2020
ANNUAL REPORT
Real Matters is a leading network management services provider for the mortgage lending and insurance industries.
Real Matters’ platform combines its proprietary technology and network management capabilities with tens of
thousands of independent qualified field professionals to create an efficient marketplace for the provision of
mortgage lending and insurance industry services. Our clients include the majority of the top 100 mortgage lenders
in the U.S. and some of the largest insurance companies in North America. We are a leading independent provider of
residential real estate appraisals to the mortgage market and a leading independent provider of title and mortgage
closing services in the U.S. Established in 2004, Real Matters has offices in Buffalo (NY), Denver (CO), Middletown (RI),
and Markham (ON). Real Matters is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol REAL.
We take a long-term view to manage and measure the success of our business strategies. Our principal focus
is on market share growth. We seek to achieve market share increases irrespective of market conditions for
residential mortgage originations.
Historical Financial Performance
Net Revenue(A) vs. U.S. Mortgage Origination Market Volumes*
Volumes
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
Volumes
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
3 9 % N e t R e v e n u e ( A ) C A G R
$92.3M
$82.8M
$102.1M
$162.1M
$22.1M
$33.7M
$68.3M
F14
F15
F16
F17
F18
F19
F20
Net Revenue(A)
Estimated Market Volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A) vs. U.S. Mortgage Origination Market Volumes*
7 9 % A d j u s t e d E B I T D A ( A ) C A G R
$72.2M
$29.0M
$2.2M
F14
$5.3M
$12.8M
$9.4M
$5.8M
F15
F16
F17
F18
F19
F20
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated Market Volumes
(A) Non-GAAP Measures
Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards and are therefore unlikely to be
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These non-GAAP measures are more fully defined on page 29 of this Annual Report.
* Management estimate, in thousands of units.
Performance Highlights
For the year ended September 30, 2020 - in thousands of US$ except per share amounts
Financial
Consolidated
Revenues
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Net income (loss)
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
U.S. Appraisal
Revenues
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
U.S. Title
Revenues
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
Canada
Revenues
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
Cash
Cash from operations
Long-term debt
Shares issued and outstanding
Stock options issued and outstanding
Warrants issued, outstanding and exercisable
Operating Metrics
U.S. Appraisal market share
U.S. Title market share
Trading Statistics (C$ except volume)
High
Low
Close
Average Volume
Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2019
Fiscal 2018
$455,945
$162,117
35.6%
$42,798
$72,242
44.6%
$282,101
$67,224
23.8%
$39,851
59.3%
$142,397
$89,845
63.1%
$44,291
49.3%
$31,447
$5,048
16.1%
$3,111
61.6%
$129,156
$74,689
-
85,359
5,111
191
11.7%
2.4%
$33.01
$7.74
$25.95
520,372
$322,537
$102,075
31.6%
$10,094
$28,977
28.4%
$212,717
$50,130
23.6%
$26,024
51.9%
$82,649
$46,838
56.7%
$13,696
29.2%
$27,171
$5,107
18.8%
$2,651
51.9%
$71,680
$25,643
-
$281,451
$82,768
29.4%
$(4,015)
$5,793
7.0%
$186,464
$38,377
20.6%
$11,662
30.4%
$65,220
$39,110
60.0%
$6,173
15.8%
$29,767
$5,281
17.7%
$2,561
48.5%
$68,045
$10,372
-
84,946
88,228
6,060
874
10.6%
1.0%
$12.02
$2.95
$11.04
5,983
1,536
9.0%
0.6%
$11.00
$3.95
$4.55
158,404
183,420
(A) Non-GAAP Measures
Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting
Standards and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These non-GAAP
measures are more fully defined on page 29 of this Annual Report.
1
U.S. Appraisal Market Share
11.7%
10.6%
9.0%
F20
F19
F18
U.S. Title Market Share
2.4%
1.0%
0.6%
F20
F19
F18
Net Revenue(A)
$162.1M
$102.1M
$82.8M
F20
F19
F18
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
$72.2M
$29.0M
$5.8M
F20
F19
F18
Fiscal 2020 in Review
7%
3%
3%
31%
Revenues
$455.9M
62%
55%
Net Revenue(A)
$162.1M
42%
51%
Adjusted EBITDA(A)(B)
$72.2M
46%
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Progress to Fiscal 2021 Targets
F16
Actual
F21 Target
set at IPO
F20
Actual
Consolidated Net Revenue(A) Margins
27.5%
35-40%
35.6%
Achieved
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(A) Margins
18.8%
25-30%
44.6%
Surpassed
U.S. Appraisal Market Share
4.8%
15-20%
11.7%
—
U.S. Title Market Share
0.2%
1-3%
2.4%
Achieved
(A) Non-GAAP Measures
Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards and are therefore unlikely to be
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These non-GAAP measures are more fully defined on page 29 of this Annual Report.
(B) Adjusted EBITDA(A) includes $15.0 million of corporate expenses, which is expressed net of stock-based compensation totalling $2.4 million.
2
Key Performance Indicators - U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Appraisal Segment Net Revenue(A) vs.
Addressable U.S. Mortgage Market
Origination Volumes*
U.S. Appraisal Segment Adjusted EBITDA(A) vs.
Addressable U.S. Mortgage Market
Origination Volumes*
Net Revenue(A) Margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A) Margin
Volumes
15,000
10,000
18.0%
5,000
23.6%
20.6%
23.8%
Volumes
15,000
10,000
59.3%
51.9%
30.4%
5,000
17.1%
$33.5M
$38.4M
$50.1M
$67.2M
$5.7M
$11.7M
$26.0M
$39.9M
F17
F18
F19
F20
F17
F18
F19
F20
Net Revenue(A)
Estimated Origination Market Volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated Origination Market Volumes
Key Performance Indicators - U.S. Title
U.S. Title Segment Net Revenue(A) vs.
U.S. Mortgage Market Origination
Refinance Volumes*
U.S. Title Segment Adjusted EBITDA(A) vs.
U.S. Mortgage Market Origination
Refinance Volumes*
Net Revenue(A) Margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A) Margin
Volumes
10,000
5,000
63.2%
60.0%
56.7%
63.1%
Volumes
10,000
49.3%
5,000
25.5%
15.8%
29.2%
$53.6M
$39.1M
$46.8M
$89.8M
$13.7M
$6.2M
$13.7M
$44.3M
F17
F18
F19
F20
F17
F18
F19
F20
Net Revenue(A)
Estimated Refinance Market Volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated Refinance Market Volumes
(A) Non-GAAP Measures
Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards and are therefore unlikely to be
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These non-GAAP measures are more fully defined on page 29 of this Annual Report.
* Management estimate, in thousands of units.
3
To our shareholders,
Fiscal 2020 was a year of record growth for Real Matters.
Our Fiscal 2020 consolidated revenues increased 41% year-over-year to $455.9
million, consolidated Net Revenue(A) was up nearly 59%, and consolidated Adjusted
EBITDA(A) more than doubled to $72.2 million while consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(A)
margins increased to 44.6% from 28.4% in Fiscal 2019. Our strong financial
performance in Fiscal 2020 was underpinned by origination only market adjusted
growth of 17.5% in U.S. Appraisal, and refinance only market adjusted growth of 59.2%
in U.S. Title. And for the first time, the contribution to Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted
EBITDA(A) from our U.S. Title segment surpassed U.S. Appraisal.
we went public in 2017, we achieved three of
Looking back at the objectives we set when
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, as an essential service provider, Real Matters
continued to serve its clients and perform. In March, we moved to a remote work
environment for 96% of our 700+ employees. The move was made in a matter of days,
with virtually no loss in productivity. The
appraisers, notaries, attorneys and
abstractors on our network also
continued to deliver, consistently going
above and beyond for our clients and
their customers. Being able to failover to
remote network management is a core
capability of our company and a core
tenant of our business continuity
commitment to our regulated lenders.
We were very pleased
this
transition occurred seamlessly and that
we have continued to operate without
interruption to our clients.
that
those four targets in Fiscal 2020, one full
year ahead of our committed timeline. We
exited Fiscal 2020 with 11.7% market share in
U.S. Appraisal and 2.4% market share in U.S.
Title, landing squarely in our Fiscal 2021
target range for title.
The strong U.S. refinance mortgage origination market provided a healthy backdrop
for our growth in Fiscal 2020 – particularly in our U.S. Title business. Our results were
also bolstered by significant year-over-year market share increases with our clients
across both U.S. segments, including share gains across our Tier 1 lenders in U.S.
Appraisal.
During Fiscal 2020, we went live with 13 new lenders (including three Top 100 lenders)
in U.S. Appraisal and went live in new channels with three Top 100 lenders. In U.S. Title,
we went live with 13 new lenders, including two Top 100 lenders.
(A) Non-GAAP Measures
Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards and are therefore unlikely to be
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These non-GAAP measures are more fully defined on page 29 of this Annual Report.
4
Looking back at the objectives we set when we went public in 2017, we achieved three
of those four targets in Fiscal 2020, one full year ahead of our committed timeline. We
exited Fiscal 2020 with 11.7% market share in U.S. Appraisal and 2.4% market share in
U.S. Title, landing squarely in our Fiscal 2021 target range for U.S. Title.
We had committed to achieving consolidated Net Revenue(A) margins of 35-40% and
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 25-30% by Fiscal 2021. We reported consolidated Net
Revenue(A) margins of 35.6% in Fiscal 2020, hitting the low end of the range, and
consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 44.6% - well above our target range for
Fiscal 2021.
In November, we announced my new role as Executive Chairman of the company and
our Board of Directors appointed Brian Lang as Chief Executive Officer. Brian is a
proven leader whose experience and track-record of working with leading financial
institutions will provide a steady hand in continuing to expand our market share in the
U.S. mortgage industry. His strong leadership skills and background in technology
position him well to lead the team into new markets as the Company looks to diversify
its revenue streams through our data monetization strategy. With Brian at the helm,
I’m confident that we now have the leadership in place to continue to drive our
mortgage businesses forward, and extend our data capabilities to create a new area
of growth that will drive our company forward for many, many years to come.
It has been my privilege to serve as the company’s CEO for more than 16 years, and
I continue to be committed to Real Matters’ long-term success in my new role.
Jason Smith
Executive Chairman
(A) Non-GAAP Measures
Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards and are therefore unlikely to be
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These non-GAAP measures are more fully defined on page 29 of this Annual Report.
5
Fiscal 2020 was an excellent year for Real Matters
across all measures. We increased market share in both
our U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segments, set a number
of records across both businesses, and delivered
exceptional financial results which allowed us to
achieve three of our four long-term targets one year
ahead of our committed timeline. And we did all of this
amid a pandemic.
As we enter Fiscal 2021, Real Matters is better positioned than ever to drive growth
over the long term.
There are three principle drivers of our strategy over the next five years.
• Net Revenue(A) margins of 26-28% and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
margins of 65-70% in U.S. Appraisal
We have established new, five-year targets:
• 7-9% purchase mortgage market share in U.S. Appraisal
• 17-19% refinance mortgage market share in U.S. Appraisal
First, is continuing to build our leadership position in U.S. Appraisal. Today, Real
Matters conducts on average more than two thousand mortgage appraisals per day
in the U.S. – and we expect that
number to
increase significantly
over the next five years. We have
master service agreements with the
largest mortgage lenders in the U.S.,
and we believe that we are the
largest
independent provider of
residential real estate appraisals in
the United States. This is a position
that we have earned over a number
of
on
performance and first-time quality.
And while U.S. Appraisal is the most mature of our businesses, we have
opportunities to deepen client relationships in new channels as we leverage our
performance track record to drive further market share increases and launch new
Top 100 lenders.
focusing
years
by
• Net Revenue(A) margins of 60-65% and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
margins of 50-55% in U.S. Title
• 6-8% refinance mortgage market share in U.S. Title
Second, our strategy is to land client relationships with existing appraisal clients as
well as new clients and in turn increase market share in U.S. Title. Over the last several
years, we have successfully expanded our U.S. Title client base in the refinance
channel by adding larger lenders; however, we have only just begun to tap the
(A) Non-GAAP Measures
Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards and are therefore unlikely to be
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These non-GAAP measures are more fully defined on page 29 of this Annual Report.
6
potential that exists in this segment. Over the next five years, we plan to grow our
share of refinance transactions, and we can see our way to expanding our reach into
the purchase channel.
By continuing to leverage our existing U.S. Appraisal client relationships as the
foundation to cross-sell title services, and demonstrating the strength of our network
management capabilities, we believe that we can drive more customers to our
platform and drive share gains through better performance.
With strong mortgage market tailwinds at our backs, we should have a multiyear
opportunity to accelerate our growth in this segment.
The third pillar of our strategy is to diversify our business by establishing a beachhead
in the property data monetization market. This part of our strategy has long since
been part of our vision as a company. We have unique data assets that we belive can
add significant value to a very large market. And we are well positioned to deploy
capital for growth in this space.
As we execute on these three pillars of our strategy over the next five years, we plan
to continue to scale the business, expand our margins, and broaden our addressable
markets.
This is an exciting time for our company. We have an established, blue-chip client
base and market leadership position from which to build, including several avenues
for growth in our existing businesses, and a new strategic focus that will propel the
company forward into new markets.
This past year has tested our resilience as a team, as an industry and no doubt, as
individuals. I am very proud and thankful for the dedication and commitment of our
employees and the field professionals on our network, as well as for the continued
trust of our clients. I would also like to recognize our Board and long-term
shareholders for their continued support and encouragement.
Brian Lang
Chief Executive Officer
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Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
The following Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) was prepared as of November 19, 2020 and should be read in
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”), including notes thereto, for the years ended
September 30, 2020 and 2019. All amounts included in this MD&A are reported in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated,
and have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS” or “GAAP”). Throughout this MD&A,
Real Matters Inc. and its subsidiaries are referred to as “Real Matters,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”. Additional information
about the Company, including the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended September 30, 2019, can be found on
SEDAR under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com.
Overview
Real Matters provides residential real estate appraisal and title and closing services to mortgage lenders in the United States of
America (“U.S.”) and residential real estate appraisal and insurance inspection services in Canada. Our technology-based platform
creates a competitive marketplace where independent field professionals, including appraisers, real estate agents, property
inspectors, notaries, abstractors and other closing agents, compete for volumes provided by our clients based on their performance
and professionalism (the “platform”). Our proprietary technology, which we believe is unique to our industry, combined with our
network management capabilities, drives greater efficiencies by reducing manual processes through robust quality control
mechanisms, logistics management capabilities, capacity planning tools and end-to-end transaction management for our clients. We
leverage our technology and field professional partnerships to consistently deliver first-time quality, faster turnaround times and
better performance than our competitors.
Appraisal services
We are one of North America’s largest independent providers of residential real estate appraisal services. A residential appraisal is a
survey of a home by a qualified appraiser providing their expert opinion on the market value of a residential property. Pricing for
residential appraisals varies by region, the type of residential mortgage appraisal conducted and property type. In most cases, our
clients order residential appraisals for mortgage loan assessment purposes and to comply with Government Sponsored Entity (“GSE”)
requirements, and the cost of a residential appraisal is passed on to the borrower.
We apply our network management capabilities to the residential mortgage industry, which is designed with a focus on quality at the
front-end of the process. Our platform is an open network where field professional performance is tracked and managed in real time.
We believe that our national and regionally managed network has the capacity to scale and deliver better performance than our
competitors. We provide the breadth of expertise and local knowledge required to find the most qualified field professional for every
mortgage transaction through robust credential management and scorecarding of all of our field professionals.
Title and Closing (“Title”) services
We are an approved title agent with the industry’s largest title insurance underwriters. We offer and/or coordinate various title
services for refinance, purchase, commercial, short sale and real estate owned (“REO”) transactions to financial institutions in all 50
states, and the District of Columbia, and each state has differing rules and regulations for title agents. As an independent title agent,
we provide services required to close a mortgage transaction, including title search, closing and escrow services and title policy
issuance. We act on behalf of the title insurance underwriters and retain the agent’s portion of the premium paid for the title policy,
which is typically 70-90% of the title insurance premium. The remaining portion of the premium is remitted to the underwriter as
compensation for bearing the risk of loss in the event a claim is made under the policy. Premium splits can vary by geographic region,
and in some states, premiums are fixed by regulation.
The closing process in a mortgage transaction is critical to a consumer’s overall experience as it represents an important point of
contact with the consumer. Our focus is to provide the best consumer experience by working with experienced field professionals.
We operate a technology-based marketplace where independent field professionals compete for business based on their service level
performance and quality of work. Our platform delivers a scalable solution that drives better performance for our clients and a superior
consumer experience.
9
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Our clients and the market we service
Clients
We supply mortgage origination services to the largest lenders in the U.S., including appraisal services to all of the nation’s Tier 1 (as
defined in the “Glossary” section of this MD&A) lenders and many of the nation’s largest regulated and non-bank lenders. Lenders
allocate their mortgage origination volumes to their service providers based on performance. Our performance often results in us
obtaining an outsized allocation of transaction volumes from these lenders compared to our competitors. Tier 1 and other prominent
lenders typically require their service providers to have a national footprint, be well capitalized, registered and licensed nationally,
have a strong technology and information security infrastructure, and be in good standing with their regulatory authorities.
We estimate U.S. lender segmentation at the end of fiscal 2020 for appraisal spend was as follows:
U.S. Lender Segmentation by Appraisal Spend - 2020*
*Management estimate
25-30%
30-35%
20-25%
15-20%
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 4
We estimate U.S. lender segmentation at the end of fiscal 2020 for title spend was as follows:
U.S. Lender Segmentation by Title Spend - 2020*
*Management estimate
30-32%
28-30%
22-25%
15-18%
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 4
U.S. Appraisal
Our U.S. Appraisal segment (as hereinafter defined) provides services to the largest lenders in the U.S., including all six Tier 1 mortgage
lenders. In fiscal 2020, we estimate that there were approximately 10.2 million appraisals provided for purchase and refinance
mortgage originations in the U.S., representing a total market (“TM”) spend of $5.5 billion when applying our average revenue per
transaction for purchase and refinance mortgage originations in fiscal 2020. The U.S. mortgage origination market is highly regulated
10
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
and one of the largest asset classes in the world, and we provide appraisal services to mortgage lenders across the following channels:
purchase origination, refinance origination, home equity, default and REO. The graphic below outlines the estimated size of the TM
for purchase and refinance mortgage originations in the U.S. for fiscal 2020 and our estimate of the TM spend for these services.
Purchase and refinance mortgage origination volumes serviced in fiscal 2020, represented 74% of the total volume we serviced and
accounted for 90% of our U.S. Appraisal segments total revenues:
U.S. Market 2020
Total Mortgage Origination Volumes*
(expressed in millions)
*Management estimate at the end of fiscal 2020
Mortgage origination
volumes - refinance
5.7
10.2 (volumes)
4.5
TM $5.5 billion
TM $3.0 billion
Mortgage origination
volumes - purchase
TM $2.5 billion
The total addressable market (“TAM”) for our U.S. Appraisal segment excludes appraisal waivers provided by the GSEs and appraisals
provided for Veterans Affairs. In fiscal 2020, we estimate that there were approximately 7.0 million appraisals provided for purchase
and refinance mortgage originations in the U.S., representing a TAM spend of $3.8 billion when applying our average revenue per
transaction for purchase and refinance mortgage originations in fiscal 2020. We further believe that waivers are at elevated levels in
fiscal 2020 as a result of COVID-19 and will moderate back to normalized levels through fiscal 2025 (please refer to the “Fiscal 2025
targets” section of this MD&A for additional details). The graphic below outlines the estimated size of the TAM for purchase and
refinance mortgage originations in the U.S. for fiscal 2020 and our estimate of the TAM spend for these services:
U.S. Market 2020
Addressable Mortgage Origination Volumes*
(expressed in millions)
* Management estimate at the end of fiscal 2020
Addressable mortgage
origination volumes -
refinance
3.1
7.0 (volumes)
TAM $3.8 billion
3.9
Addressable
mortgage origination
volumes - purchase
TAM $1.7 billion
TAM $2.1 billion
11
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
U.S. Title
Our U.S. Title segment (as hereinafter defined) predominantly services Tier 3 and 4 mortgage lenders. Over the past two years, we
have added several top 100 mortgage lender clients, which included Tier 2 and Tier 3 clients. Adding clients is in line with our strategy
to increase market share in this segment, with a specific focus on targeting Tier 1 and additional Tier 2 clients. Today, we predominantly
supply title and closing services for refinance, home equity, default and REO transactions. For fiscal 2020, we estimate that there were
5.7 million refinance transactions serviced representing a total, and addressable, market spend of $5.3 billion when applying our
average revenue per transaction for refinance mortgage originations in fiscal 2020. The addressable market for our U.S. Title segment
is not impacted by waivers or Veterans Affairs volumes.
Canada
In Canada, we provide residential mortgage appraisal services to the majority of the big five Canadian banks and provide residential
and commercial property insurance inspection services to some of North America’s largest insurance carriers.
Our offices and brands
Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Real Matters’ principal offices include Buffalo, New York, Middletown, Rhode Island and Denver,
Colorado. We service the U.S. and Canadian residential mortgage industries through our Solidifi brand and the Canadian property and
casualty insurance industry through our iv3 brand.
Seasonality and trends
Residential mortgage origination volumes in North America are a key driver of our financial performance and are influenced by cyclical
trends and seasonality. Cyclical trends include changes in interest rates, refinancing rates, the capacity of lenders to underwrite
mortgages, house prices, housing stock supply and demand, the availability of funds for mortgage loans, credit requirements,
regulatory changes, household indebtedness, employment levels and the general health of the North American economy. Our
transaction-based revenues are also impacted by the seasonal nature of the residential mortgage industry, which typically sees home
buyers purchase more homes in our third and fourth fiscal quarters, representing the three months ending June 30 and September
30, respectively. As a result of COVID-19, purchase market activity was lower in our third quarter of fiscal 2020, impacting what is
typically higher seasonal activity for purchase volume. However, the residential mortgage market was bolstered by continued strength
for refinance mortgage origination activity, which we believe will continue for a number of years hereafter. Our market share is
impacted by the size of the addressable residential mortgage origination market but also our clients’ relative share of the addressable
market. Gains or losses in our clients’ share of the addressable mortgage origination market impacts our overall market share.
Accordingly, we take a long-term view of our success, since we cannot control the addressable mortgage origination market or the
factors that influence it.
12
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Annual mortgage origination estimates
The table below illustrates estimated U.S. mortgage origination spend for purchase and refinance transactions beginning in 1990,
presented on a calendar year basis. Since 2011, the estimated purchase market has grown at a mid to high single digit growth rate,
when expressed on a volume basis, which is highly correlated to the strength of the U.S. economy, amongst other factors. However,
refinance activity is very sensitive to changes in interest rates which has resulted in significant changes in the volume of activity
between years. We believe that refinance activity is poised to significantly increase in the next couple of years due to record low
interest rates brought on by COVID-19 and other contributing factors.
Annual Mortgage Origination Estimates *
source Mortgage Bankers Association ("MBA")
(expressed in billions of dollars)
* Excludes servicing, default and REO and home equity activity
Morgage originations - purchase
Morgage originations - refinance
'90 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 '00 '01 '02 '03
'04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14
'15 '16 '17 '18
'19 '20
$3,000
$2,500
$2,000
$1,500
$1,000
$500
$0
Scale from volume
Our objective is to leverage our technology, network and logistics management capabilities, and field professional partnerships to
deliver first time quality, faster turnaround times and better performance than our competitors. As volumes on our platform increase
from market share growth, market volume (as herein after defined) expansion or some combination of the two, we partner with our
field professionals to make them more efficient in their daily activities which leads to an expansion of our Net Revenue(A) margins. In
addition, we leverage our operations to expand our Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins. Our objectives for each of these measures through
fiscal 2025 are outlined in the “Our long-term plan – Fiscal 2025 targets” section of this MD&A. Since 2014, our consolidated operating
performance delivered a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 39.4% for Net Revenue(A) and a 79.4% CAGR for Adjusted
EBITDA(A), which compares to market volumes that increased at an estimated CAGR of 11.8% over the same period.
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with IFRS, however, we consider certain Non-GAAP financial measures (as
hereinafter defined) as useful additional information to assess our financial performance. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP” Measures”
section of this MD&A for additional details regarding the use of Non-GAAP measures, including, but not limited to, the definitions of
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A).
13
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$160,000
$140,000
$120,000
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
The tables that follow compare our consolidated Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) to estimated market volumes and
demonstrates that we are executing on our principal focus of market share growth.
Consolidated Net Revenue(A) relative to
mortgage market origination volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(A)
relative to mortgage market origination
volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Volumes
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
Volumes
20,000
15,000
10,000
$70,000
$60,000
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
-
5,000
$20,000
2014 2015
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
-
Year
$10,000
$0
2014 2015
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Year
Net Revenue(A)
Estimated market volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated market volumes
Our U.S. Appraisal segment is our more mature business in the U.S. Servicing higher volumes on our platform from market share gains
and, most recently, higher market volumes, has resulted in Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin expansion. Since 2017, our
Net Revenue(A) CAGR was 26.2% and our Adjusted EBITDA(A) CAGR was 90.8%, which compares to estimated market volumes that
increased at a CAGR of 2.6%.
U.S. Appraisal Segment Net Revenue(A)
relative to addressable mortgage market
origination volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Net Revenue(A)
margin of 23.6%
Net Revenue(A)
margin of 18.0%
Net Revenue(A)
margin of 20.6%
Net Revenue(A)
margin of 23.8%
Volumes
15,000
10,000
5,000
U.S. Appraisal Segment Adjusted
EBITDA(A) relative to addressable
mortgage market origination volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margin
of 59.3%
Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margin
of 51.9%
Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margin
of 30.4%
Volumes
15,000
10,000
5,000
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margin
of 17.1%
2017 2018
2019 2020
Year
-
$0
2017 2018 2019 2020
-
Year
Net Revenue(A)
Estimated addressable market volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated addressable market volumes
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
14
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
Net Revenue(A)
margin of 63.2%
$40,000
$20,000
$0
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
In April 2016, we entered the U.S. Title business through the acquisition of Linear Title & Closing Ltd. (“Linear”). Since then, we have
ported this business to our platform and have been investing in our field professional panels with the long-term view of leveraging our
network to expand Net Revenue(A) margins like we have done in our U.S. Appraisal segment. Today, our U.S. Title segment
predominately services refinance mortgage origination activity. Since 2017, our Net Revenue(A) CAGR increased 18.8%, or 36.7% for
centralized title services Net Revenue(A) only, and our Adjusted EBITDA(A) CAGR increased 48.0%, which compares to a CAGR increase
of 24.4% in estimated market volumes attributable to refinance activity over the same period.
U.S. Title Segment Net Revenue(A) relative
to mortgage market origination refinance
volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Net Revenue(A)
margin of 63.1%
Volumes
10,000
U.S. Title Segment Adjusted EBITDA(A)
relative to mortgage market origination
refinance volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margin
of 49.3%
Volumes
10,000
Net Revenue(A)
margin of 56.7%
Net Revenue(A)
margin of 60.0%
5,000
Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margin
of 25.5%
Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margin
of 29.2%
5,000
Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margin
of 15.8%
2017 2018
2019 2020
Year
-
$0
2017 2018 2019 2020
Year
-
Net Revenue(A)
Estimated refinance market volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated refinance market volumes
Our long-term plan
We take a long-term view to manage and measure the success of our business strategies. In this regard, our principal focus is on
market share growth. We seek to achieve market share increases irrespective of residential mortgage origination market conditions.
Market share growth is achieved by onboarding new customers and increasing market share with our existing clients. The mortgage
market is subject to the influence of many factors, such as broader economic conditions, changes to interest rates, changing
regulations and our clients’ share of the market; each of which are not within our control.
Fiscal 2021 targets
In 2017, in connection with our initial public offering (“IPO”), we established four principal targets to achieve by the end of fiscal 2021.
At the end of fiscal 2020, we achieved or surpassed three of the four targets, namely our fiscal 2021 targets for U.S. Title market share,
consolidated Net Revenue(A) margins and consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins.
Fiscal 2020
Actual
Fiscal 2021
Target range
U.S. Appraisal segment market share
11.7%
15-20%
-----
U.S. Title segment market share
2.4%
1-3%
Achieved
Consolidated Net Revenue(A) margins
35.6%
35-40%
Achieved
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins
44.6%
25-30%
Surpassed
In November 2018, we also established Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) targets for our U.S. Appraisal, U.S. Title and Canadian
segments based on a doubling of volumes from fiscal 2018 levels. The targets we have established through the end of fiscal 2025 for
each of these segments represent revised, and in the majority of cases, enhanced margin targets compared to those we established
at the end of fiscal 2018. Accordingly, the margin targets expected on a doubling of volumes from 2018 levels have been superseded
by our end-of-year fiscal 2025 targets outlined below.
15
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
We are establishing new long-term targets for Net Revenue(A) margins, Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins and market share for each of our
U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segments, outlined below in the “Fiscal 2025 targets” section of this MD&A, which replace the fiscal 2021
targets for U.S. Title market share, consolidated Net Revenue(A) margins and consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins.
In addition, we are withdrawing our fiscal 2021 U.S. Appraisal market share target of 15-20% and have separately established new
long-term targets for U.S. Appraisal market share for purchase and refinance mortgage origination activity, which we believe are better
aligned with our focus on continued growth in higher margin origination activity. While we believe that our original estimate of the
market size and volumes underlying the fiscal 2021 U.S. Appraisal market share target was reasonable at the time it was made,
including our estimate of the home equity and default market, various recently available data points do not align with our original
estimate of the size of the market. We believe that these new data points, as outlined in the “Fiscal 2025 targets” section of this
MD&A, provide a more accurate representation of the size of the addressable market for purchase and refinance mortgage origination
activity and by aligning our fiscal 2025 targets on these two measures provides greater transparency into our overall performance.
Furthermore, recent market dynamics, including record low interest rates and Government sponsored forbearance programs due to
COVID-19, have had a significant impact on the use of waivers and transaction volumes for both home equity and default services,
each of which has negatively impacted the historical calculation of U.S. Appraisal market share growth. For these reasons, we have
determined that the basis of our original estimate is no longer reasonable and we believe our original estimate of market size and
volumes is not supported by recently available data points.
