffi cient 
capital to carry out its planned property capital investment and repair 
and refurbishment programs to upgrade its properties or be exposed 
to operating business risks arising from structural failure, electrical or 
mechanical breakdowns, fi re or water damage, etc., which may result 
in significant loss of earnings to CAPREIT. A significant increase in 
capital investment requirements or diffi culty in securing fi nancing or 
the availability of fi nancing on reasonable terms could adversely impact 
the cash available to CAPREIT and its ability to pay distributions.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

61

or other funding can be arranged, if such fi nancing is available on 
acceptable terms, or at all. Such measures could include deferring 
property capital investments, dispositions of one or more properties 
on unfavourable terms, reducing or eliminating future cash distributions 
or other discretionary uses of cash, or other more severe actions. Also, 
disruptions in the credit markets and uncertainty in the economy could 
adversely affect the banks that currently provide the Credit Facilities, 
could cause the banks or a bank to elect not to participate in any 
new Credit Facilities sought, or could cause other banks that are not 
currently participants in the Credit Facilities to be unwilling or unable 
to participate in any such new facility. 

Furthermore, given the relatively small size of the Canadian market-
place, there are a limited number of lenders from which CAPREIT can 
reasonably expect to borrow and the number of lenders currently 
participating in the CMHC-insured mortgage market is even smaller. 
Consequently, it is possible that fi nancing which CAPREIT may require 
in order to grow and expand its operations upon the expiry of the 
term of existing fi nancing, or the refi nancing of any particular property 
owned by CAPREIT or otherwise, may not be available or may not be 
available on favourable terms.

Interest Rate Hedging
CAPREIT currently uses, and may use in the future, interest rate hedging 
arrangements or incur fees to early refi nance certain mortgages prior 
to their maturity to manage its exposure to interest rate volatility. Such 
hedging activities may not prove successful and may not have a positive 
impact on the results of operations or fi nancial condition.

In general, hedging activities may subject CAPREIT to additional costs, 
such as transaction fees or breakage costs, if these arrangements are 
terminated. In addition, although Management enters into such hedge 
contracts with fi nancially sound counterparties in order to mitigate the 
risk that the counterparty may fail to honour its obligations, the risk 
cannot be mitigated completely.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Related to Financing

Indebtedness
A portion of CAPREIT’s cash fl ow is devoted to servicing its debt, and 
there can be no assurance that CAPREIT will continue to generate 
sufficient cash flow from operations to meet required interest and 
principal payments. CAPREIT has and will continue to have substantial 
outstanding consolidated indebtedness comprising mainly property 
mortgages and indebtedness under its Credit Facilities. CAPREIT is 
subject to the risks associated with debt fi nancing, including the risk 
that CAPREIT may be unable to make interest or principal payments or 
meet loan covenants, the risk that defaults under a loan could result 
in cross defaults or other lender rights or remedies under other loans, 
and the risk that existing indebtedness may not be able to be refi nanced 
or that the terms of such refi nancing may not be as favourable as the 
terms of existing indebtedness or expectation of future interest rates. 
In such circumstances, CAPREIT could be required to seek renegotiation 
of such payments or obtain additional equity, debt or other fi nancing, 
and its ability to make property capital investments and distributions 
to Unitholders could be adversely affected.

CAPREIT currently has access to the government-backed mortgage 
insurance  program  through  the  National  Housing  Act,  which  is 
administered by CMHC. CAPREIT entered into the LBA with CMHC during 
the third quarter of 2010. There can be no guarantee that the provisions 
of the mortgage insurance program will not be changed in the future 
so as to make the costs of obtaining mortgage insurance prohibitive 
or so as to restrict access to the insurance program. To the extent that 
any fi nancing requiring CMHC consent or approval is not obtained or 
that such consent or approval is only available on unfavourable terms, 
CAPREIT may be required to fi nance a conventional mortgage which 
may be less favourable to CAPREIT than a CMHC-insured mortgage. 

CAPREIT’s Acquisition and Operating Facility of $340 million matures 
on June 30, 2018. CAPREIT’s Acquisition and Operating Facility is at a 
fl oating interest rate and, accordingly, changes in short-term borrowing 
rates will affect CAPREIT’s costs of borrowing. CAPREIT’s financial 
condition and results of operations would be adversely affected if it 
were unable to obtain fi nancing or cost-effective fi nancing. As at the 
date hereof, it is diffi cult to forecast the future state of the commercial 
loan market. If, because of CAPREIT’s level of indebtedness, the level 
of cash fl ows, lenders’ perceptions of CAPREIT’s creditworthiness or 
other reasons, Management is unable to renew, replace or extend 
the Credit Facilities on acceptable terms, or to arrange for alternative 
fi nancing, CAPREIT may be required to take measures to conserve 
cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements 

62

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

Related to Taxes and Regulations

Taxation-Related Risks 
CAPREIT currently qualifi es as a mutual fund trust for Canadian income 
tax purposes. It is the current policy of CAPREIT to distribute all of its 
taxable income to Unitholders and it is therefore generally not subject 
to tax on such amount. In order to maintain its current mutual fund trust 
status, CAPREIT is required to comply with specifi c restrictions regarding 
its activities and the investments held by it. If CAPREIT were to cease to 
qualify as a “mutual fund trust”, the consequences could be adverse.

There can be no assurance that Canadian federal income tax laws in 
respect of the treatment of mutual fund trusts will not be changed in 
a manner that adversely affects CAPREIT or its Unitholders. If CAPREIT 
ceases to qualify as a “mutual fund trust”, CAPREIT will be required 
to pay a tax under Part XII.2 of the Income Tax Act (“Tax Act”). The 
payment of Part XII.2 tax by CAPREIT may have adverse income tax 
consequences for certain of CAPREIT’s Unitholders, including non-
resident persons and trusts governed by registered retirement savings 
plans, registered disability savings plans, deferred profi t-sharing plans, 
registered retirement income funds, tax-free savings accounts and 
registered  education  savings  plans  (“designated  savings  plans”), 
which acquired an interest in CAPREIT directly or indirectly from another 
CAPREIT Unitholder. If CAPREIT ceases to qualify as a “mutual fund 
trust” or “registered investment” under the Tax Act and CAPREIT Units 
cease to be listed on a designated stock exchange, CAPREIT Units will 
cease to be qualifi ed investments for trusts governed by designated 
savings plans. CAPREIT will endeavour to ensure CAPREIT Units continue 
to be qualified investments for trusts governed by the designated 
savings plans; however, there can be no assurance that this will be 
so. The Tax Act imposes penalties for the acquisition or holding of 
non-qualifi ed investments by such trusts. Unitholders should consult 
their own tax advisors in this regard, including as to whether CAPREIT 
Units are “prohibited investments” for registered retirement savings 
plans, registered retirement income funds or tax free savings accounts.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

A REIT is defi ned under the SIFT Rules as a trust that is resident in 
Canada throughout the taxation year and that satisfi es all of the following 
criteria:

i)  At each time in the taxation year the total fair market value at that 
time of all non-portfolio properties that are qualifi ed REIT properties 
held by the trust is at least 90% of the total fair market value at that 
time of all non-portfolio properties held by the trust;

ii)  Not less than 90% of the trust’s gross REIT revenue for the taxation 
year is from one or more of the following: rent from real or immovable 
properties, interest, dispositions of real or immovable properties 
that are capital properties, dividends, royalties and dispositions of 
eligible resale properties;

iii)  Not  less  than  75%  of  the  trust’s  gross  REIT  revenue  for  the 
taxation year is from one or more of the following: rent from real or 
immovable properties, interest from mortgages, or hypothecs, on 
real or immovable properties, and dispositions of real or immovable 
properties that are capital properties;

iv)  At each time in the taxation year an amount that is equal to 75% or 
more of the equity value of the trust at that time is the amount that 
is the total fair market value of all properties held by the trust, each 
of which is a real or immovable property that is a capital property, an 
eligible resale property, an indebtedness of a Canadian corporation 
represented by a bankers’ acceptance, a property described by 
either paragraph (a) or (b) of the defi nition “qualifi ed investment” 
in section 204 of the SIFT Rules, or a deposit with a credit union; 
and

v)  Investments in the trust are, at any time in the taxation year, listed 

or traded on a stock exchange or other public market.

For this purpose, “real or immovable property” includes a security 
of any trust, corporation or partnership that itself satisfi es the above 
criteria in (i)–(iv) above, but does not include any depreciable property 
of a prescribed class for which the rate of capital cost allowance 
exceeds 5%.

Excluded from the defi nition of a SIFT is a partnership, such as CAPLP 
and CAPLP2, that is not publicly traded and of which the equity (and 
equity-like debt) is wholly owned by any combination of a SIFT, a REIT 
or a taxable Canadian corporation. If CAPREIT does not qualify for the 
REIT Exception at any point in time in a given future year, the SIFT Rules 
will apply to CAPREIT for that taxation year. To the extent that CAPREIT 
does not qualify for the REIT Exception, CAPREIT will consider alternative 
measures, including restructuring, assuming that these measures are 
in the best interests of its Unitholders, in order to qualify for the REIT 
Exception in the following year. No assurances can be given that CAPREIT 
will continue to qualify for the REIT Exception. If applicable, the SIFT 
Rules may have a material adverse effect on Unitholders’ returns.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

63

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CAPREIT or its subsidiaries may be reassessed for taxes from time 
to time. Such reassessments, together with associated interest and 
penalties, could adversely affect CAPREIT and CAPREIT’s Unitholders.

Harmonization of Federal Goods and Services Tax 
and Provincial Sales Tax 
Both Ontario and British Columbia harmonized their respective provincial 
sales tax (“PST”) with the federal goods and services tax (“GST”) into 
the harmonized sales tax (“HST”), effective July 1, 2010. Currently, 
there is generally no HST on residential rents (i.e., they are generally 
HST exempt). As input tax credits for HST paid can only be claimed if 
the payments are in respect of commercial activities and as renting 
residential properties is not a commercial activity, CAPREIT is not able to 
claim input tax credits for HST paid. In the future, the effect of increasing 
the HST rate or extending its application to a variety of new business 
input costs presently not subject to HST means landlords will have to 
absorb the additional tax costs on business inputs. Effective April 1, 
2013, however, British Columbia reverted back to the original PST and 
federal GST. British Columbia consumers pay PST on those goods and 
services that were subject to PST before the implementation of the HST 
and all permanent PST exemptions were re-implemented.

Government Regulations 
Multi-unit  residential  rental  properties  are  subject  to  rent  control 
legislation in most provinces in Canada. Each province in which CAPREIT 
operates maintains distinct regulations with respect to tenants’ and 
landlords’ rights and obligations. The legislation in various degrees 
provides restrictions on the ability of a landlord to increase rents above 
an annually prescribed guideline or requires the landlord to give tenants 
suffi cient notice prior to an increase in rent or restricts the frequency 
of rent increases permitted during the year. The annual rent increase 
guidelines as per applicable legislation attempt to link the annual rent 
increases to some measure of changes in the cost of living index over 
the previous year. The legislation also, in most cases, provides for a 
mechanism to ensure rents can be increased above the guideline 
increases for extraordinary costs. As a result of rent controls, CAPREIT 
may incur property capital investments in the future that will not be 
fully recoverable from rents charged to the tenants. 

Applicable legislation may be further amended in a manner that may 
adversely affect the ability of CAPREIT to maintain the historical level 
of cash flow from its properties. In addition, applicable legislation 
provides for compliance with several regulatory matters involving tenant 
evictions, work orders, health and safety issues or fi re and maintenance 
standards, etc. An amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, 
enacted on June 19, 2012, set Ontario’s annual rent increase guideline 
to no more than 2.5% beginning in 2013.

Controls over Financial Reporting
CAPREIT maintains information systems, procedures and controls over 
fi nancial reporting. Because of the inherent limitations in all control 
systems, including well-designed and operated systems, no control 
system can provide complete assurance that the objectives of the 
control system will be met. Furthermore, no evaluation of controls 
can  provide  absolute  assurance  that  all  control  issues,  including 
instances  of  fraud,  if  any,  will  be  detected  or  prevented.  These 
inherent limitations include, without limitation, the possibility that 
Management’s assumptions and judgements may ultimately prove 
to be incorrect under varying conditions and circumstances and the 
impact of isolated errors. 

In addition, controls may be circumvented by the unauthorized acts 
of individuals, by collusion of two or more people, or by Management 
override. The design of any system of controls is also based in part 
upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and 
there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving 
its stated goals under all potential conditions.

Other Legal and Regulatory Risks
CAPREIT is subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations across 
all jurisdictions and faces risks associated with legal and regulatory 
changes and litigation. CAPREIT relies on internal and external legal 
counsel to assist in remaining current with legal and regulatory changes 
and in enabling it to respond to litigation. 

Related to CAPREIT’s Securities, Organization and Structure

Nature of CAPREIT Trust Units
Units and Special Voting Units are not traditional equity investments 
and Unitholders and Special Voting Unitholders do not have all of 
the statutory rights normally associated with ownership of shares of 
a company, including, for example, the right to bring “oppression” or 
“derivative” actions against CAPREIT. The Units and Special Voting Units 
are not “deposits” within the meaning of the Canada Deposit Insurance 
Corporation Act and are not insured under the provisions of that Act 
or any other legislation. Furthermore, CAPREIT is not a trust company 
and, accordingly, is not registered under any trust and loan company 
legislation, as it does not carry on or intend to carry on the business 
of a trust company. In addition, although CAPREIT is intended to qualify 
as a “mutual fund trust” as defi ned by the Tax Act, CAPREIT is not a 
“mutual fund” as defi ned by applicable securities legislation. 

64

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Securities like the Units are hybrids in that they share certain attributes 
common to both equity securities and debt instruments. The Units 
do not represent a direct investment in the business of CAPREIT and 
should not be viewed by investors as shares or interests in CAPREIT 
or  any  other  company  or  entity.  The  Units  do  not  represent  debt 
instruments and there is no principal amount owing to Unitholders 
under the Units. Each Unit represents an equal, undivided, benefi cial 
interest in CAPREIT. 

Unitholder Liability 
Recourse for any liability of CAPREIT is limited to the assets of CAPREIT. 
The DOT provides that no Unitholder, or Special Unitholder or annuitant 
(an “annuitant”) under a plan of which a Unitholder or Special Unitholder 
acts as a trustee or carrier, will be held to have any personal liability and 
that no recourse shall be had to the private property of any Unitholder, 
Special Unitholder or annuitant for satisfaction of any obligation or 
claim arising out of or in connection with any contract or obligation of 
CAPREIT or of the trustees.

Certain provincial legislatures have passed legislation that provides for 
statutory limited liability for unitholders of public income trusts governed 
as a contractual matter by the laws of their jurisdictions. Certain of 
these statutes have not yet been judicially considered and it is possible 
that reliance on such statutes by a Unitholder or Special Unitholder 
or annuitant could be successfully challenged on jurisdictional or 
other grounds. 

Liquidity and Price Fluctuation of Units 
CAPREIT is an unincorporated “open-ended” investment trust and its 
Units are listed on the TSX. There can be no assurance that an active 
trading market in the Units will be sustained.

A publicly traded real estate investment trust will not necessarily trade 
at values determined solely by reference to the underlying value of 
its real estate assets. The prices at which Units will trade cannot be 
predicted. The market price of the Units could be subject to signifi cant 
fl uctuations in response to variations in quarterly operating results, 
distributions and other factors beyond the control of CAPREIT. One of 
the factors that may infl uence the market price of the Units is the 
annual yield on the Units. Accordingly, an increase in market interest 
rates  may  lead  purchasers  of  Units  to  demand  a  higher  annual 
yield, which could adversely affect the market price of the Units. In 
addition, the securities markets have experienced signifi cant price 
and volume fl uctuations from time to time in recent years that often 
have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance 

of particular issuers. These broad fl uctuations may adversely affect 
the market price of the Units. Accordingly, the Units may trade at a 
premium or a discount to the value of CAPREIT’s underlying assets. 

In  addition,  changes  in  CAPREIT’s  creditworthiness  or  perceived 
creditworthiness may affect the market price or value and/or the 
liquidity of the Units. 

The DOT imposes various restrictions on Unitholders. Non-residents 
and non-Canadian partnerships are prohibited from benefi cially owning 
more than 49% of the outstanding Units (on a non-diluted or diluted 
basis). These restrictions may limit (or inhibit the exercise of) the rights 
of certain non-resident persons and partnerships to acquire Units, to 
continue to hold Units, or to initiate and complete take-over bids in 
respect of the Units. As a result, these restrictions may limit the demand 
for Units from certain Unitholders and other investors and, thereby, 
adversely affect the liquidity and market value of the Units.

Dilution 
Subject to applicable laws, CAPREIT is authorized to issue an unlimited 
number of Units for the consideration, and on the terms and conditions, 
that the Board of Trustees determines without Unitholders’ approval. 
Unitholders have no pre-emptive right in connection with any such 
further issuance. The Board of Trustees has the discretion to issue 
additional Units in other circumstances pursuant to CAPREIT’s various 
incentive plans. Any issuance of additional Units may have a dilutive 
effect on the holders of Units. Furthermore, timing differences may occur 
between the issuance of additional Units and the time the proceeds 
may be used to invest in new properties. Depending on the duration 
of such timing difference, this may be dilutive. 

Distributions
Cash distributions are not guaranteed. Distributions on the Units are 
established by the Board of Trustees and are subject to change at 
the discretion of the Board of Trustees. While CAPREIT has historically 
made monthly cash distributions to Unitholders, the actual amount of 
distributions paid in respect of the Units will depend upon numerous 
factors, all of which are susceptible to a number of risks and other 
factors beyond the control of CAPREIT. The market value of the Units 
will deteriorate if CAPREIT is unable to meet its distribution targets in 
the future, and that deterioration may be signifi cant. In addition, the 
composition of the cash distributions for tax purposes may change over 
time and may affect the after-tax return for Unitholders.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

65

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Distribution Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”) Participation
Participation by Unitholders in CAPREIT’s DRIP is determined by factors 
such as CAPREIT’s overall performance and also by many factors 
outside the control of Management such as, but not limited to, market 
trends, general economic conditions and the liquidity and credit crisis. 
Declining DRIP participation may adversely affect funds available for 
distribution to Unitholders, to make interest and principal payments or 
to make property capital investments. Additionally, such effects may 
adversely affect Unit prices. 

Potential Confl icts of Interest 
CAPREIT may be subject to various confl icts of interest because certain 
of the trustees and offi cers of CAPREIT are engaged in a wide range of 
real estate and other business activities. CAPREIT may become involved 
in transactions which confl ict with the interests of the foregoing. 

The trustees may from time to time deal with persons, fi rms, institutions 
or corporations with which CAPREIT may be dealing, or which may be 
seeking investments similar to those desired by CAPREIT. The interests 
of these persons could confl ict with those of CAPREIT. In addition, from 
time to time these persons may be competing with CAPREIT for available 
investment opportunities. 

CAPREIT’s DOT contains “confl icts of interest” provisions requiring 
trustees  to  disclose  material  interests  in  material  contracts  and 
transactions and to refrain from voting thereon.

Dependence on Key Personnel 
The  success  of  CAPREIT  depends  to  a  significant  extent  on  the 
efforts and abilities of its executive offi cers and other members of 
Management,  as  well  as  its  ability  to  attract  and  retain  qualified 
personnel to manage existing operations and future growth. Although 
CAPREIT has entered into employment agreements with certain of its 
key employees, it cannot be certain that any of those persons will not 
voluntarily terminate his or her employment with CAPREIT. 

The loss of an executive offi cer or other key employee could have a 
material adverse effect on the business, operating results or fi nancial 
condition of CAPREIT.

Related to the Real Estate Industry

General Economic Conditions and Competition for Residents
All real property investments are subject to elements of risk. The real 
value of real property and any improvements thereto depends on 
the credit and fi nancial stability of residents and upon the vacancy 
rates of such properties. The properties generate revenue through 
rental payments made by residents. CAPREIT is affected by changes 
in general economic conditions (such as the availability and cost of 
mortgage funds), local real estate markets (such as an oversupply of 
space or a reduction in demand for real estate in the area), government 
regulations, changing demographics, competition from other available 
rental  premises,  including  new  developments,  and  various  other 
factors. If a signifi cant number of residents are unable to meet their 
obligations under their leases or if a signifi cant amount of available 
space in the properties becomes vacant and cannot be leased on 
economically favourable lease terms, cash available for distribution 
may be adversely affected. 

