EX-99.1 2 d17124dex991.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 Exhibit 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO


LOGO


LOGO


Report to Shareholders

 

 

Second Quarter 2015

Today we announced that Stantec continued to perform well in the second quarter. With both our Buildings and Infrastructure businesses demonstrating strong performance, our diverse business model is providing a solid foundation for managing our Company through the economic factors impacting the oil and gas industry.

 

  ·   Gross revenue increased 12.1% to $710.3 million in Q2 15 from $633.8 million in Q2 14

 

  ·   Both our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units had strong organic revenue growth in Q2 15, partly offsetting a retraction in our Energy & Resources business operating unit

 

  ·   EBITDA increased 5.1% to $82.2 million in Q2 15 from $78.2 million in Q2 14

 

  ·   Net income decreased 2.7% to $43.1 million in Q2 15 from $44.3 million in Q2 14

 

  ·   Diluted earnings per share decreased 2.1% to $0.46 in Q2 15 from $0.47 in Q2 14

 

  ·   We declared a cash dividend of $0.105 per share

 

  ·   Subsequent to the quarter, we acquired 30-person VI Engineering, LLC, based in Houston, Texas

We are pleased with our second quarter performance, especially given that we are comparing the results of our largest business operating unit — Energy & Resources— against the results of a very robust Q2 14. We thank our talented staff for once again demonstrating their resourcefulness and their commitment to working with our clients to design with community in mind.

On August 5, 2015, we declared a cash dividend of $0.105 per share, payable on October 15, 2015, to shareholders of record on September 30, 2015.

In July 2015, we closed the acquisition of VI Engineering, LLC, based in Houston, Texas. This 30-person firm’s strong background in the design of high-voltage electrical substations, transmission and distribution lines, and electric power systems adds to our platform to better serve our clients across all of our regions. This acquisition builds on the two companies we acquired in Q1 15 and the eight we acquired in 2014, further strengthening our ability to design with community in mind.

Our Buildings business operating unit achieved strong revenue growth in Q2 15. In the United States, gross revenue significantly increased due to acquisitions completed in 2014 and 2015. In Canada, Buildings benefited from strong activity in the healthcare market, continuing strength in its Education sector, and steady activity in its Commercial sector. For example, due to Dessau’s well-recognized position in the Quebec market, during the quarter, we secured work to provide the mechanical and electrical engineering services for building a mental health pavilion at Saint-Jérôme Regional Hospital and to expand the Montreal Sacré-Cœur Hospital to include an integrated tertiary trauma center.

 

i


The revenue retraction in our Oil & Gas sector results from the sharp decline in oil prices and corresponding market conditions year to date compared to the first two quarters of 2014. We are committed over the long term to this business, and our focus is on maintaining our expertise in this sector. We will continue to develop our position in the United States in the Oil &Gas sector to ensure we can take advantage of future market conditions.

Environmental Services’ organic revenue in sectors that are non-resource related remained stable in Canada and achieved overall strong growth in the United States year to date in 2015, in contrast to the slow start in 2014 caused by harsh winter conditions.

Our Infrastructure business operating unit achieved strong growth in Q2 15. Its Community Development, Transportation, and Water sectors all experienced strong organic gross revenue growth year to date compared to 2014.

In Transportation, a rebounding US economy and our North American strategic market position led to increased organic growth opportunities. To illustrate, during the quarter, we were selected as the independent engineer for the New Champlain Bridge Corridor design-build project in Montreal, Quebec.

Community Development achieved strong organic revenue growth in the United States and stable growth in Canada in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14. In the United States, we continued to secure major non-residential projects such as the design of streets, sidewalks, sewers, water mains, and streetscape and plaza areas to support the Coney Island redevelopment in Brooklyn, New York, in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Our outlook for the remainder of 2015 is to end the year with a moderate increase in organic gross revenue growth. With a strong business model and market position, we will continue to execute our business strategy for long-term growth.

I thank our employees who deliver on our promise to design with community in mind, our clients who entrust us with their projects, and you, our shareholders, for your continued confidence in Stantec.