Supporting calculations for U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segment market share, applying our historical approach to calculating market
share are outlined in the tables below:
Market adjusted growth and market share - U.S. Appraisal
(expressed in whole units)
Volumes, actual prior period or year(1)
Estimated market impact(2)
Volumes, actual prior period or year net of estimated market impact
Volumes, actual current period or year(1)
Volumes, growth period or year over period or year
Market adjusted growth(3)
Market share
Note
(1)
U.S. Appraisal volumes exclude estimated volumes attributable to flood services.
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
162,997
-6.9%
151,754
158,146
6,392
4.2%
124,064
10.8%
137,440
162,997
25,557
18.6%
530,016
8.3%
574,068
636,349
62,281
10.8%
11.7%
489,194
-7.6%
452,208
530,016
77,808
17.2%
10.6%
(2) Market impact is a measure of the change in addressable market volumes that is solely attributable to changes in market conditions. Management uses a variety
of information sources to estimate the market impact, including certain client and non-client quarterly or annual reports, reports issued by certain competitors,
other publicly available industry information, including reports published by the Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and our own internal
volumes.
For the three months and year ended September 30, 2020, market adjusted growth for mortgage origination volumes only was 7.4% and 17.5%, respectively. As
outlined in the “Fiscal 2025 targets” section of this MD&A, we will report on purchase and refinance origination volumes only, going forward.
(3)
Market adjusted growth and market share - U.S. Title
(expressed in whole units)
Volumes, actual prior period or year(1)
Estimated market impact(2)
Volumes, actual prior period or year net of estimated market impact
Volumes, actual current period or year(1)
Volumes, growth period or year over period or year
Market adjusted growth(3)
Market share
Note
(1)
U.S. Title volumes exclude home equity title search and diversified volumes.
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
21,258
-6.9%
19,792
41,360
21,568
109.0%
6,344
10.8%
7,028
21,258
14,230
202.5%
49,036
4.6%
51,276
121,469
70,193
136.9%
2.4%
31,624
-10.4%
28,341
49,036
20,695
73.0%
1.0%
(2) Market impact is a measure of the change in addressable market volumes that is solely attributable to changes in market conditions. Management uses a variety
of information sources to estimate the market impact, including certain client and non-client quarterly or annual reports, reports issued by certain competitors,
other publicly available industry information, including reports published by the Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and our own internal
volumes.
Our U.S. Title segment almost exclusively services volumes attributable to refinance mortgage activity. However, this metric compares volumes serviced by our
U.S. Title segment against total estimated market activity, which includes both purchase and refinance mortgage activity. For the three months and year ended
September 30, 2020, market adjusted growth for refinance mortgage origination volumes only was 114.1% and 59.2%, respectively. As outlined in the “Fiscal 2025
targets” section of this MD&A, we will report on refinance origination volumes only, going forward.
(3)
16
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Fiscal 2025 targets
We are setting new targets through the end of fiscal 2025, which remain grounded in the same philosophy that has guided us to date.
As outlined above, residential mortgage origination volumes in North America are a key driver of our financial performance and are
influenced by cyclical trends and seasonality. We can’t control the factors that influence the cyclical and seasonal trends that impact
the residential mortgage market, so we continue to be singularly focused on the things we can control, namely market share and Net
Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins. With the objective of providing more transparency into our long-term performance,
growth and margin profiles, and enhancing the alignment of these measures to publicly available data, we are providing targets that
are best aligned with our areas of focus for each of our U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segments through the end of fiscal 2025. Readers
are cautioned that the fiscal 2025 targets may not be appropriate for other purposes.
By fiscal 2025, our targets for U.S. Appraisal are to capture 7-9% of the TAM for purchase mortgage origination activity, 17-19% of the
TAM for refinance mortgage origination (both TAM targets representing an approximate doubling from fiscal 2020 market share
levels), and achieve Net Revenue(A) margins of 26-28% and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 65-70%. Our Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margin targets are contingent on achieving our market share goals. Our current progression towards our new fiscal 2025
targets for our U.S. Appraisal segment is as follows:
U.S. Appraisal Segment Purchase
TAM Share
Fiscal 2020
4.6%
Fiscal 2025
range of
7 - 9%
U.S. Appraisal Segment Refinance
TAM Share
Fiscal 2020
9.3%
Fiscal 2025
range of
17 - 19%
Remaining addressable market
Remaining addressable market
U.S. Appraisal Net Revenues(A) margins
U.S. Appraisal Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins
Fiscal 2020
Actual
Fiscal 2025
Target range
23.8%
26-28%
59.3%
65-70%
17
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
By fiscal 2025, our targets for U.S. Title are to capture 6-8% of the TM for refinance mortgage origination (representing an approximate
three-fold increase from the market share we posted in fiscal 2020), and achieve Net Revenue(A) margins of 60-65% and Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margins of 50-55%. Our Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin targets are contingent on achieving our market share
goal. Our current progression towards our new fiscal 2025 targets for our U.S. Title segment is as follows:
U.S. Title Segment Refinance TAM
Share
Fiscal 2020
2.1%
Fiscal 2025
range of
6-8%
U.S. Title Net Revenues(A) margins
U.S. Title Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins
Remaining addressable market
Fiscal 2020
Actual
Fiscal 2025
Target range
63.1%
60-65%
49.3%
50-55%
Our targets for our Canadian segment are to achieve Net Revenue(A) margins of 19-20% by fiscal 2025, up from 16.1% in fiscal 2020,
and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 65-70% by fiscal 2025, up from 61.6% in fiscal 2020.
Our target for our Corporate segment is to contain corporate expenses, excluding stock-based compensation expense, to 7% of Net
Revenue(A) by fiscal 2025, down from 9.3% in fiscal 2020.
Our target to convert Adjusted EBITDA(A) to Free Cash Flow(A) is 70-75% between fiscal 2021 through fiscal 2025.
Our five-year outlook is based on the following principal assumptions, among others:
• total addressable market volumes for our U.S. Appraisal segment of 7.7 million transactions in fiscal 2025 (5.7 million purchase,
2.0 million refinance) and total addressable market volumes for our U.S. Title segment in fiscal 2025 of 2.7 million transactions;
• Veteran Affairs volumes for purchase and refinance activity remain largely unchanged from fiscal 2020 levels through fiscal 2025
(approximately 9% for purchase market volumes and approximately 15% for refinance market volumes);
• waivers for purchase and refinance activity return to levels seen in fiscal 2019 by fiscal 2025 (approximately 2% for purchase market
volumes and approximately 10% for refinance market volumes);
• continued expansion of market share in our U.S. Appraisal segment, including, by fiscal 2025, a market share of between 30% to
55% with each of our Tier 1 clients;
• the successful launch of several Tier 1 clients by our U.S. Title segment through fiscal 2025;
• retention and continued growth with our existing clients;
• our ability to continue leveraging our platform to improve Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins over the long-term; and
• no revenue from potential acquisitions is included in our fiscal 2025 targets.
18
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
We consider these assumptions to be reasonable given the five year time horizon and their alignment with our board approved five-
year strategic plan and achievable as a result of continuing to execute on our business strategy and our performance against similar
targets we established for fiscal 2021. However, there can be no assurance that each of these assumptions will ultimately prove to be
correct (please refer to the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” section of this MD&A for further details
regarding risks that may impact our business).
In this MD&A, we provide our estimate of residential mortgage activity and spend. We have estimated mortgage activity using a variety
of information sources, including reports issued under the Home Mortgage Disclosures Act (“HMDA”), which most recently reported
mortgage origination activity for calendar year 2019. We have estimated changes in residential mortgage market activity since then
using a variety of information sources, including certain client and non-client quarterly or annual reports, reports issued by certain
competitors, other publicly available industry information, including reports published by the Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac, and our own internal volumes. We calculate purchase and refinance market share for our U.S. Appraisal
segment by dividing volumes we service by our estimate of total addressable market activity. We estimate the size of total, and
addressable market spend for our U.S. Appraisal segment, by multiplying our average revenue per transaction for fiscal 2020 by our
estimate of total and addressable market volumes. Similarly, we calculate our market share for our U.S. Title segment by dividing
refinance volumes we service by our estimate of the total addressable market for refinance activity. We estimate the size of
addressable market spend for our U.S. Title segment, by multiplying our average revenue per transaction for fiscal 2020 by our
estimate of total addressable market volumes for refinance activity. Estimates for waiver and Veterans Affairs volumes are based on
reports issued by the GSEs and by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Margin expansion with volume growth
We expect to expand Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins across each of our segments in conjunction with an increase in
the volumes we service, please refer to the “Fiscal 2025 targets” section of this MD&A.
We’re built for the long-run
We believe we have a significant amount of addressable market beyond our new fiscal 2025 objectives. The U.S. mortgage market is
one of the largest asset classes in the world and we provide our U.S. Appraisal, U.S. Title and Canadian services to blue-chip clients in
the U.S. and Canada. Getting to first transaction with the largest mortgage lenders is no small task, and our continued strategy to
outperform our competition by leveraging our platform helps solidify the relationships we have with our clients over the long-term.
Our business is built for scale and we have a strong balance sheet and strong long-term Free Cash Flow(A) generating profile to support
our long-term business objectives.
Important Factors Affecting our Results from Operations
Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, and the targets described above may contain forward-looking
information. Please refer to the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” contained in this MD&A for a description
of the risks that impact our business and that could cause our financial results to vary.
19
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Financial Performance
The following is a discussion of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the years ended September 30, 2020
and 2019.
Review of Operations - For the year ended September 30, 2020
We conduct our business in the U.S. and Canada through three reportable segments: (i) U.S. appraisal (“U.S. Appraisal”); (ii) U.S. title
and closing (“U.S. Title”); and (iii) Canada or Canadian. Expenses attributable to corporate activities are recorded in our Corporate
segment. Please refer to the tables in the “Foreign Currency Exchange Rates” section of this MD&A for additional details regarding the
impact that foreign currency exchange (“FX”) had on our consolidated operating results for the year ended September 30, 2020.
Consolidated
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
2020
2019
Change % Change
Year ended September 30
455,945 $
293,828 $
92,294 $
4,453 $
322,537 $
220,462 $
74,917 $
10,172 $
133,408
73,366
17,377
(5,719)
41.4%
33.3%
23.2%
-56.2%
162,117 $
35.6%
72,242 $
44.6%
102,075 $
31.6%
28,977 $
28.4%
60,042
4.0%
43,265
16.2%
58.8%
12.7%
149.3%
57.0%
$
$
$
$
$
$
Revenues
Consolidated revenues increased, led by higher U.S. Appraisal segment revenues from higher market volumes serviced, market share
gains and new client additions. U.S. Title segment revenues also increased due to higher market volumes for refinance activity, market
share gains and new client additions, partially offset by lower revenues from diversified services. Revenues in our Canadian segment
increased due to market share gains and higher market volumes serviced, partially offset by lower insurance inspection revenues due
to COVID-19 and FX.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs include expenses directly attributable to a revenue transaction, including appraisal costs, various processing fees,
including credit card fees, connectivity fees, insurance inspection costs, closing agent costs, exterior abstractor costs and external
quality review costs.
On a consolidated basis transaction costs in our U.S. Appraisal, U.S. Title and Canadian segments increased due to higher volumes
serviced, as outlined in the consolidated revenue discussion above.
Operating expenses
Consolidated payroll and related costs increased $16.7 million, comprised of an $11.0 million increase in our U.S. Title segment, a $3.9
million increase in our U.S. Appraisal segment, a modest $0.3 million decline in our Canadian segment and a $2.1 million increase in
our Corporate segment. Higher payroll and related costs in our U.S. operations were the result of higher volumes serviced. The increase
in payroll and related costs in our Corporate segment included higher stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million, with net
new employees and salary increases accounting for the balance of the change. Bank charges and office expenses for courier services
incurred in our U.S. Title segment increased $0.9 and $1.8 million, respectively, and data center expense increased $0.4 million, each
the result of higher volumes serviced. These increases to consolidated operating expenses were partially offset by lower lease expense
of $1.9 million, of which $1.7 million was due to our adoption of IFRS 16 (please refer to the “New Accounting Policies Adopted or
Requiring Adoption” section of this MD&A for additional details), and lower travel and entertainment expense of $1.1 million, due to
COVID-19.
Amortization
Amortization declined due to lower intangible asset amortization from fully amortized intangibles attributable to acquisitions
completed in previous years. This decline was partially offset by higher amortization attributable to right-of-use assets capitalized in
connection with our adoption of IFRS 16.
20
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
On a consolidated basis, Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) increased on higher volumes serviced across our U.S. operating
segments and from market share gains and new client additions across our U.S. operating segments. Canadian segment Net Revenue(A)
declined due to COVID-19, as insurance inspections services were temporarily put on hold by our clients. Consolidated Net Revenue(A)
margins increased on a comparative basis largely due to higher proportional revenue generated by, and higher Net Revenue(A) margins
realized in, our U.S. Title segment. Net Revenue(A) margins increased modestly in our U.S. Appraisal segment, due in part to servicing
a greater proportion of higher margin mortgage origination volumes, and servicing fewer lower margin home equity volumes. The
decline in Net Revenue(A) margins in our Canadian segment was due to lower insurance inspection services supplied as a result of
COVID-19, while the increase in Net Revenue(A) margins in our U.S. Title segment was due to product and client mix for refinance
mortgage origination volumes serviced and the flow of these volumes between years. Net Revenue(A) margins from the supply of
diversified services increased modestly as a result of product mix. We recognized higher Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins by leveraging our
operations in a higher volume environment and we recognized a $1.9 million benefit to Adjusted EBITDA(A), of which $1.7 million was
attributable to our adoption of IFRS 16, and a $1.1 million benefit to Adjusted EBITDA(A) from lower travel and entertainment expense
due to COVID-19.
U.S. Appraisal
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
Revenues - purchase origination
Revenues - refinance origination
Revenues - other
Market share - purchase mortgage originations
(expressed in whole units)
Estimated market volumes
Non-addressable market volumes
Estimated addressable market volumes
Real Matters volumes
Real Matters market share
Market share - refinance mortgage originations
(expressed in whole units)
Estimated market volumes
Non-addressable market volumes
Estimated addressable market volumes
Real Matters volumes
Real Matters market share
2020
2019
Change % Change
Year ended September 30
282,101 $
214,877 $
27,373 $
1,509 $
212,717 $
162,587 $
24,106 $
1,118 $
69,384
52,290
3,267
391
32.6%
32.2%
13.6%
35.0%
67,224 $
23.8%
39,851 $
59.3%
97,807 $
155,341 $
28,953 $
50,130 $
23.6%
26,024 $
51.9%
93,210 $
81,627 $
37,880 $
17,094
0.2%
13,827
7.4%
4,597
73,714
(8,927)
34.1%
0.8%
53.1%
14.3%
4.9%
90.3%
-23.6%
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Year ended September 30
2020
4,543,950
(602,925)
3,941,025
180,324
4.6%
Year ended September 30
2020
5,693,800
(2,592,664)
3,101,136
288,975
9.3%
Revenues
U.S. Appraisal revenues increased as a result of higher refinance market volumes, market share gains, most notably with our Tier 1
clients, and the addition of new clients. Home equity and default revenues, representing other revenues, declined due to lower
estimated market volumes for these services.
21
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our U.S. Appraisal segment increased due to higher net volumes serviced, consistent with the reasons outlined
above in the revenue discussion.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses in our U.S. Appraisal segment increased on higher payroll and related costs of $3.9 million due to higher volumes
serviced. Lower lease expense resulting from our adoption of IFRS 16 partially offset this increase and we incurred lower travel and
entertainment costs as a result of COVID-19.
Amortization
Amortization increased due to right-of-use assets capitalized in connection with our adoption of IFRS 16, partially offset by fully
amortized intangibles attributable to acquisitions completed in previous years.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Our U.S. Appraisal segment serviced higher volumes due to higher market volumes for refinance activity, market share gains and new
client additions, which resulted in higher Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A). The increase in market volumes was largely
attributable to refinance activity, which we estimate increased 135.0%, or 68.7% when expressed on an addressable market basis.
Market volumes for purchase activity was down 6.4%, or 11.0% when expressed on an addressable market basis. We further estimate
that home equity and default activity declined year over year. Average revenue per transaction increased for both purchase and
refinance volumes serviced while the modest expansion of Net Revenue(A) margins was due to the network effect, partially offset by
the addition of field professionals on our network to service higher than expected market volumes, due in part to capacity building by
mortgage lenders in the U.S., and to service higher anticipated market volumes in the future. Net Revenue(A) margins also benefited
from servicing a greater proportion of higher margin mortgage origination volumes, and servicing fewer lower margin home equity
volumes. Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins expanded 740 basis points, of which 530 basis points was attributable to leveraging our
operations in a higher volume environment. We also recognized a $0.8 million benefit to Adjusted EBITDA(A) in connection with our
adoption of IFRS 16 and Adjusted EBITDA(A) benefited from lower travel and entertainment expense of $0.5 million due to COVID-19,
which combined represented the balance of the year over year expansion in Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins.
U.S. Title
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
Revenues - centralized title
Revenues - diversified title
Revenues - other
Market share - refinance mortgage originations
(expressed in whole units)
Estimated market volumes
Real Matters volumes(1)
Real Matters market share
Note
(1)
U.S. Title volumes exclude home equity title search, diversified and REO volumes.
22
2020
2019
Change % Change
Year ended September 30
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
142,397 $
52,552 $
45,554 $
2,384 $
89,845 $
63.1%
44,291 $
49.3%
109,497 $
22,798 $
10,102 $
82,649 $
35,811 $
33,142 $
8,804 $
46,838 $
56.7%
13,696 $
29.2%
44,830 $
27,417 $
10,402 $
59,748
16,741
12,412
(6,420)
72.3%
46.7%
37.5%
-72.9%
43,007
6.4%
30,595
20.1%
64,667
(4,619)
(300)
91.8%
11.3%
223.4%
68.8%
144.2%
-16.8%
-2.9%
Year ended September 30
2020
5,693,800
118,388
2.1%
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Revenues
U.S. Title segment revenues increased due to higher market volumes for refinance activity, market share gains and new client
additions, partially offset by lower revenues for diversified services. The lower interest rate environment contributed to the increase
in higher market volumes for refinance activity and the decline in our average revenue per transaction was due to geographic mix.
Revenues attributable to centralized title services provided (market volumes serviced) increased $64.7 million to $109.5 million while
diversified revenues, being revenues which are not directly attributable to mortgage origination activity, totaled $22.8 million in fiscal
2020, compared to $27.4 million in fiscal 2019. The decrease in diversified revenues was due to lower commercial and search revenues,
due in part to reallocating resources previously servicing commercial activity to service higher market volumes for refinance activity,
partially offset by higher capital markets revenue.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our U.S. Title segment increased due to higher refinance volumes serviced, as outlined in the revenue discussion
above. Transaction costs attributable to diversified volumes declined due to the decrease in services supplied as well as the mix of
services.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses in our U.S. Title segment increased due to higher payroll and related costs of $11.0 million, which we incurred to
service higher volumes. We also incurred higher office costs for courier services and banks charges of $1.8 and $0.9 million,
respectively, as a result of higher volumes serviced. These increases were partially offset by lower lease expense of $0.6 million, due
to our adoption of IFRS 16 and lower travel and entertainment expense of $0.4 million due to COVID-19.
Amortization
Amortization declined due to lower intangible asset amortization from fully amortized intangibles attributable to acquisitions
completed in previous years. This decline was partially offset by higher amortization attributable to right-of-use assets capitalized in
connection with our adoption of IFRS 16.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Our U.S. Title segment recorded higher Net Revenue(A) due to an increase in refinance volumes serviced, while the decline in average
revenue per transaction was the result of changes in geographic mix. Net Revenue(A) margins increased due to product and client mix
for refinance mortgage origination volumes serviced and the flow of these volumes year over year and included a modest expansion
of Net Revenue(A) margins for diversified revenues as a result of the mix of services supplied. Operating expenses increased due to
higher payroll and related costs, the result of higher volumes serviced, but we expanded Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins by leveraging our
operations in a higher volume environment. In addition, we recognized a $0.6 million benefit to Adjusted EBITDA(A) in connection with
our adoption of IFRS 16 and incurred lower travel and entertainment expense of $0.4 million due to COVID-19, which combined
represented 120 basis points of the year over year expansion in Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins.
Canada
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
2020
2019
Change % Change
Year ended September 30
31,447 $
26,399 $
1,937 $
- $
27,171 $
22,064 $
2,456 $
- $
4,276
4,335
(519)
-
15.7%
19.6%
-21.1%
0.0%
5,048 $
16.1%
3,111 $
61.6%
5,107 $
18.8%
2,651 $
51.9%
(59)
-2.7%
460
9.7%
-1.2%
-14.4%
17.4%
18.7%
$
$
$
$
$
$
Revenues
Revenues in Canada increased due to higher appraisal volumes from increasing market share with certain Canadian clients and
stronger market volumes, partially offset by lower revenues derived from insurance inspection services due to COVID-19 and FX.
Canadian revenues from appraisal and insurance inspection services were $28.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively, in fiscal 2020
versus $23.4 million and $3.8 million in fiscal 2019.
23
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our Canadian segment increased due to higher overall volumes serviced and the mix of services supplied, partially
offset by FX.
Operating expenses
The decline in Canadian segment operating expenses was due to lower payroll and related costs of $0.3 million and lower travel and
entertainment expense of $0.2 million due to COVID-19.
Amortization
Amortization was unchanged between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Net Revenue(A) and Net Revenue(A) margins declined due to a reduction in insurance inspection services supplied as a result of COVID-
19. However, Adjusted EBITDA(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins expanded as a result of leveraging our appraisal operations in a higher
volume environment for appraisal services and incurring lower travel and entertainment expense due to COVID-19. Lower travel and
entertainment expense contributed 390 basis points to the 970 basis point expansion in Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins.
Corporate and other items
Operating expenses
Amortization
Acquisition costs
Integration expenses
Impairment of assets
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange gain
Loss on fair value
of warrants
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Net income tax expense
2020
2019
Change % Change
Year ended September 30
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
17,430 $
560 $
- $
- $
- $
493 $
(611) $
(1,077) $
5,101 $
- $
18,666 $
15,213 $
250 $
267 $
685 $
361 $
190 $
(986) $
(3,327) $
5,617 $
(125) $
4,210 $
2,217
310
(267)
(685)
(361)
303
375
2,250
14.6%
124.0%
-100.0%
-100.0%
-100.0%
159.5%
-38.0%
-67.6%
(516)
125
14,456
-9.2%
-100.0%
343.4%
Operating expenses
Corporate operating expenses increased on higher payroll and related costs of $2.1 million, which included higher stock-based
compensation expense of $0.6 million, with net new employees and salary increases accounting for the balance of the increase. Data
center costs and computer expense increased $0.3 million, which was offset by lower lease expense resulting from our adoption of
IFRS 16 and lower travel and entertainment expense incurred due to COVID-19.
Amortization
The increase in amortization expense was attributable to right-of-use assets capitalized in connection with our adoption of IFRS 16.
Acquisition costs
In fiscal 2019, we settled an amount in respect of a working capital adjustment related to an acquisition completed in a previous year.
Integration expenses
Integration expenses in fiscal 2019 represented a lease termination fee attributable to the integration of certain operations and
employee severance costs paid to rationalize and integrate certain operations into our network management business model.
Impairment of assets
Leasehold improvements attributable to the terminated lease described above were determined to be impaired and consequently
written-off in fiscal 2019.
Interest expense
The increase in interest expense was attributable to the adoption of IFRS 16.
24
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Interest income
The decline in interest income was attributable to lower interest earned on invested cash amounts due to the impact COVID-19 had
on prevailing interest rates.
Net foreign exchange gain
The gains recognized in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 were the result of changes in the FX rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar.
Loss on fair value of warrants
Our share price increased in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, which required us to increase our warrant liability accrual and recognize a
corresponding loss on the fair value of warrants.
Gain on sale of subsidiary
In fiscal 2019, we sold all of the issued and outstanding membership interests in a wholly-owned subsidiary for total cash consideration
of $0.1 million and recognized a gain on sale for a like amount.
Income tax expense
We recorded net income of $61.5 million before income tax expense in fiscal 2020. Income tax calculated at the statutory income tax
rate resulted in income tax expense of $16.3 million, and an additional $0.8 million of income tax expense was attributable to foreign
earnings subject to tax at a different statutory tax rate. Non-deductible expenses, largely representing gains and losses arising from
changes in FX and the fair value of warrants, net of state taxes, together totaled $1.2 million. Income attributable to non-controlling
interests represented the balance of the difference between income tax calculated at the statutory rate and income tax expense
recorded in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
Review of Operations - For the three months ended September 30, 2020
Please refer to the tables in the “Foreign Currency Exchange Rates” section of this MD&A for additional details regarding the impact
FX had on our consolidated operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Consolidated
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
Three months ended September 30
2020
2019
Change % Change
$
$
$
$
$
$
124,431 $
77,439 $
25,262 $
1,120 $
107,326 $
72,933 $
20,599 $
725 $
46,992 $
37.8%
22,194 $
47.2%
34,393 $
32.0%
14,089 $
41.0%
17,105
4,506
4,663
395
12,599
5.8%
8,105
6.2%
15.9%
6.2%
22.6%
54.5%
36.6%
18.1%
57.5%
15.1%
Revenues
Consolidated revenues increased on higher revenues from our U.S. Title segment due to higher market volumes for refinance activity,
market share gains and new client additions, partially offset by lower revenues for diversified and other services. U.S. Appraisal
revenues increased as a result of market share gains and new client additions, partially offset by lower addressable market volumes
for refinance mortgage origination activity due to higher waivers provided by the GSEs and higher Veterans Affairs volumes. Revenues
in our Canadian segment increased due to market share gains and higher market volumes serviced, partially offset by lower insurance
inspection revenues due to COVID-19 and FX.
Transaction costs
On a consolidated basis, transaction costs in all three segments increased due to higher volumes serviced, as outlined in the
consolidated revenue discussion above. The increase in Canadian segment transaction costs was partially offset by FX.
25
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Operating expenses
The increase in consolidated operating expenses was due primarily to higher payroll and related costs of $4.4 million to service higher
volumes, with $3.4 million of the increase attributable to our U.S. Title segment and $0.5 million attributable to our U.S. Appraisal
segment. Payroll and related costs increased in our corporate segment by $0.6 million, with $0.2 million of the increase attributable
to higher stock-based compensation expense. Our Canadian segment recorded a modest $0.1 million decline in payroll and related
costs. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, payroll and related costs benefited from lower short-term incentive expense due to
executives as compared to the prior year period. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, we recognized a full year of short-term incentive
compensation expense for a portion of each executive’s variable compensation that had previously been awarded through a grant of
stock options. Accordingly, we recorded short-term incentive compensation expense of $0.2 million in each of our U.S. Appraisal and
U.S. Title segments, with the remaining $0.4 million recorded to our Corporate segment, compared to recording one quarter of these
amounts in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Bank charges and office expenses attributable to courier expense in our U.S. Title segment
increased $0.4 and $0.5 million, respectively, due to higher volumes serviced. These increases to consolidated operating expenses
were offset by lower lease expense resulting from our adoption of IFRS 16 and lower travel and entertainment expense of $0.5 million
due to COVID-19.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
On a consolidated basis, Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) increased on improvements to revenues from market share gains, new
client additions and higher volumes serviced across each segment. Consolidated Net Revenue(A) margins increased as a result of a
higher proportion of revenue generated by, and higher Net Revenue(A) margins realized in, our U.S. Title segment. Net Revenue(A)
margins increased modestly in our U.S. Appraisal segment, due in part to servicing more higher margin mortgage origination volumes,
and servicing fewer lower margin home equity volumes. The decline in Net Revenue(A) margins in our Canadian segment was due to
the reduction in insurance inspection services supplied as a result of COVID-19, while the increase in Net Revenue(A) margins in our
U.S. Title segment related to product and client mix for refinance mortgage origination volumes serviced and the flow of these volumes
between quarters and included a modest expansion of Net Revenue(A) margins from diversified revenues due to the mix of services
supplied. We recognized higher Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins by leveraging our operations in a higher volume environment and we
recognized a $0.4 million benefit to Adjusted EBITDA(A) in connection with our adoption of IFRS 16 and a $0.5 million benefit to
Adjusted EBITDA(A) due to lower travel and entertainment expense as a result of COVID-19.
U.S. Appraisal
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
Revenues - purchase origination
Revenues - refinance origination
Revenues - other
Three months ended September 30
2020
2019
Change % Change
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
70,801 $
54,166 $
6,794 $
386 $
16,635 $
23.5%
9,841 $
59.2%
27,409 $
37,182 $
6,210 $
68,914 $
53,018 $
6,575 $
208 $
15,896 $
23.1%
9,321 $
58.6%
27,276 $
31,336 $
10,302 $
1,887
1,148
219
178
2.7%
2.2%
3.3%
85.6%
739
0.4%
520
0.6%
4.6%
1.7%
5.6%
1.0%
133
5,846
(4,092)
0.5%
18.7%
-39.7%
Revenues
The increase in U.S. Appraisal revenues was due to market share gains and new client additions, partially offset by lower addressable
market volumes for refinance activity due to an increase in waivers, principally for refinance transactions, and higher Veterans Affairs
volumes.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our U.S. Appraisal segment increased due to higher volumes serviced, as outlined in the revenues discussion
above.
26
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Operating expenses
Operating expenses in our U.S. Appraisal segment increased due to higher payroll and related costs of $0.5 million to service the
anticipated increase in market volumes, offset by lower rent expense of $0.2 million resulting from our adoption of IFRS 16 and lower
travel and entertainment expense of $0.3 million due to COVID-19.
Amortization
Amortization increased due to right-of-use assets capitalized in connection with our adoption of IFRS 16.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Our U.S. Appraisal segment serviced higher origination volumes due to market share gains, partially offset by lower addressable market
volumes for refinance activity. Net Revenue(A) margins expanded modestly from servicing a higher proportion of higher price
origination volumes. Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins expanded 60 basis points, largely the result of lower rent expense due to our adoption
of IFRS 16 and lower travel and entertainment expense due to COVID-19.
