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DATA Communications Management

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FY2023 Annual Report · DATA Communications Management
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2023 Annual Report

DATA Communications Management Corp.

REFILED 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTE TO  READER: The  management’s  discussion  and  analysis  of  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  of 

DATA  Communications  Management  Corp.  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023  (“MD&A”)  and  the  consolidated 

audited annual financial statements of DATA Communications Management Corp. for the years ended December 31, 

2023 and 2022 (“Annual Financial Statements”)  have  been refiled to correct and replace the versions inadvertently 

filed earlier on March 20, 2024, which contained certain typographical errors.  Accordingly, the 2023 annual report of 

DATA  Communications  Management  Corp.  (the  “Annual  Report”),  which  contains  the  MD&A  and Annual  Financial 

Statements, has been refiled to correct and replace the version inadvertently filed earlier on March 20, 2024.  This 

Annual Report contains corrections to the following typographical errors in the MD&A:

•

•

in Table 1 (free cash flow reconciliation) for the year ended December 31, 2022:

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“Total cash generated from operating activities” has been corrected from “25,386” to “22,675”; and

“Free cash flow” has been corrected from “15,251” to “12,540”.

Under the heading “Cash Flow From Operations”:

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cash  flows  generated  from  operating  activities  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2022  have

been corrected from “$25.4 million” to “$22.7 million”; and

changes  in  working  capital  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2022  have  been  corrected  from

“$3.6 million” to “$6.3 million”.

No other changes have been made to the MD&A.

This Annual Report also contains corrections to the following typographical errors in the Annual Financial Statements:

•

•

•

in the “consolidated statements of cash flows” table for the year ended December 31, 2022:

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“Changes in non cash working capital (note 19)” have been corrected from “(3,632)” to “(6,343)”;
“Total cash generated from operating activities” has been corrected from “25,386” to “22,675”;
“change in cash and cash equivalents during the year” has been corrected from “5,979” to “3,268”;
and
“cash and cash equivalents - end of year” has been corrected from “6,919” to “4,208”.

within  the  Note  17  “Shares  and  warrants”,  the  table  for  change  in  number  of  issued  and  outstanding

common shares during the year:

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Amount for “Exercise of warrants – April 3, 2023” have been corrected from “167,000” to “167”;
Amount for “Exercise of warrants – April 21, 2023” have been corrected from “1,191,000” to “1,191”;
and
Amount for “Exercise of options – May 25, 2023” have been corrected from “1,422,000” to “1,422”.

within the Note 19 “Changes in working capital” table for the year ended December 31, 2022:

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“Trade and accrued liabilities” have been corrected from “6,888” to “4,177”; and
the total has been corrected from “(3,632)” to “(6,343)”.

No other changes have been made to the Annual Financial Statements.

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

Letter to shareholders

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

We  are  pleased  to  report  on  the  results  of  our  performance  in  2023.    This  was  a  transformative  year  for  DCM 
highlighted by the completion of our acquisition of Moore Canada Corporation (“MCC”) and the significant progress 
we made in our post-acquisition planning and execution.

Our focus throughout the year was to build on the positive momentum we experienced in our business prior to the 
announcement  of  the  MCC  acquisition  and  to  set  a  clear  direction  for  our  entire  team  beginning  on  Day  1  of  the 
combined  business  in  late April.    We  moved  quickly  to  bring  our  teams  together,  design  our  new  organization  and 
select key leadership to take us forward, prioritizing our large Commercial and Operations teams.  We completed this 
effort within the first six months of Day 1. 

We also moved quickly to complete a thorough analysis of our manufacturing footprint and announced a decision in 
early  July  to  consolidate  our  plant  network  from  14  to  10  facilities  to  drive  greater  efficiencies  in  producing  and 
delivering our products and services.  We completed the closure of the first of these facilities in Edmonton, Alberta 
before  the  end  of  the  year  and  are  on  track  with  our  detailed  plan  to  close  the  remaining  three  plants  and  transfer 
production to other facilities in our network. 

Our  Commercial  team  delivered  solid  performance  throughout  the  year,  expanding  revenue  with  existing  clients, 
winning new logos, and building a strong new business pipeline focused on the value we can deliver to clients with 
our combined product and service offerings.  We are pleased to report that in a year of significant change, the team 
delivered organic year over year revenue growth of 2%, which we believe is a great start for this new team!

Turning to our financial performance for the full year:

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Revenues of $447.7 million were up +63.5%, or +$173.9 million vs. 2022.
Gross profit of $118.9 million increased +41.2% or $34.7 million. 
Gross profit as a percentage of revenues came in at 26.6%, compared to 30.8% last year reflecting lower 
MCC gross profit margin contributions.  As a reminder, the opportunity to enhance MCC gross profit margins 
was one of the key attributes of the MCC acquisition deal logic and improving our consolidated gross profit 
margins remains a strategic focus of our business.
SG&A expenses were $87.2 million for the full year or 19.5% of revenues, compared to 19.9% of revenues 
in 2022.
Adjusted  EBITDA  was  $53.4  million  for  the  full  year,  an  increase  of  +30.3%  vs.  the  prior  year.  Adjusted 
EBITDA represented 11.9% of revenues for the full year, compared to 15.0% for 2022.  Our strong Adjusted 
EBITDA  performance  was  driven  by  the  addition  of  the  MCC  business,  continuing  our  focus  on  improving 
gross profit margins, and controlling our SG&A expenses.

Looking at our performance in the fourth quarter, we delivered:

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Reported revenues of $130.0 million up +77.9%, or +$56.9 million, compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. 
Gross profit of $32.8 million, an increase of +39.1%, or +$9.2 million compared to the same period last year. 
Gross profit as a percentage of revenues of 25.2%, compared to 32.2% for DCM for the same period last 
year. 
SG&A expenses of 19.5% of revenues or $25.3 million, up modestly from 18.7% in the year-ago quarter, 
Adjusted  EBITDA  of  $15.0  million,  up  +19.5%  compared  to  the  fourth  quarter  of  2022.    This  represented 
11.6% of revenues compared to 17.2% of revenues last year. 

As a reminder, the fourth quarter represents the second full quarter of consolidated “one company” results since the 
completion of the MCC acquisition on April 24, 2023.

In connection with the MCC acquisition, we incurred $0.7 million of one-time, non-recurring transaction expenses in 
the fourth quarter, bringing the full year total to $10.9 million.  We recorded $10.6 million of restructuring expenses in 
the fourth quarter primarily associated with our future plans to close our Trenton and Fergus, Ontario facilities.  For 
the full year, restructuring expenses were $20.3 million. 

Our commitment to paying down debt remains a key priority.  Total indebtedness outstanding under our credit facilities 
at year end was $101.9 million, down approximately -30.0% since the MCC acquisition.  Net debt, after deducting a 
$16.1 million cash balance (net of bank overdraft), was $84.2 million, down -39.0% since that time. 

As previously announced, we have completed the planned sale and leaseback of three facilities in Oshawa, Trenton 
and  Fergus,  Ontario,  which  were  acquired  in  the  MCC  acquisition.    These  transactions  generated  a  total  of  $39.8 
million in gross proceeds and approximately $37.8 million in total net proceeds, which have been used to pay down 
acquisition-related financing.

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

. . M D & A . .

For a full description of our financial results for fiscal 2023, please refer to our consolidated financial statements for 
the year ended December 31, 2023, and related management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”), copies of which 
are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Certain  statements  in  this  letter  constitute  “forward-looking”  statements  that  involve  known  and  unknown  risks, 
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, objectives or achievements of DCM, 
or  industry  results,  to  be  materially  different  from  any  future  results,  performance,  objectives,  or  achievements 
expressed  or  implied  by  such  forward-looking  statements.    See  “Forward-Looking  Statements”  in  our  MD&A.   This 
letter also includes certain non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures and ratios as supplementary information.  See 
“Non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures” and Tables 1, 3, 4 and 5 in our MD&A, each of which is incorporated by 
reference in this document.

Yours truly, 

(Signed) "Richard Kellam"

Richard C. Kellam 

President & CEO 

DATA Communications Management Corp. 

March 2024

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations

The  following  management’s  discussion  and  analysis  (“MD&A”)  is  intended  to  assist  readers  in  understanding  the 

business environment, strategies, performance and risk factors of DATA Communications Management Corp. (TSX: 

DCM;  OTCQX:  DCMDF)  and  its  subsidiaries  (referred  to  herein  as  “DCM”  or  the  “Company”) for  the  years  ended 

December  31,  2023  and  2022.    This  MD&A  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  audited  consolidated  financial 

statements  and  accompanying  notes  of  DCM  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023  and  2022.    Additional 

information  about  the  Company,  including  its  most  recently  filed  audited  consolidated  financial  statements, Annual 

Information  Form  and  Management  Information  Circular,  may  also  be  obtained  on  SEDAR+  (www.sedarplus.ca).  

Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars.

The Company's Board of Directors (“Board”), on the recommendation of its Audit Committee, approved the contents 

of this MD&A on March 20, 2024. This MD&A reflects information as of March 20, 2024.

Basis of presentation

DCM prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS  Accounting Standards”).  The accounting policies 

applied  in  these  consolidated  financial  statements  are  based  on  IFRS Accounting  Standards  effective  for  the  year 

ending  December  31,  2023,  as  issued  and  outstanding  as  of  March  20,  2024  the  date  the  Board  approved  these 

financial statements.

Forward-looking statements

Certain  statements  in  this  MD&A  constitute  “forward-looking”  statements  that  involve  known  and  unknown  risks, 

uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, objectives or achievements of DCM, 

or  industry  results,  to  be  materially  different  from  any  future  results,  performance,  objectives  or  achievements 

expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  When used in this MD&A, words such as “may”, “would”, 

“could”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “intend”, “plan”, and other similar expressions are intended 

to  identify  forward-looking  statements.   These  statements  reflect  DCM’s  current  views  regarding  future  events  and 

operating performance, are based on information currently available to DCM, and speak only as of the date of this 

MD&A.  

These  forward-looking  statements  involve  a  number  of  risks,  uncertainties,  and  assumptions.    They  should  not  be 

read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not 

such performance or results will be achieved.  Many factors could cause the actual results, performance, objectives 

or achievements of DCM to be materially different from any future results, performance, objectives or achievements 

that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  We caution readers of this MD&A not to place 

undue  reliance  on  our  forward-looking  statements  since  a  number  of  factors  could  cause  actual  future  results, 

conditions, actions, or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in 

these forward-looking statements.

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. . M D & A . .

The principal factors, assumptions and risks that DCM made or took into account in the preparation of these forward-

looking  statements  and  which  could  cause  our  actual  results  and  financial  condition  to  differ  materially  from  those 

indicated in the forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following:

•

•

•

Our operating results are sensitive to economic conditions, which can have a significant impact on us, and 

uncertain  economic  conditions  may  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  results  of  operations 

and financial condition; 

Our  ability  to  successfully  integrate  the  DCM  and  MCC  businesses  and  realize  anticipated  synergies  from 

the combination of those businesses, including revenue and profitability growth from an enhanced offering of 

products and services, larger customer base and cost reductions;

The  expected  annualized  synergies  that  the  Company  expects  to  derive  from  the  MCC  acquisition  have 

been estimated by the Company based on its experience integrating previously acquired businesses, other 

facilities  and  completing  previous  restructuring  initiatives,  and  includes  estimated  benefits  expected  to  be 

derived  from  the  acquisition,  including  those  related  to  facility  sales  and  consolidations,  operational 

improvements, eliminating redundant positions, and purchasing synergies;

•

Our expected total annualized synergies estimates are principally based upon the following material factors 

and assumptions: (a) given the significant overlap in the nature of the two businesses, DCM will be able to 

eliminate  duplication  of  overhead  expenses  across  the  combined  DCM  and  MCC  businesses  in  its  SG&A 

functions;  (b)  given  significant  overlap  in  the  nature  of  DCM’s  and  MCC’s  production  processes  and 

available  combined  excess  capacity,  DCM  will  be  able  to  consolidate  manufacturing  plants;  (c)  further 

operational and SG&A costs savings will be achievable once the above-noted initiatives are completed; (d) 

the  combined  business  will  achieve  more  favourable  purchasing  terms  by  virtue  of  the  fact  it  is 

approximately  twice  the  size  of  each  of  DCM  and  MCC  pre-acquisition,  and  therefore  able  to  command 

lower pricing from vendors based on larger volumes, and its expected ability to better harmonize purchasing 

strategies  to  leverage  more  favourable  purchasing  terms  than  each  company  had  individually  for  similar 

goods or services; and (e) the combined business will be able to generate certain revenue synergies from 

cross-selling each other’s broader, combined, suite of capabilities;

•

Such  expected  annualized  cost  savings  have  not  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  IFRS  Accounting 

Standards,  nor  has  a  reconciliation  to  IFRS  Accounting  Standards  been  provided,  and  the  Company 

evaluates  its  financial  performance  on  the  basis  of  these  non-IFRS  Accounting  Standards  measures.  

Therefore,  the  Company  does  not  consider  their  most  comparable  IFRS Accounting  Standards  measures 

when evaluating prospective acquisitions; 

•

The acquisition of MCC involves a number of risks, including: 

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the possibility that DCM paid more than the acquired assets are worth; 

the Company may fail to realize the expected benefits and anticipated annualized synergies from 

the acquisition;

there  may  be  additional  unexpected  expenses,  capital  investment,  and  management  resources 

required  to  complete  and  integrate  the  MCC  acquisition  and  amortizing  any  acquired  intangible 

assets than anticipated;

the integration and consolidation of the operations of the MCC business is complex, and achieving 

improved operational efficiencies from such integration may not be realized as expected;

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

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the  challenge  of  implementing  uniform  standards,  controls  procedures,  systems,  and  policies 

throughout the business; 

the  potential  disruption  of  the  Company’s  ongoing  business  and  the  distraction  of  management 

from its day-to-day operations;

the challenge of integrating, training, retaining and motivating key personnel of the MCC business; 

and 

the  potential  impairment  of  relationships  with  the  Company’s  employees,  clients,  suppliers  and 

strategic partners; 

There is limited growth in the traditional printing business, which may impact our ability to grow our sales or 

even maintain historical levels of sales of printed business and marketing communications materials;

Competition  from  competitors  supplying  similar  products  and  services,  some  of  whom  have  greater 

economic resources than us and are well established suppliers; 

Increases in the cost of, and supply constraints related to, paper, ink and other raw material inputs used by 

DCM,  as  well  as  increases  in  freight  costs,  may  adversely  impact  the  availability  of  raw  materials  and  our 

production, revenues and profitability; 

Our ability to meet our revenue, profitability and debt reduction targets; 

Our  ability  to  comply  with  our  financial  covenants  under  our  credit  facilities  or  to  obtain  financial  covenant 

waivers from our lenders if necessary; 

•

•

•

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•

• We  may  not  be  successful  in  obtaining  capital  to  fund  our  business  plans  on  satisfactory  terms  (or  at  all), 

including, without, limitation, with respect to investments in digital innovation (such as the development and 

successful marketing and sale of new digital capabilities), and capital expenditures; 

•

All  of  our  outstanding  indebtedness  under  our  bank  credit  facility  is  subject  to  floating  interest  rates,  and 

therefore  is  subject  to  fluctuations  in  interest  rates,  an  increase  of  which  has  in  the  past  24  months,  and 

could in the future, increase our borrowing costs.  

Additional  factors  are  discussed  elsewhere  in  this  MD&A  under  the  headings  “Liquidity  and  capital  resources”  and 

“Risks  and  Uncertainties”  and  in  DCM’s  publicly  available  disclosure  documents,  as  filed  by  DCM  on  SEDAR+ 

(www.sedarplus.ca).    Should  one  or  more  of  these  risks  or  uncertainties  materialize,  or  should  assumptions 

underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in 

this  MD&A  as  intended,  planned,  anticipated,  believed,  estimated  or  expected.    Unless  required  by  applicable 

securities law, DCM does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures

NON-IFRS ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

This  MD&A  includes  certain  non-IFRS  Accounting  Standards  measures,  ratios  and  other  financial  measures  as 

supplementary  information.    This  supplementary  information  does  not  represent  earnings  measures  recognized  by 

IFRS  Accounting  Standards  and  does  not  have  any  standardized  meanings  prescribed  by  IFRS  Accounting 

Standards.    Therefore,  these  non-IFRS  Accounting  Standards  measures,  ratios  and  other  financial  measures  are 

unlikely  to  be  comparable  to  similar  measures  presented  by  other  issuers.    Investors  are  cautioned  that  this 

supplementary  information  should  not  be  construed  as  alternatives  to  net  income  (loss)  determined  in  accordance 

with IFRS Accounting Standards as an indicator of DCM’s performance.   

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DEFINITIONS OF NON-IFRS ACCOUNTING STANDARDS, FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS

We use adjusted financial measures because we believe they are useful for providing investors with supplemental 

measures of DCM’s operating performance and highlight trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent 

when relying solely on IFRS Accounting Standards financial measures.  DCM also believes that securities analysts, 

investors,  rating  agencies  and  other  interested  parties  frequently  use  such  information  in  the  evaluation  of  issuers.  

Further,  DCM’s  management  uses  such  adjusted  information  to  facilitate  operating  performance  comparisons  from 

period to period, prepare annual operating budgets, assess its ability to meet future debt service, capital expenditure 

and  working  capital  requirements  and  to  evaluate  potential  acquisitions  and  the  subsequent  performance  of 

completed acquisitions.

EBITDA  means  earnings  before  interest  and  finance  costs,  taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization.    The  most 

comparable IFRS Accounting Standards measure for EBITDA is net income (loss).  For a reconciliation of net income 

(loss) to EBITDA, see Table 5 below.  

Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA, adjusted for acquisition and integration costs, restructuring expenses, the net 

fair value (gains) losses on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss for restricted share units (“RSUs”) and 

deferred  shared  units  (“DSUs”)  and  other  adjustments  for  other  specific  items  that  may  be  significant  but  are  not 

reflective of our underlying operations, all on an after-tax basis.  Specific items are subjective; however, we use our 

judgement and informed decision-making when identifying items to be excluded in calculating our adjusted measures.  

We  use  Adjusted  EBITDA  as  a  measure  of  pre-tax  operating  cash  flow.    The  most  comparable  IFRS  Accounting 

Standards  measure  of Adjusted  EBITDA  is  net  income  (loss).    For  a  reconciliation  of  net  income  (loss)  to Adjusted 

EBITDA, see Table 6 below.

Adjusted  net  income  (loss)  represents  net  income  (loss)  before  acquisition  and  integration  costs,  restructuring 

expenses,  the  net  fair  value  (gains)  losses  on  financial  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  for  RSUs  and 

DSUs and other adjustments for other specific items that may be significant but are not reflective of our underlying 

operations,  all  on  an  after-tax  basis.    Specific  items  are  subjective;  however,  we  use  our  judgement  and  informed 

decision-making  when  identifying  items  to  be  excluded  in  calculating  our  adjusted  net  income  (loss).    We  use 

adjusted  net  income  (loss)  as  a  measure  of  overall  profitability.   The  most  comparable  IFRS Accounting  Standards 

measure of adjusted net income is net income (loss).  For a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted net income 

(loss), see Table 6 below.  

Adjusted  net  income  (loss)  per  share  (EPS)  (basic  and  diluted)  is  a  non-IFRS  Accounting  Standards  ratio 

calculated by dividing Adjusted net income (loss) (defined above) for a given period by the weighted average number 

of common shares of DCM (basic and diluted) outstanding, respectively, during the period.  

Margin is calculated as a percentage of revenues, which is itself an IFRS Accounting Standards financial measure, 

and  we  monitor  margins  in  comparison  to  our  internal  targets.    Margin  is  a  non-IFRS Accounting  Standards  ratio 

when applied to non-IFRS Accounting Standards financial measures. 

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

Free  cash  flow  is  used  to  monitor  the  availability  of  discretionary  cash  as  part  of  our  capital  management.    It  is 

defined  as  total  cash  generated  from  operating  activities,  less  net  capital  expenditures  (comprised  of  purchases  of 

property, plant and equipment less proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment), less lease payments.  A 

reconciliation  of  free  cash  flow  to  its  most  comparable  IFRS Accounting  Standards  measure,  total  cash  generated 

from  operating  activities,  is  included  in  “Additional  Reconciliations  of  Non-IFRS  Accounting  Standards  Financial 

Measures” in Table 1.

SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL MEASURES

Annualized  synergies  is  a  non-IFRS Accounting  Standards  financial  measure  we  use  to  evaluate  the  integration 

progress of our acquisition of MCC.  These represent annualized operating savings management expects to derive 

from  its  post-acquisition  integration  activities  relating  to  the  acquisition.    We  believe  these  synergy  estimates  are 

important  to  investors  and  other  stakeholders  to  inform  on  our  potential  and  evaluate  our  progress  on  initiatives 

relating to management’s cost reduction and synergy objectives.  These metrics were initially determined based on 

management’s own pre- and post-acquisition due diligence of the MCC business prior to closing and the advice of its 

external integration consultants and have subsequently been refined and tracked based on actual progress against 

such preliminary objectives.  These are primarily based on expectations relating to (1) organizational savings through 

eliminating  duplicative  positions,  (2)  operational  savings  from  initiatives  including  planned  plant  closures  and 

optimization initiatives, and (3) procurement savings anticipated from a larger purchasing base and are expected by 

management to be achieved through the combination and integration of the two companies.  From time to time, we 

also  quantify  the  impacts  of  certain  unusual,  non-recurring  events  to  provide  useful  information  to  investors  to  help 

better understand our financial outlook.  Also see “Forward-looking statements”.

Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is a supplementary financial measure when applied to IFRS Accounting 

Standards financial measures.  

Revenue  per  associate  is  a  metric  we  use  to  evaluate  the  productivity  of  our  employees,  who  we  refer  to  as 

“associates”,  and  is  a  non-IFRS Accounting  Standards  financial  measure.    It  is  determined  by  taking  revenues,  an 

IFRS Accounting Standards financial measure, for a specific twelve-month period, typically being a fiscal year, or four 

consecutive fiscal quarters, divided by the total number of associates at the end of that period.  Where the pro forma 

acquisition  of  MCC  is  referred  to,  revenues  may  not  be  representative  of  an  IFRS Accounting  Standards  financial 

measure but are based on management’s informed analysis of the pro forma combined revenues as if MCC had been 

owned by DCM during the full respective period.  

Margin  (defined  above)  is  a  supplementary  financial  measure  when  applied  to  IFRS  Accounting  Standards 

measures.  

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (net of Lease Payments) is a non-IFRS Accounting Standards ratio used as part of 

our assessment of our capital structure.  It is defined as the sum of (1) the total balance of our credit facilities less 

cash and equivalents at a given period (net of bank overdraft), divided by (2) adjusted EBITDA less lease payments 

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for the four quarters then ended.  Net debt to adjusted EBITDA (net of Lease Payments) is quantified in “Additional 

Reconciliations of Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Financial Measures” in Table 2.  

Working capital is a supplementary financial measure that we use as a measure for assessing overall liquidity.  It is 

calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. 

ADDITIONAL RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-IFRS ACCOUNTING STANDARDS FINANCIAL MEASURES 

TABLE 1 

The following table sets out free cash flow for the periods noted.

Free Cash Flow reconciliation

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)

Total cash generated from operating activities

Less: Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(Net of): Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

Less: Lease payments

Free cash flow

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

32,803 

(4,222)   

1,282 

(13,321)   

16,542  $ 

22,675 

(1,475) 

70 

(8,730) 

12,540 

$ 

TABLE 2

The following table sets out net debt to adjusted EBITDA for the periods noted.

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA, 
unaudited)

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

Total credit facilities 

Less: Cash and equivalents (net of bank overdraft) 

Net Debt

Adjusted EBITDA

Less: Lease payments

Adjusted EBITDA (net of Lease Payments)

101,866 

(16,088)   

85,778  $ 

53,390 

(13,321)   

40,069  $ 

$ 

$ 

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (net of Lease Payments)

2.14x

27,318 

(4,208) 

23,110 

40,965 

(8,730) 

32,235 

0.72x

Business of DCM

OVERVIEW

DCM  is  a  marketing  and  business  communications  partner  that  helps  companies  simplify  the  complex  ways  they 

communicate and operate, so they can accomplish more with fewer steps and less effort.  For over 60 years, DCM 

has  been  serving  major  brands  in  vertical  markets,  including  financial  services,  retail,  healthcare,  energy,  other 

regulated industries, and the public sector.  We integrate seamlessly into our clients’ businesses thanks to our deep 

understanding of their needs, our technology-enabled solutions, and our end-to-end service offering.  Whether we are 

running  technology  platforms,  sending  marketing  messages,  or  managing  print  workflows,  our  goal  is  to  make 

everything surprisingly simple. 

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DCM’s manufacturing operations are characterized by a high degree of complexity, as our products and services are 

customized  to  meet  the  unique  requirements  of  each  customer.    The  end  products  are  derived  through  integrated 

production processes spanning multiple product categories and revenue streams.  These processes typically involve 

various  stages  of  work  across  multiple  plants,  culminating  in  the  delivery  of  a  finished  product.   As  a  result  of  the 

complex nature of this production landscape, conventional metrics such as selling prices and the volume or quantity 

of products or services are challenging to discern and are not relevant other than in the aggregate in management’s 

view.

Customer  agreements  and  terms  typically  include  provisions  consistent  with  industry  practice,  which  allow  DCM  to 

pass along increases in the cost of paper and other raw materials used to manufacture products.

DCM’s  revenue  is  subject  to  the  mailing  patterns  of  certain  customers.    Typically,  higher  revenues  and  profit  are 

generated  in  the  first  quarter  relative  to  the  other  three  quarters,  however  this  can  vary  from  time  to  time  due  to 

changes  in  customers’  purchasing  decisions  throughout  the  year.    As  a  result,  DCM’s  revenue  and  financial 

performance  for  any  single  quarter  may  not  be  indicative  of  revenue  and  financial  performance,  which  may  be 

expected for the full year.

DCM  has  approximately  1,800  employees  in  Canada  and  the  United  States  and  had  revenues  of $447.7  million  in 

2023. 

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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

MOORE CANADA CORPORATION (“MCC”) ACQUISITION 

On  April  24,  2023,  DCM  acquired  all  of  the  outstanding  shares  of  MCC,  an  Ontario  corporation,  for  a  total  cash 

purchase price of $130.8 million and a total of $135.8 million after post-closing working capital and other customary 

adjustments.  Upon completion of the acquisition, MCC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of DCM.  MCC’s business 

is substantially similar to the business carried on by DCM.  The MCC acquisition was funded through (i) a revolving, 

floating rate credit facility from a Canadian chartered bank (the “Bank”), which includes up to $90 million of revolving 

credit  capacity;  (ii)  a  $30  million  floating  rate  term  loan  from  the  Bank;  and  (iii)  a  new  $50  million  fixed  rate  credit 

facility from Fiera Private Debt Fund VI, as described in further detail under “Credit Facilities”.  The identifiable assets 

acquired and liabilities assumed, with limited exceptions are measured at their fair values at the acquisition date with 

the  excess  of  the  consideration  transferred  over  the  fair  value  of  the  identifiable  assets  acquired  and  liabilities 

assumed  being  recognized  as  goodwill.    The  fair  value  of  the  identifiable  assets  acquired  included  $41.4  million 

related to properties (including $25.8 million classified as assets held for sale, which was the subject of a sale and 

leaseback  agreement)  and  $26.1  million  related  to  presses  and  printing  equipment,  office  furniture  and  equipment 

and leasehold improvements.  Management applied significant judgment in estimating the fair value of the acquired 

properties, plant and equipment.  

The  year  ended  December  31,  2023  represents  the  first  year  of  consolidated  DCM  and  MCC  financial  results, 

commencing from the acquisition date of April 24, 2023.

Management  to  date  has  focused  on  four  key  areas  of  post-merger  integration  in  connection  with  the  MCC 

acquisition:

•

•

•

•

Operational initiatives primarily intended to drive higher levels of gross profit as a percentage of revenues by 

reducing  our  overall  cost  of  goods  sold  and  implementing  operating  efficiencies,  including  the  planned 

consolidation of four plants; 

Organizational  initiatives  primarily  intended  to  drive  both  higher  levels  of  gross  profit  as  a  percentage  of 

revenues and lower levels of SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues, including the integration of key 

functional teams, particularly our Commercial and Operations teams, and reducing duplicative positions;

Procurement initiatives, primarily intended to lower our consolidated purchasing costs and secure improved 

purchasing terms; and

Revenue  growth  focus,  primarily  through  aligning  our  commercial  selling  efforts,  including  expanding  and 

leveraging our combined print and communications workflow solutions and our digital offerings. 

DCM currently expects to realize total annualized synergies from the MCC acquisition of between $30 million to $35 

million from integration initiatives related to a reduction in our operational and organizational expenses and improved 

purchasing practices, to be substantially realized over the next 12 months.  

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RESTRUCTURING INITIATIVES

Following  the  completion  of  the  MCC  acquisition,  DCM  commenced  its  planned  initiatives  to  drive  synergies  in 

connection  with  the  acquisition,  including  initiatives  to  align  its  organizational  structure  and  optimize  its  operational 

footprint.    During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  the  total  head  count  of  DCM  and  MCC  was  reduced  by 

approximately  95  individuals,  which  resulted  in  a  total  restructuring  expense  of  $12.8  million.    These  workforce 

initiatives primarily related to reductions in our Commercial team, following a comprehensive re-alignment of account 

coverage,  and  operational  reductions  related  to  the  closure  of  our  Edmonton  facility.    Additionally,  a  restructuring 

expense amounting to $7.5 million is associated with the anticipated closure costs for our Fergus and Trenton plants.  

While the closures of the Fergus and Trenton plants are still pending completion, the restructuring expense has been 

substantially determined.  In total, $20.3 million of restructuring expenses were taken in 2023.  In addition to these 

restructuring initiatives, DCM continues to evaluate its business for opportunities to enhance productivity and reduce 

its cost of operations. 

PRIVATE PLACEMENT

On  May  25,  2023,  DCM  completed  a  private  placement  of  common  shares  (the  “Offering”),  pursuant  to  which  it 

issued 8,707,200 common shares at a price per share of $3.00 for gross proceeds of $26.1 million.  The net proceeds 

of  the  Offering  were  used  for  general  corporate  and  working  capital  purposes.    Insiders  of  DCM,  including  senior 

members of the Company’s leadership team, subscribed for $0.4 million of the Offering.  Also, in connection with the 

Offering, the Company issued broker warrants entitling the agents who participated in the Offering to acquire, in the 

aggregate,  up  to  261,216  common  shares  of  the  Company  at  a  price  of  $3.16  per  share  for  a  period  of  two  years 

following the closing of the Offering.

PLANT CONSOLIDATION EDMONTON FACILITY

DCM announced its strategic plan in July 2023 to close its Edmonton facility and shift production operations to the 

Company’s Calgary facility by the end of 2023.  During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Edmonton plant was 

successfully closed, and its operations were substantially consolidated into our Calgary facility.  In response to this 

consolidation, new production orders are now being redirected primarily to our Calgary facility, which is staffed and 

equipped to efficiently handle the additional volume previously managed by the Edmonton facility.

SALE AND LEASEBACK OF OSHAWA AND FERGUS FACILITIES

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In June 2023 and December 2023, DCM completed the sale and leaseback of its Oshawa, Ontario warehouse facility 

and  its  Fergus,  Ontario  manufacturing  facility,  respectively,  each  of  which  was  acquired  as  part  of  the  Company’s 

acquisition of MCC.  The total gross proceeds from these transactions amounted to $30.5 million and after deducting 

closing  commissions,  rent  deposit,  and  other  associated  expenses,  total  net  proceeds  were  $29.5  million.      These 

proceeds  were  utilized  to  re-pay  the  term  loan  obtained  from  Canadian  chartered  bank  to  finance  a  portion  of  the 

MCC acquisition.  In addition, $1.5 million in proceeds is being held in escrow by the landlord of the Oshawa, Ontario 

warehouse  facility  to  secure  the  completion  of  specific  building  maintenance,  repairs,  and  capital  improvements 

outlined  by  DCM.   The  leaseback  terms  differ  for  the  two  facilities.   The  Oshawa,  Ontario  warehouse  facility  has  a 

lease  term  of  twenty  years,  encompassing  an  initial  lease  term  of  ten  years  with  two  additional  five  year  extension 

options.  In contrast, the Fergus, Ontario manufacturing facility leaseback spans two years, including an initial lease 

term of one year with two additional six month extension options to allow the Company sufficient time to complete the 

closure of this facility. 

SALE AND LEASEBACK OF TRENTON FACILITY

On  January  11,  2024,  DCM  completed  the  sale  and  leaseback  of  its  Trenton,  Ontario  manufacturing  facility,  which 

was acquired as part of the Company’s acquisition of MCC.  DCM realized gross proceeds on the sale of $9 million, 

and, after deducting closing commissions, rent deposit, and other expenses, net proceeds of $8.5 million have been 

applied  towards  paying  down  the  New  Bank  Credit  Facility  (defined  below).    DCM  intends  to  close  the  Trenton, 

Ontario facility and to move production to other DCM plants.  In connection with the sale transaction, the Company 

entered into a one-year lease of the facility.  Under the terms of the lease, the Company has two options to extend the 

lease  term,  each  in  three-month  increments,  for  a  total  additional  term  of  up  to  six  months  to  allow  the  Company 

sufficient time to complete the closure of this facility.

STRATEGIC PLANS

Following  the  close  of  the  MCC  acquisition,  in  May  2023  we  announced  the  following  updated  five-year  strategic 

financial objectives:  

•

•

•

•

•

Grow organic revenue at a CAGR of +5% per year; 

Achieve Adjusted EBITDA margins of +14%; 

Grow our marketing technology solutions revenue at a CAGR of +60%; 

Total net debt of less than 1.0x Adjusted EBITDA (net of lease payments); and 

Realize total annualized post-acquisition synergies in the range of $25 to $30 million over the next 18 – 24 

months.  

We believe we are substantially on track to achieve these objectives.  

•

Our  consolidated  revenue  grew  +63.5%  in  2023  compared  to  2022,  which  was  largely  attributable  to  the 

acquisition  of  MCC  in April  2023.    Our  organic  revenue,  assuming  we  owned  MCC  for  the  full  2023  fiscal 

year, grew approximately 2% year over year.  While organic growth was below our +5% CAGR target, given 

the  significant  demands  on  management  in  connection  with  the  integration  of  the  MCC  business,  we  are 

pleased with this performance of the combined business.  We anticipate lower organic revenue growth rates 

in the first 12 to 24 months following the completion of the MCC acquisition, as we intend to focus heavily on 

margin improvement in the MCC business during this initial period and we expect that organic revenue will 

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

accelerate at a CAGR that is more consistent with our organic revenue growth target in the latter part of our 

five-year  plan.    During  the  latter  parts  of  this  five-year  period,  we  anticipate  revenue  synergies,  as  further 

discussed below, to accelerate, and together with an organic revenue growth focus, enable us to meet our 

five-year target.  

• We  achieved  an Adjusted  EBITDA  margin  of  11.9%  in  fiscal  2023,  and  9.6%  and  11.6%  in  the  third  and 

fourth  quarters,  respectively,  which  represent  the  first  full  quarters  with  MCC  results.    Our  fourth  quarter 

financial results indicated positive trends with respect to Adjusted EBITDA margin objectives.  We currently 

expect to achieve the +14% Adjusted EBITDA margin within the next two years, primarily as a result of our 

synergies  target  plan,  as  further  described  below.    This  compares  favourably  with  the  15.0%  Adjusted 

EBITDA margin DCM achieved in 2022 prior to our acquisition of MCC.  

•

•

Our technology-enabled subscription services fee revenue grew 176.9% in the year compared to the same 

period  in  2022,  with  contributions  from  MCC’s  professional  services  revenue.  We  have  an  active  new 

product development pipeline which we expect will contribute to further growth in this category. 

Total  net  debt  to Adjusted  EBITDA  (net  of  lease  payments)  was  2.14x  at  the  end  of  2023.    Following  the 

year, we applied the net proceeds from the sale of our Trenton facility to repay outstanding debt.  This year, 

the repayment of our FPD VI acquisition facility will commence and, together with expected free cash flow 

contributions and anticipated Adjusted EBITDA margin growth, as further described below, we believe we will 

achieve this target in the near term. 

•

In November 2023, we updated our expected annualized post-acquisition synergies to a range of $30 to $35 

million over the next 18 - 24 months, and that we had implemented initiatives expected to deliver annualized 

savings  of  approximately  $17.5  million  in  2024.    We  are  updating  that  outlook.    Based  on  initiatives 

implemented to date, we currently expect implemented synergy initiatives to generate annualized savings of 

approximately  $22  million  on  an  annualized  basis,  and  continue  to  expect  to  realize  total  annualized 

synergies  in  a  range  of  $30  to  $35  million  over  the  next  twelve  months.    A  significant  proportion  of  the 

balance  of  our  annualized  synergies  are  expected  to  come  from  the  planned  closure  of  our  Fergus  and 

Trenton plants towards the end of this twelve month period.  

Our expected annual organic revenue growth objectives, total annualized synergies estimates, and Adjusted EBITDA 

margin objectives,  are principally based on the following material factors and assumptions: (1) given the significant 

overlap of the two businesses, DCM will be able to eliminate duplication of overhead expenses across the combined 

DCM  and  MCC  businesses  in  its  SG&A  functions;  (2)  given  significant  overlap  in  the  nature  of  DCM’s  and  MCC’s 

production  processes  and  combined  excess  capacity,  DCM  will  be  able  to  consolidate  manufacturing  plants;  (3) 

further operational and SG&A costs savings will be achievable once the above-noted initiatives are completed; (4) the 

combined business will achieve more favourable purchasing terms by virtue of the fact it is approximately twice the 

size of each of DCM and MCC pre-acquisition, and therefore able to command lower pricing from vendors based on 

larger volumes, and its expected ability to harmonize purchasing strategies to leverage more favourable purchasing 

terms than each company had individually for similar goods or services; and (5) the combined business will be able to 

generate certain revenue synergies from cross-selling each other’s broader, combined, suite of capabilities; and (6) 

the risks set forth in this MD&A under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements”. 