The real estate business is competitive. Numerous other developers, 
managers and owners of properties compete with CAPREIT in seeking 
residents. Competition for residents also comes from opportunities 
for individual home ownership, including condominiums, which can 
be particularly attractive when home mortgage loans are available at 
relatively low interest rates. The existence of competing developers, 
managers and owners and competition for CAPREIT’s residents could 
have  an  adverse  effect  on  CAPREIT’s  ability  to  lease  suites  in  its 
properties and on the rents charged, and may increase leasing and 
marketing costs and refurbishing costs necessary to lease and release 
suites, all of which could adversely affect CAPREIT’s revenues and, 
consequently, its ability to meet its obligations and pay distributions. 
For example, increased condominium construction in the GTA could 
impact the rental market and affect residential rental fundamentals. In 
addition, any increase in the supply of available rental accommodation 
in the markets in which CAPREIT operates or may operate could have 
an adverse effect on CAPREIT.

Furthermore, low interest rates may encourage residents to purchase 
condominiums  or  other  types  of  housing,  which  could  result  in  a 
reduction in demand for rental properties. Changes in interest rates may 
also have effects on vacancy rates, rent levels, refurbishing costs and 
other factors affecting CAPREIT’s business and profi tability, including 
its fi nancing costs.

66

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CAPREIT will maintain its focus on maximizing occupancy and average 
monthly rents in accordance with local conditions in each of its markets. 
Since its inception in May 1997, CAPREIT’s hands-on management 
style,  focus  on  resident  communications  and  capital  investment 
programs aimed at increasing the long-term value of its properties 
have contributed to a strong track record of stable portfolio occupancy 
and average monthly rents.

Competition for Real Property Investments 
CAPREIT  competes  for  suitable  real  property  investments  with 
individuals, corporations and institutions (both Canadian and foreign) 
and other real estate investment trusts that are presently seeking, 
or which may seek in the future, real property investments similar 
to those desired by CAPREIT. A number of these investors may have 
greater fi nancial resources than those of CAPREIT, or operate without 
the investment or operating restrictions of CAPREIT or according to more 
fl exible conditions. An increase in the availability of investment funds 
and/or an increase in interest in real property investments may tend to 
increase competition for real property investments, thereby increasing 
purchase prices and reducing the yield on them. 

Continued Growth
CAPREIT expects it will have opportunities to acquire properties that will 
be accretive and enable CAPREIT to increase cash fl ow to Unitholders, 
but there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Furthermore, 
as CAPREIT’s intention is to distribute a substantial proportion of its 
NFFO, the ability of CAPREIT to fund growth will be dependent on external 
sources of funding. Lack of availability of such funds could limit the 
future growth of CAPREIT. In addition, CAPREIT’s ability to grow may 
involve the disposition of non-core or underperforming properties, which 
may be affected by market conditions and other factors. 

Acquisitions
CAPREIT’s  external  growth  prospects  will  depend  in  large  part  on 
identifying suitable acquisition opportunities that meet CAPREIT’s 
investment criteria and satisfy its rigorous due diligence process. In 
addition, external growth prospects will be affected by competition 
for acquisition opportunities, the purchase price, ability to obtain 
adequate fi nancing or fi nancing on reasonable terms, consummating 
acquisitions (including obtaining necessary consents) and effectively 
integrating and operating the acquired properties. Acquired properties 
may not meet fi nancial or operational expectations due to unexpected 
costs associated with acquiring the property, as well as the general 
investment risks inherent in any real estate investment or acquisition, 
including future refi nancing risks. Moreover, newly acquired properties 
may require significant Management attention or property capital 
investments that would otherwise be allocated to other properties. If 

CAPREIT is unable to manage its growth and integrate its acquisitions 
effectively, its business, operating results and fi nancial condition could 
be adversely affected.

Acquisition agreements entered into with third parties may be subject 
to unknown, unexpected or undisclosed liabilities which could have 
a material adverse impact on the operations and fi nancial results of 
CAPREIT. CAPREIT’s due diligence investigations and representations 
and warranties obtained from third party vendors may not adequately 
protect against these liabilities and any recourse against such vendors 
may be limited by the fi nancial capacity of such vendors. 

Foreign Operation and Currency Risks

Effective April 11, 2014, CAPREIT entered into an external management 
agreement to perform certain asset management and property services 
for IRES (formerly CAPREIT’s Irish subsidiary), which owns properties in 
Dublin, Ireland. The Irish real estate market differs from the Canadian 
environment  and  CAPREIT’s  experience  and  expertise  in  managing 
Canadian properties may not apply perfectly to a foreign operation. In 
an effort to reduce its risk exposure CAPREIT aligns with experienced 
Irish operating companies and hires locally-based employees with real 
estate experience. There can be no certainty, however, that CAPREIT’s 
operation will be successful. Additionally, it is possible that CAPREIT’s 
subsidiaries will expose CAPREIT to foreign currency risk as CAPREIT’s 
functional and presentation currency is the Canadian dollar, while the 
functional currency of CAPREIT’s fund management subsidiary in Dublin, 
Ireland and the investment in IRES is the euro. CAPREIT will in part mitigate 
this risk through the use of euro-denominated debt. 

Related Party Transactions

On March 25, 2015, CAPREIT invested an additional €23.5 million in 
Ordinary Shares in IRES as part of IRES’s €215.0 million secondary 
equity offering. As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT has a 15.7% share 
ownership in IRES and has determined that it has signifi cant infl uence 
over IRES. The share ownership interest is held through a wholly-
owned subsidiary of CAPREIT, Irish Residential Properties Fund. For 
a more detailed description, see note 5 to the accompanying audited 
consolidated annual fi nancial statements. In addition, effective April 11, 
2014, CAPREIT’s wholly-owned subsidiary, IRES Fund Management 
Limited, entered into an external management agreement to perform 
certain property and asset management services for IRES. Included in 
other income is $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 
from asset management and property management fees. Expenses 
related to the asset and property management services are included 
in trust expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

67

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

On  October  28,  2015,  IRES  Fund  Management  Limited  became 
authorized by the Irish Central Bank as an alternative investment 
fund manager under the European Union (Alternative Investment Fund 
Managers) Regulation, 2013 (the “AIFM Regulations”). On November 1, 
2015, IRES Fund Management Limited was appointed by IRES as its 
new  alternative  investment  fund  manager  in  accordance  with  the 
AIFM Regulations and replaced the existing alternative investment 
fund manager.

David Ehrlich is the CEO and a director of the IRES board. He is also 
a trustee of CAPREIT. Thomas Schwartz is a director (non-executive) 
of the IRES board. He is also a trustee and the President and Chief 
Executive Offi cer of CAPREIT and each of its Canadian subsidiaries and 
director of each of its Irish subsidiaries. Offi cers and key management 
personnel of CAPREIT were granted options of IRES relating to the initial 
and secondary equity offerings.

CAPREIT  entered  into  the  Pipeline  Agreement  with  IRES  to  make 
available up to €150.0 million for a period of up to one year to acquire 
high quality properties in Ireland, and to subsequently permit IRES 
to  acquire  such  properties  from  CAPREIT  once  IRES  has  sourced 
additional funding. The €150.0 million facility commitment provided 
by  CAPREIT  to  IRES  under  the  Pipeline  Agreement  terminated  on 
March 26, 2015 on completion of IRES’s secondary equity offering. 
The facility commitment may be reauthorized by CAPREIT’s Board of 
Trustees at a later date. 

On January 28, 2015, CAPREIT, through a wholly-owned Irish subsidiary 
(“Rockbrook SPV”), acquired the Rockbrook Portfolio, consisting of 270 
residential suites and approximately 50,214 square feet of mixed-
use commercial space located in Dublin, Ireland under the Pipeline 
Agreement for €87.3 million (including VAT) and other acquisition costs 
of €2.4 million. The Rockbrook Portfolio was the fi rst portfolio CAPREIT 
acquired for IRES under the Pipeline Agreement. Pursuant to the terms 
of the Pipeline Agreement, IRES acquired the Rockbrook SPV for the 
underwriters’ fee of €0.9 million and repaid the loan of €89.7 million 
to CAPREIT on March 31, 2015.

CAPREIT had the following transactions with key management personnel 
and trustees. The loans outstanding to key management personnel 
and  trustees  for  indebtedness  relating  to  the  SELTIP  and  LTIP  at 
December 31, 2015 were $7.5 million and $6.4 million, respectively 
(December 31, 2014 – $7.8 million and $11.2 million, respectively). 
These amounts are taken into consideration when calculating the 
fair value of the Unit-based compensation financial liabilities. Key 
management  personnel  are  eligible  to  participate  in  the  EUPP.  In 
addition, certain key management personnel also participate in the 
RUR Plan and trustees currently participate in the DUP. Pursuant 

to employee contracts, key management personnel are entitled to 
termination benefi ts that provide for payments of up to 36 months of 
benefi ts (based on base salary, bonus and other benefi ts) depending 
on cause.

Key management personnel and trustee compensation included in 
the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income 
is comprised of:

($ Thousands) 
Year Ended December 31, 
Short-term employee benefi ts 
Unit-based compensation –
grant date amortization 

Unit-based compensation –

fair value remeasurement 
Severance and other benefi ts 1 
Total 

2015 

$ 

4,468  $ 

4,012 
8,480 

2014 
3,583 

3,306 
6,889 

6,103 
2,074 

6,997 
– 
$  16,657  $  13,886 

1  Costs related to the departure of the former Chief Accounting Offi cer are 

included in severance and other employee costs.

CAPREIT leases offi ce space from a company in which Thomas Schwartz 
has an 18% benefi cial interest. The rent paid for the offi ce space (which 
is based on fair market rents at the date the lease was entered into) 
for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $0.9 million (2014 – 
$0.9 million) excluding property operating costs, and has been expensed 
as trust expenses. In 2012, the lease was amended to extend for an 
additional three years, expiring on October 31, 2017, and the minimum 
annual rental payments for the extended period are $0.5 million, before 
HST, per year. 

Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, CAPREIT enters into commitments for fi xed price 
natural gas, hydro and land lease agreements, as outlined in note 25 
to the accompanying audited consolidated annual fi nancial statements.

CAPREIT is contingently liable under guarantees provided to certain of 
CAPREIT’s lenders in the event of defaults and with respect to litigation 
and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. These matters 
are generally covered by insurance. In the opinion of Management, any 
liability that may arise from such contingencies would not be expected to 
have a material adverse effect on the consolidated fi nancial statements 
of CAPREIT.

68

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

SECTION VIII

Subsequent Events

On January 20, 2016, CAPREIT completed the acquisition of a portfolio 
of six apartment and townhome properties well located in London, 
Ontario totaling 670 rental suites. The purchase price (excluding 
transaction costs) of approximately $52.0 million was funded with 
cash from CAPREIT’s Acquisition and Operating Facility.

Future Outlook

Despite the potential adverse impact of global economic uncertainty, 
Management believes the multi-unit residential rental business will 
continue to improve in the majority of the markets in which CAPREIT 
operates. As a result, Management expects to generate modest annual 
increases in same-property average monthly rents while stabilizing 
average occupancies in the range of 97% to 98% on an annual basis. 
Management also anticipates operating revenues will benefit from 
programs over the long term to enhance ancillary revenues from parking, 
commercial leases, laundry, cable, telecommunications and other income 
sources. In addition, numerous successful cost management initiatives 
have proven effective, which should lead to stable net operating income 
over this period. 

CAPREIT believes the strong defensive characteristics of its property 
portfolio, due to diversifi cation by both geography and demographic 
sector,  will  serve  to  mitigate  the  negative  impact  of  any  future 
unfavourable economic conditions that certain regions may experience. 
CAPREIT intends to continue to seek opportunities to further diversify 
its property portfolio. While CAPREIT’s strategy is to remain principally 
focused on its core Canadian markets, CAPREIT continues to consider 
select opportunities in other markets. 

CAPREIT has defi ned a number of strategies to capitalize on its strengths 
and achieve its objectives of providing Unitholders with stable and 
predictable monthly cash distributions while growing distributions and 
Unit value over the long term.

First, Management maintains a focus on maximizing occupancy and 
average monthly rents in accordance with local conditions in each 
of its markets. Since its inception in May 1997, CAPREIT’s hands-on 
management style, focus on resident communications and capital 
investment programs aimed at increasing the long-term value of its 
properties have contributed to a strong track record of stable portfolio 
occupancy and average monthly rents. 

A signifi cant component of CAPREIT’s ability to manage annual rental 
increases is determined by the annual guideline increases established 
by certain provincial governments, currently in Ontario and British 
Columbia, under rent control legislation that CAPREIT must adhere to 
in setting annual rental rates for renewing tenants. In the Province of 
Ontario, the guideline increase for 2016 has been set at 2.0% and in 
British Columbia has been set at 2.9%. An amendment to the Residential 
Tenancies Act, 2006, enacted on June 19, 2012, set Ontario’s annual 
rent increase guideline to not more than 2.5% beginning in 2013. The 
Ontario rent control legislation provides that landlords may apply to the 
Landlord and Tenant Board (the “Board”) to raise rents by more than 
the approved annual guideline increase (“AGI”). The Board can allow 
such an AGI for: (i) eligible capital expenditures; (ii) unusually high 
increases in property taxes and/or utility costs; and (iii) increases in 
eligible security costs. The maximum AGI permitted in connection with 
eligible capital expenditures is three percent per year to a maximum 
of nine percent over a three-year period. These same limitations do 
not apply to AGI applications related to unusually high increases in 
property taxes and/or utilities, or increases in eligible security costs. 

In  line  with  its  focus  to  maximize  average  monthly  rents,  CAPREIT 
continues to pursue AGIs where it believes appropriate and to this effect, 
has fi led applications for completed property capital investments and/
or unusually high increases in realty taxes, as well as one application 
relating  to  an  unusually  high  increase  in  water  costs.  In  addition, 
CAPREIT continues to assess the viability of a number of additional AGI 
applications. The impact of these AGI applications could be signifi cant 
at the property level; however, it is presently indeterminable due to the 
inherent uncertainties associated with the adjudication process and the 
impact of tenant turnover at the affected properties. 

The following table summarizes the status of cumulative AGI applica-
tions fi led as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

December 31, 
Number of Suites and Sites Filed 

2015 
20,594 

2014
19,868 

Applications Settled:
  Number of Applications 

Term Weighted Average Total Increase 1   

  Weighted Average Term (years) 1, 2 

Applications Outstanding:
  Number of Applications 

Term Weighted Average Total Increase 1   

  Weighted Average Term (years) 1, 2 

133 
3.74% 
1.77 

13 
3.53% 
1.56 

91 
3.51%
1.69 

49 
4.50%
1.89 

1  Weighted by number of impacted suites and sites.
2  Represents the number of years over which the AGI application is 

expected to apply.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Second, Management continues to focus on reducing its operating 
costs as a percentage of total revenues. CAPREIT invests in various 
environment-friendly and energy-saving initiatives, including energy-
effi cient boilers and lighting systems, and is evaluating all energy-
purchasing programs to reduce or stabilize overall net energy costs.

Third,  Management  continues  to  direct  its  efforts  on  its  building 
infrastructure improvement programs to upgrade properties across the 
portfolio and to reposition the portfolio by completing value-enhancing 
capital investments. These investments are expected to enhance the 
life safety of residents, improve the portfolio’s long-term cash fl ow 
generating potential and increase its useful life over the long term.

Fourth, CAPREIT continues to prudently focus on accretive acquisitions 
that meet its strategic criteria and enhance CAPREIT’s geographic 
diversifi cation. From time to time, CAPREIT may also identify certain 
non-core assets for sale that do not conform to its current portfolio 
composition or operating strategies, or where Management believes 
their value has been maximized. Management believes the realization 
and reinvestment of capital are fundamental components of its growth 
strategy and demonstrate the success of its investment programs. 
In addition, Management has recently entered into and continues 
to prudently investigate the opportunity to enter into joint venture 
relationships with other real estate entities to potentially develop new 
multi-unit rental residential properties on excess land owned by CAPREIT 
or other vacant land.

Fifth, CAPREIT will continue to effectively manage interest costs by 
leveraging its balance sheet strength and the stability of its property 
portfolio to reduce borrowings on its credit facilities, while appropriately 
staggering the maturity dates within its mortgage portfolio to ensure 
it is not exposed to a refi nancing risk in any single year. Management 
believes that as a result of the continuing availability of financing 
insured by CMHC that is at lower cost than is currently available under 
conventional mortgages, CAPREIT is well positioned to meet its fi nancing 
and refi nancing objectives at reasonable costs over the medium term. 

CAPREIT will continue to maintain its conservative approach to its 
capital structure, leverage and coverage ratios and strive to further 
improve  its  distribution  payout  ratio.  Management  believes  its 
successful equity fi nancing and mortgage refi nancing programs have 
resulted in CAPREIT possessing one of the strongest balance sheets 
in its industry, well suited to delivering consistent, stable and secure 
monthly cash distributions over the long term.

70

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY 
FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying consolidated fi nancial statements and information 
included in this Annual Report have been prepared by the management 
of  CAPREIT  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards, and include amounts based on management’s informed 
judgements and estimates. Management is responsible for the integrity 
and objectivity of these consolidated fi nancial statements. The fi nancial 
information presented elsewhere in this Annual Report is consistent with 
that in the consolidated fi nancial statements in all material respects.

To assist management in the discharge of these responsibilities, 
management has established the necessary internal controls, based on 
the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
(“COSO”) in 2013. These internal controls are designed to ensure that 
our fi nancial records are reliable for preparing fi nancial statements; 
other fi nancial information, transactions are properly authorized and 
recorded; and assets are safeguarded.

As at December 31, 2015, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Financial Offi cer evaluated, or caused an evaluation under their direct 
supervision, of the design and operating effectiveness of our internal 
controls over financial reporting (as defined in National Instrument 
52-109, Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim 
Filings) and, based on that evaluation, determined that our internal 
controls over financial reporting were appropriately designed and 
operating effectively.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent auditors appointed by 
the Unitholders, have examined the consolidated fi nancial statements 
in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards 
to enable them to express to the Unitholders their opinion on the 
consolidated financial statements. Their report as auditors is set 
forth below.

The consolidated fi nancial statements have been further reviewed and 
approved by the Board of Trustees and its Audit Committee. 

This committee meets regularly with management and the auditors, 
who have full and free access to the Audit Committee.

February 16, 2016 

Thomas Schwartz 
President and Chief Executive Offi cer  Chief Financial Offi cer

Scott Cryer

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

71

 
 
due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor 
considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and 
fair presentation of the consolidated fi nancial statements in order to 
design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 
but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness 
of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the 
appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness 
of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating 
the overall presentation of the consolidated fi nancial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits 
is suffi cient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated fi nancial statements present fairly, 
in all material respects, the financial position of CAPREIT and its 
subsidiaries as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and 
their financial performance and their cash flows for the years then 
ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Chartered Professional Accountants, 
Licensed Public Accountants

 Toronto, Ontario

INDEPENDENT 
AUDITOR’S
REPORT

February 16, 2016

To the Unitholders of Canadian Apartment 
Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial state-
ments of Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment 
Trust  (“CAPREIT”)  and  its  subsidiaries,  which  comprise  the 
consolidated  balance  sheets  as  at  December  31,  2015  and 
December 31, 2014 and the consolidated statements of income 
and comprehensive income, Unitholders’ equity and cash fl ows for the 
years then ended, and the related notes, which comprise a summary 
of signifi cant accounting policies and other explanatory information. 