U.S. Title
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
Revenues - centralized title
Revenues - diversified title
Revenues - other
Three months ended September 30
2020
2019
Change % Change
43,935 $
15,056 $
13,452 $
586 $
28,879 $
65.7%
15,427 $
53.4%
38,440 $
3,867 $
1,628 $
30,109 $
13,091 $
9,381 $
450 $
17,018 $
56.5%
7,637 $
44.9%
19,207 $
8,243 $
2,659 $
13,826
1,965
4,071
136
45.9%
15.0%
43.4%
30.2%
11,861
9.2%
7,790
8.5%
19,233
(4,376)
(1,031)
69.7%
16.3%
102.0%
18.9%
100.1%
-53.1%
-38.8%
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Revenues
Revenues in our U.S. Title segment increased due to higher market volumes for refinance activity, market share gains and new client
additions, partially offset by lower revenues for diversified and other services. The lower interest rate environment contributed to the
increase in higher market volumes for refinance activity and our average revenue per transaction increased due to geographic mix.
Revenues attributable to centralized title services supplied increased $19.2 million to $38.4 million while diversified revenues totaled
$3.9 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $8.2 million in fiscal 2019. The decrease in diversified revenues was due to lower commercial,
search and capital markets revenue, due in part to reallocating resources previously servicing commercial activity to service higher
market volumes for refinance activity. The decline in other revenues was due to lower market activity for home equity services.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our U.S. Title segment increased due to higher refinance volumes serviced, as outlined above in the revenue
discussion. Transaction costs attributable to diversified and other volumes serviced declined due to the decrease in services supplied
as well as the mix of services.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses in our U.S. Title segment increased due to higher payroll and related costs totaling $3.4 million, which we incurred
to service higher overall volumes. We also incurred higher office costs for courier services and banks charges of $0.5 and $0.4 million,
respectively, due to the increase in volumes serviced. These increases were partially offset by lower lease expense of $0.2 million
resulting from our adoption of IFRS 16 and lower travel and entertainment expense of $0.2 million due to COVID-19.
Amortization
Amortization increased due to higher amortization attributable to right-of-use assets capitalized in connection with our adoption of
IFRS 16.
27
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Our U.S. Title segment recorded higher Net Revenue(A) due to an increase in refinance volumes serviced, while the increase in average
revenue per transaction was the result of changes in geographic mix. Net Revenue(A) margins increased due to product and client mix
for refinance mortgage origination volumes serviced and the flow of these volumes in the quarter. Net Revenue(A) margins for
diversified revenues expanded due to the mix of service supplied. Operating expenses increased due to higher payroll and related
costs, the result of higher volumes serviced, but we expanded Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins by leveraging our operations in a higher
overall volume environment. In addition, we recognized a $0.2 million benefit to Adjusted EBITDA(A) in connection with our adoption
of IFRS 16 and incurred lower travel and entertainment expense of $0.2 million due to COVID-19, which combined represented 110
basis points of the 850 basis point expansion in Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins over the comparative period.
Canada
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
Three months ended September 30
2020
2019
Change % Change
$
$
$
$
$
$
9,695 $
8,217 $
417 $
- $
1,478 $
15.2%
1,061 $
71.8%
8,303 $
6,824 $
587 $
- $
1,479 $
17.8%
892 $
60.3%
1,392
1,393
(170)
-
16.8%
20.4%
-29.0%
0.0%
(1)
-2.6%
169
11.5%
-0.1%
-14.6%
18.9%
19.1%
Revenues
Revenues in Canada increased due to higher appraisal volumes from increasing market share gains with certain Canadian clients and
stronger market volumes in Canada, partially offset by lower revenues derived from insurance inspection services due to COVID-19
and FX. Canadian revenues from appraisal and insurance inspection services were $9.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in fiscal
2020 versus $7.3 million and $1.0 million in the same quarter last year.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our Canadian segment increased due to higher overall volumes serviced.
Operating expenses
The decline in Canadian segment operating expenses was due to lower payroll and related costs of $0.1 million and modestly lower
travel and entertainment expense due to COVID-19.
Amortization
Amortization was unchanged between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Net Revenue(A) was unchanged between quarters, while Net Revenue(A) margins declined due to a reduction in insurance inspection
services supplied as a result of COVID-19. However, Adjusted EBITDA(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins expanded as a result of
leveraging our appraisal operations in a higher overall volume environment and incurring lower travel and entertainment expense due
to COVID-19. Lower travel and entertainment expense contributed 280 basis points to the 1,150 basis point expansion in Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margins.
28
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Corporate and other items
Operating expenses
Amortization
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
Loss on fair value
of warrants
Net income tax expense
Three months ended September 30
2020
2019
Change % Change
4,599 $
148 $
111 $
(71) $
2,622 $
280 $
4,940 $
4,056 $
67 $
45 $
(240) $
(1,876) $
3,131 $
4,058 $
543
81
66
169
4,498
13.4%
120.9%
146.7%
-70.4%
-239.8%
(2,851)
882
-91.1%
21.7%
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Operating expenses
Corporate operating expenses increased on higher payroll and related costs of $0.6 million, which included a $0.2 million increase in
stock-based compensation expense, with net new employees and salary increases accounting for the balance of the increase. This
increase was partially offset by lower lease expense due to our adoption of IFRS 16 and lower travel and entertainment expense due
to COVID-19.
Amortization
The increase in amortization expense was attributable to right-of-use assets capitalized in connection with our adoption of IFRS 16.
Interest expense
The increase in interest expense was attributable to the adoption of IFRS 16.
Interest income
The decline in interest income was attributable to lower interest earned on invested cash amounts due to the impact COVID-19 had
on prevailing interest rates.
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
The loss and gain recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively, was the result of changes in the FX rate
between the Canadian and U.S. dollar.
Loss on fair value of warrants
Our share price increased in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, which required us to increase our warrant liability accrual
and recognize a corresponding loss on the fair value of warrants.
Income tax expense
We recorded net income of $17.7 million before income tax expense in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Income tax calculated at the
statutory income tax rate resulted in income tax expense of $4.7 million, and an additional $0.2 million of income tax expense was
attributable to foreign earnings subject to tax at a different statutory tax rate. Non-deductible expenses, net of state taxes, and income
attributable to non-controlling interests offset each other.
Non-GAAP measures
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with IFRS. However, we consider certain non-GAAP financial measures as useful
additional information to assess our financial performance. These measures, which we believe are widely used by investors, securities
analysts and other interested parties to evaluate our performance, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and
therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, nor should they be
construed as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS. Non-GAAP measures include “Adjusted
EBITDA”, “Net Revenue”, “Adjusted Net Income or Loss”, “Free Cash Flow” and “Free Cash Flow Conversion”.
(A)
Adjusted EBITDA
All references to ‘‘Adjusted EBITDA’’ in this MD&A are to net income or loss before stock-based compensation expense, amortization,
acquisition costs, integration expenses, impairment of assets, interest expense, interest income, net foreign exchange gain or loss,
29
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
gain or loss on fair value of warrants, gain or loss on sale of subsidiary and income tax expense or recovery. Adjusted EBITDA is a
measure of our operating profitability and therefore excludes certain items that are viewed by us as either non-cash (in the case of
stock-based compensation expense, amortization, impairment of assets, unrealized net foreign exchange gain or loss, gain or loss on
the fair value of warrants, gain or loss on sale of subsidiary and deferred income taxes) or non-operating (in the case of acquisition
costs, integration expenses, realized net foreign exchange gain or loss, interest expense, interest income and current income taxes).
Adjusted EBITDA is a useful financial and operating metric for the Company, our board of directors and our lender, and represents a
measure of our operating performance to value our Company relative to our peers and to measure the Company’s compliance with
its long-term debt facility covenants. The underlying reasons for excluding each item are as follows:
Stock-based compensation expense: These costs represent non-cash expenses for equity settled awards granted in connection with
our IPO or ongoing grants of stock-based compensation awards. These non-cash amounts are recorded to operating expenses and
represent a different class of expense than those included in Adjusted EBITDA.
Amortization: As a non-cash item, amortization is not indicative of our operating profitability and therefore represents a different class
of expense than those included in Adjusted EBITDA.
Acquisition costs: These costs represent non-operating items and include transaction costs attributable to acquisitions. These costs
are not indicative of continuing operations and therefore represent a different class of expense than those included in Adjusted
EBITDA.
Integration expenses: These expenses represent non-operating costs, primarily comprising employee severance and lease termination
fees. These expenses are not indicative of continuing operations and therefore represent a different class of expense than those
included in Adjusted EBITDA.
Impairment of assets: As a non-cash item, impairment of assets is not indicative of our operating profitability and therefore represents
a different class of expense than those included in Adjusted EBITDA.
Interest expense and income: Interest expense or income reflects our debt and equity mix, interest rates, investment strategy and
borrowing position from time-to-time. Accordingly, interest expense or income reflects our treasury and financing activities and
therefore represents a different class of expense or income than those included in Adjusted EBITDA.
Net foreign exchange gain or loss: As non-cash items, unrealized net foreign exchange gains or losses are not indicative of our operating
profitability. Realized net foreign exchange gains or losses reflects our treasury and financing activities and represent a different class
of income or expense than those included in Adjusted EBITDA.
Gain or loss on fair value of warrants: As a non-cash item, gains or losses resulting from the fair value of warrants is not indicative of
our operating profitability. Gains or losses from the fair value of warrants reflects our treasury and financing activities and represent
a different class of income or expense than those included in Adjusted EBITDA.
Gain or loss on sale of subsidiary: As a non-cash item, the gain or loss on sale of subsidiary is not indicative of our operating profitability
and therefore represents a different class of income or expense than those included in Adjusted EBITDA.
Income taxes: Income taxes are a function of tax laws and rates and are affected by matters that are separate from our daily operations.
Income taxes are not indicative of our operating profitability and represent a different class of expense or recovery than those included
in Adjusted EBITDA.
In connection with adopting IFRS 16 on October 1, 2019, operating lease payments previously recorded as an operating expense in
the consolidated statements of operation and comprehensive income or loss are now recorded as a combination of interest and
amortization expense. Lease expense that would have otherwise been recorded to operating expense for the three months and year
ended September 30, 2020, if not for our adoption of IFRS 16, totaled $0.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
30
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
The reconciling items between Adjusted EBITDA and net income or loss are detailed in the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income or loss for the three months and years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The reconciling items between
net income or loss and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months and years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Net income
Stock-based compensation expense
Amortization
Acquisition costs
Integration expenses
Impairment of assets
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
Loss on fair value of warrants
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Income tax expense
Adjusted EBITDA
Management calculates Adjusted EBITDA as follows:
Revenues
Less: Transaction costs
Less: Operating expenses
Add: Stock-based compensation expense
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA by reportable segment was as follows:
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Corporate (excluding stock-based compensation)
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
12,728 $
464
1,120
-
-
-
111
(71)
2,622
280
-
4,940
22,194 $
7,951 $
295
725
-
-
-
45
(240)
(1,876)
3,131
-
4,058
14,089 $
42,798 $
2,419
4,453
-
-
-
493
(611)
(1,077)
5,101
-
18,666
72,242 $
10,094
1,819
10,172
267
685
361
190
(986)
(3,327)
5,617
(125)
4,210
28,977
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
124,431 $
77,439
25,262
464
22,194 $
107,326 $
72,933
20,599
295
14,089 $
455,945 $
293,828
92,294
2,419
72,242 $
322,537
220,462
74,917
1,819
28,977
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
9,841 $
15,427
1,061
(4,135)
22,194 $
9,321 $
7,637
892
(3,761)
14,089 $
39,851 $
44,291
3,111
(15,011)
72,242 $
26,024
13,696
2,651
(13,394)
28,977
$
$
$
$
$
$
Adjusted EBITDA margin (expressed as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Net Revenue) by reportable segment and consolidated was as
follows:
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin (including Corporate, but
excluding stock-based compensation)
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
59.2%
53.4%
71.8%
47.2%
58.6%
44.9%
60.3%
41.0%
59.3%
49.3%
61.6%
44.6%
51.9%
29.2%
51.9%
28.4%
31
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Net Revenue
All references to “Net Revenue” in this MD&A are to Adjusted EBITDA plus operating expenses less stock-based compensation
expense. Net Revenue is an additional measure of our operating profitability and therefore excludes certain items detailed below. Net
Revenue represents the difference between revenues and transaction costs, where transaction costs represent expenses directly
attributable to a specific revenue transaction including: appraisal costs, various processing fees, including credit card fees, connectivity
fees, insurance inspection costs, closing agent costs, external abstractor costs and external quality review costs. Net Revenue is a
useful financial and operating metric for us and our board of directors to assess our operating performance and serves as a measure
to value our Company relative to our peers.
The reconciling items between net income or loss and Net Revenue are detailed in the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income or loss. The reconciling items between net income or loss and Net Revenue for the three months and years
ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Net income
Operating expenses
Amortization
Acquisition costs
Integration expenses
Impairment of assets
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
Loss on fair value of warrants
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Income tax expense
Net Revenue
Management calculates Net Revenue as follows:
Revenues
Less: Transaction costs
Net Revenue
Net Revenue by reportable segment was as follows:
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Consolidated Net Revenue
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
12,728 $
25,262
1,120
-
-
-
111
(71)
2,622
280
-
4,940
46,992 $
7,951 $
20,599
725
-
-
-
45
(240)
(1,876)
3,131
-
4,058
34,393 $
42,798 $
92,294
4,453
-
-
-
493
(611)
(1,077)
5,101
-
18,666
162,117 $
10,094
74,917
10,172
267
685
361
190
(986)
(3,327)
5,617
(125)
4,210
102,075
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
124,431 $
77,439
46,992 $
107,326 $
72,933
34,393 $
455,945 $
293,828
162,117 $
322,537
220,462
102,075
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
16,635 $
28,879
1,478
46,992 $
15,896 $
17,018
1,479
34,393 $
67,224 $
89,845
5,048
162,117 $
50,130
46,838
5,107
102,075
$
$
$
$
$
$
Net Revenue margin (expressed as Net Revenue divided by Revenues) by reportable segment and consolidated was as follows:
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Consolidated Net Revenue margin
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
23.5%
65.7%
15.2%
37.8%
23.1%
56.5%
17.8%
32.0%
23.8%
63.1%
16.1%
35.6%
23.6%
56.7%
18.8%
31.6%
32
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Adjusted Net Income or Loss
All references to “Adjusted Net Income or Loss” in this MD&A are to net income or loss before stock-based compensation expense,
amortization of intangibles, acquisition costs, integration expenses, impairment of assets, net foreign exchange gain or loss, gain or
loss on fair value of warrants, gain or loss on sale of subsidiary, net of the related tax effects. Adjusted Net Income or Loss is a term
that does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other
entities. Adjusted Net Income or Loss is a measure of our operating profitability and, by definition, excludes certain items detailed
above. These items are viewed by us as either non-cash (in the case of stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangibles,
impairment of assets, unrealized net foreign exchange gain or loss, gain or loss on fair value of warrants and gain or loss on sale of
subsidiary) or non-operating (in the case of acquisition costs, integration expenses and realized net foreign exchange gain or loss).
Adjusted Net Income or Loss is a useful financial and operating metric for us and our board of directors as it represents net income
from operations which excludes treasury, capital, acquisition and related costs, and non-operating costs.
The reconciling items between net income or loss and Adjusted Net Income or Loss for the three months and years ended September
30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Net income
Stock-based compensation expense
Amortization of intangibles
Acquisition costs
Integration expenses
Impairment of assets
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
Loss on fair value of warrants
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Related tax effects
Adjusted Net Income
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
$
$
12,728 $
464
432
-
-
-
2,622
280
-
(893)
15,633 $
7,951 $
295
431
-
-
-
(1,876)
3,131
-
(442)
9,490 $
42,798 $
2,419
1,727
-
-
-
(1,077)
5,101
-
(1,545)
49,423 $
10,094
1,819
8,981
267
685
361
(3,327)
5,617
(125)
(3,470)
20,902
Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Conversion
All references to “Free Cash Flow” in this MD&A are to cash generated from operating activities, adjusted for changes in non-cash
working capital items, the purchase of property and equipment, income taxes paid, current income tax expense, acquisition costs,
integration expenses, interest expense net of interest paid, net foreign currency exchange gain or loss net of unrealized foreign
currency exchange gain or loss on internal financing arrangements and leasehold inducements. Free Cash Flow is a term that does not
have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other entities. Free Cash
Flow is a measure of our ability to generate cash from operating activities and represents a proxy for cash to cover costs such as
interest expense, current income taxes and purchases of property and equipment, and by definition, excludes certain items detailed
above. Excluded items are viewed by us as non-cash (in the case of net foreign currency exchange gain or loss net of unrealized foreign
exchange gain or loss on internal financing arrangements), or non-operating (in the case of acquisition costs, integration expenses and
leasehold inducements). We have also excluded changes in non-cash working capital items from the calculation of Free Cash Flow, as
changes in non-cash working capital items are often temporary in nature and reflect the timing of cash receipts for trade and other
receivables or payments made on account of trade payables or accrued liabilities. We have also excluded the timing differences
stemming from when cash taxes or interest are paid, and have reduced Free Cash Flow by the expense recognized for each as recorded
in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss. Free Cash Flow is a useful financial and operating
metric for us and our board of directors as it represents a proxy for our ability to generate cash that we can use for other purposes,
including but not limited to, the purchase of shares under our NCIB and future acquisitions or investment.
33
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
All references to “Free Cash Flow Conversion” in this MD&A are to Free Cash Flow divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Free Cash Flow
Conversion is a useful financial and operating metric for us and our board of directors as it represents a proxy for our ability to convert
Adjusted EBITDA into Free Cash Flow.
Cash generated from operating activities
Less: changes in non-cash working capital items
Less: purchase of property and equipment
Add: income taxes paid
Less: current income tax expense (recovery)
Add: acquisition costs
Add: integration expenses
Less: interest expense net of interest paid
Add: net foreign currency exchange gain or loss net of
unrealized foreign exchange gain or loss on internal financing
arrangements
Add: leasehold inducements
Free Cash Flow
Management calculates Free Cash Flow as follows:
Adjusted EBITDA
Less: interest expense
Add: interest income
Less: current income tax expense (recovery)
Less: purchase of property and equipment
Free Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow Conversion is calculated as follows:
Free Cash Flow
Adjusted EBITDA
Free Cash Flow Conversion
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
$
18,989 $
3,461
449
5,509
4,430
-
-
15
1,132
-
$
17,275 $
17,707 $
3,241
189
262
(41)
-
-
24
(438)
18
14,136 $
74,689 $
8,364
1,828
6,467
7,528
-
-
86
(346)
-
63,004 $
25,643
(2,127)
2,065
1,806
971
267
685
95
(719)
59
26,737
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
22,194 $
111
71
4,430
449
17,275 $
14,089 $
45
240
(41)
189
14,136 $
72,242 $
493
611
7,528
1,828
63,004 $
28,977
190
986
971
2,065
26,737
Three months ended September 30
2019
2020
Year ended September 30
2019
2020
17,275 $
22,194 $
77.8%
14,136 $
14,089 $
100.3%
63,004 $
72,242 $
87.2%
26,737
28,977
92.3%
$
$
$
$
Adjusted EBITDA, Net Revenue, Adjusted Net Income or Loss and Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Conversion should not be
considered, in isolation, indicators of our financial performance, or as an alternative to, or a substitute for, net income or loss, cash
from operating activities or other financial statement data presented in our financial statements.
Dividends
The Company’s current policy is to not pay dividends.
34
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Selected Annual Information
Revenues
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per weighted average share, basic
Net income (loss) per weighted average share, diluted
Total assets
Total long-term liabilities
2020
455,945 $
42,798 $
0.50 $
0.47 $
249,724 $
10,128 $
$
$
$
$
$
$
Year ended September 30
2018
2019
322,537 $
10,094 $
0.10 $
0.10 $
203,083 $
6,833 $
281,451
(4,015)
(0.05)
(0.05)
198,863
4,312
Revenues
2020-2019
Please see the “Review of Operations – For the year ended September 30, 2020” section of this MD&A for a detailed discussion
regarding the change in revenues between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019.
2019-2018
Consolidated
Consolidated revenues increased on strong market share growth and new client additions in our U.S. Appraisal segment, partially
offset by lower market volumes. U.S. Title segment revenues increased due to market share growth, new client additions and higher
revenues from diversified services, partially offset by lower market volumes for refinance activity. Canadian segment revenues
declined due to modestly lower market volumes and FX translation from a weaker Canadian dollar.
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Appraisal revenues increased as a result of market share gains and new client additions, which outpaced lower market volumes
compared to fiscal 2018.
U.S. Title
U.S. Title segment revenues increased due to market share growth, new client additions and higher revenues from diversified services,
partially offset by lower market volumes for refinance activity. Lower interest rates contributed to the increase in higher refinance
market volumes, and although reported volumes increased, average revenue per unit declined due to geographic mix. U.S. Title
revenues attributable to reported volumes for this segment increased $13.9 million to $44.8 million. The increase in diversified
revenues reflected higher capital markets and commercial activity, partially offset by lower third party search services. Diversified
revenues totaled $27.4 million in fiscal 2019, compared to $22.8 million in fiscal 2018.
Canada
Revenues in Canada declined $0.9 million due to FX translation from a weaker Canadian dollar, while higher appraisal volumes from
increasing market share gains with certain Canadian clients was offset by weaker mortgage origination volumes in Canada. Canadian
revenues from appraisal and insurance inspection services were $23.4 million and $3.8 million, respectively, in fiscal 2019 versus $25.8
million and $4.0 million in fiscal 2018.
Net income (loss)
2020-2019
Please see the “Review of Operations – For the year ended September 30, 2020” section of this MD&A for a detailed discussion of the
components comprising the change in net income between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019.
2019-2018
Our net income increased to $10.1 million in fiscal 2019 compared to a $4.0 million net loss reported in fiscal 2018. Factors contributing
to this increase included strong improvements to Net Revenue(A) margins and lower operating costs resulting from productivity
enhancements to our platform and operating leverage in our U.S. Appraisal segment. Our U.S. Title segment also made a significant
contribution to the increase from stronger Adjusted EBITDA(A) due to higher volumes serviced for refinance activity and higher
comparative diversified revenues. The decline in operating expenses in our Corporate segment and resulting improvement to net
income was due to lower payroll and related costs. We incurred higher payroll and related costs in fiscal 2018 to port our U.S. Title
business to our platform which was the primary factor for the year over year improvement. Our Canadian segment delivered a modest
35
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
improvement to Adjusted EBITDA(A) as a result of improvements to Net Revenue(A) margins and modestly lower operating expenses.
Amortization declined due to lower intangible asset amortization from fully amortized intangibles attributable to acquisitions
completed in previous years. This decline was offset by an increase in losses attributable to warrant liabilities which was due in large
part to the increase in our share price. Our share price increased in fiscal 2019, which caused us to recognize an increase in warrant
liabilities recorded to the statement of financial position and recognize a corresponding loss on the fair value of warrant liabilities.
Total Assets
2020-2019
Total assets increased on higher cash and cash equivalents of $57.5 million and higher property and equipment of $7.7 million. These
increases were partially offset by declines in deferred tax assets of $11.1 million, trade and other receivables of $5.9 million and
intangibles of $1.7 million. The increase in cash and cash equivalents reflects a strong Adjusted EBITDA(A) performance in fiscal 2020
and a corresponding increase in cash generated from operating activities. Adjusted EBITDA(A) of $72.2 million was the most significant
contributor to the $74.7 million of cash generated from operating activities in fiscal 2020. Strong cash from operating activities was
partially utilized in investing activities, largely on account of computer equipment purchases to support growth in our operations. In
addition, $15.2 million of cash was utilized in financing activities, of which $17.0 million was used to purchase our shares under our
normal course issuer bid, which was partially offset by proceeds received from the exercise of warrants and stock options, net of
dividends paid to non-controlling interests and the repayment of lease liabilities. The increase in property and equipment is largely
the result of adopting IFRS 16, coupled with current year investment in computer equipment to support growth in our operations, net
of amortization. The decline in deferred tax assets was due in part to the utilization of tax loss carryforwards as a result of our strong
operating results, coupled with a decrease in deferred tax assets attributable to timing differences between book and tax for intangible
assets and right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. The decline in trade and other receivables reflects lower appraisal services for home
equity clients, which contributed to the $2.0 million decline in home equity trade receivables, while lower diversified services supplied
and strong collections drove trade receivables attributable to diversified services lower by $3.4 million. Finally, the decline in
intangibles is the result of normal course amortization.
2019-2018
Total assets increased on higher trade and other receivables of $12.5 million and higher cash and cash equivalents of $3.6 million.
These increases were partially offset by a decline in intangibles of $9.0 million and a decline in deferred tax assets of $3.4 million. The
increase in trade and other receivables was attributable to an increase in trade receivables across our U.S. operations and reflects a
48.6% and 56.5% increase in U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segment revenues from diversified services, respectively, in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2019 versus the same quarter in fiscal 2018. The increase in cash and cash equivalents reflects a strong Adjusted EBITDA(A)
performance in fiscal 2019 and corresponding increase in cash generated from operating activities. Adjusted EBITDA(A) of $29.0 million
and a net foreign exchange gain of $3.3 million were the most significant contributors to the $25.6 million of cash generated from
operating activities in fiscal 2019, which were partially offset by a $4.7 million investment in non-cash working capital and income
taxes paid of $1.8 million. Strong cash from operating activities was partially utilized for investing activities, largely to build out our
Rhode Island facility and to separate our diversified operations from our remaining U.S. Title segment operations. In addition, $19.0
million of cash was utilized for financing activities, of which $20.2 million was used to purchase our shares under our normal course
issuer bid, which was partially offset by proceeds received from the exercise of warrants and stock options. The decline in intangibles
was due to normal course amortization recorded in our U.S. segments and the decline in deferred tax assets was due in large part to
the utilization of tax loss carryforwards attributable to strong operating results.
Total Long-Term Liabilities
2020-2019
Total long-term liabilities increased on a comparative basis due in large part to a $6.6 million increase in lease liabilities, partially offset
by a $0.4 million reduction in leasehold inducements, each the result of our adoption of IFRS 16. This increase was partially offset by
a $2.9 million decrease in warrant liabilities due to warrants exercised in fiscal 2020, partially offset by higher recorded warrant
liabilities resulting from an increase in our share price year over year.
We expect to satisfy our total long-term liabilities as they come due based on our expectations of future operating performance.
2019-2018
Total long-term liabilities increased on a comparative basis. Warrant liabilities increased $2.6 million due to the increase in our share
price in fiscal 2019, which caused us to recognize an increase in warrant liabilities recorded to the statement of financial position and
recognize a corresponding loss on the fair value of warrant liabilities, net of current year warrant exercises.
36
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Summary of Quarterly Results
2020
Revenues
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Total revenues
Net income
Net income - attributable to
common shareholders
Net income per weighted
average share, basic
Net income per weighted
average share, diluted
2019
Revenues
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Total revenues
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) - attributable to
common shareholders
Net income (loss) per weighted
average share, basic
Net income (loss) per weighted
average share, diluted
Revenues
U.S. Appraisal Segment
2020
2019
Change
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Total
70,801 $
43,935
9,695
124,431 $
12,728 $
72,601 $
38,931
6,558
118,090 $
6,285 $
71,320 $
30,808
7,515
109,643 $
18,652 $
67,379 $
28,723
7,679
103,781 $
5,133 $
282,101
142,397
31,447
455,945
42,798
12,568 $
5,893 $
18,519 $
5,011 $
41,991
0.15 $
0.07 $
0.22 $
0.06 $
0.14 $
0.07 $
0.21 $
0.06 $
0.50
0.47
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Total
68,914 $
30,109
8,303
107,326 $
7,951 $
61,095 $
22,786
7,544
91,425 $
4,434 $
43,120 $
14,789
5,344
63,253 $
(6,750) $
39,588 $
14,965
5,980
60,533 $
4,459 $
212,717
82,649
27,171
322,537
10,094
7,779 $
3,885 $
(6,953) $
4,247 $
8,958
0.09 $
0.05 $
(0.08) $
0.05 $
0.09 $
0.04 $
(0.08) $
0.05 $
0.10
0.10
Q4
70,801 $
68,914 $
Q3
72,601 $
61,095 $
Q2
71,320 $
43,120 $
Q1
67,379 $
39,588 $
Total
282,101
212,717
1,887 $
11,506 $
28,200 $
27,791 $
69,384
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2020-2019
U.S. Appraisal revenues increased in each quarter in fiscal 2020 when compared to the corresponding quarter in fiscal 2019 due to
market share gains, most notably with our Tier 1 clients, the addition of new clients and higher market volumes. Revenues in the
second quarter of fiscal 2020 also increased due to very strong purchase and refinance volumes received in early March, which was
an early indication of a strong pre-spring market prior to the onset of COVID-19, coupled with a lower U.S. 10-year treasury yield. The
U.S. 10-year treasury yield remained low in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020, resulting in continued strength for refinance
market activity.
37
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
U.S. Title Segment
2020
2019
Change
$
$
$
Q4
43,935 $
30,109 $
Q3
38,931 $
22,786 $
Q2
30,808 $
14,789 $
Q1
28,723 $
14,965 $
Total
142,397
82,649
13,826 $
16,145 $
16,019 $
13,758 $
59,748
2020-2019
U.S. Title segment revenues increased in each quarter in fiscal 2020 when compared to the corresponding quarter in fiscal 2019 due
to higher market volumes for refinance activity, market share gains and new client additions, partially offset by lower revenues for
diversified services in the second half of fiscal 2020. The lower interest rate environment contributed to the increase in market volumes
for refinance activity in each quarter in fiscal 2020, and although reported volumes increased, average revenue per transaction
declined in the first three quarters of fiscal 2020, but increased in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, due to geographic mix. U.S. Title
revenues attributable to reported volumes increased, while diversified revenues increased in the first and second quarters of fiscal
2020 due to higher capital markets activity, partially offset by lower commercial and search activity, and declined in the third and
fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 due to lower commercial, search and capital markets activity.