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REVENUE RECOGNITION POLICY

DCM recognizes revenue when control of the products or services it provides to its customers has been transferred.  

The recent acquisition of MCC did not affect this policy as their products and services are similar to those of DCM.  

The  following  is  a  description  of  the  principal  activities  from  which  DCM  generates  its  revenue,  along  with  the 

corresponding revenue recognition accounting policies.  

PRODUCT SALES

DCM  manufactures  customized  products  based  on  specifications  pre-approved  by  its  customers.   At  its  customers’ 

request, DCM will also purchase product from third-party vendors and resell that product to its customers, including 

technology-enabled  hardware  solutions  (see  “Technology-enabled  hardware  solutions”  below).    For  products  that 

DCM purchases and resells to its customers, DCM is typically a principal in these arrangements and is responsible 

for making key decisions over the purchasing of product and has the economic risks and rewards that are customary 

with  control.    Accordingly,  third-party  product  revenue  is  typically  presented  on  a  gross  basis  in  revenue  with  the 

corresponding product purchase cost and associated costs recognized in costs of revenue.  DCM recognizes revenue 

when control over the product transfers to the customer, which effectively occurs upon the completion of production or 

when  a  resale  product  is  purchased  from  a  third-party  vendor  and  inducted  into  DCM’s  warehouses  or  shipped 

directly by the vendor to the DCM customers due to the custom nature of the product.  In the case of custom third-

party products that do not have an alternative use to DCM, DCM is entitled to payment once the quantity of product 

pursuant  to  an  individual  purchase  order  is  produced  or  purchased  from  a  third-party  vendor  and  inducted  into 

warehouses.    Given  the  fact  that  DCM’s  manufactured  products  are  customized  or  purchased  specifically  at  the 

customer’s request, product returns are insignificant.

In some instances, DCM’s customers obtain the product directly from DCM following the completion of production or 

directly  from  third-party  vendors.    In  other  instances,  DCM’s  contracts  involve  the  provision  of  warehousing  and 

shipment services, in addition to manufacturing or purchasing of third-party products.  Certain of DCM’s contractual 

arrangements  with  its  customers  related  to  product,  include  the  provision  of  warehousing,  freight  and  financing 

services, in addition to manufacturing or purchase from third parties of customized products based on specifications 

pre-approved  by  its  customers.    For  bundled  pricing  arrangements,  DCM  allocates  the  transaction  price  to  each 

performance  obligation  based  on  their  relative  stand-alone  selling  prices.    Management  applies  judgment  and 

assumptions  when  determining  stand-alone  selling  prices  and  allocating  revenue  between  the  various  performance 

obligations  based  on  non-bundled  pricing  arrangements  and  comparable  market  data,  where  applicable.    In  some 

cases, DCM stores customized or purchased product at the request of the customer; the product is identifiable as the 

customer’s product; the product is ready for transfer to the customer upon the customer’s request; and DCM cannot 

re-direct  the  product  nor  use  the  product  to  fulfill  another  customer’s  product  order  under  the  contract.    Deferred 

revenue represents amounts that have been invoiced to the customer but not yet recognized as revenue, including 

advance  payments  and  billings  in  excess  of  revenue.    Deferred  revenue  is  recognized  as  revenue  when  DCM 

completes  the  production  of  product  or  upon  receipt  of  third-party  product  in  its  warehouses  or  when  warehousing 

and freight services are provided (see “Warehousing Services” and “Freight Services” below).

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

WAREHOUSING SERVICES

DCM provides custodial services to store customer product in its warehouse over a specified agreed upon period of 

time.    For  non-bundled  pricing  arrangements,  warehousing  revenues  are  recognized  over  the  period  that 

warehousing services are provided to the customer.  For bundled pricing arrangements, DCM allocates a portion of 

the initial transaction price for warehousing services and recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the agreed 

period  of  the  warehousing  as  it  best  represents  the  pattern  of  performance.    Amounts  are  typically  invoiced  as 

warehousing services are performed in accordance with agreed upon contractual terms at periodic intervals.  When 

DCM receives advance payments or issues billings in excess of revenue, these are recognized as deferred revenue 

in the statement of financial position.  Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue when or as DCM provides custodial 

services over the agreed upon warehouse term.

FREIGHT SERVICES

DCM frequently contracts with third parties to deliver product to its customers.  DCM is typically a principal for such 

shipment  services  as  it  is  responsible  for  making  key  decisions  over  the  shipment  arrangements  and  has  the 

economic risks and rewards associated with such control as a principal.  In those cases where DCM has identified it 

has  a  distinct  performance  obligation  to  arrange  product  shipment  services  and  control  of  the  product  has  been 

transferred  to  the  customer  prior  to  shipment,  DCM  recognizes  shipment  revenues  when  the  performance  of  the 

shipping service has occurred as products are shipped.

MARKETING AND OTHER SERVICES

Marketing services include fee-for-service marketing strategy, creative and other marketing services fees, and other 

ancillary services include fees related to financing charges associated with customers where DCM stores customer 

product  in  the  warehouse  over  a  period  of  time  and  invoices  the  customer  when  the  product  is  dispatched  from 

DCM's  warehouse.    Revenue  from  marketing  services  is  recognized  over  time  as  the  services  are  performed.  

Revenue for other ancillary services is recognized upon completion of the performance obligations to its customers.  

Financing  income  is  recognized  as  DCM  provides  custodial  services  to  its  customers  over  the  agreed  upon 

warehouse term.

TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED HARDWARE SOLUTIONS 

DCM procure certain products and services from third-party providers to ensure that our clients’ complete business 

and  marketing  communications  needs  are  met  while  providing  comprehensive  vendor  management  strategies.  

Technology-enabled hardware solutions include scanners, printers, tablets, and other technology applications, often 

with  barcoding  and  RFID  functionality,  and  digital  signage  applications.    Such  products  typically  complement  our 

product  sales,  and  other  services,  and  are  sold  to  clients  as  part  of  an  integrated  offering.    Technology-enabled 

hardware solutions represent a distinct performance obligation from our  “Product Sales” and “Marketing and Other 

Services”,  and  revenue  is  recognized  when  the  product  is  shipped  from  the  vendor  or  inducted  into  DCM’s 

warehouse. 

TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES AND FEES

DCM’s  technology-enabled  subscription  services  and  fees  include  the  provision  of  marketing  technology  workflow 

applications  and  digital  asset  management  (“DAM”)  solutions,  software  subscription  fees,  managed  technology 

services, program management services, professional services fees, content management fees, and implementation 

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. . M D & A . .

and  development  fees.    Typically,  these  services  and  fees  are  contracted  on  either  a  project  basis  in  the  case  of 

professional services, implementation, and development services fees or for periods of three to five-year terms, with 

one  to  two-year  renewal  options  in  the  case  of  software  subscription  fees  and  managed  technology  services.  

Revenue is measured based on the consideration DCM expects to be entitled to in exchange for providing services 

as they are delivered, or ratably over the term of the contract, and represents a distinct performance obligation.

COST OF REVENUES AND OTHER EXPENSES

DCM’s  cost  of  revenues  primarily  consists  of  raw  materials,  manufacturing  salaries  and  health  benefits,  occupancy 

costs, depreciation of owned equipment, and depreciation of the right-of-use asset (“ROU Asset”) for property leases 

and equipment leases.  DCM’s raw material costs consist primarily of paper, carbon and ink.  Manufacturing salaries 

and  benefits  costs  primarily  consist  of  employee  salaries  and  health  benefits  at  DCM’s  printing  and  warehousing 

facilities.  Occupancy costs consist primarily of depreciation of the ROU Asset for property leases, and costs related 

to utilities, insurance and building maintenance.  DCM’s other expenses primarily consist of selling, depreciation and 

amortization,  and  general  and  administration  expenses.    Selling  expenses  consist  primarily  of  employee  salaries, 

health benefits and commissions, and include related costs for travel, corporate communications, trade shows, and 

marketing programs.  Depreciation and amortization represent the allocation to income of the cost of property, plant 

and equipment, the ROU Asset, and intangible assets over their estimated useful lives.  General and administration 

expenses consist primarily of employee salaries, health benefits, and other personnel related expenses for executive, 

financial  and  administrative  personnel,  as  well  as  the  depreciation  of  the  ROU  Asset  for  property  leases, 

telecommunications, pension plan expenses and professional service fees.

Selected Consolidated Financial Information

The  following  tables  set  out  a  summary  of  consolidated  financial  information  and  supplemental  information  for  the 

periods indicated.  The summary annual financial information for each of fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 has 

been derived from DCM’s audited consolidated  financial  statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting 

Standards.  The unaudited financial information presented has been prepared on a basis consistent with our audited 

consolidated  financial  statements.    In  the  opinion  of  management,  such  unaudited  financial  data  reflects  all 

adjustments, consisting of normal and non-recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for 

those periods.

The principal factors that caused period to period variations in the financial information set forth in Table 3 below are 

as follows:

Increases in revenues, cost of revenues, gross profit and SG&A expenses in 2023, primarily attributed to the 

acquisition of MCC in April 2023; 

Increases in revenues, cost of revenues, gross profit and SG&A expenses in 2022, primarily attributed to the 

strong  performance  of  the  Company  following  the  return  to  more  normal  levels  of  operations  following  the 

easing of restrictions in travel, retail store operations, gatherings, and otherwise which were implemented to 

combat COVID-19; 

•

•

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

•

•

•

•

Acquisition  costs  in  2023  and  2022,  along  with  the  return  of  restructuring  expenses  in  2023  related  to  the 

acquisition of MCC and subsequent initiatives intended to derive post-merger integration synergies; 

Restructuring  initiatives  in  2021,  initiated  in  response  to  the  negative  impacts  from  COVID-19  on  the 

business in 2020 and which continued into 2021;

Debt  modification  losses  and  prepayment  fees  in  2021  related  to  credit  agreement  amendments  and 

repayment of certain credit facilities following the Company’s significant improvement in financial liquidity in 

2020;

Increases in the Canadian prime interest rate commencing in March 2022, in concert with a general global 

tightening of policy by central banks, which subsequently increased the cost of our borrowing of floating rate 

debt and our overall cost of new capital;

• Market  concerns  about  recessionary  pressures  as  a  result  of  such  monetary  policies,  which,  however,  did 

not materially negatively impact the Company; such monetary tightening and recessionary concerns appear 

to be moderating currently as they relate to our business;  

•

•

•

•

Unusually  high  inflationary  trends  in  North  America,  and  related  supply  chain  disruptions,  following  the 

economic  recovery  post-  COVID-19  as  related  restrictions  eased  in  late  2021  and  into  2022,  which 

particularly negatively impacted pricing and availability of raw materials such as paper, ink and freight, and 

which subsequently provided an opportunity for the Company to pass price increases on to its clients; these 

inflationary  and  availability  restrictions  substantially  subsided  in  2023,  however  we  have  experienced,  and 

expect to receive, further raw material pricing increases early in 2024, particularly with regards to specialty 

product substrates, albeit at more modest levels than experienced in 2022; 

Net  fair  value  losses  on  financial  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  in  2021,  2022  and  2023 

attributed to increases in the common share price of DCM in each of the periods; 

Other  income  in  2021  from  one-time  benefits  from  (1)  the  termination  of  an  option  agreement  previously 

entered into by the Company and (2) the settlement of outstanding litigation; and

Government  grant  income  related  to  CEWS  and  CERS  grants  received  in  recognition  of  the  significant 

negative business impacts of COVID-19 commencing in 2020 which continued in 2021.

There have been no material changes in accounting principles in our financial reporting over the three most recently 

completed financial years. 

15

DATA Communications Management Corp.

. . M D & A . .

TABLE 3

The following table sets out selected historical consolidated financial information for the periods noted.

(Loss) income before income taxes

(22,444)   

19,895 

For the years ended December 31, 
2023, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, 
except share and per share 
amounts, unaudited)

Revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross profit

$ 

Selling, general and administrative 
expenses
Restructuring expenses

Acquisition and integration costs
Net fair value losses on financial 
liabilities at fair value through profit 
or loss

(Loss) income before finance costs, 
other income, and income taxes

Finance costs 

Interest expense, net
Debt modification losses and 
prepayment fees
Amortization of transaction costs

Other Income

Other income
Government grant income

Income tax (recovery) expense

Current
Deferred

Net (loss) income for the year

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding, basic

Weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding, 
diluted

As at December 31, 2023 and 2022
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, 
unaudited)

Current assets
Current liabilities

Total assets
Total non-current liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

16

January 1 to 
December 31, 2023

January 1 to December 
31, 2022

January 1 to December 
31, 2021

447,725  $ 
328,814 
118,911 

87,244 

20,308 
10,903 

7,122 
125,577 

(6,666)   

15,321 

— 
457 
15,778 

— 
— 

273,804  $ 
189,580 
84,224 

54,439 

— 
1,870 

2,711 
59,020 

25,204 

4,965 

— 

344 
5,309 

— 
— 

1,209 
(7,799)   
(6,590)   
(15,854)  $ 

(0.31)  $ 
(0.31)  $ 

5,456 
473 
5,929 

13,966  $ 

0.32  $ 
0.30  $ 

235,331 
165,796 
69,535 

53,655 

9,691 
— 

2,302 
65,648 

3,887 

5,839 

473 

941 
7,253 

1,452 
4,558 

2,644 

2,238 
(1,159) 
1,079 
1,565 

0.04 
0.03 

50,832,543

44,062,831

43,993,494

50,832,543

46,572,066

46,136,507

As at December 31, 
2023

As at December 31, 
2022

As at December 31, 
2021

181,051  $ 
116,531  $ 

418,754  $ 
273,459  $ 

28,764  $ 

82,057  $ 
69,479  $ 

149,481  $ 
57,155  $ 

22,847  $ 

68,041 
62,845 

140,084 
69,198 

8,041 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
. . M D & A . .

DATA Communications Management Corp.

TABLE 4 

The following table sets out selected historical consolidated financial information for the periods noted.  

See the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section above for more details and Tables 3 and 4 

below for reconciliations of net income to Adjusted EBITDA and net income to Adjusted net income. 

For the years ended December 31, 
2023, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except 
percentage amounts, unaudited)

January 1 to December 
31, 2023

January 1 to December 
31, 2022

January 1 to December 
31, 2021

Revenues

Gross profit

As a percentage of revenues

Selling, general and administrative 
expenses 

   As a percentage of revenues

Adjusted EBITDA (see Table 5)
   As a percentage of revenues

Net income (loss) for the year

Adjusted net income (see Table 6)
   As a percentage of revenues

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

273,804 

$ 

235,331 

447,725 

118,911 

 26.6 %

$ 

$ 

84,224 

$ 

 30.8 %

87,244 

$ 

54,439 

$ 

 19.5 %

 19.9 %

53,390 

$ 

 11.9 %

40,965 

$ 

 15.0 %

(15,854) 

$ 

13,966 

12,827 

$ 

 2.9 %

17,388 

 6.4 %

$ 

$ 

69,535 

 29.5 %

53,655 

 23.8 %

35,588 

 14.1 %

1,565 

9,394 

 3.3 %

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

. . M D & A . .

TABLE  5 

The  following  table  provides  reconciliations  of  net  income  to  EBITDA  and  of  net  income  to Adjusted 

EBITDA  for  the  periods  noted.    See  “Non-IFRS  Accounting  Standards  Measures”  section  above  for 

more details.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

For the years ended December 31, 
2023, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, 
unaudited)

January 1 to December 
31, 2023

January 1 to December 
31, 2022

January 1 to December 
31, 2021

Net income for the year

$ 

(15,854)  $ 

13,966  $ 

Interest expense, net
Debt modification losses and 
prepayment fees
Amortization of transaction costs
Current income tax expense 
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Depreciation of property, plant and 
equipment
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation of the ROU Asset
EBITDA 

Acquisition and integration costs

Restructuring expenses

Net fair value (gains) losses on financial 
liabilities at fair value through profit or 
loss

Other income

Adjusted EBITDA 

15,321 

— 
457 
1,209 
(7,799)   

6,165 
2,881 
12,677 
15,057  $ 

10,903 

20,308 

7,122 

— 

4,965 

— 

344 
5,456 
473 

2,965 

1,606 
6,609 

36,384  $ 

1,870 

— 

2,711 

— 

$ 

$ 

53,390  $ 

40,965  $ 

1,565 

5,839 

473 

941 
2,238 
(1,159) 

3,133 

3,589 
8,428 

25,047 

— 

9,691 

2,302 

(1,452) 

35,588 

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
. . M D & A . .

DATA Communications Management Corp.

TABLE 6 

The following table provides reconciliations of net income to Adjusted net income and a presentation of 

Adjusted net income per share for the periods noted.  See “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” 

section above for more details.

Adjusted net income reconciliation

For the years ended December 31, 
2023, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, 
except share and per share amounts, 
unaudited)

January 1 to 
December 31, 2023

January 1 to December 
31, 2022

January 1 to December 
31, 2021

Net income for the year

$ 

(15,854)  $ 

13,966  $ 

10,903 
20,308 

7,122 
— 
(9,652)   
12,827  $ 

0.25  $ 

0.25  $ 

1,870   
—   

2,711   
—   
(1,159)  
17,388  $ 

0.39  $ 

0.37  $ 

1,565 

— 
9,691 

2,302 
(1,452) 
(2,712) 
9,394 

0.21 

0.20 

50,832,543  

44,062,831   

43,993,494 

50,832,543  

46,572,066   

46,136,507 

55,022,883

44,062,831

44,062,831

50,832,543  

46,572,066   

46,205,844 

Acquisition and integration costs
Restructuring expenses
Net fair value (gains) losses on 
financial liabilities at fair value 
through profit or loss
Other Income
Tax effect of the above adjustments

Adjusted net income for the year

Adjusted net income per share, 
basic 
Adjusted net income per share, 
diluted
Weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding, 
basic
Weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding, 
diluted
Number of common shares 
outstanding, basic
Number of common shares 
outstanding, diluted

$ 

$ 

$ 

Results of operations

REVENUES

For the year ended December 31, 2023, DCM recorded revenues of $447.7 million, an increase of $173.9 million or 

63.5%  compared  with  the  same  period  in  2022.    The  revenue 

increase  primarily  reflects  the  MCC  acquisition, 

which  contributed  $173.6  million  in  revenues  in  2023.    Excluding  the  MCC  acquisition,  DCM  organic  revenue 

increased  by  $0.3  million  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2022.    This  increase  is  due  to  expansion  revenue  from 

existing clients, new business wins, and aligning the commercial sales teams under common leadership.  However, 

this increase was offset by particularly strong comparable revenues in 2022, which were 16.3% higher than in 2021, 

and which benefited from renewed levels of client purchases post-COVID-19, and clients seeking to advance product 

purchases, given a challenging supply chain environment to offset risks securing available raw materials and finished 

goods.   

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. . M D & A . .

DCM  revenue  is  comprised  of  six  revenue  streams:  product  sales,  technology-enabled  subscription  service  fees, 

freight services, warehousing services, technology-enabled hardware solutions, and marketing and other services. 

Product sales

Technology-enabled subscription services and fees

Freight services

Warehousing services

Technology-enabled hardware solutions

Marketing and other services

January 1 to December 
31, 2023

January 1 to December 
31, 2022

$ 

396,316  $ 

239,355 

14,721   

13,247   

12,173   

8,516   

2,752   

$ 

447,725  $ 

5,317 

8,402 

7,325 

12,156 

1,249 

273,804 

For  fiscal  2023,  in  aggregate,  revenue  grew  by  63.5%,  compared  to  fiscal  2022.    The  primary  driver  behind  this 

substantial growth was the acquisition of MCC, with its results being included in DCM’s financial results from April 24, 

2023.    Notably,  product  sales  grew  65.6%  year  over  year,  primarily  due  to  the  MCC  acquisition.    The  larger 

operational  footprint  enabled  us  to  better  meet  customer  demands  and  orders  than  would  have  been  feasible  as 

separate entities and to remove certain production bottlenecks.  Inter-company and inter-plant production of finished 

goods accelerated through the year, allowing us to more efficiently allocate production, begin to insource production 

that  was  previously  outsourced,  and  reduce  backlog  at  certain  MCC  plants.    Accordingly,  management  does  not 

distinguish between “DCM” and “MCC” production, rather focusing on individual plant and related revenue streams on 

a consolidated basis.  Additionally, technology-enabled subscription services and fees grew 176.9% year over year, 

primarily  due  to  the  MCC  acquisition  and  its  higher  levels  of  professional  services  fees  associated  with  its 

transactional  print  services,  which  are  charged  separately  from  product  sales  on  a  fee-for-service  basis.    Freight 

Services and Warehousing Services grew by 57.7% and 66.2%, respectively, year over year, generally performing in 

line  with  growth  in  product  sales.    These  categories  support  the  overall  business  of  the  Company,  providing 

distribution and logistics services to our clients.  Marketing and other services grew 120.3% year over year, primarily 

due  to  organic  growth  in  marketing  services  revenue.    MCC  typically  did  not  offer  marketing  services  on  a  fee-for-

services basis.

COST OF REVENUES AND GROSS PROFIT

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  DCM  recorded  cost  of  revenues  of  $328.8  million,  an  increase  of  $139.2 

million or 73.4% from $189.6 million for the same period in 2022.

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $118.9 million, an increase of $34.7 million or 41.2% from 

$84.2 million for the same period in 2022.  Gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased to 26.6% for the year 

ended December 31, 2023, compared to 30.8% for the same period in 2022.

The increase in cost of revenues on a year-over-year basis was primarily a result of the acquisition of MCC in April 

2023 and the inclusion of its operations from the date of acquisition in DCM’s consolidated financial results.  Inflation 

increases  experienced  in  2022,  as  well  as  supply  chain  challenges,  significantly  moderated  in  2023.   As  a  result, 

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
. . M D & A . .

DATA Communications Management Corp.

more modest levels of inflationary impact were experienced on raw materials and freight, along with planned wage 

increases in line with recent years.

Gross profit as a percentage of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased from the prior period due 

to the acquisition of MCC as its average gross profit as a percentage of revenues has typically been lower than that of 

DCM’s historical business.  This is primarily attributed to relatively higher raw material costs as a percent of revenues, 

and lower relative sell prices for finished goods, at MCC, as well as higher relative fixed overhead expenses.  DCM 

has  commenced  its  planned  initiatives  to  drive  operating  efficiencies  in  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  MCC  to 

optimize its operational footprint, and harmonize pricing strategies, which are intended to improve consolidated gross 

profit margins.  The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of revenues was partially offset by higher levels of client 

demand,  favourable  product  mix  (higher  margin  resales  revenue  realized),  increased  margins  for  freight  and 

warehousing  revenue,  procurement  synergies  derived  through  improved  purchasing  practices  including  more 

favourable pricing, and further progress passing on paper price increases to our customers. 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $87.2 million, or 

19.5% of total revenues, an increase of $32.8 million or 60.3%, from $54.4 million, or 19.9% of total revenues, for the 

same period in 2022.

SG&A  expenses  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023  increased  from  the  prior  period,  however  SG&A  as  a 

percentage  of  revenues  declined.    The  increase  in  SG&A  (in  dollars)  was  primarily  attributable  to  the  addition  of 

MCC’s  SG&A  expenses.    The  decrease  in  SG&A  as  a  percentage  of  revenues  was  primarily  driven  by  the  lower 

relative  SG&A  expense  of  MCC’s  business  as  a  percentage  of  revenues  compared  to  that  of  DCM's  historical 

business.    Notably,  selling  expenses  saw  a  decline  in  the  latter  half  of  the  year,  as  a  result  of  a  strategic 

reorganization  of  the  sales  team.    This  decline  benefited  from  certain  restructuring  initiatives  related  to  SG&A 

completed  to  date  and  was  partially  offset  by  merit-based  salary  increases  and  higher  consulting  fees  related  to  a 

one-time project.  

ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION COSTS

DCM  incurred  $10.9  million  for  one-time,  non-recurring  acquisition  and  integration  costs  related  to  the  MCC 

acquisition.  Of those amounts, a total of $5.6 million related specifically to acquisition costs, including fees related to 

due diligence costs of its operational, legal and financial advisors and other direct acquisition costs, including fees to 

our senior lenders for the year ended December 31, 2023.  The remaining $5.3 million was related to one-time, non-

recurring  integration  fees,  including  additional  audit  support,  plant  closure,  asset  valuation  analysis,  equipment 

moves, strategic advisory fees and other post-transaction integration consulting.

RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES

DCM incurred total one-time, non-recurring restructuring expenses of $20.3 million for the year ended December 31, 

2023  compared  to  nil  for  the  same  periods  in  2022,  all  of  which  related  to  post-acquisition  integration  initiatives 

following  the  MCC  acquisition.    DCM  commenced  its  planned  initiatives  to  drive  synergies  in  connection  with  the 

acquisition of MCC in the second quarter of 2023 and accelerated those initiatives in the third and fourth quarters of 

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

. . M D & A . .

2023, including initiatives to reduce headcount while aligning its organizational structure and optimizing its operational 

footprint.  The restructuring expenses include headcount reductions in various functions, including operations, senior 

executive management, sales and other SG&A functional roles, and costs to move equipment and inventory from the 

closed facilities.  Additionally, these one-time charges account for the closure of the Edmonton facility, accompanying 

facility  closure  costs  and  the  associated  expenses  incurred  in  relocating  equipment  and  inventory  from  the  closed 

facilities.  Restructuring costs of $7.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 related primarily to the Fergus 

and Trenton  facilities  provision  for  anticipated  plant  closure  costs.   This  provision  was  established  as  the  expected 

severance costs for these employees became substantially determinable in the fourth quarter of 2023. 

NET  FAIR  VALUE  (GAINS)  LOSSES  ON  FINANCIAL  LIABILITIES  AT  FAIR  VALUE  THROUGH  PROFIT  AND 

LOSS

The trading price of our common share increased by 80.7% during the year ended 2023, from $1.45 as of January 

01, 2023 to $2.62 as of December 31, 2023.  Accordingly, we incurred an expense of $7.1 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2023, compared to $2.7 million for the same periods in 2022.  DCM recorded these non-cash accruals 

for mark-to-market expense and the normal vesting expense for outstanding long-term incentive compensation in the 

form of RSUs and DSUs.

EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA

For the year ended December 31, 2023, EBITDA was $15.1 million or 11.7% of revenues compared to $36.4 million 

or 13.3% of revenues in the same period in 2022.  For the year ended December 31, 2023, Adjusted EBITDA was 

$53.4  million  or  11.9%  of  revenues  after  adjusting  EBITDA  for  $20.3  million  of  restructuring  costs,  $10.9  million  in 

acquisition  costs  and  integration  costs  and  $7.1  million  of  net  fair  value  (gains)  losses  on  financial  liabilities  at  fair 

value through profit or loss, compared to $41.0 million or 15.0% of revenues after adjusting EBITDA for acquisition 

costs and integration costs of $1.9 million and $2.7 million of net fair value (gains) losses on financial liabilities at fair 

value through profit or loss for the same period in 2022.

The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior two years in 2022 

was  due  to  an  increase  in  overall  revenues  and  gross  profit  contributions  from  the  operations  of  MCC  in  DCM’s 

consolidated financial results from the date of completion of the MCC acquisition, and MCC’s lower relative SG&A as 

a percentage of revenue.  Adjusted EBITDA margin declined for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the lower 

average  gross  margins  of  MCC.    DCM  believes  it  is  well-advanced  on  its  planned  initiatives  to  drive  synergies  in 

connection  with  the  acquisition  of  MCC  to  optimize  its  operational  footprint,  which  we  expect  will  improve Adjusted 

EBITDA  margin.    For  a  description  of  the  material  factors  and  assumptions  on  which  we  have  based  our  expected 

total annualized synergies estimates, see “Forward-looking statements” and “Recent Developments – Moore Canada 

Corporation (MCC) Acquisition”.

FINANCE AND OTHER COSTS

Finance costs include interest on debt outstanding under DCM’s credit facilities, interest accretion expense related to 

certain debt obligations discounts/ premiums, interest on pension obligations, debt extinguishment gains, amortization 

of debt transaction costs, loss on accounting sale and leaseback and interest expense on lease liabilities under IFRS 

16.  For the year ended December 31, 2023, DCM incurred $15.8 million of finance costs compared to $5.3 million for 

22

. . M D & A . .

DATA Communications Management Corp.

the  same  period  in  2022.    The  increase  in  finance  costs  on  a  year-over-year  basis  was  largely  attributable  to  the 

indebtedness DCM incurred in April 2023 to fund the acquisition of MCC.

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased due to additional debt incurred by DCM to finance 

the acquisition of MCC.  The additional debt bears interest at higher rates than DCM’s other outstanding debt, which, 

together with increases in the prime rate applicable to DCM’s floating rate debt, contributed to the increase in interest 

expense.  This was offset by a decrease in interest expense from the extinguishment of DCM's former bank term loan 

and repayment of the FPD IV and FPD V loans.

INCOME TAXES

DCM reported a loss before income taxes of $22.4 million and a net income tax recovery of $6.6 million for the year 

ended December 31, 2023 compared to income before income taxes of $19.9 million and net income tax expense of 

$5.9 million for the same period in 2022.

The  deferred  income  tax  expense  was  adjusted  for  any  changes  in  estimates  of  future  reversals  of  temporary 

differences. 

NET (LOSS) INCOME 

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $15.9 million compared to a net income of $14.0 million for the 

same period in 2022.

The  decrease  in  comparable  profitability  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023  to  the  previous  year  ended 

December  31,  2022  was  due  to  restructuring  costs  of  $20.3  million,  one-time  acquisition  and  integration  costs  of 

$10.9  million,  net  fair  value  losses  on  financial  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  of  $7.1  million,  and 

increased interest expense from higher levels of debt incurred to finance the MCC acquisition.

ADJUSTED NET INCOME 

Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $12.8 million compared to $17.4 million for the same 

period in 2022.  For a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted net income for the periods noted, see Table 6 

above.

The decrease in comparable profitability for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to the restructuring 

costs, one-time acquisition and integration costs associated with the integration of the MCC business, and increased 

interest expense from higher levels of debt incurred to finance the MCC acquisition.  This was offset by an increase in 

overall revenues and gross margin dollars from the acquisition of MCC.

Liquidity and capital resources

LIQUIDITY

DCM's strategic allocation of funds has been guided by a comprehensive approach encompassing various financial 

priorities.  The primary focus areas for fund utilization have encompassed working capital needs, capital investments, 

business acquisitions, organic growth initiatives, and the repayment of outstanding indebtedness.  DCM has funded 

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

. . M D & A . .

these liquidity requirements primarily with cash generated from operating activities and funds drawn from its unused 

committed  credit  facilities  and  long-term  debt.   Additionally,  the  Company  has  supplemented  its  financial  resources 

through the net proceeds derived from asset sales.  

In assessing its ongoing liquidity requirements, DCM conducts a comprehensive analysis, considering its current cash 

position,  anticipated  cash  inflows  from  operational  activities,  projected  availability  of  funds  from  unused  credit 

facilities,  cash  from  investing  activities  such  as  sales  of  real  estate  acquired  with  the  acquisition  of  MCC  and  of 

redundant  assets,  access  to  the  capital  markets  and  expected  reductions  resulting  from  existing  restructuring 

activities, as well as its ongoing cash needs for its existing operations.

DCM’s  working  capital  requirements  consist  primarily  of  the  costs  associated  with  manufacturing  and  delivering  its 

products  and  services.   These  include  expenditures  related  to  wages,  facility  operations,  payments  to  suppliers  for 

raw materials, debt repayments, and other operational necessities.  DCM’s working capital requirements are primarily 

affected by the level of operating activities, including the length of the Company’s operating cycles, printed products 

inventory turnover, and collection of accounts receivable.

Looking ahead, DCM anticipates that a combination of cash reserves, future operational cash flows, and access to 

committed  credit  facilities  will  enable  the  Company  to  meet  its  projected  operating  requirements  for  the  next  12 

months.    This  includes  generating  adequate  levels  of  working  capital,  funding  expenditures  related  to  its  growth 

strategy,  expenses  related  to  ongoing  restructuring  initiatives  (particularly  related  to  severance  payments), 

investments  in  productivity  improvement  initiatives,  contributions  to  its  pension  plans,  payment  of  income  tax 

liabilities, financing of planned capital expenditures, and fulfilling debt repayment obligations.  To the extent required, 

the Company also believes it has access to equity markets to fund additional capital needs. 

DCM  believes  the  following  factors  could  adversely  impact  cash  flows  from  operations,  primary  sources  of  liquidity 

and operational capabilities in the future: diminished demand for the Company’s products and services, including, in 

particular,  decreased  demand  for  traditional  business  forms  and  print-related  products;  pricing  pressures  from  both 

existing  and  new  customers;  competition;  rising  manufacturing,  distribution  and  other  operating  costs,  including 

increases in the costs of freight, paper, ink, and other raw material inputs used by DCM in the conduct of its business, 

including as a result of continued inflationary pressures, and higher wages; interest rate increases, which have, and 

may  in  the  future,  adversely  affect  the  borrowing  costs  associated  with  DCM’s  floating  rate  indebtedness;  supply 

chain disruptions; seasonal variations in customer spending; and higher wage costs; and restructuring expenses.

CREDIT AGREEMENTS

BANK  FACILITIES

DCM  has  established  a  revolving  credit  facility  (the  “New  Bank  Credit  Facility”)  pursuant  to  a  third  amended  and 

restated credit agreement (the “Bank Credit Agreement”) with a Canadian chartered bank (the “Bank”) as part of the 

financing of the acquisition of MCC on April 24, 2023.  Under the terms of the amended Bank Credit Agreement, the 

maximum principal amount available under the New Bank Credit Facility was increased from $15.0 million to $90.0 

million.  The New Bank Credit Facility also includes an “accordion” feature, which can provide up to an additional $20 

million  of  capacity  under  the  revolving  facility.   The  New  Bank  Credit  Facility  matures  on April  24,  2026.   The  New 

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

Bank Credit Facility is available to be drawn by way of either Prime Rate loans, Base Rate loans, Canadian Dollar 

Offered  Rate  (“CDOR”)  loans,  Secured  Overnight  Financing  Rate  (“SOFR  loans”),  and/or  Letters  of  Credit.    Prime 

rate loans charge interest based on the prime rate plus a margin whereby the prime rate is the greater of the Bank’s 

published reference rate on Canadian Dollar denominated commercial loans and the CDOR rate for a period of 30 

days  plus  100  basis  points  per  annum.    Under  the  Bank  Credit  Agreement,  the  Canadian  Overnight  Repo  Rate 

Average  (“CORRA”)  plus  0.3%  will  replace  the  CDOR  rate  when  the  CDOR  rate  ceases  at  the  end  of  June  2024.  

Currently, advances under the New Bank Credit Facility may not, at any time, exceed the lesser of $90.0 million and a 

fixed percentage of DCM’s aggregate accounts receivable and inventory (less certain amounts).  Advances under the 

New Bank Credit Facility are subject to floating interest rates based upon the Canadian prime rate plus an applicable 

margin of 1.25% for a rate of 8.45% as at December 31, 2023.  The amendment to the revolving credit facility was 

accounted  for  as  an  extinguishment  of  the  previous  facility  which  was  derecognized  along  with  the  remaining 

unamortized balance of prior transaction costs and unamortized debt premium and the new debt was then recorded 

at fair value along with associated transaction costs of $1.1 million. 

As part of the refinancing of the MCC acquisition, DCM also established a $30.0 million, one-year committed senior 

secured credit facility (the “Real Estate Bridge Loan”).  The Real Estate Bridge Loan was available by way of Prime 

Rate loans and CDOR loans and was subject to a floating interest rate based upon the Canadian prime rate plus an 

applicable margin of 1.5% increasing to 1.75% by the time the loan was fully repaid in December from the proceeds 

of the sale and leaseback of the Oshawa and Fergus properties.

Subsequent  to  fiscal  2023,  DCM  also  entered  into  a  sale  and  leaseback  agreement  of  its  Trenton,  Ontario  facility, 

which was completed in January 2024 (note 27) and the proceeds from the sale of $8.5 million were applied towards 

paying down the New Bank Credit Facility.

On November 8, 2021, DCM established a term loan (“Bank Term Loan”) with the Bank for $10.0 million as part of a 

refinancing of a credit facility previously with Crown Credit Partners.  The Bank Term Loan was subject to a floating 

interest rate based upon the Canadian prime rate plus an applicable margin of 3.50% and was repaid as part of the 

acquisition.

As at December 31, 2023, DCM had access to $26.2 million of available credit under the New Bank Credit Facility 

and had cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdraft, of $16.1 million as shown on the consolidated statement of 

financial position as at December 31, 2023.

FPD FACILITIES

DCM has two amortizing term loan facilities (the “FPD VI Credit Facilities”) with Fiera Private Debt VI L.P. (“FPD VI”), 

which is a fund managed by Fiera Private Debt Fund GP Inc. (“FPD”) pursuant to an amended and restated credit 

agreement dated as of April 24, 2023 (the “FPD Credit Agreement”).

