2022
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 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 services in the U.S.
Headquartered in Markham (ON), Real Matters has principal offices in Buffalo (NY) and Middletown (RI). Real
Matters is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol REAL.
Historical Consolidated Financial Performance
Net Revenue(A) vs. U.S. Mortgage Origination Market Volumes*
$162.1M
$164.3M
$102.1M
$82.8M
$85.4M
F18
F19
Net Revenue(A)
F20
F21
F22
Estimated Market Volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A) vs. U.S. Mortgage Origination Market Volumes*
$72.2M
$59.2M
$29.0M
$5.8M
F18
F19
F20
F21
F22
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated Market Volumes
$7.4M
Volumes
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
Volumes
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
(A) Non-GAAP Measures
Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards and are therefore unlikely to be
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These non-GAAP measures are more fully defined on page 26 of this Annual Report.
* Management estimate, in thousands of units.
Performance Highlights
in thousands of US$ except per share amounts or where otherwise stated
U.S. Appraisal Purchase
Market Share
Fiscal 2022
Fiscal 2021
Fiscal 2020
Financial
Consolidated
Revenues
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Net income
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
Common shares issued and outstanding
Stock options issued and outstanding
Warrants issued, outstanding and exercisable
Operating Metrics
U.S. Appraisal purchase market share
U.S. Appraisal refinance market share
U.S. Title refinance market share
Trading Statistics (C$ except volume)
High
Low
Close
$339,642
$85,439
25.2%
$(9,265)
$7,379
8.6%
$250,916
$55,510
22.1%
$26,997
48.6%
$36,542
$23,049
63.1%
$(8,084)
-35.1%
$52,184
$6,880
13.2%
$4,483
65.2%
$46,142
$17,567
–
72,696
4,426
–
4.1%
12.1%
1.2%
$10.52
$4.18
$4.75
$504,107
$164,292
32.6%
$33,080
$59,201
36.0%
$322,109
$69,263
21.5%
$39,797
57.5%
$129,538
$88,239
68.1%
$31,784
36.0%
$52,460
$6,790
12.9%
$4,777
70.4%
$60,213
$25,021
–
79,048
4,578
96
4.4%
9.9%
1.8%
$27.61
$9.86
$10.04
$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
4.6%
9.3%
2.1%
$33.01
$7.74
$25.95
520,372
Average Volume
559,487
543,366
(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 26 of this Annual Report.
1
4.1%
F22
4.4%
F21
U.S. Appraisal Refinance
Market Share
12.1%
F22
9.9%
F21
U.S. Title Refinance
Market Share
1.2%
F22
1.8%
F21
Net Revenue(A)
$164.3M
$162.1M
$85.4M
F22
F21
F20
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
$59.2M
$72.2M
$7.4M
F22
F21
F20
Fiscal 2022 in Review
15%
11%
Revenues
$339.6M
8%
14%
27%
Net Revenue(A)
$85.4M
Adjusted EBITDA(A)(B)
$7.4M
74%
65%
86%
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Progress to Fiscal 2025 Targets
Purchase market share
Refinance market share
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
F22
F25 Target
F22
F25 Target
F22
F25 Target
F22
F25 Target
U.S. Appraisal
4.1%(1)
7-9%(1)
12.1%(1)
17-19%(1)
22.1%
26-28%
48.6%
65-70%
U.S. Title
NA
NA
1.2%(2)
6-8%(2)
63.1%
60-65%
-35.1%
50-55%
Canada
NA
NA
NA
NA
13.2%
19-20%
65.2%
65-70%
Notes
(1) Market share expressed as a percentage of TAM as described on page 11 of this Annual Report.
(2) Market share expressed as a percentage of TM as described on page 10 of this Annual Report.
(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 26 of this Annual Report.
(B) Adjusted EBITDA(A) includes negative Adjusted EBITDA of $8.1 for U.S. Title, and $16.0 million of corporate expenses which are expressed net of stock-based
compensation totalling $1.5 million.
2
Key Performance Indicators - U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Appraisal Segment Net Revenue(A) &
Net Revenue(A) Margin vs Addressable
Mortgage Market Origination Volumes*
U.S. Appraisal Segment Adjusted EBITDA(A) &
Adjusted EBITDA(A) Margin vs Addressable
Mortgage Market Origination Volumes*
$67.2M
$69.3M
$50.1M
$55.5M
$33.5M
$38.4M
18.0%
20.6%
23.8%
21.5%
23.6%
22.1%
Volumes
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
$39.9M $39.8M
$39.9M $39.8M
$26.0M
$27.0M
Volumes
8,000
6,000
4,000
$11.7M
30.4%
51.9%
59.3%
57.5%
48.6%
2,000
0
$5.7M
17.1%
F17
F18
F19
F20
F21
F22
F17
F18
F19
F20
F21
F22
Net Revenue(A)
Estimated Addressable Market Volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated Addressable Market Volumes
Key Performance Indicators - U.S. Title
U.S. Title Segment Net Revenue(A) &
Net Revenue(A) Margins vs
Mortgage Market Origination Refinance Volumes*
U.S. Title Segment Adjusted EBITDA(A)
& Adjusted EBITDA(A) Margins vs
Mortgage Market Origination Refinance Volumes*
$89.9M
$88.2M
68.1%
$53.6M
63.2%
$46.8M
63.1%
$39.1M
60.0%
56.7%
Volumes
8,000
6,000
4,000
$44.3M
$31.8M
$23.0M
2,000
63.1%
0
$13.7M
25.5%
$6.2M
15.8%
$13.7M$13.7M
29.2%
49.3%
36.0%
F17
F18
F19
F20
F21
F22
Volumes
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
$(8.1)M
(35.1)%
0
Net Revenue(A)
Estimated Refinance Market Volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated Refinance Market Volumes
F17
F18
F19
F20
F21
F22
(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 26 of this Annual Report.
* Management estimate, in thousands of units.
3
Progress Toward Our Long-Term Targets
We ended the fiscal year with U.S. Appraisal purchase market share of 4.1%, which
compares to 4.4% at the close of fiscal 2021, and U.S. Appraisal refinance market
share of 12.1%, up from 9.9% at the end of fiscal 2021. Our respective market share
shifts reflect the mix of business of our client base, some of whom have historically
been more weighted towards refinance. When taking into consideration the shift in
purchase market share of our clients, our U.S. Appraisal purchase market share for
fiscal 2022 would have been higher. In fiscal 2022, we launched 14 new lenders and
two existing clients in new channels in U.S. Appraisal, including a Tier 1 lender in the
home equity channel.
In U.S. Title, we launched seven new lenders in fiscal 2022 and we ended the year with
U.S. Title market share of 1.2%, down from 1.8% at the end of fiscal 2021. Our U.S. Title
market share was impacted by changes in our client portfolio as well as certain clients
shutting down their mortgage operations due to very challenging market conditions
for refinance mortgage origination activity. Our sales team continued to advance
the pipeline, leveraging the home equity opportunity to expand our channels with
existing clients and to win new Title business. In fiscal 2022, our performance remained
at the top of scorecards across our lender base. We will continue to maintain our focus
on operational excellence by improving performance and closely managing our
expenses through this part of the mortgage market cycle. Our focus remains on
leveraging our current performance and home equity strategy to onboard new clients
and build franchise value for the long term.
In Canada, we launched six new clients in fiscal 2022. Solid market share gains in
our Canadian appraisal business were offset by significantly lower market volumes.
To our shareholders,
In fiscal 2022, we launched a total of 27 new lenders across all three segments, and we
increased market share with our five largest U.S. Appraisal clients by an average of
6%. We also marked a major milestone by surpassing 50% market share with one of
our Tier 1 lenders in U.S. Appraisal. Our market share gains with clients was the direct
result of our performance as we continue to rank at the top of lender scorecards in
both U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title, expanding our leadership position.
We ended the year with more than $46 million of cash on our balance sheet
and no debt. We continue to focus on managing our costs in line with market
volumes and keeping the business Adjusted EBITDA(A) neutral on a full year
basis through this part of the mortgage market cycle.
Challenging Macro Environment
By most measures, fiscal 2022 was a challenging year for our industry. Following a
period of historically low interest rates and elevated mortgage origination volumes
in fiscal 2021, this past fiscal year, we saw the U.S. mortgage market absorb the impact
of record home price appreciation, low housing inventory and rapidly rising interest
rates in the second half of the year. The result was a steep mortgage market slowdown
that we haven’t experienced in several decades.
The cyclical nature of the mortgage market is nothing new to us. It’s the very reason
we built a business that can weather the peaks and valleys and why we prioritize
long-term objectives and profitability. It’s why we focus on building market share
with large blue-chip clients that are driven by performance metrics and why we
created a platform that would allow us to scale up and down with a lower cost to
serve than our competitors.
In the face of unprecedented market headwinds in fiscal 2022, we continued our focus
on the fundamental drivers that are germane to how we operate the business, which
is what will drive our long-term success: achieving top performance on lender
scorecards which drives market share growth; launching new clients; and managing
our costs.
(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 26 of this Annual Report.
4
Solid Financial Position
With a strong balance sheet and no debt, we have the financial strength to manage
through the current downturn in the mortgage market. Since going public in 2017, we
have purchased 24% of the issued and outstanding shares at IPO, and we ended the
year with more than $46 million of cash on our balance sheet. Given current market
conditions, we continue to be prudent in managing our capital allocation with an
ongoing focus on cost discipline and maintaining a strong balance sheet as we
manage our way through this part of the mortgage market cycle.
Maintaining Our Long-Term Focus
We are squarely focused on our fiscal 2025 strategic objectives that we communicated
at our Investor Day in 2020. We remain confident that we can grow our appraisal
business to achieve a doubling of our U.S. Appraisal purchase and refinance market
share from fiscal 2020 levels and deliver Net Revenue(A) margins of 26% to 28% and
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 65% to 70%.
In U.S. Title, we remain committed to building franchise value for the long term,
executing on our plan to triple our U.S. Title refinance market share from fiscal 2020
levels to 6% to 8% by the end of fiscal 2025 and achieving Net Revenue(A) margins of
60% to 65% and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 50% to 55%.
We have a very strong client base and a proven performance track record which
positions us well to extend our client relations in U.S. Title and grow market share
in both U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title through this mortgage market cycle and into
the growth on the other side.
Our team has done an incredible job over the course of the year to ensure our
business remains on solid footing and positioned for growth. We have excellent
leaders and a strong bench with decades of experience in this industry under their
belts who are aligned to our business model and our long-term objectives. We
remain thankful for the commitment of the field professionals on our network, and
the continued trust of our clients. We thank our Board of Directors and long-term
shareholders for their enduring support as we execute on our long-term strategy.
Progress Toward Our Long-Term Targets
We ended the fiscal year with U.S. Appraisal purchase market share of 4.1%, which
compares to 4.4% at the close of fiscal 2021, and U.S. Appraisal refinance market
share of 12.1%, up from 9.9% at the end of fiscal 2021. Our respective market share
shifts reflect the mix of business of our client base, some of whom have historically
been more weighted towards refinance. When taking into consideration the shift in
purchase market share of our clients, our U.S. Appraisal purchase market share for
fiscal 2022 would have been higher. In fiscal 2022, we launched 14 new lenders and
two existing clients in new channels in U.S. Appraisal, including a Tier 1 lender in the
home equity channel.
As market volumes receded from fiscal 2021, the platform directed more work
to our top appraisers, which bolstered quality and drove faster turn times. This
also allowed us to benefit from a network effect in U.S. Appraisal, and we
exited fiscal 2022 with Net Revenue(A) margins of 25.4%, which is the highest
quarterly Net Revenue(A) margin we’ve ever posted in the Company’s history.
In U.S. Title, we launched seven new lenders in fiscal 2022 and we ended the year with
U.S. Title market share of 1.2%, down from 1.8% at the end of fiscal 2021. Our U.S. Title
market share was impacted by changes in our client portfolio as well as certain clients
shutting down their mortgage operations due to very challenging market conditions
for refinance mortgage origination activity. Our sales team continued to advance
the pipeline, leveraging the home equity opportunity to expand our channels with
existing clients and to win new Title business. In fiscal 2022, our performance remained
at the top of scorecards across our lender base. We will continue to maintain our focus
on operational excellence by improving performance and closely managing our
expenses through this part of the mortgage market cycle. Our focus remains on
leveraging our current performance and home equity strategy to onboard new clients
and build franchise value for the long term.
In Canada, we launched six new clients in fiscal 2022. Solid market share gains in
our Canadian appraisal business were offset by significantly lower 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 26 of this Annual Report.
5
In fiscal 2022, we launched a total of 27 new lenders across all three segments, and we
increased market share with our five largest U.S. Appraisal clients by an average of
6%. We also marked a major milestone by surpassing 50% market share with one of
our Tier 1 lenders in U.S. Appraisal. Our market share gains with clients was the direct
result of our performance as we continue to rank at the top of lender scorecards in
both U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title, expanding our leadership position.
Challenging Macro Environment
By most measures, fiscal 2022 was a challenging year for our industry. Following a
period of historically low interest rates and elevated mortgage origination volumes
in fiscal 2021, this past fiscal year, we saw the U.S. mortgage market absorb the impact
of record home price appreciation, low housing inventory and rapidly rising interest
rates in the second half of the year. The result was a steep mortgage market slowdown
that we haven’t experienced in several decades.
The cyclical nature of the mortgage market is nothing new to us. It’s the very reason
we built a business that can weather the peaks and valleys and why we prioritize
long-term objectives and profitability. It’s why we focus on building market share
with large blue-chip clients that are driven by performance metrics and why we
created a platform that would allow us to scale up and down with a lower cost to
serve than our competitors.
In the face of unprecedented market headwinds in fiscal 2022, we continued our focus
on the fundamental drivers that are germane to how we operate the business, which
is what will drive our long-term success: achieving top performance on lender
scorecards which drives market share growth; launching new clients; and managing
our costs.
Solid Financial Position
With a strong balance sheet and no debt, we have the financial strength to manage
through the current downturn in the mortgage market. Since going public in 2017, we
have purchased 24% of the issued and outstanding shares at IPO, and we ended the
year with more than $46 million of cash on our balance sheet. Given current market
conditions, we continue to be prudent in managing our capital allocation with an
ongoing focus on cost discipline and maintaining a strong balance sheet as we
manage our way through this part of the mortgage market cycle.
Maintaining Our Long-Term Focus
We are squarely focused on our fiscal 2025 strategic objectives that we communicated
at our Investor Day in 2020. We remain confident that we can grow our appraisal
business to achieve a doubling of our U.S. Appraisal purchase and refinance market
share from fiscal 2020 levels and deliver Net Revenue(A) margins of 26% to 28% and
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 65% to 70%.
In U.S. Title, we remain committed to building franchise value for the long term,
executing on our plan to triple our U.S. Title refinance market share from fiscal 2020
levels to 6% to 8% by the end of fiscal 2025 and achieving Net Revenue(A) margins of
60% to 65% and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 50% to 55%.
We have a very strong client base and a proven performance track record which
positions us well to extend our client relations in U.S. Title and grow market share
in both U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title through this mortgage market cycle and into
the growth on the other side.
Our team has done an incredible job over the course of the year to ensure our
business remains on solid footing and positioned for growth. We have excellent
leaders and a strong bench with decades of experience in this industry under their
belts who are aligned to our business model and our long-term objectives. We
remain thankful for the commitment of the field professionals on our network, and
the continued trust of our clients. We thank our Board of Directors and long-term
shareholders for their enduring support as we execute on our long-term strategy.
In fiscal 2022, we launched a total of 27 new lenders across all three segments, and we
increased market share with our five largest U.S. Appraisal clients by an average of
6%. We also marked a major milestone by surpassing 50% market share with one of
our Tier 1 lenders in U.S. Appraisal. Our market share gains with clients was the direct
result of our performance as we continue to rank at the top of lender scorecards in
both U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title, expanding our leadership position.
Progress Toward Our Long-Term Targets
We ended the fiscal year with U.S. Appraisal purchase market share of 4.1%, which
compares to 4.4% at the close of fiscal 2021, and U.S. Appraisal refinance market
share of 12.1%, up from 9.9% at the end of fiscal 2021. Our respective market share
shifts reflect the mix of business of our client base, some of whom have historically
been more weighted towards refinance. When taking into consideration the shift in
purchase market share of our clients, our U.S. Appraisal purchase market share for
fiscal 2022 would have been higher. In fiscal 2022, we launched 14 new lenders and
two existing clients in new channels in U.S. Appraisal, including a Tier 1 lender in the
home equity channel.
Challenging Macro Environment
By most measures, fiscal 2022 was a challenging year for our industry. Following a
period of historically low interest rates and elevated mortgage origination volumes
in fiscal 2021, this past fiscal year, we saw the U.S. mortgage market absorb the impact
of record home price appreciation, low housing inventory and rapidly rising interest
rates in the second half of the year. The result was a steep mortgage market slowdown
that we haven’t experienced in several decades.
The cyclical nature of the mortgage market is nothing new to us. It’s the very reason
we built a business that can weather the peaks and valleys and why we prioritize
long-term objectives and profitability. It’s why we focus on building market share
with large blue-chip clients that are driven by performance metrics and why we
created a platform that would allow us to scale up and down with a lower cost to
serve than our competitors.
In the face of unprecedented market headwinds in fiscal 2022, we continued our focus
on the fundamental drivers that are germane to how we operate the business, which
is what will drive our long-term success: achieving top performance on lender
scorecards which drives market share growth; launching new clients; and managing
our costs.
In U.S. Title, we launched seven new lenders in fiscal 2022 and we ended the year with
U.S. Title market share of 1.2%, down from 1.8% at the end of fiscal 2021. Our U.S. Title
market share was impacted by changes in our client portfolio as well as certain clients
shutting down their mortgage operations due to very challenging market conditions
for refinance mortgage origination activity. Our sales team continued to advance
the pipeline, leveraging the home equity opportunity to expand our channels with
existing clients and to win new Title business. In fiscal 2022, our performance remained
at the top of scorecards across our lender base. We will continue to maintain our focus
on operational excellence by improving performance and closely managing our
expenses through this part of the mortgage market cycle. Our focus remains on
leveraging our current performance and home equity strategy to onboard new clients
and build franchise value for the long term.
In Canada, we launched six new clients in fiscal 2022. Solid market share gains in
our Canadian appraisal business were offset by significantly lower market volumes.
Solid Financial Position
With a strong balance sheet and no debt, we have the financial strength to manage
through the current downturn in the mortgage market. Since going public in 2017, we
have purchased 24% of the issued and outstanding shares at IPO, and we ended the
year with more than $46 million of cash on our balance sheet. Given current market
conditions, we continue to be prudent in managing our capital allocation with an
ongoing focus on cost discipline and maintaining a strong balance sheet as we
manage our way through this part of the mortgage market cycle.