Management’s responsibility for the 
consolidated fi nancial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation 
of  these  consolidated  financial  statements  in  accordance 
with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards,  and  for  such 
internal control as management determines is necessary to enable 
the  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  that  are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 
financial  statements  based  on  our  audits.  We  conducted  our 
audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical 
requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the consolidated fi nancial statements are 
free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence 
about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial 
statements.  The  procedures  selected  depend  on  the  auditor’s 
judgement,  including  the  assessment  of  the  risks  of  material 
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether 

72

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

CONSOLIDATED 
BALANCE SHEETS

(CA$ Thousands)

As at December 31, 

Non-Current Assets
Investment properties 
Other non-current assets 

Current Assets
Other current assets 

Non-Current Liabilities
Mortgages payable 
Bank indebtedness 
Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities 
Other non-current liabilities 

Current Liabilities
Mortgages payable 
Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Other current liabilities 
Security deposits 
Exchangeable Units 
Distributions payable 

Unitholders’ Equity
Unit Capital 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) 
Retained earnings 

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees

Note

6 
7 

7 

9 
10 
11, 12 
8 

9 
11, 12 

8 

11 

19 

2015 

2014 

$  6,863,140 
205,939 
7,069,079 

33,749 
$  7,102,828 

$  2,858,622 
168,211 
6,980 
5,856 
3,039,669 

239,151 
39,183 
72,412 
8,008 
27,049 
4,330 
13,073 
403,206 
$  3,442,875 

$  2,222,747 
(14,530) 
1,451,736 
$  3,659,953 
$  7,102,828 

$  5,749,640 
146,512 
5,896,152 

30,009 
$  5,926,161 

$  2,369,954 
113,167 
5,406 
3,393 
2,491,920 

288,500 
43,280 
70,941 
7,547 
25,769 
4,054 
11,045 
451,136 
$  2,943,056 

$  1,761,313 
(27,284)
1,249,076 
$  2,983,105 
$  5,926,161 

Thomas Schwartz 

TRUSTEE 

Michael Stein

TRUSTEE

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS 
OF INCOME AND 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(CA$ Thousands)

For the Year Ended December 31, 

Operating Revenues
Revenue from investment properties 
Operating Expenses 
Realty taxes 
Property operating costs 

Net Rental Income 
Trust expenses 
Unit-based compensation expenses 
Fair value adjustments of investment properties 
Realized loss on disposition of investment properties 
Amortization of property, plant and equipment 
Severance and other employee costs 
Operating Income 
Fair value adjustments of Exchangeable Units 
Gain (loss) on derivative fi nancial instruments 
Interest and other fi nancing costs 
Foreign currency translation 
Dilution loss on equity accounted investments 
Other income 
Net Income 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Items That May Be Reclassifi ed Subsequently to Net Income
Amortization of losses from AOCL to interest and other fi nancing costs 
Change in fair value of derivative fi nancial instruments 
Change in fair value of investments 
Foreign currency translation 
Reversal of foreign currency translation relating to IRES ownership dilution 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
Comprehensive Income 
See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

Note

12 
6 
5 

20 

11 
16 
21 

19 
16 
19 
19 
19 

2015 

2014 

$ 

533,798 

$ 

506,411 

(59,337) 
(149,847) 
(209,184) 
324,614 
(22,707) 
(13,417) 
173,242 
(639) 
(2,799) 
(5,237) 
453,057 
(276) 
282 
(107,977) 
(7,447) 
(4,346) 
12,340 
345,633 

3,311 
(2,641) 
652 
8,305 
3,127 
12,754 
358,387 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

(56,591)
(145,935)
(202,526)
303,885 
(20,944)
(16,478)
150,897 
– 
(2,400)
– 
414,960 
(626)
(2,810)
(105,445)
4,954 
– 
6,942 
317,975 

3,333 
(3,649)
(478)
(5,296)
– 
(6,090)
311,885 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

74

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS 
OF UNITHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(CA$ Thousands) 

Unitholders’ Equity, January 1, 2015 
Unit Capital 
  New Units issued 
  Distribution Reinvestment Plan 
  Unit Option Plan 
  Deferred Unit Plan 
  RUR Plan 

Long-Term Incentive Plan 

  Senior Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan 
  Employee Unit Purchase Plan  

Retained Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income 
  Net income 
  Other comprehensive income  

Distributions on Trust Units 
  Distributions declared and paid 
  Distributions payable 

Note

13 
13 
12, 13 
12, 13 
12, 13 
12, 13 
12, 13 
12 

14 
14 

Unit 
Capital 

Retained 
Earnings 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive
Loss 

Total

$  1,761,313 

$  1,249,076 

$ 

(27,284) 

$  2,983,105 

386,988 
44,206 
6,473 
116 
963 
14,380 
7,162 
1,146 
461,434 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

345,633 
– 
345,633 

(129,900) 
(13,073) 
(142,973) 

– 
12,754 
12,754 

– 
– 
– 

386,988 
44,206 
6,473 
116 
963 
14,380 
7,162 
1,146 
461,434 

345,633 
12,754 
358,387 

(129,900)
(13,073)
(142,973)

Unitholders’ Equity, December 31, 2015 

$  2,222,747 

$  1,451,736 

$ 

(14,530) 

$  3,659,953 

(CA$ Thousands) 

Unitholders’ Equity, January 1, 2014 
Unit Capital 
  Distribution Reinvestment Plan 
  RUR Plan 

Long-Term Incentive Plan 
  Employee Unit Purchase Plan  

Retained Earnings and Other Comprehensive Loss 
  Net income 
  Other comprehensive loss 

Distributions on Trust Units 
  Distributions declared and paid 
  Distributions payable 

Note

13 
12, 13 
12, 13 
12 

14 
14 

Unit 
Capital 

Retained 
Earnings 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive
Loss 

Total

$  1,720,066 

$  1,058,597 

$ 

(21,194) 

$  2,757,469 

39,897 
94 
373 
883 
41,247 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

317,975 
– 
317,975 

(116,451) 
(11,045) 
(127,496) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
(6,090) 
(6,090) 

– 
– 
– 

39,897 
94 
373 
883 
41,247 

317,975 
(6,090)
311,885 

(116,451)
(11,045)
(127,496)

Unitholders’ Equity, December 31, 2014 
See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

$  1,761,313 

$  1,249,076 

$ 

(27,284) 

$  2,983,105 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

75

 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS

(CA$ Thousands)

For the Year Ended December 31, 

Cash Provided By (Used In):
Operating Activities
Net income 
Items related to operating activities not affecting cash: 
  Fair value adjustment – investment properties 
  Fair value adjustment – Exchangeable Units 
  Gain on sale of investment properties 

Loss on disposition of investment properties 
(Gain) loss on derivative fi nancial instruments 

  Amortization 
  Unit-based compensation expenses 
  Straight-line rent adjustment 
  Dilution loss on equity accounted investments 
  Foreign currency adjustment 

Net income items related to fi nancing and investing activities 
Changes in non-cash operating assets and liabilities 
Cash Provided by Operating Activities 

Investing Activities 
Acquisition of investment properties 
Capital investments 
Acquisition of investments 
Disposition of investments 
Disposition of investment properties 
Change in restricted cash 
Investment and other income received 
Cash Used in Investing Activities 

Financing Activities
Mortgage fi nancings 
Mortgage principal repayments 
Mortgages repaid on maturity 
Financing costs on mortgages payable 
CMHC premiums on mortgages payable 
Interest paid 
Bank indebtedness 
Proceeds on issuance of Units 
Net cash distributions to Unitholders 

Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities 

Changes in Cash and Cash Equivalents During the Year 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Year 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Year 
See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

76

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

Note

5 
16 
7, 19, 21 

23 
23 

23 
23 

23 

23 

23 

23 
23 

2015 

2014 

$ 

345,633 

$ 

317,975 

(173,242) 
276 
– 
639 
(282) 
9,722 
13,417 
122 
4,346 
7,447 
208,078 
97,667 
(12,921) 
292,824 

(933,386) 
(174,027) 
(32,305) 
– 
24,004 
(593) 
1,611 
(1,114,696) 

808,976 
(84,890) 
(143,328) 
(3,348) 
(14,130) 
(100,467) 
54,644 
401,154 
(96,739) 
821,872 

(150,897)
626 
(717)
–
2,810 
8,484 
16,478 
(142)
–
(4,954)
189,663 
94,338 
(19)
283,982 

(34,964)
(164,898)
–
7,599 
–
(684)
3,786 
(189,161)

589,107 
(84,421)
(324,915)
(2,797)
(11,070)
(98,124)
(76,712)
1,031 
(86,920)
(94,821)

– 
– 
– 

$ 

–
–
–

$ 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

December 31, 2015
(CA$ Thousands, except Unit and per Unit amounts)

NOTE 1
Organization of the Trust

Canadian  Apartment  Properties  Real  Estate  Investment  Trust 
(“CAPREIT”) owns interests in multi-unit residential rental properties, 
including apartments, townhomes and manufactured home commun-
ities (“MHC”), principally located in and near major urban centres across 
Canada. CAPREIT’s net assets and operating results are substantially 
derived from real estate located in Canada, where it is also domiciled. 

CAPREIT converted from a closed-end real estate investment trust 
to an open-ended mutual fund trust on January 8, 2008, and is gov-
erned under the laws of the Province of Ontario by a Declaration of 
Trust (“DOT”) dated February 3, 1997, as most recently amended and 
restated on June 12, 2014. CAPREIT commenced active operations on 
February 4, 1997 when it acquired an initial portfolio of properties and 
became a reporting issuer on May 21, 1997, pursuant to an initial public 
offering prospectus dated May 12, 1997.

CAPREIT Limited Partnership (“CAPLP”) is a wholly-owned consolidated 
subsidiary of CAPREIT, formed on April 1, 2008, and owns directly or 
indirectly the beneficial interest of all its properties along with the related 
mortgages and all the corporate debt obligations of CAPREIT.

CAPREIT’s wholly-owned subsidiary, IRES Fund Management Limited, 
entered into an external management agreement to perform cer-
tain property and asset management services for Irish Residential 
Properties REIT plc (“IRES”), an Irish residential REIT listed on the Irish 
Stock Exchange. As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT holds 65.5 million 
ordinary shares representing 15.7% of the issued share capital of IRES.

CAPREIT is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the 
symbol “CAR.UN” and its registered address is 11 Church Street, 
Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5E 1W1.

NOTE 2 
Summary of Signifi cant Accounting Policies

a) Statement of compliance 
CAPREIT has prepared these consolidated annual financial state-
ments in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRS”)  applicable  to  the  preparation  of  consolidated  annual 
fi nancial statements.

These consolidated annual fi nancial statements, which were approved 
by CAPREIT’s Board of Trustees on February 16, 2016, have been pre-
pared on the basis of IFRS issued and effective, or available for early 
adoption, at December 31, 2015. These policies have been consistently 
applied to all years presented, unless stated otherwise.

b) Basis of presentation
These consolidated annual fi nancial statements have been prepared 
on a going concern basis, presented in Canadian dollars, which is also 
CAPREIT’s functional currency, and have been prepared on an historical 
cost basis except for:
i)  Investment properties and certain fi nancial instruments, which are 

stated at fair value; and

ii)  Certain Unit-based compensation accounts, which are stated at 

fair value.

c)  Principles of consolidation

i)  Subsidiaries

These consolidated annual fi nancial statements comprise the assets 
and liabilities of all subsidiaries and the results of all subsidiaries 
for the fi nancial period. CAPREIT and its subsidiaries are collectively 
referred to as “CAPREIT” in these consolidated annual fi nancial state-
ments. Subsidiaries are all entities over which CAPREIT has control. 
CAPREIT controls an entity when CAPREIT is exposed to, or has rights 
to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the 
ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. 
  Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date control commen-
ces and deconsolidated from the date control ceases.

ii)  Joint Arrangements

CAPREIT has joint arrangements in and joint control of a num-
ber of properties. CAPREIT has assessed the nature of its joint 
arrangements and determined them to be joint operations. Joint 
operations are accounted for using the proportionate consolidation 
method. For joint operations, CAPREIT recognizes its share of rev-
enues, expenses, assets and liabilities, which are included in their 
respective descriptions in the consolidated balance sheets and 
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. In 
general, CAPREIT has recourse against all of the assets of the joint 
operations in the event that CAPREIT is called on to pay liabilities in 
excess of its proportionate share.
  All balances and effects of transactions between joint operations 
and CAPREIT have been eliminated to the extent of CAPREIT’s interest 
in the joint operations.

iii) Investment in Associates

An associate is an entity over which the investor has signifi cant 
infl uence, but not control. Generally, CAPREIT is considered to exert 
signifi cant infl uence when it directly or indirectly holds 20% or more 
of the voting power of the investee. However, determining signifi cant 
infl uence is a matter of judgement and specifi c circumstances; there-
fore, holding less than 20% of an entity does not necessarily preclude 
an entity from having signifi cant infl uence as the entity may exert 
signifi cant infl uence through representation on the board of trustees, 
direction of management or through contractual agreements.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

77

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial results of CAPREIT’s associates are included in 
CAPREIT’s  consolidated  financial  statements  using  the  equity 
method, whereby the investment is carried on the consolidated 
balance sheets at cost, adjusted for CAPREIT’s proportionate share 
of post-acquisition changes in CAPREIT’s share of the net assets of 
the associate. CAPREIT’s share of profits and losses is recognized 
in other income in the consolidated statements of income and 
comprehensive income. The standard provides an exception to rec-
ognizing the share of the net assets of the associate if the reporting 
periods of the entity and the investee are not aligned, provided the 
information used in preparing the fi nancial statements is not more 
than three months old. The standard further requires adjustments to 
this information for any signifi cant transactions or events which may 
have occurred between the entity’s reporting date and its investee’s 
most recent reporting date. CAPREIT has applied this guidance in 
accounting for its investment in IRES.
  At each reporting date, CAPREIT evaluates whether there is 
objective evidence that its interest in an associate is impaired. The 
entire carrying amount of the associate is compared to the recover-
able amount, which is the higher of the value in use or fair value 
less costs to sell. The recoverable amount of the investment is 
considered separately.

d) Investment properties 
CAPREIT considers its income properties to be investment properties 
under International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 40, Investment 
Property (“IAS 40”), and has chosen the fair value model to account 
for its investment properties in the consolidated annual financial 
statements. Fair value represents the amount at which the properties 
could be exchanged between a knowledgeable and willing buyer and 
a knowledgeable and willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction at 
the date of valuation. 

CAPREIT’s investment properties have been valued on a highest and 
best use basis and do not include any portfolio premium that may be 
associated with economies of scale from owning a large portfolio or the 
consolidation value from having compiled a large portfolio of properties 
over a long period of time, many through individual property acquisitions. 

Investment properties comprise investment interests held in land and 
buildings (including integral equipment) held for the purpose of produ-
cing rental income, capital appreciation, or both. CAPREIT’s investments 
in its property portfolio refl ect different forms of property interests, 
including: (i) Fee Simple Interests – Apartments and Townhomes, (ii) 
Operating Leasehold Interests, (iii) Land Leasehold Interests and (iv) 
Fee Simple Interests – Manufactured Home Communities Land Lease 
Sites. These four forms of property interests meet the defi nition of 
investment property and are classifi ed and accounted for as such. All 
investment properties are recorded at their fair value at their respective 
acquisition dates and are subsequently stated at fair value at each 

consolidated balance sheet date, with any gain or loss arising from a 
change in fair value recognized within operating income in the consoli-
dated statements of income and comprehensive income for the period. 
For Operating Leasehold Interests, all of which are held under a prepaid 
operating lease, CAPREIT has classifi ed all such interests as fi nance 
leases, including the fair value of options to purchase, and these are 
accounted for and presented as investment properties.

The fair value of all of CAPREIT’s investment properties is determined 
by qualifi ed external appraisers annually. Management regularly under-
takes a review of its investment property valuation between external 
appraisal dates to assess the continuing validity of the underlying 
assumptions, such as cash fl ows, capitalization rates and discount 
rates. These assumptions are tested against market information 
obtained from an independent appraisal firm. Where increases or 
decreases are warranted, the carrying values of CAPREIT’s investment 
properties are adjusted. See notes 3 and 6 for a detailed discussion of 
the signifi cant assumptions, estimates and valuation methods used. 

e)  Property asset acquisitions 
At the time of acquisition of a property or a portfolio of investment 
properties, CAPREIT evaluates whether the acquisition is a business 
combination or asset acquisition. IFRS 3, Business Combinations 
(“IFRS 3”) is only applicable if it is considered that a business has been 
acquired. A business, according to IFRS 3, is defined as an integrated 
set of activities and assets conducted and managed for the purpose of 
providing a return to investors or lower costs or other economic benefits 
directly and proportionately to CAPREIT. 

When determining whether the acquisition of an investment property or a 
portfolio of investment properties is a business combination or an asset 
acquisition, CAPREIT applies judgement when determining whether an 
integrated set of activities is acquired in addition to the property or 
portfolio of properties. Activities can include whether employees were 
assumed in the acquisition or an operating platform has been acquired.

When an acquisition does not represent a business as defi ned under 
IFRS 3, CAPREIT classifi es these properties or a portfolio of properties 
as an asset acquisition. Identifi able assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed in an asset acquisition are measured initially at their fair val-
ues at the acquisition date. Acquisition-related transaction costs are 
capitalized to the property.

f)   Presentation of non-current assets 
classifi ed as held-for-sale
Investment properties are reclassifi ed to assets held-for-sale when 
criteria  set  out  in  IFRS  5,  Non-current  Assets  Held  for  Sale  and 
Discontinued Operations, are met. CAPREIT presents non-current assets 
classifi ed as held-for-sale and their associated liabilities separately from 
other assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and in 

78

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

the notes beginning from the period in which they were fi rst classifi ed 
as “for sale”. The sale of one or a group of investment properties by 
CAPREIT will generally be presented as non-current assets held-for-sale 
and not discontinued operations. If a group of assets held-for-sale is con-
sidered to meet the defi nition of a discontinued operation, then income 
or expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income and 
comprehensive income relating to that group of assets is presented 
separately from continuing operations. A discontinued operation is a 
component of operations that represents a separate major line of busi-
ness or geographic area of operations that has been disposed of or is 
held-for-sale, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. 

Classifi cation of fi nancial instruments
The following summarizes the classifi cation and measurement CAPREIT 
has elected to apply to each of its signifi cant categories of fi nancial 
instruments:

Classifi cation 

Type 
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents  Loans and receivables 
Loans and receivables 
Restricted cash 
Loans and receivables 
Other receivables 
Available-for-sale 
Investments 

Measurement

Amortized cost
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
Fair value

g) Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumu-
lated depreciation and mainly comprise head offi ce and regional offi ces 
leasehold improvements, corporate and information technology systems, 
and are presented within other non-current assets on the consolidated 
balance sheets. These items are amortized on a straight-line basis over 
their estimated useful lives ranging from three to fi ve years, or, in the 
case of leasehold improvements, are amortized over the shorter of the 
lease term and their estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 15 years.

Financial liabilities
Mortgages payable 
Bank indebtedness 
Accounts payable and 
  accrued liabilities 
  and other liabilities 
Security deposits 
Exchangeable Units 

Other liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Amortized cost
Amortized cost

Other liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Amortized cost
Amortized cost
Amortized cost

h) Tenant inducements
Incentives such as cash, rent-free periods and move-in allowances may 
be provided to lessees to enter into a lease. These incentives are cap-
italized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease 
as a reduction of rental revenue. The carrying amounts of the tenant 
inducements are included in the fair value of investment properties. 

i)  Prepaid CMHC premiums
Fees and insurance premiums paid to Canada Mortgage and Housing 
Corporation (“CMHC”) are presented within other non-current assets. They 
are amortized over the amortization period of the underlying mortgage 
loans when incurred (initial amortization period is typically 25 to 35 years) 
and are included in interest and other fi nancing costs in the consolidated 
statements of income and comprehensive income. 

j)  Financial instruments

Financial assets and fi nancial liabilities
Financial assets and fi nancial liabilities are initially recognized at fair 
value and are subsequently accounted for based on their classifi cation 
as described below. Their classifi cation depends on the purpose for 
which the fi nancial instruments were acquired or issued, their charac-
teristics and CAPREIT’s designation of such instruments. The standards 
require that all fi nancial assets and fi nancial liabilities be classifi ed as 
fair value through profi t or loss (“FVTPL”), loans and receivables, avail-
able-for-sale, other liabilities or held-to-maturity.

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments 
with an original maturity of three months or less. Restricted cash does 
not meet the defi nition of cash and cash equivalents and is included 
in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest earned or 
accrued on these fi nancial assets is included in other income.

Loans and receivables 
Such receivables arise when CAPREIT provides services to a third party, 
such as a tenant, and are included in current assets, except for those 
with maturities more than 12 months after the consolidated balance 
sheet date, which are classifi ed as non-current assets. Loans and receiv-
ables are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets 
and are accounted for at amortized cost.

Available-for-sale
Investments are measured at fair value at each consolidated balance 
sheet date and the difference between the fair value of the asset and 
its cost basis is included in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). 
Differences included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) 
are transferred to net income when the asset is removed from the con-
solidated balance sheets or an impairment loss on the asset has to be 
recognized. Income on available-for-sale investments is recognized as 
earned and included in other income.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

79

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Other liabilities
Such fi nancial liabilities are recorded at amortized cost and include all 
liabilities other than derivatives or liabilities, which are designated to be 
accounted for at fair value.