DCM established a new $50.0 million committed term loan with FPD VI (“FPD VI New Term Loan” and, together with 

the New Bank Credit Facility and the Bank Term Loan, the “Credit Facilities”) at an interest rate of 8.08% to partially 

finance the acquisition of MCC.  71.5% of the FPD VI New Term Loan must be repaid in fifty-nine (59) equal monthly 

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payments of principal plus accrued interest on the outstanding principal amount and the remaining 28.5%, together 

with  accrued  interest,  must  be  repaid  on  the  maturity  date  on  April  21,  2028.    DCM  elected  to  defer  principal 

payments  on  this  facility  for  the  first  twelve  months  following  the  closing  of  the  MCC  acquisition.    The  associated 

transaction costs of this new loan were $0.7 million.

As part of the MCC acquisition, in April 2023, the maturity dates of pre-existing loans with FPD IV and FPD V, two 

other  funds  managed  by  Fiera  Private  Debt  GP  Inc.  were  extended  to  December  31,  2023  at  an  interest  rate  of 

8.08%.  These loans were fully repaid during the year using the proceeds from the Offering.

COVENANT REQUIREMENTS

Each  of  the  Bank  Credit  Agreement  and  the  FPD  Credit  Agreement  contains  customary  representations  and 

warranties, certain financial covenant requirements, as well as certain restrictive covenants which limit the discretion 

of  the  Board  and  management  with  respect  to  certain  business  matters,  including  the  declaration  or  payment  of 

dividends  on  the  common  shares  of  DCM  without  the  consent  of  the  Bank  and  FPD  VI,  as  applicable.    As  of 

December 31, 2023, DCM was in compliance with all of its financial covenants. 

The  continued  ability  to  comply  with  financial  covenants  under  the  Company’s  credit  facilities  for  at  least  the  next 

twelve  months  is  contingent  on  management’s  ability  to  meet  budgeted  revenue,  profitability  and  working  capital 

targets.  The estimate of future cash flows in the Company’s 2024 budget and forecasts through to March 31, 2025 

includes a number of key assumptions to support the financial covenant calculations, specifically related to forecast 

revenues  and  gross  margins  (which  in  turn  impact  earnings  before  interest,  income  taxes,  depreciation  and 

amortization  (EBITDA)).    Management  is  satisfied  that  the  Company’s  forecasts  and  projections,  taking  account  of 

reasonably possible changes in results and other uncertainties will not result in any breach of the financial covenants 

on its credit facilities within the next fifteen months.

For purposes of the Bank Credit Agreement, the FPD Credit Agreements, “EBITDA” means net income or net loss for 

the  relevant  period,  calculated  on  a  consolidated  basis,  plus  amounts  deducted,  or  minus  amounts  added,  in 

calculating  net  income  or  net  loss  in  respect  of:  (a)  the  aggregate  expense  incurred  for  interest  on  debt  and  other 

costs  of  obtaining  credit;  (b)  income  taxes,  whether  or  not  deferred;  (c)  depreciation  and  amortization;  non-cash 

expenses  resulting  from  employee  or  management  compensation,  including  the  grant  of  stock  options  or  restricted 

options to employees; any gain or loss attributable to the sale, conversion or other disposition of property out of the 

ordinary course of business; interest or dividend income; foreign exchange gain or loss; gains resulting from the write-

up  of  property  and  losses  resulting  from  the  write-down  of  property  (except  allowances  for  doubtful  accounts 

receivable and non-cash reserves for obsolete inventory); any gain or loss on the repurchase or redemption of any 

securities (including in connection with the early retirement or defeasance of any debt); goodwill and other intangible 

asset write-downs; lease payments to convert on a pre-IFRS 16 basis; and any other extraordinary, nonrecurring or 

unusual items such as restructuring costs (as agreed to by the lender) provided the amounts added back pursuant to 

clause (c) above in respect of cash expenses (other than acquisition, integration and restructuring costs related to the 

MCC acquisition) are capped at 15% of unadjusted EBITDA.  The pro forma financial results from any acquisitions 

completed by DCM during a given year are included on a trailing twelve month basis effective as of the closing date 

of the acquisitions for the purposes of DCM’s covenant calculations.  

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A  failure  by  DCM  to  comply  with  its  obligations  under  the  Bank  Credit  Agreement  or  the  FPD  Credit  Agreement, 

together  with  certain  other  events,  including  a  change  of  control  of  DCM  and  a  change  in  DCM’s  Chief  Executive 

Officer,  President  or  Chief  Financial  Officer  (unless  a  replacement  officer  acceptable  to  FPD,  acting  reasonably,  is 

appointed within 60 days of the effective date of such officer’s resignation), could result in an event of default which, if 

not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of the indebtedness outstanding under each of those agreements.

INTER-CREDITOR AGREEMENT

DCM’s  obligations  under  the  New  Bank  Credit  Facility  and  the  FPD  VI  Credit  Facility  are  secured  by  conventional 

security, charging all of the property and assets of DCM and its subsidiaries.  DCM has entered into an inter-creditor 

agreement  between  the  Bank  and  FPD  VI,  which,  among  other  things,  establishes  the  rights  and  priorities  of  the 

respective liens of the Bank and FPD VI on the present and after-acquired property of DCM and its subsidiaries.  

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS

During the year ended December 31, 2023, cash flows generated by operating activities were $32.8 million compared 

to cash flows generated by operating activities of $22.7 million during the same period in 2022.  The current period 

cash  flow  from  operations,  before  adjusting  for  changes  in  working  capital,  generated  a  total  of  $26.9  million 

compared  with  $29.0  million  for  the  same  period  last  year.    The  change  in  the  current  period  cash  flow  from 

operations is primarily related to the net loss incurred during the period, the net fair value (gains) losses on financial 

liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, restructuring costs, higher depreciation and amortization expense due to 

MCC  acquisition,  one-time  acquisition  and  integration  costs,  and  increased  interest  expense  from  higher  levels  of 

debt to finance the MCC acquisition. 

Changes in working capital, excluding the purchase price accounting of MCC during the year ended December 31, 

2023 generated $5.9 million in cash compared with $6.3 million of cash used in the prior year.  During the year ended 

December 31, 2023, DCM had a cash outflow of $3.6 million from trade receivables compared to an outflow of $3.1 

million for the same period in 2022.  Changes in working capital further increased by a cash inflow of $14.4 million 

from  inventories  compared  to  an  outflow  of  $8.1  million  for  the  same  period  in  2022.    Lower  inventory  levels  were 

achieved as the availability of, and access to, paper and other raw material inputs improved, strong production levels 

consumed  inventory,  and  an  improving  supply  chain  environment  has  meant  lower  stocks  are  required  to  be 

maintained. 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

For the year ended December 31, 2023, $104.5 million in cash flows were used for investing activities compared with 

$1.5 million during the same period in 2022.  Total cash consideration for the acquisition of MCC was $131.0 million, 

net of $4.8 million of cash acquired.  This was offset by an inflow of $29.5 million realized in connection with the sale 

and  leaseback  of  its  Oshawa,  Ontario  and  Fergus,  Ontario  facilities,  which  were  acquired  as  part  of  the  MCC 

acquisition. The remaining balance relates to $4.2 million in purchases of new equipment. 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

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For the year ended December 31, 2023, the cash flow generated by financing activities was $85.2 million compared 

with $17.9 million used during the same period in 2022.

A  total  of  $87.6  million  was  repaid  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023  on  DCM's  credit  facilities  compared  to  a 

repayment of $12.6 million during the same period in 2022.  In total, DCM borrowed $162.1 million under its Credit 

Facilities, of which $132.2 million was related to the acquisition of MCC and associated transaction costs.  During the 

same period, DCM repaid $87.6 million of outstanding debt, of which $44.0 million was related to repayments on the 

New Bank Credit Facility and the prior credit facility with the Bank, $30 million were repayments on the Real Estate 

Bridge Loan using proceeds of $29.5 million from the sale and leaseback transaction of Oshawa, Ontario and Fergus, 

Ontario facilities and $0.5 million from working capital, $6.1 million were full repayments on the FPD IV and FPD V 

term  loans,  with  the  remaining  balance  for  regular  principal  repayments  on  term  loans.  This  was  offset  by  $24.2 

million of net proceeds realized from a private placement of common shares of the Company completed during the 

second quarter of 2023. 

Lease payments increased from $8.7 million to $13.3 million in the current period as a result of the MCC acquisition 

and as a result of the sale and leaseback transaction of Oshawa, Ontario and Fergus, Ontario facilities.  Lastly, an 

exercise of warrants to purchase common shares of the Company resulted in a cash inflow of $0.5 million, while an 

exercise of options to purchase common shares of the Company resulted in a cash inflow of $0.8 million. 

Outstanding share data

At  March  20,  2024  and  December  31,  2023,  there  were  55,022,883  and  55,022,883  common  shares  of  DCM 

outstanding,  respectively.    At  December  31,  2022,  there  were  44,062,831  common  shares  of  the  Company 

outstanding.

At  March  20,  2024  and  December  31,  2023,  there  were  options  outstanding  to  purchase  up  to  4,529,000  and 

4,529,000 common shares of the Company, respectively.  At December 31, 2022, there were options outstanding to 

purchase up to 4,700,886 common shares of the Company.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, options to purchase up to 750,000 common shares were awarded to a 

member of management. Once vested, the options are exercisable for a period of seven years from the grant date at 

an exercise price of $3.42 per share, representing the fair value of the common shares of the Company on the date of 

grant.  250,000 of these options were forfeited during the year and the remaining 500,000 options vest at a rate of 1/2 

each year beginning on April 27, 2024.

At March 20, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were warrants outstanding to purchase up to 261,216 and 261,216 

common shares of the Company, respectively.  At December 31, 2022, there were warrants outstanding to purchase 

up to 1,648,156 common shares, all of which were exercised during fiscal 2023.

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Financial instruments and Risk management

DCM’s financial instruments consist of cash, trade receivables, bank overdraft, trade payables and accrued liabilities, 

credit facilities, and lease liabilities.  All of DCM's financial instruments are non-derivative in nature and DCM does not 

enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

FAIR VALUE

DCM's non-derivative financial instruments are comprised of cash, trade receivables, bank overdraft, trade payables 

and  accrued  liabilities,  credit  facilities,  and  lease  liabilities.    Non-derivative  financial  instruments  are  recognized 

initially at fair value plus, for instruments not at fair value through profit or loss, any directly attributable transaction 

costs. Subsequent to initial recognition non-derivative financial instruments are measured as described below.

Non-derivative financial instruments at fair value through the profit and loss include restricted share units and director 

share  units,  which  are  recorded  as  a  liability  at  fair  value  on  the  grant  date  and  are  subsequently  adjusted  for 

changes in the price of DCM's common shares through the consolidated statements of operations. 

The  fair  value  for  other  non-derivative  financial  instruments  such  as  cash,  trade  receivables,  bank  overdraft,  trade 

payables  and  accrued  liabilities  approximates  their  carrying  value  because  of  the  short-term  maturity  of  these 

instruments.    Credit  facilities  are  initially  recognized  at  the  discounted  present  value  of  the  amounts  required  to  be 

paid to derive their fair value and are then measured at amortized costs using the effective interest method.  The fair 

values are not materially different from their carrying amounts since the interest payable on these borrowings is close 

to market rates. 

CREDIT RISK

Credit  risk  is  the  risk  of  an  unexpected  loss  if  a  customer  or  counterparty  to  a  financial  instrument  fails  to  meet  its 

contractual  obligations.    Financial  instruments  that  potentially  subjected  DCM  to  credit  risk  consisted  of  cash  and 

trade receivables.

DCM grants credit to customers in the normal course of business.  DCM typically does not require collateral or other 

security from customers; however, credit evaluations are performed prior to the initial granting of credit terms when 

warranted and periodically thereafter.  Normal credit terms for amounts due from customers call for payment within 0 

to 60 days.

DCM  has  trade  receivables  from  clients  engaged  in  various  industries,  including  financial  institutions,  insurance, 

healthcare, lottery and gaming, retailing, not-for-profit, energy and governmental agencies that are not concentrated 

in  any  specific  geographic  area.    DCM  does  not  believe  that  any  single  industry  or  geographic  region  represents 

significant credit risk.  DCM’s large client base mitigates credit risk concentration with respect to trade receivables.

To measure the estimated credit losses (“ECL”), trade receivables, including unbilled receivables, have been grouped 

based on similar credit risk characteristics, past due status and other relevant factors.  The expected default rates are 

calculated based on management’s estimate as well as historical credit losses.  The historical loss rates are adjusted 

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to reflect current and forward-looking information on economic factors affecting the ability of the customers to settle 

the trade receivable.

On that basis, the loss allowance as at December 31, 2023 was determined using default rates under the provision 

matrix for an amount of $1.7 million (2022 – $1.6 million), of which $1.2 million (2022 – $1.2 million) relates to unbilled 

receivables.

The  following  default  rates  are  used  to  calculate  the  ECLs  on  billed  receivables  as  at  December  31,  2023  and 

December 31, 2022, respectively:

December 31, 2023 (in thousands of 
Canadian dollars, except percentage 
amounts)

Default rates

Billed receivables balance

Billed receivables ECL

December 31, 2022 (in thousands of 
Canadian dollars, except percentage 
amounts)

Default rates

Billed receivables balance

Billed receivables ECL

December 31, 2021 (in thousands of 
Canadian dollars, except percentage 
amounts)

Default rates

Billed receivables balance

Billed receivables ECL

Total

Current 
period

Over 30 
days

Over 60 
days

Over 90 
days

$85,989

$523

0.11%

$49,828

$54

0.22%

$23,055

$50

0.30%

$9,048

$27

9.66%

$4,058

$392

Total

Current 
period

Over 30 
days

Over 60 
days

Over 90 
days

$41,554

$415

0.13%

$26,316

$34

0.13%

$10,369

$13

0.33%

$3,291

$11

22.60%

$1,578

$357

Total

Current 
period

Over 30 
days

Over 60 
days

Over 90 
days

$35,643

$533

0.32%

$19,351

$61

0.57%

$10,429

$59

0.65%

$2,863

$19

13.14%

$3,000

$394

The  following  default  rates  are  used  to  calculate  the  ECLs  on  unbilled  receivables  as  at  December  31,  2023  and 

December 31, 2022, respectively:

December 31, 2023 (in thousands of Canadian 
dollars, except percentage amounts)
Unbilled receivables
Unbilled receivables balance

Unbilled receivables ECL

Total

Less than 
30 days

Over 30 
days

Over 60 
days

Over 90 
days

$33,687

$1,197

0.81%
22,308

$181

0.91%
2,753

$25

1.03%
1,358

$14

13.44%
7,268

$977

December 31, 2022 (in thousands of Canadian 
dollars, except percentage amounts)

Total

Current 
period

Over 30 
days

Over 60 
days

Over 90 
days

Default rates
Unbilled receivables balance

Unbilled receivables ECL

$14,641

$1,150

0.86%
$3,840

$33

1.56%
$2,765

$43

1.28%
$1,327

$17

15.75%
$6,709

$1,057

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December 31, 2021 (in thousands of Canadian 
dollars, except percentage amounts)

Total

Current 
period

Over 30 
days

Over 60 
days

Over 90 
days

Default rates
Unbilled receivables balance

Unbilled receivables ECL

$17,207

$750

0.22%
$5,111

$11

0.47%
$2,245

$11

1.07%
$2,138

$23

9.14%
$7,713

$705

At the end of each reporting period, management reassesses the default rates. Default rates are applied to the billed 

and unbilled receivable balances to calculate the credit default reserve.  Management assesses the adequacy of this 

reserve  quarterly,  taking  into  account  historical  experience,  current  collection  trends,  the  age  of  receivables  and, 

when warranted and available, the financial condition of specific counterparties.  When collection efforts have been 

reasonably  exhausted,  specific  balances  are  written  off.   As  at  December  31,  2023  the  Company  has  $4.1  million 

(5%) of its billed receivables that are over 90 days old (2022 - $1.6 million or 4%).  The increase in billed receivables 

is primarily driven by the timing issue, as most of the billed receivables were collected after the year end. 

Judgment  by  management  is  required  to  determine  both  (a)  the  revenue  and  billed  receivables  to  be  recognized, 

where price concessions may need to be given to encourage customers to settle older amounts promptly as a result 

of  billing  issues  under  IFRS  15  (as  revenue  can  only  be  recognized  to  the  extent  that  it  is  highly  probable  that  a 

significant  reversal  in  the  amount  of  revenue  will  not  occur  when  the  uncertainty  associated  with  the  variable 

consideration is subsequently resolved), and (b) ECL provisions required under IFRS 9 to reflect impairments of its 

trace receivables as a result of customers inability to settle the billed receivables. 

LIQUIDITY RISK

In assessing DCM’s liquidity requirements, DCM takes into account its level of cash, together with currently projected 

cash  to  be  provided  by  operating  activities,  cash  available  from  its  unused  credit  facilities,  cash  from  investing 

activities  such  as  sales  of  redundant  assets,  access  to  the  capital  markets  and  anticipated  reductions  in  operating 

costs  projected  to  result  from  existing  restructuring  activities,  as  well  as  its  ongoing  cash  needs  for  its  existing 

operations.

The continued ability to comply with financial covenants on the Company’s credit facilities for at least the next twelve 

months is contingent on management’s ability to meet budgeted revenue, profitability and working capital targets. The 

estimate  of  future  cash  flows  in  the  Company’s  2024  budget  include  a  number  of  key  assumptions  to  support  the 

financial  covenant  calculations,  specifically  related  to  forecast  revenues  and  gross  margins  (which  in  turn  impact 

earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)).  Management is satisfied that the 

Company’s  forecasts  and  projections,  taking  account  of  reasonably  possible  changes  in  results  and  other 

uncertainties, will not result in any breach of the financial covenants on its credit facilities within the next year.

There can be no assurances that DCM will be successful in meeting its financial covenants for at least the next twelve 

months or that future waivers will be provided by the lenders if the covenants are not met. 

Liquidity risk is the risk that DCM may encounter difficulties in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities 

as they become due.  DCM believes that the currently projected cash flow from operations and cash on hand will be 

sufficient to fund its currently projected operating requirements, including expenditures related to its growth strategy, 

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payments associated with provisions as a result of on-going productivity improvement initiatives, payment of income 

tax liabilities, contributions to its pension plans, maintenance or investment in new capital expenditures, and interest 

and  scheduled  repayments  of  borrowings  under  its  credit  facilities.    See  “Contractual  obligations”  section  below, 

which  contains  additional  information  on  the  contractual  undiscounted  cash  flows  of  DCM’s  significant  financial 

liabilities and the future commitments of the Company.

While  estimated  forecast  compliance  with  financial  covenants  is  sensitive  to  key  assumptions  used  for  forecast 

revenues,  gross  margins  and  expenses  (which  in  turn  impact  earnings  before  interest,  income  taxes,  depreciation 

and  amortization  (EBITDA)),  management  are  satisfied  that  the  Company’s  forecasts  and  projections  through  to 

March 31, 2025 taking account of reasonably possible changes in results and other uncertainties will not result in any 

breach  of  the  financial  covenants  on  its  credit  facilities.   As  a  result,  the  Company  has  concluded  that  it  will  have 

adequate access to liquidity to satisfy its obligations within the next fifteen months.

MARKET RISK

INTEREST RATE RISK

Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the financial 

instrument  will  fluctuate  due  to  changes  in  market  interest  rates.    Interest  rate  risk  arises  from  interest  bearing 

financial assets and liabilities.  DCM’s interest rate risk arises from credit facilities issuances at floating interest rates.  

At  December  31,  2023,  $44.0  million  of  DCM’s  indebtedness  outstanding  was  subject  to  floating  interest  rates  of 

8.45% per annum; a 1% increase/decrease in interest rates would have resulted in an increase/decrease in the loss 

by  $0.4  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023  (2022  –  $0.1  million),  respectively.   At December  31,  2023, 

$7.9 million was subject to a fixed interest rate of 5.95% per annum, and $50 million was subject to a fixed interest 

rate of 8.08 per annum.

CURRENCY RISK

Currency  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  fair  value  of  future  cash  flows  arising  from  a  financial  instrument  will  fluctuate 

because  of  changes  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates.    In  the  normal  course  of  business,  DCM  does  not  have 

significant foreign exchange transactions, and accordingly, the amounts and currency risk are not expected to have 

an adverse material impact on the operations of DCM.  Management considers the currency risk to be low and does 

not hedge its currency risk; therefore, sensitivity analysis is not presented.

Contractual obligations
DCM  believes  it  will  have  sufficient  resources  from  its  operating  cash  flow,  existing  cash  resources  and  borrowing 

under  available  credit  facilities  to  meet  its  projected  contractual  obligations  as  they  become  due.    Contractual 

obligations  have  been  defined  as  contractual  commitments  in  existence  but  not  paid  for  as  at December  31,  2023.  

Short-term  commitments  such  as  month-to-month  office  leases,  which  are  easily  cancelled,  are  excluded  from  this 

definition.

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

DCM believes that its existing cash resources and projected cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund its 

currently projected operating requirements and that it will continue to remain compliant with its covenants and other 

obligations under its credit facilities.

TABLE  7 

The  following  table  sets  out  DCM’s  significant  contractual  obligations  and  commitments  as  of  

December 31, 2023.

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)

Total

Less than
a year

1 to 3 years 4 to 5 years

5 years and 
greater

Pension funding contributions (1)
Lease liabilities
Termination (Severance) Obligations
Long-term debt (2)

Total

$  23,249  $ 
$  281,045   
$  17,329   
$  125,643   
$  447,266  $ 

1,254  $ 

16,578   
16,325   
14,440   

5,703   
49,079   
1,004   
86,467   

8,933   
17,057   
—   
24,736   

7,359 
198,331 
— 
— 

48,597  $ 

142,253  $ 

50,726  $ 

205,690 

(1) DCM  is  required  under  applicable  pension  legislation  to  make  monthly,  annual  and/or  one-time  cash 
contributions to its defined benefit pension plans to fund current or future funding deficiencies which may emerge 
in  the  defined  benefit  provision  of  those  plans.    See  “Liquidity  and  capital  resources  –  Pension  funding 
obligations”  above.  The  table  above  includes  amounts  payable  under  DCM's  SERP  plans.    DCM’s  obligations 
under the SERPs consist of benefits payable as a single life annuity with a five to fifteen year guarantee.  The 
duration of these payments is dependent on the length of each participant's life and, in certain cases, that of their 
designated beneficiary, and their age in any given year.

(2) Credit facilities as at December 31, 2023 subject to floating interest rates consisting of the Bank Credit Facility, 
expiring on April 24, 2026.  As at December 31, 2023, the outstanding balances totaled $44.0 million and bore 
interest at a floating rate of 8.45% per annum.  The amounts at December 31, 2023 include estimated interest 
totaling  $3.7  million  for  2024,  $3.7  million  for  2025.  The  estimated  interest  was  calculated  based  on  the  total 
borrowings outstanding at the end of the year and the annual floating interest rate in effect as at December 31, 
2023.    Credit  facilities  at  December  31,  2023  subject  to  fixed  interest  rates  consisting  of  the  FPD  VI  Credit 
Facility,  expiring  on December  17,  2026  and  the  FPD  VI  New  Credit  Facility  expiring  on April  21,  2028.   As  at 
December 31, 2023, the outstanding balances totaled $57.9 million, of which $7.9 million bore interest at a fixed 
rate of 5.95% and $50.0 million bore interest at a fixed rate of 8.08% per annum. The amounts at December 31, 
2023  include  estimated  interest  totaling  $4,388  for  2024,  $3,778  for  2025,  $3,105  for  2026  and  $3,210  for 
2027/2028.

DCM  has  experienced  significant  growth  in  contractual  obligations  and  commitments  due  to  various  factors.  The 

principal factors that caused DCM’s significant contractual obligations and commitments to grow are as follows:

•

•

•

•

The increase in contractual obligations from pension funding contributions in 2023 is primarily attributed to 

the pension obligations of MCC acquired in April 2023 in connection with the MCC acquisition.

The long-term debt increased considerably, mainly due to the indebtedness DCM incurred in April 2023 to 

fund the acquisition of MCC.  Additionally, the additional debt carries a higher interest rate than DCM's other 

outstanding  debt,  which,  coupled  with  increases  in  the  prime  rate  applicable  to  DCM's  floating  rate  debt, 

contributed to the increase in interest expense. 

The  increase  in  termination  obligations  is  primarily  due  to  restructuring  initiatives  related  to  post-merger 

integration initiatives following the MCC acquisition.

The increase in contractual obligations from lease liabilities was due to the incremental facilities acquired as 

part  of  the  MCC  acquisition  and  the  sale  leaseback  of  Oshawa,  Ontario,  and  Fergus,  Ontario  facilities,  as 

well as lease extensions recorded for its Brampton, Ontario and Toronto, Ontario facilities.

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Transactions with related parties
During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  there  were  regular  inter-company  activities  between  DCM  and  its 

subsidiaries  during  the  normal  course  of  business.    These  transactions  and  balances  are  eliminated  in  DCM’s 

consolidated  financial  statements.    Related  parties  are  defined  as  individuals  who  can  influence  the  direction  or 

management  of  DCM  or  any  of  its  subsidiaries  and  therefore,  the  directors  and  officers  of  DCM’s  subsidiaries  are 

considered related parties.

On  March  15,  2018,  DCM  entered  into  a  loan  agreement  with  a  key  member  of  management,  of  $0.1  million  to 

finance the purchase of common shares of the Company.  Initially set to expire on March 15, 2023, the loan term was 

subsequently  extended  by  an  additional  three  years.    Interest  accrues  at  a  rate  of  3%  per  annum  on  the  unpaid 

balance of the loan.  The loan is unsecured and repayable upon maturity.  At December 31, 2023, the balance owing 

on the loan was $0.1 million.

COMPENSATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT

Key  management  personnel  are  deemed  to  be  Directors  on  DCM's  Board,  the  CEO,  the  President,  the  Chief 

Financial  Officer  and  other  members  of  the  senior  executive  team.    Compensation  awarded  to  key  management 

personnel, excluding compensation awarded to Directors, which are described below, included:

The following table sets out DCM's compensation awarded to key management personnel, excluding compensation 

awarded to Directors as of  December 31, 2023.

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits

Termination and retirement benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based compensation expense

Total

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

$ 

$ 

3,473  $ 

1,567 

10 

2,978 

8,028  $ 

4,227 

— 

14 

1,055 

5,296 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, DCM recorded share-based compensation awards expense of $3.0 million, 

an increase of $1.9 million or 182% compared with the same period in 2022.  For the year ended December 31, 2023, 

DCM  granted  252,260  RSUs  to  key  management  personnel  (excluding  compensation  awarded  to  Directors) 

compared  to  707,333  RSUs  granted  in  2022.    Additionally,  key  management  personnel  (excluding  compensation 

awarded  to  Directors)  were  also  issued  750,000  options  to  purchase  common  shares  of  the  Company  in  2023.  

250,000 of these options were forfeited during the year, and the remaining 500,000 options vest at a rate of 1/2 each 

year beginning on April 27, 2024.  No options were issued for the same period in 2022.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, DCM’s recorded general and administration expenses for DSU’s issued to 

directors for the duties performed by DCM’s Board of $3.4 million an increase of 2,389 or 246% for the same period in 

2022.

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

Operating results for the fourth quarter of 2023, 2022 and 2021

TABLE 9

The following table sets out selected consolidated quarterly financial information for the periods noted.

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except 
share and per share amounts, unaudited)

October 1 to 
December 31, 2023

October 1 to December 
31, 2022

October 1 to December 
31, 2021

Revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative 
expenses
Restructuring expenses
Acquisition and integration costs
Net fair value (gains) losses on 
financial liabilities at fair value through 
profit or loss

Income before finance costs, other 
income and income taxes

Finance costs

Interest expense, net
Debt modification losses
Amortization of transaction costs

Other Income

Government grant income

$ 

129,964  $ 

97,204 
32,760 

25,300 
10,570 
704 

(956)   

35,618 

(2,858)   

5,667 
— 
137 
5,804 

— 

(Loss) income before income taxes

(8,662)   

Income tax expense (recovery)

Current
Deferred 

367 
(2,671)   
(2,304)   

73,045  $ 
49,491   
23,554   

13,636   
—   
1,870   

1,225   

16,731   

6,823   

1,134   
—   
87   
1,221   

—   

5,602   

1,653   
269   
1,922   

Net (loss) income for the period

$ 

(6,358)  $ 

3,680  $ 

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding, basic
Weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding, 
diluted

60,871 
43,158 
17,713 

13,344 
2,282 
— 

2,087 

17,713 

— 

1,124 
473 
503 
2,100 

55 

(2,045) 

183 
(371) 
(188) 

(1,857) 

(0.04) 
(0.04) 

(0.12)   
(0.12)   

0.08   
0.08   

55,022,883 

44,062,831   

44,062,831 

55,022,883 

46,796,407   

46,439,445 

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TABLE 10  The following table provides reconciliations of net income to EBITDA and of net income to Adjusted 

EBITDA for the periods noted.  See “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section above for 

more details.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)

October 1 to 
December 31, 
2023

October 1 to 
December 31, 
2022

October 1 to 
December 31, 
2021

Net income (loss) for the period

$ 

(6,358) $ 

3,680  $ 

(1,857) 

Interest expense, net
Debt modification losses and prepayment fees
Amortization of transaction costs
Current income tax expense
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation of the ROU Asset

5,667   
—   
137   
367   
(2,671)  
2,058   
829   
4,665   

1,134   
—   
87   
1,653   
269   
644   
393   
1,610   

EBITDA

$ 

4,694  $ 

9,470  $ 

Acquisition and integration costs
Restructuring expenses

704   
10,570   

1,870   
—   

Net fair value (gains) losses on financial liabilities at fair value 
through profit or loss

Adjusted EBITDA

(956)  

1,225   

$ 

15,012  $ 

12,565  $ 

1,124 
473 
503 
183 
(371) 
731 
2,282 
1,920 

4,988 

— 
2,282 

2,087 

9,357 

TABLE 11  The following table provides reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted net income (loss).  See 

“Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section above for more details.

Adjusted net income (loss) reconciliation

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)

October 1 to 
December 31, 
2023

October 1 to 
December 31, 
2022

October 1 to 
December 31, 
2021

Net income (loss) for the period

$ 

(6,358) $ 

3,680  $ 

(1,857) 

Acquisition and integration costs

Restructuring expenses

Net fair value (gains) losses on financial liabilities at fair value 
through profit or loss

Tax effect of above adjustments

Adjusted net income (loss)

Adjusted net income per share, basic

Adjusted net income per share, diluted

Weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding, basic
Weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding, diluted

704   

10,570   

(956)  

(2,598)  

1,362  $ 

0.02  $ 

0.02  $ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,870   

—   

1,225   

(473)  

6,302  $ 

0.14  $ 

0.13  $ 

— 

2,282 

2,087 

(1,197) 

1,315 

0.03 

0.03 

55,022,883  

44,062,831   

44,062,831 

55,022,883  

46,796,407   

46,439,445 

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

REVENUES

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, DCM recorded revenues of $130.0 million, an increase of $56.9 million or 

77.9% compared with the same period in 2022.   For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, the increase in revenues 

is primarily driven by additional revenues from the operations of MCC, which contributed $62.7 million in revenues.  

Excluding  the  MCC  acquisition,  DCM  organic  revenue  decreased  by  $5.8  million  compared  to  the  same  period  in 

2022.    This  decrease  is  due  to  particularly  strong  comparable  revenues  in  2022,  resulting  from  certain  clients 

accelerating production planning in the year.   However, this decrease was partially offset by expansion revenue from 

existing  clients,  new  business  wins,  and  aligning  the  commercial  sales  teams  under  common  leadership  and  early 

wins harmonizing pricing between common MCC and DCM clients.  Given significant shifting of work between DCM 

and MCC plants, revenue and margins between the entities have become less meaningful, and management focuses 

on consolidated financial results for analysis of reporting metrics.

COST OF REVENUES AND GROSS PROFIT

For  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2023,  DCM  recorded  cost  of  revenues  of  $97.2  million,  an  increase  of  $47.7 

million  or  96.4%  from  $49.5  million  for  the  same  period  in 2022.    Gross  profit  for  the  quarter  ended  December  31, 

2023 was $32.8 million, an increase of $9.2 million or 39.1% from $23.6 million for the same period in 2022.

Gross profit as a percentage of revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 was 25.2%, a decrease from the 

prior period of 32.2%.  Gross profit as a percentage of revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 decreased 

from the prior period due to the acquisition of MCC as its average gross profit as a percentage of revenues is typically 

lower  than  that  of  DCM's  historical  business.    DCM  has  commenced  its  planned  initiatives  to  drive  operating 

efficiencies  in  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  MCC  to  optimize  its  operational  footprint,  and  harmonize  pricing 

strategies, which are intended to improve consolidated gross margins.  The decrease in gross profit as a percentage 

of  revenues  was  partially  offset  by  higher  levels  of  client  demand,  favourable  product  mix  (higher  margin  resales 

revenue  realized),  increased  margins  for  freight  and  warehousing  revenue,  procurement  synergies  derived  through 

improved  purchasing  practices  including  more  favourable  pricing,  and  further  progress  passing  on  paper  price 

increases to our customers.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

SG&A expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 were $25.3 million or 19.5% of total revenues, an increase 

of $11.7 million or 86%, from $13.6 million, or 18.7% of total revenues, in the same period in 2022.  The increase in 

SG&A expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to the addition of MCC's SG&A 

expenses.    The  decrease  in  SG&A  as  a  percentage  of  revenues  was  primarily  driven  by  the  lower  relative  SG&A 

expense  of  MCC's  business  as  a  percentage  of  revenue  compared  to  that  of  DCM's  historical  business.    Notably, 

selling  expenses  declined  as  a  result  of  a  strategic  reorganization  of  the  sales  team.    This  decline  benefited  from 

certain  restructuring  initiatives  related  to  SG&A  completed  to  date  and  offset  by  merit-based  salary  increases  and 

higher consulting fees related to a one-time project. 

RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES

For the quarter ended December 31, 2022, DCM incurred restructuring expenses of $10.6 million compared to nil in 

the same period in 2022.  DCM accelerated its planned initiatives to drive synergies in connection with the acquisition 

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of  MCC  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2023,  including  initiatives  to  align  its  organizational  structure  and  optimize  its 

operational  footprint.    The  restructuring  expenses  include  headcount  reductions  in  various  functions,  including 

operations,  senior  executive  management,  sales  and  other  SG&A  functional  roles.    Additionally,  these  one-time 

charges  account  for  the  closure  of  the  Edmonton  facility,  encompassing  facility  closure  costs  and  the  associated 

expenses  incurred  in  relocating  equipment  and  inventory  from  the  closed  facilities.   The  restructuring  costs  of $7.5 

million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, related primarily to the Fergus and Trenton provision for anticipated 

plant closure costs.  This provision was established as the expected severance costs for these employees became 

substantially determinable in the fourth quarter of 2023.

DCM  will  continue  to  evaluate  its  operating  costs  for  further  efficiencies  as  part  of  its  commitment  to  improving  its 

gross margins and lowering its selling, general and administration expenses.

ACQUISITION COSTS AND INTEGRATION COSTS

DCM  incurred  $0.7  million  for  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2023  for  one-time,  non-recurring  acquisition  and 

integration costs related to the MCC acquisition compared to $1.9 million for acquisition costs incurred in the same 

period in 2022.

EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, EBITDA was $4.7 million or 3.6% of revenues compared to $9.5 million or 

13.0% of revenues in the same period in 2022.  For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, Adjusted EBITDA was 

$15.0 million or 9.7% of revenues after adjusting EBITDA for $0.7 million in acquisition and integration costs, $10.6 

million in restructuring costs and $1.0 million in Net fair value (gains) losses on financial liabilities at fair value through 

profit  or  loss  compared  to $12.6  million  or  15.5%  of  revenues  after  adjusting  EBITDA  for $1.9  million  in  acquisition 

costs and $1.2 million Net fair value (gains) losses on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.

The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 over the prior period in 2022 was due to 

an  increase  in  overall  revenues  and  gross  profit  contributions  from  the  operations  of  MCC  in  DCM’s  consolidated 

financial results from the date of completion of the MCC acquisition, and MCC's lower relative SG&A as a percentage 

of revenue.  Adjusted EBITDA margin declined for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 due to the lower average 

gross margins of MCC.  DCM believes it is well-advanced on its planned initiatives to drive synergies in connection 

with  the  acquisition  of  MCC  to  optimize  its  operational  footprint,  which  we  expect  will  improve  Adjusted  EBITDA 

margin.    Notably,  the  closure  of  DCM's  Edmonton  plant  was  completed,  which  resulted  in  additional  operational 

savings.

FINANCE COSTS

Finance costs include interest on debt outstanding under DCM’s credit facilities, interest accretion expense related to 

certain debt obligations discounts/ premiums, interest on pension obligations, debt modification losses, amortization 

of debt transaction costs and interest expense on lease liabilities under IFRS 16.  For the quarter ended December 

31, 2023, finance costs were $5.8 million compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2022.  Interest expense for 

the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2023  increased  from  the  prior  period  due  to  additional  debt  incurred  by  DCM  to 

finance the acquisition of MCC.  The additional debt bears interest at higher rates than DCM's other outstanding debt, 

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

which, together with increases in the prime rate applicable to DCM's floating rate debt, contributed to the increase in 

interest expense.  This was offset by a decrease in interest expense from the extinguishment of DCM's former Bank 

term loan and repayment of the Real Estate Bridge Loan, FPD IV and FPD V loans. 

INCOME TAXES

DCM reported a loss before income taxes of $8.7 million and a net income tax expense of $2.3 million for the quarter 

ended December 31, 2023 compared to income before income taxes of $5.6 million and a net income tax recovery of 

$1.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2022.