Maintaining Our Long-Term Focus
We are squarely focused on our fiscal 2025 strategic objectives that we communicated
at our Investor Day in 2020. We remain confident that we can grow our appraisal
business to achieve a doubling of our U.S. Appraisal purchase and refinance market
share from fiscal 2020 levels and deliver Net Revenue(A) margins of 26% to 28% and
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 65% to 70%.
In U.S. Title, we remain committed to building franchise value for the long term,
executing on our plan to triple our U.S. Title refinance market share from fiscal 2020
levels to 6% to 8% by the end of fiscal 2025 and achieving Net Revenue(A) margins of
60% to 65% and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 50% to 55%.
We have a very strong client base and a proven performance track record which
positions us well to extend our client relations in U.S. Title and grow market share
in both U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title through this mortgage market cycle and into
the growth on the other side.
Our team has done an incredible job over the course of the year to ensure our
business remains on solid footing and positioned for growth. We have excellent
leaders and a strong bench with decades of experience in this industry under their
belts who are aligned to our business model and our long-term objectives. We
remain thankful for the commitment of the field professionals on our network, and
the continued trust of our clients. We thank our Board of Directors and long-term
shareholders for their enduring support as we execute on our long-term strategy.
Brian Lang
Chief Executive Officer
(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 26 of this Annual Report.
6
In fiscal 2022, we launched a total of 27 new lenders across all three segments, and we
increased market share with our five largest U.S. Appraisal clients by an average of
6%. We also marked a major milestone by surpassing 50% market share with one of
our Tier 1 lenders in U.S. Appraisal. Our market share gains with clients was the direct
result of our performance as we continue to rank at the top of lender scorecards in
both U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title, expanding our leadership position.
Progress Toward Our Long-Term Targets
We ended the fiscal year with U.S. Appraisal purchase market share of 4.1%, which
compares to 4.4% at the close of fiscal 2021, and U.S. Appraisal refinance market
share of 12.1%, up from 9.9% at the end of fiscal 2021. Our respective market share
shifts reflect the mix of business of our client base, some of whom have historically
been more weighted towards refinance. When taking into consideration the shift in
purchase market share of our clients, our U.S. Appraisal purchase market share for
fiscal 2022 would have been higher. In fiscal 2022, we launched 14 new lenders and
two existing clients in new channels in U.S. Appraisal, including a Tier 1 lender in the
home equity channel.
Challenging Macro Environment
By most measures, fiscal 2022 was a challenging year for our industry. Following a
period of historically low interest rates and elevated mortgage origination volumes
in fiscal 2021, this past fiscal year, we saw the U.S. mortgage market absorb the impact
of record home price appreciation, low housing inventory and rapidly rising interest
rates in the second half of the year. The result was a steep mortgage market slowdown
that we haven’t experienced in several decades.
The cyclical nature of the mortgage market is nothing new to us. It’s the very reason
we built a business that can weather the peaks and valleys and why we prioritize
long-term objectives and profitability. It’s why we focus on building market share
with large blue-chip clients that are driven by performance metrics and why we
created a platform that would allow us to scale up and down with a lower cost to
serve than our competitors.
In the face of unprecedented market headwinds in fiscal 2022, we continued our focus
on the fundamental drivers that are germane to how we operate the business, which
is what will drive our long-term success: achieving top performance on lender
scorecards which drives market share growth; launching new clients; and managing
our costs.
In U.S. Title, we launched seven new lenders in fiscal 2022 and we ended the year with
U.S. Title market share of 1.2%, down from 1.8% at the end of fiscal 2021. Our U.S. Title
market share was impacted by changes in our client portfolio as well as certain clients
shutting down their mortgage operations due to very challenging market conditions
for refinance mortgage origination activity. Our sales team continued to advance
the pipeline, leveraging the home equity opportunity to expand our channels with
existing clients and to win new Title business. In fiscal 2022, our performance remained
at the top of scorecards across our lender base. We will continue to maintain our focus
on operational excellence by improving performance and closely managing our
expenses through this part of the mortgage market cycle. Our focus remains on
leveraging our current performance and home equity strategy to onboard new clients
and build franchise value for the long term.
In Canada, we launched six new clients in fiscal 2022. Solid market share gains in
our Canadian appraisal business were offset by significantly lower market volumes.
We make the home ownership
experience extraordinary.
Solid Financial Position
With a strong balance sheet and no debt, we have the financial strength to manage
through the current downturn in the mortgage market. Since going public in 2017, we
have purchased 24% of the issued and outstanding shares at IPO, and we ended the
year with more than $46 million of cash on our balance sheet. Given current market
conditions, we continue to be prudent in managing our capital allocation with an
ongoing focus on cost discipline and maintaining a strong balance sheet as we
manage our way through this part of the mortgage market cycle.
Maintaining Our Long-Term Focus
We are squarely focused on our fiscal 2025 strategic objectives that we communicated
at our Investor Day in 2020. We remain confident that we can grow our appraisal
business to achieve a doubling of our U.S. Appraisal purchase and refinance market
share from fiscal 2020 levels and deliver Net Revenue(A) margins of 26% to 28% and
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 65% to 70%.
In U.S. Title, we remain committed to building franchise value for the long term,
executing on our plan to triple our U.S. Title refinance market share from fiscal 2020
levels to 6% to 8% by the end of fiscal 2025 and achieving Net Revenue(A) margins of
60% to 65% and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins of 50% to 55%.
We have a very strong client base and a proven performance track record which
positions us well to extend our client relations in U.S. Title and grow market share
in both U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title through this mortgage market cycle and into
the growth on the other side.
Our team has done an incredible job over the course of the year to ensure our
business remains on solid footing and positioned for growth. We have excellent
leaders and a strong bench with decades of experience in this industry under their
belts who are aligned to our business model and our long-term objectives. We
remain thankful for the commitment of the field professionals on our network, and
the continued trust of our clients. We thank our Board of Directors and long-term
shareholders for their enduring support as we execute on our long-term strategy.
(cid:894)(cid:100)(cid:346)(cid:349)(cid:400)(cid:3)(cid:393)(cid:258)(cid:336)(cid:286)(cid:3)(cid:346)(cid:258)(cid:400)(cid:3)(cid:271)(cid:286)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:3)(cid:367)(cid:286)(cid:296)(cid:410)(cid:3)(cid:271)(cid:367)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:364)(cid:3)(cid:349)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:286)(cid:374)(cid:410)(cid:349)(cid:381)(cid:374)(cid:258)(cid:367)(cid:367)(cid:455)(cid:856)(cid:895)
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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 15, 2022 and should be read in
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”), including notes thereto, for the years ended
September 30, 2022 and 2021. All amounts 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, 2021,
can be found on SEDAR under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com.
Overview
Real Matters provides residential real estate appraisal and title 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, 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 in our industry, combined with our
network management capabilities, drives greater efficiency 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 with the goal of delivering 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 prepared 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 in the U.S., and the cost of a residential appraisal is typically
passed on to the borrower.
We apply our network management capabilities, which are designed to focus on quality at the front-end of the process, to
supply residential real estate appraisal services. Our platform is an open network where appraiser 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 appraiser for every mortgage transaction through robust credentials management and scorecarding.
Title services
We are an approved title agent with the largest title insurance underwriters in the U.S. We offer and/or coordinate various title
services for refinance, purchase, 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, curative, closing and escrow services
and title policy issuance. We act on behalf of 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 insurance policy.
Premium splits can vary by geographic region, and in some states, premiums are fixed by regulation.
The closing process is critical to a consumer’s overall experience as it represents an important point of contact in a mortgage
transaction. Our focus is to provide the best consumer experience by working with experienced abstractors, notaries and
attorneys. 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.
Our clients and the market we service
Clients
Our clients include top 100 mortgage lenders in the U.S., the majority of the big five banks in Canada and some of North
America’s largest insurance carriers. In the U.S., we estimate that the top 100 lenders account for approximately 84% of lender
spend on appraisal and title services. Tier 1 (as defined in the “Glossary” section of this MD&A) and other prominent lenders
typically require their service providers to be well capitalized, registered and licensed nationally, have a strong technology
and information security infrastructure, and be in good standing with their regulatory authorities. These lenders typically
allocate market share to their service providers based on performance, and our performance often results in us obtaining an
outsized allocation of transaction volumes from these lenders compared to our competitors.
9
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Markets
The U.S. mortgage market is one of the largest asset classes in the world and it is also highly regulated. In fiscal 2022, we
estimated that there were approximately 7.0 million mortgage origination transactions (purchase and refinance) in the U.S.,
representing a total market (“TM”) spend of $4.7 billion applying our average revenue per transaction for purchase and
refinance mortgage originations in fiscal 2022. The graphic below outlines the estimated size of the TM for purchase and
refinance mortgage originations in the U.S. for fiscal 2022 and our estimate of the TM spend for these services.
U.S. Market 2022
Total Mortgage Origination Volumes*
(expressed in millions)
*Management estimate at the end of fiscal 2022
Mortgage origination
volumes - refinance
TM $1.8 billion
2.7
7.0 (volumes)
TM $4.7 billion
Mortgage origination
volumes - purchase
4.3
TM $2.9 billion
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. We provide appraisal services to mortgage lenders across the following channels: purchase origination,
refinance origination, home equity, default and REO. Purchase and refinance mortgage origination revenues accounted for
88% of fiscal 2022 revenues in our U.S. Appraisal segment.
The total addressable market (“TAM”) for our U.S. Appraisal segment excludes appraisal waivers provided by the GSEs and
appraisals provided by Veterans Affairs. In fiscal 2022, we estimate that there were approximately 5.1 million appraisals
provided for purchase and refinance mortgage originations in the U.S., representing a TAM spend of $3.4 billion applying our
average revenue per transaction for purchase and refinance mortgage originations in fiscal 2022. We further believe that
waivers were at elevated levels in the first half of fiscal 2022, due in part to COVID-19, and moderated down to nearly 11% of
total mortgage origination volumes at the end of fiscal 2022. The graphic below outlines the estimated size of the TAM for
purchase and refinance mortgage originations in the U.S. for fiscal 2022 and our estimate of the TAM spend for these services.
10
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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. Market 2022
Addressable Mortgage Origination Volumes*
(expressed in millions)
* Management estimate at the end of fiscal 2022
1.5
Addressable mortgage
origination volumes -
refinance
TAM $1.0 billion
5.1 (volumes)
TAM $3.4 billion
Addressable
mortgage origination
volumes - purchase
3.6
TAM $2.4 billion
U.S. Title
Historically, our U.S. Title segment (as hereinafter defined) predominantly serviced Tier 3 and 4 mortgage lenders. However,
over the past few years, we have added several top 100 lenders, including our first Tier 1 client for title services in fiscal 2021.
Adding clients is in line with our strategy to increase market share in this segment, with a specific focus on targeting additional
Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 clients. Today, we predominantly supply title services for refinance, home equity, default and REO
transactions. In fiscal 2022, we estimate that there were 2.7 million refinance transactions serviced representing a total and
addressable market spend of $2.6 billion applying our average revenue per transaction for refinance mortgage originations
in fiscal 2022. 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 banks in Canada 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 and Middletown, Rhode Island.
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 inventory, demand for housing, the availability of funds for mortgage loans,
credit requirements, regulatory changes, household indebtedness, employment levels and the general health of the North
American economy. Transaction-based revenues for appraisal services in our U.S. Appraisal and Canadian segments are also
impacted by the seasonal nature of the residential mortgage industry, which typically see home buyers purchase more homes
in our third and fourth fiscal quarters, representing the three months ending June 30 and September 30, respectively. The
seasonal uptick for purchase market activity that is typical in the third and fourth quarters of our fiscal year was muted in fiscal
2022 due to the U.S. mortgage market continuing to experience issues with affordability resulting from elevated home prices,
an increase in the 30-year mortgage rate and a shortage of housing inventory. 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. As
discussed above, the prevalence of appraisal waivers provided by the GSEs and the volume of appraisals provided by
Veterans Affairs can also impact the size of the TAM for our U.S. Appraisal segment. Gains or losses in our clients’ share of the
addressable 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.
11
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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 outlines the estimated U.S. mortgage origination spend for purchase and refinance transactions beginning
in 1990, presented on a calendar year basis. From 2011 to 2021, the estimated purchase market grew at a mid to high single
digit growth rate which was highly correlated to the strength of the U.S. economy, among other factors. However, in 2022,
the estimated purchase market declined from 2021 levels due to the U.S. mortgage market continuing to experience issues
with affordability resulting from elevated home prices, an increase in the 30-year mortgage rate and a shortage of housing
inventory. Refinance activity is very sensitive to changes in interest rates which has resulted in significant changes in the
volume of activity between years. From the onset of COVID-19 through the first half of fiscal 2022, the mortgage origination
market experienced a significant increase in refinance activity due to low interest rates brought about by COVID-19 and
other contributing factors. This historically high level of activity presents a tougher market comparison year-over-year given
the recent and sharp increase in 30-year mortgage rates during the second half of fiscal 2022. For fiscal 2022, we estimate
that total mortgage origination volumes were down nearly 42% from fiscal 2021, due in large part to an estimated 61% decline
in refinance mortgage origination volumes.
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 '21 '22
$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 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 “Our long-term plan – Fiscal 2025 targets” section of this MD&A.
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with IFRS, however, we consider certain Non-GAAP financial measures
(as hereinafter defined) useful in the assessment of our financial performance. All Non-GAAP measures are identified in this
MD&A by superscript (A). Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” section of this MD&A for additional details regarding our
use of Non-GAAP measures, including, but not limited to, the definitions of Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A).
12
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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), Adjusted EBITDA(A) and Net Income or Loss to estimated
mortgage market origination volumes.
Consolidated Net Revenue(A) relative to
mortgage market origination volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$180,000
$160,000
$140,000
$120,000
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
2014 2015
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Year
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(A)
relative to mortgage market origination
volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Volumes
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$80,000
$70,000
$60,000
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
-
2014 2015
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Year
Volumes
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
-
Net Revenue(A)
Estimated market volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated market volumes
Consolidated Net Income relative to
mortgage market origination volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
-$10,000
-$20,000
-$30,000
-$40,000
-$50,000
Volumes
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
2014 2015
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
-
Net Income (loss)
Estimated market volumes
Year
Our U.S. Appraisal segment is our more mature business in the U.S. Servicing higher volumes on our platform from net market
share gains and higher market volumes, resulted in annual Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin expansion through
fiscal 2020. However, in fiscal 2021, we recorded lower Net Revenue(A) margins and lower Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins
compared to fiscal 2020 while servicing higher volumes. The primary reason for these contractions was due to servicing a
higher proportion of higher value and more complex properties during fiscal 2021, which we attribute, in part, to the higher
use of GSE waivers on lower value and less complex properties. The use of GSE waivers has declined since fiscal 2021, which
we attribute, in part, to the rise in the 30-year mortgage rate and corresponding contraction of rate refinance volumes.
Accordingly, our Net Revenue(A) margins expanded in the second half of fiscal 2022 and we have been actively managing
our U.S. Appraisal operating expense spend down, each due to the decline in market volumes.
13
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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. Appraisal Segment Net Revenue(A) &
Net Revenue(A) margin vs addressable
mortgage market origination volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Volumes
15,000
10,000
U.S. Appraisal Segment Adjusted
EBITDA(A) & Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
vs addressable mortgage market
origination volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Volumes
15,000
10,000
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
23.8%
23.6%
21.5%
18.0%
20.6%
22.1%
$0
2017 2018
2019 2020 2021 2022
-
$0
Year
5,000
$20,000
59.3%
57.5%
5,000
$10,000
51.9%
30.4%
17.1%
48.6%
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Year
-
Net Revenue(A)
Estimated addressable market volumes
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Estimated addressable market volumes
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 similar to our U.S. Appraisal segment. Today, our U.S. Title segment
predominately services refinance mortgage origination volumes. As a result of the significant decline in rate refinance
volumes in fiscal 2022, we have significantly reduced our U.S. Title operating expenses, while ensuring we maintain
performance levels with our clients.
U.S. Title Segment Net Revenue(A) & Net
Revenue(A) margins vs mortgage market
origination refinance volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
Volumes
10,000
5,000
68.1%
63.1%
63.2%
60.0%
56.7%
2017 2018
2019 2020 2021 2022
-
63.1%
Year
U.S. Title Segment Adjusted EBITDA(A)
& Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins vs
mortgage market origination refinance
volumes*
* Management estimate, volumes expressed in thousands of units
Volumes
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
-$10,000
-$20,000
10,000
49.3%
36.0%
5,000
25.5%
29.2%
15.8%
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
-
Year
(35.1)%
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. Accordingly, our principal focus is
on market share growth and over the long-term, we seek to achieve market share increases in the residential mortgage
origination market. 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.
14
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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
At the end of fiscal 2020, we set targets through the end of fiscal 2025, which remain grounded in the 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 continue to be singularly focused on market
share growth and Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin expansion since we can’t control the cyclical and seasonal
trends that impact the residential mortgage market or our clients’ share of the market.
The fiscal 2025 targets are presented for the purpose of assisting investors, security analysts and others in understanding our
current objectives, strategic priorities and expectations for the future. Readers are cautioned that our fiscal 2025 targets may
not be appropriate for other purposes. Our Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin targets are contingent on achieving
our market share goals, no change in our clients’ respective share of the market from 2020 levels and a residential mortgage
originations market comprised of an approximately $4 billion spend for purchase activity and an approximately $2 billion
spend for refinance activity which we deemed to be a normalized market based on historical standards at that time.
However, U.S. macroeconomic conditions will be a large determinate of the size of the U.S. mortgage market in fiscal 2025,
which is out of our control. 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 impact the achievement of our fiscal 2025 targets.
Fiscal 2025 Targets
Purchase
market
share
Refinance
market
share
Net
Revenue(A)
margin
Adjusted
EBITDA(A)
margin
U.S. Appraisal
7-9%(1)
17-19%(1)
26-28%
65-70%
U.S. Title
Canada
Note
-
6-8%(2)
60-65%
50-55%
-
-
19-20%
65-70%
(1) Market share expressed as a percentage of TAM as described above in this MD&A
(2) Market share expressed as a percentage of TM as described above in this MD&A
Our target for our Corporate segment is to contain corporate expenses, excluding stock-based compensation expense, to
7% of Net Revenue(A) by the end of fiscal 2025.
Our target is to convert 70-75% of Adjusted EBITDA(A) to Free Cash Flow(A) between fiscal 2021 through the end of fiscal 2025.