Canadian Segment – expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars (“C$”)
2020
2019
Change
$
$
$
Q4
12,944 $
10,981 $
Q3
9,128 $
10,072 $
Q2
10,102 $
7,106 $
Q1
10,137 $
7,902 $
Total
42,311
36,061
1,963 $
(944) $
2,996 $
2,235 $
6,250
2020-2019
Revenues in Canada increased in the first two quarters and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the same quarters in fiscal
2019 due to higher appraisal volumes serviced as a result of market share gains with certain Canadian clients and stronger market
volumes. Revenues in Canada declined in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 due to insurance inspection services being temporarily placed
on hold by our clients as a result of COVID-19. Canadian revenues from appraisal and insurance inspection services both increased in
the first and second quarters of fiscal 2020 versus the same quarters in fiscal 2019. In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, appraisal
revenues were flat with the same quarter last year while insurance inspection revenues declined due to COVID-19. In the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2020, appraisal revenues increased compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 due to higher volumes serviced and
insurance inspection revenues were lower due to the temporary hold placed on these services as a result of COVID-19.
Net income (loss)
2020
2019
Change
$
$
$
Q4
12,728 $
7,951 $
Q3
6,285 $
4,434 $
Q2
18,652 $
(6,750) $
Q1
5,133 $
4,459 $
Total
42,798
10,094
4,777 $
1,851 $
25,402 $
674 $
32,704
Net income or loss generally follows the rise and fall in revenues due to the seasonal and cyclical nature of our business. However, net
income or loss is also impacted by changes in stock-based compensation expense, amortization, acquisition costs, integration
expenses, impairment of assets, interest expense, interest income, net foreign exchange gains or losses, gains or losses on fair value
of warrants and gains or losses on sale of subsidiaries, which are not tied to the seasonal and cyclical nature of our business and
fluctuate with other non-operating variables. Net income tax expense or recovery also impacts net income or loss.
38
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
2020-2019
Net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 increased when compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019 due to higher Adjusted
EBITDA(A) contributions from all three operating segments. Market share gains, new client additions and higher market volumes across
each segment contributed to the increase in Adjusted EBITDA(A). Lower amortization expense also contributed to the increase in net
income due to fully amortized intangibles attributable to acquisitions completed in previous years. We also recognized lower
integration expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 due to non-recurring costs incurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, attributable
to the termination of a lease in connection with the integration of certain operations. Higher net foreign currency exchange losses due
to changes in the FX rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar and higher losses on the fair value of warrants due to the increase in
our share price, partially offset the improvements to net income outlined above. Finally, we incurred higher income tax expense in
the first quarter of fiscal 2020 due to higher income subject to tax which was partially offset by non-deductible capital gains or losses
from foreign currency exchange.
Net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 increased when compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019 due to higher Adjusted
EBITDA(A) contributions from all three operating segments. Market share gains, new client additions and higher market volumes across
each segment contributed to the increase in Adjusted EBITDA(A). Lower amortization expense also contributed to the increase due to
fully amortized intangibles attributable to acquisitions completed in previous years. Higher net foreign currency exchange gains
reflected changes in the FX rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar and lower losses on the fair value of warrants resulting from
changes in our share price also contributed to the improvement to net income. Finally, we incurred higher income tax expense in the
second quarter of fiscal 2020 due to higher income subject to tax which was partially offset by non-deductible capital gains or losses
from foreign currency exchange.
Net income in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 increased when compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2019 due to higher Adjusted
EBITDA(A) contributions from our U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segments. Market share gains, new client additions and higher market
volumes contributed to the increase in Adjusted EBITDA(A). Lower Adjusted EBITDA(A) from our Canadian segment in the third quarter
of fiscal 2020 was due to insurance inspection services being temporarily put on hold by our clients as a result of COVID-19. The
improvement to net income in the third quarter of fiscal 2020, was partially offset by higher amortization expense, higher net foreign
exchange losses, higher losses on the fair value of warrants and higher income tax expense. Higher amortization expense was
attributable to right-of-use assets capitalized in connection with our adoption of IFRS 16, while higher net foreign exchange losses
were due to changes in the FX rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. Higher losses on the fair value of warrants were due to the
increase in our share price and we incurred higher income tax expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 due to higher income subject
to tax which was partially offset by non-deductible capital gains or losses from foreign currency exchange.
Net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 increased when compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 due to higher Adjusted
EBITDA(A) contributions from all three operating segments. Market share gains, new client additions and higher market volumes in
Canada and higher market volumes for refinance activity in the U.S. (expressed before waiver and Veterans Affairs volumes), each
contributed to the increase in Adjusted EBITDA(A). The improvement to net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, was
accompanied by lower losses recorded on the fair value of warrants from warrants exercised in fiscal 2020. These contributors to
higher comparative net income were partially offset by higher foreign currency exchange losses in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020
due to changes in the FX rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar and higher income tax expense due to higher income subject to
tax which was partially offset by non-deductible capital gains or losses from foreign currency exchange.
Net income (loss) per weighted average share, basic and diluted
2020-2019
The change in net income or loss per weighted average share in each quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the comparative quarter in
fiscal 2019 is detailed above. The comparative change in our diluted weighted average share count was impacted by stock option
grants and forfeitures, the exercise of warrants in the first, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020, and shares purchased under our
normal course issuer bid.
39
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Financial Condition
Select Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (“Balance Sheet”) Information
Trade and other receivables
Intangibles
Goodwill
Working capital position
- (current assets less current liabilities)
Trade and other receivables
Intangibles
Goodwill
Working capital position
- (current assets less current liabilities)
U.S.
Canada
Corporate
Total
As at September 30, 2020
29,171 $
7,927 $
60,477 $
1,490 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
30,661
7,927
60,477
83,664 $
(903) $
51,467 $
134,228
U.S.
Canada
Corporate
Total
As at September 30, 2019
34,989 $
9,654 $
60,477 $
1,598 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
36,587
9,654
60,477
47,348 $
(4,085) $
44,445 $
87,708
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Trade and other receivables – September 30, 2020 versus September 30, 2019
Change - Consolidated
Change - U.S.
Change - Canada
Change - Corporate
$
$
$
$
(5,926)
(5,818)
(108)
-
Lower U.S. trade and other receivables reflects stronger collections and lower diversified services supplied in our U.S. Title segment
and lower trade receivables due to lower home equity services supplied in our U.S. Appraisal segment. The decline in Canadian trade
and other receivables was due to the reduction in insurance inspection services provided as a result of COVID-19.
Intangibles – September 30, 2020 versus September 30, 2019
Change - Consolidated
Change - U.S.
Change - Canada
Change - Corporate
The decline in intangibles was due to normal course amortization recorded in our U.S. segments.
Goodwill – September 30, 2020 versus September 30, 2019
Change - Consolidated
Change - U.S.
Change - Canada
Change - Corporate
No change to goodwill between periods.
Working capital position – September 30, 2020 versus September 30, 2019
Change - Consolidated
Change - U.S.
Change - Canada
Change - Corporate
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(1,727)
(1,727)
-
-
-
-
-
-
46,520
36,316
3,182
7,022
Our consolidated working capital position increased on a comparative basis. Total current assets increased $51.8 million on higher
cash and cash equivalents of $57.5 million, partially offset by lower trade and other receivables of $5.9 million. The increase in cash
and cash equivalents reflects a solid Adjusted EBITDA(A) performance in fiscal 2020, as detailed in the “Review of Operations – For the
40
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
year ended September 30, 2020” section of this MD&A. The increase in cash and cash equivalents, was partially offset by the use of
$17.0 million to purchase our shares under our NCIB (defined below) and investments of $1.8 million in property and equipment for
the purchase of computer and equipment to support growth in our business and an expanding employee base. The decline in trade
and other receivables reflects stronger collections and lower diversified services supplied in our U.S. Title segment and lower trade
receivables in our U.S. Appraisal segment due to lower home equity services supplied. The decline in Canadian trade and other
receivables was due a reduction in insurance inspection services supplied as a result of COVID-19. Current liabilities increased $5.3
million on higher accrued charges of $2.8 million, higher income taxes payable of $1.1 million and higher lease liabilities of $1.3 million.
Higher accrued charges were due to a higher employee head count and a change in the frequency of payroll payments for our U.S.
Appraisal segment employees. In addition, accrued payroll tax amounts payable in respect of stock options exercised also contributed
to the increase in accrued charges. Higher income taxes payable reflects the strong operating performance of our U.S. operations and
the full use of available loss carryforwards to shelter income subject to tax. The increase in lease liabilities was due to our adoption of
IFRS 16.
The working capital position in our U.S. operations increased on a comparative basis. Net current assets increased $39.3 million on
higher cash and cash equivalents of $45.0 million, partially offset by lower trade and other receivables balances of $5.8 million. The
decline in trade and other receivables reflects stronger collections and lower diversified services supplied in our U.S. Title segment
and lower trade receivables in our U.S. Appraisal segment due to lower home equity services supplied. The increase in cash and cash
equivalents reflects strong Adjusted EBITDA(A) in fiscal 2020, partially offset by the movement of cash between the U.S. and Canada.
Current liabilities increased $2.9 million, reflecting higher accrued charges of $1.8 million, higher income taxes payable of $1.1 million
and higher lease liabilities of $1.0 million due to our adoption of IFRS 16, which was partially offset by lower trade payables totaling
$0.8 million. Higher accrued charges were due to a higher employee head count and a change in the frequency of payroll payments
for our U.S. Appraisal segment employees. Higher income taxes payable reflects the strong operating performance of our U.S.
operations and the full use of available loss carryforwards to shelter income subject to tax. The decline in trade payables reflects the
timing of payments due to certain vendors in our U.S. Title operations.
The working capital position in our Canadian and Corporate segments increased on a comparative basis. Higher net current assets
totaled $12.5 million, due principally to higher cash and cash equivalents of the same amount. The increase in cash and cash
equivalents reflects cash transferred from our U.S. operations net of shares purchased under our NCIB. Current liabilities increased
$2.3 million due to higher trade payables, accrued charges and lease liabilities attributable to our adoption of IFRS 16. Higher trade
payables were due to higher amounts payable to appraisers, the result of strong volumes for appraisal services in the final month of
fiscal 2020, while the increase in accrued charges reflects payroll tax amounts remittable due to the exercise of stock options in the
final month of fiscal 2020.
Disclosure of outstanding share capital
Common shares
Preferred shares
Total contributed equity
Common shares
Preferred shares
Total contributed equity
September 30, 2020
$
Shares
85,359
-
85,359
262,653
-
262,653
November 19, 2020
$
Shares
84,871
-
84,871
261,259
-
261,259
Normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”)
Effective June 11, 2019, we received approval to renew our NCIB for a one year period expiring on June 10, 2020. Under this renewed
NCIB, we were approved to purchase up to 5 million common shares. Daily purchases made through the Toronto Stock Exchange
(“TSX”), or through alternative Canadian trading systems, were limited to a maximum of 27,969 shares.
41
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Effective June 11, 2020, we received approval to renew our NCIB for a one year period expiring on June 10, 2021. Under this renewed
NCIB, we are approved to purchase up to 4 million common shares. Daily purchases made through the TSX, or made through
alternative Canadian trading systems, are limited to a maximum of 135,858 shares.
Under each NCIB, we were/are permitted to purchase a block of common shares once a week which can exceed the daily purchase
limit subject to certain conditions, including a limitation that the block cannot be owned by an insider. All shares purchased pursuant
to the NCIB have been or will be cancelled.
For the year ended September 30, 2020, 1.7 million (2019 – 4.6 million) common shares were purchased and cancelled at an aggregate
cost of $17.0 million (2019 - $20.2 million).
As of November 19, 2020, 0.5 million additional common shares were purchased and cancelled or settled since September 30, 2020.
Warrants
At September 30, 2020, previously issued share purchase warrants (“warrants”) that remain outstanding and exercisable for common
shares of the Company totaled 0.2 million (2019 – 0.9 million). All warrants expire on May 11, 2022 and have an exercise price of one
dollar and thirty-eight cents Canadian (C$1.38).
Stock options
At September 30, 2020, stock options issued and outstanding totaled 5.1 million (2019 – 6.1 million) and 3.6 million (2019 – 4.1 million)
were exercisable for common shares of the Company.
Payments due
September 30, 2020
Total Less than 1 year
1-3 years
4-5 years
After 5 years
$
$
7,086 $
7,086 $
1,572 $
1,572 $
2,825 $
2,825 $
1,603 $
1,603 $
1,086
1,086
The adoption of IFRS 16 eliminated the classification of leases by the lessee as operating or finance.
Long-term debt
Summarized details of our long-term debt facilities currently available as of September 30, 2020 are as follows:
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Contractual obligations
Leases(1)
Total contractual obligations
Note
(1)
Senior term facilities
2016 facility
2015 facility
Revolving credit facility - expressed in C$
Revolving credit facility
Note
(1)
Available
lending
Facility drawn
Available
capacity(1)
19,650 $
10,200 $
- $
- $
19,650
10,200
15,000 $
- $
15,000
$
$
$
Available capacity is subject to senior funded debt to EBITDA and fixed charge coverage ratios, unfunded capital expenditures in respect of our senior term
facilities, good quality receivables in respect of our revolving credit facility and satisfying other applicable conditions.
42
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Senior funded debt to EBITDA and fixed charge coverage ratios (as defined and calculated in accordance with the credit agreement)
September 30
2019
-
2.50
2,325.10
1.20
2020
-
2.50
n/a
1.20
Senior funded debt to EBITDA
Senior funded debt to EBITDA - maximum
Fixed charge ratio(1)
Fixed charge ratio - minimum
Note
(1)
There are no scheduled principal or interest payments due between September 30, 2020 and April 30, 2021, being the maturity date of the facilities.
Long-term debt facilities
On April 30, 2020, we entered into a financing commitment with the Bank of Montreal and Bank of Montreal, Chicago Branch (the
“commitment”) to align the maturity dates to April 30, 2021 for each commitment that was available under the first amendment to a
second amended and restated term sheet amplification agreement (the “agreement”) and to make certain additional modifications.
Effective April 30, 2020, we have available commitments of C$15.0 million under a committed revolving credit facility, or its U.S. dollar
equivalent, for working capital and general operating purposes and to support acquisition and permitted acquisition activity as defined
in the commitment and two term loans for $10.2 million and $19.65 million, respectively, or their Canadian dollar equivalents, each
available to support our working capital and general operating requirements and to support acquisition and permitted acquisition
activity as defined in the commitment, each subject to satisfying certain conditions. Amounts drawn under the committed revolving
credit facility and the $10.2 million term loan bear fees of between 200 and 300 basis points over LIBOR or 75 to 175 basis points over
Canadian prime or U.S. base rates of interest, determined based on the senior funded debt to EBITDA ratio as defined in the
commitment. Amounts drawn under the $19.65 million term loan bear fees of between 150 to 250 basis points over LIBOR or 25 to
125 basis points over Canadian prime or U.S. base rates of interest, determined based on the senior funded debt to EBITDA ratio as
defined in the commitment. Undrawn amounts under the committed revolving credit facility and the $10.2 million term loan are
subject to a standby fee of 40 basis points regardless of our senior funded debt to EBITDA ratio as defined in the commitment. LIBOR
is subject to a floor of 1.0% and the commitment includes a limitation on advances under the facilities for the purpose of funding costs
and expenses reasonably anticipated and incurred in the normal course of business. All other terms between the commitment and
the agreement remain unchanged.
Repayments on the revolver are interest only until the date of maturity, April 30, 2021. Total advances under the revolver cannot
exceed 75% of our trade receivables, excluding trade receivables that are past due by 60 days or greater, and up to 120 days or greater
in certain circumstances, subject to certain adjustments (“good quality receivables”). The revolver can be drawn in either Canadian or
U.S. funds, subject to Canadian prime or U.S. base rates of interest, bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit. The term loans amortize
at a rate of 2% quarterly over a one-year period with the remaining unamortized balance due at maturity, being April 30, 2021. The
term loans can consist of: (i) Canadian or U.S. prime rate advances, subject to interest at the Canadian prime or U.S. base lending rate,
respectively, plus the applicable credit spread; (ii) a LIBOR loan, bearing interest at LIBOR plus the applicable credit spread; or (iii)
Canadian bankers’ acceptances (“BAs”), bearing interest at BAs plus the applicable credit spread. The term loans are subject to
mandatory prepayment conditions, including: (a) 50% of the excess annual cash flow if the senior funded debt to EBITDA ratio is
greater than 2.5:1.0; (b) 100% of the proceeds from equity or debt securities issued by the Company, including any sale or disposition
of assets that is not in the ordinary course and that aren’t reinvested within 180 days; and (c) proceeds from insurance claims not
otherwise reinvested within 180 days from receipt.
Included in the long-term debt facility is a treasury risk management facility of up to C$0.5 million to facilitate hedges of foreign
currency exchange risk between the Canadian and U.S. dollar occurring in the normal course of business. This facility may be used to
facilitate the use of foreign currency exchange contracts for up to one year which bears a per transaction fee determined by the
lenders’ treasury department. In addition, the long-term debt facility provides for a corporate credit card facility of up to C$0.8 million
to assist with the management of corporate expenses.
The long-term debt facility is secured by a general security agreement, which provides the lender with a first, fixed and floating charge
over certain assets, including intellectual property, an unlimited guarantee and postponement of claim by certain wholly owned
subsidiaries, and certain other securities.
43
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Risks and restrictions
Our revolving and senior term facilities are subject to interest rate fluctuations with bank prime, BAs or LIBOR. All drawings, if any, are
subject to interest rate risk. Since we currently have no amounts drawn on our revolving or senior term facilities, a rise or fall in the
variable interest rate does not impact interest expense recorded to the statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
We are obligated under the terms of our long-term debt facilities to repay all amounts outstanding, if any, at maturity. A failure to
comply with the terms of the long-term debt facilities could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could accelerate
repayment of the underlying indebtedness in advance of the maturity date. If repayment of the facility were to be accelerated, when
amounts are outstanding, there can be no assurance that our assets would be sufficient to repay these facilities in full at that time.
Cash flows
Cash flows generated from (utilized in):
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
2020
Year ended September 30
Change
2019
$
$
$
74,689 $
(1,828) $
(15,197) $
25,643 $
(1,930) $
(18,963) $
49,046
102
3,766
Operating activities
As detailed in the “Review of Operations - For the year ended September 30, 2020” section of this MD&A, Adjusted EBITDA(A) in fiscal
2020 was $43.3 million higher than in fiscal 2019 and delivered a corresponding increase to cash generated from operating activities.
In addition, we recognized a significant improvement in our investment in non-cash working capital. In fiscal 2020, we had lower trade
and other receivables due to a reduction in diversified and home equity services supplied, coupled with stronger collections, and the
increase in accrued charges was due to an increase in employee head count to support business growth, the timing of payroll payments
paid to our U.S. Appraisal segment employees and higher accruals for payroll tax amounts remittable due to the exercise of stock
options occurring in the final month of fiscal 2020. The effect of foreign currency translation adjustment, other non-cash changes and
higher income tax payments made, represents the balance of the change between years.
Investing activities
Cash utilized in investing activities declined modestly on a comparative basis reflecting higher investments we made last year to effect
the separation of our diversified operations from the balance of our U.S. Title segment operations.
Financing activities
Cash utilized in financing activities decreased on a comparative basis. The purchase of shares under our NCIB decreased $3.2 million
compared to fiscal 2019. Higher dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders was due to our stronger operating performance, but
was more than offset by higher proceeds received on the exercise of stock options. Repayments of lease obligations account for the
balance of the change, which was directly attributable to our adoption of IFRS 16.
44
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
Although our functional currency is the Canadian dollar, we have elected to report our financial results in U.S. dollars to improve the
comparability of our financial results with our peers. Reporting our results in U.S. dollars also reduces the impact foreign currency
exchange fluctuations have on our reported amounts because our complement of assets and operations are larger in the U.S. than
they are in Canada.
Our consolidated financial position and operating results have been translated to U.S. dollars applying FX rates outlined in the table
below. FX rates are expressed as the amount of U.S. dollars required to purchase one Canadian dollar and represents the daily average
rate published once daily by the Bank of Canada.
Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2019
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Consolidated
Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Income or loss
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Consolidated
Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Income or loss
Current
Average
Cumulative
Average
Current
Average
Cumulative
Average
December 31
March 31
June 30
September 30
$
$
$
$
0.7699 $
0.7049 $
0.7338 $
0.7497 $
0.7576 $
0.7439 $
0.7216 $
0.7510 $
0.7576 $
0.7507 $
0.7407 $
0.7432 $
0.7330 $
0.7483 $
0.7641 $
0.7551 $
0.7568 $
0.7523 $
0.7477 $
0.7572 $
0.7568
0.7545
0.7523
0.7535
FX Impact on Consolidated Results
The following tables have been prepared to assist readers in assessing the FX impact on select operating results for the three months
and year ended September 30, 2020.
Consolidated Statement of Operations
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Net income
Net Revenue(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted Net Income(A)
Note: (A) – Please refer to the “Non-GAAP measures” section of this MD&A
2019
2020
2020
2020
Three months ended September 30
(as reported)
(as reported)
(FX impact)
(current period
amounts
applying prior
period FX rate)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
107,326 $
72,933 $
20,599 $
7,951 $
124,431 $
77,439 $
25,262 $
12,728 $
34,393 $
46,992 $
14,089 $
22,194 $
9,490 $
15,633 $
(94) $
(80) $
(43) $
62 $
(14) $
25 $
31 $
124,525
77,519
25,305
12,666
47,006
22,169
15,602
45
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
2019
2020
2020
2020
Year ended September 30
(as reported)
(as reported)
(FX impact)
(current year
amounts
applying prior
year FX rate)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
322,537 $
220,462 $
74,917 $
10,094 $
455,945 $
293,828 $
92,294 $
42,798 $
102,075 $
162,117 $
28,977 $
72,242 $
20,902 $
49,423 $
(434) $
(364) $
(267) $
292 $
(70) $
163 $
207 $
456,379
294,192
92,561
42,506
162,187
72,079
49,216
Consolidated Statement of Operations
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Net income
Net Revenue(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted Net Income(A)
Note: (A) – Please refer to the “Non-GAAP measures” section of this MD&A
Critical Accounting Estimates
General
We use information from our financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS and expressed in U.S. dollars, to prepare our
MD&A. Our financial statements include estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of our assets, liabilities, revenues,
expenses and, where and as applicable, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On a periodic basis, we evaluate our estimates,
including those that require a significant level of judgment or are otherwise subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Areas that
are subject to judgment and estimate include revenue recognition, impairment of goodwill and non-financial assets, the determination
of fair values in connection with business combinations, the determination of fair value for warrants and financial instruments, lease
terms, estimation of incremental borrowing rates to determine the carrying amount of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and the
likelihood of realizing deferred income tax assets. Our estimates and judgments are based on historical experience, our observation
of trends, and information, valuations and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable when making an estimate of an asset or
liability’s fair value. Due to the inherent complexity, judgment and uncertainty in estimating fair value, actual amounts could differ
significantly from these estimates.
Areas requiring the most significant estimate and judgment are outlined below.
Revenue recognition
The satisfaction of performance obligations requires us to make judgments when control of the underlying good or service transfers
to the customer. Determining when a performance obligation is satisfied affects the timing of revenue recognition. We consider
indicators of the transfer of control, including when the customer is obligated to pay and whether the transfer of significant risks and
rewards has occurred, which represents the time when the customer has acquired the ability to direct and use the good or service
and obtained substantially all of the benefits.
We use judgment in our assessment of whether we are acting as an agent or principal to a transaction. When we are not primarily
responsible for fulfilling the obligation to provide a specified good or service and do not have discretion to establish price, we are
acting as an agent to the transaction. We are acting as a principal when we control the deliverables prior to delivery to the customer
and establish pricing.
Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized and is tested annually for impairment or more frequently if an event or circumstance occurs that more likely
than not reduces the fair value of a cash generating unit (“CGU”), or group of CGUs, below its carrying amount. Examples of such
events or circumstances include: a significant adverse change in the technological, market, economic or legal environment in which
an entity operates; changes in market interest rates or other market rates of return on investments that are likely to affect the discount
rate used in calculating an assets value in use; the carrying amount of an entities’ net assets is more than its market capitalization;
evidence of physical damage to the asset or obsolescence is present; significant changes to an asset’s expected use; or, performance
expectations for the asset are worse than were expected. Goodwill is not tested for impairment when the assets and liabilities that
46
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
make up the CGU unit have not changed significantly since the most recent fair value determination, the most recent fair value
determination results in an amount that exceeded the carrying amount by a substantial margin, and based on an analysis of events
that have occurred and circumstances that have changed since the most recent fair value determination, the likelihood that a current
fair value determination would be less than the current carrying amount of the CGU is remote. The amount of goodwill assigned to
each CGU and methodology employed to make such assignments has been applied on a consistent basis. For the purpose of testing
goodwill for impairment, our CGU’s align with our operating segments since this is consistent with the level at which goodwill is
monitored.
The carrying value of a CGU or group of CGUs is compared to its recoverable amount, where the recoverable amount is the higher of
fair value less cost to sell and its value in use. The value in use for a CGU or group of CGUs is determined by discounting three-year
cash flow projections from financial forecasts prepared by management. Projections reflect past experience and future expectations
of operating performance and we apply perpetuity growth rates to cash flows in the terminal year. None of the perpetuity growth
rates exceed the long-term historical growth rates for the markets in which we operate. The discount rates applied to the cash flow
projections are derived from the weighted average cost of capital of comparable publicly traded companies. To determine fair value,
for the purpose of estimating fair value less cost to sell, we apply various trading multiples of comparable public companies and merger
and acquisition transactions for like or similar businesses to our last twelve months performance, and expected performance in the
subsequent year, for our U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segments.
We monitor both economic and financial conditions and we re-perform our goodwill test for impairment as conditions dictate.
Business combinations
Applying the acquisition method to business combinations requires us to measure each identifiable asset and liability at fair value. The
excess, if any, of the fair value of consideration over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded to goodwill. The
purchase price allocation involves judgment with respect to the identification of intangible assets acquired and our fair value estimates
for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including pre-acquisition contingencies and contingent consideration. Changes in any
of the assumptions or estimates used to identify intangible assets acquired or to determine the fair value of acquired assets and
liabilities assumed, including pre-acquisition contingencies or contingent consideration, could affect the amounts assigned to assets,
liabilities and goodwill in the purchase price allocation.
We make estimates, assumptions and judgments when valuing goodwill and other intangible assets in connection with the initial
purchase price allocation of an acquired entity, and our continuing evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible
assets. These estimates are based on a number of factors, including historical experience, market conditions, information gained on
our review of the target entities’ operations and information obtained from management of the acquired companies. Critical estimates
in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, historical and projected attrition rates, discount rates, anticipated
revenue growth from acquired customers, acquired technology and the expected use of the acquired assets. These factors are also
considered in determining the useful life of acquired intangible assets. The amounts and useful lives assigned to identified intangible
assets also impacts the amount and timing of future amortization expense.
Unanticipated events and circumstances may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates and our actual results.
Warrants
We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of warrant liabilities, which requires the use of
several input variables. These input variables are subject to estimate and changes in these inputs can materially impact the estimated
fair value of warrant liabilities. The fair value reported may not represent the transaction value if these warrants were exchanged at
any point in time.
Leases
Lease terms represent the contractual non-cancellable period for a lease, plus all periods covered by an option to renew the lease if
we are reasonably certain to exercise that option and the periods covered by an option to terminate the lease if we are reasonably
certain to not exercise that option. We apply judgment in assessing all factors that create an economic incentive to exercise extension
options, or to not exercise termination options, which are available in our lease arrangements. We review our initial assessment if a
significant event or change in circumstances occurs which affects our initial assessment and is within our control.
47
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
To determine the carrying amount of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, we estimate the incremental borrowing rate specific to
each leased asset or portfolio of leased assets if the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. We determine the
incremental borrowing rate attributable to each leased asset, or portfolio of leased assets, by assessing our creditworthiness, the
security, term and value of the underlying leased asset and the economic environment in which the leased asset operates. The
incremental borrowing rate is subject to change mainly as a result of macroeconomic changes.
Income taxes
Deferred income tax is recognized applying the liability method, which recognizes the temporary differences between the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their equivalent tax amounts. Deferred income tax is not
recognized on the initial recording of assets or liabilities for financial reporting purposes that is not a business combination and that
affects neither accounting income nor taxable income or loss. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured applying tax
rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse, applying tax rates that have been enacted or substantively
enacted at the reporting date.
Significant changes to enacted tax rates or laws, or estimates of timing differences and their reversal, could result in a material adverse
or positive impact to our financial condition and operating performance. In addition, changes in regulation or insufficient taxable
income could impact our ability to utilize tax loss carryforwards, which could impact deferred income tax assets and deferred income
tax expense or recovery.
The recognition of deferred tax assets attributable to unutilized loss carryforwards is supported by our historical and expected future
ability to generate income subject to tax and our ability to implement tax planning measures along with other substantive evidence.
However, should we be unable to continue generating income subject to tax, deferred tax assets attributable to unutilized loss
carryforwards may not be available to us prior to their expiry in Canada. We have historically used, and will continue to use, every
effort to limit the use of discretionary tax deductions to maximize our use of loss carryforwards in Canada prior to their expiry. As a
result of U.S. tax reform, unutilized loss carryforwards arising after December 31, 2017 may now be carried forward indefinitely;
however, the deduction of unutilized loss carryforwards in a given tax year is limited to 80% of an entity’s taxable earnings in that
year. Should we not be able to realize our deferred tax assets attributable to loss carryforwards, we would record deferred income
tax expense in the period when we determined the likelihood of realizing these losses was less likely than not. Our maximum exposure
is equal to the carrying amount of the deferred tax asset attributable to loss carryforwards, $0.8 million at September 30, 2020.
Accordingly, due to our historical ability to generate income subject to tax, our expectations to generate income subject to the tax in
the future and available tax planning measures, we view the risk of not realizing these deferred tax assets as low.