NET INCOME (LOSS)

The net loss for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 was $6.4 million compared to net income of $3.7 million for 

the quarter ended December 31, 2022.  The decrease in comparable profitability for the quarter ended December 31, 

2023  was  primarily  due  to  restructuring  costs  of  $10.6  million,  one-time  acquisition  and  integration  costs  of  $0.7 

million, and increased interest expense from higher levels of debt incurred to finance the MCC acquisition.

ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) 

Adjusted net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 was $1.4 million compared to adjusted net income of 

$6.3 million for the same period in 2022.  The decrease in comparable profitability for the quarter ended December 

31,  2022  was  due  to  the  restructuring  costs,  one-time  acquisition  and  integration  costs,  and  increased  interest 

expense from higher levels of debt to finance the MCC acquisition.

Summary of eight quarter results
TABLE 12

The following table summarizes quarterly financial information for the past eight quarters.

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts, unaudited)

Q4

2023

Q3

Q2

Q1

Revenues

$ 

129,964  $ 

122,721  $  118,963  $ 

76,077 

Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders

(6,358)  

(4,185)  

(2,879)  

(2,431) 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

(0.12)  

(0.08)  

(0.06)  

(0.06) 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

(0.14)   

(0.08)  

(0.06)  

(0.06) 

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. . M D & A . .

Q4

2022

Q3

Q2

Q1

Revenues

$ 

73,045  $ 

63,399  $ 

68,103  $ 

69,257 

Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders

3,680   

2,816   

3,757   

3,713 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

0.08   

0.06   

0.09   

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

0.08   

0.06   

0.08   

0.08 

0.08 

The variations in DCM’s quarterly revenues and net income (loss) over the eight quarters ended December 31, 2023 

can  be  attributed  to  several  principal  factors:  the  post-recovery  impact  of  COVID-19  commenced  in  2022;  the 

acquisition  of  MCC  as  of April  24,  2023;  increases  in  the  costs  of  freight,  paper,  ink,  and  other  raw  material  inputs 

used by DCM in the conduct of its business; supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 in 2020 which began to abate in 

2022; seasonal variations in customer spending; refinement of DCM's pricing discipline; the impact of paper and other 

raw materials price increases and compressed margins on contracts with certain existing customers; fair value (gains) 

losses on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss for RSUs and DSUs; acquisition and integration costs; 

and restructuring expenses related to DCM’s ongoing productivity improvement and cost reduction initiatives. 

DCM’s  net  loss  for  the  fourth  quarter  of  2023  included  higher  revenues  and  gross  profits  due  to:  the  acquisition  of 

MCC; one-time costs related to restructuring expenses of $10.6 million and acquisition and integration costs of $0.7 

million; and fair value (gains) losses on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss for RSUs and DSUs of 

approximately $1.0 million.  However, DCM’s net income for the fourth quarter of 2022 included a higher gross margin 

as a percentage of revenues, and one-time costs related to acquisition integration for $1.9 million.  

DCM's  net  loss  for  the  third  quarter  of  2023  included  higher  revenues  and  gross  margins  in  dollars  due  to  the 

acquisition of MCC, one-time costs related to restructuring expenses of $7.0 million and acquisition and integration 

costs of $0.2 million, and fair value (gains) losses on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss for RSUs 

and DSUs of approximately $0.7 million.  However, DCM’s net income for the third quarter of 2022 included a higher 

gross margin as a percentage of revenues, and no one-time costs.  

DCM's  net  loss  for  the  second  quarter  of  2023  included  higher  revenues  and  gross  margins  in  dollars  due  to  the 

acquisition of MCC, acquisition and integration costs of $3.8 million, one-time net fair value (gains) losses on financial 

liabilities  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  for  RSUs  and  DSUs  of  approximately  $2.3  million  and  restructuring 

expenses of $2.7 million.  However, DCM’s net income for the second quarter of 2022 included a higher gross margin 

as a percentage of revenues, and no one-time costs.

DCM's  net  loss  for  the  first  quarter  of  2023  included  improved  revenues  and  margins,  acquisition  and  integration 

costs of $6.1 million, one-time net fair value (gains) losses on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss for 

RSUs  and  DSUs  of  approximately  $5.0  million  included  in  cost  of  sales  and  SG&A  and  no  restructuring  expenses.  

40

 
 
 
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DATA Communications Management Corp.

However,  DCM’s  net  income  for  the  first  quarter  of  2022  included  improved  revenues  and  gross  margin  as  a 

percentage of revenues, and no one-time costs.

Accounting policies

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are outlined in notes 2 and 3 

of the Notes to the consolidated financial statements of DCM for the year ended December 31, 2023. 

NEW AND AMENDED STANDARDS ADOPTED

IFRS 7 NET FAIR VALUE (GAINS) LOSSES ON FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR 
LOSS 

In accordance with IAS 8, to provide more reliable and relevant information about the effects of transactions, other 

events  or  conditions  on  the  entity’s  financial  position,  financial  performance  or  cash  flows,  DCM  applied  IFRS  7 

paragraph  20  to  disclose  net  gains  or  net  losses  on  financial  assets  or  financial  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value 

through profit or loss separately on the consolidated statement of operations.

The  following  table  summarizes  the  impact  on  DCM’s  consolidated  statement  of  operations  for  the  year  ended 

December 31, 2022:

Period ended 
December 31, 2022 
prior to the adoption 

Impact 

Period ended 
December 31, 2022 
after the adoption

Selling, commissions and expenses
General and administration expenses
Net fair value (gains) losses on financial 
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

$ 

29,198  $ 
27,952   

—   

(157) $ 

(2,554)  

2,711   

29,041 
25,398 

2,711 

AMENDMENTS TO IAS 1, PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IAS 8, ACCOUNTING POLICIES, 

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ERRORS

These standards were amended to introduce the definition of an accounting estimate and include other amendments 

to  IAS  8  to  help  entities  distinguish  changes  in  accounting  estimates  from  changes  in  accounting  policies.    The 

amendments  were  adopted  effective  January  1,  2023  and  did  not  have  an  impact  on  the  consolidated  financial 

statements.

AMENDMENTS  TO  IAS  12,  DEFERRED  TAXES:  RELATED  TO  ASSETS  AND  LIABILITIES  ARISING  FROM  A 

SINGLE TRANSACTION

This standard was amended to require companies to recognize deferred tax on particular transactions that, on initial 

recognition,  give  rise  to  equal  amounts  of  taxable  and  deductible  temporary  differences.    The  amendments  were 

adopted effective January 1, 2023 and did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

FUTURE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED

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. . M D & A . .

IAS 1 PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: CLASSIFICATION OF LIABILITIES AS CURRENT OR NON-

CURRENT 

In January 2020, the IASB issued Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1).  The 

amendments aim to promote consistency in applying the requirements by helping companies determine whether debt 

and  other  liabilities  with  an  uncertain  settlement  date  should  be  classified  as  current  (due  or  potentially  due  to  be 

settled within one year) or non-current.  The amendments include clarifying the classification requirements for debt a 

company might settle by converting it into equity.  On October 31, 2022, the IASB published an amendment to clarify 

how  conditions  with  which  an  entity  must  comply  within  twelve  months  after  the  reporting  period  affect  the 

classification of a liability.  The amendments are effective for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024.  

DCM is currently evaluating the impact on the consolidated financial statements.  

AMENDMENTS TO IFRS 16 LEASES:  LEASE LIABILITY IN A SALE AND LEASEBACK 

The IASB has issued narrow-scope amendments to the requirements for sale and leaseback transactions in IFRS 16 

explaining  how  a  seller-lessee  accounts  for  a  sale  and  leaseback  after  the  date  of  the  transaction.    Sale  and 

leaseback transactions where some or all the lease payments are variable lease payments that do not depend on an 

index or a rate are most likely to be impacted.  The amendments are effective from January 1, 2024.  DCM does not 

expect these amendments to have any significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

AMENDMENTS  TO  IAS  7  STATEMENT  OF  CASH  FLOWS AND  IFRS  7  FINANCIAL  INSTRUMENTS:  SUPPLIER 

FINANCING AGREEMENTS

In  May  2023,  the  IASB  issued  amendments  to  IAS  7  Statement  of  Cash  Flows  and  IFRS  7  Financial  Instruments: 

Disclosures,  addressing  the  presentation  of  liabilities  and  the  associated  cash  flows  arising  out  of  supplier  finance 

arrangements. The disclosure requirements in the amendments enhance the current requirements and are intended 

to  assist  users  of  financial  statements  in  understanding  the  effects  of  supplier  finance  arrangements  on  an  entity’s 

liabilities,  cash  flows  and  exposure  to  liquidity  risk.  The  amendments  are  effective  for  annual  reporting  periods 

beginning on or after January 1, 2024.  DCM does not expect these amendments to have any significant impact on 

the consolidated financial statements. 

There  are  no  other  IFRS  Accounting  Standards  or  International  Financial  Reporting  Interpretations  Committee 

(‘IFRIC’) interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a significant impact on DCM.

Critical accounting estimates and judgments

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make  judgments,  estimates  and  assumptions  that 

are not readily apparent from other sources about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, and reporting income 

and expenses.  The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that 

are  considered  to  be  relevant.    Actual  results  may  differ  materially  from  these  estimates.    The  estimates  and 

underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized during 

the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and 

future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS 

The fair value of the properties acquired was estimated with the assistance of a third-party appraiser (management’s 

property  expert)  using  a  combination  of  the  income  (direct  capitalization)  method  and  market  (direct  comparison) 

method.  Significant assumptions related to the direct comparison method included the sales values of comparable 

properties, and subsequent sale and leaseback transactions (including market rental rates and incremental borrowing 

rates).    Significant  assumptions  related  to  the  direct  capitalization  approach  included  capitalization  rates  and 

comparable market rental rates.

The fair value of the plant and equipment assets acquired was estimated with the assistance of a third-party appraiser 

(management’s  plant  and  equipment  expert)  using  a  combination  of  the  market  and  cost  (direct  and  indirect) 

approaches.  Significant assumptions related to the cost approach included inflation adjustments, replacement cost 

new, physical depreciation, useful lives and functional obsolescence.  Significant assumptions related to the market 

approach included resale values. 

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at the end of each fiscal year or more frequently if events or changes in 

circumstances indicate there may be impairment.  The determination of the impairment of goodwill is impacted by the 

determination of the CGUs, estimates of the recoverable value of those CGUs, assumptions of future cash flows, and 

achieving forecasted business results. 

The  acquisition  of  MCC  brought  together  two  similar  sized  businesses  with  similar  economic  characteristics 

particularly  in  terms  of  the  nature  of  the  products  and  services,  production  processes,  types  of  customers  and 

methods used to provide these product and services to customers.  These businesses have been integrated into one 

consolidated operation and senior management team under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") as 

the Company operates as an integrated marketing communications and business solutions provider to its customers.  

Consequently in management’s judgment DCM has a single goodwill CGU, being the Company as a whole, reflecting 

the  manner  in  which  the  operating  results  are  being  reviewed  by  the  chief  operating  decision  maker  ("CODM")  to 

make  decisions  about  resources  to  be  allocated  and  to  assess  the  Company's  performance  as  an  integrated 

marketing  and  business  solutions  provider  to  its  customers.    This  is  the  level  at  which  goodwill  is  monitored  for 

internal management purposes.

The recoverable amount of this CGU was determined based on its estimated fair value less the cost of disposal using 

a discounted cash flow model.  Management applied considerable judgment in estimating the recoverable amounts of 

the Company, which included the use of significant assumptions relating to revenue growth rates, gross margins and 

the discount rate.  While the recoverable amount from the discounted cash flow model is sensitive to key assumptions 

used  for  forecast  revenues,  gross  margins  and  the  discount  rate,  management  is  satisfied  that  the  Company’s 

forecasts and assumptions, taking account of reasonably possible changes in results and other uncertainties, will not 

change the result of DCM's impairment analysis.

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

. . M D & A . .

Management’s report on internal controls over financial reporting

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

DCM  maintains  a  set  of  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  National  Instrument  52-109)  (“DC&P”) 

designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its public filings or otherwise 

under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis and that such controls 

and  procedures  are  designed  to  ensure  that  information  required  to  be  so  disclosed  is  accumulated  and 

communicated to its management, including its certifying officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding 

required disclosure. With the supervision and participation of DCM’s senior management team, the Chief Executive 

Officer of DCM and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of DCM are responsible for designing disclosure controls and 

procedures of DCM to provide reasonable assurance that (i) material information relating to DCM was made known to 

management, and (ii) information required to be disclosed by DCM in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports 

filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time 

periods specified in the securities legislation.

MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

National  Instrument  52-109  requires  the  CEO  and  CFO  to  certify  they  are  responsible  for  establishing  and 

maintaining internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) for the Company and that ICFR has been designed and 

is  effective  in  providing  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of 

financial  statements  in  accordance  with  IFRS  Accounting  Standard.  The  CEO  and  CFO  are  also  responsible  for 

disclosing any changes to the Company’s internal controls during the most recent period that have materially affected, 

or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting. DCM’s internal control over 

financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the CEO and CFO, or persons performing 

similar  functions,  and  effected  by  DCM's  Board  of  Directors,  management  and  other  personnel.  DCM’s  internal 

control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, 

in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and  dispositions  of  the  assets  of  the  Company; 

provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial 

statements in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are 

being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and provide reasonable assurance 

regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that 

could  have  a  material  effect  on  the  financial  statements.  Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over 

financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.  Furthermore,  projections  of  any  evaluation  of 

effectiveness for future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in 

conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. A material weakness is a 

deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable 

possibility  that  a  material  misstatement  of  DCM’s  annual  or  interim  financial  statements  will  not  be  prevented  or 

detected on a timely basis. 

Based  on  management’s  assessment,  DCM’s  CEO  and  CFO  have  certified  that,  based  on  their  knowledge,  the 

Company’s  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting  are  effective  and  the  financial  statements  fairly  present  in  all 

material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the year 

ended December 31, 2023.

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

As at December 31, 2023, except as set forth below in the immediately following sentence, there were no changes in 

the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the twelve months ended December 31, 

2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, DCM’s internal control over financial 

reporting.  The CEO and CFO have limited the scope of their assessment of the design and effectiveness of DC&P 

and ICFR to exclude control, policies and procedures of MCC for the current year.  Set forth below is a summary of 

financial information about MCC that has been consolidated in the Company’s financial statements for the year ended 

December 31, 2023.

The revenue and net loss contributed by MCC for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $173.6 million and $20.5 

million  (inclusive  of  $18,328  of  restructuring  expenses),  respectively.    If  the  acquisition  had  occurred  on  January  1, 

2023, the estimated proforma consolidated revenue and net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 would have 

been approximately $538.1 million and $9.0 million, respectively, adjusting net income for additional depreciation and 

amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and 

intangible assets had applied from January 1, 2023 together with the consequential tax effect. 

Outlook

For 2024, we have four strategic priorities.  First, we plan to substantially complete the integration of MCC by moving 

ahead with our plant consolidation plans and harmonizing our back-office systems.  We are on track to complete the 

consolidation  of  our  Toronto-based  Thistle  and  Bond Avenue  plants  by  mid-year  2024.    In  addition,  we  are  in  the 

advanced stages of planning the consolidation of our Fergus, Ontario factory into our Drummondville, Quebec factory 

and our Trenton, Ontario facility into our Brampton, Ontario facility, and expect to complete this work within the next 

twelve months.  We are simultaneously advancing the integration of our financial and manufacturing systems and our 

client-facing applications on similar time frames.  

Second,  we  are  focused  on  driving  improvements  in  our  gross  profit  margins,  particularly  in  the  legacy  MCC 

business.  As we consolidate facilities, we expect that lower overheads and operating costs will result in more efficient 

operations,  and,  together  with  investments  in  new  capital  equipment,  result  in  operating  efficiencies  and  improved 

gross profit margins.  While increases in raw material prices significantly moderated in 2023, we have experienced 

increases in certain specialty materials in 2024 and expect additional increases in other raw materials during the year.  

The Company seeks to pass price increases driven by inflation along to our customers as contractually entitled.

Third, we are focused on growing our business, by taking advantage of our larger scale, expanding our product and 

service offerings, and leveraging the capabilities of our combined team.  With the integration of our commercial sales 

team completed in 2023, our focus in 2024 includes pursuing cross selling opportunities, enhancing our product mix 

and strengthening our presence in key industry verticals.

Fourth, we are focused on generating continued higher levels of free cash flow, which will enable us to reduce our net 

debt  further  and  allow  us  to  consider  further  strategic  opportunities  for  investment  in  the  business  and  capital 

allocation. 

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. . M D & A . .

Risks and uncertainties

An  investment  in  DCM’s  securities  involves  risks.    In  addition  to  the  other  information  contained  in  this  report, 

investors  should  carefully  consider  the  risks  described  in  DCM’s  most  recent  Annual  Information  Form  and  other 

continuous  disclosure  filings  made  by  DCM  with  Canadian  securities  regulatory  authorities  before  investing  in  the 

securities of DCM.  The risks described in this report, the Annual Information Form and those other filings are not the 

only ones facing DCM.  Additional risks not currently known to DCM or that DCM currently believes are immaterial 

may also impair the business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity of DCM.

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DATA Communications Management Corp.

Financial reporting responsibility of management

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  of  DATA  Communications  Management  Corp.  (“DCM”)  have 

been  prepared  by  management  and  approved  by  the  Board  of  Directors  of  DCM.    Management  of  DCM  is 

responsible  for  the  preparation  and  presentation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  all  the  financial 

information  contained  within  this  Annual  Report  within  reasonable  limits  of  materiality.    The  consolidated  financial 

statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  as  issued  by  the 

International  Accounting  Standards  Board  ("IFRS  Accounting  Standards").    In  the  preparation  of  the  consolidated 

financial  statements,  estimates  are  sometimes  necessary  because  a  precise  determination  of  certain  assets  and 

liabilities  is  dependent  on  future  events.    Management  believes  such  estimates  have  been  based  on  available 

information  and  careful  judgements  and  have  been  properly  reflected  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial 

statements.    The  financial  information  throughout  the  text  of  this  Annual  Report  is  consistent  with  that  in  the 

consolidated financial statements.

To assist management in discharging these responsibilities, DCM maintains a system of internal controls which are 

designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  DCM’s  consolidated  assets  are  safeguarded,  that  transactions  are 

executed in accordance with management’s authorization and that the financial records form a reliable base for the 

preparation of accurate and timely financial information.

Management  recognizes  its  responsibilities  for  conducting  DCM’s  affairs  in  compliance  with  established  financial 

standards and applicable laws, and for the maintenance of proper standards of conduct in its activities.

PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  are  appointed  by  the  shareholders  and  have  audited  the  consolidated  financial 

statements  of  DCM  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  auditing  standards.    Their  report  outlines  the 

nature of their audit and expresses their opinion on the consolidated financial statements of DCM.

The  Board  of  Directors  has  appointed  an  Audit  Committee  composed  of  three  directors  who  are  not  members  of 

management of DCM.  The Audit Committee meets periodically with management and the auditors to discuss internal 

controls  over  the  financial  reporting  process,  auditing  matters  and  financial  reporting  issues.    It  is  responsible  for 

reviewing  DCM’s  annual  and  interim  consolidated  financial  statements  and  the  report  of  the  auditors.    The  Audit 

Committee reports the results of such reviews to the Board of Directors and makes recommendations with respect to 

the  appointment  of  DCM’s  auditors.    In  addition,  the  Board  of  Directors  may  refer  to  the  Audit  Committee  other 

matters and questions relating to the financial position of DCM.

The Board of Directors are responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting, 

and are responsible for approving the consolidated financial statements of DCM.

47

DATA Communications Management Corp.

(Signed) "Richard Kellam"

(Signed) "James E. Lorimer"

Richard Kellam

James E. Lorimer

President and Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

DATA Communications Management Corp.

DATA Communications Management Corp.

March 20, 2024

Brampton, Ontario

48

  
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report 

To the Shareholders of DATA Communications Management Corp. 

Our opinion

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, 
the financial position of DATA Communications Management Corp. and its subsidiaries (together, the 
Company) as at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the 
years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS Accounting Standards). 

What we have audited 
The Company’s consolidated financial statements comprise: 













the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2023 and 2022;

the consolidated statements of operations for the years then ended;

the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income for the years then ended;

the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years then ended;

the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended; and

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, comprising material accounting policy information 
and other explanatory information.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of 
the consolidated financial statements section of our report. 

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

Independence 
We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our 
audit of the consolidated financial statements in Canada. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with these requirements. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
PwC Tower, 18 York Street, Suite 2500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada  M5J 0B2 
T.: +1 416 863 1133, F.: +1 416 365 8215, Fax to mail: ca_toronto_18_york_fax@pwc.com 

“PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. 

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our 
audit of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. These matters were 
addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming 
our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Valuation of property, plant and equipment and 
assets held for sale acquired in the Moore 
Canada Corporation (MCC) business acquisition

Our approach to addressing the matter included the 
following procedures, among others: 

Refer to note 2 – Material accounting policies, 
note 4 – Business acquisition, note 7 – Property, 
plant and equipment and note 20 – Assets held for 
sale to the consolidated financial statements. 

In April 2023, the Company acquired MCC for total 
cash consideration of $135.7 million. The fair value 
of the identifiable assets acquired included $41.4 
million related to properties (including $25.8 million 
classified as assets held for sale, which was the 
subject of a sale and leaseback agreement) and 
$26.1 million related to presses and printing 
equipment, office furniture and equipment, and 
leasehold improvements (together plant and 
equipment). Management applied significant 
judgment in estimating the fair values of the 
acquired properties, plant and equipment.  

The fair value of the properties acquired was 
estimated with the assistance of a third-party 
appraiser (management’s property expert) using a 
combination of the income (direct capitalization) 
method and market (direct comparison) method. 
Significant assumptions related to the direct 
comparison method included the sales values of 
comparable properties, and subsequent sale and 
leaseback transactions (including market rental 
rates and incremental borrowing rates). Significant 
assumptions related to the direct capitalization 

 Read the purchase agreement and sale and 

leaseback agreement to understand the terms 
and conditions of the acquisition agreement and 
sale and leaseback transaction.



Tested how management determined the fair 
values of the properties, plant and equipment 
on a sample basis, which included the 
following:

–  Evaluating the work of management and 

management’s experts with the assistance 
of professionals with specialized skill and 
knowledge in the field of real estate and 
equipment valuations, which included:

o  assessing the qualifications, 

competence, capabilities and objectivity 
of management’s experts; 

o  understanding the work performed by 
management’s experts and evaluating 
the appropriateness of the work as 
audit evidence; 

o  checking the mathematical accuracy of 
management’s experts’ valuation 
analyses; 

o  assessing the appropriateness of the 

valuation methods used; 

o 

testing the underlying data used in the 
appraisals; 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

approach included capitalization rates and 
comparable market rental rates.  

The fair value of the plant and equipment acquired 
was estimated with the assistance of a third-party 
appraiser (management’s plant and equipment 
expert) using a combination of the market and cost 
(direct and indirect) approaches. Significant 
assumptions related to the cost approach included 
inflation adjustments, replacement cost new, 
physical depreciation, useful lives and functional 
obsolescence. Significant assumptions related to 
the market approach included resale values.  

We considered this a key audit matter due to (i) the 
magnitude of the acquired property, plant and 
equipment and assets held for sale; (ii) the 
significant judgment used by management, 
including the use of management’s property expert 
and management’s plant and equipment expert 
(together, management’s experts), when 
determining the fair values of the properties, plant 
and equipment acquired; and (iii) the high degree of 
auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in 
performing procedures to evaluate the 
reasonableness of management’s significant 
assumptions. Professionals with specialized skill 
and knowledge in the field of real estate and 
equipment valuations assisted us in performing our 
procedures. 

o  benchmarking capitalization rates, 

comparable market rental rates, sales 
values of comparable properties and 
incremental borrowing rates with 
external market data;  

o  developing an independent range of 
value expectations for the plant and 
equipment based on external market 
data for inflation adjustments, 
replacement cost new, physical 
depreciation, useful lives, functional 
obsolescence and resale values; and 

o  compared the independent range of 
value expectations for the plant and 
equipment to management’s estimate 
to evaluate the reasonableness of 
management’s estimate. 





Tested management’s reconciliation of the 
equipment assets to the MCC property, plant 
and equipment asset subledger.

Assessed the disclosures in the consolidated 
financial statements in relation to the valuation 
of the properties, plant and equipment acquired 
in the MCC business combination. 

Goodwill impairment assessment 

Our approach to addressing the matter included the 
following procedures, among others:

Refer to note 2 – Material accounting policies and 
note 10 – Goodwill to the consolidated financial 
statements.  



The carrying value of the Company’s goodwill was 
$22.3 million as at December 31, 2023. The 
Company has a single operating segment being the 

Evaluated how management determined the 
level at which goodwill is monitored for 
impairment by considering the Company’s 
internal organizational structure and 
management reporting.

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Company as a whole, which is the level at which 
goodwill is monitored for internal management 
purposes reflecting the way the Company manages 
its operations. 



Management performs a goodwill impairment 
assessment annually at the end of each fiscal year 
or more frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value of 
goodwill may be impaired. Impairment is 
determined by assessing if the carrying value of the 
Company exceeds its recoverable amount. The 
recoverable amount of the Company was 
determined based on its estimated fair value less 
cost of disposal using a discounted cash flow 
model. 

Management applied considerable judgment in 
estimating the recoverable amount of the 
Company, which included the use of significant 
assumptions relating to revenue growth rates, 
gross margins and the discount rate. Management 
concluded that there was no impairment of the 
Company’s goodwill carrying value as at 
December 31, 2023. 

We considered this a key audit matter due to the 
magnitude of the goodwill balance and the 
considerable judgment by management in 
estimating the recoverable amount of the 
Company. This led to a high degree of auditor 
judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing 
procedures and evaluating management’s 
significant assumptions. Professionals with 
specialized skill and knowledge in the field of 
valuation assisted us in performing our procedures. 

Evaluated how management determined the 
recoverable amount of the Company, which 
included the following:

–  Tested the mathematical accuracy of the 

discounted cash flow model.

–  Tested the underlying data used in the 

discounted cash flow model.

–  Evaluated the reasonableness of significant 
assumptions used by management related 
to revenue growth rates and gross margins 
by considering (i) the current and past 
performance of the Company; (ii) the 
consistency with external industry data; and 
(iii) whether these assumptions were 
consistent with evidence obtained in other 
areas of the audit.

–  Professionals with specialized skill and 

knowledge in the field of valuation assisted 
in evaluating the appropriateness of 
management’s discounted cash flow model 
and in testing the reasonableness of the 
discount rate used by management.



Assessed the disclosures in the consolidated 
financial statements, including management’s 
sensitivity disclosures on significant 
assumptions related to revenue growth rates, 
gross margins and the discount rate.

Other information 

Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis and the information in the annual report, other than the consolidated financial 
statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially 
inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other 
information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the
consolidated financial statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with IFRS Accounting 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. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the 
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate 
the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting 
process. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as 
a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s 
report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards 
will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and 
are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements. 

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise 
professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also: 



Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, 
whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and 
obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of 
not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, 
as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of 
internal control.

 Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Company’s internal control.



Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 
estimates and related disclosures made by management.

 Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, 
based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If 
we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report 
to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are 
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to 
the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to 
cease to continue as a going concern.



Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, 
including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying 
transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

 Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or 
business activities within the Company to express an opinion on the consolidated financial 
statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We 
remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope 
and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal 
control that we identify during our audit. 

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant 
ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other 
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related 
safeguards. 

From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that 
were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and 
are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or 

regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we 
determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of 
doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Simon Kent. 

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants 

Toronto, Ontario 
March 20, 2024 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DATA Communications Management Corp.

Consolidated statements of financial position

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade receivables (note 5)
Inventories (note 6)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
Income taxes receivable
Assets held for sale (note 20)

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Other non-current assets
Deferred income tax assets (note 14)
Property, plant and equipment (note 7)
Right-of-use assets (note 8)
Pension assets (note 15)
Intangible assets (note 9)
Goodwill (note 10)

LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES

Bank overdraft 
Trade payables and accrued liabilities
Current portion of credit facilities (notes 1 and 13)
Current portion of lease liabilities (note 12)
Provisions (note 11)
Income taxes payable (note 14)
Deferred revenue

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Provisions (note 11)
Credit facilities (notes 1 and 13)
Lease liabilities (note 12)
Pension obligations (note 15)
Other post-employment benefit plans (note 16)
Asset retirement obligation

EQUITY
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Shares (note 17)
Warrants (note 17)
Contributed surplus 
Translation reserve
Deficit

$ 

17,652  $ 

117,956 
28,840 
5,313 
2,640 
8,650 
181,051 

2,900 
9,801 
30,358 
159,801 
1,962 
10,616 
22,265 

418,754  $ 

1,564  $ 
75,766  $ 

6,333 
10,322 
16,325 
— 
6,221 
116,531 

1,004 
93,918 
144,993 
26,386 
3,606 
3,552 
389,990  $ 

283,738  $ 
219 
3,135 
177 

(258,505)   

28,764  $ 
418,754  $ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

Commitments and Contingencies (note 21); Subsequent events (note 27)

Approved by Board of Directors

  (Signed) "J.R. Kingsley Ward" 

Director                      (Signed) "Richard Kellam"       

    Director

4,208 
54,630 
20,220 
2,984 
15 
— 
82,057 

466 
4,830 
6,779 
33,505 
2,364 
2,507 
16,973 
149,481 

— 
44,133 
11,667 
6,791 
1,316 
1,630 
3,942 
69,479 

— 
15,380 
33,011 
6,069 
2,695 
— 
126,634 

256,478 
869 
3,131 
207 
(237,838) 
22,847 
149,481 

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated statements of operations

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

REVENUES (note 25)

COST OF REVENUES

GROSS PROFIT

EXPENSES

Selling, commissions and expenses

General and administration expenses

Restructuring expenses (note 11)

Acquisition and integration costs (notes 4, 8 and 24)

Net fair value losses on financial liabilities at fair value through 
profit or loss (notes 3 and 17)

(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE FINANCE COSTS, OTHER INCOME, 
AND INCOME TAXES

FINANCE COSTS

Interest expense on long term debt and pensions, net

Interest expense on lease liabilities (note 12)
Amortization of transaction costs net of debt extinguishment gain 
(note 13)

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

(Restated - Note 3)

$ 

447,725  $ 

273,804 

328,814 

118,911 

39,195 

48,049 

20,308 

10,903 

7,122 

125,577 

(6,666)   

8,315 

7,006 

457 

15,778 

189,580 

84,224 

29,041 

25,398 

— 

1,870 

2,711 

59,020 

25,204 

2,742 

2,223 

344 

5,309 

(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

(22,444)   

19,895 

INCOME TAX (RECOVERY) EXPENSE 

Current (note 14)

Deferred (note 14)

NET (LOSS) INCOME FOR THE YEAR

BASIC (LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE (note 18)

DILUTED (LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE (note 18)

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,209 

(7,799)   

(6,590)   

(15,854)  $ 

(0.31)  $ 

(0.31)  $ 

5,456 

473 

5,929 

13,966 

0.32 

0.30 

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DATA Communications Management Corp.

Consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

NET (LOSS) INCOME FOR THE YEAR

$ 

(15,854)  $ 

13,966 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:

ITEMS THAT MAY BE RECLASSIFIED SUBSEQUENTLY TO 
NET (LOSS) INCOME

Foreign currency translation

ITEMS THAT WILL NOT BE RECLASSIFIED TO NET (LOSS) 
INCOME

Re-measurements of pension and other post-employment benefit 
obligations (note 15)

Taxes related to pension and other post-employment benefit 
adjustment above (note 14)

(30)   

(30)   

(6,525)   

1,712 

(4,813)   

34 

34 

640 

(162) 

478 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME FOR THE YEAR, 
NET OF TAX

COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME FOR THE YEAR

$ 

$ 

(4,843)  $ 

512 

(20,697)  $ 

14,478 

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity 

(in thousands of Canadian 
dollars)

BALANCE AS AT 
DECEMBER 31, 2021

Net income for the year

Other comprehensive income 
for the year

Total comprehensive loss for 
the year

Expiration of warrants (note 
17)

Share-based compensation 
expense (note 17)

Balance as at December 31, 
2022

BALANCE AS AT 
DECEMBER 31, 2022

Net loss for the year

Other comprehensive loss for 
the year

Total comprehensive loss for 
the year

Issuance of common shares 
and
broker warrants, net (note 17)

Exercise of warrants (note 17)

Exercise of options (note 17)

1,422   

Share-based compensation 
expense (note 17)

BALANCE AS AT 
DECEMBER 31, 2023

Shares

Warrants

Contributed 
surplus

Translation 
reserve

Deficit 

Total equity

$ 

256,478  $ 

881  $ 

2,791  $ 

173  $ 

(252,282)  $ 

8,041 

— 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

— 

—   

—   

—   

—   

(12)   

12   

—   

328   

34   

34   

—   

—   

13,966   

13,966 

478   

512 

14,444   

14,478 

—   

—   

— 

328 

$ 

256,478  $ 

869  $ 

3,131  $ 

207  $ 

(237,838)  $ 

22,847 

$ 

256,478  $ 

869  $ 

3,131  $ 

207  $ 

(237,838)  $ 

22,847 

—   

—   

—   

24,480   

1,358   

—   

—   

—   

—   

219   

(869)   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(671)   

675   

—   

(30)   

(30)   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(15,854)   

(15,854) 

(4,813)   

(4,843) 

(20,667)   

(20,697) 

—   

—   

—   

—   

24,699 

489 

751 

675 

$ 

283,738  $ 

219  $ 

3,135  $ 

177  $ 

(258,505)  $ 

28,764 

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DATA Communications Management Corp.

Consolidated statements of cash flows

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income for the year
Items not affecting cash

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 7)
Amortization of intangible assets (note 9)
Depreciation of right-of-use-assets (note 8)
Interest expense on lease liabilities (note 12)
Share-based compensation expense (note 17)
Net fair value losses on financial liabilities at fair value through 
profit or loss (notes 3 and 17)
Pension expense (note 15)
(Gain)/ loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Provisions (note 11)
Amortization of transaction costs, accretion of debt premium/ 
discount, net of debt extinguishment gain (note 13)
Accretion of non-current liabilities (note 13)
Accretion of asset retirement obligation 
Other post-employment benefit plan expense  (note 16)
Right-of-use assets impairment (note 8)
Income tax (recovery) expense (note 14)
Changes in non cash working capital (note 19)
Contributions made to pension plans (note 15)
Contributions made to other post-employment benefit plans (note 16)
Provisions paid (note 11)
Income taxes paid (note 14)
Total cash generated from operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net cash consideration for acquisition of MCC (note 4)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (note 7)
Proceeds on sale and leaseback transactions (note 20)
Purchase of intangible assets (note 9)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Total cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common shares and warrants, net (note 17)
Decrease in restricted cash
Proceeds from credit facilities (note 13)
Repayment of credit facilities (note 13)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants (note 17)
Increase in bank overdrafts
Proceeds from exercise of options (note 17)
Transaction costs (note 13)
Lease payments (note 12)
Total cash provided by financing activities

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

$ 

(15,854)  $ 

13,966 

6,165 
2,881 
12,677 
7,006 
675 

7,122 
1,245 
487 
20,308 

457 
— 
24 
515 
464 
(6,590)   
5,863 
(1,124)   
(471)   
(4,975)   
(4,072)   
32,803 

(130,953)   
(4,222)   
29,533 

(127)   

1,282 
(104,487)   

24,221 
— 
162,140 
(87,592)   
489 
282 
751 
(1,801)   
(13,321)   
85,169 

2,965 
1,606 
6,609 
2,223 
328 

2,711 
351 
98 
— 

344 
120 
— 
(16) 
— 
5,929 
(6,343) 
(869) 
(365) 
(3,160) 
(3,822) 
22,675 

— 
(1,475) 
— 
(71) 
70 
(1,476) 

— 
515 
2,900 
(12,616) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(8,730) 
(17,931) 

CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS DURING THE 
YEAR

13,485 

3,268 

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – BEGINNING OF YEAR
EFFECTS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE ON CASH BALANCES
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – END OF YEAR

$ 

$ 

4,208  $ 
(41)   

17,652  $ 

901 
39 
4,208 

61

 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

1  General information and basis of preparation

DATA Communications Management Corp ("DCM" or the "Company") is a marketing and business communications 
partner that helps companies simplify the complex ways they communicate and operate so they can accomplish more 
with  fewer  steps  and  less  effort.    For  over  60  years,  DCM  has  been  serving  major  brands  in  vertical  markets, 
including financial services, retail, healthcare, energy, other regulated industries, and the public sector. On April 24, 
2023, DCM completed the acquisition of Moore Canada Corporation (“MCC”) (see note 4 for further details).

These financial statements have been prepared using International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 
International  Accounting  Standards  Board  ("IFRS  Accounting  Standards")  applicable  to  a  going  concern,  which 
contemplates the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business as they become 
due. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon management’s ability to meet forecast 
revenue and profitability targets for at least the next twelve months in order to comply with its financial covenants on 
its  credit  facilities  or  to  obtain  financial  covenant  waivers  from  its  lenders  if  necessary.    While  estimated  forecast 
compliance with financial covenants is sensitive to key assumptions used for forecast revenues, gross margins and 
expenses  (which  in  turn  impact  earnings  before  interest,  income  taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization  (EBITDA)), 
management is satisfied that the Company’s forecasts and projections through to March 31, 2025, taking account of 
reasonably possible changes in results and other uncertainties will not result in any breach of the financial covenants 
on  its  credit  facilities.    For  this  reason,  management  continues  to  believe  that  there  is  no  material  uncertainty 
regarding the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. 