 

LOGO

Bob Gomes

President & CEO

August 5, 2015

 

ii


Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 

 

August 5, 2015

This discussion and analysis of Stantec Inc.’s (Stantec or the Company) operations, financial position, and cash flows for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, dated August 5, 2015, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes for the quarter ended June 30, 2015; the Management’s Discussion and Analysis and audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2014 Annual Report; and the Report to Shareholders contained in our 2015 Second Quarter Report. Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). We continue to use the same accounting policies and methods as we used in 2014.

All amounts shown in this report are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. All comparative share capital, earnings per share, dividends per share, and share-based payment transaction information have been adjusted for amounts previously reported for the two-for-one share split that occurred on November 14, 2014.

Additional information regarding our Company, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Such additional information is not incorporated here by reference, unless otherwise specified, and should not be deemed to be made part of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Core Business and Strategy

Our Company provides professional consulting services—in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics—for infrastructure and facilities projects. By integrating our expertise in these areas across North American and international locations, we are able to provide our clients with a vast number of project solutions. We believe this integrated approach enables us to execute our operating philosophy by maintaining a world-class level of expertise, which we supply to our clients through the strength of our local offices. Through multidiscipline service delivery, we also support clients throughout the project life cycle—from the initial conceptual planning to project completion and beyond.

Our business objective is to be a top 10 global design firm, and our focus is to provide professional services in the infrastructure and facilities market, principally on a fee-for-service basis, while participating in various models of alternative project delivery. To realize our business objective, we plan on achieving a compound average growth rate of 15% through a combination of organic and acquisition growth, while also providing dividend returns for our shareholders. Our core business and strategy and the key performance drivers and capabilities required to meet our business objective have not changed in the second quarter of 2015 from those described on pages M-3 to M-14 of our 2014 Annual Report and are incorporated here by reference.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-1   Stantec Inc.


Results

Overall Performance

Highlights for Q2 15

We continued to perform well in the second quarter of 2015, despite the challenging economic conditions in the oil and gas industry, which demonstrates the strength of our diversified business model. Comparing the second quarter in 2014 to the same period in 2015, our gross revenue increased 12.1%—from $633.8 to $710.3 million; EBITDA increased 5.1%—from $78.2 to $82.2 million; and diluted earnings per share decreased from $0.47 to $0.46.

Our results were positively impacted by an increase in revenue due to acquisitions completed in 2014 and 2015 and the impact of foreign exchange rates on revenue earned by our US subsidiaries. In Q2 15, we experienced strong organic revenue growth in our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units compared to Q2 14. This growth was offset by a retraction in our Energy & Resources business operating unit in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14. The retraction, which impacted both our Canadian and US operations, resulted from the decline in the oil and gas industry.

Our gross margin decreased—from 54.7% in Q2 14 to 54.0% in Q2 15—due to downward pressure on margins in the oil and gas industry and lower margins from the Dessau acquisition. Our administrative and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased—from 39.9% in Q2 14 to 41.2% in Q2 15—mainly from lower utilization due to increased integration activity from recent acquisitions and a retraction in our Oil & Gas business. In addition, our net income was impacted by an increase in the amortization of intangible assets and net interest expense. These increases in expenses were partly offset by an increase in other income due to a gain on sale of land and buildings and investments held for self-insured liabilities.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-2   Stantec Inc.


The following table summarizes key financial data for Q2 15 and Q2 14 and the first two quarters of 2015 and 2014:

 

     Quarter Ended June 30      Two Quarters Ended June 30  
  (In millions of Canadian dollars,
  except per share amounts and %)
   2015      2014      $
Change
     %
Change
     2015      2014      $
Change
     %
Change
 

Gross revenue (note 1)

     710.3          633.8          76.5          12.1%          1,416.0          1,207.7          208.3          17.2%   

Net revenue (note 1)

     593.9          530.2          63.7          12.0%          1,186.2          1,011.5          174.7          17.3%   

EBITDA (note 2)

     82.2          78.2          4.0          5.1%          158.3          140.2          18.1          12.9%   