In fiscal 2022, we did not achieve our conversion target of 70-75%, due in large part to the sharp decline in mortgage
origination volumes this year and the corresponding impact to Adjusted EBITDA(A), which was most notable in our U.S. Title
segment which posted an Adjusted EBITDA(A) loss of $8.1 million.
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”). We have
estimated changes in residential mortgage market activity, since HMDA released its report on 2019 mortgage activity, 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 2022 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 2022 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 volumes serviced, please refer to the “Fiscal 2025 targets” section of this MD&A.
15
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
We’re built for the long-run
We believe we have a significant amount of addressable market beyond our fiscal 2025 objectives. The U.S. mortgage market
is one of the largest asset classes in the world and we service large, blue-chip clients in the U.S. and Canada. Getting to first
transaction with large mortgage lenders can be a lengthy process; however, once we launch a client, our strategy is to
leverage our platform to outperform our competition and grow market share. This helps us solidify and expand the
relationships we have with our clients over the long-term. Our business is built for scale; higher transaction volumes typically
allow us to expand Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins. We have a strong balance sheet and strong 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 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.
Financial Performance
The following is a discussion of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the years ended September
30, 2022 and 2021.
Review of Operations - For the year ended September 30, 2022
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 (“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 foreign currency exchange (“FX”) had on our consolidated operating results for the year ended
September 30, 2022.
Consolidated
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
$
$
$
$
$
$
Year ended September 30
%
Change
Change
2021
504,107 $
339,815 $
107,499 $
5,045 $
(164,465)
(85,612)
(27,904)
(515)
-32.6%
-25.2%
-26.0%
-10.2%
2022
339,642 $
254,203 $
79,595 $
4,530 $
85,439 $
25.2%
7,379 $
8.6%
164,292 $
32.6%
59,201 $
36.0%
(78,853)
-7.4%
(51,822)
-27.4%
-48.0%
-22.7%
-87.5%
-76.1%
Revenues
Consolidated revenues declined due to lower revenues across all three segments. Revenues in our U.S. Appraisal segment
declined due to lower addressable mortgage origination volumes, partially offset by net market share gains with existing
clients, new client additions and higher home equity and default volumes serviced. The revenue decline in our U.S. Title
segment was due primarily to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes, our strategic decisions to focus on our
centralized operations and long-term centralized franchise clients which changed our client portfolio, the rationalization of
our diversified title business to align with our long-term market share objectives, lower home equity revenues and certain
clients ceasing their mortgage origination operations due to recent market conditions for refinance mortgage origination
activity. Excluding the impact of FX, Canadian segment revenues increased modestly on higher insurance inspection
revenues while appraisal services were flat as net market share gains were offset by lower market volumes.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs declined on a consolidated basis across all three segments. Transaction costs in our U.S. Appraisal segment
declined for the same reasons outlined in the revenue discussion above and lower transaction costs in our U.S. Title segment
reflect lower centralized, diversified and other volumes serviced, as outlined in the revenue discussion above. Transaction
costs in our Canadian segment declined due to FX and for the same reasons outlined in the revenue discussion above.
Operating expenses
In fiscal 2022, we actively managed our cost structure to align with lower market volumes for mortgage origination activity,
which included a reduction in employee headcount of nearly 50% at the end of fiscal 2022 compared to the end of fiscal
16
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
2021. The decline in consolidated operating expenses was due primarily to our U.S. Title segment which recorded a $25.3
million decrease due to lower volumes serviced. Of this decline, $20.4 million was attributable to lower payroll and related
costs and $4.5 million was due to lower courier, office and bank charges, each the result of lower volumes serviced. Operating
expenses in our U.S. Appraisal segment declined $1.0 million due to lower payroll and related costs of $0.8 million, due to of
lower origination volumes serviced, and lower computer expense, which was partially offset by higher home equity and
default volumes serviced. Canadian segment operating expenses increased $0.4 million due primarily to higher other
expenses, partially offset by FX. Corporate operating expenses declined $2.0 million due to lower payroll and related costs of
$1.9 million, reflecting lower Corporate segment headcount, lower bonus and stock-based compensation expenses and FX.
Amortization
Amortization declined due to fully amortized intangible assets and lower amortization attributable to a right-of-use asset which
we subleased in fiscal 2022, each recorded in our U.S. Appraisal segment.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
On a consolidated basis, Net Revenue(A) declined on lower revenues generated by our U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segments,
partially offset by modestly higher Net Revenue(A) generated by our Canadian segment. U.S. Appraisal Net Revenue(A)
declined due to lower addressable mortgage origination volumes partially offset by net market share gains with existing
clients, new client additions and higher home equity and default volumes serviced. The decline in U.S. Title Net Revenue(A)
was due primarily to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes, our strategic decisions to focus on our centralized
operations and long-term centralized franchise clients which changed our client portfolio, the rationalization of our diversified
title business to align with our long-term market share objectives, lower home equity volumes serviced and certain clients
ceasing their mortgage origination operations due to recent market conditions for refinance mortgage origination activity.
Net Revenue(A) margins expanded in our U.S. Appraisal and Canadian segments, but contracted in our U.S. Title segment.
The increase in Net Revenue(A) margins in our U.S. Appraisal segment was due to leveraging our field professional network in
a lower market environment in the second half of fiscal 2022, which was partially offset by the increase in lower margin home
equity volumes serviced. The decline in U.S. Title Net Revenue(A) margins was due to a higher proportion of lower margin home
equity volumes serviced and a lower proportion of incoming order volumes that closed. The increase in Net Revenue(A)
margins in our Canadian segment was the result of leveraging our field professional network in a lower market environment,
which was most notable in the last two quarters of fiscal 2022, and realizing higher Net Revenue(A) margins on insurance
inspection services supplied. We recognized lower consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins due
primarily to the financial performance of our U.S. Title and U.S. Appraisal segments, owing, in large part, to lower addressable
mortgage origination volumes.
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
Revenues - refinance
Revenues - other
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
17
Year ended September 30
%
Change
Change
2021
322,109 $
252,846 $
29,466 $
1,485 $
(71,193)
(57,440)
(953)
(557)
-22.1%
-22.7%
-3.2%
-37.5%
2022
250,916 $
195,406 $
28,513 $
928 $
55,510 $
22.1%
26,997 $
48.6%
69,263 $
21.5%
39,797 $
57.5%
(13,753)
0.6%
(12,800)
-8.9%
-19.9%
2.8%
-32.2%
-15.5%
98,203 $
122,835 $
29,878 $
113,437 $
187,140 $
21,532 $
(15,234)
(64,305)
8,346
-13.4%
-34.4%
38.8%
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
4,268,656
(685,764)
3,582,892
146,092
4.1%
4,985,040
(722,452)
4,262,588
185,475
4.4%
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
2,738,730
(1,207,649)
1,531,081
185,666
12.1%
7,102,726
(3,804,002)
3,298,724
326,116
9.9%
Revenues
U.S. Appraisal revenues declined due to lower addressable mortgage origination volumes, partially offset by net market share
gains with existing clients and new client additions. Other revenues increased due to higher market volumes for home equity
and default volumes serviced, market share gains with existing clients and new client additions. We estimate that the
addressable mortgage origination market declined 32% year-over-year, which compares to a decrease of 26% for purchase
and refinance origination revenues combined.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our U.S. Appraisal segment declined for the reasons outlined in the revenue discussion above, partially
offset by higher transaction costs incurred in the first half of fiscal 2022 from servicing a higher proportion of complex properties.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses in our U.S. Appraisal segment declined $1.0 million. Payroll and related costs declined $0.8 million, due
to lower origination volumes serviced, and computer expenses declined $0.1 million, which was partially offset by higher home
equity and default volumes serviced.
Amortization
Amortization declined due to fully amortized intangible assets and lower amortization attributable to a right-of-use asset which
we subleased in fiscal 2022.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Net Revenue(A) in our U.S. Appraisal segment declined due to lower addressable mortgage origination volumes partially offset
by net market share gains with existing clients, new client additions and higher home equity and default volumes serviced.
Net Revenue(A) margins expanded in our U.S. Appraisal segment as we leveraged our field professional network in a lower
market environment in the second half of fiscal 2022, which was partially offset by the increase in lower margin home equity
volumes serviced. We recognized lower consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins due to lower Net
Revenue(A) partially offset by higher Net Revenue(A) margins, as outlined above, owing, in large part, to lower addressable
mortgage origination market volumes.
18
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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
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
2022
36,542 $
13,493 $
31,133 $
3,141 $
23,049 $
63.1%
(8,084) $
-35.1%
30,036 $
1,523 $
4,983 $
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
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.
Year ended September 30
%
Change
Change
2021
129,538 $
41,299 $
56,455 $
2,954 $
(92,996)
(27,806)
(25,322)
187
-71.8%
-67.3%
-44.9%
6.3%
88,239 $
68.1%
31,784 $
36.0%
(65,190)
-5.0%
(39,868)
-71.1%
-73.9%
-7.3%
-125.4%
-197.5%
116,866 $
7,232 $
5,440 $
(86,830)
(5,709)
(457)
-74.3%
-78.9%
-8.4%
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
2,738,730
31,537
1.2%
7,102,726
129,680
1.8%
Revenues
The revenue decline in our U.S. Title segment was due primarily to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes, our
strategic decisions to focus on our centralized operations and long-term centralized franchise clients which changed our
client portfolio, the rationalization of our diversified title business to align with our long-term market share objectives, lower
home equity revenues and certain clients ceasing their mortgage origination operations due to recent market conditions for
refinance mortgage origination activity. We estimate the refinance mortgage origination market declined 61% year-over-
year, which compares to a decrease of 74% for centralized title revenues.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our U.S. Title segment declined due to lower centralized, diversified and other volumes serviced, as
outlined in the revenue discussion above.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses in our U.S. Title segment declined $25.3 million due to lower payroll and related costs of $20.4 million and
lower courier, office and bank charges of $4.5 million, each the result of lower volumes serviced.
Amortization
Amortization increased on higher amortization for computer equipment.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
The decline in Net Revenue(A) was due primarily to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes, our strategic
decisions to focus on our centralized operations and long-term centralized franchise clients which changed our client
portfolio, the rationalization of our diversified title business to align with our long-term market share objectives, lower home
equity volumes serviced and certain clients ceasing their mortgage origination operations due to recent market conditions
for refinance mortgage origination activity. The decline in U.S. Title Net Revenue(A) margins was due to a higher proportion of
lower margin home equity volumes serviced and a lower proportion of incoming order volumes that closed. We recognized
lower Adjusted EBITDA(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins due to lower Net Revenue(A) and Net Revenue(A) margins, as outlined
above, owing, in large part, to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes.
19
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Canada
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
$
$
$
$
$
$
2022
52,184 $
45,304 $
2,397 $
- $
6,880 $
13.2%
4,483 $
65.2%
Year ended September 30
%
Change
Change
2021
52,460 $
45,670 $
2,013 $
- $
6,790 $
12.9%
4,777 $
70.4%
(276)
(366)
384
-
-0.5%
-0.8%
19.1%
0.0%
90
0.3%
(294)
-5.2%
1.3%
2.3%
-6.2%
-7.4%
Revenues
Excluding the impact of FX, Canadian segment revenues increased modestly on higher insurance inspection revenues while
appraisal services were flat as net market share gains were offset by lower market volumes. Canadian segment revenues
from appraisal and insurance inspection services were $48.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively, in fiscal 2022, compared to
$49.4 million and $3.1 million in fiscal 2021.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our Canadian segment declined due to FX.
Operating expenses
Canadian segment operating expenses increased $0.4 million due primarily to higher other expenses, partially offset by FX.
Amortization
Amortization was unchanged between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Net Revenue(A) in our Canadian segment increased modestly due to net market share gains for appraisal services and
modestly higher insurance inspection revenues, partially offset by lower market volumes for appraisal services. Net Revenue(A)
margins in our Canadian segment increased as we leveraged our field professional network in a lower market environment,
which was most notable in the last two quarters of fiscal 2022, and realizing higher Net Revenue(A) margins from insurance
inspection services supplied. Adjusted EBITDA(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins declined due to higher other expenses.
Corporate and other items
Year ended September 30
%
Change
Change
2021
2022
Operating expenses
Amortization
Loss on disposal of
property and equipment
Other non-operating costs
Restructuring expenses
Impairment of goodwill
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange
(gain) loss
Gain on fair value
of warrants
Net income tax (recovery)
expense
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
20
17,552 $
461 $
19,565 $
606 $
(2,013)
(145)
-10.3%
-23.9%
603 $
66 $
1,542 $
17,296 $
264 $
(134) $
- $
- $
76 $
- $
430 $
(151) $
603
66
0.0%
0.0%
1,466 1928.9%
0.0%
-38.6%
-11.3%
17,296
(166)
17
(5,725) $
7,359 $
(13,084)
-177.8%
(249) $
(2,084) $
1,835
-88.1%
(3,084) $
13,038 $
(16,122)
-123.7%
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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
Corporate operating expenses declined $2.0 million due to lower payroll and related costs of $1.9 million, reflecting lower
Corporate segment headcount, lower bonus and stock-based compensation expenses and FX.
Amortization
The decline in amortization expense was due to fully amortized computer equipment, furniture and fixtures and leasehold
improvements.
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
The loss on disposal of property and equipment incurred in fiscal 2022 was due to an adjustment to a right-of-use asset related
to the remeasurement of a lease liability and the disposal of leasehold improvements attributable to the right-of-use asset.
Other non-operating costs
Other non-operating costs incurred in fiscal 2022 represent professional fees for advisory services.
Restructuring expenses
Higher restructuring expenses incurred in fiscal 2022 represent severance costs associated with changes in our management
structure.
Impairment of goodwill
In fiscal 2022, we recognized an impairment charge for goodwill attributable to our U.S. Title segment due to the continued
decline in economic and market conditions for mortgage origination refinance activity.
Interest expense
The decline in interest expense reflects lower standby fees incurred due to the maturity of our credit facility in April 2021 and
lower interest expense attributable to lease liabilities.
Interest income
The modest decline in interest income was due to lower invested cash balances as a result of significant share purchases
under our NCIB (defined below), partially offset by higher returns on invested cash balances in fiscal 2022.
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss
Net foreign exchange gains or losses represent non-cash gains or losses on long-term financing arrangements between our
Canadian and U.S. entities within the consolidated group of companies. The resulting gain in fiscal 2022 and comparative loss
in fiscal 2021 were the result of changes in the FX rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar.
Gain on fair value of warrants
In fiscal 2022, our share price declined in the period prior to the exercise of all remaining outstanding warrants, and in fiscal
2021 our share price also declined, resulting in a reduction to our warrant liability accrual and the recognition of a
corresponding gain on the fair value of warrants.
Income tax (recovery) expense
We recorded a loss before income tax expense of $12.3 million in fiscal 2022. Income tax calculated at the statutory income
tax rate, including foreign income subject to a different statutory tax rate, resulted in an income tax recovery of $3.1 million.
Income tax adjustments arising from corporate tax returns filed for the previously completed fiscal year resulted in income tax
expense of $1.7 million, which was offset by non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income of $2.5 million. Minimum and
state tax expense and the impact of a statutory income tax rate change of $0.6 million, in aggregate, represented the
balance of change to income tax recovered in fiscal 2022.
21
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Review of Operations - For the three months ended September 30, 2022
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, 2022.
Consolidated
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
$
$
$
$
$
$
2022
58,200 $
43,833 $
15,784 $
1,088 $
14,367 $
24.7%
(1,112) $
-7.7%
Three months ended September 30
%
Change
Change
2021
125,583 $
90,592 $
24,478 $
1,249 $
(67,383)
(46,759)
(8,694)
(161)
-53.7%
-51.6%
-35.5%
-12.9%
34,991 $
27.9%
10,987 $
31.4%
(20,624)
-3.2%
(12,099)
-39.1%
-58.9%
-11.5%
-110.1%
-124.5%
Revenues
Consolidated revenues declined due to lower revenues generated across all three segments. Revenues in our U.S. Appraisal
segment declined due to lower addressable mortgage origination volumes, partially offset by net market share gains with
existing clients, new client additions and higher home equity and default volumes serviced. The revenue decline in our U.S.
Title segment was due primarily to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes, our strategic decisions to focus on
our centralized operations and long-term centralized franchise clients which changed our client portfolio, the rationalization
of our diversified title business to align with our long-term market share objectives and certain clients ceasing their mortgage
origination operations due to recent market conditions for refinance mortgage origination activity. Canadian segment
revenues were lower due to FX, lower market volumes for appraisal services and modestly lower insurance inspection
revenues, partially offset by net market share gains for appraisal services.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs declined on a consolidated basis across all three segments due in large part to lower addressable mortgage
origination volumes as outlined in the revenue discussion above and transaction costs in our Canadian segment were also
lower due to FX.
Operating expenses
The decline in consolidated operating expenses was due primarily to our U.S. Title segment which recorded a $7.1 million
decline due to lower volumes serviced. Of this decline, $6.0 million was attributable to lower payroll and related costs and
$1.0 million was due to lower courier, office and bank charges. Operating expenses in our U.S. Appraisal segment declined
$1.0 million on lower payroll and related costs of $0.9 million and lower computer and communication expenses of $0.1 million.
Operating expenses in our Canadian segment were flat to the same quarter last year, while Corporate operating expenses
declined $0.6 million due to lower payroll and related costs of $0.5 million, reflecting lower Corporate segment headcount,
lower bonus and stock-based compensation expenses and FX. Had the reduction in force we effected in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2022 been in effect for the full quarter, consolidated operating expenses would have declined 42% year-over-year.
Amortization
Amortization declined due to fully amortized intangible assets and lower amortization attributable to a right-of-use asset which
we subleased in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, each recorded in our U.S. Appraisal segment.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
On a consolidated basis, Net Revenue(A) declined on lower revenues generated by our U.S. Appraisal and Title segments and
modestly lower Net Revenue(A) generated by our Canadian segment. U.S. Appraisal Net Revenue(A) declined due to lower
addressable mortgage origination volumes partially offset by net market share gains with existing clients, new client additions
and higher home equity and default volumes serviced. The decline in U.S. Title Net Revenue(A) was due primarily to lower
refinance mortgage origination market volumes, our strategic decisions to focus on our centralized operations and long-term
centralized franchise clients which changed our client portfolio, the rationalization of our diversified title business to align with
our long-term market share objectives and certain clients ceasing their mortgage origination operations due to recent market
conditions for refinance mortgage origination activity. Net Revenue(A) margins expanded in our U.S. Appraisal and Canadian
segments, but contracted in our U.S. Title segment. The increase in Net Revenue(A) margins in our U.S. Appraisal segment was
22
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
due to leveraging our field professional network in a lower market environment, which was partially offset by the increase in
lower margin home equity volumes serviced. The decline in U.S. Title Net Revenue(A) margins was due to a higher proportion
of lower margin home equity volumes serviced and a lower proportion of incoming order volumes that closed. The increase
in Net Revenue(A) margins in our Canadian segment was the result of leveraging our field professional network in a lower
market environment, partially offset by lower Net Revenue(A) margins realized on insurance inspection services supplied. We
recognized lower consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins due primarily to the financial performance
of our U.S. Title and U.S. Appraisal segments, owing, in large part, to lower addressable mortgage origination volumes.