Other
Other estimates include, but are not limited to, the following: identification of CGUs, impairment assessments for non-financial assets,
inputs to the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model used to value stock-based compensation, estimates of property and
equipment’s useful life, assessing provisions, estimating the likelihood of collection to determine our allowance for doubtful accounts,
the fair value of financial instruments, control assessment of subsidiaries, contingencies related to litigation and contingent acquisition
payables, claims and assessments and various economic assumptions used in the development of fair value estimates, including, but
not limited to, interest and inflation rates and a variety of option pricing model estimates.
New Accounting Policies Adopted or Requiring Adoption
Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, which replaced IAS 17 – “Leases” (“IAS 17”) and any related interpretations. IFRS 16 provides
a single lessee accounting model, which requires the recognition of assets and liabilities for all leases, unless the lease term is 12
months or less or the underlying value of the asset is low. IFRS 16 substantially carried forward the lessor accounting in IAS 17, with
the distinction between operating and finance leases retained.
On October 1, 2019, we adopted IFRS 16 applying the modified retrospective approach. This approach did not require adjustment to
the financial information presented on a comparative basis, including the related disclosures. The cumulative impact of applying the
new standard was recognized to accumulated deficit.
48
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
As permitted by IFRS 16, we elected to use the following transition options and practical expedients on adoption:
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
grandfather the definition of leases for existing contracts at the date of initial application;
exclude certain short-term leases and leases of low value items;
exclude leases for which the lease term ends within 12 months from the date of initial application;
apply a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics;
assess whether leases are onerous instead of performing an impairment review on its right-of-use assets as at October 1,
2019;
exclude initial direct costs from the measurement of right-of-use assets at the date of initial application; and
use hindsight to determine the lease term of contracts containing options to extend or terminate the lease on the date of
initial application.
On adoption of IFRS 16, we recognized a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for leases previously classified as operating leases where
we were the lessee. Assets and obligations related to finance leases on the date of initial application remain unchanged. Right-of-use
assets were measured at an amount equal to the lease liability and lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining
lease payments applying a discount rate equal to our incremental borrowing rate at October 1, 2019. The weighted average
incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position was 3.68
percent.
The following table summarizes the adjustments to certain amounts previously reported under IAS 17 as at September 30, 2019
resulting from the initial application of IFRS 16:
ASSETS
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
LIABILITIES
CURRENT
Lease liabilities
NON-CURRENT
LEASEHOLD INDUCEMENTS
LEASE LIABILITIES
EQUITY
Accumulated deficit
As previously reported under IAS 17,
September 30, 2019
IFRS 16 transition
adjustments
Balance at October
1, 2019
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,632 $
19,413 $
10 $
439 $
- $
8,632 $
81 $
1,309 $
(439) $
7,762 $
12,264
19,494
1,319
-
7,762
(81,346) $
81 $
(81,265)
The following table reconciles operating lease commitments as at September 30, 2019 to the opening balance of lease liabilities as at
October 1, 2019:
Operating lease commitments as at September 30, 2019
Add: finance lease liabilities recognized as at September 30, 2019
Add: adjustments for the treatment of extension options
Less: effect of discounting using the lessee's incremental borrowing rate
Less: short-term, low value leases and others
Lease liabilities recognized as at October 1, 2019
$
$
8,617
10
1,420
(907)
(59)
9,081
Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRS Interpretation Committee 23 – “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments”. The interpretation
clarifies how to apply the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12 – “Income Taxes” when there is uncertainty over the
treatment of income tax. The interpretation requires an entity to determine whether uncertain tax positions are assessed separately
or together with one or more uncertain tax positions, and in making such assessment, an entity is required to assume that the taxation
authority will examine amounts it has a right to examine and has full knowledge of all information when making its examination. An
entity must also consider the probability that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment used, or proposed to be
used, by the entity in its income tax filings and reassess any judgments and estimates made if the facts and circumstances change or
49
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
new information becomes available. The effective date of the interpretation is for annual periods beginning on or after January 1,
2019 applied retrospectively or using a modified retrospective application without the restatement of comparative information. Earlier
application was permitted. The adoption of the interpretation had no impact on our financial statements.
Business Combinations
In October 2018, the IASB issued “Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3)” to address the difficulties that arise when an entity
determines whether it has acquired a business or group of assets. The amendment clarifies that to be considered a business, an
acquired set of activities and assets must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly
contribute to create outputs. The definition of a business and outputs have been narrowed by focusing on goods and services provided
to customers and removing the reference to an ability to reduce costs. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on
or after January 1, 2020 and earlier application is permitted. The adoption of the amendment will be applicable for us in determining
whether acquisitions on or after October 1, 2020 qualify as a business.
Presentation of Financial Statements and Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
In October 2018, the IASB issued “Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8)” to clarify the definition of material.
Information is material if omitting, misstating or obscuring it could reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary
users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements. The amendments are effective for
annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020 and earlier application is permitted. We will apply the new definition
of material effective October 1, 2020 and adopting this amendment is not expected to have a significant impact on our 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)” providing a more
general approach to the classification of liabilities under IAS 1 based on the contractual arrangements in place at the reporting date.
The amendment clarifies that the classification of liabilities as current or non-current should be based on rights that are in existence
at the end of the reporting period. Only rights to defer settlement by at least twelve months that are in place at the end of the reporting
period should affect the classification of a liability. Classification is unaffected by an entities’ expectation to exercise its right to defer
settlement of a liability. The amendments, to be applied retrospectively, are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or
after January 1, 2023. We will apply the amendment to the classification of liabilities effective October 1, 2023, and adopting this
amendment is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.
Narrow-scope amendments and Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020
In May 2020, the IASB issued a series of narrow-scope amendments that impact the following standards: IAS 16 – “Property, Plant and
Equipment – Proceeds before Intended Use” (“IAS 16”), IAS 37 – “Onerous Contracts – Costs of Fulfilling a Contract” (“IAS 37”), IFRS 3
– “Reference to the Conceptual Framework” (“IFRS 3”), and annual improvements to IFRS 1, IFRS 9, IFRS 16, and IAS 41.
The amendment to IAS 37 clarifies the meaning of “costs to fulfil a contract” which could result in the recognition of more onerous
contract provisions. IFRS 3 was updated to refer to the 2018 Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting to determine what
constitutes an asset or a liability in a business combination. Without this new update, an entity may have recognized some liabilities
in a business combination that it would not recognize under IAS 37. IAS 16 and the annual improvements are not applicable.
These amendments are effective January 1, 2022 and earlier application is permitted. We will apply the amendments effective October
1, 2022, and adopting these amendments is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.
Financial Instruments
Credit risk
Credit risk is defined as the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to
discharge its obligation. Our exposure to credit risk is limited principally to cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables.
In all instances, our risk management objective, whether of credit, liquidity, market or otherwise, is to mitigate our risk exposures to
a level consistent with our risk tolerance.
50
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Cash and cash equivalents
Certain management are responsible for determining which financial institutions we bank and hold deposits with. We typically select
financial institutions that we have a relationship with and those deemed by us to be of sufficient size, liquidity and stability. We review
our exposure to credit risk from time-to-time or as conditions indicate that our exposure to credit risk has or is subject to change. Our
maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the fair value of cash and cash equivalents recorded to our consolidated statements of
financial position as at September 30, 2020, $129.2 million (September 30, 2019 - $71.7 million). We hold no collateral or other credit
enhancements as security over our cash or cash equivalent balances and we deem the credit quality of our cash and cash equivalent
balances to be high and no amounts are impaired.
Trade and other receivables
In the normal course of business, our trade and other receivables balance is subject to credit risk. Our maximum exposure to credit
risk is the fair value of trade and other receivables recorded on our consolidated statements of financial position as at September 30,
2020, $30.7 million (September 30, 2019 - $36.6 million). We regularly perform credit checks or may accept payment or security in
advance to limit our exposure to credit risk. Our client base is sufficiently diverse, consisting of banks and mortgage lending institutions
that are generally of sufficient size and capitalization, to mitigate a portion of any credit risk exposure we may be subject to. We have
also assigned various employees to carry out collection efforts in a manner consistent with our trade receivable and credit and
collections policies. These policies establish procedures to manage, monitor, control, investigate, record and improve trade receivable
credit and collection. We also have policies and procedures which establish estimates for doubtful account allowances. These
calculations are based on an expected credit loss (“ECL”) model which considers expected losses that result from all possible default
events over the expected life of our trade and other receivable balances and include factors such as past events, current conditions
and forecasts of future economic conditions. We conduct specific account balance reviews, where practical, and consideration is given
to the credit quality of the client, payment history and other factors specific to the client, including bankruptcy or insolvency.
Trade and other receivables determined by management to be at risk of collection are provided for through an allowance account.
When trade or other receivables are considered uncollectable, they are written-off against this account. Subsequent recoveries of
amounts previously written-off are credited against the allowance account and subsequently recorded to operating expenses in our
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. We have elected to measure loss allowances for trade and
other receivables at an amount equal to estimated lifetime ECLs through the use of a provision matrix based on historical credit loss
experience adjusted for estimated changes in credit risk and forecasts of future economic conditions.
Trade and other receivables are generally due within 15 to 45 days from the invoice date. Accordingly, all amounts outstanding beyond
these periods are past due. Based on historical collections, we have been successful in collecting amounts that have not been
outstanding for greater than 90 days. We assess the credit quality of trade and other receivables that are neither past due nor impaired
as high. Our maximum exposure to credit risk is equivalent to our net carrying amount. Trade and other receivables considered
impaired at September 30, 2020 were not considered significant.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that we will encounter difficulty in meeting our obligations to settle our financial liabilities. Our exposure to
liquidity risk is due primarily to any reliance we may have on long-term debt financing. Certain management are responsible to ensure
that we have sufficient short, medium and long-term liquidity. When amounts are drawn on our long-term credit facilities, we manage
liquidity risk on a continuous basis by monitoring actual and forecasted cash flows and monitoring our available liquidity. We regularly
monitor the financial terms and conditions outlined in our lending facilities and report on our compliance quarterly to the audit
committee and our lender. We actively manage our liquidity and we are in regular contact with our lender.
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market
prices. Market risk is comprised of currency, interest rate and other price risk.
Currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in FX rates.
Our exposure to currency risk is attributable to the exchange of U.S. monies to the Canadian dollar or vice versa. We may enter into
FX agreements to mitigate our exposure to currency risk; however, as of the date of this MD&A, we are not party to any FX agreements.
Accordingly, we are exposed to currency risk on U.S. dollars charged to our U.S. operations in the form of management fees, royalties
and interest on long-term financings. To mitigate this risk, management uses discretion, and actively reviews its exposure to and
requirement for FX agreements.
51
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market
interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from our interest bearing financial assets and liabilities. We have certain financial assets and
liabilities which are exposed to interest rate risk, the most notable of which are our long-term debt facilities when drawn. Our long-
term credit facilities are also subject to interest rate risk on maturity or renegotiation. An increase or decrease in the variable interest
rate results in a corresponding increase or decrease to interest expense on principal amounts drawn under our long-term credit
facilities. We are also subject to interest rate risk on investments we make in cash equivalent, short-term investments.
Our risk management objective is to mitigate risk exposures to a level consistent with our risk tolerance. Derivative financial
instruments are evaluated against the exposures they are expected to mitigate and the selection of a derivative financial instrument
may not increase our net exposure to risk. Derivative financial instruments may expose us to other types of risk, which may include,
but is not limited to, credit risk. The exposure to other types of risk is evaluated against the selected derivative financial instrument
and is subject to a cost versus benefit review and analysis. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading
purposes and the value of the derivative financial instrument cannot exceed the risk exposure of the underlying asset, liability or cash
flow it is expected to mitigate.
Fair value methods and assumptions
The fair values of financial instruments, warrant liabilities and when applicable, contingent consideration, are calculated using
available market information and commonly accepted valuation methods, or expectations of achievement in the case of contingent
consideration discounted at a market rate of interest. Considerable judgment is required to develop these estimates. Accordingly, fair
value estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we, or counter-parties to the instruments, could realize in a current
market exchange, or expect to pay, in the case of contingent consideration. The use of different assumptions and or estimation
methods could have a material impact on these fair values.
Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, as and where applicable, are recorded to our consolidated statements of financial
position.
Financial Information Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information we are required to
disclose in reports filed or submitted under Canadian securities laws is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the
time periods specified under those laws, and include controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that the information is
accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Vice-President and
Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), to allow for timely decisions in respect of these requirements.
As at September 30, 2020, management evaluated, under the supervision of, and with the participation of, the CEO and the CFO, the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in
Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings (“NI 52-109”).
Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as at September 30,
2020.
Internal control over financial reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in NI 52-
109. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the CEO and CFO, and effected by
the board of directors, management and other personnel of the Company, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. However, because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis.
Management evaluated, under the supervision of and with the participation of the CEO and the CFO, the effectiveness of our internal
control over financial reporting as at September 30, 2020, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as at September
30, 2020.
52
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
There have been no changes during the year ended September 30, 2020 in our internal control over financial reporting that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Impact of COVID-19
Operations
To date, our operations have not experienced any significant adverse impacts as a result of COVID-19. In fact, with interest rates at
historical lows, homeowner demand to refinance their mortgages in the U.S. is high as the majority of U.S. homeowners stand to
benefit from a 50 to 75 basis point reduction in interest rates compared to the rate borne on their current mortgage. Most recently,
the volume of activity in the U.S. mortgage origination market has shifted to predominantly refinance activity, whereas one year ago,
purchase transactions represented the bulk of mortgage activity when refinance transactions were at nearly multi-decade lows. We’ve
also seen a shift away from home equity and default services since the onset of COVID-19. And while it is difficult to accurately predict
how the market will perform during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our expectation is that there will be continued strength for
refinance mortgage origination activity in both the near term and for a number of years thereafter. We further believe that home
equity and default activity will remain low in the near term and that purchase market activity will rebound to more normalized levels
post COVID-19, which will benefit our U.S. Appraisal segment since it services both purchase and refinance mortgage origination
transactions. Notwithstanding, we are closely monitoring U.S. mortgage lenders near-term capacity to underwrite mortgages, and we
believe that over the medium to longer-term mortgage lenders in the U.S. have the room to lower their spreads to sustain refinance
mortgage origination activity for a prolonged period of time, which benefits both our U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segments.
The strength and depth of our networks of appraisers, abstractors, notaries, closing agents and inspectors has allowed us to find a
qualified field professional for the vast majority of transactions we have received from our clients. COVID-19 has temporarily placed
into focus the need to take additional precautions to allow appraisals and closings to continue without interruption. In March 2020,
the Federal Housing Financing Agency (“FHFA”) directed the GSEs to relax certain property appraisal and income verification standards
in light of COVID-19 and to allow licensed appraisers to complete either a drive-by or desktop appraisal in certain circumstances when
an interior inspection was not feasible. These temporary measures were put in place to ensure that the mortgage process was
unencumbered. As a result of these changes, we engaged in active discussions with our clients to ensure that we can meet their
changing needs, uninterrupted. To date we have not experienced a significant change in the Net Revenue(A) we earn on each
transaction and the majority of our orders continue to be full interior appraisals, which is consistent with the services we provided
prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In our U.S. Title segment, our services include searching the title and recording the mortgage at the county courthouse. Closures of
some county courthouses throughout the U.S. due to COVID-19 created some challenge to search the title and complete recordings
in those counties. The closure of county courthouses has been limited and has not had a significant impact on our ability to search and
record mortgages for the vast majority of the orders we have received. In the event we cannot search the title due to an office closure,
we cannot complete the transaction for our client and we are making them aware of this upfront. Accordingly, these files are being
temporarily held until the county courthouse reopens. With respect to recordings, our underwriters have acknowledged that gap
insurance will cover the risk of any intervening liens that may arise between the time of closing and the time the closing documents
are ultimately recorded once the county courthouses re-open. Accordingly, this measure has allowed us to continue providing title
and closing services to our clients.
In our Canadian operating segment, our insurance inspection clients placed these services on hold at the end of our fiscal second
quarter, throughout our fiscal third quarter and for a portion of our fiscal fourth quarter, as a result of COVID-19. Certain employees
dedicated to the supply of insurance inspection services in Canada were trained to provide certain permitted services to clients in our
U.S. Title operations.
In the near term, we do not anticipate that COVID-19 will have a significant impact on our operating costs in our corporate segment.
Supply of services
The health and safety of our employees, clients, field professionals and the communities we service remains a top priority. To that
end, we have integrated social distancing into our daily routines in recognition of the significant impact COVID-19 has had on our
clients and the field professionals on our network. Despite these challenging times, the field professionals on our networks continue
to deliver their unwavering support as an essential service provider, and consistently go above and beyond for our clients. With their
continued commitment, tens of thousands of homeowners have moved into their new homes, accessed equity in their existing homes
or lowered their monthly mortgage payments at a time when they likely need it the most.
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Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Although some homeowners and field professionals have not been comfortable proceeding with an in-person appraisal inspection or
mortgage closing, the vast majority of transactions are still being completed, using social distancing techniques to prevent or eliminate
physical contact. To date, we have not seen any material change in our appraiser or closing agent capacity.
Since the announcement by the GSEs to allow both drive-by and desktop appraisals in certain circumstances, we have worked closely
with our clients to operationalize a solution. To this end, we fully deployed appraisal products that do not require in-person interaction
for our clients who chose to adopt these temporary measures for some of their files. And we continue to support our closing agents
by being strong advocates of safe space closing principles founded in the minimum guidelines provided by the National Notary
Association. We are proactively engaging with our notary and closing agent network to deliver a “Safe Space Closing” on every
transaction to protect the safety of our network and our clients’ customers.
While the manner in which our field professionals undertake the delivery of service for our clients may change as a result of COVID-
19, we do not believe that there will be a significant change to the essential services we provide for our clients.
Employees
We have mandated, where possible, that our employees work from home. Currently, we have over 90% of our employees working
remotely, and only those that are in facility-dependent roles, where their work cannot be completed from home, remain in our offices.
To date, our remote operations have not adversely impacted our ability to provide services to our clients nor have we experienced
any significant change in our employee’s ability to access our systems. In addition, we have succession and continuity plans in place
for certain key employees which were reviewed and updated, where appropriate, during the third quarter of fiscal 2020.
Supply chain
We proactively identified the additional redundancy required in our supply chain and we have actively added vendors to bolster
redundancy where needed. To date, our supply chain has not had a material adverse impact on our operations and the delivery of our
services. Like many businesses, early on we experienced limited reductions in productivity across our supply chain, but nothing that
had a significant adverse impact on the delivery of our services.
Financial condition
Our Company is built for the long-run, which includes maintaining a strong balance sheet to weather the cyclical and seasonal nature
of the industry we operate in, and to weather financial shocks and crises like the one COVID-19 is having on the world and the world
economy. On September 30, 2020, we had $129.2 million of cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet and have access to an
additional $40.0 million through credit facilities available to us, subject to satisfying certain conditions. We provide services to the
financial services sector, which was deemed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency), as well as state and provincial governmental orders, to be an essential service. As such, to date COVID-19 has not had a
significant adverse impact on our financial condition. However, we continue to monitor our cash positions daily, including cash inflows
and outflows and make adjustments as and where necessary to manage our cash resources.
Our current assets are principally comprised of cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables. Our primary risk
attributable to current assets is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing
to discharge its obligation. As a result, we undertook a fulsome review of amounts due to us from our creditors, which includes,
amongst other things, consideration of factors that include past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic
conditions. As a result of this review and our continuing review, we continue to conclude that no material change to our accounting
provisions for doubtful accounts are warranted. However, and while the strength of our business has remained strong since the onset
of the COVID-19 outbreak, a sustained economic downturn could result in significant financial hardship for a handful of clients we
service – especially those with significant servicing portfolios - many of whom are privately organized entities along with certain clients
we supply diversified title services to. Accordingly, we continue to remain vigilant in our collection efforts, monitoring for signs of
financial or business weakness, and continue to have regular touch points with our clients in support of our assessment.
Our long-term assets are principally comprised of intangibles, goodwill, property and equipment and deferred tax assets. In accordance
with IFRS, we are required to assess the carrying value of property and equipment and intangibles at each reporting period to
determine if indicators of impairment are present. Based on our current business expectations and ability to continue generating
future cash flows, after applying a variety of assumptions to assess these cash flows, we do not anticipate a significant decline in these
cash flows which would result in the carrying amount of any asset or cash generating unit exceeding its recoverable amount.
54
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Our annual goodwill test of impairment was completed on June 30, 2020. For the reasons outlined above, including the resilience of
our business to date and our share price and market capitalization since the onset of COVID-19, we concluded that there is no
impairment of goodwill.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized when it is probable that future taxable income will be available to realize the benefit of the
deferred tax asset. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent it is no longer probable that
the related tax benefit will be realized and can only be recovered when the probability of future taxable income improves. Based on
the performance of our business to date, the utilization of our loss carryfowards available in our U.S. operating subsidiaries and our
expectations of future taxable income, we continue to believe that it is probable that we can realize the benefits attributable to
deferred income assets recorded on our balance sheet, and therefore no reduction to deferred income tax assets is warranted at this
time.
The strength of our balance sheet allows us to be opportunistic with regards to the purchase of our shares under the NCIB. We believe
that we can continue to maintain a strong balance sheet and coupled with our belief that purchase volumes will rebound and demand
for refinance activity will continue to be strong for a prolonged period of time, we see continued strength in our financial condition in
the near and longer-term time horizons.
Capital and financial resources
We have no amounts drawn under the credit facilities available to us today, and at September 30, 2020 our senior funded debt to
EBITDA ratio was 0.00 times. Accordingly, we have no immediate concerns regarding our ability to service our financial obligations,
including obligations under lease commitments for office space. To date, COVID-19 has not had any significant impact on our overall
liquidity position and because we provide services to the majority of the largest mortgage lenders in the U.S. and Canada, we have not
seen any significant changes in their ability to make payments to us. However, we continue to be vigilant in our collection efforts and
have regular touch points with the clients we service, paying particular attention to our clients who account for a larger proportion of
our revenues and the few non-bank clients we provide service to that have significant servicing portfolios.
In connection with the extension of the maturity dates for our existing credit facilities, we will incur an additional 50 basis points of
interest expense on amounts drawn on certain of these facilities when compared to the interest rate spread prior to the extension
(please refer to the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of this MD&A for additional details). While we do not currently anticipate
the need to draw on our available credit facilities, we believe that having these facilities available to us to support working capital,
general corporate needs and acquisitions is prudent.
Internal controls
Our operations have remained largely unchanged as a result of COVID-19, even with the vast majority of our employees working from
home. Our financial reporting systems, internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures remain largely
unchanged as well. Accordingly, we have not experienced a significant change in our control environment that would have a material
impact on our internal controls over financial reporting.
Business continuity plans
Our business continuity plans were rolled out without significant issue and the vast majority of our employees have been mobilized
to work-at-home environments. In the second quarter of fiscal 2020, we made additional capital investments in certain computer and
related equipment, most notably for employees servicing our U.S. Title operations, to ensure that as many of our employees as
possible were able to work from home. We do not anticipate any further capital investments to be significant in this regard, and we
view the capital outlay as an acceleration of our business continuity plans to allow our employees to transition to a work-at-home
environment. We have not experienced any material resource constraints in connection with the implementation of these plans.
55
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This MD&A contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Words such as “aim”,
“could”, “forecast”, “target”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “would”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “believe”,
“predict” and “likely”, and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking information,
although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words.
The forward-looking information in this MD&A includes statements which reflect the current expectations of the Company’s
management with respect to the Company’s business and the industry in which it operates and is based on management’s experience
and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that management
believes appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. The forward-looking information reflects management’s beliefs based on
information currently available to management, including information obtained from third-party sources, and should not be read as
a guarantee of the occurrence or timing of any future events, performance or results.
The forward-looking information in this MD&A includes, but is not limited to, statements related to:
(cid:120) our business prospects, goals and long-term strategy targets;
(cid:120) the impact of COVID-19 on our operations, supply of services, employees, supply chain, financial condition, capital and financial
resources, internal controls and business continuity plans;
(cid:120) our expectations regarding certain of our future results and information, including, among others, Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margins for each our segments, market share targets for our U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segments, year-over-year
cost escalations for our corporate segment and the total addressable market;
(cid:120) the key factors that have a significant impact on our financial performance;
(cid:120) anticipated economic conditions, including the near-term market activity for purchase, refinance and home equity and default
transactions;
(cid:120) the scalability of the platform;
(cid:120) the regulatory environment in which we operate;
(cid:120) our competitive position relative to our competitors;
(cid:120) anticipated industry and market trends, including the seasonality of our business; and
(cid:120) our intentions with respect to the implementation of new accounting standards.
In addition, our assessment of, and targets for, market share, Net Revenue(A) margins and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins are considered
forward-looking information. See the “Overview’’ section of this MD&A for additional information regarding our strategies,
assumptions and market outlook in relation to these assessments.
The forward-looking information in this MD&A is subject to risk, uncertainty and other factors that are difficult to predict and that
could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or results anticipated by the forward-looking information. Factors
which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the following, each of which
are discussed in further detail in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Information Form for the year ended September 30, 2019,
which is filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com:
Strategic Risks
(cid:120) changes in economic conditions resulting in fluctuations in demand for our services;
(cid:120) failing to grow market share in our U.S. Appraisal business to anticipated levels;
(cid:120) failing to grow market share in our U.S. Title business to anticipated levels;
(cid:120) risks associated with targeting large mortgage lenders, including longer sales cycles, pricing pressures, implementation
complexities and concentration risk;
(cid:120) maintaining our competitive position in a competitive business environment;
(cid:120) growth placing significant demands on our management and infrastructure;
(cid:120) damage to our reputation causing a loss of existing clients and/or difficulty attracting new clients;
(cid:120) inability to successfully identify, consummate or integrate future acquisitions;
56
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Operational Risks
(cid:120) failing to adequately protect our technology Infrastructure;
(cid:120) issues with the platform;
(cid:120) failing to retain key employees or hire highly skilled personnel;
(cid:120) failing to maintain field professional engagement;
(cid:120) the occurrence of catastrophic events which are beyond our control;
Legal and Compliance Risks
(cid:120) regulatory risks applicable to us;
(cid:120) risks associated with the potential reclassification of exempt employees and field professionals;
(cid:120) failing to adequately protect our intellectual property;
(cid:120) risks associated with legal and regulatory proceedings and claims;
(cid:120) potential losses arising from field professional work product liability;
(cid:120) potential infringement of our services on the proprietary rights of others;
(cid:120) difficulty for shareholders to enforce judgments obtained against us;
Financial and Reporting Risks
(cid:120) the potential for significant fluctuations in the market price of our shares;
(cid:120) potential inability to raise additional capital in the future when needed, either on acceptable terms or at all;
(cid:120) failing to maintain effective internal controls, including the inherent limitations in all control systems;
(cid:120) inaccurate accounting estimates and judgments;
(cid:120) potential tax law changes or adverse tax examinations;
(cid:120) restrictive covenants contained in our credit facilities;
(cid:120) potential dilution to existing shareholders as a result of future share issuances;
(cid:120) ineffectiveness of our financial and operational risk management efforts;
(cid:120) our dependence on our subsidiaries for cash flows; and
(cid:120) changing accounting pronouncements and other financial reporting standards.
COVID-19 – impact on risk factors
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced additional uncertainty and risk, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in economic conditions resulting in fluctuations in demand for our services
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the uncertainty surrounding interest rates, refinance rates, the capacity of lenders to
underwrite mortgages, house prices, housing stock supply and demand, the availability of funds for mortgage loans, credit
requirements, regulatory changes, household indebtedness, employment levels and the general health of the North American
economy, each of which could have a significant impact on our operating performance. We generate revenues on a per transaction
basis and do not have minimum volume guarantees with our clients. Accordingly, uncertain economic conditions and a lack of housing
market strength and/or stability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could reduce demand for our services, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failing to adequately protect our technology Infrastructure
We depend on third-party service providers to provide continuous and uninterrupted access to certain elements of our platform. If
the supply reliability or security of these services were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, it could significantly restrict or otherwise
prevent us from carrying out some or all of our business operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, an extended period of our employees working in an at home environment could strain our technology resources and
introduce operational risks, including heightened cybersecurity risk. Work from home environments may be less secure and more
susceptible to hacking attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts that seek to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic.
57
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Regulatory risks applicable to us
We operate in a highly regulated industry, and compliance with laws and regulations are onerous and expensive. In addition, due to
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, laws and regulations impacting the residential mortgage market, including the compliance and
regulatory landscape, have rapidly evolved in an attempt to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, protect public safety and
support the financial needs of affected individuals. New laws and regulations and/or changes to existing laws and regulations brought
about by the COVID-19 pandemic could require significant changes to our business model and/or service offerings. If: (i) we are unable
to quickly adapt our business model and/or service offerings to comply with any significant changes to the legal and/or regulatory
landscape in a cost-efficient manner; (ii) we fail to comply with these rapidly evolving changes; or (iii) we are unable to carry on all or
a portion of our business due to, amongst other things, the closure of county courthouses, it could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, it is possible that regulatory oversight of the residential mortgage market may, in the future, be scaled back, due to the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any reduction in existing laws and regulations may affect the barriers to entry that the current
regulatory environment creates, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Risks associated with targeting large mortgage lenders, including longer sales cycles
We may experience longer sales cycles as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to a number of factors, including but not limited to,
our salespersons being prohibited from travel, or mortgage lenders choosing to delay engagement with us in light of more pressing
operational demands. If such sales cycles take longer than anticipated, are delayed or are terminated for reasons beyond our control,
it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Maintaining our competitive position in a competitive business environment
Maintaining demand for our services, in the near-term, in response to COVID-19 may require us to, among other things: (i) successfully
develop and bring to market enhancements to existing services; (ii) develop new services and technologies that address the needs of
our existing and prospective clients; and (iii) respond to changes in industry standards and practices, in each case, in a cost-effective
manner and on a timely basis. Failing to maintain demand for our services could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Growth placing significant demands on our management and infrastructure
Growth has placed, and will continue to place, significant demands on our management and our operational, technical and financial
infrastructure, including the recent growth in refinance market volumes stemming from lower interest rates attributable to the
economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Severe or excessive growth in market volumes could strain our ability to: (i)
maintain reliable, high-quality service levels for our clients; (ii) develop and improve our operational, financial, technical and
management controls; (iii) enhance our reporting systems and procedures; and (iv) recruit, train and retain highly-skilled personnel,
any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Qualified individuals in our industry are currently in high demand and there is no guarantee that we will be able to retain our key
personnel or that we will be able to attract and retain new highly skilled individuals without incurring a significant increase in
compensation costs to do so. The loss of key employees or our inability to attract and retain new highly skilled personnel could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failing to maintain field professional engagement
We rely on our network of independent field professionals to provide service to our clients. If an increasing number of field
professionals are uncomfortable proceeding with interior appraisal inspections or in person mortgage closings due to the COVID-19
pandemic or enhanced government regulation limits the ability of individuals on our field professional network to provide services in
certain locations (e.g. by imposing local travel restrictions, etc.), it could constrain our ability to maintain a sufficient number of field
professionals in certain geographies and/or increase our transaction costs. Accordingly, we may be unable to meet our service
obligations to our clients or need to incur increased transaction costs to do so, either of which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks associated with legal and regulatory proceedings and claims
We maintain various insurance policies to support our business and our business activities. COVID-19 may put pressure on our ability
to obtain adequate insurance coverage, either on acceptable terms, including but not limited to, reasonable deductibles and
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Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
premiums, or at all. Accordingly, not obtaining adequate insurance coverage on acceptable terms or at all could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Potential losses arising from field professional work product liability
We manage a network of independent field professionals who produce a work product that our clients and underwriters rely on to
make lending/underwriting decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a number of significant changes to industry standards
and processes, including the methods for performing various services. These changes, however, also create additional risks as certain
traditional standards and processes are relaxed in an attempt to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and protect public safety.