FVTPL
Financial instruments in this category are recognized initially and sub-
sequently at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair 
value are presented within net income in the consolidated statements 
of income and comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. 
Financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL are classifi ed as current, except 
for the portion expected to be realized or paid more than 12 months after 
the consolidated balance sheet date, which is classifi ed as non-current. 
Derivatives are also categorized as FVTPL unless designated as hedges.

Transaction costs
Transaction costs related to fi nancial assets classifi ed as FVTPL are 
expensed as incurred. Transaction costs related to loans and receiv-
ables and other liabilities, measured at amortized cost, are netted 
against the carrying value of the asset or liability and amortized over 
the expected life of the instrument using the effective interest rate 
method. Transaction costs relating to available-for-sale fi nancial assets 
are included in the cost of the asset on initial recognition.

Determination of fair value 
The fair value of a fi nancial instrument on initial recognition is generally 
the transaction price, which is the fair value of the consideration given 
or received. Subsequent to initial recognition, the fair value of fi nancial 
instruments is remeasured based on relevant market data. CAPREIT 
classifi es the fair value for each class of fi nancial instrument based on 
the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between 
market value data obtained from independent sources and CAPREIT’s 
own assumptions about market value. See note 15 for a detailed dis-
cussion of valuation methods used for fi nancial instruments quoted in 
an active market and instruments valued using observable data. 

Derivatives
Derivative fi nancial instruments are initially recognized at fair value on 
the date a derivative contract is entered into and subsequently remeas-
ured at fair value. The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss 
depends on whether the derivative fi nancial instrument is designated as 
a hedging instrument and, if so, the nature of the item being hedged. For 
CAPREIT’s accounting policy on hedging, see k) Hedging relationships 
section below.

Derivatives not designated in a hedging relationship are measured at 
fair value with changes therein recognized directly through the consoli-
dated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) within 
net income. 

Embedded derivatives
Derivatives embedded in other fi nancial instruments or contracts are 
separated from their host contracts and accounted for as derivatives 
when their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related 
to those of the host contract; the terms of the embedded derivative 
are the same as those of a free-standing derivative; and the combined 
instrument or contract is not measured at fair value. These embedded 
derivatives are measured at fair value with changes therein recog-
nized within net income in the consolidated statements of income and 
comprehensive income.

CAPREIT  has  concluded  that  it  does  not  have  any  outstanding 
contracts or financial instruments with embedded derivatives that 
require bifurcation.

k) Hedging relationships
CAPREIT has designated its interest rate swap agreement and forward 
interest rate contracts as cash fl ow hedges. At the inception of a trans-
action, CAPREIT documents the relationship between hedging instruments 
and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy 
for undertaking various hedging transactions. CAPREIT also documents, 
both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, its assessment of 
whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective 
in offsetting changes in cash fl ows of hedged items. The effective portion 
of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify 
as cash fl ow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income. The 
gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately 
in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income 
under net income. Should a hedging relationship become ineffective and/
or hedge accounting become no longer appropriate, previously unrealized 
gains and losses remain within AOCL and are amortized to the relevant 
item in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive 
income in the same periods during which the hedged items affect earn-
ings, while future changes in the fair value of the hedging derivatives are 
recognized within net income in the consolidated statements of income 
and comprehensive income.

As CAPREIT was operating the Dublin acquisition in a foreign jurisdic-
tion, it was exposed to foreign currency fl uctuations arising between the 
functional currency of the foreign operation, the euro, and the functional 
currency of CAPREIT, the Canadian dollar. As such, CAPREIT entered into 
a hedge effective at the date of the Dublin acquisition (September 10, 
2013). CAPREIT hedged the investment in the Dublin foreign operations 
against the euro-denominated debt on CAPREIT’s consolidated balance 
sheets. As such, the effective portion of any foreign currency gain/loss 
arising from the euro-denominated debt and the foreign currency gain/
loss arising from the investment in the Dublin foreign operations was rec-
ognized in OCI and the ineffective portion was recognized in net income. 
On April 16, 2014, this hedging relationship became ineffective when 
CAPREIT’s benefi cial interest in IRES was diluted from wholly owned to a 
20.8% ownership. See note 5 for further details. 

80

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

l)  Mortgages payable and bank indebtedness 
Mortgages payable are recognized at amortized cost using the effective 
interest rate method. Under the effective interest rate method, any trans-
action fees, costs and discounts directly related to the mortgage are 
recognized within interest and other fi nancing costs in the consolidated 
statements of income and comprehensive income over the expected 
term of the mortgage. Mortgage maturities and repayments due more 
than 12 months after the consolidated balance sheet date are classifi ed 
as non-current. 

m) Exchangeable Units
Issued and outstanding Units of CAPLP are exchangeable on demand for 
Trust Units (“Exchangeable Units”). As the Trust Units are redeemable 
at the holder’s option, the Exchangeable Units are classifi ed as current 
liabilities. The distributions on the Exchangeable Units are recognized 
in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income 
(loss) as interest expense under IFRS and the interest payable at the 
reporting date is reported under other current liabilities on the consoli-
dated balance sheets. These Exchangeable Units are remeasured at 
each reporting date at their amortized cost, which approximates fair 
value, as they are considered to be puttable instruments under IAS 32, 
with changes in the carrying amount recognized as fair value adjust-
ments of exchangeable units within net income in the consolidated 
statements of income and comprehensive income (loss). 

n) Comprehensive income 
Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive 
income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes changes 
in the fair value of investments and the effective portion of cash fl ow 
hedges less any amounts reclassifi ed to interest and other fi nancing 
costs and the associated income taxes. 

o)  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (“AOCL”)
AOCL is included on the consolidated balance sheets as Unitholders’ 
Equity and includes the unrealized gains and losses of the changes in 
the fair value of cash fl ow hedges, derivatives and investments. The 
components of AOCL are disclosed in note 19.

p) Revenue recognition
CAPREIT recognizes rental revenue using the straight-line method, 
whereby the total amount of rental revenue to be received from all leases 
is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the term of the related 
leases. The difference between the rental revenue recognized and the 
amounts contractually due under the lease agreements is accrued as 
rent receivable, which is included as a component of investment prop-
erties on the consolidated balance sheets.

Other income includes interest, dividends and management fees. 
Interest and dividend income are recognized as earned. Management 
fees are recorded as the services are provided.

q) Borrowing costs and interest on mortgages payable
Interest and other fi nancing costs include mortgage interest, which is 
expensed at the effective interest rate, and transaction costs incurred 
in connection with the revolving credit facilities, which are capitalized 
and presented as other non-current assets and amortized over the term 
of the facility to which they relate. 

r)  Distributions 
Distributions represent the monthly cash distributions on outstanding 
Trust Units.

s)  Unit-based compensation and incentive plans
Unit-based compensation benefi ts are provided to offi cers, trustees 
and certain employees and are intended to facilitate long-term owner-
ship of Trust Units and provide additional incentives by increasing the 
participants’ interest, as owners, in CAPREIT. Unit-based compensation 
liabilities are classifi ed as current, except for the portion expected to be 
realized or paid beyond 12 months of the consolidated balance sheet 
date, including amounts where CAPREIT has the unconditional right to 
defer settlement of vested awards. 

CAPREIT accounts for its Unit-based compensation plans using the fair 
value-based method, under which compensation expense is recognized 
over the vesting period. The key drivers of recognition and measurement 
of compensation expense are summarized as follows: 

Incentive Plan 1 
LTIP 
SELTIP 
DUP 
RUR Plan 
UOP 

Type 
Issued Units 
Issued Units 
Rights 
Rights 
Options 

Vesting Period 
2 years 2 
2 years 2 
Grant date 
3 years 
Reporting period 3 

Type of Amortization 
Graded 
Graded 
Immediate 
Straight-line 
Straight-line 

Distributions Applied to 
Secured loan 
Secured loan 
Additional Units 
Additional Units 
N/A 

Mark-to-Market until
Loan repaid
Loan repaid
Settled
Settled
Exercised

1  For defi nitions of these plans, refer to notes 11, 12 and 13. 
2  Vesting one-third on grant date and one-third on each of the subsequent two grant anniversary dates. 
3  Vesting of the options is subject to satisfaction of performance criteria over the annual reporting period.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

81

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

t)  Consolidated statements of cash fl ows
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, balances with 
banks, and investments in money market instruments with an original 
term to maturity of 90 days or less at acquisition. Investing and fi nan-
cing activities that do not require the use of cash or cash equivalents 
are excluded from the consolidated statements of cash fl ows and are 
disclosed separately in the notes to the consolidated annual fi nancial 
statements. 

u) Income taxes
CAPREIT is taxed as a Mutual Fund Trust for income tax purposes and 
intends, at the discretion of the Board of Trustees, to distribute its 
income for income tax purposes each year to Unitholders to such an 
extent that it would not be liable for income tax under Part I of the Income 
Tax Act (Canada) (“Tax Act”). Accordingly, no provision for current income 
taxes payable is required. For a comprehensive discussion of CAPREIT’s 
liability for tax purposes, see note 18.

CAPREIT and its wholly-owned subsidiaries satisfied certain condi-
tions available to Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) (the “REIT 
Exception”) under amendments to the Tax Act intended to permit a cor-
porate income tax rate of nil as long as the specifi ed conditions continue 
to be met. 

v)  Earnings per Unit
As a result of the redemption feature of CAPREIT’s Trust Units, these 
Units are considered fi nancial liabilities under IAS 33, Earnings per 
Share, and they may not be considered as equity for the purposes of 
calculating net income on a per Unit basis. Consequently, CAPREIT has 
elected not to report an Earnings per Unit calculation, as permitted 
under IFRS.

w) Foreign currency translation
The consolidated fi nancial statements are presented in Canadian dol-
lars, which is the functional currency of CAPREIT and the presentation 
currency for the consolidated fi nancial statements.

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency 
using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At 
the end of each reporting period, foreign currency denominated monet-
ary assets and liabilities are translated into the functional currency using 
the prevailing rate of exchange at the consolidated balance sheet date. 
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such 
transactions, and from the translation at period end exchange rates of 
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are 
recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehen-
sive income.

Foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the consolidated 
statements of income and comprehensive income.

x)  IFRIC 21, Levies
This is an interpretation of IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities 
and Contingent Assets. IAS 37 sets out criteria for the recognition of a 
liability, one of which is the requirement for the entity to have a present 
obligation as a result of a past event (known as an obligating event). The 
interpretation clarifi es that the obligating event that gives rise to a liabil-
ity to pay a levy is the activity described in the relevant legislation that 
triggers the payment of the levy. This standard is applicable to annual 
reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014. CAPREIT has 
assessed the standard and completed an analysis of the government 
levies that CAPREIT is subject to, and determined it does not impact 
CAPREIT on adoption in its current form.

y)  Future accounting changes
As at February 16, 2016, the following new or amended IFRS have been 
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and 
are expected to apply to CAPREIT for annual reporting periods beginning 
after December 31, 2015:

IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements
This amendment clarifi es guidance on materiality and aggregation, the 
presentation of subtotals, the structure of fi nancial statements and the 
disclosure of accounting policies. This amendment came into effect for 
years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. 

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”)
The revised IFRS 9 incorporates requirements for the classifi cation 
and measurement of fi nancial liabilities over the existing derecogni-
tion requirements of IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement. IFRS 9 also introduces new requirements for classifying 
and measuring financial assets; specifically, investments in equity 
instruments can be designated as ‘fair value through other compre-
hensive income’ with only dividends being recognized in profi t or loss. 
IFRS 9 was further amended in November 2013 to: (i) include guidance 
on hedge accounting; (ii) allow entities to early adopt the requirement 
to recognize changes in fair value attributable to changes in an entity’s 
own credit risk, from fi nancial liabilities designated under the fair value 
option, in OCI (without having to adopt the remainder of IFRS 9); and 
(iii) remove the previous mandatory effective date of January 1, 2015.

The fi nal amendment of IFRS 9 as at July 2014 included (i) a third 
measurement category for fi nancial assets – fair value through other 
comprehensive income; (ii) a single, forward-looking ‘expected loss’ 
impairment model; and (iii) a mandatory effective date for IFRS 9 for 
annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. 

82

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

IFRS 7, Financial Instruments – Disclosure 
This amendment requires additional disclosures on transition from 
IAS 39 to IFRS 9 upon adoption of IFRS 9. An additional amendment, 
which is prospective with an option to apply retrospectively, requires 
disclosure of all types of continuing involvement that an entity may have 
in transferred fi nancial assets when the transfer of fi nancial assets to a 
third party occurs under conditions which allow the transferor to derec-
ognize the asset. This amendment came into effect on January 1, 2016.

IFRS 10 and IAS 28, Sale or Contribution of Assets Between 
an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture
The amendment clarifi es an inconsistency between the two standards, 
and establishes that a gain or loss is fully recognized when the trans-
action involves a business, and a partial gain or loss is recognized when 
the transaction involves assets that do not constitute a business. This 
amendment came into effect on January 1, 2016.

IFRS 11, Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations
This amendment provides specifi c guidance for the acquisition of an 
interest in a joint operation that is a business. This amendment came 
into effect on January 1, 2016.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
This new standard on revenue recognition supersedes IAS 18, Revenue, 
IAS 11, Construction Contracts and related interpretations. The new 
standard provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model. 
While early adoption is permitted for IFRS reporters, this standard is 
effective for the interim periods within years beginning on or after 
January 1, 2018.

IFRS 16, Leases
This new standard on leases supersedes IAS 17, Leases and related 
interpretations. IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, meas-
urement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a 
contract: i.e. the customer (“lessee”) and the supplier (“lessor”). From 
a lessee perspective, IFRS 16 eliminates the classifi cation of leases 
as either operating leases or fi nance leases as is required by IAS 17 
and, instead, introduces a single lessee accounting model. IFRS 16 
is effective as of January 1, 2019; however, a company can choose 
to apply IFRS 16 before that date but only if it also applies IFRS 15, 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements
This amendment restores the option to use the equity method to account 
for investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates in an 
entity’s separate fi nancial statements. The amendment came into effect 
on January 1, 2016.

IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting
This amendment is retrospective and requires a cross-reference from 
the interim fi nancial statements to the location of that information. This 
amendment came into effect on January 1, 2016.

CAPREIT is currently assessing the impact of the above standards and 
amendments but does not expect to be signifi cantly impacted on adop-
tion in their current form.

NOTE 3
Critical Accounting Estimates, Assumptions, 
and Judgements 

The  preparation  of  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  in 
accordance with IFRS requires the use of estimates, assumptions and 
judgements that in some cases relate to matters that are inherently 
uncertain, and which affect the amounts reported in the consolidated 
annual fi nancial statements and accompanying notes. Areas of such 
estimation include, but are not limited to: valuation of investment prop-
erties, remeasurement at fair value of fi nancial instruments, valuation 
of accounts receivable, capitalization of costs, accounting accruals, the 
amortization of certain assets, accounting for deferred income taxes and 
Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities. Changes to estimates and 
assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities 
and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the 
consolidated annual fi nancial statements and the reported amounts of 
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could 
differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

83

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The estimates deemed to be more signifi cant, due to subjectivity and 
the potential risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next fi nancial year are dis-
cussed below. 

i)  Valuation of investment properties 

Investment properties are measured at fair value as at the con-
solidated balance sheet dates. Any changes in the fair value are 
included  within  net  income  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
income and comprehensive income. Fair value is supported by 
independent external valuations or detailed internal valuations 
using market-based assumptions, each in accordance with recog-
nized valuation techniques. The techniques used comprise both 
the capitalized net operating income method and the discounted 
cash fl ow method and include estimating, among other things (all 
considered Level 3 inputs), future stabilized net operating income, 
capitalization rates, reversionary capitalization rates, discount rates 
and other future cash fl ows applicable to investment properties. Fair 
values for investment properties are classifi ed as Level 3 in the fair 
value hierarchy as disclosed in note 15.

The fair value of investment properties is established annually 
by qualifi ed, independent appraisers. Each quarter, CAPREIT utilizes 
market assumptions for rent increases, capitalization and discount 
rates provided by an external appraisal fi rm to determine the fair 
value of the investment properties for interim reporting purposes. 
Capitalization rates employed by the appraisal fi rm are based on 
recently closed transactions, generally within the last three months, 
and other current market indicators for similar properties.
  CAPREIT’s internal valuations and the independent appraisals are 
both subject to signifi cant judgements, estimates and assumptions 
about market conditions in effect as at the consolidated balance 
sheet date. See note 6 for a detailed discussion of valuation methods 
and the signifi cant assumptions and estimates used.

ii)  Valuation of fi nancial instruments

The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities is based on assump-
tions that involve significant estimates. The basis of valuation 
for CAPREIT’s derivatives is set out in note 15. The fair values of 
derivatives reported may differ materially from the amount they are 
ultimately settled for if there is volatility between the valuation date 
and settlement date.

iii) Unit-based compensation

The fair values of Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities are 
based on assumptions that involve signifi cant estimates. The basis of 
valuation for CAPREIT’s Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities 
is set out in note 12; however, the fair values as at the reporting 
date may differ materially from how they are ultimately recognized 
if there is volatility in listed Unit prices, interest rates or other key 
assumptions between the valuation date and settlement date. 
Market assumptions, estimates and valuation methodology are 
discussed in note 12.

iv) Investment in Irish Residential Properties REIT plc (“IRES”)

CAPREIT has determined that its investment in IRES should be 
accounted for using the equity method of accounting given the 
signifi cant infl uence it has over IRES. In making the determination 
that CAPREIT does not control IRES, CAPREIT used judgement when 
considering the extent of its ownership interest in IRES, the level of 
its involvement, responsibilities and remuneration as IRES’s invest-
ment manager and the control exerted over IRES by its independent 
Board of Directors. Management will reassess this conclusion 
should its ownership interest or the terms of the asset management 
agree ment change.

v)  Classifi cation of Interest Paid on Consolidated 
  Statements of Cash Flows

IFRS permits the classifi cation of interest paid as operating cash 
fl ows because they enter into the determination of profi t or loss, 
or alternatively as fi nancing cash fl ows because they are costs of 
obtaining fi nancial resources. CAPREIT has applied its judgement 
and concluded that debt fi nancing, which is used to provide leveraged 
returns to its Unitholders, is an integral part of its capital structure 
and not directly associated with its principal revenue-producing activ-
ities. Therefore, interest paid is classifi ed as a fi nancing activity in 
CAPREIT’s consolidated statements of cash fl ows.

84

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 4
Recent Investment Property Acquisitions

CAPREIT completed the following investment property acquisitions since January 1, 2014, which have contributed to the operating results effective 
from their respective acquisition dates:

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

December 17, 2015 
November 1, 2015 

September 30, 2015 
September 14, 2015 
July 31, 2015 
June 30, 2015 
June 15, 2015 
March 31, 2015 
February 18, 2015 
January 28, 2015 4 

Suite or 
Site Count 
169 
4 

3,661 

Region(s) 
Victoria 
Bowmanville 
and Grand Bend 
Montréal 
919  Greater Vancover Area 
Langley 
Langley 
Victoria 
Burlington 
Edmonton 
Dublin, Ireland 

58 
108 
32 
285 
126 
270 

Total 
Acquisition 
Costs 
$  29,474 

Assumed 
Mortgage 
Funding 
3,030   

$ 

Interest Rate  1 
1.80%   

Term
to Maturity

(Years)  2
4.2 

372 
  502,276 
  170,611 
17,070 
13,010 
5,479 
54,500 
31,092 
  125,416 

– 3 
–  5 
– 3 
– 3 
– 3 
– 3 
– 3 
– 3 
– 3 

–  3 
–  5 
–  3 
–  3 
–  3 
–  3 
–  3 
–  3 
–  3 

– 3
– 5
– 3
– 3
– 3
– 3
– 3
– 3
– 3

5,632 

$  949,300 

$ 

3,030   

1  Weighted average stated interest rate on mortgage funding.
2  Weighted average term to maturity on mortgage funding.
3  The acquisition was funded from CAPREIT’s Acquisition and Operating Facility (see note 10). 
4  The Rockbrook Portfolio acquisition is the fi rst portfolio CAPREIT acquired for Irish Residential Properties REIT plc (“IRES”) for €89,693 

(including transaction costs) under the previously announced agreement entered into between IRES and CAPREIT on November 21, 2014 and 
as amended on February 9, 2015 (the “Pipeline Agreement”). Refer to note 5 for further details.