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
Revenues - refinance
Revenues - other
2022
43,908 $
32,763 $
6,575 $
184 $
11,145 $
25.4%
4,570 $
41.0%
21,496 $
14,483 $
7,929 $
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Three months ended September 30
%
Change
Change
2021
90,877 $
72,073 $
7,609 $
344 $
(46,969)
(39,310)
(1,034)
(160)
-51.7%
-54.5%
-13.6%
-46.5%
18,804 $
20.7%
11,195 $
59.5%
31,548 $
53,728 $
5,601 $
(7,659)
4.7%
(6,625)
-18.5%
-40.7%
22.7%
-59.2%
-31.1%
(10,052)
(39,245)
2,328
-31.9%
-73.0%
41.6%
Revenues
U.S. Appraisal revenues declined due to lower addressable mortgage origination volumes, partially offset by net market share
gains with existing clients and new client additions. Other revenues increased due to higher market volumes for home equity
and default volumes serviced, market share gains with existing clients and new client additions.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our U.S. Appraisal segment declined for the reasons outlined in the revenue discussion above and
servicing a lower proportion of complex properties in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 versus the same quarter last year.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses in our U.S. Appraisal segment declined $1.0 million on lower payroll and related costs of $0.9 million and
lower computer and communication expenses of $0.1 million.
Amortization
Amortization declined due to fully amortized intangible assets and lower amortization attributable to a right-of-use asset which
we subleased in the second quarter of fiscal 2022.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Net Revenue(A) in our U.S. Appraisal segment declined due to lower addressable mortgage origination volumes partially offset
by net market share gains with existing clients, new client additions and higher home equity and default volumes serviced.
Net Revenue(A) margins expanded in our in U.S. Appraisal segment as we leveraged our field professional network in a lower
market environment, which was partially offset by an increase in lower margin home equity volumes serviced. Adjusted
EBITDA(A) margins contracted on lower Net Revenue(A), owing, in large part, to lower addressable mortgage origination
market volumes.
23
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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
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
2022
3,966 $
2,217 $
4,679 $
800 $
1,749 $
44.1%
(2,930) $
-167.5%
2,333 $
303 $
1,330 $
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Three months ended September 30
%
Change
Change
2021
21,831 $
7,178 $
11,760 $
760 $
(17,865)
(4,961)
(7,081)
40
-81.8%
-69.1%
-60.2%
5.3%
14,653 $
67.1%
2,893 $
19.7%
19,333 $
1,175 $
1,323 $
(12,904)
-23.0%
(5,823)
-187.2%
-88.1%
-34.3%
-201.3%
-950.3%
(17,000)
(872)
7
-87.9%
-74.2%
0.5%
Revenues
The revenue decline in our U.S. Title segment was due primarily to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes, our
strategic decisions to focus on our centralized operations and long-term centralized franchise clients which changed our
client portfolio, the rationalization of our diversified title business to align with our long-term market share objectives and
certain clients ceasing their mortgage origination operations due to recent market conditions for refinance mortgage
origination activity.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our U.S. Title segment declined due to lower centralized and diversified volumes serviced, as outlined in
the revenue discussion above.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses in our U.S. Title segment declined $7.1 million due to lower payroll and related costs of $6.0 million, which
is down from $9.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, and lower courier, office and bank charges of $1.0 million, each
the result of lower volumes serviced.
Amortization
Amortization increased modestly on higher amortization for computer equipment.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
The decline in Net Revenue(A) was due primarily to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes, our strategic
decisions to focus on our centralized operations and long-term centralized franchise clients which changed our client
portfolio, the rationalization of our diversified title business to align with our long-term market share objectives and certain
clients ceasing their mortgage origination operations due to recent market conditions for refinance mortgage origination
activity. The decline in U.S. Title Net Revenue(A) margins was due to a higher proportion of lower margin home equity volumes
serviced and a lower proportion of incoming order volumes that closed. We recognized lower Adjusted EBITDA(A) and
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins due to lower Net Revenue(A) and Net Revenue(A) margins, as outlined above, owing, in large part,
to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes.
24
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Canada
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Amortization
Non-GAAP measures
Net Revenue(A)
Net Revenue(A) margin
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin
$
$
$
$
$
$
2022
10,326 $
8,853 $
515 $
- $
1,473 $
14.3%
958 $
65.0%
Three months ended September 30
%
Change
Change
2021
12,875 $
11,341 $
519 $
- $
(2,549)
(2,488)
(4)
-
-19.8%
-21.9%
-0.8%
0.0%
1,534 $
11.9%
1,015 $
66.2%
(61)
2.4%
(57)
-1.2%
-4.0%
20.2%
-5.6%
-1.8%
Revenues
Canadian segment revenues declined due to lower market volumes for appraisal services, modestly lower insurance
inspection revenues and FX, partially offset by net market share gains for appraisal services. Canadian segment revenues
from appraisal and insurance inspection services were $9.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in the fourth quarter of fiscal
2022, compared to $12.1 million and $0.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in our Canadian segment declined for the same reasons outlined in the revenue discussion above.
Operating expenses
Canadian segment operating expenses were flat compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.
Amortization
Amortization was unchanged between the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.
Net Revenue(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A)
Net Revenue(A) in our Canadian segment declined modestly due to lower market volumes for appraisal and insurance
inspection services, partially offset by net market share gains for appraisal services. Net Revenue(A) margins in our Canadian
segment increased as we leveraged our field professional network in a lower market environment, partially offset by lower
Net Revenue(A) margins from insurance inspection services supplied. Adjusted EBITDA(A) and Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins
declined due to lower Net Revenue(A) and operating expenses that were flat compared to the same quarter last year.
Corporate and other items
Operating expenses
Amortization
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
Restructuring expenses
Impairment of goodwill
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange
gain
Gain on fair value
of warrants
Net income tax (recovery)
expense
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Three months ended September 30
%
Change
Change
2021
4,590 $
145 $
- $
76 $
- $
79 $
(18) $
-12.5%
(575)
-28.3%
(41)
367
0.0%
893 1175.0%
0.0%
-29.1%
294.4%
17,296
(23)
(53)
2022
4,015 $
104 $
367 $
969 $
17,296 $
56 $
(71) $
(5,040) $
(2,300) $
(2,740)
119.1%
- $
(863) $
863
-100.0%
(6,114) $
3,235 $
(9,349)
-289.0%
Operating expenses
Corporate operating expenses declined $0.6 million due primarily to lower payroll and related costs of $0.5 million, reflecting
lower Corporate segment headcount, lower bonus and stock-based compensation expenses and FX.
25
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Amortization
The modest decline in amortization expense was due to fully amortized computer equipment, furniture and fixtures and
leasehold improvements.
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
The loss on disposal of property and equipment incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 reflects the disposal of leasehold
improvements attributable to a subleased office space.
Restructuring expenses
Higher restructuring expenses incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 represent severance costs associated with changes
in our management structure.
Impairment of goodwill
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 we recognized an impairment charge for goodwill attributable to our U.S. Title segment due
to the continued decline in economic and market conditions for mortgage origination refinance activity.
Interest expense
The decline in interest expense reflects lower interest expense on lease liabilities.
Interest income
The increase in interest income reflects higher returns on invested cash balances.
Net foreign exchange gain
Net foreign exchange gains or losses represent non-cash gains or losses on long-term financing arrangements between our
Canadian and U.S. entities within the consolidated group of companies. The resulting current and comparative quarter gains
were the result of changes in the FX rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar.
Gain on fair value of warrants
All outstanding warrants were fully exercised in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, which resulted in no gain or loss being
recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, our share price declined, resulting in a
decrease to our warrant liability accrual and the recognition of a corresponding gain on the fair value of warrants.
Income tax (recovery) expense
We recorded a loss before income tax expense of $16.1 million in fiscal 2022. Income tax calculated at the statutory income
tax rate, including foreign income subject to a different statutory tax rate, resulted in an income tax recovery of $4.1 million.
Income tax recoveries related to non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income totaled $1.4 million.
Non-GAAP measures
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with IFRS. However, we consider certain Non-GAAP financial measures
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, gain or loss on disposal of property and equipment, other non-operating costs, restructuring expenses,
impairment of goodwill, interest expense, interest income, net foreign exchange gain or loss, gain or loss on fair value of
warrants 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, gain or loss on disposal of property and equipment, impairment of goodwill, unrealized net foreign exchange
gain or loss, gain or loss on the fair value of warrants and deferred income taxes) or non-operating (in the case of other non-
operating costs, restructuring 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 and our board of directors
and represents a measure of our operating performance to value our Company relative to our peers. The reasons for
excluding each item are as follows:
26
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Stock-based compensation expense: These costs represent non-cash expenses for equity settled stock-based compensation
awards and non-operating for certain restricted share unit (“RSUs”) awards. These 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.
Gain or loss on disposal of property and equipment: As a non-cash item, the disposal of property and equipment is not
indicative of our operating profitability and therefore represents a different class of expense than those included in Adjusted
EBITDA.
Other non-operating costs: Other non-operating costs represent non-operating items and include professional fees for
advisory services not attributable to the operation of the business. These costs are not indicative of continuing operations and
therefore represent a different class of expense than those included in Adjusted EBITDA.
Restructuring expenses: Restructuring expenses represent costs attributable to employee severance resulting from changes
in our management structure. These costs are not indicative of continuing operations and therefore represent a different class
of expense than those included in Adjusted EBITDA.
Impairment of goodwill: As a non-cash item, the impairment of goodwill 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 reflect our treasury and financing activities and
represents 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
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 represents a different class of expense or
recovery than those included in Adjusted EBITDA.
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, 2022 and 2021. The
reconciling items between net income or loss and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months and years ended September 30, 2022
and 2021 were as follows:
Three months ended September 30
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
Net (loss) income
Stock-based compensation expense
Amortization
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
Other non-operating costs
Restructuring expenses
Impairment of goodwill
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss
Gain on fair value of warrants
Income tax (recovery) expense
Adjusted EBITDA
(9,968) $
305
1,088
367
-
969
17,296
56
(71)
(5,040)
-
(6,114)
(1,112) $
9,055 $
474
1,249
-
-
76
-
79
(18)
(2,300)
(863)
3,235
10,987 $
(9,265) $
1,535
4,530
603
66
1,542
17,296
264
(134)
(5,725)
(249)
(3,084)
7,379 $
33,080
2,408
5,045
-
-
76
-
430
(151)
7,359
(2,084)
13,038
59,201
$
$
27
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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:
Three months ended September 30
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
$
$
58,200 $
43,833
15,784
305
(1,112) $
125,583 $
90,592
24,478
474
10,987 $
339,642 $
254,203
79,595
1,535
7,379 $
504,107
339,815
107,499
2,408
59,201
Three months ended September 30
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Corporate (excluding stock-based compensation expense)
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
$
$
4,570 $
(2,930)
958
(3,710)
(1,112) $
11,195 $
2,893
1,015
(4,116)
10,987 $
26,997 $
(8,084)
4,483
(16,017)
7,379 $
39,797
31,784
4,777
(17,157)
59,201
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 expense)
Three months ended September 30
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
41.0%
-167.5%
65.0%
59.5%
19.7%
66.2%
48.6%
-35.1%
65.2%
57.5%
36.0%
70.4%
-7.7%
31.4%
8.6%
36.0%
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. Transaction costs represent expenses
directly attributable to a revenue transaction and include: appraisal costs, various processing fees, 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 for the three months and years ended September 30,
2022 and 2021 are detailed in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss and were as
follows:
Three months ended September 30
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
Net (loss) income
Operating expenses
Amortization
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
Other non-operating costs
Restructuring expenses
Impairment of goodwill
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss
Gain on fair value of warrants
Income tax (recovery) expense
Net Revenue
(9,968) $
15,784
1,088
367
-
969
17,296
56
(71)
(5,040)
-
(6,114)
14,367 $
9,055 $
24,478
1,249
-
-
76
-
79
(18)
(2,300)
(863)
3,235
34,991 $
(9,265) $
79,595
4,530
603
66
1,542
17,296
264
(134)
(5,725)
(249)
(3,084)
85,439 $
33,080
107,499
5,045
-
-
76
-
430
(151)
7,359
(2,084)
13,038
164,292
$
$
28
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
$
$
58,200 $
43,833
14,367 $
125,583 $
90,592
34,991 $
339,642 $
254,203
85,439 $
504,107
339,815
164,292
Three months ended September 30
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
$
$
11,145 $
1,749
1,473
14,367 $
18,804 $
14,653
1,534
34,991 $
55,510 $
23,049
6,880
85,439 $
69,263
88,239
6,790
164,292
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
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
25.4%
44.1%
14.3%
24.7%
20.7%
67.1%
11.9%
27.9%
22.1%
63.1%
13.2%
25.2%
21.5%
68.1%
12.9%
32.6%
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, other non-operating costs, restructuring expenses, impairment of goodwill, net foreign
exchange gain or loss, gain or loss on fair value of warrants, 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 goodwill, unrealized net foreign exchange gain or loss and gain or loss on
fair value of warrants) or non-operating (in the case of other non-operating costs, restructuring 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, non-
operating costs, restructuring expenses and impairment of goodwill.
The reconciling items between net income or loss and Adjusted Net Income or Loss for the three months and years ended
September 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
Net (loss) income
Stock-based compensation expense
Amortization of intangibles
Other non-operating costs
Restructuring expenses
Impairment of goodwill
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss
Gain on fair value of warrants
Related tax effects
Adjusted Net Income
Three months ended September 30
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
$
$
(9,968) $
305
351
-
969
17,296
(5,040)
-
(3,868)
45 $
9,055 $
474
404
-
76
-
(2,300)
(863)
703
7,549 $
(9,265) $
1,535
1,389
66
1,542
17,296
(5,725)
(249)
(4,088)
2,501 $
33,080
2,408
1,699
-
76
-
7,359
(2,084)
(1,896)
40,642
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, intangible asset additions, the purchase of property and equipment, income taxes paid, current
income tax expense, other non-operating costs, restructuring expenses, interest expense net of interest paid and net foreign
29
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
currency exchange gain or loss net of unrealized foreign currency exchange gain or loss on internal financing arrangements.
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, including but not limited to, interest expense, current income taxes, intangible
asset additions and the purchase 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 other non-operating costs
and restructuring expenses). We exclude 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 further exclude differences
attributable to the timing of cash tax and interest payments and have reduced Free Cash Flow by the expense recognized
for each as recorded in our consolidated statements 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 (defined below) and
future acquisitions or investment.
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 to Free Cash Flow.
Cash (utilized in) generated from operating activities
Less: changes in non-cash working capital items
Less: intangible asset additions
Less: purchase of property and equipment
Add: income taxes paid
Less: current income tax (recovery) expense
Add: other non-operating costs
Add: restructuring 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
Free Cash Flow
Management calculates Free Cash Flow as follows:
Adjusted EBITDA
Less: interest expense
Add: interest income
Less: current income tax (recovery) expense
Less: intangible asset additions
Less: purchase of property and equipment
Free Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow Conversion is calculated as follows:
Free Cash Flow
Divided by: Adjusted EBITDA
Free Cash Flow Conversion
Three months ended September 30
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
$
(4,813) $
(2,400)
106
-
358
(282)
-
969
-
(6,912) $
(13,451)
-
47
4,467
1,775
-
76
(1)
17,567 $
16,847
160
1,015
4,721
1,761
66
1,542
-
25,021
(16,438)
-
3,025
13,767
12,099
-
76
35
$
(11)
(921) $
(157)
9,104 $
200
4,313 $
3,655
43,798
Three months ended September 30
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
$
$
(1,112) $
56
71
(282)
106
-
(921) $
10,987 $
79
18
1,775
-
47
9,104 $
7,379 $
264
134
1,761
160
1,015
4,313 $
59,201
430
151
12,099
-
3,025
43,798
Three months ended September 30
2022
2021
Year ended September 30
2021
2022
$
$
(921) $
(1,112) $
82.8%
9,104 $
10,987 $
82.9%
4,313 $
7,379 $
58.4%
43,798
59,201
74.0%
Adjusted EBITDA, Net Revenue, Adjusted Net Income or Loss, 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.
30
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Dividends
The Company’s current policy is to not pay dividends.
Selected Annual Information
Revenues
Net (loss) income
Net (loss) income per weighted average share, basic
Net (loss) income per weighted average share, diluted
Total assets
Total long-term liabilities
2022
339,642 $
(9,265) $
(0.12) $
(0.12) $
137,004 $
4,312 $
$
$
$
$
$
$
Year ended September 30
2020
2021
504,107 $
33,080 $
0.40 $
0.39 $
194,340 $
6,979 $
455,945
42,798
0.50
0.47
249,724
10,128
Revenues
2022-2021
Please see the “Review of Operations – For the year ended September 30, 2022” section of this MD&A for a detailed discussion
regarding the change in revenues between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021.
2021-2020
Consolidated
Consolidated revenues increased on higher revenues generated by our U.S. Appraisal and Canadian segments. The increase
in these segments was due in part to higher addressable market volumes, net market share gains and new client additions.
Canadian segment revenues also increased due to higher insurance inspection revenues resulting from the relaxation of
certain COVID-19 restrictions and FX. U.S. Title segment revenues declined due to the strategic decision to prioritize our
capacity to onboard our first Tier 1 and a new Tier 2 client, which aligns with our long-term market share objectives. We
recorded a decline in diversified title and other revenues due to lower market activity for these services and because we
rationalized our diversified title business in fiscal 2021 to strategically focus on centralized title services and long-term
centralized franchise clients.
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Appraisal revenues increased due to higher origination (purchase and refinance) market volumes, net market share gains
and new client additions. Other revenues declined due to lower market volumes for home equity and default services.