Should our field professionals produce a work product that is defective and results in a client and/or the underwriter incurring a
financial loss, such parties may seek indemnification. If we are required to indemnify one or more clients and/or underwriters for work
product liability and we are unable to obtain recourse from our field professionals or their errors and omissions insurance providers
for the full amount of the loss incurred, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Failing to maintain effective internal controls, including the inherent limitations in all control systems
Controls may be circumvented as a result of our employees being placed in work-at-home environments, or for other reasons either
directly or indirectly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The design of any system of controls is based, in part, on certain
assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design procedures will succeed in achieving
its stated goals under all potential conditions. If we fail to maintain effective internal controls, it could have a material adverse impact
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Inaccurate accounting estimates and judgments
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has created significant global economic uncertainty and could require us to reassess certain
assumptions and judgments related to, amongst other things, our forecast of future operating performance, the ability to sustain our
operations and to assess the recoverability of our assets recorded in our statement of financial position. If the underlying estimates
are ultimately proven to be incorrect, subsequent adjustments could have an adverse effect on our operating results and could require
us to restate our historical financial statements.
Ineffectiveness of our financial and operational risk management efforts
We could incur substantial losses and our business operations could be disrupted if we are unable to effectively identify, manage,
monitor and mitigate financial risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, exchange rate risk and other market-related
risk, as well as operational risks related to our business, assets and liabilities, including those brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We caution that the above list of risk factors and uncertainties is not exhaustive and that additional risks and uncertainties may be
discussed in documents filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including in the “Risk
Factors” section of the Annual Information Form of the Company for the year ended September 30, 2019. Other risks and uncertainties
not presently known by us or that we presently believe are not material could also cause actual results or events to differ materially
from those expressed in the forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking
information, which reflect our expectations only as of the date of this MD&A. Except as required by law, we do not undertake to
update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Glossary
Tier 1 means the top five U.S. banks by asset size as at June 30, 2020, as determined by U.S. Federal Reserve data, and the largest non-
bank mortgage lender in the U.S. according to the Inside Mortgage Finance website: Top 100 Mortgage Lenders (first six months of
calendar 2020).
Tier 2 means the top 30 mortgage lenders in the U.S. according to the Inside Mortgage Finance website: Top 100 Mortgage Lenders
(first six months of calendar 2020), excluding Tier 1 mortgage lenders.
Tier 3 means the top 100 mortgage lenders in the U.S. according to the Inside Mortgage Finance website: Top 100 Mortgage Lenders
(first six months of calendar 2020), excluding Tier 1 and Tier 2 mortgage lenders.
Tier 4 means all mortgage lenders in the U.S. not included in Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3.
59
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Real Matters Inc.
Opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Real Matters Inc. (the “Company”), which comprise the consolidated
statements of financial position as at September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income, cash flows and equity for the years then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements,
including a summary of significant accounting policies (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”).
In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company
as at September 30, 2020 and 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards (“Canadian GAAS”). Our responsibilities
under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our
report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the
financial statements in Canada, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We
believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Other Information
Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises:
(cid:120) Management’s Discussion and Analysis
(cid:120)
The information, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon, in the Annual Report.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express any form of
assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the 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 financial
statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
We obtained Management’s Discussion and Analysis prior to the date of this auditor’s report. If, based on the work we have
performed on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required
to report that fact in this auditor’s report. We have nothing to report in this regard.
The Annual Report is expected to be made available to us after the date of the auditor’s report. If, based on the work we will
perform on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to
report that fact to those charged with governance.
Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and for
such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the 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 Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 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 GAAS 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 financial
statements.
60
As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian GAAS, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism
throughout the audit. We also:
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the 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 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 financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the
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 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.
The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is David Craig Irwin.
Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Ontario
November 19, 2020
61
Real Matters Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of United States (“U.S.”) dollars)
ASSETS
CURRENT
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (Note 19)
Prepaid expenses
NON-CURRENT
INTANGIBLES (Note 4)
GOODWILL (Note 5)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Note 6)
OTHER ASSETS
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (Note 20)
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
CURRENT
Trade payables
Accrued charges
Income taxes payable
Lease liabilities (Note 3 and 7)
NON-CURRENT
LEASEHOLD INDUCEMENTS (Note 3)
WARRANT LIABILITIES (Note 9)
LEASE LIABILITIES (Note 3 and 7)
TOTAL LIABILITIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 18)
EQUITY
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 10)
Common shares
Contributed surplus
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
TOTAL EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Approved by:
2020
2019
129,156 $
30,661
1,791
161,608
7,927
60,477
11,352
34
8,326
88,116
249,724
$
19,477 $
5,216
1,384
1,303
27,380
-
3,527
6,601
10,128
37,508
71,680
36,587
1,530
109,797
9,654
60,477
3,632
110
19,413
93,286
203,083
19,334
2,420
325
10
22,089
439
6,394
-
6,833
28,922
3,214
3,978
262,653
7,712
(51,536)
(9,827)
209,002
212,216
249,724
$
253,842
6,393
(81,346)
(8,706)
170,183
174,161
203,083
$
$
$
$
Blaine Hobson (signed) – Non-Executive Chairman Garry M.Foster (signed) – Audit Committee Chair
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
62
Real Matters Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars except outstanding share and net income or
loss per share amounts)
REVENUES (Note 22)
TRANSACTION COSTS
OPERATING EXPENSES (Note 12)
AMORTIZATION
ACQUISITION COSTS
INTEGRATION EXPENSES
IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS (Note 13)
INTEREST EXPENSE (Note 8)
INTEREST INCOME
NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE GAIN
LOSS ON FAIR VALUE OF WARRANTS (Note 9 and 15)
GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARY
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (Note 20)
Current
Deferred
TOTAL INCOME TAX EXPENSE
NET INCOME
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Items that will be reclassified to net income or loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET INCOME - ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
NET INCOME - ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING
INTERESTS
Net income per weighted average share, basic (Note 11)
Net income per weighted average share, diluted (Note 11)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (thousands),
basic (Note 11)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (thousands),
diluted (Note 11)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2020
2019
455,945 $
293,828
92,294
4,453
-
-
-
493
(611)
(1,077)
5,101
-
61,464
7,528
11,138
18,666
42,798
(1,121)
41,677 $
41,991 $
807 $
322,537
220,462
74,917
10,172
267
685
361
190
(986)
(3,327)
5,617
(125)
14,304
971
3,239
4,210
10,094
(3,699)
6,395
8,958
1,136
40,870 $
5,259
807 $
1,136
0.50 $
0.47 $
0.10
0.10
84,636
86,366
88,456
90,067
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
63
Real Matters Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars)
NET INFLOW (OUTFLOW) OF CASH RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING
OPERATING
Net income
Items not affecting cash
Stock-based compensation (Note 16)
Amortization of intangibles (Note 4)
Amortization of property and equipment (Note 6)
Impairment of assets
Leasehold inducements
Interest expense
Loss on fair value of warrants (Note 9 and 15)
Income tax expense
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on internal financing arrangements
Changes in non-cash working capital items (Note 14)
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Cash generated from operating activities
INVESTING
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary
Purchase of subsidiary shares from non-controlling interests
Partial disposal of a subsidiary to non-controlling interests
Purchase of property and equipment (Note 6)
Cash utilized in investing activities
FINANCING
Proceeds from lease liabilities (Note 15)
Repayment of lease liabilities (Note 15)
Deferred financing costs
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options, net of issue costs
Purchase of common shares and related costs (Note 10)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Cash utilized in financing activities
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents
NET CASH INFLOW
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of:
Cash
Cash equivalents
2020
2019
$
42,798 $
10,094
2,419
1,727
2,726
-
-
493
5,101
18,666
-
(731)
8,364
(407)
(6,467)
74,689
-
-
-
(1,828)
(1,828)
189
(1,356)
(10)
-
4,512
(16,961)
(1,571)
(15,197)
(188)
57,476
71,680
129,156 $
1,819
8,981
1,191
361
(59)
190
5,617
4,210
(125)
(2,608)
(2,127)
(95)
(1,806)
25,643
125
(40)
50
(2,065)
(1,930)
-
(172)
-
240
1,645
(20,205)
(471)
(18,963)
(1,115)
3,635
68,045
71,680
76,709 $
52,447
129,156 $
32,053
39,627
71,680
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
64
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Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
1. Nature of Operations
Real Matters Inc. (“Real Matters” or the “Company”) is a leading technology and network management company providing appraisal
services through its Solidifi brand to the mortgage lending industry in the U.S. and Canada, title and closing services through its
Solidifi brand to the mortgage lending industry in the U.S. and insurance inspection services through its iv3 brand to the insurance
industry in Canada.
Real Matters’ head office and Canadian operations are located at 50 Minthorn Boulevard, Markham, Ontario and its principal U.S.
subsidiaries operate in Buffalo, New York, Middletown, Rhode Island and Denver, Colorado.
2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”) have been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
The financial statements were authorized for issue by the board of directors on November 19, 2020.
Basis of presentation
The financial statements are presented in thousands of U.S. dollars and have been prepared applying the historical cost method,
except for certain financial instruments which are measured at fair value. Historical cost reflects the fair value of consideration
exchanged for the asset at the date it was acquired.
The significant accounting policies and methodologies outlined below have been applied consistently and for all periods presented in
these financial statements.
Basis of consolidation
These financial statements include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries controlled by the Company. The Company is
deemed to control a subsidiary when it is exposed to, or has the right to, variable returns from its involvement with an investee and
it has the ability to direct the activities of the investee that significantly affects the investee’s returns through its power over the
subsidiary. Where the Company’s interest in a subsidiary is less than one hundred percent, the Company recognizes a non-
controlling interest in the investee. All intercompany transactions, balances, revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
Subsequent to acquisition, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is the amount recognized initially, plus the non-
controlling interests’ share of changes in the capital of the company and changes in ownership interests, if any. Total comprehensive
income or loss is attributed to non-controlling interests, even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.
The financial statements of controlled entities are included in these financial statements from the date control is effective until the
date control ceases to exist.
Functional and presentation currency
The Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar. Accordingly, its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and
equity are consolidated in Canadian dollars.
The Company translates its U.S. subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities to Canadian dollars from their functional currency of U.S. dollars
using the exchange rate in effect at the date the statement of financial position is presented. Revenues and expenses are translated
to Canadian dollars at the average monthly exchange rate in effect during the year. The resulting translation adjustments are
included in other comprehensive income or loss.
66
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
The Company has elected to report its financial results in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, the Company’s consolidated statements of
financial position are translated from Canadian to U.S. dollars at the foreign currency exchange rate in effect at the date the
statement of financial position is presented. Certain transactions affecting shareholders’ equity are translated at their historical
foreign currency exchange rates. The statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss and statements of cash flows are
translated to U.S. dollars applying the average foreign currency exchange rate in effect during the reporting period and the resulting
translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income or loss. Reporting the Company’s financial results in U.S.
dollars reduces the impact foreign currency fluctuations have on its reported amounts because the Company’s operations are larger
in the U.S. than they are in Canada. The Company remains a legally domiciled Canadian entity and its functional currency is the
Canadian dollar. Translating the Company’s U.S. financial position, results of operations and cash flows into Canadian dollars, the
Company’s functional currency, and re-translating these amounts to U.S. dollars, the Company’s reporting currency, has no
translation impact on the Company’s financial statements. Accordingly, U.S. results retain their original values when expressed in the
Company’s reporting currency.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, including certain long-term financing arrangements between
Canadian and U.S. entities within the consolidated group of companies that are not considered part of the net investment in a
foreign operation and that are different from the Company’s functional currency, are translated to the Company’s functional
currency applying the foreign exchange rate in effect at the date the statement of financial position is presented. Realized and
unrealized foreign currency differences are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or
loss.
Exchange differences on monetary assets and liabilities receivable or payable with a foreign operation, for which settlement is
neither planned nor likely to occur and therefore forms part of the net investment in a foreign operation, are recognized initially in
other comprehensive income or loss and presented within equity. The cumulative amount of the resulting exchange differences
recorded in other comprehensive income or loss, are reclassified from equity to the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income or loss on settlement.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments in highly liquid marketable securities, which have a term to maturity of
three months or less.
Included in cash is $2,020 (2019 - $2,015) set aside by the Company to demonstrate that it has sufficient liquidity to support its
California county title license for the conduct of business in the state of California.
The Company’s residential and commercial real estate title and closing services requires it to hold cash in escrow accounts that it
does not have ownership of. Accordingly, cash held in escrow, including escrow receivables and escrow liabilities, are not recorded
as assets or liabilities on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position. All cash held in escrow is deposited in non-
interest bearing bank accounts.
Intangibles
Intangible assets with finite useful lives are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Intangibles are tested for impairment when a triggering event occurs. Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over the
estimated useful life of the intangible asset and recorded to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income
or loss. The estimated useful life and amortization method are reviewed at least annually, with any change in estimate recognized
prospectively. Estimated useful lives for intangibles having finite lives are as follows:
Internally generated intangible assets
Customer relationships
Brand names
Technology
Licenses
2.5 years
3 years
3 years
3 years
10 years
67
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Internally generated intangible assets are capitalized if, and only if, all of the following have been demonstrated:
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
The technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset is expected to make it available for use or sale;
The Company intends to complete and use or sell the intangible asset;
The Company has the ability to use or sell the intangible asset;
How the Company expects the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits;
Adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset
exists; and
The Company has the ability to reliably measure the expenditures attributable to its development.
The amount recognized as an internally generated intangible asset represents the sum of expenditures from the date when the
intangible asset first meets the recognition criteria listed above to the date the asset is available for use. During the period of
development, the asset is tested for impairment at least annually. Where no internally generated intangible asset is recognized,
expenditures are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss in the period in which
the cost is incurred.
When the asset is available for use, the cost model is applied which requires the asset to be carried at cost less accumulated
amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Internally generated intangible assets represented computer software development costs associated with the development and
enhancement of the Company’s platforms. Costs associated with the maintenance of the Company’s platforms are expensed as
incurred.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the difference between consideration and the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in a business
combination. Goodwill is recorded at cost less accumulated impairment losses, if any. Goodwill is not amortized and is allocated to
each of the Company’s cash-generating units (“CGU” or “CGUs”) or group of CGUs that benefit from the acquisition, irrespective of
whether other assets or liabilities acquired are assigned to those units. For the purpose of goodwill impairment testing the
Company’s CGUs represent its operating segments which is consistent with the level goodwill is monitored.
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or more frequently when there is an indication that goodwill may be impaired. If the
recoverable amount of the CGU, representing the higher of its fair value less cost to sell (“FVLCS”) and its value in use, is less than its
carrying amount, any resulting impairment loss is first allocated to goodwill and subsequently to other assets of the CGU on a pro
rata basis. Any goodwill impairment loss is recorded to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or
loss in the period of impairment. Previously recognized impairment losses for goodwill are not reversed in subsequent periods.
Upon the disposal of a CGU or group of CGUs, the portion of goodwill attributable to the CGU is included in the determination of
profit or loss recorded to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on June 30th.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any. The initial cost
includes the purchase price and any expenditures directly attributable to ready the asset for use. Purchased software that is integral
to the function of certain equipment is capitalized. When components of property and equipment have different useful lives, those
components are accounted for as separate items of property and equipment and amortized separately.
Gains and losses on the disposal of property and equipment represents the difference between the proceeds received, if any, on
disposal of the asset and its carrying amount. Any resulting gain or loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations
and comprehensive income or loss.
68
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Amortization is recognized using the straight-line method for each component of property and equipment. The Company reviews
the amortization methods, useful lives and residual values at each reporting date. The expected useful lives of property and
equipment are set forth below:
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvements
Right-of-use assets
3 - 5 years
5 years
Lesser of the remaining term of the lease and expected useful life
Lesser of the lease term and the useful life of the underlying asset
Capitalized finance lease assets were amortized over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets. However, when
there was no reasonable certainty that ownership would transfer at the end of the lease term, capitalized finance lease assets were
amortized over the lesser of the lease term and their estimated useful lives.
Leases and leasehold inducements
Prior to October 1, 2019, leases were classified and capitalized as finance leases when the terms of the lease transferred
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. Assets held under finance leases were initially recognized as assets
of the Company at fair value or, if lower, at the present value of the future minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability was
included in the consolidated statements of financial position as a finance lease obligation. Leases for which the risks and rewards
were retained by the lessor were considered operating leases. Operating lease payments were recognized as an expense and
charged to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Leasehold inducements represented rent-free periods, rent escalations and lease incentives which were amortized on a straight-line
basis over the respective lease terms to rent expense.
Effective October 1, 2019, at inception, the Company assessed whether a contract was, or contained, a lease based on whether the
contract conveyed the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration and
recognized a right-of-use asset and lease liability, as applicable.
Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any, and adjusted
for any re-measurement of lease liabilities. The cost of a right-of-use asset reflects the amount recognized on the initial
measurement of the lease obligation plus any lease payments made on or before the commencement date, including any initial
direct costs and related restoration costs. Right-of-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease
term and the useful life of the underlying asset. If a lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use
asset includes the exercise of a purchase option, the related right-of-use asset is amortized over the useful life of the underlying
asset. Amortization of the right-of-use asset begins at the lease commencement date.
Lease liabilities include the net present value of fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), variable lease payments
that are based on an index, rate or subject to a fair market value renewal, amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under
residual value guarantees, the exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably expected to exercise that option, and
payments for penalties attributable to terminating the lease if the lessee is reasonably expected to terminate the lease prior to the
end of the lease term. When a contract contains both lease and non-lease components, the Company allocates the consideration in
the contract to each of the components on the basis of the relative stand-alone price of the lease component and the aggregate
stand-alone price of the non-lease component. Relative stand-alone prices are determined by maximizing the most observable
supplier prices for a similar asset and/or service. The lease liability is expressed net of lease incentives receivable and lease
payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if the implicit rate cannot be determined, the lessee’s
incremental borrowing rate.
The period over which lease payments are discounted is equal to the lease term, which includes renewal options that the Company
is reasonably expected to exercise. Payments associated with short-term leases, representing leases with a term of 12 months or
less, and leases for low-value assets, are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis to operating expenses in the consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. Variable lease payments that are not dependent on an index or rate, or
69
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
are subject to a fair market value renewal, are expensed as incurred and recognized to operating expenses in the consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
Each lease payment included in the lease liability is apportioned between the repayment of the liability and the cost to finance. The
finance cost is recorded to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss over
the lease term to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the obligation. The carrying amount of
lease liabilities is re-measured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or specified rate, if
there is a modification to the lease term, if there is a change in the estimated amount payable under a residual value guarantee or if
the Company changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a termination, extension or purchase option.
Lease payments related to the principal portion of lease liabilities are classified as cash flows from financing activities while lease
payments related to the interest portion are classified as cash flows from operating activities, within interest paid.
Income taxes
Income tax expense or recovery is comprised of current and deferred income tax which is recognized in the consolidated statements
of operations and comprehensive income or loss, except for income taxes attributable to a business combination or equity
transaction.
Current income tax represents the expected amounts payable or receivable as a result of taxable income or loss generated by the
Company in the period applying enacted or substantively enacted tax rates, at the reporting date. Current income taxes may include
prior period adjustments to income taxes payable or receivable.
Deferred income tax is recognized applying the liability method, which recognizes the temporary differences between the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their equivalent tax amounts. Deferred income tax is not
recognized on the initial recording of assets or liabilities for financial reporting purposes that is not a business combination and that
impacts neither accounting income nor taxable income or loss. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured applying tax
rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date and are expected to be in effect when the temporary
differences reverse.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized when it is probable that future taxable income will be available to realize the benefit of
the deferred tax asset. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent it is no longer
probable that the related tax benefit will be realized and the related tax benefit is subsequently increased only when the probability
of future taxable income improves. Deferred income tax liabilities are not recognized on temporary differences that arise from
goodwill that is not deductible for tax purposes.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when the entity has a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets
against current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority
on the same taxable entity or different taxable entities when there is an intention to either settle current income tax liabilities on a
net basis or realize the tax assets and settle tax liabilities simultaneously in a future period.
Warrant liabilities
At the time of issuance, warrants are classified as either a financial liability or equity instrument in accordance with the substance of
the contractual arrangement. Warrants that obligate the Company to deliver a variable number of shares whose value equals a fixed
amount or an amount based on changes in an underlying variable, are not an equity instrument, and are therefore classified as a
financial liability. Subsequent changes to the conversion option that fixes the number of shares and price of shares issuable, are not
considered by the Company when the contractual terms of the warrant do not change and there has been no change in the
circumstances of the Company. Warrants classified as liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position are re-measured
at their estimated fair value at each reporting date. Any change to the fair value of warrants is recognized in the consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
70
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Revenues
The Company evaluates whether the contracts it enters into meet the definition of a contract with a customer at inception and
recognizes revenue when control of the goods or services has been transferred. Revenue is measured based on the consideration
the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. When applicable, the Company
excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties from revenue when it does not control the goods or services before they are
transferred to a customer, since it is acting as an agent rather than a principal to the transaction. The Company has determined that
no significant financing component exists between the date a promised good or service is transferred to a customer and the date the
customer pays for that good or service, when the period is one year or less.
The Company records revenue at a point in time, unless otherwise indicated below.
Residential Mortgage Appraisals
The Company provides residential mortgage appraisals through its technology-based platform (the “Platform”) and network of
independent qualified field professionals. Revenue is derived from transaction fees earned from mortgage lenders on residential
appraisal products such as complete home appraisals, a broker price opinion, property condition reports and desktop appraisals. The
Company recognizes revenue when the appraisal report is delivered to its clients.
Title and Closing
The Company provides title and closing services to residential and commercial clients which include title search procedures for title
insurance policies, escrow and other closing services. Title and closing revenues, which are recorded exclusive of amounts remitted
to third party insurance underwriters and certain work performed by attorneys in attorney work share states, are recorded when a
transaction closes. Recording services are recognized as revenue when the documents are submitted to the county for recording.
Search Services
The Company provides current owner, tax and commercial title search and property reports to other title insurance companies or
property investment companies. Search revenues are recorded when the report is delivered to the client.
Insurance Inspection
The Company provides insurance inspection services to property and casualty insurers through the Platform. The Company records
revenue when the insurance inspection report is delivered to the client.
Software Services
The Company provides three hosted software solutions. Contracts for these services are generally term based ranging from one to
three years. On-going service fee revenues are recognized as services are provided. Any usage-based fees and minimum transaction
fees are recognized monthly as services are provided over the term of the arrangement.
Contract Costs
Incremental costs to obtain customer contracts include commissions that would not be incurred if the contracts had not been
obtained. As a practical expedient, the Company recognizes the incremental costs to obtain a contract as an immediate expense if
the amortization period of the asset is one year or less.
The Company manages and reviews its operations by geographical location and service type. For detailed information about the
Company’s reportable segments and disaggregated revenue, see Note 22.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs represent expenses that are directly attributable to a specific revenue transaction, which include: appraisal costs,
various processing fees, including credit card fees, connectivity fees, insurance inspection costs, title and closing field professional
costs, external abstractor costs and external quality review costs.
71
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for applying the acquisition method of accounting, where the fair value of consideration is
allocated to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. If the fair value of the net assets
acquired is in excess of the aggregate consideration transferred, the Company re-assesses if it has correctly identified all of the
assets acquired and liabilities assumed and reviews the procedures used to measure the amounts recognized at the date of
acquisition. Following its reassessment, if the Company concludes that the fair value of net assets acquired exceeds the aggregate
consideration transferred, the Company will record a gain to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income
or loss.
The excess of consideration over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill and allocated to the
Company’s CGUs. For each business combination that includes a non-controlling interest, the Company, at its election, measures the
non-controlling interest’s investment in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s net identifiable
assets acquired.
Any contingent consideration is recognized at fair value on the acquisition date. All contingent consideration (except that which is
classified as equity) is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded to the statements of operations and comprehensive
income or loss. Contingent consideration classified to equity is not re-measured and settlement is accounted for within equity.
The fair value measurement and recognition of net assets acquired may require adjustment when information is absent and fair
value allocations are presented on an estimated or preliminary basis. Adjustments to estimated or preliminary amounts, reflecting
new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed at the date of acquisition and occurring not later than one
year from the date of acquisition, are recorded in the period the adjustment is determined.
Transaction costs incurred in connection with a business combination, other than costs associated with the issuance of debt or
equity securities, are expensed in the statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
Provisions
Provisions are recognized when it is probable that the Company is required to settle an obligation (legal or constructive), as a result
of a past event, and the obligation can be reliably estimated. The provision represents the Company’s best estimate of the amounts
required to settle the obligation at the end of the reporting period. When a provision is determined applying a measure of cash
flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows (when the impact of the
time value of money is material). When some or all of the amounts required to settle a provision are expected to be recoverable
from a third party, a receivable is recognized when it is virtually certain that reimbursement is receivable and the expected
reimbursement can be reliably measured.
Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivatives and embedded derivatives in certain contracts, are recognized in the
consolidated statements of financial position when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of a financial
instrument or non-financial derivative contract.
Classification and Measurement
The Company classifies and measures financial assets based on their contractual cash flow characteristics and the Company’s
business model for the financial asset. A financial asset is classified as measured at: amortized cost; fair value through other
comprehensive income (‘‘FVOCI’’); or fair value through profit and loss (‘‘FVPL’’).
A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as FVPL:
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and
its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal
amount outstanding.
72
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
All financial assets not classified and measured at amortized cost or FVOCI are classified and measured at FVPL. This includes all
derivative financial assets. On initial recognition, a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be measured at
amortized cost or FVOCI may be irrevocably designated as FVPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting
mismatch that would otherwise arise.
Financial assets classified and measured at amortized cost are subsequently measured applying the effective interest method, less
any impairment losses. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment losses, are recognized in the
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. Financial assets are derecognized when the contractual
rights to receive cash flows and benefits from the financial asset expire, or if the Company transfers the control or substantially all
the risks and rewards of ownership to another party. Any resulting gain or loss on derecognition is recorded to the consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss in the period of derecognition.
Financial assets classified and measured at FVPL are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Net gains and
losses, including any interest or dividend income, are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income or loss.
Financial liabilities are classified and measured based on two categories: amortized cost or FVPL. Derivatives embedded in contracts
where the host is a financial asset within the scope of the standard are not separated, and the hybrid financial instrument is
assessed for classification as a whole. Financial liabilities are derecognized when obligations under the contract expire, are
discharged or cancelled. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognized and the consideration
paid or payable is recorded to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss in the period of
derecognition.
Below is a summary showing the measurement categories of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities.
Financial assets and liabilities
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Trade payables
Accrued charges
Long-term debt
Warrant liabilities
Measurement Category
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
Amortized cost
FVPL
Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities, other than
financial assets and financial liabilities classified as FVPL, are added to or deducted from the fair value of financial assets or financial
liabilities, as appropriate. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities classified
as FVPL are expensed to the statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
Costs of issuing debt and equity
The cost of issuing debt is included as part of long-term debt and is accounted for at amortized cost applying the effective interest
method. When long-term debt amounts are nil, but amounts are still available to be drawn, costs of issuing debt are reclassified to
other assets in the consolidated statements of financial position. The cost of issuing equity is reflected as a direct charge to common
shares.
Derivative financial instruments
The Company may enter into foreign currency exchange agreements from time-to-time as part of its strategy to manage foreign
currency exposure. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Derivatives, including
derivatives that are embedded in financial or non-financial contracts where the host contract is not a financial asset, are measured
at their estimated fair values. Gains or losses on financial instruments measured at their estimated fair values are recorded to the
statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss in the periods in which they arise, with the exception of gains and
losses on certain financial instruments that are part of a designated hedging relationship.
73
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Fair value
Fair value represents the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. The Company classifies its fair value measurements using a fair value
hierarchy that reflects the significance of inputs used in making such measurements. IFRS establishes a fair value hierarchy based on
the level of independent, objective evidence applied to measure fair value. Financial assets or financial liabilities are categorized
within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. An entity is
required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The
following three levels of inputs are applied to measure fair value:
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – observable inputs, other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted market
prices in markets that are not active, or model derived valuations or other inputs that are observable or can be
corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability
Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity
Impairment
Financial assets
The impairment of financial assets is based on an expected credit loss (“ECL”) model. The ECL model applies to financial assets
measured at amortized cost and requires the Company to consider factors that include past events, current conditions and forecasts
of future economic conditions.