5  The acquisition was funded from CAPREIT’s Bridge Increase and Acquisition and Operating Facility (see note 10). 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

December 16, 2014 
December 8, 2014 
November 20, 2014 

September 30, 2014 
July 31, 2014 4 
April 17, 2014 

January 15, 2014 5 

Suite or 
Site Count 

97 
31 
5 

126 
213 
2 

– 

474 

Region(s) 

Brooks, Alberta 
Calgary 
Bowmanville 
and Grand Bend 
Regina 
Charlottetown 
Bowmanville
and Grand Bend 
Burlington 

Total 
Acquisition 
Costs 

Assumed 
Mortgage 
Funding 

$ 

4,331 
7,570 

$ 

– 3 
2,984   

426 
17,097 
20,624 

141 
11,356 

– 3 
8,391   
14,747   

– 3 
– 3 

$ 

61,545 

$ 

26,122

Interest Rate  1 

Term
to Maturity

(Years)  2

– 3 
3.27%   

– 3 
3.05%   
3.95%   

– 3 
– 3 

–  3

2.0

–  3

8.9
3.1

–  3
–  3

1  Weighted average stated interest rate on mortgage funding.
2  Weighted average term to maturity on mortgage funding.
3  The acquisition was funded from CAPREIT’s Acquisition and Operating Facility (see note 10). 
4  The acquisition comprised 213 suites (48 mid-tier and 165 luxury suites) in nine properties located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 
5  The acquisition of a commercial property is situated beside an existing residential property in the Burlington, Ontario region.

The total purchase consideration including mortgages payable and bank indebtedness is allocated to investment properties and other assets 
acquired based on the relative fair value of each at the time of purchase.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

85

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 5
Dispositions

The tables below summarize the dispositions completed since January 1, 2014. These dispositions do not meet the defi nition of discontinued 
operations under IFRS 5, Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. 

Dispositions Completed During the Year Ended December 31, 2015

Disposition Date 
March 31, 2015 
February 18, 2015 

Suite Count 
270 
260 

530 

Region 

Dublin, Ireland  1 
Toronto   

Sale Price 
$  123,450 
47,000 

$  170,450 

Cash Proceeds 
362 
$ 
23,642 

$ 

24,004 

Mortgage Discharged
$  123,016 
22,901 

$  145,917 

1  Pursuant to the terms of the Pipeline Agreement, on March 31, 2015, CAPREIT sold the Rockbrook Portfolio via the sale of its interest in its wholly-owned 
Irish subsidiary (“Rockbrook SPV”) to IRES at the original acquisition cost of €89,693 and earned an underwriters’ fee of €873. IRES repaid the loan 
to CAPREIT for €89,693, the original acquisition cost (for which CAPREIT had initially drawn from the Acquisition and Operating Facility for the purchase of 
the Rockbrook Portfolio). In total, IRES paid €90,566 for the acquisition of the Rockbrook Portfolio. CAPREIT repaid the euro LIBOR borrowings of €90,300 
subsequent to the sale. Included in foreign currency translation on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income is a foreign exchange 
loss of $3,155 relating to the disposition and a foreign exchange gain of $3,142 in respect to the repayment of the euro LIBOR borrowings.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, a loss of $639 was recognized in connection with the property disposition on February 18, 2015. The 
loss represents the difference between the net proceeds after transaction costs from the disposition compared to the fair value of the respective 
properties at the date of disposition.

Dispositions Completed During the Year Ended December 31, 2014
On April 16, 2014, CAPREIT’s wholly-owned subsidiary, CAPREIT Ireland Limited (renamed to Irish Residential Properties REIT plc (“IRES”)), com-
pleted the admission of its Ordinary Shares to the Irish Stock Exchange. CAPREIT retained a 20.8% interest in IRES and received cash of $7,599. 
CAPREIT’s retained interest is accounted as an equity investment and was recorded at fair value in the amount of $64,039 on the transaction date. 
CAPREIT recorded a gain of $717 in other income on the transaction date, representing the difference between fair value of the retained interest 
and cash received over the carrying value of the net assets of IRES.

Disposition Date 
April 16, 2014 

Suite Count 
338 
338 

Region 
Dublin, Ireland 

Sale Price 
70,871 
70,871 

$ 
$ 

Mortgage Discharged
7,599 
7,599 

$ 
$ 

86

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 6
Investment Properties

Valuation basis 
Investment properties are carried at fair value, which is the amount at 
which the individual properties could be sold between willing parties in 
an arm’s-length transaction, based on current prices in an active market 
for similar properties in the same location, considering the highest and 
best use of the asset, with any gain or loss arising from a change in fair 
value recognized in the consolidated statements of income and compre-
hensive income for the period. Valuations do not take into account any 
potential portfolio premium. 

The fair values of all of CAPREIT’s investment properties are determined 
by qualifi ed external appraisers annually. The qualifi ed external apprais-
ers hold a recognized relevant professional qualifi cation and have recent 
experience in the location and category of the respective property. Each 
quarter, CAPREIT utilizes market assumptions for rent increases, cap-
italization and discount rates provided by the external appraisers to 
determine the fair value of the investment properties. Capitalization 
rates employed by the appraisers are based on recently closed trans-
actions for similar properties. To the extent that the stabilized forecasted 
cash fl ows of an investment property change signifi cantly in a quarter, 
the fair value of the investment property would be re-assessed by the 
external appraisers and the fair value adjusted accordingly. 

Fair values for investment properties are classifi ed as Level 3 in the fair 
value hierarchy, as disclosed in note 15. On an annual basis, CAPREIT 
verifi es all major inputs (as detailed above) to the valuation and reviews 
the results with the external appraisers for all independent valuations. 
On a quarterly basis, the market assumptions for rent increases, cap-
italization and discount rates provided by the external appraisers are 
verifi ed in determining the fair value of the investment properties.

Discussion of the valuation process, the valuation methodology (as 
mentioned below), key inputs and results is held between CAPREIT and 
the qualifi ed external appraisers at least once every quarter, in line with 
CAPREIT’s quarterly reporting dates.

Changes in Level 3 fair values are analyzed at each reporting date 
as part of the quarterly valuation discussion between CAPREIT and 
the  qualified  external  appraisers.  As  part  of  this  discussion,  the 
external valuators present a report that explains the reasons for the 
fair value movements. 

To determine fair value, CAPREIT first considers whether it can use 
current prices in an active market for a similar property in the same 
location and condition. CAPREIT has concluded there is insufficient 
market evidence on which to base investment property valuation using 
this approach, and has therefore determined to use the Direct Income 
Capitalization (“DC”) and Discounted Cash Flow (“DCF”) methods to 
arrive at the fair value of the investment properties. Investment proper-
ties have been valued using the following methods and key assumptions:

a)  Fee Simple and MHC Land Lease Sites

CAPREIT utilizes the DC method. Under this method, capitalization 
rates are applied to a stabilized net operating income (“NOI”) repre-
senting market-based NOI assumptions (property revenue less 
property operating expenses adjusted for market-based assumptions 
such as long-term vacancy rates, management fees, R&M costs, and 
general and administration costs). The most signifi cant assumption 
is the capitalization rate for each specifi c property. The capitalization 
rate is based on the actual location, size and quality of the property, 
taking into account any available market data at the valuation date. 
Generally, an increase in stabilized NOI will result in an increase to 
the fair value of an investment property. An increase in the capitaliz-
ation rate will result in a decrease in the fair value of an investment 
property. The capitalization rate magnifi es the effect of a change in 
stabilized NOI, with a lower capitalization rate resulting in a greater 
effect of a change in stabilized NOI than a higher capitalization rate. 

b)  Operating Leasehold Interests

CAPREIT utilizes the DCF method. Under this method, discount rates 
are applied to the forecasted cash fl ows refl ecting market-based leas-
ing assumptions for that specifi c property as well as assumptions 
about renewal and new leasing activity. The most signifi cant assump-
tion is the discount rate applied over the initial term of the lease. 
The discount rate is generally the appropriate weighted average cost 
of capital that refl ects the risk of the cash fl ows for the investment 
property. In the case of one property, the forecasted cash fl ows are 
adjusted for contractual air rights payments and the discount rate is 
adjusted for uncertainty regarding the renegotiation of the air rights 
lease at the end of the term. Generally, an increase in forecasted 
cash fl ows will result in an increase to the fair value of an investment 
property. An increase in the discount rate will result in a decrease to 
the fair value of an investment property. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

87

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

c)  Options to Purchase the Related Operating Leasehold Interests

d)  Land Leasehold Interests

CAPREIT utilizes the DC method at the reversion date (option exercise 
date) to estimate the future value, which is then discounted to a 
present value. Under this method, the stabilized income is adjusted 
to a projected NOI as at the end of the operating lease term and the 
capitalization rate is adjusted to a “reversionary capitalization rate” 
refl ecting the incremental risk associated with future uncertainty. 
The value of the option is then determined based on the difference 
between the estimated fair value of the property at such date and 
the option buyout price, discounted back to its present value using a 
risk-adjusted discount rate (the “option discount rate”).

CAPREIT utilizes the DCF method for properties that are subject 
to land or air rights leases. Under this method, discount rates are 
applied to the forecasted cash fl ows refl ecting market-based leasing 
assumptions for that specifi c property as well as assumptions about 
renewal and new leasing activity. The most signifi cant assumption 
is the discount rate applied over the term of the lease. Forecasted 
cash fl ows are reduced for contractual land lease payments and the 
discount rates refl ect the uncertainty regarding the renegotiation of 
land lease payments during and at the end of the term of the leases. 

A summary of the market assumptions and ranges for each type of property interest along with their fair values as at December 31, 2015 and 
December 31, 2014 is presented below: 

As at December 31, 2015

Type of Interest 

Fee Simple Interests – 

Fair Value 

WA NOI/ 
Cash Flow 1 

Rate Type 

Apartments and Townhomes 

MHC Land Lease Sites 
Operating Leasehold Interests 2, 3, 4 
Land Leasehold Interests 2 

Total Investment Properties 

$  5,786,430 
282,820 
598,690 
195,200 

$  6,863,140 

2,395 
2,428 
3,254 
3,665 

Capitalization rate 
Capitalization rate 
Discount rate 5 
Discount rate 

As at December 31, 2014

Type of Interest 

Fee Simple Interests –

Fair Value 

WA NOI/ 
Cash Flow 1 

Rate Type 

Apartments and Townhomes 

MHC Land Lease Sites 
Operating Leasehold Interests 2, 3, 4 
Land Leasehold Interests 2 

Total Investment Properties 

$  4,713,330 
272,700 
559,560 
204,050 

$  5,749,640

2,520 
2,302 
3,078 
3,448 

Capitalization rate 
Capitalization rate 
Discount rate 5 
Discount rate 

Max 

7.96% 
7.14% 
6.50% 
6.75% 

Max 

6.70% 
7.00% 
6.75% 
7.25% 

  Weighted
Average

Min 

3.25% 
4.41% 
5.75% 
6.75% 

4.69%
6.23%
5.94%
6.75%

  Weighted
Average

Min 

3.50% 
4.39% 
5.75% 
7.00% 

4.90%
6.18%
6.03%
7.08%

1  Weighted average (“WA”) net operating income (“NOI”) or cash fl ow per property.
2  The fair values of Operating Leasehold Interests subject to a contractual air rights lease and Land Leasehold Interests subject to land leases refl ect 

the estimated air rights or land lease payments over the term of the leases. 

3  The fair values of Operating Leasehold Interests include the fair values of the Options to purchase the related freehold interests of $127,700 and 

$106,190 as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. 

4  The weighted average remaining lease term on Operating Leasehold Interests is 17.8 years as at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 18.8 years).
5  Represents the discount rate used to determine the fair value for Operating Leasehold Interests using the Discounted Cash Flow (“DCF”) method. 

A weighted average stabilized NOI growth of 2.5% has been assumed as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 

88

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reconciliation of carrying amounts of investment properties by type

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 
Balance at the beginning of the year 
Additions: 
  Acquisitions 
  Property capital investments 
  Capitalized leasing costs 1 
Foreign currency translation 
Dispositions 2 
Realized loss on disposition of investment properties   
Unrealized fair value adjustments 

Fee Simple and 
MHC Land Lease Sites 
4,986,030 

$ 

Operating 
Leasehold Interests 
559,560 
$ 

Land Leasehold
Interests 
204,050 

$ 

Total
5,749,640 

$ 

949,300 
140,204 
271 
(3,155) 
(168,622) 
(639) 
165,860 

– 
18,088 
17 
– 
– 
– 
21,026 

– 
4,916 
(122) 
– 
– 
– 
(13,644) 

949,300 
163,208 
166 
(3,155)
(168,622)
(639)
173,242 

Balance of Investment Properties at end of year 

$ 

6,069,249 

$ 

598,691 

$ 

195,200 

$ 

6,863,140 

1  Comprises tenant inducements, straight-line rent and direct leasing costs.
2  See note 5 for further details.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 
Balance at the beginning of the year 
Additions: 
  Acquisitions 
  Property capital investments 
  Capitalized leasing costs 1 
Foreign currency translation 
Dispositions 
Unrealized fair value adjustments 
Balance of Investment Properties at end of year 

Fee Simple and 
MHC Land Lease Sites 
4,770,095 

$ 

Operating 
Leasehold Interests 
497,913 
$ 

Land Leasehold
Interests 
191,210 

$ 

61,545 
129,673 
379 
2,653 
(70,871) 
92,556 
4,986,030 

$ 

– 
11,848 
86 
– 
– 
49,713 
559,560 

$ 

– 
4,080 
132 
– 
– 
8,628 
204,050 

$ 

Total
5,459,218 

$ 

61,545 
145,601 
597 
2,653 
(70,871)
150,897 
5,749,640 

$ 

1  Comprises tenant inducements, straight-line rent and direct leasing costs.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 8
Other Liabilities

2015 

2014

As at December 31, 

2015 

2014

Note 

16a), b), c)  $ 
  $ 

5,856  $ 
5,856  $ 

3,393 
3,393 

16c)  $ 

  $ 

–  $ 

8,008 
8,008  $ 

23 
7,524 
7,547 

Other Non-Current Liabilities
Hedge liability 

Total   

Other Current Liabilities
Hedge liability 
Mortgage interest payable 
Total   

NOTE 9
Mortgages Payable

As at December 31, 2015, mortgages payable bear interest at a 
weighted average effective rate of 3.52% (December 31, 2014 – 
3.81%), and mature between 2016 and 2030. The effective interest 
rate as at December 31, 2015 includes 0.12% (December 31, 2014 
– 0.15%) for the amortization of the realized component of the loss 
on settlement of derivative fi nancial instruments of $32,494 included 
in AOCL. Approximately 98.9% of CAPREIT’s mortgages payable are 
fi nanced at fi xed interest rates as at December 31, 2015. Investment 
properties at fair value of $6,574,056 have been pledged as security as 
at December 31, 2015. CAPREIT has investment properties with a fair 
value of $289,084 as at December 31, 2015 that are not encumbered 
by mortgages and secure only the Acquisition and Operating Facility 
and Bridge Increase. As at December 31, 2015, unamortized deferred 
fi nancing costs of $9,851 and fair value adjustments of ($4,881) are 
netted against mortgages payable.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 7
Other Assets

As at December 31, 
Other Non-Current Assets 
Property, plant and equipment 1 
Accumulated amortization of 
  property, plant and equipment 
Net property, plant and equipment 
Prepaid CMHC premiums, net 2 
Deferred loan costs, net 3 
Investment 
Investment in associates 4 

Total   

Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses 
Other receivables 
Restricted cash 
Deposits 

Total   

  $  26,350  $  20,102 

(17,109) 
9,241 
66,787 
1,101 
22,850 
  105,960 

(14,317)
5,785 
56,099 
1,495 
22,198 
60,935 
  $  205,939  $  146,512 

  $ 

4,753  $ 

3,149 
7,605 
5,536 
13,719 
  $  33,749  $  30,009 

15,220 
6,129 
7,647 

1  Consists of head offi ce and regional offi ces’ leasehold improvements, corpor-

ate and information technology systems.

2  Represents prepaid CMHC premiums on mortgages payable net of accumu-

lated amortization of $16,900 (December 31, 2014 – $14,017).

3  Represents deferred loan costs related to the revolving credit facilities net of 

accumulated amortization of $7,822 (December 31, 2014 – $6,784).

4  On March 25, 2015, IRES raised €215,000 from the secondary equity 
offering. CAPREIT recorded a loss on ownership dilution of $1,219 (in dilution 
loss on equity accounted investments) representing the difference between 
CAPREIT’s share of the fair value of the secondary equity offering (excluding 
CAPREIT’s investment of €23,500 ordinary shares) and the carrying value 
of CAPREIT’s disposed equity interest. Due to CAPREIT’s ownership dilution, 
$3,127 of accumulated foreign currency loss was reclassifi ed from other 
comprehensive loss to dilution loss on equity accounted investments on the 
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. CAPREIT has 
determined that its investment in IRES should be accounted for using the 
equity method of accounting given the signifi cant infl uence it has over IRES. 
In making the determination that CAPREIT does not control IRES, CAPREIT 
used judgement when considering the extent of its ownership interest in 
IRES, the level of its involvement, responsibilities and remuneration as IRES’s 
asset manager and the control exerted over IRES by its independent Board 
of Directors. As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT concluded that it continues 
to exert signifi cant infl uence over IRES. CAPREIT will continue to reassess this 
conclusion should its ownership interest or terms of the asset management 
agreement change. Refer to note 24 for further details. The table below 
discloses CAPREIT’s ownership in IRES and IRES’s share price:

  As at December 31, 
IRES Investment

Share ownership (%) 
  Number of IRES shares 
IRES share price (€) 

2015 

2014

15.7% 
65,500,000 
1.17 

20.8%
42,000,000 
1.06 

90

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future principal repayments for the period ending December 31 for the 
years indicated are as follows:

As at December 31, 2015 
2016  
2017 1 
2018 2 
2019  
2020  
Subsequent to 2020 

Deferred fi nancing costs 
  and fair value adjustments 

Principal 
Amount 

$  239,151   
262,846   
285,400   
329,316   
306,161   
  1,679,869   

% of Total
Principal
7.7 
8.5 
9.2 
10.6 
9.9 
54.1 

  3,102,743   

100.0 

(4,970)   
$  3,097,773   

As at December 31, 
Represented by:
  Mortgages payable – non-current 1, 2  $  2,858,622  $  2,369,954 
288,500 
  Mortgages payable – current 
$  3,097,773  $  2,658,454 

239,151   

2015 

2014

1 

2 

Included in mortgages payable as at December 31, 2015 is a $65,000 
non-amortizing credit facility on two of the MHC land lease sites.
Included in mortgages payable as at December 31, 2015 is a 
€63,500 ($95,434) non-amortizing euro LIBOR borrowing. 
See note 10 for further details.

NOTE 10
Bank Indebtedness

On September 30, 2015, CAPREIT amended its credit agreement 
for the $340,000 revolving credit facility (“Acquisition and Operating 
Facility”) to provide for a six-month temporary bridge facility of up to 
$450,000 (the “Bridge Increase”) to fund specifi c acquisitions. The 
Bridge Increase was a term credit facility and any principal amount 
repaid may not be reborrowed, and its maturity date was six months from 
the initial drawdown of the advance, which was September 30, 2015. 
As at December 31, 2015, the Bridge Increase has been fully repaid. In 
respect to the Acquisition and Operating Facility, the aggregate amount 
of euro LIBOR borrowings at any time shall not exceed €70,000 while 
the Canadian dollar equivalent of the aggregate principal amount of all 
advances (including the euro LIBOR borrowings) under the Acquisition 
and Operating Facility shall not exceed $340,000. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPREIT’s Credit Facilities include the $340,000 Acquisition and 
Operating  Facility,  the  existing  $65,000  five-year  non-revolving 
term credit facility, and the Bridge Increase (collectively, the “Credit 
Facilities”). The $65,000 fi ve-year non-revolving term credit facility 
bears interest at the bankers’ acceptance rate plus 1.4% per annum 
(included in mortgages payable). As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT 
has euro LIBOR borrowings of €63,500 that bears interest at the euro 
LIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.65% per annum (included in mortgages 
payable). The margin is renegotiated annually. The interest rate on the 
Acquisition and Operating Facility is determined by interest rates on 
prime advances and bankers’ acceptances utilized during the year. The 
Acquisition and Operating Facility matures June 30, 2018. The interest 
rate on the Bridge Increase was determined by the interest rates on 
prime advances and bankers’ acceptances (plus a margin of 1.90% 
per annum) utilized during the six-month period. The Credit Facilities are 
subject to compliance with the various provisions of the Credit Facilities 
in order to fund operations, acquisitions, capital improvements, letters 
of credit and other uses.