U.S. Title
Centralized title revenues increased but were tempered by the transition of our centralized title client base due to the launch
of our first Tier 1 and roll-out of a new Tier 2 client. The rationalization of our diversified title business and lower market activity
for home equity services resulted in a decrease in revenues between fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 for these service offerings. In
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, due to the high level of refinance market volumes, we made the strategic decision to focus
on our centralized operations and long-term centralized franchise clients and rationalize our diversified title business to align
with our long-term market share objectives. Revenues attributable to centralized title services increased while diversified title
revenues declined compared to fiscal 2020. The decline in diversified title revenues was due to lower commercial, search
and capital markets revenues, each attributed to lower market volumes for these services and our strategic decision to
rationalize this service offering and reallocate internal resources to support our centralized title service offering. The decline in
other revenues was due to lower market activity for home equity services.
Canada
Revenues in our Canadian segment increased due to higher appraisal volumes serviced from market share gains, higher
market volumes and FX, including modestly higher revenues from insurance inspection services resulting from the relaxation
of certain COVID-19 restrictions.
Net (loss) income
2022-2021
Please see the “Review of Operations – For the year ended September 30, 2022” section of this MD&A for a detailed discussion
of the components comprising the change in net income between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021.
2021-2020
Our net income declined in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020. Factors contributing to this decrease included lower Adjusted
EBITDA(A) contributions, most notably from our U.S. Title segment, and the decrease in net foreign exchange gains between
31
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
periods. The net foreign exchange loss in fiscal 2021 and the comparable gain in fiscal 2020 was due to changes to the FX
rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. These declines were partially offset by higher gains on the fair value of warrants
due to a decline in our share price in fiscal 2021 and income tax expense declined on lower income before income tax
amounts.
Total Assets
2022-2021
Total assets declined $57.3 million between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021. Lower cash and cash equivalents of $14.1 million, lower
trade and other receivables of $26.2 million, lower intangibles of $1.2 million, lower goodwill of $17.3 million and lower property
and equipment of $4.1 million, was partially offset by higher income taxes recoverable of $0.9 million and higher deferred tax
assets of $4.7 million. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was due in large part to the purchase of common shares
and related costs under our NCIB (defined below) totaling $28.7 million. Income taxes paid of $4.7 million, investments made
in property and equipment of $1.0 million, primarily for end-of-life computer equipment, and the net repayment of lease
liabilities of $1.5 million also contributed to the decline in cash and cash equivalents. These outflows of cash and cash
equivalents were partially offset by a non-cash working capital recovery of $16.8 million, due primarily to the timing of
payment from two significant clients in our U.S. Appraisal segment at the end of fiscal 2021, and $7.4 million of Adjusted
EBITDA(A) recognized in fiscal 2022. The decline in intangibles was the result of normal course amortization, while lower goodwill
reflects an impairment charge attributable to our U.S. Title segment due to the continued decline in economic and market
conditions for mortgage origination refinance activity. Lower property and equipment balances were due to the disposal of
a right-of-use asset for a Denver property lease, including the disposal of leasehold improvements attributable to that lease,
and normal course amortization, partially offset by new equipment additions due primarily to the replacement of end-of-life
computer equipment. The increase in income taxes recoverable reflects income taxes paid that were higher than the current
year provision for income taxes payable, partially offset by amounts payable in respect of dividend withholding tax
attributable to the transfer of cash between the U.S. and Canada to support the purchase of common shares and related
costs under our NCIB (defined below). The increase in deferred tax assets is largely attributable to loss carryforwards in our U.S.
and Canadian operating entities.
2021-2020
Total assets declined on lower cash and cash equivalents of $68.9 million, lower intangibles of $1.7 million and lower property
and equipment of $0.3 million. These declines were partially offset by an increase in trade and other receivables of $15.4
million and an increase in prepaid expenses totaling $0.8 million. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was due to the
purchase of common shares and related costs under our NCIB (defined below) of $97.8 million, a non-cash working capital
investment of $16.4 million due to the timing of payment from two significant clients in our U.S. Appraisal segment and income
taxes paid of $13.8 million, partially offset by $59.2 million of Adjusted EBITDA(A) recognized in fiscal 2021. The decline in cash
and cash equivalents was also impacted by investments made in property and equipment of $3.0 million, representing
investments in right-of-use assets and computer equipment in our U.S. Title segment in connection with the expansion of our
operations footprint to Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona, offset by proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, net
of issue costs, totaling $3.8 million. The decline in intangibles was the result of normal course amortization and normal course
amortization of property and equipment outpaced our investment in fiscal 2021, resulting in a lower property and equipment
balance in fiscal 2021 versus fiscal 2020. The increase in trade and other receivables was due to the timing of payments
received from two significant clients in our U.S. Appraisal segment and the increase in prepaid expenses was due to higher
insurance premiums due to the insurance market hardening.
Total Long-Term Liabilities
2022-2021
Total long-term liabilities declined $2.7 million due primarily to lower long-term lease liabilities of $2.0 million, representing
normal course lease payments and a reduction to lease liabilities attributable to the reassessment of the Denver property
lease. The decline in warrant liabilities of $0.7 million reflects the exercise of all remaining warrants in fiscal 2022.
We expect to satisfy our total long-term liabilities as they come due based on our expectations of future operating
performance and our current cash and cash equivalents balance.
2021-2020
Total long-term liabilities declined on a comparative basis due primarily to a $2.9 million decrease in warrant liabilities. The
decline in warrant liabilities reflected the exercise of warrants in fiscal 2021 and lower recorded warrant liabilities due to the
decline in our share price between fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020. The balance of the decline was due to modestly lower long-
term lease liabilities recorded.
32
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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
2022
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Total
Revenues
U.S. Appraisal
U.S. Title
Canada
Total revenues
Net (loss) income
Net (loss) income - attributable to
common shareholders
Net (loss) income per weighted
average share, basic
Net (loss) income per weighted
average share, diluted
2021
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
Revenues
U.S. Appraisal Segment
2022
2021
Change
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
43,908 $
3,966
10,326
58,200 $
(9,968) $
57,299 $
5,606
15,799
78,704 $
(1,424) $
70,374 $
10,775
13,832
94,981 $
(509) $
79,335 $
16,195
12,227
107,757 $
2,636 $
250,916
36,542
52,184
339,642
(9,265)
(9,960) $
(1,437) $
(545) $
2,670 $
(9,272)
(0.14) $
(0.02) $
(0.01) $
0.03 $
(0.12)
(0.14) $
(0.02) $
(0.01) $
0.03 $
(0.12)
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Total
90,877 $
21,831
12,875
125,583 $
9,055 $
85,341 $
27,720
16,337
129,398 $
5,262 $
76,336 $
40,050
12,442
128,828 $
11,674 $
69,555 $
39,937
10,806
120,298 $
7,089 $
322,109
129,538
52,460
504,107
33,080
9,069 $
5,269 $
11,538 $
7,116 $
32,992
0.11 $
0.06 $
0.14 $
0.08 $
0.11 $
0.06 $
0.13 $
0.08 $
0.40
0.39
Q4
43,908 $
90,877 $
Q3
57,299 $
85,341 $
Q2
70,374 $
76,336 $
Q1
79,335 $
69,555 $
Total
250,916
322,109
(46,969) $
(28,042) $
(5,962) $
9,780 $
(71,193)
2022-2021
U.S. Appraisal revenues increased in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 due to net market share gains and new client additions,
partially offset by lower addressable mortgage origination market volumes, while other revenues increased on higher market
volumes for home equity and default services.
U.S. Appraisal revenues declined in the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2022 due to lower addressable mortgage
origination market volumes, partially offset by net market share gains with existing clients and new client additions. Other
revenues increased due to higher market volumes for home equity and default services, market share gains with existing
clients and new client additions.
33
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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
2022
2021
Change
Q4
3,966 $
21,831 $
Q3
5,606 $
27,720 $
Q2
10,775 $
40,050 $
Q1
16,195 $
39,937 $
Total
36,542
129,538
(17,865) $
(22,114) $
(29,275) $
(23,742) $
(92,996)
$
$
$
2022-2021
U.S. Title segment revenues declined in each quarter of fiscal 2022 versus the same quarter in fiscal 2021 due primarily to lower
refinance mortgage origination market volumes, our strategic decisions to focus on our centralized operations and long-term
centralized franchise clients which changed our client portfolio, the rationalization of our diversified title business to align with
our long-term market share objectives, lower home equity revenues in the first three quarters of fiscal 2022 and certain clients
ceasing their mortgage origination operations due to recent market conditions for refinance mortgage origination activity.
Canadian Segment – expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars (“C$”)
2022
2021
Change
Q4
13,591 $
16,221 $
Q3
20,143 $
20,242 $
Q2
17,511 $
15,788 $
Q1
15,406 $
14,080 $
Total
66,651
66,331
(2,630) $
(99) $
1,723 $
1,326 $
320
$
$
$
2022-2021
Canadian segment revenues increased in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2022 due to net market share gains for
appraisal services and modestly higher revenues from insurance inspection services resulting from the relaxation of certain
COVID-19 restrictions.
Canadian segment revenues declined in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2022 due to lower market volumes for appraisal
services, partially offset by net market share gains for appraisal services. Insurance inspection revenues were modestly higher
in the third quarter of fiscal 2022 and modestly lower in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
Net (loss) income
2022
2021
Change
Q4
(9,968) $
9,055 $
Q3
(1,424) $
5,262 $
Q2
(509) $
11,674 $
Q1
2,636 $
7,089 $
Total
(9,265)
33,080
(19,023) $
(6,686) $
(12,183) $
(4,453) $
(42,345)
$
$
$
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, gains or losses
on disposal of property and equipment, other non-operating costs, restructuring expenses, impairment of goodwill, interest
expense, interest income, net foreign exchange gains or losses and gains or losses on fair value of warrants, 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.
2022-2021
Net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 declined versus the first quarter in fiscal 2021 due to lower Adjusted EBITDA(A)
contributions across each of our segments, but primarily attributable to our U.S. Title segment. The decline in Adjusted EBITDA(A)
for our U.S. Title segment was due to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes and our strategic decisions in fiscal
2021 to focus on our centralized operations and long-term centralized franchise clients and rationalize our diversified title
business to align with our long-term market share objectives. The comparative decline in Adjusted EBITDA(A) and
corresponding impact to net income between quarters, was partially offset by lower net foreign exchange losses of $5.5
million, due to a weaker Canadian versus U.S. dollar, and lower income tax expense due to the lower comparative operating
performance of our U.S. Title segment.
34
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 declined versus the second quarter in fiscal 2021 due to lower Adjusted
EBITDA(A) contributions from our U.S. operating segments, primarily attributable to our U.S. Title segment. The decline in Adjusted
EBITDA(A) for our U.S. Title segment was due to lower refinance mortgage origination market volumes and our strategic
decisions in fiscal 2021 to focus on our centralized operations and long-term centralized franchise clients and rationalize our
diversified title business to align with our long-term market share objectives. The comparative decline in Adjusted EBITDA(A) of
$16.5 million led to a $5.0 million decline in income tax expense between quarters. The decline in gains recognized on the fair
value of warrants of $0.7 million also contributed to the decline in net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 versus the
same quarter in fiscal 2021.
We recorded a net loss in the third quarter of fiscal 2022 versus net income in the third quarter of fiscal 2021 due to lower
Adjusted EBITDA(A) generated by our U.S. operating segments, partially offset by lower Corporate operating expenses. The
increase in foreign currency exchange gains of $4.7 million partially offset the decline in net income from lower Adjusted
EBITDA(A) of $11.7 million versus the third quarter in fiscal 2021.
We recorded a net loss in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 versus net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 due to the
recognition of an impairment charge, and corresponding net loss, of $17.3 million for goodwill attributable to our U.S. Title
segment due to a continued decline in economic and market conditions for mortgage origination refinance activity. Lower
Adjusted EBITDA(A) generated by our U.S. operating segments, partially offset by lower Corporate operating expenses, each
outlined in the “Review of Operations - For the three months ended September 30, 2022” section of this MD&A also contributed
to the higher net loss in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. All outstanding warrants were fully exercised in the second quarter of
fiscal 2022, accordingly we did not recognize a similar gain on the fair value of warrants that we recognized in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2021. These contributors to the higher net loss recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 versus fiscal 2021
were partially offset by higher foreign currency exchange gains of $2.7 million and a higher deferred income tax recovery of
$7.3 million, reflecting the decline in our financial performance and a deferred tax recovery attributable to the impairment
of goodwill in our U.S. Title segment.
Net (loss) income per weighted average share, basic and diluted
2022-2021
The change in net income or loss per weighted average share in each quarter of fiscal 2022 versus the comparable quarter
in fiscal 2021 is detailed above. The comparative change in our diluted weighted average share count was attributable to
stock-based compensation grants and forfeitures, the exercise of warrants and shares purchased under our NCIB (defined
below).
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, 2022
18,166 $
4,893 $
43,181 $
1,665 $
- $
- $
- $
99 $
- $
19,831
4,992
43,181
53,567 $
(2,742) $
1,222 $
52,047
U.S.
Canada
Corporate
Total
As at September 30, 2021
44,025 $
6,228 $
60,477 $
1,996 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
46,021
6,228
60,477
80,689 $
(1,397) $
1,988 $
81,280
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
35
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Trade and other receivables – September 30, 2022 versus September 30, 2021
Change - Consolidated
Change - U.S.
Change - Canada
Change - Corporate
$
$
$
$
(26,190)
(25,859)
(331)
-
The decline in trade and other receivables for our U.S. operations was due in large part to two significant clients making
payments to us totaling $17.6 million in the first two business days of fiscal 2022 that were due on or before the end of fiscal
2021. Both clients are current with amounts owed to us at the end of fiscal 2022. Lower appraisal services supplied by our U.S.
Appraisal segment, due to lower mortgage origination market volumes, and lower diversified services supplied by our U.S. Title
segment also contributed to the decline. The decrease in Canadian trade and other receivables was due to lower volumes
serviced by our Canadian segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 relative to the same quarter last year, due primarily to
lower mortgage market volumes.
Intangibles – September 30, 2022 versus September 30, 2021
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, 2022 versus September 30, 2021
Change - Consolidated
Change - U.S.
Change - Canada
Change - Corporate
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(1,236)
(1,335)
-
99
(17,296)
(17,296)
-
-
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we recognized an impairment charge for goodwill attributable to our U.S. Title segment
due to the continued decline in economic and market conditions for mortgage origination refinance activity.
Working capital position – September 30, 2022 versus September 30, 2021
Change - Consolidated
Change - U.S.
Change - Canada
Change - Corporate
$
$
$
$
(29,233)
(27,122)
(1,345)
(766)
Our consolidated working capital position declined on a comparative basis. Total current assets declined $39.4 million while
total current liabilities declined $10.2 million. The decline in total current assets was due to lower trade and other receivables
of $26.2 million and lower cash and cash equivalents of $14.1 million, partially offset by higher income taxes recoverable of
$0.9 million. The decline in trade and other receivables was due in large part to the timing of payments received from two
significant clients in our U.S. Appraisal segment, coupled with lower appraisal and diversified title volumes serviced, as outlined
in the trade and other receivables discussion above. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was due to the purchase of
common shares and related costs under our NCIB (defined below) totaling $28.7 million. Income taxes paid of $4.7 million,
investments made in property and equipment of $1.0 million, primarily for end-of-life computer equipment, and the net
repayment of leases liabilities of $1.5 million also contributed to the decline in cash and cash equivalents. These reductions to
cash and cash equivalents were partially offset by a non-cash working capital recovery of $16.8 million due primarily to the
timing of payment from two significant clients in our U.S. Appraisal segment at the end of fiscal 2021 and $7.4 million of
Adjusted EBITDA(A) recognized in fiscal 2022. The increase in income taxes recoverable reflects higher income taxes paid than
the current year provision for income taxes payable, partially offset by amounts payable in respect of dividend withholding
tax attributable to the transfer of cash between the U.S. and Canada to support the purchase of common shares and related
costs under our NCIB (defined below). The decrease in total current liabilities was due to a decline in trade payables of $9.9
million and a decline in finance lease obligations of $0.2 million. The decline in trade payables reflects the comparative
decline in volumes serviced by our U.S. operations, while the decline in lease liabilities reflects the normal course payment of
these obligations and a reduction to lease liabilities attributable to the reassessment of the Denver property lease.
The working capital position in our U.S. operations declined on a comparative basis. Total current assets declined $36.4 million
while total current liabilities declined $9.3 million. The decline in total current assets was due to lower trade and other
receivables of $25.9 million and lower cash and cash equivalents of $13.1 million, partially offset by higher income taxes
recoverable of $2.6 million. The decline in trade and other receivables was due in large part to the timing of payments
36
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
received from two significant clients in our U.S. Appraisal segment, coupled with lower appraisal and diversified title volumes
serviced, as outlined in the trade and other receivables discussion above. The decline in cash and cash equivalents was due
to the movement of cash between the U.S. and Canada to support the purchase of shares under our NCIB (defined below),
partially offset by the collection of trade and other receivables from the two significant appraisal clients noted above and
Adjusted EBITDA(A) generated in fiscal 2022. The increase in income taxes recoverable reflects higher income taxes paid than
the current year provision for income taxes payable. The decrease in total current liabilities was due to a decline in trade
payables of $9.1 million, reflecting the comparative decline in volumes serviced by our U.S. operations.
The working capital position in our Canadian and Corporate segments declined on a comparative basis. Total current assets
declined $2.9 million while total current liabilities declined $0.8 million. The decrease in total current assets was attributable to
lower cash and cash equivalents of $1.0 million, lower trade and other receivables of $0.3 million and lower income taxes
recoverable of $1.7 million. The decline in cash and cash equivalents was due to the movement of cash between the U.S.
and Canada, while the decline in trade and other receivables was due to lower volumes serviced by our Canadian segment
from lower market volumes, net of market share gains for appraisal services. Lower income taxes recoverable reflects amounts
payable in respect of dividend withholding tax attributable to the transfer of cash between the U.S. and Canada to support
the purchase of common shares and related costs under our NCIB (defined below). The decline in total current liabilities was
due to the decrease in trade payables of $0.8 million due to the comparative decrease in volumes serviced.
Disclosure of outstanding share capital
Common shares
Restricted shares
Preferred shares
Total contributed equity
Common shares
Restricted shares
Preferred shares
Total contributed equity
September 30, 2022
$
Shares
72,696
(101)
-
72,595
227,285
(311)
-
226,974
November 15, 2022
$
Shares
72,693
(101)
-
72,592
227,276
(311)
-
226,965
Normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”)
Effective June 11, 2021, we received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) to renew our NCIB for a one-year
period expiring on June 10, 2022. Under the renewed NCIB, we were approved to purchase up to 4 million common shares.