The common shares of DCM are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “DCM” and on OTC 
Markets Group (“OTCQX”) under the symbol "DCMDF".  The address of the registered office of DCM is 9195 Torbram 
Road, Brampton, Ontario. These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors ("Board") 
of DCM, on March 20, 2024. 

2  Material accounting policies 

The  material  accounting  policies  set  out  below  have  been  applied  consistently  to  all  periods  presented  in  these 
consolidated financial statements.

BASIS OF MEASUREMENT

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  under  the  historical  cost  convention,  except  for  the 
revaluation of certain financial assets, financial liabilities and employee future benefits to fair value (notes 3, 15, 16 
and 17).

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
between  market  participants  at  the  measurement  date,  regardless  of  whether  that  price  is  directly  observable  or 
estimated  using  another  valuation  technique.    In  estimating  the  fair  value  of  an  asset  or  liability,  DCM  takes  into 
account the characteristics of the asset or liability if market participants would take those characteristics into account 
when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Fair value for measurement and/or disclosure purposes 
in  these  consolidated  financial  statements  is  determined  on  such  a  basis,  except  for  share-based  payment 
transactions that are within the scope of IFRS 2 Share based-payments, IFRS 16 Leases (as IFRS 7 does not require 
fair value disclosures for lease liabilities), and measurements that have some similarities to fair value but are not fair 
value, such as net realizable value in IAS 2 Inventories or value in use in IAS 36 Impairment of assets.

In addition, for financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorized into Level 1, 2 or 3 based on 
the degree to which the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and the significance of the inputs to the 
fair value measurements in its entirety, which are described as follows:

•

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can 
access at the measurement date;

62

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

•

•

Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1; that are observable for the asset or 
liability; either directly or indirectly; and 

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  DCM  and  its  subsidiaries.  All  intercompany 
transactions,  balances  and  unrealized  gains  and  losses  from  intercompany  transactions  are  eliminated  upon 
consolidation.

i.Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which DCM has control.  Control exists when DCM is 
exposed to, or has the 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 which control is obtained.  
They are unconsolidated from the date that control ceases. DCM has two wholly owned subsidiaries, being MCC and 
Data Communications Management (US) Corp. ("DCM USA").

ii.Changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries without change of control

Transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions 
–  that  is,  as  transactions  with  the  owners  in  their  capacity  as  owners.    The  difference  between  fair  value  of  any 
consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in 
equity.  Gains or losses on disposals to non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity.

iii.Disposal of subsidiaries

When DCM ceases to have control, any retained interest in the entity is re-measured to its fair value at the date when 
control  is  lost,  with  the  change  in  carrying  amount  recognized  in  profit  or  loss.   The  fair  value  is  the  initial  carrying 
amount  for  the  purposes  of  subsequently  accounting  for  the  retained  interest  as  an  associate,  joint  venture  or 
financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive loss in respect of that entity 
are accounted for as if DCM had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities.  This may mean that amounts 
previously recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to the statement of operations.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method, and their operating results are included in the 
consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition date.  The consideration transferred is the total fair value of the 
assets transferred, equity instruments issued, liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquired business and 
contingent considerations on the acquisition date  in  exchange  for control of the acquired entity.  The excess  of the 
consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized 
as goodwill.  The transaction costs attributable to the acquisition are recognized in the statement of operations when 
they are incurred.

If the agreement includes a contingent consideration, it is measured at fair value as of the acquisition date and added 
to the consideration transferred, and a liability for the same amount is recognized.  Any subsequent change to the fair 
value of the contingent consideration will be recognized in the statement of operations.

If  the  initial  recognition  of  the  business  combination  is  incomplete  when  the  financial  statements  are  issued  for  the 
period during which the acquisition occurred, DCM records a provisional amount for the items for which measurement 
is incomplete.  Adjustments to the original recognition of the business combination will be recorded as an adjustment 
to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the measurement period, and the adjustments must be applied 
retroactively.  The measurement period is the period from the acquisition date to the date on which DCM has received 
complete information on the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date.

63

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

If a business combination is achieved in stages, DCM reassesses the share it held previously in the acquiree at fair 
value at the acquisition date and includes the gain or loss resulting, if any, to the statement of operations.

In the case of a business combination of less than 100%, a non-controlling interest is measured, either at fair value or 
at  the  non-controlling  interest's  share  of  the  net  identifiable  assets  of  the  acquiree.    The  basis  of  measurement  is 
determined on a transaction-by-transaction basis.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

Items included in the financial statements of each entity within DCM are measured using the currency of the primary 
economic  environment  in  which  the  entity  operates  (the  “functional  currency”).    These  consolidated  financial 
statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is DCM’s functional currency.  The functional currency of DCM’s 
United States operations is U.S. dollars.  

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into each entity's functional currency 
at rates of exchange in effect at the statement of financial position date.  Revenues and expenses denominated in 
foreign  currencies  are  translated  into  each  entity's  functional  currency  at  rates  prevailing  on  the  transaction  dates.  
Gains  and  losses  resulting  from  the  translation  of  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  currencies  other 
than each entity's functional currency are included in the determination of income for the year.

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisitions, 
are  translated  to  Canadian  dollars  at  exchange  rates  at  the  reporting  date.    The  income  and  expenses  of  foreign 
operations  are  translated  to  Canadian  dollars  at  the  average  exchange  rate  during  the  period.    Foreign  currency 
differences are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) in the foreign currency translation reserve account.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, deposits held with banks and bank overdraft and highly liquid 
short-term interest-bearing securities with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

TRADE RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of 
business.    They  are  generally  due  for  settlement  within  30  days  and  are  therefore  all  classified  as  current.    Trade 
receivables are recognized initially at the amount of consideration that is unconditional unless they contain significant 
financing  components  when  they  are  recognized  at  fair  value.    DCM  holds  trade  receivables  with  the  objective  of 
collecting the contractual cashflows and therefore measures them subsequently at amortized cost using the effective 
interest  method,  less  loss  allowance.  See  note  23  for  a  description  of  the  Company’s  impairment  policies  and  the 
calculation of the loss allowance.

INVENTORIES

Raw materials inventories, base stock finished goods and work-in-progress are recorded at the lower of cost and net 
realizable value.  Raw materials are recorded at standard cost. The cost of finished goods and work-in-process are 
determined  using  the  first-in,  first-out  method.  Inventory  manufactured  includes  the  cost  of  materials,  labour  and 
production overheads (based on normal operating capacity), including applicable depreciation on property, plant and 
equipment.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price less cost to complete and applicable selling expenses.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairments.  Costs include 
expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset.  Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s 
carrying  value  or  recognized  as  a  separate  asset,  as  appropriate,  only  when  it  is  probable  that  future  economic 
benefits associated with the item will flow to DCM and the cost can be measured reliably.  The carrying value of a 

64

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

replaced asset is derecognized when replaced.  Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.  Property, plant 
and equipment are depreciated from the point at which the asset is ready for use.  Depreciation is computed using 
the methods and rates based on the estimated useful lives of the property, plant and equipment as outlined below:

Leasehold improvements

Office furniture and equipment

Presses and printing equipment

Computer hardware 

Vehicles

Basis
 straight-line

 straight-line

 straight-line

 straight-line

 straight-line

Rate
   Shorter of life or 
lease term

   5 years  

  3 to 10 years

   2 to 5 years

3 years

DCM  allocates  the  amount  initially  recognized  with  respect  to  an  item  of  property,  plant,  and  equipment  to  its 
significant  parts  and  depreciates  each  such  part  separately.    Residual  values,  the  method  of  depreciation  and  the 
useful lives of the assets are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate.

Gains and losses on disposals of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds with the 
carrying amount of the asset and are included in general and administration expenses in the statement of operations.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Separately  acquired  intangible  assets  are  initially  measured  at  cost.    Customer  relationships,  trade  names, 
trademarks  and  non-compete  agreements  acquired  in  a  business  combination  are  recognized  at  fair  value  at  the 
acquisition date, which is their deemed cost.  Where these assets have a finite life, they are subsequently carried at 
cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. 

Research  costs  are  recognized  as  an  expense  as  incurred.    Development  costs  that  are  directly  attributable  to  the 
design  and  testing  of  identifiable  and  unique  software  products  controlled  by  DCM  are  recognized  as  intangible 
assets when the following criteria are met:

•

it is technically feasible to complete the software so that it will be available for use

• management intends to complete the software and use or sell it

•

•

•

•

there is an ability to use or sell the software

it can be demonstrated how the software will generate probable future economic benefits

adequate  technical,  financial  and  other  resources  to  complete  the  development  and  to  use  or  sell  the 
software are available, and

the expenditure attributable to the software during its development can be reliably measured.

Certain  configuration  and  customization  activities  undertaken  in  implementing  a  cloud  computing  arrangement  may 
give rise to a separate asset in limited circumstances where DCM controls the intellectual property of the underlying 
software  code  (e.g.  the  development  of  bridging  modules  to  existing  on-premise  systems  or  bespoke  additional 
software capability).  In all other instances, configuration and customization costs are expensed as incurred. Directly 
attributable  costs  that  are  capitalized  as  part  of  the  software  include  employee  costs  and  an  appropriate  portion  of 
relevant overheads.  Capitalized development costs are recorded as intangible assets and amortized from the point at 
which the asset is ready for use.

Management’s judgment is required to determine the useful lives of intangible assets, including reviewing the length 
of customer relationships and other factors.  These finite life assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, as 
outlined below.

65

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

Customer relationships

Software and technology

Basis

 straight-line

 straight-line

Trademarks, trade names and non-compete agreements

 straight-line

Rate

   1.5 to 12 years

  1 to 7 years

   2 to 10 years

Residual values, the method of amortization and the useful lives of the assets are reviewed annually and adjusted if 
appropriate.

GOODWILL

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate of consideration transferred in a business combination and the non-
controlling  interest  in  the  acquired  business  over  the  fair  value  of  net  identifiable  assets  and  liabilities  acquired.  
Adjustments  to  fair  value  assessments  are  recorded  to  goodwill  over  the  measurement  period,  not  exceeding  one 
year from the date of acquisition.  Goodwill is allocated to the cash generating unit (“CGU”) or a group of CGUs to 
which it relates.  A CGU is an identifiable group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows from other 
assets or group of assets, which is not higher than an operating segment.

Goodwill  is  not  amortized  but  is  evaluated  for  impairment  annually  or  more  frequently  if  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances indicate there may be impairment.  Impairment is determined for goodwill by assessing if the carrying 
value of a cash generating unit, including the allocated goodwill, exceeds its recoverable amount, determined as the 
greater of the estimated fair value less costs to sell or the value in use.  Impairment losses recognized in respect of a 
CGU are first allocated to the carrying value of goodwill and any excess is allocated to the carrying amount of assets 
in the CGU.  Any goodwill impairment is charged to the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which 
the impairment is identified.  Impairment losses on goodwill are not subsequently reversed.

IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment or 
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets (property, 
plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and definite life intangible assets) are tested for impairment when events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  For the purpose of measuring 
recoverable amounts, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows 
(CGUs).  The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use (being 
the  present  value  of  the  expected  future  cash  flows  of  the  relevant  asset  or  CGU).   The  projections  of  future  cash 
flows  take  into  account  the  relevant  operating  plans  and  management’s  best  estimate  of  the  most  probable  set  of 
conditions anticipated to prevail, including a number of estimates and assumptions such as projected revenue growth 
rates, gross margin and discount rates.

An  impairment  loss  is  recognized  for  the  amount  by  which  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  exceeds  its  recoverable 
amount.  Impairment losses are recorded as impairment provisions within accumulated depreciation for depreciable 
assets.    DCM  evaluates  impairment  losses,  other  than  goodwill  impairment,  for  potential  reversals  when  events  or 
circumstances warrant such consideration.  Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses the carrying amount of 
the asset or CGU is increased to the lesser of the revised estimate of recoverable amount and the carrying amount 
that would have been recorded had no impairment loss been recognized previously.

TRADE PAYABLES AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

The  amounts  are  unsecured  and  are  usually  paid  within  30  days  of  recognition.  Trade  and  other  payables  are 
presented  as  current  liabilities  unless  payment  is  not  due  within  12  months  after  the  reporting  period.    They  are 
recognized  initially  at  their  fair  value  and  subsequently  measured  at  amortized  cost  using  the  effective  interest 
method.

66

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

BORROWINGS

Borrowings  are  initially  recognized  at  fair  value,  net  of  transaction  costs  incurred.    Borrowings  are  subsequently 
measured  at  amortized  cost.   Any  difference  between  the  proceeds  (net  of  transaction  costs)  and  the  redemption 
amount  is  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations  over  the  period  of  the  borrowings  using  the 
effective interest method.  Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognized as transaction costs of the 
loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down.  In this case, the fee is deferred 
until the draw-down occurs.  To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be 
drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a prepayment for liquidity services and amortized over the period of the facility 
to which it relates. 

Borrowings are removed from the balance sheet when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled 
or  expired.    The  difference  between  the  carrying  amount  of  a  financial  liability  that  has  been  extinguished  or 
transferred  to  another  party  and  the  consideration  paid,  including  any  non-cash  assets  transferred  or  liabilities 
assumed, is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as other income or finance costs. 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless DCM has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability 
for at least twelve months after the reporting period.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

DCM has share-based compensation plans as part of DCM’s long-term incentive plan, as described in note 17.  All 
transactions involving share-based payments are recognized as an expense in the statement of operations over the 
vesting period.

Equity-settled share-based payment transactions, such as stock option awards, are measured at the grant date at the 
fair value of employee services received in exchange for the grant of options or share awards and, for non-employee 
transactions, at the fair value of the goods or services received at the date on which the entity recognizes the goods 
or services.  The total amount of the expense recognized in the statement of operations is determined by reference to 
the fair value of the share awards or options granted, which factors in the number of options expected to vest.  Equity-
settled share-based payment transactions are not remeasured once the grant date fair value has been determined.

Cash-settled  share-based  payment  transactions  are  measured  at  the  fair  value  of  the  liability.    The  liability  is 
remeasured  at  each  reporting  date  and  at  the  date  of  settlement,  with  changes  in  fair  value  recognized  in  the 
statement of operations.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

DCM  maintains  a  hybrid  defined  benefit  and  defined  contribution  pension  plan  (the  “DATA  Communications 
Management Pension Plan”) and a defined benefit plan (the “Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan”) for some of 
its employees.  Defined benefit pension benefits are primarily based on years of service, compensation and accrued 
contributions  with  investment  earnings.    DCM's  funding  policy  is  to  fund  the  annual  amount  required  to  meet  or 
exceed the minimum statutory requirements.  Actuarial valuations are required to be completed every three years.

DCM  also  contributes  to  a  multi-employer  defined  benefit  plan,  the  Québec  Graphic  Communication  Pension  Plan 
(the “GCPP”) for certain employees at its Drummondville plant in Québec and a number of Unifor Local 591G union 
administered defined benefit employee pension and non-pension benefit plans for the unionized hourly employees of 
its Thistle  division  and Tristar  division  ("Unifor  Pension  &  Benefit  Plans"). The  GCPP  and  Unifor  Pension  &  Benefit 
Plans  provide  post-employment  benefits  to  unionized  employees  in  the  printing  industry  jointly-trusteed  by 
representatives of the employers and the unions.  DCM's obligation to the GCPP and Unifor Pension & Benefit Plans 
are limited to the amounts agreed to in the respective collective bargaining agreements of each plan.

Certain  former  senior  executives  of  a  predecessor  corporation  and  certain  current  and  former  employees  of  DCM 
participate  in  Supplementary  Executive  Retirement  Plans  (“SERPs”).  The  former  executives  of  a  predecessor 

67

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

corporation are provided with pension benefits payable as a single life annuity with a five-year guarantee.  In addition, 
certain current and former employees of MCC, who are members of the Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan, 
are provided defined benefits that are in excess of the maximum benefits allowed in accordance with the income tax 
act of Canada and pension regulations.

DCM also contributes to various Registered Retirement Saving Plan matching plans ("RRSP Matching Plans") which 
are similar to defined contribution pension plans. 

DCM provides non-pension post-employment benefits, including health care and life insurance benefits on retirement 
to certain former employees, their beneficiaries and covered dependents ("DCM OPEB Plan").  DCM also provides 
other long-term employee benefit plans including pension, health care and dental care benefits for certain employees 
on  long-term  disability  ("DCM  OPEB  LTD  Plan").    Similarly,  MCC  provides  other  long-term  employee  benefit  plans, 
including health care and dental care benefits for certain employees on long-term disability ("MCC OPEB LTD Plan").  
Together, these plans are collectively referred to as ("OPEB LTD Plans"). 

(a)

Defined contribution pension plans

A  defined  contribution  plan  is  a  post-employment  benefit  plan  under  which  an  entity  pays  fixed  contributions  into  a 
separate  entity  and  has  no  legal  or  constructive  obligation  to  pay  further  amounts.    Pension  benefits  for  defined 
contribution  formula  are  based  on  the  accrued  contributions  with  investment  earnings.    DCM’s  annual  pension 
expense is based on the amounts contributed in respect of eligible employees when they are due.  

(b)

Defined benefit pension plans

A defined benefit plan is a post-employment benefit plan other than a defined contribution plan.  Pension benefits for 
the  defined  benefit  formula  are  generally  calculated  based  on  the  number  of  years  of  service  and  the  maximum 
average eligible earnings of each employee during any period of five consecutive years.  DCM accrues its obligations 
for the defined benefit provision and related costs, net of plan assets, where applicable.  The cost of pensions earned 
by  employees  covered  by  these  plans  are  actuarially  determined  using  the  projected  unit  credit  method  taking  into 
account  management’s  best  estimate  of  salary  escalation,  retirement  ages  and  longevity  of  employees,  where 
applicable.  When the calculation results in a benefit to DCM, the recognized asset is limited to the present value of 
economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the 
plan.    In  order  to  calculate  the  present  value  of  economic  benefits,  consideration  is  given  to  any  minimum  funding 
requirements that apply to any plan in DCM.  An economic benefit is available to DCM if it is realizable during the life 
of the plan, or on settlement of the plan liabilities.

Improvements  to  the  pension  plans  are  recognized  as  past  service  costs  in  the  period  of  the  plan  amendment.  
Current service costs are expensed in the period that the benefits are accrued.  Current service costs, administration 
costs and past services costs are recognized as period costs in general and administration expenses in the statement 
of operations.  Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate at the beginning of the period to the net benefit 
liability or asset and is recognized in finance costs (income) in the statement of operations.

The  discount  rate  used  to  determine  the  accrued  benefit  obligation  is  determined  by  reference  to  yields  on  high 
quality corporate bonds and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability.

Actuarial gains and losses arise from the difference between actual rate of return on plan assets and the discount rate 
for  that  period,  from  changes  in  actuarial  assumptions  used  to  determine  the  accrued  benefit  obligation  and  from 
changes to accrued benefit obligation resulting from actual experience differing from long-term assumptions used to 
determine the accrued benefit obligation.  Re-measurements, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the 
changes  to  the  asset  ceiling  (if  applicable)  and  the  actual  return  on  plan  assets  (excluding  interest),  is  reflected 
immediately in the statement of financial position with a charge or credit recognized in other comprehensive income 
(loss)  in  the  period  in  which  they  occur.    Re-measurements  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  are 
reflected immediately in retained earnings (deficit) and will not be reclassified to the statement of operations.

68

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

The  retirement  benefit  obligation  recognized  in  the  statement  of  financial  position  represents  the  actual  deficit  or 
surplus in the DCM’s defined benefit plans.  When the payment in the future of minimum funding requirements related 
to  past  service  would  result  in  a  net  defined  benefit  surplus  or  an  increase  in  a  surplus,  the  minimum  funding 
requirements are recognized as a liability to the extent that the surplus would not be fully available as a refund or a 
reduction in future contributions to the plans.

A liability for termination benefits is recognized at the earlier of when the entity can no longer withdraw the offer of the 
termination  benefit  and  when  the  entity  recognizes  any  related  restructuring  provisions.    Termination  benefits  that 
require future services are required to be recognized over the periods the future services are provided.

The SERPs are unfunded.

The GCPP and the Unifor Pension & Benefit Plans are negotiated contribution, defined benefit plans, however, the 
trustees of these plans are not able to provide sufficient information for DCM to account for these plans as a defined 
benefit plan.  Notably, GCPP is a multi-employer plan, while Unifor Pension & Benefit Plans are subject to a union 
agreement  rather  than  being  categorized  as  a  multi-employer  plans.    DCM  has  accounted  for  these  plans  on  a 
defined  contribution  basis  as  DCM  does  not  believe  there  is  sufficient  information  to  recognize  participation  on  a 
defined benefit basis.

(c)

Other post-employment and long-term employee benefit plans

DCM’s net obligation in respect of its DCM OPEB Plan is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in 
return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value.  The 
calculation is performed using the projected unit credit method.  Any actuarial gains and losses related to non-pension 
post-employment benefit plans are recognized in other comprehensive loss in the period in which they arise and will 
not be reclassified to statement of operations.

DCM’s net obligation in respect of its OPEB LTD Plans is the actuarial present value of all future projected benefits 
determined as at the valuation date.  Any actuarial gains and losses related to other long-term employee benefit plans 
are recognized in the statement of operations in the period in which they arise.

The discount rate is the yield at the reporting date on yields on high quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates 
approximating the terms of DCM’s obligations.  The DCM OPEB Plan and OPEB LTD Plans are funded on a pay-as-
you-go basis.

PROVISIONS

Provisions are liabilities of uncertain timing or amount.  A provision is recognized if, as a result of a past event, DCM 
has a present legal or constructive obligation for which the amount can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that 
an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.  Provisions are measured at management’s 
best  estimate  of  the  expenditure  required  to  settle  the  obligation.    When  the  effect  of  discounting  is  significant,  the 
amount of the provision is determined by discounting the expected cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.  Provisions are reviewed at each 
reporting  date  and  any  changes  to  estimates  are  reflected  in  the  statement  of  operations.    The  unwinding  of  the 
discount  is  recognized  as  a  finance  cost.    A  provision  for  restructuring  is  recognized  when  DCM  has  approved  a 
detailed  and  formal  restructuring  plan,  and  has  raised  a  valid  expectation  in  those  affected  that  it  will  carry  out  the 
restructuring  by  starting  to  implement  the  plan  or  announcing  its  main  features  to  those  affected  by  it.    Future 
operating losses associated with plant closures are not provided for.

INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax.  Current income tax and deferred income tax are recognized 
in  the  statement  of  operations  except  to  the  extent  that  it  relates  to  a  business  combination  or  items  recognized 

69

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

directly  in  equity  or  in  other  comprehensive  income  (loss),  in  which  case  the  current  and/or  deferred  tax  is  also 
recognized directly in equity or other comprehensive income (loss).

Current income taxes are the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax 
rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous 
years that are expected to be paid.  Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to 
situations  in  which  applicable  tax  regulation  is  subject  to  interpretation.    DCM  establishes  provisions  where 
appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.  Deferred income tax is recognized in 
respect  of  temporary  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  for  financial  reporting 
purposes  and  the  amounts  used  for  taxation  purposes.    Deferred  income  tax  is  not  recognized  for  the  following 
temporary differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination 
and  that  affects  neither  accounting  nor  taxable  profit  or  loss,  and  temporary  differences  relating  to  investments  in 
subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable 
future.    In  addition,  deferred  income  tax  is  not  recognized  for  taxable  temporary  differences  arising  on  the  initial 
recognition  of  goodwill.    Deferred  income  tax  is  measured  on  a  non-discounted  basis  at  the  tax  rates  that  are 
expected  to  be  applied  to  temporary  differences  when  they  reverse,  based  on  the  laws  that  have  been  enacted  or 
substantively enacted by the reporting date.

A deferred income tax asset is recognized for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences to 
the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized.  Deferred 
income tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 
the related tax benefit will be realized in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities 
and assets, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity or on different 
tax entities but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will 
be realized simultaneously.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are presented as non-current.

LEASES

DCM  leases  various  offices,  manufacturing  facilities,  warehouses  and  machinery  and  office  equipment.    Rental 
contracts  are  typically  made  for  fixed  periods  of  1  to  15  years  but  may  have  extension  options.    Lease  terms  are 
negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions.  The lease agreements 
do  not  impose  any  covenants,  but  leased  assets  may  not  be  used  as  security  for  borrowing  purposes.    DCM  has 
options to purchase certain manufacturing equipment for a nominal amount or the then fair market value, to extend 
the term, or to return the equipment at the end of the lease term.  The obligations are secured by the lessors’ title to 
the leased asset for such leases.  DCM also occasionally enters into sub-leases as an intermediate lessor. 

The accounting policies for leases are as follows:

AS A LESSEE
DCM  assesses,  at  the  inception  of  a  contract,  whether  a  contract  is,  or  contains,  a  lease.   A  lease  is  a  contract  in 
which the right to control the use of an identified asset is granted for an agreed upon period of time in exchange for 
consideration.    DCM  assesses  whether  a  contract  conveys  the  right  to  control  the  use  of  an  identified  asset  when 
there is both the right to direct the use of the asset and obtain substantially all the economic benefits from that use. 

At the commencement of a lease contract:

(i) a lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the non-cancellable lease payments over the lease 
term and discounted at DCM's incremental borrowing rate, which represents the rate DCM would pay to borrow 
funds to obtain the underlying asset over a similar term and with similar security.  Lease payments include fixed 
payments and such variable payments that depend on an index or a rate; less any lease incentives receivable. In 

70

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

determining  the  lease  term,  management  considers  all  facts  and  circumstances  that  create  an  economic 
incentive to exercise an extension option or not exercise a termination option.  Extension options (or periods after 
termination options) are only included in the lease term if the lease is reasonably certain to be extended (or not 
terminated).  The assessment is reviewed if a significant event or a significant change in circumstances occurs 
which affects this assessment and that is within the control of the lessee. 

(ii) a  right-of-use  asset  ("ROU Asset")  is  initially  measured  at  cost,  which  comprises  the  initial  lease  liability,  lease 
payments made at or before the lease commencement date, initial direct costs and restoration obligations less 
lease incentives. 

The ROU Asset is depreciated in subsequent periods over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on 
a straight-line basis.  The lease term includes periods covered by an option to extend if DCM is reasonably certain to 
exercise  that  option.    The  ROU Asset  is  assessed  for  impairment  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  IAS  36 
Impairment of Assets. 

The lease liability is measured in subsequent periods at amortized cost using the effective interest method.  Lease 
payments  are  allocated  between  principal  and  interest  cost.  The  interest  cost  is  charged  to  the  consolidated 
statement  of  operations  over  the  lease  term  so  as  to  produce  a  constant  periodic  rate  of  interest  on  the  remaining 
balance of the liability each period.  The lease liability is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments 
arising  from  a  change  in  an  index  or  rate,  if  there  is  a  change  in  DCM’s  estimate  of  the  amount  expected  to  be 
payable under a residual value guarantee, or if DCM changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, 
extension or termination option.  When the lease liability is remeasured, a corresponding adjustment is made to the 
carrying amount of the ROU Asset, with any difference recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.  When a 
lease contract is modified to increase the scope of the lease and the change to the lease payments is commensurate 
with the stand-alone price for the increased scope the modification is accounted for as a separate lease contract.  In 
all other cases the lease liability is remeasured using a revised discount rate for the remainder of the lease term and 
the ROU asset is adjusted either downwards in the case of scope decreases to reflect the partial or full termination of 
the  lease  (with  any  gain  or  loss  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations)  or  upwards  by  the  same 
adjustment to the lease liability for scope increases. 

On a lease by lease basis, DCM also exercises the option available for contracts comprising lease components as 
well  as  non-lease  components,  not  to  separate  these  components.    Payments  to  the  lessor  for  variable  costs 
associated  with  the  lease,  including  variable  payments  to  the  lessor  related  to  non-lease  components,  are  not 
included  in  the  measurement  of  the  lease  liability  and  are  expensed  as  incurred  in  the  consolidated  statement  of 
operations. 

Extension and termination options exist for DCM’s property leases.  DCM remeasures the lease liability when there is 
a change in the assessment of the inclusion of the extension option in the lease term, resulting from a change in facts 
and circumstances. 

Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as 
an  expense  in  the consolidated  statement  of  operations.    Short-term  leases  are  leases  with  a  lease  term  of  twelve 
months or less. Low value assets comprise IT equipment and small items of office furniture. 

AS AN INTERMEDIATE LESSOR 
For  sub-leases  where  DCM  is  an  intermediate  lessor,  the  head  lease  and  sub-lease  interest  are  accounted  for 
separately.  DCM assesses the lease classification of a sub-lease as either an operating lease or a finance lease with 
reference to the ROU Asset arising from the head lease. 

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Grants from the government are recognized at their fair value when there is reasonable assurance that the grant will 
be  received  and  DCM  will  comply  with  all  attached  conditions.    The  Company  has  elected  to  present  government 
grants related to income as "other income" in the consolidated statement of operations. 

71

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

SHARE CAPITAL AND WARRANTS

Common shares and warrants are classified as equity instruments.  Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue 
of common shares and warrants are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares 
outstanding  during  the  period.    Diluted  earnings  (loss)  per  share  is  calculated  by  adjusting  net  income  (loss)  and 
weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period for the effects of dilutive potential shares, which 
includes any options granted.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

DCM recognizes revenue when control of the goods or services has been transferred.  Revenue is measured at the 
amount of consideration to which DCM expects to be entitled to, net of incentives given to its customers, including 
volume-based incentives, price concessions and cash discounts.

The  following  is  a  description  of  the  principal  activities  from  which  DCM  generates  its  revenue,  along  with  the 
corresponding revenue recognition accounting policies applied:

(a) Product sales - DCM manufactures customized products based on specifications pre-approved by its customers.  
At  its  customers'  request,  DCM  will  also  purchase  product  from  third-party  vendors  and  resell  that  to  its 
customers (including technology-enabled hardware solutions - see (e) below).  For products that DCM purchases 
and resells to its customers, DCM is typically a principal in these arrangements as it is responsible for making 
key decisions over the purchasing of product and has the economic risks and rewards that are customary with 
control.    Accordingly,  third-party  product  revenue  is  typically  presented  on  a  gross  basis  in  revenue  with  the 
corresponding  product  purchase  cost  and  associated  costs  recognized  in  costs  of  revenue.    DCM  recognizes 
revenue  when  control  over  the  product  transfers  to  the  customer,  which  is  effectively  transferred  upon  the 
completion  of  production  or  when  a  resale  product  is  purchased  from  a  third-party  vendor  and  inducted  into 
DCM's  warehouses  or  shipped  directly  to  customers  from  third-party  vendors  due  to  the  custom  nature  of  the 
product, as it does not have an alternative use to DCM, such that DCM is entitled to payment once the quantity of 
product  pursuant  to  an  individual  purchase  order  is  produced  or  purchased  from  a  third-party  vendor  and 
inducted into its warehouses.  Given the manufactured products are customized or purchased specifically at the 
customer’s request, product returns are insignificant.

In some instances, DCM's customers obtain the product directly from DCM following the completion of production 
or  directly  from  third-party  vendors.    In  other  instances,  DCM’s  contracts  involve  the  provision  of  warehousing 
and  shipment  services,  in  addition  to  manufacturing  or  purchasing  of  third-party  products.    Based  on  DCM's 
contractual  arrangements  with  its  customers  related  to  product,  certain  of  DCM's  contracts  with  customers 
include  the  provision  of  warehousing,  freight  and  financing  services,  in  addition  to  manufacturing  or  purchase 
from third-parties of customized products based on specifications pre-approved by its customers.  For bundled 
pricing arrangements, DCM allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation based on their relative 
stand-alone  selling  prices.    Management  applied  judgment  and  assumptions  in  determining  the  stand-alone 
selling prices in allocating revenue between the various performance obligations based on non-bundled pricing 
arrangements and comparable market data, where applicable.  DCM stores customized or purchased product at 
the request of the customer; the product is identifiable as the customer’s product; the product is ready for transfer 
to the customer upon the customer’s request; and DCM cannot re-direct the product nor use the product to fulfill 
another  customer’s  product  order  under  the  contract.    DCM  recognizes  product  revenues  when  control  has 
transferred over the product upon product manufacture by DCM or upon receipt of third-party product into DCM's 
warehouses.  Based on the contractual terms with its customers, DCM either issues an invoice when product that 
is  manufactured  by  DCM  or  purchased  from  third-party  vendors  is  inducted  into  DCM's  warehouse,  or 
alternatively, the invoice is issued for some customers when the product is dispatched from its warehouses.  In 

72

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

instances where DCM issues an invoice on dispatch of product from its warehouses, rather than at the date of 
transfer  of  control,  DCM  is  still  entitled  to  payment  for  the  purchased  or  manufactured  product.    Accordingly, 
revenue  is  recognized  for  the  product  manufactured  by  DCM  or  purchased  from  third  parties  and  a 
corresponding  balance  for  “unbilled  receivables”  are  recognized  within  trade  receivables  in  the  consolidated 
statement of financial position.  Unbilled receivables are transferred to accounts receivables when the invoices 
are issued to the customers.  Deferred revenue represents amounts that have been invoiced to the customer but 
not yet recognized as revenue, including advance payments and billings in excess of revenue.  Deferred revenue 
is recognized as revenue when DCM completes the production of product or upon receipt of third-party product in 
its warehouses or when warehousing and freight services are provided (see (b) and (c) below).

(b) Warehousing  services  -  DCM  provides  custodial  services  to  store  customer  product  in  its  warehouse  over  a 
specified  agreed  upon  period  of  time.    For  non-bundled  pricing  arrangements,  warehousing  revenues  are 
recognized  over  the  period  that  warehousing  services  are  provided  to  the  customer.    For  bundled  pricing 
arrangements, DCM allocates a portion of the initial transaction price for warehousing services and recognizes 
revenue on a straight-line basis over the agreed period of the warehousing as it best represents the pattern of 
performance.  Amounts are typically invoiced as warehousing services are performed in accordance with agreed 
upon contractual terms at periodic intervals.  When DCM receives advance payments or issues billings in excess 
of revenue, these are recognized as deferred revenue in the statement of financial position.  Deferred revenue is 
recognized as revenue when or as DCM provides custodial services over the agreed upon warehouse term.

(c) Freight  services  -  DCM  has  identified  it  has  a  distinct  performance  obligation  for  the  shipment  of  product  for 
certain contracts where it has an obligation to arrange shipment services where control of the product has been 
transferred  to  the  customer  prior  to  shipment.    DCM  frequently  contracts  with  third  parties  to  deliver  product.  
DCM  is  typically  a  principal  for  such  shipment  services  as  it  is  responsible  for  making  key  decisions  over  the 
shipment  arrangements  and  has  the  economic  risks  and  rewards  associated  with  such  control  as  a  principal 
DCM recognizes shipment revenues when the performance of the shipping service has occurred as products are 
shipped.

(d) Marketing and other services - Marketing services include fee-for-service marketing strategy, creative and other 
marketing  services  fees,  and  other  ancillary  services  include  fees  related  to  financing  charges  associated  with 
customers  where  DCM  stores  customer  product  in  the  warehouse  over  a  period  of  time  and  invoices  the 
customer  when  the  product  is  dispatched  from  DCM's  warehouse.    Revenue  from  marketing  services  is 
recognized  over  time  as  the  services  are  performed.    Revenue  for  other  ancillary  services  is  recognized  upon 
completion of the performance obligations to its customers.  Financing income is recognized as DCM provides 
custodial services to its customers over the agreed upon warehouse term.

(e) Technology-enabled hardware solutions  - We procure certain products and services from third-party providers to 
ensure  that  our  clients’  complete  business  and  marketing  communications  needs  are  met  while  providing 
comprehensive  vendor  management  strategies.    Technology-enabled  hardware  solutions  include  scanners, 
printers,  tablets,  and  other  technology  applications,  often  with  barcoding  and  RFID  functionality,  and  digital 
signage applications. Such products typically complement our product sales, and other services, and are sold to 
clients as part of an integrated offering.  Technology-enabled hardware solutions represent a distinct performance 
obligation (from our product sales and other services), and revenue is recognized when the product is shipped 
from the vendor or inducted into DCM's warehouse. 

(f) Technology-enabled  subscription  services  and  fees  -  Our  technology-enabled  subscription  services  and  fees 
include  the  provision  of  marketing  technology  workflow  applications  and  digital  asset  management  (“DAM”) 
solutions,  software  subscription 
technology  services,  program  management  services, 
professional  services  fees,  content  management  fees,  and  implementation  and  development  fees.    Typically, 
these  services  and  fees  are  contracted  on  either  a  project  basis  in  the  case  of  professional  services, 
implementation, and development services fees or for periods of three to five-year terms, with one to two-year 
renewal  options  in  the  case  of  software  subscription  fees  and  managed  technology  services.    Revenue  is 
measured based on the consideration DCM expects to be entitled to in exchange for providing services as they 
are delivered, or ratably over the term of the contract, and represent a distinct performance obligation.

fees,  managed 

73

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

VARIABLE CONSIDERATION
Some  contracts  with  customers  provide  volume-based  incentives  specific  to  product  sales.  In  addition,  price 
concessions  (adjustments  to  the  amount  charged  to  a  customer  made  outside  of  the  initial  contact  terms)  are 
sometimes  provided  to  customers  if  there  are  billing  disputes  or  customers  have  experienced  some  level  of 
dissatisfaction in order to encourage customers to pay for previous purchases and continue making future purchases. 
Such incentive offerings and price concessions give rise to variable consideration and are required to be estimated at 
contract inception by using either the expected value or the most likely amount, depending on which method better 
predicts  the  amount  of  consideration  to  which  the  customer  will  be  entitled.    The  estimates  are  based  on  various 
assumptions, including past experience with customers and other relevant factors.  DCM uses the most likely amount 
when determining the expected amount of volume-based incentives and price concessions it will give to its customers 
and  records  these  as  a  reduction  to  revenue  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations.  DCM  reduces  the 
transaction price for any price concessions expected to be provided to customers, as revenue can only be recognized 
to  the  extent  that  it  is  highly  probable  that  a  significant  reversal  in  the  amount  of  revenue  will  not  occur  when  the 
uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. 