Net income

     43.1          44.3          (1.2)         (2.7%)         81.1          77.8          3.3          4.2%   

Earnings per share – basic
(note 3)

     0.46          0.47          (0.01)         (2.1%)         0.86          0.83          0.03          3.6%   

Earnings per share – diluted
(note 3)

     0.46          0.47          (0.01)         (2.1%)         0.86          0.83          0.03          3.6%   

Cash dividends declared per
common share (note 3)

     0.105          0.0925          0.0125          13.5%          0.21          0.185          0.025          13.5%   

Cash flows

                       

From (used in) operating activities

     60.6          18.6          42.0          n/m         (27.6)         15.0          (42.6)         n/m   

Used in investing activities

     (15.9)         (54.8)         38.9          n/m         (161.9)         (113.8)         (48.1)         n/m   

From (used in) financing activities

     (38.6)         34.7          (73.3)         n/m         51.0          73.6          (22.6)         n/m   

 

n/m = not meaningful

 

note 1: Gross revenue and net revenue are additional IFRS measures as discussed in the Definition of Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures in the Critical Accounting Estimates, Developments, and Measures section (the “Definitions section”) of our 2014 Annual Report. The Definitions section is incorporated here by reference.

 

note 2: EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and is calculated as income before income taxes, plus net interest expense, amortization of intangible assets, and depreciation of property and equipment, as further discussed in the Definitions section of our 2014 Annual Report.

 

note 3: All comparative earnings per share and dividends per share amounts have been adjusted from previously reported amounts for the two-for-one share split that occurred on November 14, 2014.

  

    

   

   

The following highlights our key activities and initiatives undertaken in the quarter ended June 30, 2015:

 

  ·   We had strong organic revenue growth in our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units, particularly in our US Community Development, Water, and Transportation sectors and in our Canadian Buildings operations. This growth partly offsets the 25.6% organic revenue retraction in our Energy & Resources business operating unit during the quarter compared to the same period in 2014. The retraction was due to challenging economic conditions in our Oil & Gas sector.

 

  ·   We successfully completed integrating Dessau, acquired in Q1 15, to our enterprise management systems.

 

  ·   We declared and paid a cash dividend of $0.105 per share to shareholders of record on June 30, 2015, an increase of 13.5% from last year. Additionally, on August 5, 2015, we declared a dividend of $0.105 per share, payable on October 15, 2015, to shareholders of record on September 30, 2015.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-3   Stantec Inc.


Results Compared to 2015 Targets

In the Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our 2014 Annual Report, we established various ranges of expected performance for fiscal year 2015. The following table indicates our progress toward these targets:

 

  Measure    2015 Target Range        

Actual Q2 15      

YTD Results

Achieved

Gross margin as % of net revenue

   Between 54% and 56%      54.6%    ü   

Administrative and marketing expenses as %
of net revenue

   Between 40% and 42%      41.9%    ü   

EBITDA as % of net revenue (notes 1 and 4)

   Between 13% and 15%      13.3%    ü   

Net income as % of net revenue

   At or above 6%      6.8%    ü   

Return on equity (notes 2 and 4)

   At or above 14%      15.4%    ü   

Net debt to EBITDA (notes 1,3, and 4)

   Below 2.5        1.2       ü   

This table and the discussion paragraph below contain forward-looking statements. See the Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

note 1: EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue is calculated as EBITDA divided by net revenue. EBITDA is calculated as income before income taxes, plus net interest expense, amortization of intangible assets, and depreciation of property and equipment.

note 2: Return on equity is calculated as net income for the last four quarters, divided by the average shareholders’ equity over each of the last four quarters.

note 3: Net debt to EBITDA is calculated as the sum of (1) long-term debt, including current portion, plus bank indebtedness, less cash and deposits and cash in escrow, divided by (2) EBITDA for the last four quarters.

note 4: Return on equity, EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue, and net debt to EBITDA are non-IFRS measures (discussed in the Definitions section of our 2014 Annual Report).

ü   Met or performed better than target.

X   Did not meet target.