Daily purchases made on the TSX, or through alternative Canadian trading systems, were limited to a maximum of 153,956
common shares. Effective November 24, 2021, we received approval from the TSX to amend our NCIB to increase the number
of common shares available for purchase and cancellation from 4 million to 6 million. Effective May 6, 2022, the Company
received approval from the TSX to further amend its NCIB to increase the number of common shares available for purchase
and cancellation from 6 million to 7.6 million.
Effective June 13, 2022, we received approval from the TSX to renew our NCIB for a one-year period expiring on June 12, 2023.
Under the renewed NCIB, we are approved to purchase up to 6 million common shares. Daily purchases made on the TSX, or
through alternative Canadian trading systems, are limited to a maximum of 99,319 common 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, 2022, 6.5 million (2021 – 7.3 million) common shares were purchased and cancelled at an
aggregate cost of $28.7 million (2021 - $97.8 million).
As of November 15, 2022, 3 thousand additional common shares were purchased and cancelled or settled since September
30, 2022.
37
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Warrants
At September 30, 2022, no previously issued share purchase warrants (“warrants”) remain outstanding and exercisable for
common shares of the Company (September 30, 2021 – 0.1 million). Each warrant had an exercise price of C$1.38.
Stock options
At September 30, 2022, stock options issued and outstanding totaled 4.4 million (September 30, 2021 – 4.6 million) and 3.8
million (September 30, 2021 – 3.7 million) were exercisable for common shares of the Company.
RSUs
At September 30, 2022, RSUs issued and outstanding totaled 0.2 million (September 30, 2021 – nil) and 0.07 million (September
30, 2021 – nil) were vested but unsettled.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Contractual obligations
September 30, 2022
Payments due
Less than 1
Total
year
1-3 years
4-5 years After 5 years
Leases
Total contractual obligations
$
$
4,522 $
4,522 $
1,742 $
1,742 $
2,337 $
2,337 $
443 $
443 $
-
-
The Company expects that cash and cash equivalents and future operating cash flows will enable the Company to fund its
ongoing business requirements, including working capital and other contractual obligations.
Cash flows
Cash flows generated from (utilized in):
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
2022
Year ended September 30
Change
2021
$
$
$
17,567 $
(1,080) $
(30,424) $
25,021 $
(2,878) $
(94,050) $
(7,454)
1,798
63,626
Operating activities
Cash generated from operating activities declined $7.5 million due to a decline in Adjusted EBITDA(A) of $51.8 million as
outlined in the “Review of Operations - For the year ended September 30, 2022” section of this MD&A. We also incurred higher
restructuring charges in fiscal 2022 of $1.5 million resulting from severance costs associated with changes in our management
structure. These declines were partially offset by an increase in non-cash working capital of $33.3 million and lower income
taxes paid of $9.0 million, reflecting the decline in our financial performance in fiscal 2022 versus fiscal 2021. The increase in
non-cash working capital was due in large part to a $42.1 million source of cash in trade and other receivables between fiscal
2022 and fiscal 2021. This source of cash reflects the timing of payments received from two significant clients in our U.S.
Appraisal segment, coupled with lower comparative appraisal and diversified volumes serviced due to lower addressable
mortgage origination market volumes and the strategic decision to rationalize our diversified title business. Lower trade
payables partially offset the source of cash from trade and other receivables, representing a $12.3 million change in the use
of cash between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021. This decline was due to the comparative decrease in volumes serviced across
our operations due to lower market volumes. Changes in FX gains and losses due to changes in the Canadian dollar relative
to its U.S. counterpart, represents the balance of the year-over-year change in cash generated from operating activities.
Investing activities
Cash utilized in investing activities declined on a comparative basis by $1.8 million. Investments made in fiscal 2021 for right-
of-use assets and computer equipment in our U.S. Title segment were not required in fiscal 2022.
Financing activities
Cash utilized in financing activities declined on a comparative basis by $63.6 million. The purchase of shares under our NCIB
declined $69.1 million between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021. This decline was partially offset by lower proceeds of $1.4 million
received from lease liabilities, lower proceeds received from the exercise of stock options totaling $3.5 million and the
purchase of restricted shares held in trust for the benefit of certain executives of $0.5 million.
38
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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 by the Bank of Canada.
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet
Fiscal 2022
Consolidated
Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Income or
Consolidat-
ed Balance
loss
Sheet
Fiscal 2021
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
$
$
$
$
0.7888 $
0.8003 $
0.7760 $
0.7296 $
0.7936 $
0.7897 $
0.7834 $
0.7656 $
0.7936 $
0.7917 $
0.7889 $
0.7829 $
0.7854 $
0.7952 $
0.8068 $
0.7849 $
0.7675 $
0.7895 $
0.8143 $
0.7936 $
0.7675
0.7783
0.7900
0.7909
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, 2022.
Three months ended September
2021
2022
2022
(as reported)
(as reported)
(FX impact)
2022
(current
period
amounts
applying
prior period
FX rate)
Consolidated Statement of Operations
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Net income (loss)
Net Revenue(A)
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
$
$
$
$
$
$
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) (A)
$
Note: (A) – Please refer to the “Non-GAAP measures” section of this MD&A
125,583 $
90,592 $
24,478 $
9,055 $
58,200 $
43,833 $
15,784 $
(9,968) $
34,991 $
14,367 $
10,987 $
(1,112) $
7,549 $
45 $
(473) $
(410) $
(183) $
97 $
(63) $
106 $
123 $
58,673
44,243
15,967
(10,065)
14,430
(1,218)
(78)
39
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(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
2021
2022
2022
(as reported)
(as reported)
(FX impact)
2022
(current year
amounts
applying
prior year FX
rate)
Consolidated Statement of Operations
Revenues
Transaction costs
Operating expenses
Net income (loss)
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
504,107 $
339,815 $
107,499 $
33,080 $
339,642 $
254,203 $
79,595 $
(9,265) $
164,292 $
85,439 $
59,201 $
40,642 $
7,379 $
2,501 $
(530) $
(460) $
(203) $
114 $
(70) $
117 $
137 $
340,172
254,663
79,798
(9,379)
85,509
7,262
2,364
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 amount 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 expected. Goodwill is not
tested for impairment when the assets and liabilities that 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
40
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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 CGUs 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 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
rate 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.
Due to a continued decline in economic and market conditions for mortgage origination refinance activity, and the resulting
impact on operating results for our U.S. Title CGU, we determined that triggering events, that indicate goodwill may be
impaired, existed as of September 30, 2022. We re-performed our goodwill test for impairment and concluded that impairment
exists which resulted in us recording an impairment charge of $17.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The net carrying
amount of goodwill allocated to the U.S. Title CGU, net of impairment charges, at September 30, 2022 is $nil.
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 to identify the intangible assets acquired and establish fair value
estimates for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including pre-acquisition contingencies and contingent
consideration. Changes in any assumption or estimate used to identify the 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 intangible assets in connection with the initial
purchase price allocation of an acquired entity, and our continuing evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill and
intangible assets. These estimates are based on several 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 intangible assets acquired. 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.
Leases
Lease terms represent the contractual non-cancellable period for a lease, plus all periods covered by an option to renew or
terminate the lease if we are reasonably certain to exercise, or not exercise this option, respectively. We apply judgment in
our assessment of all factors that create an economic incentive to exercise extension options, or to not exercise termination
options, 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.
To determine the carrying amount of right-of-use assets, lease liabilities and net investment in sublease, 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 due to
macroeconomic changes.
41
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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. Unutilized loss carryforwards in the U.S. arising after December 31, 2017 can 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 that we determine 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, $4.1 million at September 30, 2022. 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
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)” which provided
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 clarified 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, which
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 are to be applied retrospectively and are
effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. We expect to apply the amendment to the
classification of liabilities on 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 clarified the meaning of “costs to fulfil a contract” to include incremental costs, and the allocation
of other costs that directly relate to fulfilling the contract. This could result in an entity recording a provision for the expected
loss attributable to the onerous contract in its financial statements earlier or that it wouldn’t have recognized if not for this
amendment. IFRS 3 was updated to refer to the 2018 Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting when determining what
constitutes an asset or a liability in a business combination. Without this new update, an entity may have recognized certain
42
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
liabilities in a business combination that it would not recognize under IAS 37. IAS 16 and the annual improvements are not
applicable.
These amendments were effective January 1, 2022 and earlier application was permitted. We expect to apply the
amendments on October 1, 2022, and adopting these amendments is not expected to have a significant impact on our
financial statements.
Narrow-scope amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8
In February 2021, the IASB amended IAS 1 – “Presentation of Financial Statements” which requires companies to disclose
information attributable to material accounting policies rather than focusing on significant accounting policies. The
amendment clarifies that accounting policy information is material, if its absence inhibits a financial statements user’s ability
to understand other material information in the financial statements.
Additionally, the IASB amended IAS 8 – “Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors” to improve
accounting policy disclosures and assist entities in distinguishing between changes in accounting policies, which are generally
applied retrospectively to both historical, current and future transactions, and estimates, which are applied prospectively to
future transactions.
These amendments are effective January 1, 2023 and earlier application is permitted. We expect to apply the amendments
on October 1, 2023, and adopting these amendments is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial
statements.
Clarifying amendment to account for deferred tax on leases and decommissioning obligations
In May 2021, the IASB amended IAS 12 – “Income Taxes” to clarify that the initial recognition exemption does not apply to
leases and decommissioning obligations. As a result, companies are required to recognize deferred tax on such transactions.
The amendment is effective January 1, 2023 and earlier application is permitted. We expect to apply the amendment on
October 1, 2023, and adopting this amendment 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.
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
on our consolidated statements of financial position as at September 30, 2022, $46.1 million (September 30, 2021 - $60.2
million). We hold no collateral or other credit enhancements as security over our cash or cash equivalent balances, 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, 2022, $19.8 million (September 30, 2021 - $46.0 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.
43
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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 using 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, the majority of receivables collected 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, 2022 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 the settlement of trade payables and lease liabilities. Certain management are responsible
to ensure that we have sufficient short, medium and long-term liquidity to address these liabilities as they become due. We
manage liquidity risk on a continuous basis by monitoring actual and forecasted cash flows and monitoring our available
liquidity.
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 requirements for FX agreements.
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 are 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, and when applicable, warrant liabilities and 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.
44
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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, 2022, 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, 2022.
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, 2022, 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, 2022.
There have been no changes during the year ended September 30, 2022 in our internal control over financial reporting that
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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.
45
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
The forward-looking information in this MD&A includes, but is not limited to, statements related to:
• our business prospects, goals and long-term strategy targets;
• our expectations regarding certain of our future results and information, including, among others, Net Revenue(A) and
Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins for each of our segments, market share targets for our U.S. Appraisal and U.S. Title segments,
corporate expenses (excluding stock-based compensation expense), conversion of Adjusted EBITDA(A) to Free Cash
Flow(A) and the total addressable market;
• the key factors that have a significant impact on our financial performance;
• anticipated economic conditions, including the market activity for purchase, refinance and home equity and default
transactions;
• the scalability of the platform;
• the regulatory environment in which we operate;
• our competitive position relative to our competitors;
• anticipated industry and market trends, including the seasonality of our business and our expectations regarding
appraisal waivers provided by the GSE’s;
• the factors influencing the allocation of transaction volumes to us; and
• 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, Adjusted EBITDA(A) margins, corporate
expenses (excluding stock-based compensation expense) and conversion of Adjusted EBITDA(A) to Free Cash Flow(A) are
considered forward-looking information. See the “Overview’’ section of this MD&A for additional information regarding our
strategies and market outlook in relation to these assessments.
The forward-looking information in this MD&A is subject to risks, uncertainties 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, 2021, which is filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com:
Strategic Risks
• changes in economic conditions resulting in fluctuations in demand for our services;
• failing to grow market share in our U.S. Title business to anticipated levels;
• failing to grow market share in our U.S. Appraisal business to anticipated levels;
• risks associated with targeting large mortgage lenders, including longer sales cycles, pricing pressures,
implementation complexities and concentration risk;
• growth placing significant demands on our management and infrastructure;
• maintaining our competitive position in a competitive business environment;
• damage to our reputation causing a loss of existing clients and/or difficulty attracting new clients;
• inability to successfully identify, consummate or integrate future acquisitions;
Operational Risks
• failing to adequately protect our technology Infrastructure;
• issues with the platform;
• failing to retain key employees or hire highly skilled personnel;
• failing to maintain field professional engagement;
• the occurrence of catastrophic events which are beyond our control;
Legal and Compliance Risks
• regulatory risks applicable to us;
• risks associated with legal and regulatory proceedings and claims;
• risks associated with the potential reclassification of exempt employees and field professionals;
• failing to adequately protect our intellectual property;
• potential losses arising from field professional work product liability;
• potential infringement of our services on the proprietary rights of others;
• difficulty for shareholders to enforce judgments obtained against us;
46
Real Matters Inc. – MD&A for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(tabular and graphical amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of shares, excluding per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Financial and Reporting Risks
• the potential for significant fluctuations in the market price of our shares;
• potential inability to raise additional capital in the future when needed, either on acceptable terms or at all;
• failing to maintain effective internal controls, including the inherent limitations in all control systems;
• potential tax law changes or adverse tax examinations;
• inaccurate accounting estimates and judgments;
• potential dilution to existing shareholders as a result of future share issuances;
• ineffectiveness of our financial and operational risk management efforts;
• our dependence on our subsidiaries for cash flows; and
• changing accounting pronouncements and other financial reporting standards.
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. 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, 2022, 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 2022).
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 2022), 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 2022), 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.
47
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, 2022 and 2021, and the consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income, equity and cash flows 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, 2022 and 2021, 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.
Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of
the consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2022. These matters were addressed in
the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
We have determined that there are no key audit matters to communicate in our auditor’s report.
Other Information
Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises:
• Management's Discussion and Analysis
• 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.
48
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.
As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian GAAS, we exercise professional judgment and maintain
professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
• 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.
49
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were
of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and are
therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor's report unless law or regulation
precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a
matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.
The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is David Craig Irwin.
Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Ontario
November 15, 2022
50
Real Matters Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of United States (“U.S.”) dollars)
ASSETS
CURRENT
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (Note 19)
Income taxes recoverable
Prepaid expenses
NON-CURRENT
INTANGIBLES (Note 4)
GOODWILL (Note 5)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Note 6)
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (Note 20)
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
CURRENT
Trade payables
Accrued charges
Lease liabilities (Note 7)
NON-CURRENT
WARRANT LIABILITIES (Note 9)
LEASE LIABILITIES (Note 7)
TOTAL LIABILITIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 18)
EQUITY
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 10)
Common shares
Restricted shares (Note 16)
Contributed surplus
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
TOTAL EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Approved by:
2022
2021
46,142 $
19,831
1,126
2,634
69,733
4,992
43,181
6,964
12,134
67,271
137,004 $
11,869 $
4,269
1,548
17,686
-
4,312
4,312
21,998
60,213
46,021
271
2,585
109,090
6,228
60,477
11,087
7,458
85,250
194,340
21,802
4,293
1,715
27,810
651
6,328
6,979
34,789
115
108
227,285
(311)
13,647
(114,777)
(10,953)
114,891
115,006
137,004 $
246,377
-
12,206
(94,185)
(4,955)
159,443
159,551
194,340
$
$
$
$
Jason Smith (signed) – Executive Chairman Garry M. Foster (signed) – Audit Committee Chair
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 51
Real Matters Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (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
LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
OTHER NON-OPERATING COSTS
RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES (Note 13)
IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL (Note 5)
INTEREST EXPENSE (Note 8)
INTEREST INCOME
NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE (GAIN) LOSS
GAIN ON FAIR VALUE OF WARRANTS (Notes 9 and 15)
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX (RECOVERY) EXPENSE
INCOME TAX (RECOVERY) EXPENSE (Note 20)
Current
Deferred
TOTAL INCOME TAX (RECOVERY) EXPENSE
NET (LOSS) INCOME
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Items that will be reclassified to net income or loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
NET (LOSS) INCOME - ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS
NET INCOME - ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING
INTERESTS
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - ATTRIBUTABLE TO
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
Net (loss) income per weighted average share, basic (Note 11)
Net (loss) 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)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2022
2021
339,642 $
254,203
79,595
4,530
603
66
1,542
17,296
264
(134)
(5,725)
(249)
(12,349)
1,761
(4,845)
(3,084)
(9,265)
504,107
339,815
107,499
5,045
-
-
76
-
430
(151)
7,359
(2,084)
46,118
12,099
939
13,038
33,080
(5,998)
(15,263) $
4,872
37,952
(9,272) $
32,992
7 $
88
(15,270) $
37,864
7 $
(0.12) $
(0.12) $
88
0.40
0.39
76,514
82,772
76,953
84,196
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 52
Real Matters Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars)
NET INFLOW (OUTFLOW) OF CASH RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING
OPERATING
Net (loss) income
Items not affecting cash
Stock-based compensation (Note 16)
Amortization of intangibles (Note 4)
Amortization of property and equipment (Note 6)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment (Note 6)
Impairment of goodwill (Note 5)
Interest expense (Note 8)
Gain on fair value of warrants (Notes 9 and 15)
Income tax (recovery) expense
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on internal financing
arrangements
Changes in non-cash working capital items (Note 14)
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Cash generated from operating activities
INVESTING
Purchase of subsidiary shares from non-controlling interests
Partial disposal of a subsidiary and capital contribution
from non-controlling interests
Intangible asset additions (Note 4)
Purchase of property and equipment (Note 6)
Payments received from sublease
Cash utilized in investing activities
FINANCING
Proceeds from lease liabilities (Note 15)
Repayment of lease liabilities (Note 15)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options, net of issue costs
Restricted shares purchased and held in
trust (Notes 10 and 16)
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 OUTFLOW
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
2022
2021
$
(9,265) $
33,080
1,535
1,389
3,141
603
17,296
264
(249)
(3,084)
(5,925)
16,847
(264)
(4,721)
17,567
2,408
1,699
3,346
-
-
430
(2,084)
13,038
3,704
(16,438)
(395)
(13,767)
25,021
-
(53)
-
(160)
(1,015)
95
(1,080)
285
(1,735)
283
(516)
(28,741)
-
(30,424)
(134)
(14,071)
60,213
46,142 $
200
-
(3,025)
-
(2,878)
1,645
(1,542)
3,787
-
(97,795)
(145)
(94,050)
2,964
(68,943)
129,156
60,213
22,326 $
23,816
46,142 $
35,847
24,366
60,213
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 53
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Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 54
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (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 and title services through its Solidifi brand to the mortgage lending industry in the
U.S. and appraisal and insurance inspection services to the mortgage lending and insurance industries in
Canada through its Solidifi and iv3 brands, respectively.