As at December 31, 2015 
Facility 
Less: 
  Euro LIBOR borrowings 1 
  Bank indebtedness 
Letters of credit 

Available borrowing capacity 
Weighted average fl oating interest rate 

As at December 31, 2014 
Facility 
Less: 
  Euro LIBOR borrowings 1 
  Bank Indebtedness 
Letters of credit 

Available borrowing capacity 
Weighted average fl oating interest rate 

Acquisition
  and Operating
Facility 
  $  340,000 

(95,434)
  (168,211)
(6,040)
  $  70,315 
2.56%

Acquisition
  and Operating
Facility 
  $  340,000 

(68,646)
  (113,167)
(6,144)
  $  152,043 
3.09%

1 

Included in mortgages payable. Refer to note 9 for further details.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 11
Unit-based Compensation Financial Liabilities and Exchangeable Units

Units are issuable pursuant to CAPREIT’s Unit-based compensation plans, namely, the Unit Option Plan (“UOP”), the Employee Unit Purchase Plan 
(“EUPP”), the Deferred Unit Plan (“DUP”) and the Restricted Unit Rights (“RUR”) Plan (each of which is more fully described in note 12). As at 
December 31, 2015, the maximum number of Units issuable under all of CAPREIT’s Unit-based incentive plans is 9,500,000 Units (December 31, 
2014 – 9,500,000). The maximum number of Units available for future issuance under all Unit incentive plans as at December 31, 2015 is 
2,020,762 Units (December 31, 2014 – 2,380,445 Units).

On April 4, 2014, the Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), the Senior Executive Long-term Incentive Plan (“SELTIP”), and the Unit Purchase Plan 
(“UPP”) were terminated by the trustees of CAPREIT, although awards previously granted under the LTIP and SELTIP remain outstanding under the 
original terms of such plans.

The Units, Unit Rights and Unit Options issued or outstanding under CAPREIT’s incentive plans and Exchangeable Units as at December 31, 2015 
and 2014 are as follows:

(Number of Units) 
Year Ended December 31, 2015 

Units, Unit Rights and Unit Options outstanding 

UOP 

DUP 

RUR 

SELTIP/ 

LTIP 1 

Exch.
Units 2 

Total 

as at January 1, 2015 

1,134,182 

206,726 

506,041 

2,225,597 

161,311 

4,233,857 

Issued, cancelled or granted during the year: 

Issued or granted 
Exercised or settled 
Cancelled 

  Distributions reinvested 

Units, Unit Rights and Unit Options outstanding 

428,250 
(228,000) 
– 
– 

37,488 
(5,802) 
– 
9,664 

123,620 
(67,438) 
(2,285) 
26,375 

– 
(780,199) 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

589,358 
(1,081,439)
(2,285)
36,039 

as at December 31, 2015 

1,334,432 

248,076 

586,313  1,445,398 

161,311 

3,775,530 

(Number of Units) 
Year Ended December 31, 2014 

Units, Unit Rights and Unit Options outstanding 

UOP 

DUP 

RUR 

SELTIP/ 

LTIP 1 

Exch.
Units 2 

Total 

as at January 1, 2014 

915,900 

151,261 

358,424 

2,240,597 

161,311 

3,827,493 

Issued, cancelled or granted during the year: 

Issued or granted 
Exercised or settled 
  Distributions reinvested 
Units, Unit Rights and Unit Options outstanding 

218,282 
– 
– 

46,594 
– 
8,871 

132,525 
(9,138) 
24,230 

– 
(15,000) 
– 

– 
– 
– 

397,401 
(24,138)
33,101 

as at December 31, 2014 

1,134,182 

206,726 

506,041 

2,225,597 

161,311 

4,233,857 

1  The distributions payable on SELTIP and LTIP Units do not increase the number of Units outstanding on these plans but are incorporated into the fair 

value of the plans.

2  The outstanding 161,311 Exchangeable Units are entitled to distributions equivalent to distributions on Trust Units, must be exchanged solely for Trust Units 
on a one-for-one basis, and are exchangeable at any time at the option of the holder. An equivalent number of Special Voting Units were issued at the same 
time as the Exchangeable Units. The holders of these Units have no entitlement to any share of or interest in the distributions or net assets of CAPREIT. 
Through Special Voting Units, holders of Exchangeable Units are entitled to an equivalent number of votes at all meetings of Unitholders or in respect of any 
written resolution of Unitholders equal to the number of Exchangeable Units held. The carrying value of these Units is measured at an amortized cost of 
$4,330 as at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $4,054), which approximates the closing price of the Trust Units. 

92

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The table below summarizes the change in the total Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 
December 31, 2014, including the settlement of such liabilities through the issuance of Trust Units. 

As at December 31, 
Total Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities, beginning of the year 
Unit-based compensation expenses 
Early vesting of RURs 1 
Settlement of Unit-based compensation awards for Trust Units 
Total Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities, end of the year 

The Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities comprise:

As at December 31, 
Current
LTIP 
SELTIP 
DUP 
RUR 
UOP 

Non-Current 
RUR 
Total Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities, end of the year 

2015 

48,686 
13,226 
1,307 
(17,056) 
46,163 

2015 

14,309 
8,414 
6,657 
5,453 
4,350 
39,183 

6,980 
46,163 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2014
32,764 
16,337 
– 
(415)
48,686 

2014

19,042 
10,952 
5,178 
3,690 
4,418 
43,280 

5,406 
48,686 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1  Represents the accelerated vesting of previously-granted RUR Units relating to terminated employees and the departure of the former Chief Accounting Offi cer, 

which has been recognized in severance and other employee costs in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Units or Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities held 
by trustees, offi cers and other senior management
As at December 31, 2015, 2.8% (December 31, 2014 – 3.5%) of all 
Trust Units outstanding were held by trustees, offi cers and other senior 
management of CAPREIT. 

Normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”)
The table below summarizes the NCIB programs in place since January 1, 
2014. No Trust Units were acquired and cancelled under these NCIB 
programs. 

Period Covered under the NCIB 

July 28, 2015 to July 27, 2016 
July 8, 2014 to July 7, 2015 
July 8, 2013 to July 7, 2014 

Approval Limit

11,493,069 
10,659,524 
9,773,361 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 12
Unit-based Compensation Expenses

These costs represent Unit-based compensation expenses, which 
include fair value remeasurement at each reporting date recognized 
over the respective vesting periods for each plan for the years ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, as follows:

The fair value of Unit Options is determined as at the grant date and 
subsequent interim and annual valuations are determined by adjusting 
market-based valuation assumptions used in arriving at the estimated 
fair value. The weighted average assumptions utilized to arrive at the 
estimated value for the outstanding grants at the respective years were 
as follows:

Year Ended December 31, 
UOP 
LTIP 
SELTIP 
DUP   
RUR Plan 
EUPP  
Unit-based compensation expenses 

$ 

2015 

2014 
1,994 
5,837 
2,523 
1,978 
4,005 
141 
$  13,417  $  16,478 

2,461  $ 
4,047 
1,149 
1,644 
3,925 
191 

As at December 31, 
Number of Units 
Weighted average issue price 
Weighted average risk-free rate (%) 
Weighted average distribution yield (%) 
Weighted average expected years 
Weighted average volatility (%) 
Weighted average Unit option value 

2015 

1,334,432 
$ 

2014 
1,134,182 
21.44 
1.5 
4.7 
7.5 
22.4 
3.89 

24.52  $ 
1.1 
4.5 
7.7 
20.6 
3.26  $ 

$ 

b) LTIP and SELTIP
The Board of Trustees awarded LTIP and SELTIP Units, subject to the 
attainment of specified performance objectives, to certain officers 
and key employees (collectively the “Participants”). SELTIP Units were 
awarded to the Chief Executive Offi cer and a former Chief Financial 
Offi cer of the Trust. The Participants subscribed for Units of CAPREIT at 
a purchase price equal to the weighted average trading price of the Units 
for fi ve trading days prior to issuance. The purchase price is payable in 
instalments, with an initial instalment of 5% paid when the Units are 
issued. The balance, represented by Instalment Receipts, is due over 
a term not exceeding ten years for the LTIP and 30 years in the case 
of the SELTIP. Participants are required to pay interest at ten-year and 
30-year fi xed rates, respectively, based on the Trust’s fi xed borrowing 
rate for long-term mortgage fi nancing, and are required to apply cash 
distributions received by them on these Units toward the payment 
of interest and the remaining instalments. In the case of the SELTIP, 
following the tenth anniversary, cash distributions shall be applied to 
pay interest only and any excess will be distributed to the Participants. 
Participants may pre-pay any remaining instalments at their discretion. 
The Instalment Receipts are non-recourse to the Participants and 
are secured by the Units as well as the distributions on the Units. If a 
Participant fails to pay interest and/or principal, CAPREIT may elect to 
reacquire or sell the Units in satisfaction of the outstanding amounts. No 
LTIP or SELTIP awards were granted for the years ended December 31, 
2015 (2014 – nil).

a) UOP
Under the terms of the UOP, options are granted to trustees, offi cers and 
key employees based on a performance incentive for improved service 
and enhancing profi tability. In February 2010, the President and CEO’s 
employment agreement was amended to provide that during his term, 
the President and CEO will be awarded options to acquire three percent 
(3%) of the number of Units issued by the Trust pursuant to any equity 
offering or acquisition transaction (not including pursuant to any com-
pensation arrangements) at the market price of the Units at the time 
of completion of each such treasury issuance, in accordance with the 
terms of the UOP, as amended from time to time. 

On March 25, 2015, the President and CEO was granted 166,650 
options at an exercise price of $29.00 with an expiration date of 
March 24, 2025. On October 9, 2015, the President and CEO was 
granted 261,600 options at an exercise price of $28.70 with an expir-
ation date of October 8, 2025. The vesting of the options granted in 
2015 is subject to satisfaction of performance criteria over the annual 
reporting period before they may be exercisable. As at December 31, 
2015, the options granted in 2015 have vested. On June 12, 2014, the 
President and CEO was granted 218,282 options at an exercise price 
of $22.72 with an expiration date of June 11, 2024. 

A summary of Unit option activity for the years ended December 31, 
2015 and 2014 is presented below. All Unit options are exercisable as 
at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(Number of Units)

For the Year Ended December 31, 
Balance, beginning of the year 
Granted 
Exercised 
Balance, end of the year 

2015 

1,134,182 
428,250 
(228,000) 
1,334,432 

2014 
915,900 
218,282 
–
1,134,182 

94

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The LTIP and SELTIP were terminated on April 4, 2014 by the Trustees of CAPREIT, although awards previously granted remain outstanding under 
the original terms of such plans.

The fair value of LTIP and SELTIP awards is determined by using an option pricing model that uses market-based valuation assumptions. 

The details of the Units issued under the LTIP and SELTIP are as shown below:

Year Ended December 31, 
(Number of Units) 
Balance, beginning of the year 
Settled during the year 

Balance, end of the year 

2015 

LTIP 
1,407,683 
(517,000) 
890,683 

SELTIP 

817,914 
(263,199) 
554,715 

2014 

LTIP 

SELTIP

1,422,683 
(15,000) 

1,407,683 

817,914 
–

817,914 

The details of the LTIP and SELTIP Instalment Receipts are as shown below:

Year Ended December 31, 
(Instalment Receipts) 

Balance, beginning of the year 
Principal repayments during the year 
Balance, end of the year 

2015 

LTIP 

SELTIP 

$  16,095  $  11,309 
(3,810) 
7,499 

(6,295) 
9,800  $ 

$ 

2014 

LTIP 

SELTIP

$ 

17,120  $  11,690 
(381)
(1,025) 
$  16,095  $  11,309 

The Instalment Receipts are recognized as a deduction from Unit-based compensation liability. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 
2014, interest payments in the amounts of $982 and $1,345, respectively, were applied to the outstanding Unit-based compensation liability. The 
outstanding balance of the instalment receivable is used in determining the fair value of the Unit and the related fair value adjustments.

The following table summarizes the market-based rates and assumptions as well as projections of certain inputs used in determining the fair values 
using an option pricing model for LTIP and SELTIP Units outstanding at the respective measurement dates. 

LTIP
As at December 31, 
Number of Units 
Weighted average loan rate (%) 
Weighted average issue price 
Weighted average loan balance per Unit – current 
Weighted average loan balance per Unit – at maturity 
Weighted average risk-free rate (%) 
Weighted average distribution yield (%) 
Weighted average expected years 
Weighted average volatility (%) 
Weighted average Unit value 

2015 
890,683 
4.61 
15.56 
10.78 
8.89 
0.5 
4.5 
2.3 
18.3 
16.06 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

2014
1,407,683 
4.65 
15.55 
11.45 
9.13 
1.1 
4.7 
2.9 
15.3 
13.69 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SELTIP
As at December 31, 
Number of Units 
Weighted average loan rate (%) 
Weighted average issue price 
Weighted average loan balance per Unit – current 
Weighted average loan balance per Unit – at maturity 
Weighted average risk-free rate (%) 
Weighted average distribution yield (%) 
Weighted average expected years 
Weighted average volatility (%) 
Weighted average Unit value 

2015 
554,715 
4.96 
17.84 
13.35 
13.22 
1.4 
4.5 
20.3 
24.8 
15.15 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

2014
817,914 
4.96 
17.66 
13.81 
13.06 
1.8 
4.7 
21.4 
25.0 
13.39 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

c)  DUP
The DUP gives the non-executive trustees the right to receive a percentage of their annual retainer in the form of deferred units (“Deferred 
Units”). Each trustee who elects to participate may be paid 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% (the “Elected Percentage”) of their annual retainer payable 
in respect of a calendar year (the “Elected Amount”), subject to an annual maximum Elected Percentage established by the Human Resources 
and Compensation Committee, in the form of Deferred Units, in lieu of cash. CAPREIT will match the Elected Amount in the form of Deferred Units 
having a value equal to the volume weighted average price of all Units traded on the TSX for the fi ve trading days immediately preceding the date 
on which board compensation is payable. The maximum Elected Percentage in respect of 2015 is 100% (2014 – 100%) of a trustee’s annual 
board compensation of $75 for 2015 and 2014.

The Deferred Units earn notional distributions based on the same distributions paid on the Units, and such notional distributions are used to 
acquire additional Deferred Units (“Distribution Units”). The Deferred Units and additional Distribution Units are credited to each trustee’s Deferred 
Unit account and are not issued to the trustee until the trustee elects to withdraw such Units. Each trustee may elect to withdraw up to 20% of the 
Deferred Units credited to their Deferred Unit account only once in a fi ve-year period. The fair value of the Distribution Units represents the closing 
price of the Units on the TSX on the distribution date.

The fair value of such Units represents the closing price of the Units on the TSX on the last trading day on which the Units traded prior to the reporting 
date, representing the fair value of the redemption price. 

The details of the Units issued under the DUP are shown below:

December 31, 

Outstanding, beginning of the year 
Granted during the year 
Additional Unit distributions 
Settled during the year 

Outstanding, end of the year 

Weighted Avg 
Issue Price 

$ 

$ 

20.48  $ 
27.99 
27.63 
21.54 
21.87  $ 

2015 

Fair Value 
per Unit 

25.13 
– 
– 
– 
26.84 

Number 
of Units 

  206,726 
37,488 
9,664 
(5,802) 
  248,076 

Weighted Avg 
Issue Price 

2014

Fair Value 
per Unit 

Number
of Units

$ 

19.52  $ 
23.18 
22.80 
– 

21.25 
– 
– 
– 

  151,261 
46,594 
8,871 
–

$ 

20.48  $ 

25.13 

  206,726 

96

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

d) RUR Plan 
In 2010, CAPREIT adopted the RUR Plan as the primary plan through which long-term incentive compensation will be awarded. The RUR Plan was 
approved by Unitholders on May 19, 2010. The Human Resource and Compensation Committee of the Board of Trustees may award RURs, subject 
to the attainment of specifi ed performance objectives to certain offi cers and key employees (collectively the “Participants”). The purpose of the 
RUR Plan is to provide its Participants with additional incentive and to further align the interests of its Participants with Unitholders through the 
use of RURs which, on vesting, are exercisable for Units. RUR Plan Units will be issued from treasury on vesting. The RURs vest in their entirety on 
the third anniversary of the grant date. The RURs earn notional distributions in respect of each distribution paid on RURs commencing from the 
grant date and such notional distributions are used to calculate additional RURs (“Distribution RURs”), which are accrued for the benefi t of the 
Participants. The Distribution RURs are credited to the Participants only when the underlying RURs on which the Distribution RURs are earned 
become vested. The fair value of the Distribution RURs is based on the fi ve-business-day weighted average closing price of the Units on the TSX 
prior to the distribution date.

The fair value of the RURs represents the closing price of the Units on the TSX on the last trading day on which the Units traded prior to the reporting 
date, representing the fair value of the redemption price.

The details of the RURs granted under the RUR Plan (including the Distribution RURs) are as follows: 

December 31, 

Outstanding, beginning of the year 
Granted during the year 
Additional Unit distributions 
Settled or cancelled during the year 

Outstanding, end of the year 

Weighted Avg 
Issue Price 

$ 

$ 

21.19  $ 
27.27 
27.53 
22.53 
22.78  $ 

2015 

Fair Value 
per Unit 

25.13 
– 
– 
– 
26.84 

Number 
of Units 

  506,041 
  123,620 
26,375 
(69,723) 
  586,313 

Weighted Avg 
Issue Price 

2014

Fair Value 
per Unit 

Number
of Units

$ 

20.85  $ 
21.66 
22.72 
18.93 

21.25 
– 
– 
– 

  358,424 
  132,525 
24,230 
(9,138)

$ 

21.19  $ 

25.13 

  506,041 

e)  EUPP
The EUPP grants all employees the right to receive an additional amount equal to 20% of the Units they acquire, paid in the form of additional Units. 
This additional amount is expensed as compensation on issuance of the Units. 

NOTE 13
Unitholders’ Equity 

All Trust Units outstanding are fully paid, have no par value and are 
voting Trust Units. CAPREIT is authorized to issue an unlimited number of 
Trust Units. Trust Units represent a Unitholder’s proportionate undivided 
beneficial interest in CAPREIT. No Trust Unit has any preference or 
priority over another. No Unitholder has or is deemed to have any right 
of ownership in any of the assets of CAPREIT. Each Unit confers the 
right to one vote at any meeting of Unitholders and to participate pro 
rata in any distributions by CAPREIT and, in the event of termination of 
CAPREIT, in the net assets of CAPREIT remaining after satisfaction of all 
liabilities. Units will be issued in registered form and are transferable. 
Issued and outstanding Units may be subdivided or consolidated from 
time to time by the trustees without Unitholder approval. No certifi cates 
for fractional Units will be issued and fractional Units will not entitle the 
holders thereof to vote.