We met all targets at the end of Q2 15.

Results of Operations

Our Company operates in one reportable segment—Consulting Services. We provide knowledge-based solutions for infrastructure and facilities projects through value-added professional services, principally under fee-for-service agreements with clients.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-4   Stantec Inc.


The following table summarizes key operating results as a percentage of net revenue and the percentage increase or decrease in the dollar amount for each key operating result:

 

       Quarter Ended June 30               Two Quarters Ended June 30        
   

 Percentage of

 Net Revenue 

   

Percentage
Increase

(Decrease) *

   

    Percentage of    

    Net Revenue  

   

Percentage
Increase

(Decrease) *

 
                  2015                    2014           2015 vs. 2014                     2015                    2014           2015 vs. 2014    

Gross revenue

    119.6%         119.5%         12.1%         119.4%         119.4%         17.2%    

Net revenue

    100.0%         100.0%         12.0%         100.0%         100.0%         17.3%    

Direct payroll costs

    46.0%         45.3%         13.7%         45.4%         45.5%         17.1%    

Gross margin

    54.0%         54.7%         10.5%         54.6%         54.5%         17.4%    

Administrative and marketing expenses

    41.2%         39.9%         15.6%         41.9%         40.7%         20.6%    

Depreciation of property and equipment

    1.9%         1.7%         21.7%         1.9%         1.8%         22.2%    

Amortization of intangible assets

    1.5%         1.1%         50.0%         1.6%         1.1%         68.8%    

Net interest expense

    0.5%         0.4%         27.3%         0.5%         0.4%         48.6%    

Other net finance expense

    0.1%         0.2%         n/m         0.1%         0.1%         n/m    

Share of income from joint ventures and associates

    (0.1%)        (0.1%)        0.0%         (0.1%)        (0.2%)        (14.3%)   

Foreign exchange loss

    0.0%         0.0%         n/m         0.0%         0.0%         n/m    

Other income

    (1.1%)        0.0%         n/m         (0.6%)        0.0%         n/m    

Income before income taxes

    10.0%         11.5%         (2.6%)        9.4%         10.6%         4.2%    

Income taxes

    2.8%         3.1%         (2.4%)        2.6%         2.9%         4.1%    

Net income

    7.3%         8.4%         (2.7%)        6.8%         7.7%         4.2%    

n/m = not meaningful

* Percentage increase (decrease) calculated based on the dollar change from the comparable period.

The following sections outline specific factors that affected the results of our operations in the second quarter of 2015 and should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2015.

Gross and Net Revenue

While providing professional services, we incur certain direct costs for subconsultants, equipment, and other expenditures that are recoverable directly from our clients. Revenue associated with these direct costs is included in gross revenue. Because these direct costs and associated revenue can vary significantly from contract to contract, changes in gross revenue may not be indicative of our revenue trends. Accordingly, we also report net revenue (which is gross revenue less subconsultant and other direct expenses) and analyze results in relation to net revenue rather than gross revenue.

Revenue earned by acquired companies in the first 12 months following acquisition is initially reported as revenue from acquisitions and thereafter reported as organic revenue.

All business operating units generate a portion of gross revenue in the United States. The value of the Canadian dollar averaged US$0.81 in Q2 15 compared to US$0.92 in Q2 14, representing a 12.0% decrease. The weakening Canadian dollar had a positive effect on the revenue reported in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14. Fluctuations in other foreign currencies did not have a material impact on our revenue.

Our contract backlog grew from $1.8 billion at December 31, 2014, to $2.0 billion at the end of Q2 15. (Backlog is a non-IFRS measure further discussed in the Definitions section of our 2014 Annual Report.) This increase was the result of recent project wins, fluctuation in foreign exchange, and acquisitions completed in the first two quarters of 2015. We define backlog as the total value of secured work that has not yet been completed where we have an executed contract and a notice to proceed on the contract. Only approximately the first 12 to 18 months of the total value of secured work for a project is included in work backlog.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-5   Stantec Inc.