Real Matters’ head office and Canadian operations are located at 50 Minthorn Boulevard, Markham, Ontario
and its U.S. subsidiaries operate at the Company’s principal offices in Buffalo, New York and Middletown, Rhode
Island.
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 15, 2022.
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 an asset on the date it was acquired or owed for a
liability on the date it was assumed.
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.
The carrying amount of non-controlling interests is the amount recognized initially, plus the non-controlling
interests’ share of subsequent 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.
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.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 55
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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 from the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries 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.
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 and the statements of cash flows are translated at their historical foreign currency
exchange rates or at the foreign currency exchange in effect at the time of the transaction, respectively. The
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss and consolidated statements of
cash flows, excluding certain transactions, 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 to 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 $2,028 (2021 - $2,022) set aside by the Company to demonstrate that it has sufficient liquidity
to support a county title license for the conduct of business in the state of California.
The Company’s residential real estate title services requires it to hold cash in escrow accounts that it does not
own. 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.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 56
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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
Internally generated intangible assets are capitalized if, and only if, all of the following have been
demonstrated:
•
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 represents computer software development costs associated with the
development and enhancement of the Company’s platforms and other supporting infrastructure. 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
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 57
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on June 30th. At September 30, 2022, the Company re-performed the
goodwill impairment test for its U.S. Title CGU due to the existence of impairment indicators and concluded that
the carrying amount of the U.S. Title CGU was in excess of its recoverable amount. Accordingly, a goodwill
impairment loss was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022. See Note 5.
Upon 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.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are recorded 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
individual 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.
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 3 - 5 years
Furniture and fixtures 5 years
Leasehold improvements Lesser of the remaining term of the lease and expected useful life
Right-of-use assets Lesser of the lease term and the useful life of the underlying asset
Leases
At the inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease based on
whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in
exchange for consideration and recognizes 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 are 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 of the lease, 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 commencement date of the lease.
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
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 58
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
term. When a contract contains both lease and non-lease components, the Company allocates the
consideration in the contract to 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
use of 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 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.
Subleases
When the Company subleases a leased asset to a third-party lessee, the Company becomes an intermediate
lessor. As an intermediate lessor, the Company is required to assess the sublease classification by reference to
the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, rather than by reference to the underlying asset. In this
assessment, the Company considers several factors including if the term of the sublease covers a major portion
of the term of the head lease.
On the date the Company makes the leased asset available for use to the lessee, the Company classifies the
lease as either an operating or finance lease. A lease is a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and
rewards of the leased asset to the lessee. Interest income derived from a finance lease is recognized on a
systematic basis to produce a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the leased asset.
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.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 59
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Deferred income tax is recognized applying the liability method, which recognizes the temporary differences
between the carrying amount 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. The related tax
benefit is subsequently increased only when the probability of future taxable income is present. 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.
Revenues
The Company evaluates whether the contracts it enters meet the definition of a contract with a customer at
contract 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 client.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 60
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Title
The Company provides title services to residential and commercial clients which include title search procedures
for title insurance policies, curative, escrow and other closing services. Title 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 are incurred in connection with
obtaining the contract. 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 directly attributable to a revenue transaction, including appraisal costs,
various processing fees, including credit card fees, connectivity fees, insurance inspection costs, closing agent
costs and external abstractor and quality review costs.
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.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 61
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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
consolidated 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 consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income or loss as incurred.
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 and 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:
•
•
it is held within a business 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.
All financial assets not classified and measured at amortized cost or FVOCI are classified and measured at
FVPL, which includes all derivative financial assets. On initial recognition, a financial asset that meets the
measurement requirements of 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
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 62
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
financial asset expire, or if the Company transfers 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 as either 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
Warrant liabilities
Measurement Category
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 consolidated
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 consolidated 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.
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
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 63
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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:
•
•
•
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:
• 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 indicators exist, 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.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 64
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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 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. Stock-based
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 stock options expected to vest with a
corresponding increase to 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 they occur.
Restricted share units
Restricted share units (“RSUs”) issued by the Company that are substantially settled in the Company’s common
shares are accounted for as equity-settled awards.
The fair value of an RSU is measured at the grant date price of the Company’s common shares and
compensation expense is recorded to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income
or loss over the vesting period with a corresponding increase to shareholders’ equity. Management estimates
the forfeiture rate for RSUs at the time of grant and at each reporting date up to the vesting date. The
estimated forfeiture rate is adjusted to actual forfeitures in the period they occur.
In fiscal 2022, the Company established a trust to hold common shares purchased in the open market for
certain Canadian participants until each RSU vests and the award is settled. The Company is the sponsor of the
trust and has assigned a trustee to carry out the trusts’ custodial duties. The trust is considered a structured entity
which is consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. The cost of common shares purchased in the
open market are recorded at book value to restricted shares in the consolidated statements of equity with any
resulting premium or deficit recorded to accumulated deficit until the common shares are issued to settle the
RSU obligation.
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, equity-settled RSUs 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.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 65
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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 the
accompanying 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, including RSUs, the useful lives of property and equipment and intangible
assets, lease terms, estimated incremental borrowing rates used to determine 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 to a transaction.
When the Company is not primarily responsible for fulfilling the obligation to provide a specified good or service
and does not have discretion to establish price, it is acting as an agent to the transaction. The Company is
acting as a principal when it controls the deliverables prior to delivery to the customer and establishes pricing.
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 cash inflows derived 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 amount attributable to a CGU or non-financial
asset is the higher of FVLCS or value in use. The Company’s determination of a CGU or non-financial assets
recoverable amount applying FVLCS, uses market information to estimate the amount the Company could
obtain from disposing of the CGU or non-financial 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
non-financial 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 non-financial asset. Estimated cash flows are
based on management’s assumptions and business plans which are supported by internal strategies, plans and
external information.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 66
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
The estimated recoverable amount for a CGU or non-financial asset requires the use of significant estimates,
including assembling appropriate market information, disposal costs, 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
recorded to goodwill. The purchase price allocation involves judgment to identify the intangible assets
acquired, establish fair value estimates for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including pre-acquisition
contingencies and contingent consideration. Changes in any assumption or estimate used to identify the
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.
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, and the continuing evaluation of
the recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets on an ongoing basis. These estimates are based on a
number of factors, including historical experience, market conditions, information gained on review of the
target entities’ operation and information obtained from the 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
intangible assets acquired. 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.
Stock-based payments
(f)
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 input variables 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 of stock-based compensation at the date of
exercise.
Amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets
(g)
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.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 67
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Leases
(h)
Lease terms represent the contractual non-cancellable period for a lease, plus all periods covered by an
option to renew or terminate the lease if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, or not exercise this
option respectively. Management applies judgment in assessing all factors that create an economic incentive
to exercise extension options, or to not exercise termination options, 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, lease liabilities and net investment in sublease, 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 due to
macroeconomic changes.
Valuation of deferred income tax assets
(i)
The Company assesses its ability to generate taxable income in future periods from its internal 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, to determine the existence of a deferred tax
asset, depends on many factors, including the Company’s ability to generate income subject to tax in future
periods and implement tax planning measures, including 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
(j)
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
(k)
Other areas where the Company employs judgment and estimates 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
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)”
which provided 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 clarified 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, which 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 are to be applied retrospectively and are effective
for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. The Company expects to apply the
amendment to the classification of liabilities on October 1, 2023, and adopting this amendment is not
expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 68
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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 clarified the meaning of “costs to fulfil a contract” to include incremental costs, and
the allocation of other costs that directly relate to fulfilling the contract. This could result in an entity recording a
provision for the expected loss attributable to the onerous contract in its financial statements earlier or that it
wouldn’t have recognized if not for this amendment. IFRS 3 was updated to refer to the 2018 Conceptual
Framework for Financial Reporting when determining what constitutes an asset or a liability in a business
combination. Without this update, an entity may have recognized certain 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 were effective January 1, 2022 and earlier application was permitted. The Company
expects to apply the amendments on October 1, 2022, and adopting these amendments are not expected to
have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Narrow-scope amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8
In February 2021, the IASB amended IAS 1 – “Presentation of Financial Statements” which requires companies to
disclose information attributable to material accounting policies rather than focusing on significant accounting
policies. The amendment clarified that accounting policy information is material if its absence inhibits a
financial statement user’s ability to understand other material information in the financial statements.
Additionally, the IASB amended IAS 8 –“Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors” to
improve accounting policy disclosures and assist entities in distinguishing between changes in accounting
policies, which are generally applied retrospectively to both historical, current and future transactions, and
estimates, which are applied prospectively to future transactions.
These amendments are effective January 1, 2023 and earlier application is permitted. The Company expects to
apply the amendments on October 1, 2023, and adopting these amendments are not expected to have a
significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Clarifying amendment to account for deferred tax on leases and decommissioning obligations
In May 2021, the IASB amended IAS 12 – “Income Taxes” to clarify that the initial recognition exemption does
not apply to leases and decommissioning obligations. As a result, companies are required to recognize
deferred tax on such transactions.
The amendment is effective January 1, 2023 and earlier application is permitted. The Company expects to
apply the amendment on October 1, 2023, and adopting this amendment is not expected to have a
significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 69
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
4. Intangibles
Internally
generated
intangible
assets
Customer
relation-
ships
Brand
name
Technology
Licenses
Total
2022
Cost
Balance, beginning of year
Additions
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Accumulated amortization
Balance, beginning of year
Amortization
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
$
$
$
$
8,618 $
160
56,163 $
-
(615)
8,163 $
(440)
55,723 $
8,618 $
5
56,163 $
-
(608)
8,015 $
(440)
55,723 $
2,297 $
-
-
2,297 $
2,297 $
-
-
2,297 $
5,720 $
-
-
5,720 $
5,720 $
-
-
5,720 $
13,840 $
-
-
13,840 $
86,638
160
(1,055)
85,743
7,612 $
1,384
80,410
1,389
-
8,996 $
(1,048)
80,751
Net carrying value, end of year $
148 $
- $
- $
- $
4,844 $
4,992
Internally
generated
intangible
assets
Customer
relation-
ships
Brand
name
Technology
Licenses
Total
2021
8,232 $
55,883 $
2,297 $
5,720 $
13,840 $
85,972
386
8,618 $
280
56,163 $
-
2,297 $
-
5,720 $
-
13,840 $
666
86,638
8,232 $
-
55,568 $
315
386
8,618 $
280
56,163 $
2,297 $
-
-
2,297 $
5,720 $
-
-
5,720 $
6,228 $
1,384
-
7,612 $
78,045
1,699
666
80,410
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 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
6,228 $
6,228
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 70
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (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
Impairment
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
2022
Total
43,181 $
43,181 $
17,296 $
17,296 $
60,477
60,477
- $
-
- $
- $
17,296
17,296 $
-
17,296
17,296
43,181 $
- $
43,181
U.S.
Appraisal
U.S.
Title
2021
Total
43,181 $
43,181 $
17,296 $
17,296 $
60,477
60,477
- $
- $
- $
- $
-
-
43,181 $
17,296 $
60,477
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Impairment testing
U.S. Appraisal
The Company determined the recoverable amount based on a FVLCS calculation for its U.S. Appraisal CGU. To
determine FVLCS for the U.S. Appraisal CGU group, the Company applied market valuation multiples derived
from merger and acquisition transactions for like or similar businesses, including the Company’s historical
acquisition data, to its last twelve-month results of revenues less transaction costs and operating expenses.
Management believes that any reasonably possible change in the key assumptions would not cause the
carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount.
U.S. Title
Due to a continued decline in economic and market conditions for mortgage origination refinance activity,
and the resulting impact on operating results of the U.S. Title CGU group, the Company determined that
triggering events, that indicate goodwill may be impaired, existed as of September 30, 2022. The Company re-
performed its goodwill test for impairment at September 30, 2022 and concluded that impairment existed.
The Company determined the recoverable amount of its U.S. Title CGU based on FVLCS and the value in use
approach. To determine FVLCS for the U.S. Title CGU group, the Company applied market valuation multiples
derived from merger and acquisition transactions for like or similar businesses, including the Company’s
historical acquisition multiples, to revenues less transactions costs. To determine the value in use of the U.S. Title
CGU group, the Company used a discounted cash flow methodology. The key assumptions used in the
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 71
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
valuation of the U.S. Title CGU group included estimated revenues, net revenue margins, long-term growth
rates, market size and discount rate. Based on the results of this analysis, the Company recorded an impairment
charge of $17,296 against the carrying value of goodwill. The net carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the
U.S. Title CGU, net of impairment charges, at September 30, 2022 is $nil.
Measuring the fair value of the U.S. Title CGU includes the use of significant unobservable inputs, which are
Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.
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)
Cost
Balance, beginning of year
Additions
Disposals1
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Accumulated amortization
Balance, beginning of year
Amortization
Disposals1
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
$
$
$
$
4,713 $
690
(134)
(85)
5,184 $
2,764 $
1,160
(134)
(77)
3,713 $
2,099 $
-
(358)
(17)
1,724 $
1,718 $
170
(358)
(16)
1,514 $
3,542 $
38
(772)
(66)
2,742 $
2,148 $
320
(405)
(66)
1,997 $
10,447 $
287
(2,484)
(86)
8,164 $
3,089 $
1,486
(891)
(58)
3,626 $
Net carrying value, end of year $
1,471 $
210 $
745 $
4,538 $
2022
Total
20,853
1,015
(3,800)
52 $
-
(52)
-
- $
(254)
17,814
47 $
5
(52)
-
- $
- $
9,766
3,141
(1,840)
(217)
10,850
6,964
Note
(1)
head lease of a net investment in sublease. See Note 7.
Disposals include cost of $2,282 and accumulated amortization of $689 for the derecognition of the right-of-use assets (office space) related to the
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 72
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Computer
equip-
ment
Furniture
and fixtures
Leasehold
improve-
ments
Right-of-use
assets
(office
space)
Right-of-use
assets
(computer
equip-
ment)
Cost
Balance, beginning of year
Additions
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
Accumulated amortization
Balance, beginning of year
Amortization
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
Balance, end of year
$
$
$
$
3,431 $
1,232
50
4,713 $
1,692 $
1,043
29
2,764 $
2,031 $
56
12
2,099 $
1,434 $
275
9
1,718 $
3,408 $
92
8,762 $
1,645
42
3,542 $
40
10,447 $
1,762 $
346
40
2,148 $
1,412 $
1,667
10
3,089 $
52 $
-
-
52 $
32 $
15
-
47 $
2021
Total
17,684
3,025
144
20,853
6,332
3,346
88
9,766
Net carrying value, end of year $
1,949 $
381 $
1,394 $
7,358 $
5 $
11,087
7. Leases
The Company enters into lease agreements primarily for office space and computer equipment. As at
September 30, 2022, the net book value of right-of-use assets totaled $4,538 (September 30, 2021 – $7,363).
Refer to Note 6 for the continuity of 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
2022
5,860 $
-
5,860 $
1,548
4,312 $
2021
8,038
5
8,043
1,715
6,328
$
$
$
At September 30, 2022, $1,588 (September 30, 2021 – $1,530) 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:
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Thereafter
$
$
1,742
1,563
774
443
-
-
4,522
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 73
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
The undiscounted contractual lease payments included in the table above do not include expected sublease
payments of $289 for each of the years ending September 30, 2023 and 2024.
The following amounts attributable to leases have been recognized in the consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive (loss) income and consolidated statements of cash flows:
Rent expense attributable to short-term and low-value leases
Amortization of right-of-use assets
Interest on lease liabilities
Total cash outflow for lease liabilities
$
$
$
$
2022
79 $
1,491
262 $
1,735 $
2021
112
1,682
338
1,542
Effective March 15, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement to sublease office space to a third-party.
The sublease expires on September 30, 2024 which coincides with the expected early termination date of the
associated head lease. The expected exercise of the head lease’s early termination option resulted in a
reduction to the lease liability of $1,593 and a loss on disposal of the right-of-use asset of $236.
8. Long-Term Debt
On April 30, 2021, the Company’s senior term facilities and revolving credit facility matured. These facilities were
secured by a general security agreement, which has since been discharged.
Interest expense is comprised of the following:
Senior and revolving credit facilities
Amortization of deferred financing costs
Lease liabilities
Other
9. Warrant Liabilities
2022
2021
$
$
- $
-
262
2
264 $
56
36
338
-
430
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 warrants were exercisable and expired on May 11, 2022, which was five years from the date of the
IPO. Warrant liabilities converted to Company common shares upon exercise and the associated non-cash
liability was reclassified to common shares. The non-cash liability attributable to warrants that expired
unexercised was recorded to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
There was no circumstance that required the Company to pay cash upon exercise or expiry of the warrants.
For the year ended September 30, 2022, 96 (2021 – 95) warrants were exercised, resulting in the issue of 77 (2021
– 88) common shares. These warrants had a fair value of $407 (2021 – $981) 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 $183 gain (2021 – $268 gain) to the consolidated statement of
operations and comprehensive (loss) income representing the difference between the fair value of certain
warrants recorded at a previous reporting date and the fair value of these warrants on the date of exercise.
At September 30, 2022, there were no warrants outstanding (September 30, 2021 – 96). All warrants had an
exercise price of C$1.38 (September 30, 2021 – C$1.38) representing a total liability of $nil at September 30, 2022
(September 30, 2021 - $651).
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 74
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
10. Shareholders’ Equity
The authorized share capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common and preferred
shares. At September 30, 2022 and 2021, no preferred shares were issued.
Normal course issuer bid
Effective June 11, 2021, the Company received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) to renew its
normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) for a one-year period expiring on June 10, 2022. Under the renewed NCIB, the
Company was approved by the TSX to purchase up to 4,000 common shares. Daily purchases made on the
TSX, or through alternative Canadian trading systems, were limited to a maximum of 153.956 common shares.
Effective November 24, 2021, the Company received approval from the TSX to amend its NCIB to increase the
number of common shares available for purchase and cancellation from 4,000 to 6,000. Effective May 6, 2022,
the Company received approval from the TSX to further amend its NCIB to increase the number of common
shares available for purchase and cancellation from 6,000 to 7,649.
Effective June 13, 2022, the Company received approval from the TSX to renew its normal course issuer bid for a
one-year period expiring on June 12, 2023. Under the renewed NCIB, the Company is approved to purchase up
to 6,000 common shares. Daily purchases made on the TSX, or through alternative Canadian trading systems,
are limited to a maximum of 99.319 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 will be cancelled.