CONTRACT COSTS
Contract costs represent incremental costs incurred, such as sales commissions for sales made to certain customers. 
Contract  costs  are  deferred  and  included  within  prepaid  expenses  and  other  assets  for  contracts  expected  to  be 
delivered after more than one year and then amortized over their estimated useful lives.  Contract costs are carried at 
cost  less  accumulated  amortization.    For  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023  and  2022,  DCM  did  not  have  any 
significant contract cost balances or transactions.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

CLASSIFICATION AND MEASUREMENT
Financial  assets  are  classified  and  measured  based  on  these  categories:  amortized  cost,  fair  value  through  other 
comprehensive income ("FVTOCI"), and fair value through profit and loss (“FVTPL”).

Financial  liabilities  are  classified  and  measured  based  on  two  categories:  amortized  cost  or  FVTPL.    Derivatives 
embedded  in  contracts  where  the  host  is  a  financial  asset  in  the  scope  of  the  standard  are  not  separated,  but  the 
hybrid financial instrument as a whole is assessed for classification.  DCM currently has no derivatives.

Financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL: A financial asset or liability is classified in this category if acquired principally 
for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the short-term.  Derivatives are also included in this category unless they 
are  designated  as  hedges.  Financial  instruments  in  this  category  are  recognized  initially  and  subsequently  at  fair 
value.  Transaction costs are expensed in the consolidated statement of operations and are included in finance costs.  
Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are presented in the consolidated statement of operations within 
expenses in the period in which they arise.  Financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL are classified as current except 
for the portion expected to be realized or paid beyond twelve months of the statement of financial position date, which 
is classified as non-current.

Financial  assets  and  liabilities  at  amortized  cost:  Financial  assets  and  liabilities  at  amortized  cost  are  initially 
recognized at fair value, except for trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component which are 
measured  at  the  transaction  price,  plus  or  minus  transaction  costs,  respectively,  and  subsequently  carried  at 
amortized cost less any impairment.

Financial assets through other comprehensive income: Financial assets carried at FVOCI are measured at fair value. 
Interest, dividends and impairment gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations on 
the same basis as for amortized cost assets.  Changes in fair value are recognized initially in other comprehensive 
income.  When the assets are derecognized or reclassified, the cumulative changes in fair value are reclassified to 
the  consolidated  statement  of  operations  (except  where  they  relate  to  investments  in  equity  instruments).    DCM 
currently has no financial instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive loss.

74

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

DCM determines the classification of financial assets and liabilities at initial recognition.  The classification of DCM's 
financial assets and liabilities is disclosed in note 23.

IMPAIRMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSETS
DCM applies the 'expected credit loss' ("ECL") model to assess the impairment of its financial assets at each balance 
sheet  date.    The  ECL  model  requires  considerable  judgment,  including  consideration  of  how  changes  in  economic 
factors  affect  ECLs,  which  are  determined  on  a  probability-weighted  basis.    DCM  measures  loss  allowance  at  an 
amount equal to lifetime ECLs.  

DCM applies the simplified approach to determine ECLs on trade receivables by using a provision matrix based on 
historical credit loss experiences.  The historical results were used to calculate the run rates of default, which were 
then applied over the expected life of the trade receivables, adjusted for forward looking information of economic and 
other factors.  Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the asset or a 
portion thereof.

Impairment losses are recorded in general and administration expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. 
Where there is a change that will cause a significant reduction in the loss, the impairment loss previously recognized 
is reversed through the consolidated statements of operations. 

DERECOGNITION
Financial Assets: The Company derecognizes financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the 
financial  assets  expire  or  when  it  transfers  the  financial  assets  and  substantially  all  of  the  associated  risks  and 
rewards  of  ownership  to  another  entity.    Gains  and  losses  on  derecognition  are  generally  recognized  in  the 
consolidated statements of operations.

Financial  liabilities:  The  Company  derecognizes  financial  liabilities  only  when  its  obligations  under  the  financial 
liabilities are discharged, cancelled or expired.  Generally, the difference between the carrying amount of the financial 
liability derecognized and the consideration paid and payable, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities 
assumed, is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

Pursuant  to  IFRS  5,  non-current  assets  are  classified  as  held  for  sale  if  their  carrying  amount  will  be  recovered 
principally  through  a  sale  transaction  rather  than  through  continuing  use.    This  condition  is  regarded  as  met  only 
when the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to terms that are 
usual and customary for sales of such an asset, the appropriate level of management must be committed to a plan to 
sell the asset and an active program to locate a buyer and complete the plan must have been initiated.  Further, the 
asset must be actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and the sale 
is  highly  probable  to  complete  within  one  year  from  the  date  of  classification,  except  as  permitted  under  certain 
events and circumstances.  If the aforesaid criteria are no longer met, DCM ceases to classify the asset as held for 
sale.

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount 
and fair value less costs to sell and are presented separately in the Statement of Financial Position.  DCM does not 
depreciate  or  amortize  a  non-current  asset  while  it  is  classified  as  held  for  sale.    Immediately  before  the  initial 
classification  of  the  assets  as  held  for  sale,  the  carrying  amounts  of  the  asset  are  measured  in  accordance  with 
applicable IFRS Accounting Standard.  Non-current assets are not classified as held for sale within the comparative 
period presented for the Statement of Financial Position.

75

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

USE OF ESTIMATES, MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY AND JUDGMENTS

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make critical judgments, estimates and 
assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amount  of  certain  assets  and  liabilities  and  the  disclosure  of  the  contingent 
assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses for the period 
reported.  Management must also make estimates and judgments about future results of operations, related specific 
elements  of  the  business  and  operations  in  assessing  the  recoverability  of  assets  and  recorded  value  of  liabilities.  
Significant  areas  of  estimates,  measurement  uncertainty  and  judgments  are  summarized  below.    For  each  item, 
actual results could differ from estimates and judgments made by management.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS 

On April  24,  2023,  DCM  acquired  MCC  for  a  total  purchase  price  of  $135,757  after  adjusting  for  the  post-closing 
working  capital  adjustments.    The  identifiable  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed,  with  limited  exceptions  are 
measured  at  their  fair  values  at  the  acquisition  date  with  the  excess  of  the  consideration  transferred  over  the  fair 
value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed being recognized as goodwill.  The fair value of the 
identifiable  assets  acquired  included  $41,385  related  to  properties  (including  $25,800  classified  as  assets  held  for 
sale)  and  $26,139  related  to  plant,  equipment,  presses  and  printing  equipment,  office  furniture  and  equipment  and 
leasehold improvements (notes 4, 7 and 20).  Management applied significant judgment in estimating the fair values 
of the acquired properties, plant and equipment.  

The fair value of the properties acquired was estimated with the assistance of a third-party appraiser (management’s 
property  expert)  using  a  combination  of  the  income  (direct  capitalization)  method  and  market  (direct  comparison) 
method.  Significant assumptions related to the direct comparison method included the sales values of comparable 
properties, and subsequent sale and leaseback transactions (including market rental rates and incremental borrowing 
rates).    Significant  assumptions  related  to  the  direct  capitalization  approach  included  capitalization  rates  and 
comparable market rental rates.

The fair value of the plant and equipment assets acquired was estimated with the assistance of a third-party appraiser 
(management’s  plant  and  equipment  expert)  using  a  combination  of  the  market  and  cost  (direct  and  indirect) 
approaches.  Significant assumptions related to the cost approach included inflation adjustments, replacement cost 
new, physical depreciation, useful lives and functional obsolescence.  Significant assumptions related to the market 
approach included resale values. 

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at the end of each fiscal year or more frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate there may be impairment.  The determination of the impairment of goodwill is impacted by the 
determination of the CGUs, estimates of the recoverable value of those CGUs, assumptions of future cash flows, and 
achieving forecasted business results. 

The  acquisition  of  MCC  brought  together  two  similar  sized  businesses  with  similar  economic  characteristics 
particularly  in  terms  of  the  nature  of  the  products  and  services,  production  processes,  types  of  customers  and 
methods used to provide these product and services to customers.  These businesses have been integrated into one 
consolidated operation and senior management team under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") as 
the Company operates as an integrated marketing communications and business solutions provider to its customers.  
Consequently in management’s judgment DCM has a single goodwill CGU, being the Company as a whole, reflecting 
the  manner  in  which  the  operating  results  are  being  reviewed  by  the  chief  operating  decision  maker  ("CODM")  to 
make  decisions  about  resources  to  be  allocated  and  to  assess  the  Company's  performance  as  an  integrated 
marketing  and  business  solutions  provider  to  its  customers.    This  is  the  level  at  which  goodwill  is  monitored  for 
internal management purposes. 

The recoverable amount of this CGU was determined based on its estimated fair value less the cost of disposal using 
a discounted cash flow model.  Management applied considerable judgment in estimating the recoverable amounts of 

76

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

the Company, which included the use of significant assumptions relating to revenue growth rates, gross margins and 
the discount rate.  While the recoverable amount from the discounted cash flow model is sensitive to key assumptions 
used  for  forecast  revenues,  gross  margins  and  the  discount  rate,  management  is  satisfied  that  the  Company’s 
forecasts and assumptions, taking account of reasonably possible changes in results and other uncertainties, will not 
change the result of DCM's impairment analysis (see also note 10 for the sensitivity of the model to changes in these 
significant assumptions).

3  Change in accounting policies

(a) New and amended standards adopted

IFRS 7 NET FAIR VALUE (GAINS) LOSSES ON FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT 
OR LOSS 

In accordance with IAS 8, to provide more reliable and relevant information about the effects of transactions, other 
events  or  conditions  on  the  entity’s  financial  position,  financial  performance  or  cash  flows,  DCM  applied  IFRS  7 
paragraph  20  to  disclose  net  gains  or  net  losses  on  financial  assets  or  financial  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value 
through profit or loss separately on the consolidated statement of operations.

The  following  table  summarizes  the  impact  on  DCM’s  consolidated  statement  of  operations  for  the  year  ended 

December 31, 2022:

Year ended 
December 31, 2022 
prior to the adoption 

Impact 

Year ended 
December 31, 2022 
after the adoption

Selling, commissions and expenses
General and administration expenses
Net fair value losses on financial liabilities at 
fair value through profit or loss

$ 

29,198  $ 
27,952   

—   

(157) $ 

(2,554)  

2,711   

29,041 
25,398 

2,711 

AMENDMENTS  TO  IAS  1,  PRESENTATION  OF  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS  AND  IAS  8,  ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES, CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ERRORS

These standards were amended to introduce the definition of an accounting estimate and include other amendments 
to  IAS  8  to  help  entities  distinguish  changes  in  accounting  estimates  from  changes  in  accounting  policies.    The 
amendments  were  adopted  effective  January  1,  2023  and  did  not  have  an  impact  on  the  consolidated  financial 
statements.

AMENDMENTS  TO  IAS  12,  DEFERRED  TAXES:  RELATED  TO  ASSETS  AND  LIABILITIES  ARISING  FROM  A 
SINGLE TRANSACTION

This standard was amended to require companies to recognize deferred tax on particular transactions that, on initial 
recognition,  give  rise  to  equal  amounts  of  taxable  and  deductible  temporary  differences.    The  amendments  were 
adopted effective January 1, 2023 and did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

77

 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

(b) Future accounting standards not yet adopted

IAS 1 PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: CLASSIFICATION OF LIABILITIES AS CURRENT OR 
NON-CURRENT 

In January 2020, the IASB issued Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1).  The 
amendments aim to promote consistency in applying the requirements by helping companies determine whether debt 
and  other  liabilities  with  an  uncertain  settlement  date  should  be  classified  as  current  (due  or  potentially  due  to  be 
settled within one year) or non-current.  The amendments include clarifying the classification requirements for debt a 
company might settle by converting it into equity.  On October 31, 2022, the IASB published an amendment to clarify 
how  conditions  with  which  an  entity  must  comply  within  twelve  months  after  the  reporting  period  affect  the 
classification of a liability.  The amendments are effective for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024.  
DCM is currently evaluating the impact on the consolidated financial statements. 

AMENDMENTS TO IFRS 16 LEASES:  LEASE LIABILITY IN A SALE AND LEASEBACK 

The IASB has issued narrow-scope amendments to the requirements for sale and leaseback transactions in IFRS 16 
explaining  how  a  seller-lessee  accounts  for  a  sale  and  leaseback  after  the  date  of  the  transaction.    Sale  and 
leaseback transactions where some or all the lease payments are variable lease payments that do not depend on an 
index or a rate are most likely to be impacted.  The amendments are effective from January 1, 2024.  DCM does not 
expect these amendments to have any significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

AMENDMENTS TO IAS 7 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS AND IFRS 7 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: SUPPLIER 
FINANCING AGREEMENTS

In  May  2023,  the  IASB  issued  amendments  to  IAS  7  Statement  of  Cash  Flows  and  IFRS  7  Financial  Instruments: 
Disclosures,  addressing  the  presentation  of  liabilities  and  the  associated  cash  flows  arising  out  of  supplier  finance 
arrangements. The disclosure requirements in the amendments enhance the current requirements and are intended 
to  assist  users  of  financial  statements  in  understanding  the  effects  of  supplier  finance  arrangements  on  an  entity’s 
liabilities,  cash  flows  and  exposure  to  liquidity  risk.  The  amendments  are  effective  for  annual  reporting  periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2024.  DCM does not expect these amendments to have any significant impact on 
the consolidated financial statements. 

There  are  no  other  IFRS  Accounting  Standards  or  International  Financial  Reporting  Interpretations  Committee 
(‘IFRIC’) interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a significant impact on DCM.

4  Business Acquisition

ACQUISITION OF MOORE CANADA CORPORATION (MCC)

78

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

On April 24, 2023 (the "Closing Date"), DCM acquired 100% of the share capital of MCC for a total cash purchase 
price of $130,835, subject to post-closing working capital adjustments.  During the year ended December 31, 2023, 
the  post-closing  working  capital  adjustments  to  the  purchase  price  were  $4,922  for  a  total  cash  purchase  price  of 
$135,757.    With  the  completion  of  the  acquisition,  MCC  is  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  DCM.    The  acquisition  of 
MCC  provides  a  strategic  opportunity  to  accelerate  DCM's  growth  plans.    Bringing  together  two  similar  sized 
businesses, DCM has a significantly larger presence in the Canadian market, an enhanced portfolio of products and 
services,  and  an  expanded  customer  base  across  a  broad  range  of  industry  vertical  markets.   The  acquisition  was 
funded through an expanded revolving, floating rate credit facility from a Canadian chartered bank, which includes up 
to $90,000 of revolving credit capacity; a $30,000 floating rate bridge facility from the bank; and a new $50,000 fixed 
rate credit facility from Fiera Private Debt (see note 13 for further information). 

The acquisition is being accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method and the consideration 
paid  and  the  allocation  of  the  consideration  to  the  fair  values  of  the  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  in  the 
acquisition as of the Closing Date were as follows: 

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed      Total as at December 31, 2023

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Other non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Assets held for sale (note  20) 
Right-of-use assets
Intangible assets
Income taxes receivable
Trade payables and accrued liabilities
Bank overdraft
Deferred revenue
Lease liabilities
Provisions
Deferred income tax liabilities
Pension obligations
Other post-employment benefits plans
Asset retirement obligation

Total identifiable net assets

Goodwill

Total

$ 

$ 

4,804 
58,240 
22,981 
1,542 
704 
41,724 
25,800 
45,525 
10,863 
1,391 
(28,016) 
(1,282) 
(1,688) 
(30,034) 
(680) 
(5,018) 
(14,092) 
(848) 
(1,451) 

130,465 

5,292 

135,757 

The accounting for the business combination was finalised during the fourth quarter. The significant adjustments to 
the  previously  disclosed  in  the  third  quarter  of  2023  purchase  price  allocations  ware  a  $5,321  reduction  to  the 
provisional valuation of the acquired property, plant and equipment assets (and reclassification of $25,800 to assets 
held  for  sale  relating  to  the  Oshawa  warehouse  facility  for  which  a  planned  sale  and  lease-back  agreement  was 
completed on June 8, 2023), a $1,837 reduction to the provisional valuation of intangible assets, and the deferred tax 
impact thereon. 

79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

The  fair  value  of  trade  receivables  acquired  is  $58,240.  The  gross  contractual  amount  of  trade  receivables  due  is 
$59,011,  of  which  $771  was  deemed  uncollectible.    The  identifiable  intangible  assets  acquired  primarily  relate  to 
customer relationships and trademarks, which will be amortized over an expected useful life of nine to ten years.  

Acquisition and integration costs recognized during the year ended December 31,  2023 were $10,903 (year ended 
December 31, 2022 – $1,870).  Of this $10,903 of acquisition and integration costs incurred during the year ended 
December 31, 2023, $5,640 relates specifically to acquisition costs.  Goodwill of $5,292 arising from the acquisition is 
attributable to the company's workforce and is not deductible for tax purposes.

The revenue and net loss contributed by MCC and included in the consolidated statement of operations for the year 
ended  December  31,  2023,  were  $173,600  and  $28,359  (inclusive  of  $18,328  of  restructuring  expenses), 
respectively.  

If the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2023, the estimated proforma consolidated revenue and net loss for the 
year  ended  December  31,  2023  would  have  been  approximately  $538,149  and  $9,023,  respectively,  adjusting  net 
income  for  additional  depreciation  and  amortization  that  would  have  been  charged  assuming  the  fair  value 
adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets had applied from January 1, 2023 together with 
the consequential tax effect.

5  Trade receivables

Trade receivables

Provision for expected credit losses (note 23)

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$ 

$ 

119,676  $ 

(1,720)   

117,956  $ 

56,195 

(1,565) 

54,630 

As  at  December  31,  2023,  trade  receivables  include  unbilled  receivables  of  $32,490  (2022  –  $13,491),  net  of  an 
expected credit loss allowance of $1,197 (2022 – $1,150).

6  Inventories

Raw materials

Work-in-progress

Finished goods

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$ 

$ 

22,051  $ 

4,392 

2,397 

28,840  $ 

14,719 

2,827 

2,674 

20,220 

Raw materials inventory amount is net of obsolescence reserves of $1,040 (2022 – $629).  Finished goods consist of 
base stock items.

80

 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

7  Property, plant and equipment

The following tables present changes in property, plant and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 
2022:

Leasehold
improvements

Office
furniture 
and
equipment

Presses 
and
printing
equipment

Computer
hardware Vehicles

Land and 
Building

Year ended December 31, 2023

Opening net book value
Acquisition of MCC (note 4)
Additions
Sales and Leasebacks

Other disposals
Assets classified as held for sale 
(note 20)

Effect of movement in exchange 
rates

2,541   
1,171   
1,502   
—   

(28)  

—   

—   

60   
453   
1,627   
—   

3,664   
24,515   
872   
—   

(39)  

(1,126)  

—   

—   

—   

(2)  

Total

6,779 
41,724 
4,222 
6,342 

504   
— 
221   
—   

(17)  

10   

—   
—   

—   

—   
15,585   
—   
6,342   

—   

(1,210) 

—   

—   

(8,650)  

(8,650) 

2   

—   

(3)  

—   

— 

(593)  

(6,165) 

Depreciation for the year

(1,032)  

(244)  

(4,146)  

(147)  

Closing net book value

$ 

4,154  $ 

1,857  $  23,777  $ 

563  $ 

7  $ 

12,684  $ 

43,042 

At December 31, 2023

Cost
Accumulated depreciation

15,321   
(11,167)  

3,418   
(1,561)  

58,162   
(34,385)  

3,078   
(2,515)  

16   
(9)  

Net book value

$ 

4,154  $ 

1,857  $  23,777  $ 

563  $ 

7  $ 

—  $ 
—   

—  $ 

79,995 
(49,637) 

30,358 

Leasehold
improvements

Office
furniture 
and
equipment

Presses 
and
printing
equipment

Computer
hardware  Vehicles

Land and 
Building

Total

Year ended December 31, 2022

Opening net book value
Additions
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Disposals

Depreciation for the year

Closing net book value

At December 31, 2022

Cost
Accumulated depreciation

Net book value

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,595  $ 
957   
—   

(1)  

(1,010)  

94  $ 
31   
—   

(15)  

(50)  

5,129  $ 
302   
15   

(152)  

582  $ 
185 

6   

—   

(1,630)  

(269)  

16   

—   

—   

(6)  

—   
—   
—   

—   

—   

8,416 
1,475 
21 

(168) 

(2,965) 

2,541  $ 

60  $ 

3,664  $ 

504  $ 

10  $ 

—  $  6,779 

13,878  $ 
(11,337)  

1,476  $  33,971  $ 
(1,416)  

(30,307)  

3,028  $ 
(2,524)  

2,541  $ 

60  $ 

3,664  $ 

504  $ 

31  $ 
(21)  

10  $ 

0  $  52,384 
0    (45,605) 

—  $  6,779 

81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

8  Right-of-use asset

The following tables present changes in the right-of-use assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Year ended December 31, 2023
Opening net book value 
Acquisition of MCC (note 4)

$ 

Impairment  
Sales and Leasebacks
Additions

Modifications

Depreciation for the period
Effect of movement in exchange 
rates
Closing net book value

At December 31, 2023
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net book value

Year ended December 31, 2022
Opening net book value
Additions

Modifications

Depreciation for the year

Derecognition of subleased asset
Effect of movement in exchange 
rates
Closing net book value

At December 31, 2022
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net book value

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Property

Office 
Equipment

Production 
Equipment

26,834  $ 
45,059 

(464) 
24,357 

66,618   

(8,923)  

3,084  $ 

—   

45   

(841)  

3,587  $ 
466   

1,968   

940   

(2,913)  

Total 

33,505 
45,525 

(464) 
24,357 
1,968 

67,603 

(12,677) 

(16)  

153,465  $ 

—   
2,288  $ 

—   
4,048  $ 

(16) 
159,801 

178,231  $ 
(24,766)  
153,465  $ 

6,541  $ 
(4,253)  
2,288  $ 

20,046  $ 
(15,998)  

4,048  $ 

204,818 
(45,017) 
159,801 

Property

Office 
Equipment

Production 
Equipment

28,308  $ 
1,814   

340   

(3,398)  

(202)  

(28)  

26,834  $ 

141  $ 

3,448   

241   

(746)  

—   

—   
3,084  $ 

5,027  $ 
821  $ 

194  $ 

(2,465) $ 

—  $ 

10   
3,587  $ 

Total

33,476 
6,083 

775 

(6,609) 

(202) 

(18) 
33,505 

42,677  $ 
(15,843)  
26,834  $ 

6,496  $ 
(3,412)  
3,084  $ 

16,672  $ 
(13,085)  

3,587  $ 

65,845 
(32,340) 
33,505 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, DCM modified certain leases by entering into renewal and/or amending 
agreements to extend a lease term and/or increase/reduce the lease payments.

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  DCM  executed  renewal  agreements  for  its  Brampton  and  Toronto 
facilities.    The  lease  term  for  the  Brampton  facility,  set  to  expire  on  December  31,  2025,  was  extended  by  an 
additional  15  years.   This  extension  includes  10  years  of  the  lease  term  and  an  additional  5  years  of  an  extension 
option, now expiring on December 31, 2040.  Similarly, the lease terms for the Toronto facility, originally set to expire 
on December 18, 2026, was also extended by an additional 10 years, now expiring on December 18, 2036.  

82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

In  June  2023  and  December  2023,  DCM  completed  sale  and  leaseback  transactions  of  its  Oshawa,  Ontario 
warehouse  facility  and  Fergus,  Ontario  manufacturing  facility,  respectively,  that  were  acquired  as  part  of  the 
Company’s acquisition of MCC (note 4).  Gross proceeds received on the sale of these properties were $30.5 million, 
and,  after  deducting  closing  commissions,  rent  deposit,  and  other  expenses,  net  proceeds  of  $29.5  million  were 
applied  towards  the  $30  million  Real  Estate  Bridge  Loan  with  a  Canadian  chartered  bank  (note  13).    In  addition, 
proceeds of $1.5 million are being held in escrow by the landlord of the Oshawa, Ontario warehouse facility (which is 
included in other non-current assets on the consolidated statement of financial position) to secure the completion by 
DCM of certain identified building maintenance, repairs and capital improvements that are to be completed by DCM 
within  3  years  of  the  lease  commencement  date.    The  Oshawa,  Ontario  warehouse  facility  leaseback  has  a  lease 
term of 20 years (an initial lease term of 10 years and two additional 5 year extension options).  The Fergus, Ontario 
manufacturing  facility  leaseback  has  a  lease  term  of  2  years  (an  initial  lease  term  of  1  year  and  two  additional  6 
month extension options) to allow the Company sufficient time to complete the closure of this facility (see also note 
11).  No gain or loss was recognized on these sale and leaseback transactions.  The related closing costs and other 
expenses  associated  with  these  transactions  of  $859  were  reflected  in  general  and  administrative  expenses  in  the 
consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, DCM closed the Edmonton, Alberta manufacturing facility (see note 11) which is subject 
to  a  long-term  lease  arrangement  ending  in  September  2027.    A  $464  impairment  provision  has  been  recorded 
against  the  carrying  amount  of  the  right  of  use  asset  for  this  leased  facility  The  impairment  charge  is  recorded  in 
acquisition  and  integration  costs  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations.    DCM  is  seeking  to  sublease  the 
property for the remaining lease term. 

During the year ended December 31, 2022, DCM entered into a sublease agreement and recognized an asset which
is recorded under prepaid expenses and other current assets on the statement of financial position.

83

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

9  Intangible assets

The following tables present changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Year ended December 31, 2023

Opening net book value
Acquisition of MCC (note 4)
Additions

Amortization for the year

Closing net book value

At December 31, 2023

Cost

Accumulated amortization

Net book value

Year ended December 31, 2022

Opening net book value
Additions

Amortization for the year

Closing net book value

At December 31, 2022

Cost

Accumulated amortization

Net book value

Customer
relationships

Software and
 technology

Trademarks,
trade names 
and non-
compete 
agreements

2,397  $ 
9,100   
—   

(2,666)  

8,831  $ 

66  $ 

443   
127   

(140)  

44  $ 

1,320   
—   

(75)  

496  $ 

1,289  $ 

Total

2,507 
10,863 
127 

(2,881) 

10,616 

96,833  $ 

12,522  $ 

10,017  $ 

119,372 

(88,002)  

(12,026)  

(8,728)  

(108,756) 

8,831  $ 

496  $ 

1,289  $ 

10,616 

Customer
relationships

Software and
 technology

Trademarks,
trade names and 
non-compete 
agreements

3,872  $ 
—   

(1,475)  

2,397  $ 

113  $ 
71   

(118)  

66  $ 

57  $ 
—   

(13)  

44  $ 

Total

4,042 
71 

(1,606) 

2,507 

87,733  $ 

11,952  $ 

8,697  $ 

108,382 

(85,336)  

(11,886)  

(8,653)  

(105,875) 

2,397  $ 

66  $ 

44  $ 

2,507 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

The estimated remaining useful lives of the customer relationships are between 1 and 10 years.

84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

10  Goodwill

Opening balance

Acquisition of MCC (note 4)

Ending balance

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

16,973  $ 

5,292 

22,265  $ 

16,973 

— 

16,973 

$ 

$ 

DCM  has  a  single  operating  segment,  being  the  Company  as  a  whole,  which  is  the  level  at  which  goodwill  is 
monitored for internal management purposes reflecting the way DCM manages its operations. As at January 1, 2023, 
there was $16,973 goodwill in the DCM CGU. However, during the year ended December 31, 2023, DCM recognized 
an additional $5,292 of goodwill which was derived from the acquisition of MCC.

At  December  31,  2023,  DCM  performed  its  annual  review  for  impairment  of  goodwill  to  determine  if  the  carrying 
amount  of  the  Company  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount.  DCM  did  not  make  any  changes  to  the  valuation 
methodology used to assess for impairment since its last annual impairment test.  The recoverable amount of its CGU 
has been determined based on the fair value less cost of disposal.  DCM uses the income approach to estimate the 
recoverable  amount  of  its  CGU  considering  estimated  cash  flows  from  the  perspective  of  an  independent  market 
participant, which would be classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  The income approach is predicated on 
the value of the future cash flows that a business will generate going forward. A discounted cash flow model was used 
which involves projecting cash flows and converting them into a present value through discounting.  The discounting 
uses a rate of return that is commensurate with the risk associated with the business and the time value of money.  
This  approach  required  significant  assumptions  about  projected  revenue  growth  rates,  gross  margins  and  discount 
rate. 

Revenue growth rates and gross margins were based on the 2024 budget internally approved and presented to the 
Board  and  further  projected  over  a  five-year  forecast  period. The  average  annual  cumulative  revenue  growth  rates 
over the forecast period of 2.4% (2022 – 2.9%) was applied to revenue over the forecast period in consideration of 
the  current  economic  conditions  that  existed  as  at  December  31,  2023  and  the  specific  trends  of  the  business 
services and marketing solutions industries. A perpetual long-term growth rate of 0% (2022 – 0%) was used thereafter 
to  derive  the  recoverable  amount  of  the  CGU.  The  forecasted  gross  margin  over  the  five-year  forecast  period  is 
27.8% (2022 – 31.8%).

Furthermore, DCM derived an after-tax discount rate to calculate the present value of the projected cash flows using 
a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). This represents an estimate of the total overall required rate of return 
on an investment for both debt and equity owners.  Determination of the WACC requires separate analysis of cost of 
equity and debt, and considers a risk premium based on the assessment of risks related to the projected cash flows. 
A discount rate of 14.5% was used (2022 – 13.5%). The change in discount rate reflect management’s judgment as to 
the specific risks relating to the CGU and industry in which it operates. 

The  estimated  recoverable  amount  exceeded  its  carrying  value  by  $204,891  (2022  –  $143,004).  While  the 
recoverable amount from the discounted cash flow model is sensitive to key assumptions used for forecast revenues, 
gross  margins  and  discount  rate,  management  are  satisfied  that  the  Company’s  forecasts  and  assumptions,  taking 
account  of  reasonably  possible  changes  in  results  and  other  uncertainties  will  not  change  the  result  of  DCM's 
impairment analysis. As a result of these tests, it was concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill during the 
year. 

The recoverable amount would equal its carrying value if the key assumptions were changed to the following (in each 
case with all other assumptions remaining unchanged).

85

 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

Discount rate
Revenue growth rate over 5-year forecast period and in perpetuity 

Gross Margin

11  Provisions

Balance – December 31, 2022

Acquisition of MCC

Additional charge during the year

Utilized during the year

Balance – December 31, 2023

Less: Current portion of provisions

As at December 31, 2023

Balance – December 31, 2021

Utilized during the year

Balance – December 31, 2022

Less: Current portion of provisions

As at December 31, 2022

TERMINATION PROVISIONS

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

 31.5 %
 (2.5) %

 22.3 %

 44.4 %
 (4.4) %

 23.9 %

Termination 

provisions Plant Closure

1,316   

680   

19,788   

(4,975)  

16,809  $ 

(15,805)  

1,004  $ 

—  $ 

—   

520   

—   

520  $ 

(520)  

—  $ 

Termination 
provisions

Plant Closure

3,926  $ 

(2,610)  

1,316  $ 

(1,316) $ 

—  $ 

550  $ 

(550)  

—  $ 

—   

—  $ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Total

1,316 

680 

20,308 

(4,975) 

17,329 

(16,325) 

1,004 

Total

4,476 

(3,160) 

1,316 

(1,316) 

— 

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  DCM  commenced  initiatives  to  drive  synergies  in  connection  with  the 
acquisition of MCC, including initiatives to align its organizational structure and optimize its operational footprint (note 
4),  and  announced  its  decision  to  close  MCC’s  manufacturing  facilities  in  Edmonton, Alberta,  Fergus,  Ontario  and 
Trenton, Ontario (and transfer the production to its other manufacturing facilities in Calgary, Alberta, Drummondville, 
Quebec and Brampton, Ontario respectively) and to close DCM’s Thistle manufacturing facility in North York, Toronto. 
Ontario  (and  transfer  the  employees  and  production  to  MCC’s  nearby  manufacturing  facility  in  North York, Toronto, 
Ontario). 

In  the  fourth  quarter  of  2023  DCM  closed  the  Edmonton, Alberta  manufacturing  facility,  completed  the  sale  of  the 
Fergus  property  and  entered  into  an  agreement  to  sell  the Trenton  property  that  closed  in  January  2024  (notes  20 
and 27).  Both of these sales transactions included a one-year leaseback agreement with extension options for up to 
an  additional  six  to  twelve  months  to  allow  DCM  sufficient  time  to  complete  the  closure  of  these  facilities  (note  8).  
The Edmonton property is subject to a long-term lease arrangement ending in September 2027.  A $464 impairment 
provision has been recorded again the carrying amount of the right of use asset for this leased facility (note 8).  DCM 
is  seeking  to  sublease  the  property  for  the  remaining  lease  term.    The  Fergus,  Trenton  and  Thistle  facilities  are 
expected to close in 2024-2025.

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  these  initiatives  resulted  in  $19,788  of  termination  provisions  due  to 
expected  headcount  reduction  across  DCM’s  operations  and  $520  of  plant  closure  costs  for  costs  associated  with 

86

 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

closure  of  Edmonton  manufacturing  facility.    These  costs  are  included  in  the  restructuring  expenses  in  the 
consolidated statement of operations.  During the year ended December 31, 2023, cash payments of $4,975 (2022 - 
$3,160) were made to former employees for severances and other restructuring costs.  The remaining severance and 
restructuring accruals of $16,809 at December 31, 2023 are expected to be paid in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

12  Lease liabilities

(i) LEASE LIABILITIES

DCM  currently  leases  manufacturing,  warehouse  and  office  space,  office  equipment  and  production  equipment.   A 
lease liability has been recognized equal to the present value of remaining lease payments discounted at the interest 
rate implicit in the lease, or if that rate cannot be readily determined, DCM’s weighted average incremental borrowing 
rate.

Balance - January 1, 2023
Acquisition of MCC
Additions

Modifications

Payments during the year

Interest charge for the year
Effects of movement in FX rates
Balance - December 31, 2023

Balance - January 1, 2022
Additions

Modifications

Payments during the year

Interest charge for the year
Effects of movement in FX rates
Balance - December 31, 2022

$ 

$ 

$ 

Property

32,648  $ 
29,568   
24,257   

64,596   

(9,032)  

6,643   
(11)  

148,669  $ 

Property

34,359  $ 
2,159   

183   

(5,919)  

1,868   
(2)  

Office 
Equipment

Production 
Equipment

3,311  $ 
—   
—   

45   

(889)  

108   
—   
2,575  $ 

3,843  $ 
466   
1,968   

940   

(3,400)  

255   
(1)  

4,071  $ 

Office 
Equipment

Production 
Equipment

116  $ 

3,448   

421   

(783)  

106   
3   

4,624  $ 
821   

171   

(2,028)  

249   
6   

3,843  $ 

$ 

32,648  $ 

3,311  $ 

Total
39,802 
30,034 
26,225 

65,581 

(13,321) 

7,006 
(12) 
155,315 

Total
39,099 
6,428 

775 

(8,730) 

2,223 
7 
39,802 

The contractual undiscounted cash flows of DCM’s lease liabilities are as follows: 

Contractual 
Cash Flows

Extension 
Options

Not later than one year
Later than one and not later than five years
Later than five years

Total undiscounted lease liabilities

$ 

$ 

Discounted using the incremental borrowing rate

Lease liabilities

Current 
Non-current

16,551  $ 
58,494 
85,703 

Total December 
31, 2023
16,578 
66,136 
198,331 

27  $ 

7,642 
112,628 

160,748  $ 

120,297  $ 

$ 

$ 

281,045 

(125,730) 

155,315 

10,322 
144,993 

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

(ii) AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Variable lease payments not included in the measurement of 
lease liabilities
Income from sub-leasing right-of-use assets
Expenses relating to short-term leases and leases of low value 
assets

$ 
$ 

$ 

11,859  $ 
712  $ 

728  $ 

5,670 
29 

487 

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

All extension options that are reasonably certain to be exercised have been included in the measurement of the lease 
obligation.  The Company reassesses the likelihood of extension options to be exercised when there was a significant 
event  or  change  in  circumstances.    During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  extension  options  that  are  not 
reflected in the measurement of the lease liability total $7,834 (2022 - $650). 