The following tables summarize the impact of acquisitions, organic growth, and foreign exchange on our gross and net revenue:

 

 Gross Revenue

(In millions of Canadian dollars)

  

 Quarter Ended

June 30
2015 vs . 2014

  

 Two Quarters Ended 

June 30 
2015 vs . 2014 

 Increase (decrease) due to

     

 Acquisition growth

   93.8     184.7   

 Organic retraction

   (53.6)    (44.1)  

 Impact of foreign exchange rates on revenue
earned by foreign subsidiaries

   36.3     67.7   

Total net increase in gross revenue

   76.5     208.3   

 Net Revenue

(In millions of Canadian dollars)

  

Quarter Ended
June 30

2015 vs . 2014

  

 Two Quarters Ended 
June 30  

2015 vs . 2014 

 Increase (decrease) due to

     

 Acquisition growth

   76.4     151.9  

 Organic retraction

   (42.0)    (32.0) 

 Impact of foreign exchange rates on revenue
earned by foreign subsidiaries

   29.3     54.8  

 Total net increase in net revenue

   63.7     174.7  

The increase in acquisition gross and net revenue in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 resulted from revenue earned in Q2 15 that was attributed to the acquisitions listed in the Gross Revenue by Region and the Gross Revenue by Business Operating Unit sections that follow. We experienced increases in organic gross revenue in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 in our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units. These increases were offset by a retraction in organic gross revenue in our Energy & Resources business operating unit.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-6   Stantec Inc.


Gross Revenue by Region

The following charts and tables summarize gross revenue and gross revenue growth in our three regional operating units—Canada, United States, and International:

 

LOGO    LOGO

 

 

 Gross Revenue by Regional Operating Unit                                          
 (In millions of Canadian dollars)   

Quarter

Ended

June 30,

2015

    

Quarter

Ended

June 30,

2014

    

Total

Change

    

Change Due

to

Acquisitions

    

Change Due

to Organic

Growth

(Retraction)

    

Change Due

to Foreign

Exchange

 

 Canada

     333.8         347.1         (13.3)         37.4         (50.7)         n/a     

 United States

     351.5         263.0         88.5          56.4         (1.5)         33.6     

 International

     25.0         23.7         1.3          -             (1.4)         2.7     

 Total

     710.3         633.8         76.5          93.8         (53.6)         36.3     

 

 n/a = not applicable

 

                 
 Gross Revenue by Regional Operating Unit                                     
 (In millions of Canadian dollars)   

Two Quarters
Ended

June 30,

2015

    

Two Quarters
Ended

June 30,

2014

     Total
Change
     Change Due
to
Acquisitions
    

Change Due

to Organic
Growth

(Retraction)

    

Change Due

to Foreign

Exchange

 

 Canada

     670.7         667.9         2.8          65.7         (62.9)         n/a     

 United States

     694.8         491.2         203.6          119.0         21.9          62.7     

 International

     50.5         48.6         1.9          -             (3.1)         5.0     

 Total

     1,416.0         1,207.7         208.3          184.7          (44.1)         67.7     

 n/a = not applicable

Total gross revenue was positively impacted by the acquisitions completed in 2014 and 2015, and by the weakening Canadian dollar in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14, and was partly offset by organic revenue retraction, primarily in Canada.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-7   Stantec Inc.


Following are the acquisitions completed in 2014 and 2015 that impacted specific regions year to date:

 

  ·   Canada
  ¡    Canadian engineering operations of Dessau Inc., 9073-4195 Quebec Inc., and Azimuth Services (Central) Inc. (collectively Dessau) (January 2015)

 

  ·   United States
  ¡    Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. and Cultural Resources, Inc. (WEG) (January 2014)
  ¡    Processes Unlimited International, Inc. (ProU) (March 2014)
  ¡    JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc. (JBR) (May 2014)
  ¡    Group Affiliates Inc. (SHW) (May 2014)
  ¡    Wiley Engineering, Inc. (Wiley) (June 2014)
  ¡    USKH Inc. (USKH) (June 2014)
  ¡    ADD Inc. (September 2014)
  ¡    Penfield & Smith Engineers, Inc. (Penfield & Smith) (October 2014)
  ¡    Sparling, Inc. (Sparling) (February 2015)