For the year ended September 30, 2022, 6,526 common shares (2021 – 7,261) were purchased and cancelled
at a total cost of $28,741 (2021 - $97,795). As of November 15, 2022, 3 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)
Purchase of common shares, during the year
Balance, end of year
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 75
2022
Number of
shares
Amount
79,048 $
97
77
(6,526)
72,696 $
246,377
377
407
(19,876)
227,285
2021
Number of
shares
Amount
85,359 $
862
88
(7,261)
79,048 $
262,653
4,897
981
(22,154)
246,377
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Details of the Company’s restricted shares are as follows:
Balance, beginning of year
Restricted shares purchased and held in trust
Balance, end of year
11. Net (Loss) Income per Weighted Average Share
2022
Number of
shares
Amount
- $
(101)
(101) $
-
(311)
(311)
The following table outlines the components used to calculate basic and diluted net (loss) income per share
attributable to common shareholders:
Net (loss) income
Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders
Weighted average number of shares, basic
Dilutive effect of stock options, equity-settled RSUs and
warrants(1)
Weighted average number of shares, diluted
Net (loss) income per weighted average share, basic
Net (loss) income per weighted average share, diluted
2022
2021
$
$
$
$
(9,265) $
(9,272) $
76,514
439
76,953
(0.12) $
(0.12) $
33,080
32,992
82,772
1,424
84,196
0.40
0.39
Note
(1) Warrants had no dilutive effect on the weighted average number of shares for the year ended September 30, 2022.
12. Operating Expenses
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
Sales and marketing
Travel and entertainment
Office and computer
Professional fees
Other
2022
2021
$
$
62,779 $
708
440
10,560
2,715
2,393
79,595 $
85,793
481
179
14,321
3,032
3,693
107,499
For the year ended September 30, 2022, the Company recognized an expense of $1,232 (2021 - $1,196) to
salaries and benefits for contributions made in connection with defined contribution plans.
13. Restructuring
Restructuring expenses represent severance costs associated with changes in the Company’s management
structure. As of September 30, 2022, $486 of restructuring expenses have been paid with the balance of $1,056
recorded to accrued charges.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 76
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments and
other non-cash changes
2022
2021
26,746 $
(49)
(9,933)
(24)
(15,360)
(794)
2,325
(923)
107
16,847 $
(1,686)
(16,438)
$
$
15. Changes in Liabilities Arising From Financing Activities
Cash flows
Non-cash changes
September 30, 2022
Proceeds
285
-
Re-
payments
(1,735)
-
Change in
fair value
-
(249)
Effect of
foreign
currency
translation
(27)
5
Other non-
cash
changes
(706) $
(407) $
Ending
balance -
September
30, 2022
5,860
-
Cash flows
Non-cash changes
September 30, 2021
Proceeds
1,645
-
Re-
payments
(1,542)
-
Change in
fair value
-
(2,084)
Effect of
foreign
currency
translation
36
189
Other non-
cash
changes
- $
(981) $
Ending
balance -
September
30, 2021
8,043
651
Opening
balance -
October 1,
2021
8,043
651
Opening
balance -
October 1,
2020
7,904
3,527
$
$
$
$
Lease liabilities
Warrant liabilities
Lease liabilities
Warrant liabilities
16. Stock-Based Compensation
Long-term incentive plan (“2017 Equity Plan”)
The purpose of the 2017 Equity Plan 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 and RSUs as long-term incentive plan awards and has not issued any
PSUs.
RSUs
The duration of the vesting period and other vesting terms applicable to any RSUs granted under the 2017
Equity Plan are determined by the plan administrator at the time of grant. Upon vesting, holders 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.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 77
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
In February 2022, the Company established a new equity incentive plan (“2022 Equity Plan”). In connection
with the 2022 Equity Plan, the Company established a trust to hold common shares purchased in the open
market for certain Canadian participants until each RSU vests and the award is settled. The vesting date and
other vesting terms applicable to RSUs granted under the 2022 Equity Plan are determined by the plan
administrator at the time of grant.
The Company granted the following RSUs during the year ended September 30, 2022:
Grant date
February 1, 2022
February 1, 2022
Plan
Group granted to
Vesting date
2017 Equity Plan
Directors
February 1, 2022
2017 Equity Plan
February 1, 2025
U.S.
Executive officers
Canadian
Executive officers
February 1, 2022
2022 Equity Plan
The following table outlines changes to RSUs:
Outstanding balance, beginning of year
Granted, during the year
Settled, during the year
Forfeited, during the year
Outstanding balance, end of year
Vested, but not settled, end of year
Weighted
average
fair value,
expressed
in C$
Number of
RSUs
granted
69 $
26 $
6.38
6.38
February 1, 2025
101 $
6.45
2022
2021
Number of
RSUs
Number of
RSUs
-
196
-
(13)
183
69
-
-
-
-
-
-
At September 30, 2022, 101 common shares were held in trust to settle future obligations under the 2022 Equity
Plan.
The Company recorded RSU expense of $577 (2021 - $nil) to operating expenses in the consolidated statements
of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the year ended September 30, 2022.
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
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 78
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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 granted under the 2017 Equity Plan 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.
Stock options
Subject to the discretion of the plan administrator, stock options granted under the 2017 Equity Plan 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 granted the following stock options during the year ended September 30, 2022:
Grant date
Recipient
Vesting period
Expiry date
Aggregate number of
stock options granted
February 1, 2022
Certain employees
May 2, 2022
Certain employee
May 2, 2022
Certain employee
May 2, 2022
Certain employee
May 2, 2022
Certain employees
August 2, 2022
Certain employees
Equally on the first,
second and third
anniversary date from
the date of grant
Two thirds
immediately,
one third on
November 25, 2022
One third
immediately, one
third on November
24, 2022, one third on
November 24, 2023
Equally on February 1,
2023, 2024 and 2025
Equally on the first,
second and third
anniversary date from
the date of grant
Equally on the first,
second and third
anniversary date from
the date of grant
7th anniversary date
from the date of
grant
November 25, 2026
November 24, 2027
February 1, 2029
7th anniversary date
from the date of
grant
7th anniversary date
from the date of
grant
335
1
1
6
30
3
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 79
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
To estimate the fair value of stock options, the Company used the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model
which required 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 stock 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 (loss) income. To calculate 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 stock option (expressed in C$)
Outstanding balance, beginning of year
Granted, during the year
Exercised, during the year
Forfeited, during the year
Expired, during the year
Outstanding balance, end of year
August 2,
2022
-
56.3%
3.2%
4.5
5.79 $
2.83 $
$
$
May 2,
2022
-
53.2%
2.7%
4.4
5.56 $
1.99 $
February 1,
2022
-
55.6%
1.5%
4.5
6.38
2.95
2022
Weighted
average
exercise
price,
expressed
in C$
Number of
stock
options
2021
Weighted
average
exercise
price,
expressed
in C$
Number of
stock
options
4,578 $
376 $
(97) $
(431) $
- $
4,426 $
8.91
6.29
3.73
12.25
-
8.47
5,111 $
473 $
(862) $
(106) $
(38) $
4,578 $
7.50
19.03
5.55
16.16
2.28
8.91
Stock options exercisable, end of year
3,799 $
8.00
3,661 $
7.85
The Company recorded stock option expense of $958 (2021 - $2,408) to operating expenses in the consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the year ended September 30, 2022.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 80
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
The following table summarizes certain information for stock options outstanding as at September 30, 2022:
Exercise price
range, expressed
in C$
3.17
2.21 – $
$
4.26
3.18 – $
$
5.95
4.27 – $
$
6.25
5.96 – $
$
6.26 – $
7.44
$
7.45 – $ 11.48
$
$ 11.49 – $ 12.89
$ 12.90 – $ 13.50
$ 13.51 – $ 31.94
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life,
expressed
in years
Number of
stock
options
exercisable
2.08
3.17
3.17
2.61
5.23
4.01
4.19
4.61
4.99
3.75
525
543
243
733
220
289
303
711
232
3,799
Number of
stock
options
525
543
265
733
517
289
414
711
429
4,426
17. Related Party Transactions
Compensation of Key Management Personnel
The Company’s key management personnel comprise the board of directors and current and former members
of the executive team. Compensation for key management personnel, recorded to operating expenses and
restructuring expenses, was as follows:
Salaries and benefits
Post-employment benefits1
Stock-based compensation
Note
(1)
Recorded to restructuring expenses. See Note 13.
18. Commitments and Contingencies
2022
2021
$
$
$
3,977 $
570 $
422 $
5,610
-
1,369
The Company administers escrow accounts for undisbursed funds received for the settlement of certain
residential and commercial real estate title transactions. Deposits at Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(“FDIC”)
in these escrow accounts
totaled $15,916 at September 30, 2022 (2021 - $77,451) 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 to disburse these deposits.
insured up to $250. Undisbursed cash deposited
institutions are
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.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 81
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
19. Financial Instruments
The following table outlines the hierarchical measurement categories for the fair value of financial liabilities. At
September 30, 2022 there were no financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At September
30, 2021, a financial liability measured on a recurring basis had the following estimated fair value expressed on
a gross basis:
Quoted
prices in
active
markets for
identical
assets
(Level 1)
Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
un-
observable
inputs
(Level 3)
$
$
- $
- $
(651) $
(651) $
- $
- $
2021
Total
(651)
(651)
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, 2022 and 2021, there were no transfers between levels or changes to the
valuation techniques.
At September 30, 2021, the fair value of warrant liabilities were calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton
option pricing model which is subject to considerable judgment and estimate. Accordingly, the fair value
estimate may not have been indicative of the amount the Company, or a counterparty to the instrument,
could have realized in a market exchange. The use of differing assumptions, and or estimation methods, could
have affected 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 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, resulting in a financial loss for the Company. The Company’s principal financial assets are cash and
cash equivalents and trade and other receivables. The carrying amounts of financial assets recorded to 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, 2022, three customers represented more than 10% (2021 –
two customers represented more than 10%) of the Company’s total trade and other receivables.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 82
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
To limit credit risk, the Company monitors its aged receivable balances monthly. In addition, a significant
portion of the Company’s revenue is settled on closing through an escrow account which have 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.
Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables
Settlement receivables
Net investment in sublease
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The following table outlines the change in the allowance for doubtful accounts:
Balance, beginning of year
Impairment recoveries (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
2022
2021
19,146 $
156
556
(27)
19,831 $
45,132
1,137
-
(248)
46,021
2022
2021
(248) $
34
187
(27) $
(344)
(42)
138
(248)
2022
2021
14,464 $
4,377
736
281
19,858
27
19,831 $
29,426
15,648
521
674
46,269
248
46,021
$
$
$
$
$
$
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, 2022, the
Company had net assets of $1,549 (2021 – net assets of $2,932) denominated in Canadian dollars. A 10%
change in the exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian dollar results in a plus or minus $155 (2021 - $293)
change in the value of net assets recorded on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position. All
such changes are recorded to other comprehensive income or loss.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 83
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Interest rate risk
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. The Company is subject to interest rate risk on investments in cash
equivalent, short-term investments.
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, when and as applicable.
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:
Trade payables
Accrued charges
$
$
11,869 $
4,269 $
11,869 $
4,269 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
Less than 1
Total
year
1-3 years
4-5 years
Payments due
Trade payables
Accrued charges
20. Income Taxes
Less than 1
Total
year
1-3 years
4-5 years
Payments due
$
$
21,802 $
4,293 $
21,802 $
4,293 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
2022
After 5
years
-
-
2021
After 5
years
-
-
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
Current income tax expense
Current year
Adjustments for prior periods
Deferred income tax (recovery) expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments for prior periods
Total income tax (recovery) expense
2022
2021
1,432 $
329
1,761
(6,212)
1,367
(4,845)
(3,084) $
11,997
102
12,099
968
(29)
939
13,038
$
$
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 84
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
The following table reconciles income tax expense calculated at the Company’s applicable statutory income
tax rate with the reported amounts:
(Loss) income before income tax (recovery)
Statutory income tax rate
Expected income tax (recovery) 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
Minimum tax
State tax, net of federal benefit
Impact of U.S. statutory income tax rate
Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
2022
(12,349) $
$
26.5%
(3,272)
179
1,696
(2,312)
24
134
467
(3,084) $
$
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
Balance,
beginning
of year
Recognized
in net loss
Recognized
in equity
Foreign
currency
translation
adjust-
ments
$
$
(2,759) $
6,730
39
1,127
-
-
2,244
-
77
7,458 $
1,209 $
501
(11)
3,140
(350)
100
(874)
1,119
11
4,845 $
- $
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- $
4 $
(35)
(2)
(141)
24
(7)
(7)
-
(5)
(169) $
2021
46,118
26.5%
12,221
674
73
1,063
-
(993)
-
13,038
2022
Total
(1,546)
7,196
26
4,126
(326)
93
1,363
1,119
83
12,134
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 85
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Deferred tax (liabilities) assets
Property and equipment
Intangibles
Financing fees
Unutilized tax loss carryforwards
Unrealized foreign exchange gains
Capital loss carryforwards
Lease liabilities
Other
Balance,
beginning
of year
Recognized
in net
income
Recognized
in equity
Foreign
currency
translation
adjust-
ments
$
$
(2,724) $
9,806
453
811
(2,435)
141
2,200
74
8,326 $
(26) $
(3,103)
(439)
280
2,464
(149)
34
-
(939) $
- $
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- $
(9) $
27
25
36
(29)
8
10
3
71 $
2021
Total
(2,759)
6,730
39
1,127
-
-
2,244
77
7,458
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, 2022, the Company and its subsidiaries
have $7,151 (2021 - $4,250) of non-capital loss carryforwards in Canada expiring in varying amounts between
2038 and 2042. The Company also has $8,714 (2021 - $nil) of non-capital loss carryforwards in the U.S. which do
not expire. Total deferred tax assets of $4,126 (2021 - $1,127) have been recognized on the full amount of these
loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets have been recorded because management has concluded 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 any anticipated 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.
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, as and when applicable, 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 conditions, 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 is not subject to any externally-imposed capital requirements.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 86
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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, home equity and
default transactions through its Solidifi brand.
The U.S. Title segment serves the title market by providing various title services for refinance, purchase, 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,
curative, closing and escrow services and title policy issuance. Diversified title services include capital markets
services, which have been rationalized, and access to software platforms for 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 provided 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, compliance, 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 applicable policies outlined in the recent
accounting pronouncements note, Notes 2 and 3,
respectively. The Company evaluates segment
performance based on revenues, net of transaction costs.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 87
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
2022
2021
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
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
Other non-operating costs
Restructuring expenses
Impairment of goodwill
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss
Gain on fair value of warrants
(Loss) income before income tax (recovery) expense
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
250,916 $
36,542
52,184
339,642 $
55,510 $
23,049
6,880
85,439 $
928 $
3,141
-
461
4,530 $
79,595 $
603 $
66 $
1,542 $
17,296 $
264 $
(134) $
(5,725) $
(249) $
(12,349) $
Geographic segmentation of the Company’s assets is as follows:
U.S.
Canada Corporate
322,109
129,538
52,460
504,107
69,263
88,239
6,790
164,292
1,485
2,954
-
606
5,045
107,499
-
-
76
-
430
(151)
7,359
(2,084)
46,118
2022
Total
Intangibles
Goodwill
Property and equipment
Intangibles
Goodwill
Property and equipment
$
$
$
$
$
$
4,893 $
43,181 $
6,524 $
- $
- $
- $
99 $
- $
440 $
4,992
43,181
6,964
U.S.
Canada Corporate
2021
Total
6,228 $
60,477 $
10,472 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
615 $
6,228
60,477
11,087
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 88
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (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 disaggregation of revenue by service
type is reconciled to the Company’s segment revenue:
Appraisal
Title - mortgage origination
Title - diversified
Insurance inspection
2022
2021
$
$
299,824 $
35,019
1,523
3,276
339,642 $
371,481
122,306
7,232
3,088
504,107
For the year ended September 30, 2022, two customers (2021 – two customers) represented more than 10% of
the Company’s revenues, the largest representing 20.0% of total consolidated revenues and the next largest
representing 10.3% of consolidated revenues (2021 – 19.1% and 10.1% respectively). Total revenues attributable
to these two customers totaled $102,948 (2021 – $147,297) and was recorded in the Company’s U.S. Appraisal
and U.S. Title segments.
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 2023 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.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 89
Real Matters Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (stated in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares, except per
share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
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.
24. Prior Period Adjustment
In September 2022, the Company identified that withholding taxes attributable to the transfer of cash between
the U.S. and Canada in fiscal 2021 should have been recorded as current income tax expense. The impact of
this adjustment was determined to be immaterial and represents an understatement of current income tax
expense and an overstatement of income taxes recoverable of $2,250 for the year ended September 30, 2021.
Net income was also overstated by the same amount and net income per weighted average share, basic and
diluted, was overstated by $0.03 and $0.02, respectively. The adjustment did not impact cash generated from
operating activities for the year ended September 30, 2021.
Real Matters Inc. – September 30, 2022 - 90
Executive Leadership Team
Jason Smith
Executive Chairman
Brian Lang
Chief Executive Officer
William Herman
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Loren Cooke
Executive Vice President
and President of Solidifi U.S.
Kim Montgomery
Executive Vice President
and President of Solidifi Title
Ryan Smith
Executive Vice President
and Chief Technology Officer
Board of Directors
Jason Smith
Executive Chairman
Garry M. Foster1
Lead Independent Director
William T. Holland2
Director
Brian Lang
Director
Karen Martin3
Director
Frank V. McMahon3
Director
Lisa Melchior2
Director
Peter Vukanovich4
Director
1. Audit Committee Chair
3. Audit Committee Member
2. Compensation, Nomination and Governance Committee Member
4. Compensation, Nomination and Governance Committee Chair
Corporate Information
Headquarters
Canada
50 Minthorn Blvd., Suite 401
Markham, Ontario
L3T 7X8
1.877.739.2212
Transfer Agent
TSX Trust Company
301 - 100 Adelaide St. West
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 4H1
U.S.
701 Seneca St., Suite 660
Buffalo, New York
14210
1.866.583.3983
Independent Auditors
Deloitte, LLP
Investor Relations
416.994.5930
ir@realmatters.com
Listing
TSX: REAL
Shareholders who wish to contact the Real Matters Board
of Directors directly, can email board@realmatters.com
416.361.0930 or 1.866.393.4891 x.205
TMXEInvestorServices@tmx.com
Code of Conduct
The Company’s Code of Conduct can be found at www.realmatters.com/investors/governance, on SEDAR, or can be obtained
by writing to:
Corporate Secretary
Real Matters
50 Minthorn Blvd., Suite 401
Markham, Ontario
L3T 7X8
2022 ANNUAL REPORT