88

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

13  Credit facilities

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

Term loans

- 6.95% term debt, matured June 08, 2023 (FPD IV Credit 
Facility)
- 6.95% term debt, matured June 08, 2023 (FPD V Credit 
Facility)
- 5.95% term debt, maturing December 17, 2026 (FPD VI 
Credit facility)
- 8.08% term debt, maturing April 21, 2028 (FPD VI New 
Credit facility)
- floating rate debt, repaid April 24, 2024 (Bank Term 
Loan)

Revolving facilities

- floating rate debt, maturing April 24, 2026 (Bank Credit 
Facility)

Credit facilities

Unamortized debt premiums and discount

Unamortized transaction costs

Less: Current portion of Credit facilities

Credit facilities

CREDIT AGREEMENTS

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

—  $ 

— 

7,857 

50,000 

— 

44,009 

101,866  $ 

— 

(1,615)   

100,251  $ 

(6,333)   

93,918  $ 

4,882 

1,225 

9,429 

— 

5,913 

5,869 

27,318 

260 

(531) 

27,047 

(11,667) 

15,380 

BANK  FACILITIES
DCM  has  established  a  revolving  credit  facility  (the  “New  Bank  Credit  Facility”)  pursuant  to  a  third  amended  and 
restated credit agreement (the “Bank Credit Agreement”) with a Canadian chartered bank (the “Bank”) as part of the 
financing of the acquisition of MCC on April 24, 2023.  Under the terms of the amended Bank Credit Agreement, the 
maximum  principal  amount  available  under  the  New  Bank  Credit  Facility  was  increased  from  $15,000  to  $90,000.  
The New Bank Credit Facility also includes an “accordion” feature, which can provide up to an additional $20,000 of 
capacity under the revolving facility.  The New Bank Credit Facility matures on April 24, 2026.  The New Bank Credit 
Facility is available to be drawn by way of either Prime Rate loans, Base Rate loans, Canadian Dollar Offered Rate 
(“CDOR”)  loans,  Secured  Overnight  Financing  Rate  (“SOFR  loans”),  and/or  Letters  of  Credit.    Prime  rate  loans 
charge interest based on the prime rate plus a margin whereby the prime rate is the greater of the Bank’s published 
reference rate on Canadian Dollar denominated commercial loans and the CDOR rate for a period of 30 days plus 
100  basis  points  per  annum.    Under  the  Bank  Credit  Agreement,  the  Canadian  Overnight  Repo  Rate  Average 
(“CORRA”) plus 0.3% will replace the CDOR rate when the CDOR rate ceases at the end of June 2024.  Currently, 
advances  under  the  New  Bank  Credit  Facility  may  not,  at  any  time,  exceed  the  lesser  of  $90,000  and  a  fixed 
percentage of DCM’s aggregate accounts receivable and inventory (less certain amounts).  Advances under the New 
Bank  Credit  Facility  are  subject  to  floating  interest  rates  based  upon  the  Canadian  prime  rate  plus  an  applicable 
margin of 1.25% for a rate of 8.45% as at December 31, 2023.  The amendment to the revolving credit facility was 
accounted  for  as  an  extinguishment  of  the  previous  facility  which  was  derecognized  along  with  the  remaining 
unamortized balance of prior transaction costs and unamortized debt premium and the new debt was then recorded 
at fair value along with associated transaction costs of $1,087.

89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

As  part  of  the  refinancing  of  the  MCC  acquisition,  DCM  also  established  a  $30,000,  one-year  committed  senior 
secured credit facility (the “Real Estate Bridge Loan”).  The Real Estate Bridge Loan was available by way of Prime 
Rate loans and CDOR loans and was subject to a floating interest rate based upon the Canadian prime rate plus an 
applicable margin of 1.5% increasing to 1.75% by the time the loan was fully repaid in December from the proceeds 
of the sale and leaseback of the Oshawa and Fergus properties. 

DCM  also  entered  into  a  sale  and  leaseback  agreement  of  its  Trenton,  Ontario  facility,  which  was  completed  in 
January 2024 (note 27) and the proceeds from the sale of $8,500 were applied towards paying down the New Bank 
Credit Facility.

On  November  8,  2021,  DCM  established  a  term  loan  (“Bank  Term  Loan”)  with  the  Bank  for  $10,000  as  part  of  a 
refinancing of a credit facility previously with Crown Credit Partners.  The Bank Term Loan was subject to a floating 
interest rate based upon the Canadian prime rate plus an applicable margin of 3.50% and was repaid as part of the 
acquisition (note 4).

As at December 31, 2023, DCM had access to $26,188 of available credit under the New Bank Credit Facility and 
had  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  of  $17,652  as  shown  on  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  as  at 
December 31, 2023.

FPD FACILITIES
DCM has two amortizing term loan facilities (the “FPD VI Credit Facilities”) with Fiera Private Debt VI L.P. (“FPD VI”), 
which is a fund managed by Fiera Private Debt Fund GP Inc. (“FPD”) pursuant to an amended and restated credit 
agreement dated as of April 24, 2023 (the “FPD Credit Agreement”).

DCM established a new $50,000 committed term loan with FPD VI (“FPD VI New Term Loan” and, together with the 
New  Bank  Credit  Facility  and  the  Bank  Term  Loan,  the  “Credit  Facilities”)  at  an  interest  rate  of  8.08%  to  partially 
finance the acquisition of MCC (see note 4).  71.5% of the FPD VI New Term Loan must be repaid in fifty-nine (59) 
equal  monthly  payments  of  principal  plus  accrued  interest  on  the  outstanding  principal  amount  and  the  remaining 
28.5%, together with accrued interest, must be repaid on the maturity date on April 21, 2028.  DCM elected to defer 
principal  payments  on  this  facility  for  the  first  twelve  months  following  the  closing  of  the  MCC  acquisition.    The 
associated transaction costs of this new loan was $714.

As part of the MCC acquisition, in April 2023, the maturity dates of pre-existing loans with FPD IV and FPD V, two 
other  funds  managed  by  Fiera  Private  Debt  GP  Inc.  were  extended  to  December  31,  2023  at  an  interest  rate  of 
8.08%.  These loans were fully repaid during the year using the proceeds from the Offering (as defined in note 17). 

COVENANT REQUIREMENTS

Each  of  the  Bank  Credit  Agreement  and  the  FPD  Credit  Agreement  contains  customary  representations  and 
warranties, certain financial covenant requirements, as well as certain restrictive covenants which limit the discretion 
of  the  Board  and  management  with  respect  to  certain  business  matters,  including  the  declaration  or  payment  of 
dividends  on  the  common  shares  of  DCM  without  the  consent  of  the  Bank  and  FPD  VI,  as  applicable.  As  of 
December 31, 2023, DCM was in compliance with all of its financial covenants. 

The  continued  ability  to  comply  with  financial  covenants  under  the  Company’s  credit  facilities  for  at  least  the  next 
twelve  months  is  contingent  on  management’s  ability  to  meet  budgeted  revenue,  profitability  and  working  capital 
targets.  The estimate of future cash flows in the Company’s 2024 budget and forecasts through to March 31, 2025 
include  a  number  of  key  assumptions  to  support  the  financial  covenant  calculations,  specifically  related  to  forecast 
revenues  and  gross  margins  (which  in  turn  impact  earnings  before  interest,  income  taxes,  depreciation  and 
amortization (EBITDA)).  Management are satisfied that the Company’s forecasts and projections, taking account of 
reasonably possible changes in results and other uncertainties will not result in any breach of the financial covenants 
on its credit facilities within the next fifteen months.

90

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

For purposes of the Bank Credit Agreement, the FPD Credit Agreements, “EBITDA” means net income or net loss for 
the  relevant  period,  calculated  on  a  consolidated  basis,  plus  amounts  deducted,  or  minus  amounts  added,  in 
calculating  net  income  or  net  loss  in  respect  of:  (a)  the  aggregate  expense  incurred  for  interest  on  debt  and  other 
costs  of  obtaining  credit;  (b)  income  taxes,  whether  or  not  deferred;  (c)  depreciation  and  amortization;  non-cash 
expenses  resulting  from  employee  or  management  compensation,  including  the  grant  of  stock  options  or  restricted 
options to employees; any gain or loss attributable to the sale, conversion or other disposition of property out of the 
ordinary course of business; interest or dividend income; foreign exchange gain or loss; gains resulting from the write-
up  of  property  and  losses  resulting  from  the  write-down  of  property  (except  allowances  for  doubtful  accounts 
receivable and non-cash reserves for obsolete inventory); any gain or loss on the repurchase or redemption of any 
securities (including in connection with the early retirement or defeasance of any debt); goodwill and other intangible 
asset write-downs; lease payments to convert on a pre-IFRS 16 basis; and any other extraordinary, nonrecurring or 
unusual items such as restructuring costs (as agreed to by the lender) provided the amounts added back pursuant to 
clause (c) above in respect of cash expenses (other than acquisition, integration and restructuring costs related to the 
MCC  acquisition)  are  capped  at  15%  of  unadjusted  EBITDA.  The  pro  forma  financial  results  from  any  acquisitions 
completed by DCM during a given year are included on a trailing twelve month basis effective as of the closing date 
of the acquisitions for the purposes of DCM’s covenant calculations.  

A  failure  by  DCM  to  comply  with  its  obligations  under  the  Bank  Credit  Agreement  or  the  FPD  Credit  Agreement, 
together  with  certain  other  events,  including  a  change  of  control  of  DCM  and  a  change  in  DCM’s  Chief  Executive 
Officer,  President  or  Chief  Financial  Officer  (unless  a  replacement  officer  acceptable  to  FPD,  acting  reasonably,  is 
appointed within 60 days of the effective date of such officer’s resignation), could result in an event of default which, if 
not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of the indebtedness outstanding under each of those agreements.

INTER-CREDITOR AGREEMENT

DCM’s  obligations  under  the  New  Bank  Credit  Facility  and  the  FPD  VI  Credit  Facility  are  secured  by  conventional 
security charging all of the property and assets of DCM and its subsidiaries.  DCM has entered into an inter-creditor 
agreement  between  the  Bank  and  FPD  VI,  which,  among  other  things,  establishes  the  rights  and  priorities  of  the 
respective liens of the Bank and FPD VI on the present and after-acquired property of DCM and its subsidiaries. 

The movement in credit facilities during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

Balance - Beginning of year, net of transaction costs and debt 

premiums and discounts

Changes from financing cash flows

Proceeds from credit facilities 

Repayment of credit facilities

Transaction costs

Total change from financing cash flows

Non-cash movements

Amortization of transaction costs and debt modification gain, net

Accretion of premium and discount

Balance - End of year, net of transaction costs and debt 

premiums and discounts

$ 

$ 

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

27,047  $ 

36,299 

162,140 

(87,592)   

(1,801)   

99,794 

457 

— 

2,900 

(12,616) 

— 

26,583 

344 

120 

$ 

100,251  $ 

27,047 

91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

The scheduled principal repayments on the long-term debt are as follows:

December 31,
2023

6,333 

8,714 

55,867 

7,143 

23,809 

101,866 

$ 

$ 

2024
2025
2026
2027
2028

92

 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

14  Income taxes

Significant components of DCM’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as 
follows:

December 31, 2023

Assets

Liabilities

Net

Pension obligations and other post-employment benefit plans

$ 

7,320  $ 

—  $ 

7,320 

Property, plant and equipment, ROU assets and lease liabilities

—   

(5,327)  

(5,327) 

Deferred finance fees and debt premiums

Deductible reserves

Intangible assets

Other

1,304   

5,793   

973 

—   

—   

—   

(262)  

1,304 

5,793 

973 

(262) 

Total deferred income tax assets (liabilities)

$ 

15,390  $ 

(5,589) $ 

9,801 

Set-off of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) pursuant to set off 
provisions

Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)

(5,589)  

5,589   

— 

$ 

9,801  $ 

—  $ 

9,801 

December 31, 2022

Assets

Liabilities

Pension obligations and other post-employment benefit plans

$ 

1,618  $ 

—  $ 

Property, plant and equipment, ROU assets and lease liabilities

Benefit of income tax loss and other carry-forwards

Deferred finance fees and debt premiums

Deductible reserves

Intangible assets

Other

1,071   

65   

144   

1,408   

543   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(19)  

Net

1,618 

1,071 

65 

144 

1,408 

543 

(19) 

Total deferred income tax assets (liabilities)

$ 

4,849   

(19) $ 

4,830 

Set-off of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) pursuant to set off 
provisions

Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)

(19)  

$ 

4,830   

19  $ 

—  $ 

— 

4,830 

As at December 31, 2023, DCM recorded net deferred income tax assets of $9,801 (2022 – $4,830) and net deferred 
income tax liabilities of nil (2022 – nil) in its consolidated statements of financial position.  The deferred income tax 
assets are only offset against deferred income tax liabilities where DCM has a legally enforceable right to offset these 
amounts, and the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are related to income taxes levied by 
the same taxation authority.

93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as 
follows:

Balance at 
January 1,
2023

Acquisition 
of MCC  
(note 4)

Recognized
in statement
operations

Recognized in
comprehensive
income

Recognized 
in equity 
(note 17)

Balance at 
December 
31,
2023

$ 

Pension obligations 
and other post-
employment benefit 
plans
Property, plant and 
equipment, ROU 
assets and lease 
liabilities
Benefit of income tax 
loss and other carry-
forwards
Deferred finance fees 
and debt premiums
Deductible reserves
Intangible assets
Other
Deferred income tax 
assets (liabilities), net $ 

1,618  $ 

3,946  $ 

44  $ 

1,712  $ 

—  $ 

7,320 

1,071   

(9,915)  

3,517   

—   

—  $ 

(5,327) 

65   

—   

(65)  

144   
1,408   
543   
(19)  

383   
558   
(53)  
63   

299   
3,827   
483   
(306)  

—   

—   
—   
—   
—   

—  $ 

— 

478  $ 
—  $ 
—  $ 
—  $ 

1,304 
5,793 
973 
(262) 

4,830  $ 

(5,018) $ 

7,799  $ 

1,712  $ 

478  $ 

9,801 

Balance at 
January 1,
2022

Recognized
in statement
operations

Recognized in
comprehensive
income

Recognized in
other 
comprehensive
income

Recognized 
in equity

Balance at 
December 
31,
2022

$ 

1,957  $ 

(177) $ 

(162) $ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

1,618 

646   

425   

579   

(514)  

139   
1,394   
561   
189   

5   
14   
(18)  
(208)  

—   

—   

—   
—   
—   
—   

—   

—  $ 

1,071 

—   

—   
—   
—   
—   

—  $ 

65 

—  $ 
—  $ 
—  $ 
—  $ 

144 
1,408 
543 
(19) 

$ 

5,465  $ 

(473) $ 

(162) $ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

4,830 

Pension obligations 
and other post-
employment benefit 
plans
Property, plant and 
equipment, ROU 
assets and lease 
liabilities
Benefit of income tax 
loss and other carry-
forwards
Deferred finance fees 
and debt premiums
Deductible reserves
Intangible assets
Other
Deferred income tax 
assets (liabilities), net

The realization of the deferred income tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the 
years  in  which  those  temporary  differences  become  deductible.    Based  on  management's  projections  of  future 
taxable income and tax planning strategies, management expects to realize these net deferred income tax assets in 
advance of expiry.  As at December 31, 2023, DCM has US Federal tax loss carryforwards of $623 and US state tax 
loss carryforwards of $1,293 for which no deferred tax asset has been recognized. The loss carryforwards expire in 
varying amounts starting in 2039 (2023 – 2039). 

94

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

In the ordinary course of business, DCM and its subsidiaries and predecessors have entered into transactions where 
the ultimate tax determination may be uncertain.  These uncertainties require management to make estimates of the 
ultimate tax liabilities and, accordingly, the provision for income taxes.  Since there are inherent uncertainties, 
additional tax liabilities may result if tax matters are ultimately resolved or settled at amounts different from those 
estimates.  As at December 31, 2022, DCM had provided for $1,407 included in income taxes payable related to past 
transactions where the ultimate tax determination is unclear.  During 2023, that balance became statute barred and 
the amount was reversed through the current income tax balance during the year.

The major components of income tax expense (recovery) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are set 
out below:

Current income tax expense:

Current tax on profits for the year

Adjustment for current tax of prior periods

Total current income tax expense

Total deferred income tax expense (recovery)

Total income tax expense for the year

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,616  $ 

(1,407)   

1,209  $ 

(7,799)   

(6,590)  $ 

5,456 

— 

5,456 

473 

5,929 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, deferred income tax expense (recovery) on the recognition of actuarial gains 
(losses)  related  to  DCM's  defined  benefit  plans  of  $1,712  (2022  –  $162)  were  recognized  in  the  statements  of 
comprehensive income.

The  following  are  reconciliations  of  income  tax  expense  (recovery)  calculated  at  the  statutory  rate  of  Canadian 
corporate income taxes to the income tax expense (recovery) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

Income before income taxes

$ 

(22,444)  $ 

Expected income tax expense calculated at statutory income 

tax rate (1)

Adjustment to income taxes resulting from:

Difference between Canadian rates and rates applicable to 
subsidiary in another country or rates applicable to wholly 
owned Canadian subsidiaries

Unrecognized tax losses and temporary differences

Adjustment for current tax of prior periods and other

Non-deductible expenses and other items

Total income tax expense for the year

$ 

(5,652)   

(223)   

(256)   

(1,407)   

948 
(6,590)  $ 

19,895 

5,028 

9 

248 

35 

609 
5,929 

(1) The calculation of the current income tax is based on a combined federal and provincial statutory income tax rate 

of 25.18% (2022 – 25.28%).

The combined federal and provincial statutory income tax rate for the current year is 0.10% lower than 2022 due to 
the effect of changes in statutory tax rates and the allocation of taxable income between provinces.  Deferred income 
tax assets and liabilities are measured at tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized 
or the liability is settled.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities have been measured using an expected average 

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

combined statutory income tax rate of 25.18% (2022 – 25.28%) based on the tax rates in years when the temporary 
differences are expected to reverse.

15  Pension obligations, assets and expenses

DCM sponsors defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans for its employees, including the employees of 
MCC.  Certain  employees  and  former  employees  are  provided  defined  benefit  pensions  under  the  DATA 
Communications  Management  Pension  Plan  or  are  provided  defined  benefit  pensions  and  in  some  cases  an 
unfunded Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) under the Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan. 
Certain  former  senior  executives  of  a  predecessor  corporation  participated  in  a  SERP,  which  provides  for  pension 
benefits payable as a single life annuity with a five-year guarantee.

Both the DATA Communications Management Pension Plan and Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan are frozen 
and  no  further  service  credits  are  accruing  under  the  defined  benefit  provision  of  the  DATA  Communications 
Management Pension Plan and under the Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan, respectively.

Actuarial valuations are typically performed at least every three years. Based on those valuations, the annual cash 
contributions  in  respect  of  the  defined  benefit  provision  of  these  pension  plans  are  dependent  on  the  plan’s 
investment  performance  and  changes  in  long-term  interest  rates,  estimates  of  the  price  of  annuities,  and  other 
elements  of  pension  plan  experience  such  as  demographic  changes  and  administration  expenses,  among  others.  
Under applicable pension regulations, the plan’s solvency deficiency can be funded over a maximum period of five 
years.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, DCM engaged actuaries to complete an updated actuarial valuation of 
the  defined  benefit  provision  of  the  DATA  Communications  Management  Pension  Plan,  which  confirmed  that,  as  at 
December 31, 2021, the solvency position of the defined benefit provision of the DATA Communications Management 
Pension Plan had improved since the previous valuation. Based upon the December 31, 2021 actuarial report, DCM's 
annual  minimum  funding  obligation  for  the  defined  benefit  provision  of  the  DATA  Communications  Management 
Pension Plan for 2023 and 2024 is $322 each year. 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, DCM engaged actuaries to complete an updated actuarial valuation of 
the Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan, which confirmed that, as at January 1, 2023, the solvency position of 
the Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan had improved since the previous valuation. Based upon the January 1, 
2023 actuarial report, DCM's annual minimum funding obligation for the Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan for 
2023 to 2025 is $nil each year. 

The following is a summary of DCM’s net pension obligations for the defined benefit provisions and unfunded SERPs, 
including plans assumed on the acquisition of Moore Canada Corporation:

DCM

MCC

Total December 
31, 2023

December 31,
2022

Present value of funded obligations

$ 

47,459  $ 

173,185  $ 

Less: Fair value of plan assets

(49,421)  

(158,091)  

(1,962)  

6,167   

15,094   

5,125   

220,644  $ 

(207,512)  

13,132   

11,292   

45,062 

(47,426) 

(2,364) 

6,069 

4,205  $ 

20,219  $ 

24,424  $ 

3,705 

Deficit (surplus) of funded plans

Present value of unfunded obligations  
Defined benefit pension obligations, 
net

$ 

96

 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

Defined benefit pension plan obligations

Less: Defined benefit pension assets

Defined benefit pension obligations, net

Total December 
31, 2023

December 31,
2022

$ 

$ 

26,386  $ 

(1,962)  

24,424  $ 

6,069 

(2,364) 

3,705 

CHANGE IN THE PRESENT VALUE OF DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN OBLIGATIONS

The following is a summary of the change in DCM’s net pension obligations for the defined benefit provisions of the 
funded  DATA  Communications  Management  Pension  Plan,  Moore  Canada  Corporation  Pension  Plan  and  their 
respective unfunded SERPs:

Balance – Beginning of year

Interest expense

Benefits paid

Balance - Acquired from acquisition of MCC
Re-measurements:
- Loss (gain) from change in financial assumptions
- Experience (gains) losses

Funded

Unfunded

$ 

45,062  $ 

6,069  $ 

7,553   

(10,412)  

167,560   

6,224   

4,657   

462   

(801)  

5,130   

380   

52   

December 31,
2023

51,131 

8,015 

(11,213) 

172,690 

6,604 

4,709 

Balance – End of year

$ 

220,644  $ 

11,292  $ 

231,936 

Balance – Beginning of year

Interest expense

Benefits paid

Re-measurements:

- Gain from change in demographic assumptions
- Loss from change in financial assumptions
- Experience (gains) losses

Funded

Unfunded

$ 

61,137  $ 

7,499  $ 

1,763   

(2,906)  

(523)  

(12,115)  

(2,294)  

217   

(546)  

—   

(1,182)  

81   

Balance – End of year

$ 

45,062  $ 

6,069  $ 

December 31,
2022

68,636 

1,980 

(3,452) 

(523) 

(13,297) 

(2,213) 

51,131 

97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

CHANGE IN THE FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS

The following is a summary of the change in the fair value of the plan assets for the defined benefit provisions of the 
DCM and MCC pension plans and unfunded SERPs:

Funded

Unfunded

December 31,
2023

Balance – Beginning of year

$ 

47,426  $ 

Interest income

Employer contributions

Benefits paid

Administrative expenses paid from plan assets

Balance - Acquired from acquisition of MCC

Re-measurements:
- Gain (loss) on plan assets, excluding amounts included in 
interest income

Balance – End of year

Balance – Beginning of year

$ 

63,668  $ 

7,387   

323   

(10,412)  

(617)  

158,598   

—  $ 

—   

801   

(801)  

—   

—   

47,426 

7,387 

1,124 

(11,213) 

(617) 

158,598 

4,807   

$ 

207,512  $ 

—   

—  $ 

4,807 

207,512 

Funded

Unfunded

December 31,
2022

1,929   

323   

(2,906)  

(300)  

—  $ 

—   

546   

(546)  

—   

63,668 

1,929 

869 

(3,452) 

(300) 

(15,288)  

$ 

47,426  $ 

—   

—  $ 

(15,288) 

47,426 

Interest income

Employer contributions

Benefits paid

Administrative expenses paid from plan assets

Re-measurements:
- Loss on plan assets, excluding amounts included in 
interest income

Balance – End of year

98

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN ASSET COMPOSITION

The following is a summary of the composition in plan assets of the defined benefit provisions of the DCM and MCC 
pension plans:

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

DCM Plan MCC Plan

Quoted

Percentage 
of plan 
assets

Quoted

Percentage 
of plan 
assets

Domestic equities

Foreign equities

Equity instruments

$ 

485  $  21,681  $ 

9,718   

39,874 

$  10,203  $  61,555  $ 

22,166 

49,592 

71,758 

$ 

473 

9,838 

 35 % $ 

10,311 

 22 %

Short and mid-term bonds $ 
Long-term bonds

Commercial mortgages

6,967  $  11,456  $ 

18,423 

$ 

25,121   
6,715   

82,988 

108,109 

— 

6,715 

Debt instruments

$  38,803  $  94,444  $ 

133,247 

 64 % $ 

6,352 

24,056 

6,268 

36,676 

Cash and cash equivalents $ 

416  $ 

2,091  $ 

2,507 

 1 % $ 

439 

Total

$  49,422  $ 158,090  $ 

207,512 

 100 % $ 

47,426 

 77 %

 1 %

 100 %

ELEMENTS OF DEFINED BENEFIT EXPENSE RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a summary of the expense recognized for the defined benefit provisions and unfunded SERPs of the 
DCM and MCC pension plans:

Administration expenses

$ 

617  $ 

—  $ 

617 

Funded

Unfunded

December 31,
2023

Interest expense

Interest income

Total net interest expenses (income)

Defined benefit expense recognized

Administration expenses

Interest expense

Interest income

Total net interest expense (income)

7,553   

(7,387)  

166   

462   

—   

462   

8,015 

(7,387) 

628 

783  $ 

462  $ 

1,245 

Funded

Unfunded

December 31,
2022

300  $ 

—  $ 

300 

$ 

$ 

1,763   

(1,929)  

(166)  

217   

—   

217   

Defined benefit expense recognized

$ 

134  $ 

217  $ 

1,980 

(1,929) 

51 

351 

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  amounts  recognized  in  the  statement  of  comprehensive  income  (loss)  for  the 
defined benefit provisions of the DCM and MCC pension plans and unfunded SERPs:

Funded

Unfunded

December 31,
2023

Re-measurements:
- Gain from change in financial assumptions
- Experience (gains) losses
- Loss on plan assets, excluding amounts included in 
interest income

$ 

6,224  $ 

4,657   

(4,807)  

6,074   

380  $ 

52   

—   

432   

Deferred income tax effect

(1,597)  

(110)  

6,604 

4,709 

(4,807) 

6,506 

(1,707) 

Defined benefit recovery recognized

$ 

4,477  $ 

322  $ 

4,799 

Funded

Unfunded

December 31,
2022

Re-measurements:

 - Loss from change in demographic assumptions
- Gain from change in financial assumptions
- Experience (gains) losses
- Loss on plan assets, excluding amounts included in 
interest income

Deferred income tax effect

$ 

(523) $ 

—  $ 

(12,115)  

(2,294)  

15,288   

(1,182)  

81   

—   

356   

(1,101)  

(90)  

278   

Defined benefit expense recognized

$ 

266  $ 

(823) $ 

(523) 

(13,297) 

(2,213) 

15,288 

(745) 

188 

(557) 

DCM manages its pension plans by meeting with an actuarial consultant and the fund managers on a regular basis 
and reviews periodic reports outlining changes in the plan liabilities and the return on pension assets relative to the 
market.  Assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and adjustments are made whenever management believes 
that conditions have materially changed.

SIGNIFICANT ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS ADOPTED IN MEASURING DCM’S DEFINED BENEFIT 

OBLIGATIONS

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

SERPs

Discount rate

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

 4.60 %

 3.00 %

 5.30 %

 3.00 %

 4.60 %

 5.20 %

DCM decreased the discount rate that was used to calculate its defined benefit obligations as at December 31, 2023 
to  reflect  current  Canadian  economic  conditions  and  long-term  interest  rates.    The  salary  increase  assumption 
remained unchanged at December 31, 2023.

100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

Assumptions regarding future mortality are set based on actuarial advice in accordance with published statistics and 
experience in Canada.  These assumptions translate into an average life expectancy in years for a pensioner retiring 
at age 65:

Retiring at the end of the reporting period:

Male

Female

Retiring in 25 years after the end of the reporting period:

Male

Female

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

22.0-21.9
24.4-24.6

23.3-23.7
25.5-26.2

22.0
24.3

23.2
25.5

Through  its  defined  benefit  plans,  DCM  is  exposed  to  a  number  of  risks,  the  most  significant  of  which  are  detailed 
below:

ASSET VOLATILITY

For a defined benefit pension plan, fluctuations in the value of plan assets are assessed in the context of fluctuations 
in  the  plan  liabilities.    The  plan  liabilities  are  calculated  using  a  discount  rate  set  with  reference  to  high  quality 
corporate bond yields.  As discount rates change, the value of the plan liabilities will fluctuate, if the growth of plan 
liabilities exceeds that of plan assets a deficit will result. 

The  defined  benefit  provision  of  the  DATA  Communications  Management  Pension  Plan  and  Moore  Canada 
Corporation Pension Plan are closed to new membership, which means the investment time horizon is shrinking as 
the plans matures. 

The  defined  benefit  provision  of  the  DATA  Communications  Management  Pension  Plan  currently  holds  a  small 
proportion of equities, approximately 21% of total assets, which are expected to outperform corporate bonds in the 
long-term  while  providing  volatility  and  risk  in  the  short-term.    The  defined  benefit  provision  of  the  DATA 
Communications  Management  Pension  Plan’s  investment  time  horizon  and  financial  position  are  key  inputs  in 
deciding on the proportion of equities held. 

The investment strategy for the DATA Communications Management Pension Plan reflects an ongoing (rather than 
solvency)  focus  following  a  duration  matching  strategy  using  pooled  funds  in  an  attempt  to  match  the  interest  rate 
sensitivity of plan assets to plan liabilities. The equity and bond target allocations are 20% and 80%, respectively, and 
the equity portfolio structure did not change relative to the previous year.

Prior to the acquisition by DCM, the Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan funded ratio was in the 90% funded 
target category and 50% of the plan's assets were invested 50% in a growth portfolio and the other 50% of the plan's 
assets were invested in a liability hedging portfolio.  During the remainder of 2023, the plan's funded ratio improved to 
the 95% funded target category and the plan's assets allocation was revised to be 45% invested in a growth portfolio 
and  55%  invested  in  a  liability  hedging  portfolio.    During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2023,  DCM  developed  an  alternative 
derisking strategy to enhance the plan's asset return while reducing interest rate risk.  Beginning in 2024 and as the 
plan matured, the Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan Pension Plan’s level of investment risk will reduced by 
lowering  the  proportion  of  equities  and  increasing  the  proportion  of  bonds  which  are  a  better  match  to  the  plan 
liabilities.  This  de-risking  glide  path  will  dynamically  shift  the  plan's  assets  from  equities  to  bonds  to  better  match 
liabilities commenced and will be concluded when the solvency ratio reaches 105%. 

Through  the  derisking  schedule,  the  Moore  Canada  Corporation  Pension  Plan  is  expected  to  lower  its  interest  rate 
risk, inflation risk and equity risk. In 2024, the Moore Canada Corporation Pension Plan will have 45% equities and 
55%  bonds.    When  the  solvency  ratio  reaches  105%,  the  Moore  Canada  Corporation  Pension  Plan  is  expected  to 

101

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

have 20% equities and 80% bonds. This derisking strategy is reviewed annually to consider the current environment 
and may be revised at any point in time.

CHANGES IN BOND YIELDS

A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase plan liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in 
the value of the plan’s bond holdings.

SALARY RISK

The  present  value  of  the  pension  benefit  obligations  is  calculated  by  reference  to  the  future  salaries  of  plan 
participants, so salary increases of the plan participants greater than assumed will increase plan liabilities.

LIFE EXPECTANCY

The majority of the plans’ obligations provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will 
result in an increase in the plans’ liabilities.

The  sensitivity  of  the  defined  benefit  obligations  for  the  DATA  Communications  Management  Pension  Plan,  Moore 
Canada Corporation Pension Plan and their respective SERPs to changes in assumptions at December 31, 2023 and 
at  December  31,  2022  are  set  out  below.    The  effects  on  each  plan  of  a  change  in  an  assumption  are  weighted 
proportionately to the total plan obligations to determine the total impact for each assumption presented.

December 31, 2023

Impact on defined benefit obligations

Change in assumption

Increase in assumption Decrease in assumption

Discount rate

Salary growth rate

0.25%

0.25%

Life expectancy

$ 

$ 

(5,759) $ 

612   

6,019 

(595) 

Increase by 1 year in 
assumption

Decrease by 1 year in 
assumption

6,123  $ 

(5,763) 

December 31, 2022

Impact on defined benefit obligations

Change in assumption

Increase in assumption

Decrease in assumption

Discount rate

Salary growth rate

0.25%

0.25%

Life expectancy

$ 

$ 

(1,207) $ 

113   

1,261 

(106) 

Increase by 1 year in 
assumption

Decrease by 1 year in 
assumption

1,301  $ 

(1,331) 

Each  sensitivity  analysis  disclosed  in  this  note  is  based  on  changing  one  assumption  while  holding  all  other 
assumptions  constant.    In  practice,  this  is  unlikely  to  occur  and  changes  in  some  of  the  assumptions  may  be 
correlated.    When  calculating  the  sensitivity  of  the  defined  benefit  obligations  to  variations  in  significant  actuarial 
assumptions,  the  same  method  (present  value  of  the  defined  benefit  obligations  calculated  with  the  projected  unit 
credit  method  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period)  has  been  applied  as  for  calculating  the  liability  recognized  in  the 
statements of financial position.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations is 10.62 years (2022 – 9.65 years).

Expected maturity analysis of undiscounted pension benefits:

102

 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

Less than
a year

Between 1 to 2 
years

Between 3 to 5 
years

Between 5 to 10 
years

At December 31, 2023

At December 31, 2022

$ 

$ 

15,033 $ 

3,498 $ 

15,274 $ 

3,533 $ 

47,106 $ 

10,983 $ 

79,836 

19,197 

The  annual  pension  expense  for  the  defined  contribution  provision  of  the  DATA  Communications  Management 
Pension Plan and RRSP Matching Plans are based on the amounts contributed in respect of eligible employees.  The 
annual  pension  expense  for  the  GCCP  and  Unifor  Pension  &  Benefit  Plans,  which  are  accounted  for  as  a  defined 
contribution plan, is based on amounts contributed based on a percentage of wages of unionized employees who are 
covered by the respective collective bargaining agreements, all of whom are employed at DCM facilities located in the 
Province of Québec and Ontario.

DCM’s pension expense related to DCM’s defined contribution plans are as follows:

Defined contribution plan

Defined benefit multi-employer plans

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

$ 

$ 

1,350  $ 

395  $ 

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022
948 

372 

DCM expects that, in 2024, contributions to the defined benefit provision of the DATA Communications Management 
Pension  Plan  will  be  approximately  $322,  contributions  to  the  defined  contribution  provision  of  the  DATA 
Communications Management Pension Plan and RRSP Matching Plans will be approximately $1,700, contributions 
to the SERPs will be approximately $932, contributions to the GCPP will be approximately $445 and contributions to 
the Unifor Pension & Benefit Plans will be approximately $171.

16  Other post-employment benefit plans 

Costs related to the DCM OPEB Plan and the OPEB LTD Plans are actuarially determined using the projected unit 
credit  method.   The  actuarial  present  value  of  all  future  projected  benefits  determined  as  at  the  valuation  date  and 
management’s best assumptions.

The  following  summarizes  the  change  in  the  obligations  related  to  the  DCM  OPEB  Plan  and  OPEB  LTD  Plans, 
including the plan assumed on the acquisition of Moore Canada Corporation:

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

Balance – Beginning of year

$ 

2,695  $ 

Current service cost

Interest expense

Benefits paid

Balance - Acquired from acquisition of MCC

Re-measurements:
- Loss from change in demographic assumptions
- Loss (gain) from change in financial assumptions
- Experience losses (gains)

Balance – End of year

$ 

385 

176 

(471)   

848 

36 

109 

(172)   

3,606  $ 

2,971 

179 

92 

(365) 

— 

21 

(312) 

109 

2,695 

ELEMENTS OF OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT EXPENSE RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENTS OF 

OPERATIONS

103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

The following summarizes the elements of the benefit expense related to the DCM OPEB Plan and OPEB LTD Plans:

Current service cost

Interest expense

Re-measurements:

- Loss (gain) from change in demographic assumptions
- Gain from change in financial assumptions
- Experience losses (gains)
Benefit (recovery) recognized

AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$ 

$ 

385  $ 

176 

36 

72 

(154)   

515  $ 

179 

92 

(127) 

(170) 

10 

(16) 

The  following  summarizes  the  amounts  recognized  in  the  statement  of  comprehensive  income  (loss)  related  to  the 
DCM OPEB Plan:

Re-measurements:
- Loss from change in demographic assumptions
- Loss (gain) from change in financial assumptions
- Experience losses (gains)

Deferred income tax effect

Benefit expense (recovery) recognized

$ 

$ 

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

—  $ 

37 

(18)   

19 

(5)   

14  $ 

148 

(142) 

99 

105 

(26) 

79 

SIGNIFICANT ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS ADOPTED IN MEASURING DCM’S OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT 

BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

DCM OPEB Plan

Discount rate

Health care cost trend rate – Initial

Health care cost trend rate declines by 2040 (2022 – 2040)

OPEB LTD Plans

Discount rate

Health care cost trend rate – Initial

Health care cost trend rate declines by 2040 (2022 – 2040)

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

 4.60 %

 5.78 %

 4.00 %

 5.30 %

 6.11 %

 4.00 %

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

 4.60 %

 5.23 %

 4.00 %

 5.30 %

 5.31 %

 4.00 %

104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS ON OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The effects on the DCM OPEB Plan and OPEB LTD Plans of a change in an assumption are weighted proportionately 
to the total plan obligations to determine the total impact for each assumption presented.

At December 31, 2023
Discount rate

Health care cost trend rates

Life expectancy

At December 31, 2022
Discount rate

Health care cost trend rates

Life expectancy

Impact on other post-employment benefit obligations

Change in assumption

Increase in 
assumption

Decrease in 
assumption

0.25%

1.00%

$ 

(52) $ 

198   

54 

(180) 

Increase by 1 year in 
assumption

Decrease by 1 year in 
assumption

$ 

50  $ 

(49) 

Impact on other post-employment benefit obligations

Change in assumption

Increase in assumption Decrease in assumption

0.25%

1.00%

$ 

(39) $ 

144   

41 

(131) 

Increase by 1 year in 
assumption

Decrease by 1 year in 
assumption

$ 

(47) $ 

49 

Expected maturity analysis of undiscounted other post-employment benefits:

Less than
a year

Between 1 to 
2 years

Between 3 to 
5 years

Between 5 to 
10 years

At December 31, 2023

At December 31, 2022

$ 

$ 

502  $ 

390  $ 

474  $ 

329  $ 

1,309  $ 

804  $ 

2,326 

1,025 

DCM expects that, in 2024, contributions to its DCM OPEB Plan and OPEB LTD Plans will be approximately $502.