By virtue of CAPREIT being an open-ended mutual fund trust, Unitholders 
of Trust Units are entitled to redeem their Units at any time at prices 
determined and payable in accordance with the conditions specifi ed 
in the DOT. As a result, under IFRS, Trust Units are defi ned as fi nancial 
liabilities; however, for the purposes of fi nancial statement classifi cation 
and presentation, the Trust Units may be presented as equity instru-
ments as they meet the puttable instrument exemption under IAS 32, 
Financial Instruments: Presentation. For the purposes of presenting 
earnings on a per Unit basis as well as for Unit-based compensation 
plans, CAPREIT’s Trust Units are not treated as equity instruments. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The number of issued and outstanding Trust Units (excluding Units, Unit Rights and Unit Options issued or outstanding under CAPREIT’s incentive 
plans) is as follows: 

For the Year Ended December 31, 

2015 

2014 

Units outstanding, beginning of the year 
Issued or granted during the year in connection with the following: 
  New Units issued 
  Distribution Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”) 
  EUPP 
  DUP 
  RUR Plan 
  UOP 
LTIP 
  SELTIP 
Units outstanding, end of the year 

a) New Units Issued

October 2015 (the “October 2015 Equity Offering”) 
Bought-Deal (October 9, 2015) 
Total 

March 2015 (the “March 2015 Equity Offering”) 
Bought-Deal (March 25, 2015) 
Over-allotment (March 25, 2015) 
Total 

Ref

a) 
b) 
c) 
d) 
e) 
f) 
g) 
h) 

$ 

$ 
$ 

110,088,079 

108,187,406 

  14,275,000 
1,688,603 
41,385 
4,061 
34,570 
228,000 
517,000 
263,199 
 127,139,897 

–
1,842,604 
38,236 
–
4,833 
–
15,000 
–
 110,088,079 

Price 
per Unit 

Gross 
Proceeds 

Transaction 
Costs 

Net 
Proceeds 

Units 
Issued

28.70  $ 250,264  $  10,911  $  239,353 
  $ 250,264  $  10,911  $  239,353 

8,720,000 
8,720,000 

27.85  $ 140,643  $  6,491  $ 134,152 
13,501 
27.85 
7,054  $  147,653 

14,064 
  $ 154,707  $ 

563 

5,050,000 
505,000 
5,555,000 

b) Distribution Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”)
The terms of the DRIP grant participants the right to receive an additional 
amount equal to 5% of their monthly distributions paid in the form of 
additional Units. The total consideration for Units issued represents the 
amount of cash distributions reinvested in additional Units.

e)  Restricted Unit Rights Plan (“RUR Plan”) 
In 2015, 67,438 RUR Units were settled, out of which 34,570 RUR Units 
were settled for an equivalent number of Trust Units, and the remaining 
RUR Units were cancelled in consideration of withholding taxes owed 
on the Trust Units issued. In addition, 2,285 RUR Units were cancelled 
during 2015. 

c)  Employee Unit Purchase Plan (“EUPP”)
Effective January 1, 2014, the EUPP grants all employees the right to 
receive an additional amount equal to 20% of the Units they acquire, 
paid in the form of additional Units. 

f)  Unit Option Plan (“UOP”)
In the third quarter of 2015, 228,000 options were exercised and an 
equivalent number of Trust Units were issued.

d) Deferred Unit Plan (“DUP”)
In the fi rst quarter of 2015, in accordance with the DUP, one trustee 
exercised 5,802 Deferred Units, out of which 4,061 DUP Units were 
settled for an equivalent number of Trust Units, and the remaining DUP 
Units were cancelled in consideration of withholding taxes owed on the 
Trust Units issued. 

g) Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)
In 2015, 517,000 Units previously issued were settled. The remaining 
instalments were repaid in full in respect of the settled Units. 

h) Senior Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (“SELTIP”)
In 2015, 263,199 Units previously issued were settled. The remaining 
instalments were repaid in full in respect of the settled Units.

98

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 14
Distributions on Trust Units

NOTE 15
Financial Instruments, Investment Properties 
and Risk Management

CAPREIT paid distributions to its Unitholders in accordance with its DOT. 
Distributions declared by its Board of Trustees were paid monthly, on 
or about the 15th day of each month. Effective May 2015, monthly 
cash distributions declared to Unitholders increased to $0.1017 ($1.22 
annually) compared to $0.098 per Unit ($1.18 annually) since June 
2014 and $0.096 per Unit ($1.15 annually) since June 2013. 

a) Fair value of fi nancial instruments
The fair value of CAPREIT’s financial assets and liabilities, except 
as noted below and elsewhere in the consolidated annual fi nancial 
statements, approximates their carrying amount due to the short-term 
and variable rate nature of these instruments. 

Year Ended December 31, 
Distributions declared on Trust Units 
Distributions per Unit 

2015 

2014
$  142,973  $  127,496 
1.168 
$ 

1.207  $ 

As at December 31, 2015, the fair value of CAPREIT’s mortgages payable 
is estimated to be $3,237,000 (December 31, 2014 – $2,799,000) due 
to changes in interest rates since the dates the individual mortgages were 
fi nanced and the impact of the passage of time on the primarily fi xed rate 
nature of CAPREIT’s mortgages. The fair value of the mortgages payable 
is based on discounted future cash fl ows using rates that refl ect current 
rates for similar fi nancial instruments with similar duration, terms and 
conditions, which are considered Level 2 inputs (as described below). 

CAPREIT has classifi ed and disclosed the fair value for each class of 
fi nancial instrument based on the fair value hierarchy in accordance 
with IFRS 13. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between market 
value data obtained from independent sources and CAPREIT’s own 
assumptions about market value. The hierarchy levels are defi ned below:

Level 1 
Inputs based on quoted prices in active markets for identical 
assets or liabilities;

Level 2 
Inputs based on factors other than quoted prices included in 
Level 1, which may include quoted prices for similar assets and 
liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable 
for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest 
rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted 
intervals; and

Level 3 
Inputs which are unobservable for the asset or liability, and are 
typically based on CAPREIT’s own assumptions, as there is little, 
if any, related market activity. 

CAPREIT’s assessment of the signifi cance of a particular input to the fair 
value measurement in its entirety requires judgement, and considers 
factors specifi c to the asset or liability.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

99

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents CAPREIT’s estimates of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on information available 
to management as at December 31, 2015, and aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall. These 
estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts CAPREIT could ultimately realize.

Level 1 
Quoted prices in active markets for 
identical assets and liabilities 

Level 2 
Signifi cant other 
observable inputs 

Level 3
Signifi cant
unobservable inputs 

Total

Recurring Measurements 
Assets
Investment properties 
  Fee simple and MHC land lease sites 
  Operating leasehold interests 
Land leasehold interests 

Investments 

Liabilities 
Derivative fi nancial instruments – interest 
Derivative fi nancial instruments – interest euro 
Total   

$ 

–   
–   
–   
22,850  2 

–   
–   
22,850   

$ 

$ 

$ 

–   
–   
–   
–   

$ 

6,069,250  1 
598,690  1 
195,200  1 
–   

$ 

6,069,250 
598,690 
195,200 
22,850 

(3,527) 3 
(2,329) 3 
(5,856) 

–   
–   
6,863,140   

$ 

(3,527)
(2,329)
6,880,134 

$ 

1  Fair values for investment properties are calculated using the direct income capitalization and discounted cash fl ow methods, which results in these 

measurements being classifi ed as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. See note 6 for detailed information on the valuation methodologies and fair value
reconciliation. 

2  CAPREIT’s investments (excluding CAPREIT’s equity accounted investment in IRES) are accounted for as available-for-sale and are measured at fair value 

based on the quoted market price in an active market of the asset.

3  The valuation of the interest rate swap instrument is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash fl ow analysis 

on the expected cash fl ows of the derivatives. The fair value is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fi xed 
cash payments and the discounted expected variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates 
(forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. If the total mark-to-market value is positive, CAPREIT will consider a current value 
adjustment to refl ect the credit risk of the counterparty and if the total mark-to-market value is negative CAPREIT will consider a current value adjustment 
to refl ect CAPREIT’s own credit risk in the fair value measurement of the interest rate swap agreements.

Although CAPREIT has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit 
valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood 
of default by CAPREIT itself. As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT has assessed the signifi cance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments 
on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustment is not signifi cant to the overall valuation 
of the derivative. As a result, CAPREIT has determined that the derivative valuations in their entirety should be classifi ed as Level 2 of the fair 
value hierarchy.

b) Risk management
The main risks arising from CAPREIT’s fi nancial instruments are interest rate, liquidity, credit and foreign currency risks. CAPREIT’s approach to 
managing these risks is summarized as follows:

Interest rate risk
CAPREIT is subject to the risks associated with debt fi nancing, including the risk that mortgages and credit facilities will not be able to be refi nanced 
on terms as favourable as those of the existing indebtedness. In addition, interest on CAPREIT’s bank indebtedness is subject to fl oating interest 
rates. CAPREIT is also subject to the risks associated with changes in interest rates or different fi nancing terms from the hedging derivative 
assumptions, which may result in the hedging relationship being ineffective, causing volatility in earnings. 

100

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would have the following effect:

Floating rate debt 
Floating rate debt 

Change in interest rates 
(basis points) 
+100 
–100 

Interest rate swap agreements 
Interest rate swap agreements 

Euro interest rate swap agreements 
Euro interest rate swap agreements 1 

+100 
–100 

+100 
–100 

1  Assumes an interest rate fl oor of zero percent.

Increase (decrease) in net income 

Increase (decrease) in OCI

2015 
(933) 
933 

– 
– 

1,623 
345 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

2014 
(1,316) 
1,316 

– 
– 

2,063 
(41) 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

2015 
– 
– 

6,274 
(4,155) 

– 
– 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

2014 
–
–

5,976 
(4,869)

–
–

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

CAPREIT’s objective in managing interest rate risk is to minimize the volatility of earnings. As at December 31, 2015, interest rate risk has been 
minimized as approximately 98.9% of the mortgages payable are fi nanced at fi xed interest rates, with maturities staggered over a number of years.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that CAPREIT may encounter diffi culties in accessing capital and refi nancing its fi nancial obligations as they come due. 
Approximately 96.5% of CAPREIT’s mortgages are CMHC-insured (excluding $171,272 of mortgages on the MHC), which reduces the risk in 
refi nancing mortgages. CAPREIT’s overall risk for mortgage refi nancings is further reduced as the unamortized mortgage insurance premiums are 
transferable between approved lenders and are effective for the full amortization period of the underlying mortgages, ranging between 25 and 
35 years. To mitigate the risk associated with the refi nancing of maturing debt, CAPREIT staggers the maturity dates of its mortgage portfolio over 
a number of years. 

In addition, CAPREIT manages its overall liquidity risk by maintaining suffi cient available credit facilities and unencumbered assets to fund its 
ongoing operational and capital commitments, distributions to Unitholders, and to provide future growth in its business. As at December 31, 2015, 
CAPREIT had undrawn lines of credit in the amount of $70,315 (December 31, 2014 – $152,043). 

The contractual maturities and repayment obligations of CAPREIT’s fi nancial liabilities as at December 31, 2015 are as follows:

Mortgages payable 
Bank indebtedness 
Mortgage interest 1 
Bank indebtedness interest 1 
Other liabilities 
Security deposits 
Exchangeable Units 
Distributions payable 

2016 
$  239,151 
– 
96,681 
4,314 
80,420 
27,049 
4,330 
13,073 
$  465,018 

2017–2018 
$  548,246 
  168,211 
  167,317 
6,430 
5,856 
– 
– 
– 
$  896,060 

2019–2020 
$  635,477 
– 
  129,250 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
$  764,727 

2021 onward
$ 1,679,869 
–
  148,363 
–
–
–
–
–
$ 1,828,232 

1  Based on current in-place interest rates for the remaining term to maturity.

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that: (i) counterparties to contractual fi nancial 
obligations will default; and (ii) the possibility that CAPREIT’s residents 
may experience fi nancial diffi culty and be unable to meet their rental 
obligations. 

CAPREIT  monitors  its  risk  exposure  regarding  obligations  with 
counterparties through the regular assessment of counterparties’ 
credit positions.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPREIT mitigates the risk of credit loss with respect to residents by 
evaluating the creditworthiness of new residents, obtaining security 
deposits  wherever  permitted  by  legislation,  and  geographically 
diversifying its portfolio.

CAPREIT monitors its collection experience on a monthly basis and 
ensures that a stringent policy is adopted to provide for all past due 
amounts. All residential accounts receivable balances exceeding 
30 days are written off to bad debt expense and recognized in the 
consolidated  statements  of  income  and  comprehensive  income. 
Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited 
in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 
Accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts is established. The 
maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying 
value of the tenant receivables. 

Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risk is the fi nancial risk exposure to unanticipated 
changes in the exchange rate between two currencies. CAPREIT is 
exposed to foreign currency risk as CAPREIT’s functional and presentation 
currency is Canadian dollars while the functional currency of CAPREIT’s 
fund management subsidiary in Dublin, Ireland and the investment in 
IRES is the euro. 

CAPREIT manages and mitigates the exposure to foreign currency risk on 
its investment in IRES with its euro LIBOR borrowings. The gain or loss 
on foreign currency translation relating to CAPREIT’s IRES investment 
is  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  while  the  foreign 
exchange translation on the euro LIBOR borrowings is recognized in the 
consolidated statement of income. 

NOTE 16
Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses 
on Derivative Financial Instruments 

a) Contracts for which hedge accounting 
is no longer effective

i)  During 2005, CAPREIT entered into interest rate forward contracts 
aggregating to $145,740 (the “Interest Rate Forward Contracts”) 
to hedge its exposure to the potential rise in interest rates for 
refi nancings of mortgages maturing in 2009. 
  CAPREIT settled these Interest Rate Forward Contracts in 2009. 
The associated cumulative unamortized loss of $9,908 included in 
AOCL at September 30, 2008 is being amortized to mortgage interest 
expense over the original terms of the hedged contracts. For the year 
ended December 31, 2015, $986 (December 31, 2014 – $1,070) 
was amortized from AOCL to mortgage interest expense.

102

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

ii)  As  CAPREIT  was  operating  the  Dublin  acquisition  in  a  foreign 
jurisdiction, it was exposed to foreign currency fl uctuations arising 
between the functional currency of the foreign operation (the euro) 
and the functional currency of CAPREIT (the Canadian dollar). As 
such, CAPREIT entered into a hedge effective at the date of the Dublin 
acquisition (September 10, 2013). CAPREIT hedged the investment 
in the Dublin foreign operations with the €45,000 euro-denominated 
debt on CAPREIT’s consolidated balance sheets. Any foreign currency 
gains/losses arising from the euro-denominated debt were offset 
by the foreign currency gain/loss arising from the investment in the 
Dublin foreign operations. The effective portion of foreign exchange 
gains and losses on the €45,000 euro-denominated debt was 
recognized in OCI and the ineffective portion was recognized in net 
income. This hedge was ineffective at the date of disposition of the 
Dublin operation on April 16, 2014, and the related OCI of $197 was 
recycled to net income. 

iii) CAPREIT had a €45,000 interest rate swap agreement fi xing the 
EURIBOR rate at 1.22%, with a maturity of August 2018, for which 
hedge accounting was being applied. On April 21, 2014, the €45,000 
credit facility was paid down by €5,000, resulting in ineffectiveness 
of the hedging relationship for accounting purposes. As a result, the 
hedge was no longer effective and a loss of $1,989 was recycled to 
net income from OCI. 
  As at December 31, 2015, the interest rate swap agreement has 
been summarized as follows:

As at December 31, 
Liability, beginning of the year 

  Change in value 

Liability, end of the year 

2015 
(1,511)  $ 
336 
(1,175)  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

Liability in AOCL, beginning of the year  $ 

  Change in value in OCI 
  Reversal of OCI to net income 

Liability in AOCL, end of the year 

  $ 

–  $ 
– 
– 
–  $ 

2014 
(1,121)
(390)
(1,511)

(936)
(1,053)
1,989 
– 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

b) Contracts for which hedge accounting is being applied

The forward interest rate hedge liability has been summarized 

i)  As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT has a $65,000 interest rate 
swap agreement fi xing the bankers’ acceptance rate at 2.20%, which 
matures in September 2022, for which hedge accounting is being 
applied. The agreement effectively converts borrowings on a bankers’ 
acceptance-based fl oating rate credit facility to a fi xed rate facility for 
a 10-year term (see note 9 for further details). The related fl oating 
rate credit facility is for a fi ve-year non-revolving term with an effective 
interest rate of 3.60%, and any principal that is repaid may not be 
reborrowed. On expiry of the term, it is expected to be refi nanced for 
an additional fi ve-year term. The mark-to-market loss of $3,527 has 
been set up in other non-current liabilities as at December 31, 2015.
The interest rate swap agreement has been summarized as 

follows:

As at December 31, 
  Hedge (liability) asset, 

  beginning of the year 
  Change in intrinsic value 
  Hedge liability, end of the year 

  Hedge (liability) asset in AOCL, 

  beginning of the year 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  Change in intrinsic value in OCI 
  Hedge liability in AOCL, end of the year  $ 

2015 

2014 

(886)  $ 

(2,641) 
(3,527)  $ 

3,699 
(4,585)
(886)

(886)  $ 

(2,641) 
(3,527)  $ 

3,699 
(4,585)
(886)

ii)  In June 2011, CAPREIT entered into a hedging program, which 
effectively hedged interest rates on approximately $312,000 of 
mortgages maturing between September 2011 and June 2013. The 
maturing mortgages have been refi nanced for 10-year terms and as a 
result bear interest rates between a fl oor rate of 3.00% and a ceiling 
rate of 3.62%, before the credit spread. The change in the intrinsic 
value of the forward interest rate hedge has been included in OCI 
(see note 19). The hedging program matured in June 2013, for which 
hedge accounting was being applied. The ineffective portion and the 
difference between the settled amount and the mark-to-market has 
been recognized in net income. All contracts have been settled.

as follows:

As at December 31, 
  Hedge liability in AOCL, 
  beginning of the year 
  Amortization from AOCL 
to interest and 

  other fi nancing costs 
  Hedge liability in AOCL, 
  end of the year 

2015 

2014 

$ 

(17,409)  $ 

(19,695)

2,288 

2,286 

$ 

(15,121)  $ 

(17,409)

c)  Contracts for which hedge accounting is not being applied

i)  As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT has quarterly foreign currency 
exchange  contracts  aggregating  to  €2,800,  settling  between 
December 2013 and maturing quarterly until September 2015, 
which fi x the exchange rate between the euro and the Canadian 
dollar,  for  which  hedge  accounting  is  not  being  applied.  As  at 
December 31, 2015, all foreign currency exchange contracts have 
settled. The mark-to-market gain of $23 has been recognized in net 
income for the year ended December 31, 2015.

ii)  As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT has a €40,000 interest rate 
swap agreement fi xing the EURIBOR rate at 1.22%, which matures 
in August 2018, for which hedge accounting is not being applied. 
The agreement effectively converts borrowings on a EURIBOR-based 
fl oating rate credit facility to a fi xed rate facility for a fi ve-year term 
(see note 9 for further details). The mark-to-market loss for 2015 of 
$158 has been recorded in net income and the cumulative mark-to-
market loss of $1,154 is in other liabilities as at December 31, 2015.

iii) As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT has settled the $100,000 
forward interest hedge agreement fi xing the Government of Canada 
10-year bond at 1.44% effective October 29, 2015. The agreement 
effectively converted anticipated mortgage fi nancings of $100,000 
for a 10-year term. The forward interest hedge agreement was settled 
in October 2015 and the realized gain for 2015 of $416 has been 
recorded in net income. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 17
Capital Management 

CAPREIT defi nes capital as the aggregate of Unitholders’ equity, mortgages 
payable, bank indebtedness, Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities, 
Exchangeable Units and other non-current liabilities. CAPREIT’s objectives 
when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue to fund 
its distributions to Unitholders, to meet its repayment obligations under 
its mortgages and credit facilities, and to ensure suffi cient funds are 
available to meet capital commitments. Capital adequacy is monitored 
against investment and debt restrictions contained in CAPREIT’s DOT and 
Credit Facilities.

CAPREIT’s Credit Facilities (see note 10) require compliance with certain 
fi nancial covenants. In addition, borrowings must not exceed the borrowing 
base, calculated at a predefi ned percentage to the market value of the 
properties.

In the short term, CAPREIT utilizes the Credit Facilities to fi nance its capital 
investments, which may include acquisitions. In the long term, equity 

issuances, mortgage fi nancings and refi nancings, including “top-ups”, are 
put in place to fi nance the cumulative investment in the property portfolio 
and ensure that the sources of fi nancing better refl ect the long-term useful 
lives of the underlying investments. 

Under the terms of CAPREIT’s LBA with CMHC, total indebtedness of 
CAPREIT is limited to the greater of (i) 60% of gross book value deter-
mined on a fair value basis or (ii) 70% of gross book value determined 
on a historical basis, and may only be increased above such limits with 
CMHC’s consent.

The LBA provides for, among other things: (i) certain fi nancial covenants 
and limitations on indebtedness; (ii) the posting of a revolving letter of 
credit with respect to certain capital expenditures on a portfolio rather 
than an individual property basis; and (iii) cross-collateralization of 
mortgage loans for certain CMHC-insured mortgage lenders. 

The total capital managed by CAPREIT and the results of its compliance 
with the key covenants are summarized as follows:

As at December 31, 
Mortgages payable 
Bank indebtedness 
Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities 
Exchangeable Units 
Unitholders’ equity 
Total capital 

Total debt to gross book value 1 
Tangible net worth 3 

Debt service coverage ratio (times) 2, 4 
Interest coverage ratio (times) 2, 5 

2015 

$  3,097,773 
168,211 
46,163 
4,330 
3,659,953 
$  6,976,430 

2014
$  2,658,454 
113,167 
48,686 
4,054 
2,983,105 
$  5,807,466 

45.71% 
$  3,710,446 

46.49%
$  3,035,845 

1.63 
2.96 

1.61 
2.82 

Threshold 
Maximum 70.00% 
Minimum $1,200,000 

Minimum 1.20 
Minimum 1.50 

1  CAPREIT’s DOT limits the maximum amount of total debt to 70% of the gross book value (“GBV”) of CAPREIT’s total assets. GBV is defi ned as the gross book 

value of CAPREIT’s assets as per CAPREIT’s fi nancial statements, determined on a fair value basis for the investment properties, plus accumulated 
amortization on property, plant and equipment, CMHC fees and deferred loan costs. In addition, the DOT provides for investment restrictions on type and 
maximum limits on single property investments.