Loss allowances are measured on either of the following bases:
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
12-month ECLs: these are ECLs that result from possible default events within the 12 months after the reporting date; and
lifetime ECLs: these are ECLs that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument.
The Company elects to measure loss allowances for trade and other receivables at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs applied at each
reporting date. The Company determines ECLs on trade and other receivables using a provision matrix based on historical credit loss
experience to estimate lifetime ECLs adjusted for estimated changes to credit risks and forecasts of future economic conditions.
Impairment losses are recorded to operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or
loss with the carrying amount of the financial asset or group of financial assets reduced through the use of impairment allowance
accounts. When an impairment loss has decreased in a subsequent period, and such decrease can be related objectively to
conditions and changes in factors occurring after the impairment was initially recognized, the previously recognized impairment loss
is immediately reversed in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. The reversal of an
impairment loss may not exceed the amortized cost had no impairment loss been recognized.
Non-financial assets
The carrying value of property and equipment and intangibles are reviewed at each reporting period to determine if indicators of
impairment exist. If any such indicator exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.
For the purpose of impairment testing, the recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset or are grouped together into
CGUs, representing the smallest group of assets that generates independent cash inflows. If the carrying amount of the asset or CGU
exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income or loss as a reduction in the carrying amount of the asset to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an asset or
CGU is the higher of its FVLCS and its value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their
present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks
specific to the asset or CGU.
Impairments of non-financial assets recognized in a prior period are re-assessed at the end of each reporting period to determine if
indicators of impairment have reversed or no longer exist. An impairment loss is reversed if the estimated recoverable amount
74
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
exceeds the asset or CGU’s carrying amount. The reversal of an impairment loss may not exceed the carrying amount, net of
amortization, of the asset or CGU had no impairment loss been recognized.
Stock-based payments
The Company grants equity-settled stock options under its stock-based compensation plan. The fair value of stock options at the
grant date is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model and is subject to the satisfaction of certain vesting
conditions. Uncertain vesting conditions do not result in compensation expense being recognized until they are satisfied or deemed
to be probable of satisfaction. Compensation expense is recorded to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income or loss over the vesting period based on the estimated number of options expected to vest with a corresponding increase in
shareholders’ equity. Management’s estimate of the number of awards expected to vest occurs at the time of grant and at each
reporting date up to the vesting date. The estimated forfeiture rate is adjusted for actual forfeitures in the period.
Net income or loss per share
Basic net income or loss per share is calculated by dividing net income or loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income or loss per share is
calculated by dividing the net income or loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number
of shares outstanding adjusted for all potentially dilutive equity instruments, comprising stock options and warrants.
Operating segments
An operating segment is a component of the Company that engages in business activities. An operating segment may earn revenues
and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses incurred by virtue of activities with any of the Company’s other operations. An
operating segment has discrete financial information available which is regularly reviewed by the Company’s Chief Operating
Decision Maker (“CODM”) to assess performance or make resource allocation decisions.
Significant judgments, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.
Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed at least annually or more
frequently as required. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period of revision, which may impact future
reporting periods. Areas that are subject to judgment and estimate include revenue recognition, the identification of CGUs,
impairment of goodwill and non-financial assets, the determination of fair values in connection with business combinations,
internally generated intangible assets, the determination of fair value for warrants and financial instruments, stock-based payments,
the useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets, lease terms, the determination of the carrying amount of right-of-
use assets and lease liabilities, the likelihood of realizing deferred income tax assets, provisions and contingencies.
Critical accounting judgments and estimates
Management believes the following accounting policies are subject to the most critical judgments and estimates and could have the
most significant impact on the amounts recognized in these financial statements.
Revenues – satisfaction of performance obligations
(a)
The satisfaction of performance obligations requires management to make judgments when control of the underlying good or
service transfers to the customer. Determining when a performance obligation is satisfied affects the timing of revenue recognition.
Management considers indicators of the transfer of control, including when the customer is obligated to pay and whether the
transfer of significant risks and rewards has occurred, which represents the time when the customer has acquired the ability to
direct and use the good or service and obtained substantively all of the benefits.
Revenues – agent versus principal
(b)
The Company uses judgment in its assessment of whether it is acting as an agent or principal in a transaction. When the Company is
not primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide a specified good or service and does not have discretion to establish
price, it is acting as an agent in the transaction. The Company is acting as a principal when it controls the deliverables prior to
delivery to the customer and establishes pricing.
75
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Identification of CGUs
(c)
The Company has allocated its tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill to the smallest identifiable group of assets that
generate cash inflows and that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets. The determination of CGUs or groups
of CGUs for the purpose of annual impairment testing requires judgment.
Impairment of goodwill and non-financial assets
(d)
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if there is an indication of impairment. The carrying value of property
and equipment and intangible assets is reviewed each reporting period to determine whether impairment indicators exist. The
recoverable amounts attributed to CGUs reflect the higher of FVLCS or value in use. The Company’s determination of a CGU’s
recoverable amount, which could include an estimate of FVLCS, uses market information to estimate the amount the Company could
obtain from disposing of the asset in an arm’s length transaction, less the estimated cost of disposal. The Company estimates value
in use by discounting estimated future cash flows for the CGU or asset to its present value using a pre-tax discount rate reflecting a
current market assessment of the time value of money and certain risks specific to the CGU or asset. Estimated cash flows are based
on management’s assumptions and business plans which are supported by internal strategies, plans and external information.
The estimated recoverable amount for an asset or CGU requires the use of significant estimates, including future cash flows, growth
rates, and terminal and discount rates.
Business combinations
(e)
Applying the acquisition method to business combinations requires an entity to measure each identifiable asset and liability at fair
value. The excess, if any, of the fair value of consideration over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recognized as
goodwill. The purchase price allocation involves judgment with respect to the identification of intangible assets acquired and
estimates of fair value for assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including pre-acquisition contingencies and contingent
consideration. Changes in any of the assumptions or estimates used to identify intangible assets acquired, determine the fair value
of acquired assets and liabilities assumed, including pre-acquisition contingencies or contingent consideration, could affect the
amounts assigned to assets, liabilities and goodwill in the purchase price allocation.
The Company makes estimates, assumptions, and judgments when valuing goodwill and other intangible assets in connection with
the initial purchase price allocation of an acquired entity, in addition to evaluating the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible
assets on an ongoing basis. These estimates are based on a number of factors, including historical experience, market conditions,
and information obtained from the management of acquired companies. Critical estimates in valuing certain intangible assets
include, but are not limited to, historical and projected attrition rates, discount rates, anticipated revenue growth from acquired
customers, acquired technology, and the expected use of the acquired assets. These factors are also considered in determining the
useful life of acquired intangible assets. The amounts and useful lives assigned to identified intangible assets also impacts the
amount and timing of future amortization expense.
Unanticipated events and circumstances may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.
Fair value of warrant liabilities
(f)
The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of warrant liabilities, which requires the
use of several input variables. The inputs to the model are subject to estimate and changes in these inputs can materially impact the
estimated fair value of warrant liabilities. The fair value reported may not represent the transaction value if these warrants were
exchanged at any point in time.
Stock-based payments
(g)
The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock-based compensation which
requires the use of several input variables. These inputs are subject to estimate and changes in these inputs can materially affect the
estimated fair value of stock-based compensation. The fair value reported may not represent the transaction value if these options
were exercised at any point in time.
76
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets
(h)
Judgment is applied to determine an asset’s useful life, and where applicable, estimated residual value, used in the computation of
amortization. Accordingly, an asset’s actual useful life and estimated residual value may differ significantly from these estimates.
Where an item of property and equipment can be subdivided into its major components, and these components are assessed as
having different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items of property and equipment. The application of this
policy requires judgment to determine the asset’s useful life and to identify an asset’s major components.
Leases
(i)
Lease terms applied are the contractual non-cancellable periods of the lease plus periods covered by an option to renew the lease if
the Company is reasonably certain to exercise that option and the periods covered by an option to terminate the lease if the
Company is reasonably certain to not exercise that option. Management applies judgment in assessing all factors that create an
economic incentive to exercise extension options, or to not exercise termination options, which are available in its lease
arrangements. Management reviews its initial assessment if a significant event or change in circumstances occurs which affects its
initial assessment and is within the control of the Company.
To determine the carrying amount of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, the Company estimates the incremental borrowing rate
specific to each leased asset or portfolio of leased assets if the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable.
Management determines the incremental borrowing rate attributable to each leased asset, or portfolio of leased assets, by
assessing the Company’s creditworthiness, the security, term and value of the underlying leased asset and the economic
environment in which the leased asset operates. The incremental borrowing rate is subject to change mainly as a result of
macroeconomic changes.
Valuation of deferred income tax assets
(j)
The Company assesses its ability to generate taxable income in future periods from its internal budgets and forecasts. Taxable
income is adjusted to reflect certain non-taxable income and expense or the use of unused credits and tax losses. The Company’s
estimate of future taxable income, for the purposes of determining the existence of a deferred tax asset, depends on many factors,
including the Company’s ability to generate income subject to tax and implement tax planning measures, along with other
substantive evidence. The occurrence or non-occurrence of certain future events may lead to significant changes in the
measurement of deferred tax assets.
Provisions
(k)
Due to the nature of provisions, there is a degree of uncertainty inherent in their measurement. Management uses its best efforts to
estimate and provide for potential losses. Assumptions applied reflect the most probable set of economic conditions and planned
courses of action by the Company.
Other
(l)
Other areas where the Company employs judgment and estimate include, the determination of its allowance for doubtful accounts,
financial instruments, its control assessment of subsidiaries and contingencies related to litigation, claims and assessments.
3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 – “Leases” (“IFRS 16”), which replaced IAS 17 – “Leases” (“IAS 17”) and any related
interpretations. IFRS 16 provides a single lessee accounting model, which requires the recognition of assets and liabilities for all
leases, unless the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying value of the asset is low. IFRS 16 substantially carried forward the
lessor accounting in IAS 17, with the distinction between operating and finance leases retained.
On October 1, 2019, the Company adopted IFRS 16 applying the modified retrospective approach. This approach did not require
adjustment to the financial information presented on a comparative basis, including the related disclosures, and the cumulative
impact of applying the new standard was recognized to accumulated deficit.
77
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
As permitted by IFRS 16, the Company elected to use the following transition options and practical expedients on adoption:
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
grandfather the definition of leases for existing contracts at the date of initial application;
exclude certain short-term leases and leases of low value items;
exclude leases for which the lease term ends within 12 months from the date of initial application;
apply a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics;
assess whether leases are onerous instead of performing an impairment review on its right-of-use assets as at October 1,
2019;
exclude initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use assets at the date of initial application; and
use hindsight to determine the lease term of contracts containing options to extend or terminate the lease on the date of
initial application.
Impact
On adoption of IFRS 16, the Company recognized a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for leases previously classified as operating
leases where the Company was a lessee. Assets and obligations related to finance leases on the date of initial application remained
unchanged. Right-of-use assets were measured at an amount equal to the lease liability and lease liabilities were measured at the
present value of the remaining lease payments applying a discount rate equal to the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as at
October 1, 2019. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities recognized in the consolidated
statements of financial position was 3.68 percent.
The following table summarizes the adjustments to certain amounts previously reported under IAS 17 as at September 30, 2019
resulting from the initial application of IFRS 16:
ASSETS
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
LIABILITIES
CURRENT
Lease liabilities
NON-CURRENT
LEASEHOLD INDUCEMENTS
LEASE LIABILITIES
EQUITY
Accumulated deficit
As previously reported under IAS 17,
September 30, 2019
IFRS 16 transition
adjustments
Balance at October
1, 2019
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,632 $
19,413 $
10 $
439 $
- $
8,632 $
81 $
1,309 $
(439) $
7,762 $
12,264
19,494
1,319
-
7,762
(81,346) $
81 $
(81,265)
The following table reconciles operating lease commitments as at September 30, 2019 to the opening balance of lease liabilities as at
October 1, 2019:
Operating lease commitments as at September 30, 2019
Add: finance lease liabilities recognized as at September 30, 2019
Add: adjustments for the treatment of extension options
Less: effect of discounting using the lessee's incremental borrowing rate
Less: short-term, low value leases and others
Lease liabilities recognized as at October 1, 2019
$
$
8,617
10
1,420
(907)
(59)
9,081
Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRS Interpretation Committee 23 – “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments”. The interpretation
clarifies how to apply the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12 – “Income Taxes” when there is uncertainty over the
treatment of income tax. The interpretation requires an entity to determine whether uncertain tax positions are assessed separately
78
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
or together with one or more uncertain tax positions, and in making such assessment, an entity is required to assume that the
taxation authority will examine amounts it has a right to examine and has full knowledge of all information when making its
examination. An entity must also consider the probability that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment used, or
proposed to be used, by the entity in its income tax filings and reassess any judgments and estimates made if the facts and
circumstances change or new information becomes available. The effective date of the interpretation is for annual periods beginning
on or after January 1, 2019, applied retrospectively or using a modified retrospective application without the restatement of
comparative information. Earlier application was permitted. The adoption of the interpretation had no impact on the Company’s
financial statements.
Business Combinations
In October 2018, the IASB issued “Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3)” to address difficulties that arise when an entity
determines whether it has acquired a business or group of assets. The amendment clarifies that to be considered a business, an
acquired set of activities and assets must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly
contribute to create outputs. The definition of a business and outputs have been narrowed by focusing on goods and services
provided to customers and removing the reference to an ability to reduce costs. The amendments are effective for annual periods
beginning on or after January 1, 2020 and earlier application is permitted. The adoption of this amendment is applicable for the
Company in determining whether acquisitions on or after October 1, 2020 qualify as a business.
Presentation of Financial Statements and Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
In October 2018, the IASB issued “Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8)” to clarify the definition of material.
Information is material if omitting, misstating or obscuring it could reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary
users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements. The amendments are effective for
annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020 and earlier application is permitted. The Company will apply the new
definition of material effective October 1, 2020 and adopting this amendment is not expected to have a significant impact on the
Company’s 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)” providing a more
general approach to the classification of liabilities under IAS 1 based on the contractual arrangements in place at the reporting date.
The amendment clarifies that the classification of liabilities as current or non-current should be based on rights that are in existence
at the end of the reporting period. Only rights to defer settlement by at least twelve months that are in place at the end of the
reporting period affect the classification of a liability. Classification is unaffected by an entities’ expectation to exercise its right to
defer settlement of a liability. The amendments, to be applied retrospectively, are effective for annual reporting periods beginning
on or after January 1, 2023. The Company will apply the amendment to the classification of liabilities effective October 1, 2023, and
adopting this amendment is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Narrow-scope amendments and Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020
In May 2020, the IASB issued a series of narrow-scope amendments that impact the following standards: IAS 16 – “Property, Plant
and Equipment – Proceeds before Intended Use” (“IAS 16”), IAS 37 – “Onerous Contracts – Costs of Fulfilling a Contract” (“IAS 37”),
IFRS 3 – “Reference to the Conceptual Framework” (“IFRS 3”), and annual improvements to IFRS 1, IFRS 9, IFRS 16, and IAS 41.
The amendment to IAS 37 clarifies the meaning of “costs to fulfil a contract” which could result in the recognition of more onerous
contract provisions. IFRS 3 was updated to refer to the 2018 Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting to determine what
constitutes an asset or a liability in a business combination. Without this update, an entity may have recognized some liabilities in a
business combination that it would not recognize under IAS 37. IAS 16 and the annual improvements are not applicable to the
Company.
These amendments are effective January 1, 2022 and earlier application is permitted. The Company will apply the amendments
effective October 1, 2022, and adopting these amendments is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial
statements.
79
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
4. Intangibles
Cost
Balance, beginning of year
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Accumulated amortization
Balance, beginning of year
Amortization
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Net carrying value, end of year
Cost
Balance, beginning of year
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Accumulated amortization
Balance, beginning of year
Amortization
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Net carrying value, end of year
2020
Internally
generated
intangible
assets
Customer
relation-
ships
Brand name
Technology
Licenses
Total
$
8,291
$
55,926 $
2,297 $
5,720 $
13,840 $
86,074
(59)
8,232
8,291
-
(59)
8,232
$
$
$
(43)
55,883 $
-
2,297 $
-
5,720 $
-
13,840 $
(102)
85,972
55,268 $
343
2,297 $
-
5,720 $
-
4,844
1,384
(43)
55,568
$
-
2,297
$
-
5,720
$
-
6,228
$
$
76,420
1,727
(102)
78,045
-
$
315 $
- $
- $
7,612 $
7,927
$
$
$
$
Internally
generated
intangible
assets
Customer
relation-
ships
Brand name
Technology
Licenses
Total
2019
$
8,482 $
56,065 $
2,297 $
5,720 $
13,840 $
86,404
(191)
8,291 $
(139)
55,926 $
-
2,297 $
-
5,720 $
-
13,840 $
(330)
86,074
8,482 $
-
48,724 $
6,683
2,060 $
237
5,043 $
677
3,460 $
1,384
67,769
8,981
(191)
8,291 $
(139)
55,268 $
-
2,297 $
-
5,720 $
-
4,844 $
(330)
76,420
- $
658 $
- $
- $
8,996 $
9,654
$
$
$
$
80
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
5. Goodwill
Cost
Balance, beginning of year
Balance, end of year
Accumulated impairment
Balance, beginning of year
Balance, end of year
Net carrying value, end of year
Cost
Balance, beginning of year
Balance, end of year
Accumulated impairment
Balance, beginning of year
Balance, end of year
Net carrying value, end of year
U.S.
Appraisal
U.S.
Title
2020
Total
43,181 $
43,181 $
17,296 $
17,296 $
60,477
60,477
- $
- $
- $
- $
-
-
43,181 $
17,296 $
60,477
U.S.
Appraisal
U.S.
Title
2019
Total
43,181 $
43,181 $
17,296 $
17,296 $
60,477
60,477
- $
- $
- $
- $
-
-
43,181 $
17,296 $
60,477
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Impairment testing
The Company has determined the recoverable amount based on a FVLCS calculation. To determine FVLCS for each CGU group, the
Company applied market valuation multiples derived from recent merger and acquisition transactions for like or similar businesses
coupled with the Company’s historical acquisition data to its last twelve-month performance results of revenues less transaction
costs and operating expenses. Valuation multiples applied by the Company, which are Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy,
reflect current market conditions and were assessed for reasonability by comparison to various trading multiples of comparable
publicly traded companies or other available fair value indicators.
Management believes that any reasonably possible change in the key assumptions would not cause the carrying amount of each
CGU group to exceed its recoverable amount.
81
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
6. Property and Equipment
Computer
equip-
ment
Furniture
and
fixtures
Leasehold
improve-
ments
Right-of-
use assets
(office
space)
Right-of-
use assets
(computer
equip-
ment)
$
4,028
-
1,558
(2,147)
(8)
3,431
$
$
3,230
614
(2,147)
(5)
1,692
$
2,268
-
46
(280)
(3)
2,031
1,376
339
(280)
(1)
1,434
$
3,629
$
-
$
-
35
(250)
(6)
8,580
189
-
(7)
$
3,408
$
8,762
$
$
1,687
$
-
$
331
(250)
(6)
1,410
-
2
$
1,762
$
1,412
$
-
52
-
-
-
52
-
32
-
-
32
$
$
$
$
2020
Total
9,925
8,632
1,828
(2,677)
(24)
17,684
6,293
2,726
(2,677)
(10)
6,332
1,739
$
597
$
1,646
$
7,350
$
20
$
11,352
$
$
$
$
$
Computer
equip-
ment
Furniture
and
fixtures
Leasehold
improve-
ments
$
$
$
3,416 $
628
-
-
1,842 $
477
(46)
-
3,083 $
960
-
(394)
(16)
4,028 $
(5)
2,268 $
(20)
3,629 $
2,624 $
618
-
-
1,122 $
302
(46)
-
1,467 $
271
-
(33)
(12)
3,230 $
(2)
1,376 $
(18)
1,687 $
$
2019
Total
8,341
2,065
(46)
(394)
(41)
9,925
5,213
1,191
(46)
(33)
(32)
6,293
Cost
Balance, beginning of year
Adoption of IFRS 16 (Note 3)
Additions
Disposals
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Accumulated amortization
Balance, beginning of year
Amortization
Disposals
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Net carrying value, end of year
Cost
Balance, beginning of year
Additions
Disposals
Impairment (Note 13)
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Accumulated amortization
Balance, beginning of year
Amortization
Disposals
Impairment (Note 13)
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Net carrying value, end of year
$
798 $
892 $
1,942 $
3,632
82
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
At September 30, 2019, assets under finance leases totaled $10. Refer to Note 13 for details of the impairment write-down
recognized in the year ended September 30, 2019. There were no reversals of previous write-downs in the years presented.
7. Lease Liabilities
The Company enters into lease agreements primarily for office space and computer equipment. As at September 30, 2020, the net
book value of the right-of-use assets totaled $7,370. Refer to Note 6 for a continuity of the cost and accumulated amortization for
right-of-use assets.
The following table presents lease liabilities of the Company:
Office space
Computer equipment
Total lease liabilities
Less: current portion
$
$
$
2020
7,884
20
7,904
1,303
6,601
At September 30, 2020, $1,474 of lease liabilities are related to an extension option that was deemed reasonably certain to be
exercised.
Future undiscounted contractual lease payments required in each of the next five years ending September 30 and thereafter are as
follows:
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
$
$
2020
1,571
1,555
1,270
829
774
1,086
7,085
The Company also has a future undiscounted cash flow of $1,704 related to leases not yet commenced but it is committed to.
The following amounts relating to leases have been recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income and consolidated statements of cash flows:
Rent expense relating to short-term and low-value leases
Amortization of right-of-use assets
Interest on lease liabilities
Total cash outflow for lease liabilities
8. Long-Term Debt
$
$
$
$
2020
156
1,442
318
1,356
Senior term facilities (the “senior facilities”)
In February 2016, the Company entered into an agreement for a committed term loan of $27,000 (the “2016 facility”) and in May
2015, the Company through its subsidiary, Solidifi U.S. Inc., entered into an agreement for a committed term loan of $20,000 (the
“2015 facility”). On April 30, 2020, the Company entered into a financing commitment with the Bank of Montreal and Bank of
Montreal, Chicago Branch (the “commitment”) to align the maturity dates to April 30, 2021 for each commitment that was available
under the first amendment to a second amended and restated term sheet amplification agreement (the “agreement”) and to make
certain additional modifications.
83
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Subject to satisfying certain conditions, the 2016 facility has available capacity of $19,650 and the 2015 facility has available capacity
of $10,200, or their Canadian dollar equivalents, and each is available to support the Company’s working capital and general
operating requirements and to support acquisition and permitted acquisition activity as defined in the commitment.
The term loans amortize at a rate of 2% quarterly over a one-year period with the remaining unamortized balance due April 30,
2021, the date of maturity. The term loans can consist of: (i) Canadian or U.S. prime rate advances, subject to interest at the
Canadian prime or U.S. base lending rate, respectively, plus the applicable credit spread; (ii) a LIBOR loan, bearing interest at LIBOR
plus the applicable credit spread; or (iii) Canadian bankers’ acceptances (“BAs”), bearing interest at BAs plus the applicable credit
spread. The term loans are subject to mandatory prepayment conditions, including: (a) 50% of the excess annual cash flow if the
senior funded debt to EBITDA ratio is greater than 2.5:1.0; (b) 100% of the proceeds from equity or debt securities issued by the
Company, including any sale or disposition of assets that is not in the ordinary course and that aren’t reinvested within 180 days;
and (c) proceeds from insurance claims not otherwise reinvested within 180 days from receipt.
Amounts drawn under the 2015 facility bear fees of between 200 and 300 basis points over LIBOR or 75 to 175 basis points over
Canadian prime or U.S. base rates of interest, determined based on the senior funded debt to EBITDA ratio as defined in the
commitment. Amounts drawn under the 2016 facility bear fees of between 150 to 250 basis points over LIBOR or 25 to 125 basis
points over Canadian prime or U.S. base rates of interest, determined based on the senior funded debt to EBITDA ratio as defined in
the commitment. Undrawn amounts under the 2015 facility are subject to a standby fee of 40 basis points regardless of our senior
funded debt to EBITDA ratio as defined in the commitment. LIBOR is subject to a floor of 1.0% and the commitment includes a
limitation on advances under the facilities for the purpose of funding costs and expenses reasonably anticipated and incurred in the
normal course of business.
At September 30, 2020, the Company had drawn $nil (2019 - $nil) on the 2016 and 2015 facilities.
Revolving credit facility
Effective April 30, 2020, the Company has an available commitment of 15,000 Canadian dollars (“C$”) under a committed revolving
credit facility, or its U.S. dollar equivalent, for working capital and general operating purposes and to support acquisition and
permitted acquisition activity as defined in the commitment, subject to satisfying certain conditions. Amounts drawn under the
committed revolving credit facility bear fees of between 200 and 300 basis points over LIBOR or 75 to 175 basis points over Canadian
prime or U.S. base rates of interest, determined based on the senior funded debt to EBITDA ratio as defined in the commitment.
Undrawn amounts under the committed revolving credit facility are subject to a standby fee of 40 basis points regardless of our
senior funded debt to EBITDA ratio as defined in the commitment. LIBOR is subject to a floor of 1.0% and the commitment includes a
limitation on advances under the facilities for the purpose of funding costs and expenses reasonably anticipated and incurred in the
normal course of business.
Repayments on the revolver are interest only until April 30, 2021, the date of maturity. Total advances under the revolver cannot
exceed 75% of the Company’s trade receivables, excluding trade receivables that are past due by 60 days or greater, and up to 120
days or greater in certain circumstances, subject to certain adjustments (“good quality receivables”). The revolver can be drawn in
either Canadian or U.S. funds, at Canadian prime or U.S. base rates of interest, bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit.
At September 30, 2020, the Company had drawn $nil (2019 - $nil) on the revolving credit facility.
Security and debt covenants
All facilities are secured by a general security agreement, which provides the lender with a first, fixed and floating charge over all
assets, including intellectual property, an unlimited guarantee and postponement of claim by certain wholly owned subsidiaries, and
certain other securities.
The Company is subject to certain covenants and was in compliance with all such covenants related to these facilities, including
financial covenants regarding debt and fixed charge coverage ratios and capital expenditure restrictions, as of September 30, 2020.
84
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Interest expense is comprised of the following:
Senior and revolving credit facilities
Amortization of deferred financing costs
Lease liabilities
9. Warrant Liabilities
2020
89 $
86
318
493 $
2019
86
94
10
190
$
$
Company-issued special warrants were automatically converted into common share purchase warrants (“warrants”) on completion
of the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”) (together with other satisfied events). All outstanding warrants are exercisable and
expire on May 11, 2022, five years following the date of the Company’s IPO. Warrant liabilities convert into common shares of the
Company when exercised and the associated non-cash liability is reclassified to common shares upon exercise. The non-cash liability
attributable to warrants that expire unexercised are recorded as a gain in the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income. There is no circumstance which requires the Company to pay cash upon exercise or expiry of the warrants.
During the year ended September 30, 2020, 683 (2019 – 662) warrants were exercised, resulting in the issuance of 623 (2019 – 586)
common shares. These warrants had a fair value of $7,898 (2019 – $2,942) at the date of exercise, determined using the Black-
Scholes-Merton option pricing model, and this amount was transferred from warrant liabilities to common shares. The Company
also recorded a $1,200 loss (2019 – $491 loss) to the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income representing
the difference between the fair value of certain warrants recorded at the most recent reporting date and the fair value of these
warrants on the date of exercise.
At September 30, 2020, there were 191 (September 30, 2019 – 874) warrants outstanding. All warrants have an exercise price of
C$1.38 (September 30, 2019 – C$1.38) representing a total liability of $3,527 at September 30, 2020 (September 30, 2019 - $6,394).
The loss on fair value of warrants was measured using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model and included the following
assumptions: volatility of 52.2% (2019 – 45.4%), a risk-free interest rate of 0.20% (2019 – 1.71%), a dividend yield of nil% (2019 -
nil%) and an expected life of 10 months (2019 - 12 months).
10. Shareholders’ Equity
The authorized share capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares and an unlimited number of
preferred shares. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, no preferred shares were issued.
Normal course issuer bid
Effective June 11, 2019, the Company received approval to renew its normal course issuer bid for a one year period expiring on June
10, 2020. Under the renewed normal course issuer bid, the Company was approved to purchase up to 5,000 common shares. Daily
purchases on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), or made through alternative Canadian trading systems, were limited to a
maximum of 27.969 common shares.
Effective June 11, 2020, the Company received approval to renew its normal course issuer bid for a one year period expiring on June
10, 2021. Under the renewed normal course issuer bid, the Company is approved to purchase up to 4,000 common shares. Daily
purchases on the TSX, or made through alternative Canadian trading systems, are limited to a maximum of 135.858 common shares.
Under each normal course issuer bid, the Company was/is permitted to purchase a block of common shares once a week which can
exceed the daily purchase limit subject to certain restrictions, including a limitation that the block cannot be owned by an insider. All
shares purchased have been or will be cancelled.
85
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
For the year ended September 30, 2020, 1,689 common shares (2019 – 4,649) were purchased and cancelled at a total cost of
$16,961 (2019 - $20,205). As of November 19, 2020, 518 additional common shares were purchased and cancelled or settled.