Canada

Gross revenue from our Canadian operations decreased 3.8% in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and increased 0.4% year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. The $65.7 million in acquisition growth year to date that related to the Dessau acquisition was split between our three business operating units: approximately 27% in Buildings, 27% in Energy & Resources, and 46% in Infrastructure. Organic gross revenue retracted 14.6% in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and retracted 9.4% year to date in 2015 compared to 2014, mainly due to the continuing decline in the Oil & Gas sector within our Energy & Resources business operating unit. The retraction was partly offset by organic growth in our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units.

We continued to see a significant retraction in the Energy & Resources business operating unit in Canada in the first two quarters of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The retraction was due to challenging economic conditions in our Oil & Gas sector. Retraction in Oil & Gas engineering and environmental services continued as many significant projects were substantially completed in 2014. Project delays, pricing pressures, and curtailed capital spending by Oil & Gas sector clients have also contributed to this reduced revenue generation. New project awards in the sector for engineering services continued to be slow and have been generally smaller in scale, and the sector attracted increased competition and pricing pressures. The downturn in market conditions has also affected our environmental services; however, the effect was less severe because approximately half of our environmental services work is outside of the oil and gas industry and therefore continues to be stable. Power has also retracted organically as a result of curtailed investments in thermal generation projects because of the uncertainty in long-term commodity input costs and a flattened demand for power. The Mining sector is continuing to experience challenges due to macroeconomic conditions, although we experienced year-to-date organic gross revenue growth due to the recognition of fees in Q1 15 for obtaining certain performance metrics on a major project.

All sectors in our Infrastructure business operating unit experienced organic gross revenue growth year to date with strong growth in Water. Our Water and Transportation sectors were supported by stable funding in the public sector, and activity in our Water sector continued to be driven by municipal investments in water and wastewater infrastructure as well as work associated with surface water resources and flood control, mitigation, and restoration. Community Development had organic revenue growth year to date across Canada, and in Q2 15, revenue was stable compared to Q2 14.

The public-private partnership (P3) model continued to be supported in Canada, particularly in Ontario and the western provinces. P3s continue to be considered at the municipal level.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-8   Stantec Inc.


United States

Gross revenue in our US operations increased 33.7% in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and 41.5% year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. These increases were due to strategic acquisition growth and the impact of foreign exchange due to the US dollar strengthening compared to the Canadian dollar. Organic revenue growth was stable in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 as growth in the majority of our sectors was offset by a retraction in our Oil & Gas sector. Organic revenue grew 4.5% year to date in 2015 compared to 2014, and organic growth occurred in all business operating units and in all sectors except Oil & Gas.

Expanding our existing client relationships and our expertise in environmental mitigation resulted in strong growth in our US business year to date. Our Buildings business operating unit is supported by our expanded architectural presence and work in the healthcare sector, as well as by increased activity in the biopharmaceutical sector.

The public sector is still characterized by uncertainty in the political and regulatory environment, notably at the federal level. In response to fiscal constraints, opportunities have increased in design-build in the United States. Although a backlog of work exists within the transportation market, public sector budgets remain tight and uncertainty exists regarding the funding of the federal highway and transportation program. Despite this uncertainty, organic revenue increased in our Transportation sector in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations have provided opportunities with our Power clients. Transmission and distribution opportunities still remain steady.

In the private sector, the housing market is continuing to show steady growth, specifically in the southern and western United States.

International

Gross revenue from our International operations increased 5.5% in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and 3.9% year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. This increase resulted from the strengthening of foreign currencies compared to the Canadian dollar and from organic growth in our Buildings business operating unit due primarily to healthcare projects secured in the Middle East. These year-to-date increases in 2015 compared to 2014 were partly offset by a retraction in organic gross revenue in our Mining sector as a result of global market conditions and a retraction in our Community Development sector.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-9   Stantec Inc.