2  Based on the trailing four quarters.
3  As per the Credit Facilities agreement, the tangible net worth is generally represented by Unitholders’ Equity and Unit-based rights and compensation 

liabilities or assets, including Exchangeable Units added back. 

4  As per the Credit Facilities agreement and DOT, the debt service coverage ratio is defi ned as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and 

amortization and other adjustments, including non-cash costs (“EBITDA”), less income taxes paid divided by the sum of principal and interest payments.

5  As per the Credit Facilities agreement and DOT, the interest coverage ratio is defi ned as EBITDA less taxes paid divided by interest payments. 

104

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 18
Deferred Income Taxes 

For 2014 and 2015, CAPREIT is taxed as a “mutual fund trust” as defi ned under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”) and continues to 
meet the prescribed conditions relating to the nature of its assets and revenues in order to qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust eligible for the 
REIT exemption to the SIFT rules. The Trust expects to distribute all of its taxable income to its Unitholders; accordingly, no provision for income tax 
has ben made. Income tax obligations relating to the distributions from CAPREIT are with the individual Unitholder. 

CAPREIT is subject to tax on income earned in Ireland on certain of its Irish subsidiaries at a rate of approximately 12.5%. Income taxes may be 
paid on occasion where activities related to the Irish subsidiaries are considered to be taxable in Ireland.

NOTE 19
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

As at December 31, 
AOCL balance, beginning of the year 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
  Amortization from AOCL to interest and other fi nancing costs 1, 2 
  Change in fair value of derivative fi nancial instruments (note 16(b)) 
  Change in fair value of investments 
  Foreign currency translation 
  Reversal of cumulative foreign currency translation relating to IRES ownership dilution 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
AOCL balance, end of the year 

As at December 31, 

AOCL comprises:
Loss on derivative fi nancial instruments 
  Cumulative realized loss 1 
  Accumulated amortization to interest and other fi nancing costs 
Unamortized balance of loss on cash fl ow hedges previously settled 
Loss on interest rate swap agreements 
Loss on forward interest rate hedge 2 
Accumulated amortization to interest and other fi nancing costs 
Change in fair value of investments 
Cumulative gain (loss) on foreign currency translation 
Reversal of cumulative foreign currency translation relating to IRES ownership dilution 
Cumulative realized gain on sale of investments 

AOCL balance, end of the year 

2015 
(27,284) 

$ 

2014
(21,194)

$ 

3,311 
(2,641) 
652 
8,305 
3,127 
12,754 
(14,530) 

2015 

(9,908) 
7,136 
(163) 
(3,527) 
(22,884) 
7,763 
3,624 
3,133 
3,127 
(2,831) 
(14,530) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3,333 
(3,649)
(478)
(5,296)
–
(6,090)
(27,284)

2014

(9,908)
6,150 
(200)
(886)
(22,884)
5,475 
2,972 
(5,172)
–
(2,831)
(27,284)

$ 

$ 

$ 

1  The cumulative realized loss on derivative fi nancial instruments aggregating to $9,908 will be amortized to net income as mortgage interest expense 

over periods ending December 2016 to September 2022, being the original terms of the hedged contracts. The estimated amount of the amortization 
that is expected to be reclassifi ed to net income from AOCL in the next 12 months is $785. 

2  The realized loss component of the $22,884 OCI loss on forward interest rate hedges is $22,585, which will be amortized to net income as mortgage 

interest expense over the original 10-year term of the hedged contracts. The estimated amount of the amortization expected to be reclassifi ed 
to net income from AOCL in the next 12 months is $2,287. 

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 20
Severance and Other Employee Costs

NOTE 23
Supplemental Cash Flow Information

For the year ended December 31, 2015, $5,237 of severance and other 
employee costs were incurred including compensation costs related to 
the accelerated vesting of previously-granted RUR Units. 

a) Net income items related to investing and 
fi nancing activities

Year Ended December 31, 
Dividend and other income 
Interest paid on Exchangeable Units 
Interest paid on mortgages payable 
Interest paid on bank indebtedness 
Net disbursement 

2015 
1,611  $ 
(194) 
(97,300) 
(2,973) 
(98,856)  $ 

2014 
3,786 
(188)
(93,410)
(4,526)
(94,338)

  $ 

  $ 

Note: Included in disposition of investment properties is the underwriters’ fee of 
€873 ($1,189 in CAD) for 2015 relating to the sale of the Rockbrook SPV.

b) Changes in non-cash operating assets and liabilities

Year Ended December 31, 
Prepaid expenses 
Tenant inducements, 
  direct leasing costs, and 
  other adjustments 
Other receivables 
Deferred loan costs 
Deposits on purchases 
Deposits 
Accounts payable and other liabilities 
Security deposits 
Net proceeds 

2015 

  $ 

(1,763)  $ 

2014 
(642)

2,866 
(8,360) 
(644) 
(6,417) 
(21) 
(581) 
1,999 
(12,921)  $ 

(3,138)
699 
(341)
(8,678)
(10)
10,701 
1,390 
(19)

  $ 

c)  Net cash distributions to Unitholders

Year Ended December 31, 
Distributions declared to Unitholders 
Add: 
  Distributions payable 

2015 

2014 
  $  (142,973)  $  (127,496)

  at beginning of year 

(11,045) 

(10,366)

Less: 
  Distributions payable at end of year 
Less: 
  Distributions to participants in the DRIP   
  $ 
Net disbursement 

13,073 

11,045 

44,206 
(96,739)  $ 

39,897 
(86,920)

NOTE 21
Interest and Other Financing Costs

Year Ended December 31, 
Interest on mortgages payable 1 
Amortization of CMHC premiums and fees 
Interest on bank indebtedness 
  and deferred loan costs 2 
Interest on Exchangeable Units 

2015 

2014 
  $  100,886  $  97,323 
2,609 

2,909 

3,988 
194 

5,325 
188 
  $  107,977  $  105,445 

1 

2 

Includes amortization of deferred fi nancing costs, fair value adjustments 
and OCI hedge interest of $2,976 (December 31, 2014 – $2,641).
Includes amortization of deferred loan costs of $1,038 
(December 31, 2014 – $833).

NOTE 22
Joint Arrangements

CAPREIT’s share of the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash 
fl ows from joint arrangement activities is summarized as follows: 

Year Ended December 31, 
Assets 
Liabilities 
Revenues 
Expenses 
Net income 

Cash provided by (used in): 
  Operating activities 
  Financing activities 
Investing activities 

2015 

2014 
  $  196,113  $  181,890 
79,278 
15,364 
(3,596)
11,768 

77,462 
15,612 
(2,455) 
18,067 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

9,011  $ 
(7,100)  $ 
(1,564)  $ 

2,043 
(535)
(1,627)

106

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
d) Capital investments

Year Ended December 31, 
Capital investments 
Change in capital investments 

included in accounts payable 

  and other liabilities 
Net disbursement 

2015 

2014 
  $  (169,456)  $  (147,564)

(4,571) 

(17,334)
  $  (174,027)  $  (164,898)

e)  Acquisition of investment properties

Year Ended December 31, 
Acquired properties 
Fair value adjustment of assumed debt   
Assumed debt 
Deposit on purchases 
Net disbursement 

  $ (949,300)  $ 

2015 

374 
3,030 
12,510 

  $ (933,386)  $ 

2014 
(61,545)
459 
26,122 
–
(34,964)

f)  Disposition of investment properties

Year Ended December 31, 
Proceeds 
Closing costs 
Mortgages assumed by 
  purchasers and discharged 
Net proceeds 

2015 

  $  170,450  $ 

(529) 

  (145,917) 
  $  24,004  $ 

2014 
–
–

–
–

g) Issuance of Trust Units

Year Ended December 31, 
Issuance of Trust Units 
Settlement of Unit-based 

2015 

  $  417,228  $ 

compensation awards for Trust Units   

(16,074) 

Net proceeds 

  $  401,154  $ 

2014 
1,350 

(319)
1,031 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 24
Related Party Transactions

a) On March 25, 2015, CAPREIT invested an additional €23,500 
in Ordinary Shares in IRES as part of IRES’s €215,000 secondary 
equity offering. As at December 31, 2015, CAPREIT has a 15.7% 
share ownership in IRES and has determined that it has signifi cant 
infl uence over IRES. The share ownership is held through a wholly-
owned subsidiary of CAPREIT, Irish Residential Properties Fund. See 
note 5 for a more detailed description. In addition, effective April 11, 
2014, CAPREIT’s wholly-owned subsidiary, IRES Fund Management 
Limited, entered into an external management agreement to perform 
certain property and asset management services for IRES. Included 
in other income for the year ended December 31, 2015 is $3,316 
from asset management and property management fees. Expenses 
related to the asset and property management services are included 
in trust expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015. The amount 
receivable from IRES as at December 31, 2015 is $5,544.

On October 28, 2015, IRES Fund Management Limited became 
authorized by the Irish Central Bank as an alternative investment 
fund manager under the European Union (Alternative Investment 
Fund Managers) Regulation, 2013 (the “AIFM Regulations”). On 
November 1, 2015, IRES Fund Management Limited was appointed 
by IRES as its new alternative investment fund manager in accordance 
with the AIFM Regulations, and replaced the existing alternative 
investment fund manager.

David Ehrlich is the CEO and a director of the IRES board. He is also 
a trustee of CAPREIT. Thomas Schwartz is a director (non-executive) 
of the IRES board. He is also a trustee and the president and chief 
executive offi cer of CAPREIT and each of its Canadian subsidiaries and 
director of each of its Irish subsidiaries. Offi cers and key management 
of CAPREIT were granted options of IRES relating to the initial and 
secondary equity offerings.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPREIT entered into the Pipeline Agreement with IRES to make 
available up to €150,000 for a period of up to one year to acquire 
high-quality properties in Ireland, and to subsequently permit IRES 
to acquire such properties from CAPREIT once IRES has sourced 
additional funding. The €150,000 facility commitment provided 
by CAPREIT to IRES under the Pipeline Agreement terminated on 
March 26, 2015 on completion of IRES’s secondary equity offering. 
The facility commitment may be reauthorized by CAPREIT’s Board of 
Trustees at a later date. 

On January 28, 2015, CAPREIT, through a wholly-owned Irish subsidiary 
(“Rockbrook SPV”), acquired the Rockbrook Portfolio, consisting 
of 270 residential suites and approximately 50,214 square feet of 
mixed-use commercial space located in Dublin, Ireland under the 
Pipeline Agreement for €87,303 (including VAT) and other acquisition 
costs of €2,390. Pursuant to the terms of the Pipeline Agreement, 
IRES acquired the Rockbrook SPV for the underwriters’ fee of €873 
and repaid the loan of €89,693 to CAPREIT on March 31, 2015. 

b) CAPREIT had the following transactions with key management 
personnel and trustees. The loans outstanding to key management 
personnel and trustees for indebtedness relating to the SELTIP and 
LTIP as at December 31, 2015 were $7,499 and $6,417, respectively 
(December 31, 2014 – $7,787 and $11,226, respectively). These 
amounts are taken into consideration when calculating the fair value 
of the Unit-based compensation fi nancial liabilities. Key management 
personnel are eligible to participate in the EUPP. In addition, certain 
key management personnel also participate in the RUR, and trustees 
currently participate in the DUP. Pursuant to employee contracts, 
key management personnel are entitled to termination benefi ts that 
provide for payments of up to 36 months of benefi ts (based on base 
salary, bonus and other benefi ts) depending on cause.

Key management personnel and trustee compensation included in 
the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income 
comprises:

Year Ended December 31, 
Short-term employee benefi ts 
Unit-based compensation –
grant date amortization 

Unit-based compensation –

fair value remeasurement 
Severance and other benefi ts 1 
Total   

2015 
4,468  $ 

2014 
3,583 

  $ 

4,012 
8,480 

3,306 
6,889 

6,103 
2,074 

6,997 
– 
  $  16,657  $  13,886 

1 

  Costs related to the departure of the former Chief Accounting Offi cer are 
included in severance and other employee costs.

c) CAPREIT has a lease for offi ce space with a company in which an 
offi cer has an 18% benefi cial interest. The rent paid for the offi ce space 
for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $942 and 
$876, respectively, excluding property operating costs, and has been 
expensed as trust expenses. The lease expires on October 31, 2017. 
Minimum annual rental payments for the next two years are as follows:

Minimum annual rent 

  $ 

2016 
502  $ 

2017
419

108

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 25
Commitments 

Natural gas
Through the combination of fi xed and variable price contracts, CAPREIT is committed as at December 31, 2015, in the aggregate amount of $7,913 
for its natural gas and transport requirements. These commitments, which range from one to three years, fi x the price of natural gas and transport 
for a portion of CAPREIT’s requirements as summarized below. 

Gas Commodity
Fixed Weighted Average Cost per GJ 1 
Total of CAPREIT’s Estimated Requirements 

Transport
Fixed Weighted Average Cost per GJ 1 
Total of CAPREIT’s Estimated Requirements 

2016 

3.66 
59.2% 

1.66 
40.2% 

$ 

$ 

2017

3.00 
33.7%

1.12 
23.5%

$ 

$ 

1  Fixed weighted average cost per gigajoule (“GJ”) excludes other administrative costs.

Land Leasehold Interests
Four of the investment properties have ground leases with various expiry dates (subject to revisions at periodic intervals) between March 31, 
2045 and March 31, 2070. One land lease matures in 2045, two mature in 2068 and another matures in 2070. Generally, each lease provides 
for annual rent and additional rent calculated from the results of property operations. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, 
total expenses under these four leases were $2,808 and $2,901, respectively.

Annual lease payments under these four leasehold interests are included in property operating costs. Minimum annual rent for the next fi ve years 
and thereafter under these four leases is as follows:

Minimum annual rent 

$ 

1,323  $ 

1,323  $ 

1,323  $ 

1,323  $ 

1,323  $  40,000 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 

Thereafter

Property capital investments
Commitments primarily related to capital investments in investment properties of $29,247 were outstanding as at December 31, 2015 
(December 31, 2014 – $35,452). 

NOTE 26
Contingencies

NOTE 27
Subsequent Event 

CAPREIT is contingently liable under guarantees provided to certain of 
CAPREIT’s lenders in the event of default, and with respect to litigation 
and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. Matters relating 
to litigation and claims are generally covered by insurance, or have been 
provided for in Trust expenses where appropriate. 

On January 20, 2016, CAPREIT completed the acquisition of a portfolio 
of six apartment and townhome properties located in London, Ontario 
totaling 670 rental suites. The purchase price (excluding transaction 
costs) of approximately $52,000 was funded with cash from CAPREIT’s 
Acquisition and Operating credit facility.

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE-YEAR 
REVIEW

($ Thousands, except per Unit amounts) 

Year Ended December 31, 

Operating Revenues 
Net Operating Income (“NOI”) 
Net Operating Income Margin (%) 
Net Income 
Normalized Funds From Operations (“NFFO”) 
Cash Distributions 
NFFO Payout Ratio (%) 
Non-taxable Distributions (%) 

Normalized Funds From Operations 
NFFO per Unit – Basic 
Cash Distributions per Unit 
Weighted Average Number of Units (000s) 
Number of Suites and Sites – total 
Number of Suites and Sites – CAPREIT’s share 
Investment Properties 
Unitholders’ Equity 
Overall Portfolio Occupancy (%) 

Mortgage Debt to Gross Book Value (%) 
Interest Coverage (times) 
Weighted Average Mortgage Interest Rate (%) 1 
Weighted Average Mortgage Term (years) 
Cumulative Compounded Return Since 

Inception (%) 

Unit Price at End of Year 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

533,798 
324,614 
60.8 
345,633 
200,027 
146,198 
73.1 
84.5 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

506,411 
303,885 
60.0 
317,975 
183,353 
131,044 
71.5 
74.3 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

477,023 
273,854 
57.4 
267,678 
159,375 
119,256 
74.8 
89.0 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

412,421 
237,916 
57.7 
412,263 
132,553 
101,210 
76.4 
74.2 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

361,955 
206,157 
57.0 
316,172 
103,875 
86,054 
82.8 
86.9 

$ 
$ 

1.692 
1.207 
118,220 
46,790 
45,635 
$  6,863,140 
$  3,659,953 
97.5 

$ 
$ 

1.675 
1.168 
109,456 
41,688 
40,533 
$  5,749,640 
$  2,983,105 
97.9 

$ 
$ 

1.562 
1.138 
102,064 
41,552 
40,397 
$  5,459,218 
$  2,757,469 
98.0 

$ 
$ 

1.486 
1.097 
89,215 
37,225 
36,070 
$  4,826,355 
$  2,429,214 
97.9 

$ 
$ 

1.357 
1.080 
76,538 
31,014 
29,859 
$  3,713,737 
$  1,740,663 
98.5 

43.4 
2.96 
3.39 
6.3 

44.6 
2.82 
3.66 
6.3 

44.0 
2.62 
3.76 
6.0 

44.3 
2.51 
3.87 
5.4 

48.3 
2.20 
4.48 
5.7 

950 
26.84 

$ 

839 
25.13 

$ 

652 
21.25 

$ 

736 
24.90 

$ 

614 
22.31 

$ 

1 

Includes deferred fi nancing costs and fair value adjustments. 

110

CAPREIT 2015 ANNUAL REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL MEETING OF 
UNITHOLDERS

The Annual Meeting of 
Unitholders will be held at 
4:30 p.m. EDT on 
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 
One King West Hotel 
1 King Street West 
Toronto, Ontario  M5H 1A1

UNITHOLDER
INFORMATION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICERS

INVESTOR INFORMATION

Michael Stein
Chairman and Chief Executive 
Offi cer of MPI Group Inc.

Thomas Schwartz
President and Chief
Executive Offi cer

Thomas Schwartz
President & Chief Executive 
Offi cer

Michael Stein
Chairman

David Ehrlich 2, 3, 4
Chief Executive Offi cer, Irish 
Residential Properties REIT plc

Harold Burke 1
Senior Vice President 
of Taxation, Dream Asset 
Management Corporation

Stanley Swartzman 2, 3, 4
Corporate Director

Mark Kenney
Chief Operating Offi cer

Scott Cryer
Chief Financial Offi cer

Roberto Israel
Chief Information Offi cer

Jodi Lieberman
Chief Human Resources 
Offi cer

Elaine Todres 3, 4
President, 
Todres Leadership Counsel

Corinne Pruzanski
General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary

HEAD OFFICE

11 Church Street, Suite 401
Toronto, Ontario  M5E 1W1
Tel: 416.861.9404
Fax: 416.861.9209

David Sloan 1
Corporate Director

Edwin Hawken 1, 2
Corporate Director

Paul Harris 1
Partner, Davis, Ward, Phillips 
& Vineberg LLP (a law fi rm)

1  Audit Committee
2  Investment Committee
3  Governance and Nominating 
  Committee
4  Human Resources and
  Compensation Committee

Analysts, Unitholders and 
others seeking fi nancial data 
should visit CAPREIT’s website 
at www.caprent.com or
www.capreit.net or contact:

Thomas Schwartz
President and Chief
Executive Offi cer
Tel: 416.861.9404
E-mail: ir@capreit.net

Website
www.caprent.com 
www.capreit.net

Registrar and Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust 
Company of Canada
100 University Avenue, 
9th Floor
Toronto, Ontario  M5J 2Y1
Tel: 1.800.663.9097
E-mail:
caregistry@computershare.com

Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Legal Counsel
Stikeman Elliott LLP

Stock Exchange Listing
Units of CAPREIT are listed 
on the Toronto Stock Exchange
under the trading symbol 
“CAR.UN”

Monthly Distribution per Unit
June 2013 – May 2014:
$0.096 ($1.15 annually)
June 2014 – April 2015:
$0.098 ($1.18 annually)
May 2015 – December 2015:
$0.102 ($1.22 annually)

www.capreit.net
www.caprent.com

2016 marks the third consecutive year that CAPREIT has been recognized 
as one of Canada’s 50 best employers. Employees’ engagement is 
measured by their views on leadership excellence, manager effectiveness, 
productivity support, career development and recognition.