Details of the Company’s common shares are as follows:
Balance, beginning of year
Common shares issued on the exercise of stock options, during the year (Note 16)
Common shares issued on the exercise of warrants, during the year (Note 9)
Purchase of common shares, during the year
Balance, end of year
Balance, beginning of year
Common shares issued on the exercise of stock options, during the year (Note 16)
Common shares issued on the exercise of warrants, during the year (Note 9)
Repurchase of common shares, during the year
Balance, end of year
11. Net Income per Weighted Average Share
Number of
shares
84,946 $
1,479
623
(1,689)
85,359 $
Number of
shares
88,228 $
781
586
(4,649)
84,946 $
2020
Amount
253,842
5,612
7,898
(4,699)
262,653
2019
Amount
261,553
2,051
3,182
(12,944)
253,842
The following table outlines the components used in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share attributable to
common shareholders:
Net income
Net income attributable to common shareholders
Weighted average number of shares, basic
Dilutive effect of stock options and warrants
Weighted average number of shares, diluted
Net income per weighted average share, basic
Net income per weighted average share, diluted
2020
2019
$
$
$
$
42,798 $
41,991 $
84,636
3,820
88,456
0.50 $
0.47 $
10,094
8,958
86,366
3,701
90,067
0.10
0.10
86
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
12. Operating Expenses
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
Sales and marketing
Travel and entertainment
Office and computer
Professional fees
Other
2020
2019
$
$
72,500 $
693
1,107
11,344
2,899
3,751
92,294 $
55,762
872
2,249
10,924
2,605
2,505
74,917
For the year ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized an expense of $833 (2019 - $541) to salaries and benefits for
contributions made in connection with defined benefit contribution plans.
13. Impairment of Assets
In December 2018, the Company continued its integration of certain operations and entered into a lease termination agreement
related to certain office space. Accordingly, leasehold improvements attributable to vacated office space, recorded as property and
equipment in the Company’s U.S. Appraisal segment, were determined to be impaired. The Company recorded an impairment
charge of $361, representing the carrying amount of the leasehold improvements, to the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income for the year ended September 30, 2019.
14. Changes in Non-Cash Working Capital Items
The following table outlines changes in non-cash working capital items:
Inflow (outflow)
Trade and other receivables
Prepaid expenses
Trade payables
Accrued charges
Deferred revenues
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments and
other non-cash changes
2020
5,926 $
(261)
143
2,796
-
(240)
8,364 $
2019
(12,516)
5
9,749
615
(12)
32
(2,127)
$
$
87
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
15. Changes in Liabilities Arising From Financing Activities
Cash flows
Non-cash changes
September 30, 2020
Proceeds
189
-
-
Re-
payments
(1,356)
-
-
Change in fair
value
-
-
5,101
Effect of
foreign
currency
translation
(10)
-
(70)
Other non-
cash changes
9,071 $
(439) $
(7,898) $
Ending
balance -
September
30, 2020
7,904
-
3,527
Cash flows
Non-cash changes
September 30, 2019
Proceeds
-
-
240
Re-
payments
(172)
-
-
Change in fair
value
-
-
5,617
Effect of
foreign
currency
translation
(1)
(5)
(320)
Other non-
cash changes
- $
(59) $
(2,942) $
Ending
balance -
September
30, 2019
10
439
6,394
Opening
balance -
October 1,
2019
10
439
6,394
Opening
balance -
October 1,
2018
183
503
3,799
$
$
$
$
$
$
Lease liabilities(1)
Leasehold inducements(1)
Warrant liabilities
Lease liabilities
Leasehold inducements
Warrant liabilities
Note
(1)
Other non-cash changes reflect the initial adoption and subsequent accounting for lease liabilities under IFRS 16. Please refer to Note 3 for further details.
16. Stock-Based Compensation
Long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”)
The purpose of the LTIP is to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide
additional incentive to employees, directors and consultants and to align compensation with Company and stock price performance.
The following types of awards may be issued under the LTIP: restricted share units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”) and
stock options. To date, the Company has only issued stock options as long-term incentive awards and has not issued RSUs or PSUs.
RSUs
The duration of the vesting period and other vesting terms applicable to any RSUs granted under the LTIP will be determined by the
plan administrator at the time of grant. Upon vesting, holders will receive, at the option of the plan administrator, either one
common share from treasury for each vested RSU, the cash equivalent or a combination of a cash payment and common shares.
PSUs
A PSU entitles the holder to receive common shares based on the achievement of performance goals over a period of time as
established by the plan administrator. The performance goals established by the plan administrator may be based on the
achievement of corporate, divisional or individual goals, and may be established relative to performance against an index or
comparator group, in each case, determined by the plan administrator. The plan administrator may modify the performance goals as
necessary to align them with the Company’s corporate objectives. The performance goals may include a threshold level of
performance below which no payment will be made, levels of performance at which specified payments will be made and a
maximum level of performance above which no additional payment will be made. Upon vesting, holders will receive, at the option of
the plan administrator, either common shares issued from treasury in proportion to the number of vested PSUs held and the level of
performance achieved, the cash equivalent or a combination of a cash payment and common shares.
RSUs and PSUs shall be credited with dividend equivalents in the form of additional RSUs or PSUs, as applicable. Dividend
equivalents shall vest in proportion to the awards to which they relate.
88
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Stock options
Subject to the discretion of the plan administrator, stock options granted under the LTIP vest equally on their first, second and third
anniversary from the date of grant. Each stock option expires on the date that is the earlier of 10 years from the date of grant or
such earlier date as may be set out in the participant’s award agreement.
The Company awarded the following stock options during the year ended September 30, 2020:
Grant date
Group awarded to
November 25, 2019
Executive officers and
certain employees
November 25, 2019
Directors
February 3, 2020
Director
February 3, 2020
Certain employees
February 10, 2020
Executive officer
May 8, 2020
Certain employees
August 4, 2020
Certain employees
Vesting period
(from the date of grant)
Expiry date
(from the date of grant)
Aggregate number
of stock options
awarded
Equally on the first, second and
third anniversary date
Immediately
Immediately
Equally on the first, second and
third anniversary date
Equally on the first, second and
third anniversary date
Equally on the first, second and
third anniversary date
Equally on the first, second and
third anniversary date
7th anniversary date
7th anniversary date
7th anniversary date
7th anniversary date
7th anniversary date
7th anniversary date
7th anniversary date
481
123
37
17
50
20
17
To estimate the fair value of its options, the Company used the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model which requires the use of
several input variables. These variables include the expected volatility, the risk free interest rate and the estimated length of time
employees will retain their options before exercising them. Changes in these variables can materially impact the estimated fair value
of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized to operating expenses in the consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive income. In calculating the fair value of stock options at the date of grant, the following
weighted average assumptions were applied:
Grant date
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Expected remaining life, stated in years
Exercise price (expressed in C$)
Fair value, per option (expressed in C$)
Grant date
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Expected remaining life, stated in years
Exercise price (expressed in C$)
Fair value, per option (expressed in C$)
November 25, 2019
-
43.7%
1.5%
4.3
12.46 $
4.62 $
$
$
$
$
February 3, 2020
-
43.4%
1.6%
3.8
14.00 $
4.88 $
May 8, 2020
-
44.8%
0.4%
4.5
20.88 $
7.76 $
February 10, 2020
-
43.5%
1.5%
4.5
15.31
5.77
August 4, 2020
-
46.3%
0.3%
4.5
31.94
12.15
89
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Outstanding balance, beginning of year
Granted, during the year
Exercised, during the year
Forfeited, during the year
Outstanding balance, end of year
2020
Weighted
average
exercise
price,
expressed in
C$
Number of
stock options
Number of
stock options
6,060 $
745 $
(1,479) $
(215) $
5,111 $
6.03
13.45
4.10
10.01
7.50
5,983 $
1,196 $
(781) $
(338) $
6,060 $
Options exercisable, end of year
3,591 $
7.18
4,071 $
2019
Weighted
average
exercise
price,
expressed in
C$
6.03
4.69
2.79
8.72
6.03
5.80
The Company recorded stock option expense of $2,419 (2019 - $1,819) to operating expenses in the consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income for the year ended September 30, 2020.
The following table summarizes certain information for stock options outstanding as at September 30, 2020:
Exercise price,
expressed in C$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.84
2.21
2.28
2.40
3.93
4.60
5.00
5.22
6.11
6.17
6.87
8.00
8.63
9.05
9.59
10.50
12.46
12.80
13.00
14.00
15.31
20.88
31.94
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life,
expressed in
years
Number of stock
options
exercisable
Number of stock
options
45
31
54
665
855
85
97
178
927
36
220
188
10
27
3
116
563
1
868
54
50
20
18
5,111
1.52
2.62
0.11
4.15
5.17
4.79
5.12
4.87
4.61
5.60
5.73
5.78
6.87
7.17
7.34
6.18
6.15
6.63
6.61
6.34
6.36
6.60
6.84
5.29
45
31
54
665
394
85
97
119
673
-
73
188
10
12
2
116
122
1
868
36
-
-
-
3,591
90
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
17. Related Party Transactions
Compensation of Key Management Personnel
The Company’s key management personnel comprise the board of directors and members of the executive team. Compensation for
key management personnel, recorded to operating expenses, was as follows:
Salaries and benefits
Stock-based compensation
18. Commitments and Contingencies
2020
2019
$
$
5,514 $
1,699 $
4,445
1,408
The Company administers escrow accounts which represent undisbursed funds received for the settlement of certain residential and
commercial real estate title and closing transactions. Deposits at Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) institutions are
insured up to $250. Undisbursed cash deposited in these escrow accounts totaled $402,649 at September 30, 2020 (2019 -
$216,808) which are not assets of the Company and have been excluded from the Company’s consolidated statements of financial
position. However, the Company remains contingently liable for the disbursement of these deposits.
The Company is also subject to certain lawsuits and other claims arising in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of these
matters is subject to resolution. Based on management’s evaluation and analysis of these matters, when determinable, the amount
of any potential loss is accrued. Management believes that any amounts above those already accrued will not be material to the
financial statements.
19. Financial Instruments
The following tables outline the hierarchical measurement categories for the fair value of financial liabilities. At September 30, 2020
and September 30, 2019, financial liabilities measured on a recurring basis had the following estimated fair values expressed on a
gross basis:
Warrant liabilities
Quoted
prices in
active
markets for
identical
assets
(Level 1)
Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
$
$
- $
- $
(3,527) $
(3,527) $
- $
- $
2020
Total
(3,527)
(3,527)
91
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical
assets
(Level 1)
Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
$
$
- $
- $
(6,394) $
(6,394) $
- $
- $
2019
Total
(6,394)
(6,394)
Warrant liabilities
The hierarchal measurement categories for financial assets and liabilities, recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, are re-
assessed at the end of each reporting period.
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, there were no transfers between levels or changes to the valuation techniques.
The fair value of warrant liabilities are calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model which is subject to
considerable judgment and estimate. Accordingly, the fair value estimate is not necessarily indicative of the amount the Company,
or a counter-party to the instrument, could realize in a current market exchange. The use of differing assumptions, and or estimation
methods, could affect fair value.
Estimated fair value
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade payables and accrued charges approximate their
fair values due to the relatively short-term maturities of these instruments.
Financial risk management
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to financial risks that have the potential to impact its financial
performance, including credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk. The Company’s primary objective is to protect its operations, cash
flows and ultimately shareholder value. The Company designs and implements risk management strategies but does not typically
use derivative financial instruments to manage these risks.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that the Company’s counterparties will fail to meet their financial obligations to the Company, causing the
Company a financial loss. The Company’s principal financial assets are cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables.
The carrying amounts of financial assets on the consolidated statements of financial position represent the Company’s maximum
exposure to credit risk at the date presented. The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables which is
limited by the Company’s broad customer base. At September 30, 2020, two customers represented more than 10% (2019 – one
customer represented more than 10%) of the Company’s total trade and other receivables.
To limit credit risk, the Company monitors its aged receivable balances on a continuous basis. In addition, a significant portion of the
Company’s revenue is settled on closing through an escrow account having no credit terms attributable to collection. The Company’s
customers are financial and lending institutions that are typically well funded, which also limits the Company’s exposure to credit
risk. In certain circumstances, the Company may require customer deposits or pre-payments to limit credit risk. While the Company
has risk mitigation processes in place, there can be no certainty that it can eliminate all credit risk. Accordingly, these processes may
not be effective in the future and the potential for credit losses may increase.
92
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables
Settlement receivables
Other
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The following table outlines the change in the allowance for doubtful accounts:
Balance, beginning of year
Impairment losses recognized, during the year
Write-offs, during the year
Balance, end of year
The aging of trade and other receivables was as follows:
Current
Over 30 days
Over 60 days
Over 90 days
Total gross trade and other receivables
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
Total trade and other receivables
2020
2019
27,163 $
3,269
573
(344)
30,661 $
2020
(334) $
(201)
191
(344) $
34,187
2,380
354
(334)
36,587
2019
(492)
(259)
417
(334)
2020
2019
28,384 $
1,180
726
715
31,005
344
30,661 $
31,785
1,845
1,963
1,328
36,921
334
36,587
$
$
$
$
$
$
Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risk arises due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s objective is to minimize its net
exposure to foreign currency cash flows by holding U.S. dollar cash balances and matching them with U.S. dollar obligations arising
from its U.S. operations and matching Canadian dollar cash balances and obligations to its Canadian operations.
Since the Company has elected to report its financial results in U.S. dollars, the Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations
on its reported amounts of Canadian assets and liabilities. As at September 30, 2020, the Company had net assets of $65,789 (2019 –
net assets of $49,197) denominated in Canadian dollars. A 10% change in the exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian dollar
results in a plus or minus $6,579 (2019 - $4,920) change in the value of net assets recorded on the Company’s statements of financial
position. All such changes are recorded to other comprehensive income or loss.
Interest rate risk
The Company’s drawings on its senior facilities and revolving credit facility are subject to interest rate fluctuations with bank prime
or LIBOR. Accordingly, senior facility and revolving facility drawings, if any, are subject to interest rate risk. Since the Company
currently has no amounts drawn on either facility, a rise or fall in the variable interest rate does not impact interest expense.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting its obligations to settle financial liabilities through the
delivery of cash or another financial asset. The Company’s objective is to manage operational uncertainties, including, but not
limited to, unfavourable real estate trends, market share and sales volumes.
The Company also maintains sufficient levels of working capital to settle its financial liabilities when they are contractually due and
manages its compliance with its debt covenants.
93
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
The following tables outline the Company’s remaining contractual maturities for its non-derivative financial liabilities based on the
earliest date the Company is required to make payment on these amounts:
Total
19,477 $
5,216 $
Less than 1
year
19,477 $
5,216 $
Payments due
2020
1-3 years
4-5 years
After 5 years
- $
- $
- $
- $
Payments due
-
-
2019
Total
19,334 $
2,420 $
10 $
Less than 1
year
19,334 $
2,420 $
10 $
1-3 years
4-5 years
After 5 years
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
-
-
-
$
$
$
$
$
Trade payables
Accrued charges
Trade payables
Accrued charges
Finance lease obligations
20. Income Taxes
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
Current income tax expense
Current year
Adjustments for prior periods
Deferred income tax expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments for prior periods
Total income tax expense
2020
2019
$
$
7,513 $
15
7,528
11,298
(160)
11,138
18,666 $
1,046
(75)
971
4,496
(1,257)
3,239
4,210
The following table reconciles income tax expense calculated at the Company’s applicable statutory income tax rate with the
reported amounts:
Income before income tax expense
Statutory income tax rate
Expected income tax expense at the statutory income tax rate
Foreign income expense subject to tax at a different statutory tax rate
Adjustments for prior periods
Non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income
State tax
Other
2020
61,464 $
2019
14,304
$
26.5%
16,288
782
(145)
1,883
(196)
54
$
18,666 $
26.5%
3,791
161
(1,332)
1,349
241
-
4,210
94
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
Deferred tax (liabilities) assets
Property and equipment
Intangibles
Financing fees
Unutilized tax loss carryforwards
Unrealized foreign exchange gains
Capital loss carryforwards
Lease Liabilities
Interest expense
Other
Deferred tax (liabilities) assets
Property and equipment
Intangibles
Financing fees
Unutilized tax loss carryforwards
Unrealized foreign exchange gains
Interest expense
Other
Balance,
beginning of
year
Recognized
in net
income
Recognized
in equity
(243) $
12,363
1,022
4,783
(2,215)
-
-
3,561
142
19,413 $
(80) $
(2,551)
(557)
(3,958)
(222)
140
(322)
(3,561)
(27)
(11,138) $
(2,400) $
-
-
-
-
-
2,520
-
(39)
81 $
Balance,
beginning of
year
Recognized
in net
income
Recognized
in equity
Foreign
currency
translation
adjust-
ments
(1) $
(6)
(12)
(14)
2
1
2
-
(2)
(30) $
Foreign
currency
translation
adjust-
ments
(38) $
11,508
1,626
8,597
(1,512)
2,351
232
22,764 $
(205) $
870
(566)
(3,758)
(704)
1,210
(86)
(3,239) $
- $
-
-
-
-
-
-
- $
- $
(15)
(38)
(56)
1
-
(4)
(112) $
$
$
$
$
2020
Total
(2,724)
9,806
453
811
(2,435)
141
2,200
-
74
8,326
2019
Total
(243)
12,363
1,022
4,783
(2,215)
3,561
142
19,413
Deferred income tax assets are recorded for unutilized tax loss carryforwards when the realization of the related tax benefit through
future taxable income is probable. At September 30, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries have $3,059 (2019 - $5,047) of non-
capital loss carryforwards in Canada expiring in varying amounts between 2036 and 2039. Total deferred tax assets of $811 (2019 -
$4,783) have been recognized on the full amount of these loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets have been recorded because
management has assessed that the combination of existing earnings before amortization and the ability to implement tax planning
measures should allow the Company to realize the benefit of its deferred tax assets before factoring in expected growth in earnings.
No deferred tax is recognized on the amount of temporary differences arising between the carrying amount of an investment in
subsidiary or an interest in a joint arrangement accounted for in these financial statements and the cost of either investment for tax
purposes. The Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of these temporary differences and believes it is probable that
they will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
95
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
21. Capital Management
The Company actively manages its debt and equity capital in support of its performance objectives and to ensure sufficient liquidity
is available to support its financial obligations and operating and strategic plans, with a view to maximizing shareholder returns.
The Company defines capital as equity (currently comprising common share capital), short-term and long-term indebtedness and
cash and cash equivalents. The Company manages its capital structure, commitments and maturities and makes adjustments, where
required, based on general economic conditions, financial markets, operating risks and working capital requirements. To maintain or
adjust its capital structure, the Company may, with approval from its board of directors, as required, issue or repay debt and/or
short-term borrowings, issue share capital or undertake other activities deemed appropriate. The board of directors reviews and
approves the Company’s annual operating budgets, and any material transactions that are not in the ordinary course of business,
including proposals for acquisitions or other major capital transactions.
The Company monitors its capital structure by measuring its key covenants which include a debt-to-earnings ratio and interest
coverage ratio. Key financial covenants contained in existing debt agreements are reviewed by management on a quarterly basis to
monitor compliance.
The Company is not subject to any externally-imposed capital requirements.
22. Segmented Reporting
The Company conducts its business through three reportable segments: U.S. Appraisal, U.S. Title and Canada. The Company reports
segment information based on internal reports used by the CODM to make operating and resource allocation decisions and to assess
performance. The CODM is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
The U.S. Appraisal segment provides residential mortgage appraisals for purchase, refinance and home equity transactions through
its Solidifi brand.
The U.S. Title segment serves the title and closing market by providing various title services for refinance, purchase, commercial,
short sale and real estate owned (“REO”) transactions to financial institutions through its Solidifi brand. As an independent title
agent, the Company provides services required to close a mortgage transaction, including title search, closing and escrow services
and title policy issuance. Other title and closing service offerings include capital markets services and providing access to its software
platforms to other title insurance agencies and mortgage lenders for a subscription fee.
The Canadian segment’s primary service offerings include residential mortgage appraisals for purchase, refinance and home equity
transactions which it provides through its Solidifi brand. Additionally, the Company provides insurance inspection services to
property and casualty insurers across Canada through its iv3 brand.
The Company excludes corporate costs in the determination of each operating segment’s performance. Corporate costs include
certain executive and employee costs, legal, finance, internal audit, treasury, investor relations, human resources, technical and
software development, corporate development and other administrative support function costs.
The CODM does not evaluate operating segments using discrete asset information and the Company does not specifically allocate
assets to operating segments for internal reporting purposes.
The accounting policies for each operating segment are the same as those described in the basis of presentation and significant
accounting policies note, and the recent accounting pronouncements note, Notes 2 and 3, respectively. The Company evaluates
segment performance based on revenues, net of transaction costs.
96
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
2020
2019
Revenues
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Revenues net of transaction costs
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Amortization
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Corporate
Operating expenses
Acquisition costs
Integration expenses
Impairment of assets
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange gain
Loss on fair value of warrants
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Income before income tax expense
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
282,101 $
142,397
31,447
455,945 $
67,224 $
89,845
5,048
162,117 $
1,509 $
2,384
-
560
4,453 $
92,294 $
- $
- $
- $
493 $
(611) $
(1,077) $
5,101 $
- $
61,464 $
Geographic segmentation of the Company’s assets is as follows:
Intangibles
Goodwill
Property and equipment
Intangibles
Goodwill
Property and equipment
U.S.
Canada
Corporate
7,927 $
60,477 $
10,230 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
1,122 $
U.S.
Canada
Corporate
9,654 $
60,477 $
3,072 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
560 $
$
$
$
$
$
$
97
212,717
82,649
27,171
322,537
50,130
46,838
5,107
102,075
1,118
8,804
-
250
10,172
74,917
267
685
361
190
(986)
(3,327)
5,617
(125)
14,304
2020
Total
7,927
60,477
11,352
2019
Total
9,654
60,477
3,632
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per share amounts, unless
otherwise stated)
Revenues by service type
The Company’s revenue is derived from contracts with customers. The disaggregated revenue by service type is reconciled to the
Company’s segment revenue:
Appraisal
Title and closing - mortgage origination
Title and closing - diversified
Insurance inspection
2020
2019
$
$
310,981 $
119,599
22,798
2,567
455,945 $
236,096
55,232
27,417
3,792
322,537
For the year ended September 30, 2020, two customers (2019 - two customers) represented more than 10% of the Company’s
revenues, the largest representing 14.0% of total consolidated revenues and the next largest representing 10.3% of consolidated
revenues. Total revenues attributable to these two customers totaled $110,752 (2019 – $68,632) and was recorded principally in the
Company’s U.S. Appraisal segment.
23. Guarantees
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that meet the definition of a guarantee. A guarantee
requires the issuer to make a specified payment or payments to reimburse the beneficiary for a loss it incurs if the issuer fails to
make a payment when due.
The Company’s primary guarantees are as follows:
The Company has provided indemnities under lease agreements for the use of various office space. Under the terms of these
agreements the Company agrees to indemnify the counterparties for various items including, but not limited to, all liabilities, loss,
suits and damage arising during, on or after the term of the agreement. The maximum amount of any potential future payment
cannot be reasonably estimated. These indemnities are in place for various periods beyond the original term of the lease and these
leases expire between 2021 and 2027.
Through the Company’s by-laws and stand-alone director indemnification agreements, indemnity has been provided to all directors
and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries for various items including, but not limited to, all costs to settle suits or actions due
to association with the Company and its subsidiaries, subject to certain restrictions. The Company has purchased directors’ and
officers’ liability insurance to mitigate the cost of any potential future suits or actions. The maximum amount of any potential future
payment cannot be reasonably estimated.
In the normal course of business, the Company 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, outsourcing
agreements, leasing contracts, underwriting and agency agreements, information technology agreements and service agreements.
These indemnification agreements may require the Company to compensate counterparties for losses incurred as a result of
breaches in representation and regulations or as a result of litigation claims or statutory sanctions that may be suffered by the
counterparty as a consequence of the transaction. The terms of these indemnities are not explicitly defined and the maximum
amount of any potential reimbursement cannot be reasonably estimated.
The nature of these indemnification agreements prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum
exposure due to the difficulty in assessing the amount of liability which stems from the unpredictability of future events and the
unlimited coverage offered to the counterparties. Historically, the Company has not made any significant payments under these or
similar indemnification agreements and therefore no amount has been accrued in the consolidated statements of financial position
with respect to these agreements.
98
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:286)(cid:258)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:396)(cid:400)(cid:346)(cid:349)(cid:393)(cid:3)(cid:100)(cid:286)(cid:258)(cid:373)
Jason Smith
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:346)(cid:258)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:373)(cid:258)(cid:374)
(cid:17)(cid:396)(cid:349)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:336)
(cid:18)(cid:346)(cid:349)(cid:286)(cid:296)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:312)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:396)
William Herman
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:115)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:3)
(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:282)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:346)(cid:349)(cid:286)(cid:296)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:349)(cid:374)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:272)(cid:349)(cid:258)(cid:367)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:312)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:396)
(cid:4)(cid:374)(cid:282)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:449)(cid:3)(cid:17)(cid:381)(cid:437)(cid:336)(cid:346)
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:115)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:853)(cid:3)
(cid:115)(cid:258)(cid:367)(cid:437)(cid:258)(cid:415)(cid:381)(cid:374)(cid:400)
Victoria MacDonald
(cid:18)(cid:346)(cid:349)(cid:286)(cid:296)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:286)(cid:381)(cid:393)(cid:367)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:312)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:396)
(cid:60)(cid:349)(cid:373)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:381)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:336)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:286)(cid:396)(cid:455)
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:115)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)
(cid:18)(cid:396)(cid:258)(cid:349)(cid:336)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:381)(cid:449)(cid:400)(cid:286)(cid:367)(cid:367)
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:115)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:3)
Ryan Smith
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:115)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:853)(cid:3)
(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:282)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:346)(cid:349)(cid:286)(cid:296)(cid:3)(cid:100)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:346)(cid:374)(cid:381)(cid:367)(cid:381)(cid:336)(cid:455)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:312)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:396)
Kevin Walton
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:115)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:853)(cid:3)
(cid:18)(cid:381)(cid:396)(cid:393)(cid:381)(cid:396)(cid:258)(cid:410)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:286)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:367)(cid:381)(cid:393)(cid:373)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)
Loren Cooke
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:115)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:3)
(cid:87)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:3)(cid:381)(cid:296)(cid:3)(cid:94)(cid:381)(cid:367)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:349)(cid:302)
Robert J. Smith
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:115)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)
(cid:17)(cid:381)(cid:258)(cid:396)(cid:282)(cid:3)(cid:381)(cid:296)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:410)(cid:381)(cid:396)(cid:400)
Jason Smith
(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:415)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:346)(cid:258)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:373)(cid:258)(cid:374)
Garry M. Foster1
(cid:62)(cid:286)(cid:258)(cid:282)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:374)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:393)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:410)(cid:381)(cid:396)
Blaine Hobson2
(cid:24)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:410)(cid:381)(cid:396)
(cid:17)(cid:396)(cid:349)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:336)
(cid:24)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:410)(cid:381)(cid:396)
Frank V. McMahon4
(cid:24)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:410)(cid:381)(cid:396)
Lisa Melchior4
(cid:24)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:410)(cid:381)(cid:396)
William T. Holland3
(cid:24)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:410)(cid:381)(cid:396)
Peter Vukanovich2
(cid:24)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:410)(cid:381)(cid:396)
1. (cid:4)(cid:437)(cid:282)(cid:349)(cid:410)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:373)(cid:349)(cid:425)(cid:286)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:346)(cid:258)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:3)
3. (cid:18)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:393)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:400)(cid:258)(cid:415)(cid:381)(cid:374)(cid:853)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:349)(cid:374)(cid:258)(cid:415)(cid:381)(cid:374)(cid:3)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:282)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:381)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:396)(cid:374)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:373)(cid:349)(cid:425)(cid:286)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:346)(cid:258)(cid:349)(cid:396)
(cid:1006)(cid:856)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:393)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:400)(cid:258)(cid:415)(cid:381)(cid:374)(cid:853)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:349)(cid:374)(cid:258)(cid:415)(cid:381)(cid:374)(cid:3)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:282)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:381)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:396)(cid:374)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:373)(cid:349)(cid:425)(cid:286)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:286)(cid:373)(cid:271)(cid:286)(cid:396)(cid:3)
(cid:1008)(cid:856)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:437)(cid:282)(cid:349)(cid:410)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:373)(cid:349)(cid:425)(cid:286)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:286)(cid:373)(cid:271)(cid:286)(cid:396)
(cid:18)(cid:381)(cid:396)(cid:393)(cid:381)(cid:396)(cid:258)(cid:410)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:374)(cid:296)(cid:381)(cid:396)(cid:373)(cid:258)(cid:415)(cid:381)(cid:374)
Headquarters
CANADA
50 Minthorn Blvd., Suite 401
Markham, Ontario
L3T 7X8
1.877.739.2212
U.S.
701 Seneca St., Suite 660
(cid:17)(cid:437)(cid:299)(cid:258)(cid:367)(cid:381)(cid:853)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:286)(cid:449)(cid:3)(cid:122)(cid:381)(cid:396)(cid:364)
14210
1.866.583.3983
(cid:47)(cid:374)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:410)(cid:381)(cid:396)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:286)(cid:367)(cid:258)(cid:415)(cid:381)(cid:374)(cid:400)
289.843.3383
(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:923)(cid:396)(cid:286)(cid:258)(cid:367)(cid:373)(cid:258)(cid:425)(cid:286)(cid:396)(cid:400)(cid:856)(cid:272)(cid:381)(cid:373)
(cid:62)(cid:349)(cid:400)(cid:415)(cid:374)(cid:336)
(cid:100)(cid:94)(cid:121)(cid:855)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:62)
(cid:100)(cid:396)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:400)(cid:296)(cid:286)(cid:396)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:336)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)
TSX Trust Company
(cid:1007)(cid:1004)(cid:1005)(cid:3)(cid:882)(cid:3)(cid:1005)(cid:1004)(cid:1004)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:367)(cid:258)(cid:349)(cid:282)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:94)(cid:410)(cid:856)(cid:3)(cid:116)(cid:286)(cid:400)(cid:410)
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 4H1
Independent Auditors
(cid:24)(cid:286)(cid:367)(cid:381)(cid:349)(cid:425)(cid:286)(cid:853)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:62)(cid:87)
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Code of Conduct
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(cid:271)(cid:455)(cid:3)(cid:449)(cid:396)(cid:349)(cid:415)(cid:374)(cid:336)(cid:3)(cid:410)(cid:381)(cid:855)
Corporate Secretary
(cid:90)(cid:286)(cid:258)(cid:367)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:258)(cid:425)(cid:286)(cid:396)(cid:400)
50 Minthorn Blvd., Suite 401
Markham, Ontario
L3T 7X8
2020 ANNUAL REPORT