Gross Revenue by Business Operating Unit

The following charts and tables summarize gross revenue and gross revenue growth in our three business operating units—Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure:

 

LOGO    LOGO

 

 

Gross Revenue by Business Operating Unit   

Quarter Ended June 30

 
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except %)    2015       % of
Consulting
Services
Gross Revenue
     2014       % of
Consulting
Services
Gross Revenue
     % Change in 
Gross Revenue 
2015 vs. 2014 
 

Buildings

     194.1          27.3%         127.3          20.1%         52.5%    

Energy & Resources

     241.7          34.0%         287.3          45.3%         (15.9%)    

Infrastructure

     274.5          38.7%         219.2          34.6%         25.2%    

Total

     710.3          100.0%         633.8          100.0%         12.1%    

 

Note: Comparative figures have been reclassified due to a realignment of several business lines between our Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure business operating units.

 

   

    

Two Quarters Ended June 30

 
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except %)    2015       % of
Consulting
Services
Gross Revenue
     2014       % of
Consulting
Services
Gross Revenue
     % Change in 
Gross Revenue 
2015 vs. 2014 
 

Buildings

     382.9          27.0%         255.2          21.1%         50.0%    

Energy & Resources

     504.0          35.6%         531.7          44.0%         (5.2%)    

Infrastructure

     529.1          37.4%         420.8          34.9%         25.7%    

Total

     1416.0          100.0%         1207.7          100.0%         17.2%    

Note: Comparative figures have been reclassified due to a realignment of several business lines between our Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure business operating units.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-10   Stantec Inc.


As indicated above, gross revenue growth was impacted by acquisitions, organic revenue retraction, and the effect of foreign exchange rates on revenue earned by our foreign subsidiaries. The impact that these factors had on gross revenue earned by each business operating unit is summarized in the following tables:

 

Gross Revenue by Business Operating Unit    Quarter Ended June 30, 2015 vs. 2014  
(In millions of Canadian dollars)    Total Change      Change Due to
Acquisitions
    

Change Due to
Organic Growth

(Retraction)

     Change Due to
Foreign Exchange
 

Buildings

     66.8          51.9         7.3          7.6   

Energy & Resources

     (45.6)         16.5         (73.5)         11.4   

Infrastructure

     55.3          25.4         12.6          17.3   

Total

     76.5          93.8         (53.6)          36.3   

Note: Comparative figures have been reclassified due to a realignment of several business lines between our Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure business operating units.

 

     Two Quarters Ended June 30, 2015 vs. 2014  
(In millions of Canadian dollars)    Total Change      Change Due to
Acquisitions
    

Change Due to
Organic Growth

(Retraction)

     Change Due to
Foreign Exchange
 

Buildings

     127.7          96.3         16.7          14.7   

Energy & Resources

     (27.7)         41.0         (88.2)         19.5   

Infrastructure

     108.3          47.4         27.4          33.5   

Total

     208.3          184.7         (44.1)         67.7   

Note: Comparative figures have been reclassified due to a realignment of several business lines between our Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure business operating units.

Following are the acquisitions completed in 2014 and 2015 that impacted specific business operating units year to date:

 

  •   Buildings     Energy & Resources     Infrastructure

¡     SHW (May 2014)

¡     USKH (June 2014)

¡      ADD Inc. (September 2014)

¡     Dessau (January 2015)

¡      Sparling (February 2015)

 

¡     WEG (January 2014)

¡     ProU (March 2014)

¡      JBR (May 2014)

¡     Wiley (June 2014)

¡      Dessau (January 2015)

 

¡     USKH (June 2014)

¡     Penfield & Smith (October 2014)

¡      Dessau (January 2015)

Buildings

Gross revenue for our Buildings business operating unit increased 52.5% in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and 50.0% year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. Of the $127.7 million increase year to date, $96.3 million was due to acquisitions, $16.7 million was due to organic growth, and $14.7 million was due to foreign exchange. Organic revenue growth was 5.7% in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and 6.5% year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. Year to date, we experienced strong growth in our Canadian and International operations, while organic revenue growth was stable in the United States. Organic gross revenue growth in Canada is primarily due to our geographic mature presence and market sector focus. Compared to 2014, organic growth benefited from successful strategic pursuits and improved asset management in all regional operating units.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-11   Stantec Inc.