17  Shares and warrants

SHARES
DCM is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares.  The common shares have a stated capital of 
one dollar.  Each common share is entitled to one vote at any meeting of shareholders.  Each holder of the common 
shares  will  be  entitled  to  receive  dividends  if,  as  and  when  declared  by  the  Board.    In  the  event  of  the  liquidation, 
dissolution,  winding  up  of  DCM  or  other  distribution  of  assets  of  DCM  among  its  shareholders  for  the  purpose  of 
winding  up  its  affairs,  the  holders  of  the  common  shares  will  be  entitled  to  receive  assets  of  DCM  upon  such  a 
distribution.    Such  distribution  will  be  made  in  equal  amounts  per  share  on  all  the  common  shares  at  the  time 
outstanding without preference or distinction.

105

 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

The following summarizes the change in number of issued and outstanding common shares during the year:

Balance – January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022

Exercise of warrants – April 3, 2023

Exercise of warrants – April 21, 2023

Exercise of options – May 23, 2023

Shares issued – May 25, 2023

Balance – December 31, 2023

Number of
Common shares

44,062,831  $ 

138,157 

1,510,000 

604,695 

8,707,200  $ 

55,022,883  $ 

Amount

256,478 

167 

1,191 

1,422 

24,480 

283,738 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, DCM completed a private placement (the “Offering”) of common shares 
of the Company (“Common Shares”).  Upon closing of the Offering, the Company issued 8,707,200 Common Shares 
at  a  price  per  share  of  $3.00  for  gross  proceeds  of  $26,121  (or  $24,221  after  closing  costs).   A  total  of  $478  was 
recorded in equity as the deferred tax impact on the share issue costs.  In connection with the Offering, the Company 
issued Agent broker warrants (see further discussion below). 

WARRANTS

A summary of warrant activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022 is as 
follows:

Warrants outstanding - beginning of 

year

Granted

Expired

Exercised

Warrants outstanding - end of year

2023

2022

Number of 
Warrants

Weighted 
average 
Exercise Price

Number of 
Warrants

Weighted 
average Exercise 
Price

1,648,157  $ 

261,216   

(1,648,157)  

261,216  $ 

0.30 

3.16 

— 

0.30 

3.16 

1,863,607  $ 

—   

(215,450)  

—   

1,648,157  $ 

0.28 

— 

0.19 

— 

0.30 

The outstanding warrants had an exercise price range as follows:

$3.16

$0.99

$0.32

$0.26

Warrants outstanding

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Number of Warrants

Number of Warrants

261,216 

— 

— 

— 

261,216 

— 

77,078 

61,079 

1,510,000 

1,648,157 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, 1,648,157 warrants were exercised for total proceeds of $489. 

106

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

In  connection  with  the  Offering,  DCM  issued  261,216  broker  warrants.    Each  warrant  entitles  the  holder  to  acquire 
one Common Share at an exercise price of $3.16 for a period of 2 years, commencing on May 25, 2023.  The total 
fair value of the warrants issued was estimated to be $219 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, assuming a 
risk-free interest of 4.23%, a weighted average life of 2.0 years, a dividend yield of nil and an expected volatility of 
55.95% based on comparable companies. 

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

DCM  has  adopted  a  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan  ("LTIP")  to:  recruit  and  retain  highly  qualified  directors,  officers, 
employees  and  consultants  (the  "Participants");  provide  Participants  with  an  incentive  for  productivity  and  an 
opportunity  to  share  in  the  growth  and  the  value  of  DCM;  and,  align  the  interests  of  Participants  with  those  of  the 
shareholders  of  DCM.    Awards  to  Participants  are  primarily  based  on  the  financial  results  of  DCM  and  services 
provided.  The aggregate maximum number of common shares available for issuance from DCM's treasury under the 
LTIP is 5,502,288 common shares, or 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of DCM.  The shares to be 
awarded will be authorized and unissued shares.

DCM's  share-based  compensation  plan  consists  of  five  types  of  awards:  restricted  share  unit  ("RSUs"),  options, 
deferred share unit ("DSUs"), restricted shares or stock appreciation right ("SARs") awards.  No restricted shares or 
SARs have been granted to date.

(a)

Restricted share unit (“RSU”)

Under the RSU portion of the LTIP, selected employees are granted RSUs where each RSU represents the right to 
receive a distribution from DCM in an amount equal to the fair value of one DCM common share.  RSUs granted are 
performance  and  non-performance  based.    The  performance  component  is  based  on  Company  specific  financial 
targets  approved  by  the  Board,  and  the  non-performance  component  is  based  on  continued  employment.    RSUs 
generally vest over three years, require continued employment with DCM for the duration of the vesting period and 
settle in cash upon final vesting. 

A liability for RSUs is measured at fair value on the grant date and is subsequently adjusted for changes in fair value.  
The  liability  is  recognized  on  a  graded  vesting  basis  over  the  vesting  period,  with  a  corresponding  charge  to 
compensation expense as a component of costs of revenues, selling, commissions and expenses, and general and 
administration expenses.  The RSUs payable are included in trade payables and accrued liabilities.  Compensation 
expenses for RSUs incorporate an estimate for expected forfeiture rates based on which the fair value is adjusted.

Balance - beginning of year

Units granted

Units forfeited

Units paid out

Balance - end of year

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

Number of RSUs

Number of RSUs

3,154,305 

348,110 

(115,920)   

(1,188,558)   

2,197,937 

2,400,715 

904,207 

— 

(150,617) 

3,154,305 

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  the  CEO  and  President  of  DCM  was  granted  143,506  RSUs  (2022  – 
357,985  RSUs)  and  a  total  of  204,604  RSUs  (2022  –  546,222  RSUs)  were  awarded  to  other  members  of  DCM's 
management.

107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

Of the total outstanding RSUs at December 31, 2023, nil (December 31, 2022 – nil) have vested and are payable.  
The  carrying  amount  of  the  liability  relating  to  the  RSUs  at  December  31,  2023  included  in  accounts  payable  and 
accruals was $4,814 (2022 – $3,501).

During the year ended December 31, 2023, compensation expense of $3,762 (2022 – $1,740) was recognized in the 
consolidated  statement  of  operations  related  to  vesting  of  RSUs  granted,  and  fair  value  adjustments.  RSUs  and 
DSUs  are  categorized  as  level  2  inputs  in  the  fair  value  hierarchy  given  their  valuations  include  inputs  other  than 
quoted  prices  for  which  all  significant  inputs  are  observable,  either  directly  or  indirectly.    There  were  no  transfers 
between levels 1, 2 or 3 during the period.

Options (“Options”)

(b)
A summary of Options activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022 is as 
follows:

2023

2022

Number of 
Options

Weighted 
average 
Exercise Price

Number of 
Options

Weighted 
average Exercise 
Price

Options outstanding - beginning of year

4,700,886  $ 

Granted

Forfeited

Exercised

750,000   

(250,000)  

(671,886)  

Options outstanding - end of year

4,529,000  $ 

0.97 

3.42 

3.42 

1.38 

1.18 

3,950,886  $ 

750,000   

—   

—   

4,700,886  $ 

Exercisable

2,987,333  $ 

0.89 

2,867,553  $ 

The outstanding Options had an exercise price range as follows:

0.91 

1.30 

— 

— 

0.97 

0.99 

$0.69

$0.85

$1.29

$1.30

$1.38

$3.42

Options outstanding

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Number of Options

Number of Options

2,500,000 

2,500,000 

125,000 

654,000 

750,000 

— 

500,000 

4,529,000 

125,000 

654,000 

750,000 

671,886 

— 

4,700,886 

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model inputs used to compute compensation expense for the options granted under 
the fair value-based method are as follows:

Expected life (years)
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Risk free rate of return

Weighted average fair value of options granted
Forfeiture rate

$ 

April 27, 2023

April 4, 2022

7.0 
 60 %
 — %
 2.92 %

2.09 

$ 

 10 %

7.0 
 40 %
 — %
 2.41 %

0.58 

 10 %

108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

On  April  27,  2023,  options  to  purchase  up  to  750,000  common  shares  were  awarded  to  a  member  of  key 
management. Once vested, the options are exercisable for a period of seven years from the grant date at an exercise 
price of $3.42 per share, representing the fair value of the Common Shares on the date of grant.  250,000 of these 
options were forfeited during the year and the remaining 500,000 options vest at a rate of 1/2 each year beginning on 
April 27, 2024. 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, 671,886 options were exercised in exchange for 604,695 common shares 
(as a result of the net settlement of certain options) for total proceeds of $751. 

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  compensation  expense  of  $675  (2022  –  $328)  was  recognized  in  the 
consolidated statement of operations related to the vesting of options granted.

(c) Deferred share unit (“DSU”)

Each director is required to receive at least half of his or her annual retainer in DSUs and has the option to elect to 
receive all or any other part of his or her other compensation in DSUs.

Each DSU represents the right to receive a distribution from DCM in an amount equal to the fair value of one DCM 
common share on the date of the termination of service of the respective director.  The number of DSUs payable to 
each director is determined by multiplying the total Director Fees payable by the percent elected to be paid in DSUs 
and  dividing  the  product  by  the  Fair  Value  of  one  DCM  common  share  on  the  grant  date.   A  liability  for  DSUs  is 
measured at fair value on the grant date and is subsequently adjusted for changes in fair value.  The DSUs payable is 
included in trade payables and accrued liabilities.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, 195,701 DSUs (2022 – 358,582 DSUs) were granted, and nil DSUs were 
paid out (2022 – nil).  The carrying amount of the liability included in accounts payable and accruals relating to the 
2,629,404 DSUs outstanding at December 31, 2023 was $6,889 (December 31, 2022 – $3,529 and 2,433,703 DSUs 
outstanding).

During the year ended December 31, 2023, an expense of $3,360 (2022 – $971) was recognized in the consolidated 
statement of operations related to DSUs granted of $492 (2022 - $573), and fair value adjustments of $2,821 (2022 - 
$398).

109

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

18  Earnings per share

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Net (loss) income for the year attributable to common 
shareholders

Weighted average number of shares

Basic (loss) earnings per share

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Net (loss) income for the year attributable to common 
shareholders

Weighted average number of shares

Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share:

Options

Warrants

Weighted average number of shares in calculating diluted 
earnings per share

Diluted (loss) earnings per share

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

(15,854)  $ 

50,832,543

(0.31)  $ 

13,966 

44,062,831

0.32 

(15,854)  $ 

50,832,543

— 

— 

50,832,543

(0.31)  $ 

13,966 

44,062,831

1,235,008

1,274,227

46,572,066

0.30 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, options to purchase up to 4,029,000 common shares were excluded from 
the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.  Options to purchase up to 
500,000  common  shares  and  warrants  to  purchase  up  to  261,216  common  shares  were  excluded  from  the 
computation of diluted earnings per share as they were out-of-the-money as of December 31, 2023. 

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2022,  options  to  purchase  up  to  671,886  common  shares  and  warrants  to 
purchase up to nil common shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect 
would have been anti-dilutive.

19  Changes in working capital

Trade receivables

Inventories

Prepaid expenses and other current and non-current assets

Trade and accrued liabilities

Deferred revenue

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

$ 

$ 

(3,586)  $ 

14,361 

(2,051)   

(3,452)   

591 

5,863  $ 

(3,063) 

(8,087) 

(43) 

4,177 

673 

(6,343) 

110

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

20  Assets Held for Sale

At December 31, 2022

Acquisition of MCC (note 4) 

Disposal

Reclassification from property, plant and equipment (note 7) 

Trenton, Ontario

$ 

$ 

0 

25,800 

(25,800) 

8,650 

8,650 

On March 30, 2023 DCM entered into a sale and leaseback agreement to sell the MCC Oshawa warehouse facility 
subject to closing the acquisition. The transaction closed on June 8, 2023 (see notes 4 and 8). 

As  mentioned  in  note  11,  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  DCM  announced  its  decision  to  close  the 
Trenton,  Ontario  manufacturing  facility  and  transfer  production  to  its  Brampton,  Ontario  manufacturing  facility.    In 
October  2023,  DCM  entered  into  an  agreement  to  sell  the  facility  subject  to  customary  closing  conditions  and 
completed  the  sale  in  January  2024  (note  27).   This  sales  transaction  includes  a  one  year  leaseback  arrangement 
with extension options for up to an additional six months to allow the Company sufficient time to complete the closure 
of this facility. 

A summary of cost and accumulated depreciation of the Trenton facility as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

Cost

Accumulated Depreciation

Trenton, Ontario

$ 

$ 

8,928 

(278) 

8,650 

As the carrying amounts of this facility will be recovered through a sale transaction, this facility has been classified as 
an asset held for sale as of December 31, 2023.  As of December 31, 2023, DCM measured the asset held for sale at 
the lower of its carrying amount and estimated fair value less cost to sell (level 3 fair value) of $8,650.

21  Commitments and Contingencies

DCM  and  its  subsidiaries  are  subject  to  various  claims,  potential  claims  and  lawsuits.    While  the  outcome  of  these 
matters  is  not  determinable,  DCM’s  management  does  not  believe  that  the  ultimate  resolution  of  such  matters  will 
have a material adverse impact on DCM’s financial position.

Directors and officers are indemnified by the Company for various items including, but not limited to, costs to settle  
lawsuits  or  actions  due  to  their  association  with  the  Company,  subject  to  certain  restrictions.  DCM  has  purchased  
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance to mitigate the costs of any potential future lawsuits or actions. The term of  
the  indemnification  covers  the  period  during  which  the  indemnified  party  served  as  a  director  or  officer  of  the 
Company.

In the normal course of business, DCM has entered into agreements that include indemnities in favour of third parties,  
such  as  purchase  and  sale  agreements,  confidentiality  agreements,  engagement  letters  with  advisors  and  
consultants, leasing contracts and license agreements. These indemnification arrangements may sometimes require  

111

 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

such third parties to compensate counterparties for losses as a result of breaches in representations, covenants and  
warranties provided by the Company or as a result of litigation or other third-party claims or statutory sanctions that  
may be suffered by the counterparties as a consequence of the relevant transaction. In some instances, the terms of  
these indemnities are not explicitly defined. No accruals have been required to be made as at December 31, 2023 
with respect to these agreements.

Executive  employment  agreements  allow  for  additional  payments  of  approximately  $4,940  if  the  individuals  are 
terminated without cause, and approximately $4,940 in the event of a change in control. 

DCM  makes  contributions  to  the  Québec  Graphic  Communication  Pension  Plan  (the  “GCPP”),  based  on  a 
percentage of the wages of its unionized employees covered by the respective collective bargaining agreements, all 
of whom are employed at DCM facilities located in the Province of Québec. 

The  GCPP  is  a  negotiated  contribution  defined  benefit  multi-employer  pension  plan  which  provides  retirement 
benefits  to  unionized  employees  in  the  printing  industry.  The  GCPP  is  administered  by  a  joint  Board  of  Trustees 
composed  of  representatives  of  participating  employers  and  of  the  unions  representing  plan  members  in  collective 
bargaining.  Based  upon  the  terms  of  those  applicable  collective  agreements,  DCM’s  estimated  annual  negotiated 
contribution to the GCPP for 2024 is $445.

The  GCPP’s  most  recent  funding  actuarial  report  (as  at  December  31,  2022)  disclosed  a  going  concern  surplus  of 
107.3% and that negotiated contributions are in excess of the current service cost of the plan. On a solvency basis (or 
wind up basis) the valuation shows a deficit on a solvency or wind up basis of 11.2%. 

Bill 34 was adopted by Québec in April 2015 to clarify Québec pension legislation for negotiated contribution defined 
benefit multi-employer pension plans to, among other things: 

•

•

•

limit required employer contributions only to those amounts specified in the applicable collective agreements 
negotiated with the relevant unions; 

eliminate the employer's obligation to fund deficiencies; and

require the Board of Trustees to develop and implement a recovery plan when the negotiated contributions 
are not sufficient to fund the plan, including the reduction of accrued benefits of all members.

22  Capital structure

DCM’s objectives when managing its capital structure are:

▪ To seek to ensure sufficient liquidity to safeguard DCM’s ability to continue as a going concern;

▪ To maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain shareholders’, creditors’, customers', suppliers' and market 

confidence; and

▪ To deploy capital to provide an appropriate investment return to its shareholders

DCM’s  capital  structure  consists  of  long-term  debt  (including  the  current  portion)  and  shareholders’  equity.    DCM’s 
primary uses of capital are to finance increases in working capital, make payments towards its long-term obligations, 
and fund investments in capital expenditures and business acquisitions.

DCM manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the 
risk characteristics of the underlying assets.  In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure in line with its present 
strategic plan, DCM may issue new shares.  Management anticipates that any major acquisition or significant growth 
initiatives would be financed in part with additional equity and debt.

112

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

DCM is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements other than the covenants and restrictions under 
the  terms  of  its  Credit  Facilities,  including  the  requirement  to  meet  certain  financial  ratios  and  financial  conditions 
pertaining to permitted investments, acquisitions, lease agreements, dividends and subordinated debt.

DCM’s capital structure is as follows:

Credit facilities (note 13)

Lease liabilities (note 12)

Total long-term debt

Total equity

23  Financial instruments

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$ 

$ 

$ 

100,251  $ 

155,315 

255,566  $ 

28,764  $ 

27,047 

39,802 

66,849 

22,847 

DCM’s financial instruments consist of cash, trade receivables, bank overdraft, trade payables and accrued liabilities, 
credit  facilities,  and  lease  liabilities,  as  indicated  in  DCM’s  statements  of  consolidated  financial  position  as  at 
December 31, 2023 and 2022. DCM does not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

DCM's non-derivative financial instruments are comprised of cash, trade receivables, bank overdraft, trade payables 
and  accrued  liabilities,  credit  facilities,  and  lease  liabilities.    Non-derivative  financial  instruments  are  recognized 
initially at fair value plus, for instruments not at fair value through profit or loss, any directly attributable transaction 
costs. Subsequent to initial recognition non-derivative financial instruments are measured as described below. 

Non-derivative financial instruments at fair value through the profit and loss include restricted share units and director 
share  units,  which  are  recorded  as  a  liability  at  fair  value  on  the  grant  date  and  are  subsequently  adjusted  for 
changes in the price of DCM's common shares through the consolidated statements of operations.  

The  fair  value  for  other  non-derivative  financial  instruments  such  as  cash,  trade  receivables,  bank  overdraft,  trade 
payables  and  accrued  liabilities  approximates  their  carrying  value  because  of  the  short-term  maturity  of  these 
instruments.    Credit  facilities  are  initially  recognized  at  the  discounted  present  value  of  the  amounts  required  to  be 
paid to derive their fair value and are then measured at amortized costs using the effective interest method.  The fair 
values are not materially different from their carrying amounts since the interest payable on these borrowings is close 
to market rates. 

CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The carrying values and the fair values of DCM’s financial instruments are classified into the categories listed below 
in accordance with IFRS 9. 

113

 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

December 31, 2023
Financial assets at amortized cost (1)
Financial liabilities at amortized cost (2)
Financial liabilities FVTPL (3)

December 31, 2022
Financial assets at amortized cost (1)
Financial liabilities at amortized cost (2)
Financial liabilities FVTPL(3)

Carrying Value

$135,608

317,592

11,703

Carrying Value
$58,838

102,193

7,030

Fair Value

$135,608

319,207

11,703

Fair Value
$58,838

102,724

7,030

(1)
(2)

(3)

Includes cash and cash equivalents, and trade receivables.
Includes trade payables and accrued liabilities (excluding financial liabilities related to commodity taxes that are 
not contractual and that arise as a result of statutory requirements imposed by governments and, therefore, do 
not  meet  the  definition  of  financial  assets  or  financial  liabilities),  bank  overdrafts,  credit  facilities,  and  lease 
liabilities  (as  IFRS  7  does  not  require  disclosure  of  the  fair  value  of  leases,  the  fair  value  column  in  the  table 
above reflects their carrying value).
Includes RSUs and DSUs.

Credit facilities are categorized as level 3 fair values in the fair value hierarchy due to the use of unobservable inputs 
including own credit risk.  RSUs and DSUs are categorized as level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy, given their 
valuations  include  inputs  other  than  quoted  prices  for  which  all  significant  inputs  are  observable,  either  directly  or 
indirectly.  There were no transfers between levels 1, 2 or 3 during the year.

RISKS ARISING FROM FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

DCM is exposed to various risks as it relates to financial instruments.  These risks and the processes for managing 
the risk are set out below.

CREDIT RISK

Credit  risk  is  the  risk  of  an  unexpected  loss  if  a  customer  or  counterparty  to  a  financial  instrument  fails  to  meet  its 
contractual  obligations.    Financial  instruments  that  potentially  subjected  DCM  to  credit  risk  consisted  of  cash  and 
trade  receivables.  The  carrying  amount  of  assets  included  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position 
represents the maximum credit exposure.

DCM grants credit to customers in the normal course of business.  DCM typically does not require collateral or other 
security from customers; however, credit evaluations are performed prior to the initial granting of credit terms when 
warranted and periodically thereafter.  Normal credit terms for amounts due from customers call for payment within 0 
to 60 days. 

DCM  has  trade  receivables  from  clients  engaged  in  various  industries,  including  financial  institutions,  insurance, 
healthcare, lottery and gaming, retailing, not-for-profit, energy and governmental agencies that are not concentrated 
in  any  specific  geographic  area.    DCM  does  not  believe  that  any  single  industry  or  geographic  region  represents 
significant  credit  risk.    Credit  risk  concentration  with  respect  to  trade  receivables  is  mitigated  by  DCM’s  large  client 
base. 

To measure the ECLs, trade receivables, including unbilled receivables, have been grouped based on similar credit 
risk characteristics, past due status and other relevant factors.  The expected default rates are calculated based on 
management’s estimate as well as historical credit losses.  The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and 
forward-looking information on economic factors affecting the ability of the customers to settle the trade receivable.

114

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

On that basis, the loss allowance as at December 31, 2023 was determined using default rates under the provision 
matrix for an amount of $1,720 (2022 – $1,565), of which $1,197 (2022 – $1,150) relates to unbilled receivables.

The following default rates are used to calculate the ECLs on billed receivables as at December 31, 2023 and 
December 31, 2022, respectively:

December 31, 2023

Default rates

Billed receivables balance
Billed receivables ECL (1)

December 31, 2022

Default rates

Billed receivables balance

Billed receivables ECL

Total

Less than 30 
days

Over 30 
days

Over 60 
days

Over 90 
days

$85,989

$523

0.11%

$49,828

$54

0.22%

$23,055

$50

0.30%

$9,048

$27

9.66%

$4,058

$392

Total

Less than 30 
days

Over 30 days Over 60 days Over 90 days

$41,554

$415

0.13%

$26,316

$34

0.13%

$10,369

$13

0.33%

$3,291

$11

22.60%

$1,578

$357

The following default rates are used to calculate the ECLs on unbilled receivables as at December 31, 2023 and 
December 31, 2022, respectively:

December 31, 2023

Default rates
Unbilled receivables balance

Unbilled receivables ECL

December 31, 2022

Default rates
Unbilled receivables balance

Unbilled receivables ECL

Total

Less than 30 
days

Over 30 
days

Over 60 
days

Over 90 
days

$33,687

$1,197

0.81%
$22,308

$181

0.91%
$2,753

$25

1.03%
$1,358

$14

13.44%
$7,268

$977

Total

Less than 30 
days

Over 30 days Over 60 days Over 90 days

$14,641

$1,150

0.86%
$3,840

$33

1.56%
$2,765

$43

1.28%
$1,327

$17

15.75%
$6,709

$1,057

At the end of each reporting period, management reassesses the default rates. Default rates are applied to the billed 
and unbilled receivable balances to calculate the credit default reserve.  Management assesses the adequacy of this 
reserve  quarterly,  taking  into  account  historical  experience,  current  collection  trends,  the  age  of  receivables  and, 
when warranted and available, the financial condition of specific counterparties.  When collection efforts have been 
reasonably exhausted, specific balances are written off.  As at December 31, 2023 the Company has $4,058 (5%) of 
its billed receivables that are over 90 days old (2022 - $1,578 or 5%).

Judgment  by  management  is  required  to  determine  both  (a)  the  revenue  and  billed  receivables  to  be  recognized, 
where price concessions may need to be given to encourage customers to settle older amounts promptly as a result 
of  billing  issues  under  IFRS  15  (as  revenue  can  only  be  recognized  to  the  extent  that  it  is  highly  probable  that  a 
significant  reversal  in  the  amount  of  revenue  will  not  occur  when  the  uncertainty  associated  with  the  variable 
consideration is subsequently resolved), and (b) ECL provisions required under IFRS 9 to reflect impairments of its 
trace receivables as a result of customers inability to settle the billed receivables.  DCM has recorded a provision of 
$400 within the billed receivable balance (and against revenue) for potential price concessions that may need to be 
given to customers, separately from the expected credit losses in the table above. 

115

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

The movement in DCM’s expected credit loss provision for 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

Balance – Beginning of year
Acquisition of MCC 
Net reversals (write offs) of receivables during the year

Increase (decrease) in loan loss allowance

Balance – End of year

$ 

$ 

1,565  $ 
384 
861 

(1,090)   

1,720  $ 

1,283 
— 
648 

(366) 

1,565 

LIQUIDITY RISK

Liquidity risk is the risk that DCM may encounter difficulties in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities 
as they become due.

The contractual undiscounted cash flows of DCM’s significant financial liabilities are as follows:

Total

75,766 

281,045 

125,643 

482,454 

Total

44,133 

56,531 

30,347 

December 31, 2023

Less than
a year

1 to 3 years

4 years and 
greater

Trade payables and accrued liabilities

$ 

75,766  $ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

Lease liabilities (note 12)
Credit facilities (note 13) (1)

16,578   

14,440   

66,136   

86,467   

198,331   

24,736   

Total

$ 

106,784  $ 

152,603  $ 

223,067  $ 

December 31, 2022

Less than
a year

1 to 3 years

4 years and 
greater

Trade payables and accrued liabilities

$ 

44,133  $ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

Lease liabilities
Credit facilities (1)

Total

9,094   

13,183   

21,245   

17,164   

26,192   

—   

$ 

66,410  $ 

38,409  $ 

26,192  $ 

131,011 

(1) Credit facilities as at December 31, 2023 subject to floating interest rates consisting of the Bank Credit Facility, 
expiring on April 24, 2026.  As at December 31, 2023, the outstanding balances totaled $44,009 and bore interest 
at a floating rate of 8.45% per annum.  The amounts at December 31, 2023 include estimated interest totaling 
$3,719 for 2024, $3,719 for 2025 and $1,859 for 2026. The estimated interest was calculated based on the total 
borrowings outstanding at the end of the year and the annual floating interest rate in effect as at December 31, 
2023.    Credit  facilities  at  December  31,  2023  subject  to  fixed  interest  rates  consisting  of  the  FPD  VI  Credit 
Facility,  expiring  on December  17,  2026  and  the  FPD  VI  New  Credit  Facility  expiring  on April  21,  2028.   As  at 
December 31, 2023, the outstanding balances totaled $57,857, of which $7,857 bore interest at a fixed rate of 
5.95% and $50,000 bore interest at a fixed rate of 8.08% per annum. The amounts at December 31, 2023 include 
estimated interest totaling $4,388 for 2024, $3,778 for 2025, $3,105 for 2026 and $3,210 for 2027/2028.

(2) Credit  facilities  at  December  31,  2022  subject  to  floating  interest  rates  consisting  of  the  Bank  Credit  Facility, 
expiring on November 8, 2024, and the Bank Term Loan, expiring on May 8, 2024.  As at December 31, 2022, 
the outstanding balance totaled $5,869 for 2023 and $5,913 for 2024, respectively, and bore interest at a floating 
rate  of  6.95%  and  9.95%,  respectively,  per  annum.    The  amounts  at  December  31,  2022  include  estimated 
interest  totaling  $875  for  2023,  and  $494  for  2024.    The  estimated  interest  was  calculated  based  on  the  total 
borrowings outstanding at the end of the year and the annual floating interest rate in effect as at December 31, 
2022.    Credit  facilities  at  December  31,  2022  subject  to  fixed  interest  rates  consisting  of  the  FPD  IV  Credit 
Facility,  expiring  on  March  10,  2023,  the  FPD  V  Credit  Facility,  the  FPD  V  Credit  Facility  expiring  on  May  15, 

116

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

2023  and  the  FPD  VI  Facility  expiring  on  December  15,  2026.    As  at  December  31,  2022,  the  outstanding 
balances totaled $15,536, of $6,107 bore interest at a fixed rate of 6.95% per annum and $9,429 bore interest at 
a fixed rate of 5.95% per annum.  Monthly blended principal and interest payments of $422 and of $91, are due 
on the FPD IV and FPD V facilities respectively, and $131 on the FPD VI facility.  The amounts at December 31, 
2022 include estimated interest totaling $647 for 2023, $432 for 2024, $338 for 2025 and $244 for 2026.

DCM also has contingent obligations in the form of letters of credit.  DCM believes that the currently projected cash 
flow  from  operations  and  cash  on  hand  will  be  sufficient  to  fund  its  currently  projected  operating  requirements, 
including  expenditures  related  to  its  growth  strategy,  payments  associated  with  provisions  as  a  result  of  on-going 
productivity improvement initiatives, payment of income tax liabilities, contributions to its pension plans, maintenance 
or  investment  in  new  capital  expenditures,  and  interest  and  scheduled  repayments  of  borrowings  under  its  credit 
facilities.  

While  estimated  forecast  compliance  with  financial  covenants  is  sensitive  to  key  assumptions  used  for  forecast 
revenues,  gross  margins  and  expenses  (which  in  turn  impact  earnings  before  interest,  income  taxes,  depreciation 
and  amortization  (EBITDA)),  management  are  satisfied  that  the  Company’s  forecasts  and  projections  through  to 
March 31, 2025 taking account of reasonably possible changes in results and other uncertainties will not result in any 
breach  of  the  financial  covenants  on  its  credit  facilities.   As  a  result,  the  Company  has  concluded  that  it  will  have 
adequate access to liquidity to satisfy its obligations within the next fifteen months (note 1).

MARKET RISK

INTEREST RATE RISK
Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the financial 
instrument  will  fluctuate  due  to  changes  in  market  interest  rates.    Interest  rate  risk  arises  from  interest  bearing 
financial assets and liabilities.  DCM’s interest rate risk arises from credit facilities issuances at floating interest rates.

At December 31, 2023, $44,009 of DCM’s indebtedness outstanding was subject to floating interest rates of 8.45% 
per annum; a 1% increase/decrease in interest rates would have resulted in an increase/decrease in the loss by $440 
for the year ended December 31, 2023 (2022 – $118), respectively.  At December 31, 2023, $7,857 was subject to a 
fixed interest rate of 5.95% per annum and $50,000 was subject to a fixed interest rate of 8.08 per annum.

CURRENCY RISK
Currency  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  fair  value  of  future  cash  flows  arising  from  a  financial  instrument  will  fluctuate 
because  of  changes  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates.    In  the  normal  course  of  business,  DCM  does  not  have 
significant foreign exchange transactions, and accordingly, the amounts and currency risk are not expected to have 
an adverse material impact on the operations of DCM.  Management considers the currency risk to be low and does 
not hedge its currency risk; therefore, sensitivity analysis is not presented.

117

DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

24  Expenses by nature

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

Raw materials and other purchases

$ 

Wages and benefits*

Occupancy costs

Restructuring expenses

Depreciation and amortization

Technology-enabled subscription expenses
Acquisition and integration costs (excluding ROU asset 
impairments) 

Right-of-use asset impairment (note 8)

Research and development

Other expenses

Net fair value (gains) losses on financial liabilities at fair value 
through profit or loss*

Total cost of revenues and operating expenses

$ 

210,458  $ 

136,339 

19,719 

20,308 

21,723 

4,131 

10,439 

464 

3,804 

19,885 

7,122 

454,392 

123,929 

88,329 

8,088 

— 

11,160 

854 

1,870 

1,015 

10,644 

2,711 

248,600 

*  The  net  fair  value  (gains)  losses  on  financial  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  (RSUs  and  DSUs)  was 

previously  presented  within  wages  and  benefits  in  the  prior  years  financial  statements  and  has  been  disclosed 

separately this year in the table above (see also note 3).  

25  Segmented information 

The CEO of DCM is the CODM.

DCM has a single operating segment, being the Company as a whole, reflecting the manner in which the operating 
results  are  being  reviewed  by  the  CODM  to  make  decisions  about  resources  to  be  allocated  and  to  assess  the 
Company's performance.  The recently acquired MCC business brought together two similar sized businesses with 
similar  economic  characteristics,  particularly  in  terms  of  the  nature  of  the  products  and  services,  production 
processes, type of customers and methods used to provide these products and services to customers.

Management  evaluates  the  performance  of  its  reportable  segment  based  on  income  before  finance  costs,  other 
income  and  income  taxes.    Certain  corporate  expenses,  certain  non-recurring  expenses,  interest  expense,  finance 
costs and income taxes are not taken into account in the evaluation of the performance of the reporting segment. 

Revenue by geographical location of our customers is set out below:

118

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

Canada

United States

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

$ 

$ 

419,893  $ 

27,832   

447,725  $ 

260,874 

12,930 

273,804 

DCM  has  disclosed  revenue  on  a  disaggregated  basis  based  on  the  nature  of  the  major  products  and  services  it 
provides to its customers as follows:

Product sales

Technology-enabled subscription services and fees

Freight services

Warehousing services

Technology-enabled hardware solutions

Marketing and other services

26  Related party transactions 

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

$ 

396,316  $ 

239,355 

14,721   

13,247   

12,173   

8,516   

2,752   

$ 

447,725  $ 

5,317 

8,402 

7,325 

12,156 

1,249 

273,804 

On March 15, 2018, DCM entered into a loan agreement with a key member of management, of $107 to finance the 
purchase  of  Common  Shares.    The  original  maturity  date  was  March  15,  2023,  the  loan  term  was  subsequently 
extended by an additional three years.  Interest will accrue at a rate of 3% per annum on the unpaid balance.  The 
loan is unsecured and repayable upon maturity.  As at December 31, 2023, the balance owing of $114 (2022 – $110) 
was included within other non-current assets in the consolidated statement of financial position.

COMPENSATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT

Key  management  personnel  are  deemed  to  be  Directors  on  DCM's  Board,  the  CEO,  the  President,  the  Chief 
Financial  Officer  and  other  members  of  the  senior  executive  team.    Compensation  awarded  to  key  management 
personnel, excluding compensation awarded to Directors, which are described below, included:

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits

Termination and retirement benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based compensation expense

Total

For the year ended 
December 31, 2023

For the year ended 
December 31, 2022

$ 

$ 

3,473  $ 

1,567 

10 

2,978 

8,028  $ 

4,227 

— 

14 

1,055 

5,296 

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  key  management  personnel  (excluding  compensation  awarded  to 
Directors)  were  granted  252,260  RSUs  (2022  –  707,333  RSUs).    Key  management  personnel  (excluding 
compensation awarded to Directors) were issued 750,000 options to purchase Common Shares in 2023 (2022 -  nil).  

119

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATA Communications Management Corp.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages, shares and per share amounts)

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  DCM’s  general  and  administration  expenses  included  an  expense  of 
$2,978 (2022 – $1,055) for these share-based compensation awards.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, DCM’s general and administration expenses include a charge of $3,360 
(2022 – $971) for DSU’s issued to directors for the duties performed by DCM’s Board, of which $2,715 (2022 – $398) 
relates to a fair value adjustment (note 17). 

27  Subsequent event

On January 11, 2024, DCM completed the sale and leaseback of its Trenton, Ontario manufacturing facility, which 
was acquired as part of the Company's acquisition of MCC (note 4) and was classified on the consolidated balance 
sheet as an asset held for sale at the year end (note 20).  Gross proceeds realized on the sale were $9 million, and 
after deducting closing commissions, rent deposit, and other expenses, net proceeds were $8.5 million.

120

Corporate Information

Officers

Richard Kellam 
President & Chief 
Executive Officer 

James E. Lorimer 
Chief Financial Officer & 
Corporate Secretary

Christine Custodio 
Senior Vice President, Operations

Jason Sharpe 
Senior Vice President, 
Commercial Leadership

Corporate Information

Auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Transfer Agent 
Computershare Investor  
Services Inc.

Corporate Counsel 
McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Corporate Office 
9195 Torbram Road 
Brampton, Ontario L6S 6H2 
Telephone:  905-791-3151 
Facsimile:  905-791-1713

Website 
datacm.com

Toronto Stock  
Exchange Symbol 
DCM

OTCQX Symbol 
DCMDF

Directors

J.R. Kingsley Ward 3 
Chairman, Director

Gregory J. Cochrane 3  
Vice Chairman, Director 

Merri L. Jones 1, 3 
Director 

James J. Murray O.Ont., SIOR 2 
Director

Michael G. Sifton 1, 2 
Director 

Alison Simpson 3 
Director

Derek J. Watchorn 1, 2 
Director

Richard Kellam  
Director

1

2

3

Member, Audit Committee 
(Chairperson is Michael G. Sifton)

Member, Corporate 
Governance Committee  
(Chairperson is Derek J.Watchorn)

Member, Human Resources & 
Compensation Committee 
(Chairperson is J.R. Kingsley Ward)

DATA Communications Management Corp.  |  9195 Torbram Road  |  Brampton, Ontario L6S 6H2