The majority of revenue for our Buildings business operating unit is generated from three key sectors: Healthcare, Commercial, and Education. Opportunities remain steady in all of our key geographies for these market sectors. In addition, we see strong growth in some of our smaller sectors such as Industrial Buildings due to increased opportunities in manufacturing, maintenance warehousing, and military infrastructure. We also continue to secure steady work in our Airports sector.

In Canada, we benefited from strong activity in the healthcare market, continuing strength in the Education sector, and steady activity in the Commercial sector. For example, because Dessau is well-recognized in the Quebec market, during the quarter, we secured a contract to provide the mechanical and electrical engineering services for building a 15,800-square-metre (170,000-square-foot) mental health pavilion at Saint-Jérôme Regional Hospital and to expand the Montreal Sacré-Cœur Hospital to include a 14,500-square-metre (156,000-square-foot) integrated tertiary trauma center. Plus, due to our P3 project expertise and strong partnerships, we are part of the ATCO Two Rivers Lodging Group, chosen as the preferred proponent to design, construct, operate, and maintain a 1,600-person workforce housing facility. This facility will be used by workers constructing the Site C Clean Energy Project on the Peace River in northeastern British Columbia.

In the United States, gross revenue has significantly increased due to the acquisitions completed in 2014 and 2015. We continue to see increasing opportunities in residential and hospitality work in US East and increased activity in our Education sector in Texas. In particular, we were recently awarded a project at the University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, Texas. Our services include the planning and programming, architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, interior design, cost estimating, and construction administration of a new 175,000-square-foot (16,000-square-metre) multistory physical and mathematical sciences building.

Recently secured International projects continue to increase our Healthcare sector market position; these projects include new wins in the United Kingdom that also support our expertise in science and technology. To illustrate, during Q2 15, we were the successful proponent on a design-build project; our services will include planning, architecture, and interior design work for the Precision Cancer Medicine Institute, a clinical research facility at Oxford University in England.

Energy & Resources

Gross revenue for our Energy & Resources business operating unit decreased $45.6 million in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and $27.7 million year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. Revenue was positively impacted by strategic acquisitions completed in 2014 and 2015 and by foreign exchange due to the US dollar strengthening compared to the Canadian dollar. Organic gross revenue in our Energy & Resources business operating unit retracted 25.6% in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and 16.6% year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. The retraction in the Oil & Gas sector in both Canada and the United States impacted our engineering and environmental services. We also experienced an organic revenue retraction in our Power and Mining sectors. Management continues to monitor backlog and make adjustments to align staffing levels with workload and market conditions in our Energy & Resources business operating unit.

Our Oil & Gas sector consists of engineering and environmental services (approximately half each). The retraction in our Oil & Gas sector during the first two quarters of 2015 is attributable to the sharp decline in oil prices and corresponding market conditions. In our midstream business, many engineering projects were substantially completed in 2014. New project awards have slowed due to the impact of uncertain market conditions, increased competition, and pricing pressures. In the upstream sector, a smaller portion of our business, projects have been deferred or canceled as clients adapt to lower commodity prices and market supply and demand characteristics.

In sectors that are non-resource related, Environmental Services organic revenue remained stable in Canada and achieved overall strong growth in the United States year to date in 2015, which differs from the slow start in 2014 caused by harsh winter conditions.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-12   Stantec Inc.


In our Power sector, activity continued to meet environmental compliance requirements in the transmission and distribution market and in power replacement. Our Canadian Power operations were impacted by Oil & Gas clients deferring or canceling proposed gas generation projects. More generally, projects are slowing down due to uncertainty in long-term pricing outlooks.

Our Mining sector had organic growth year to date in 2015 compared to 2014, mainly assisted by the recognition of additional fees in Q1 15 that resulted from obtaining certain performance metrics on a major project. However, in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14, Mining retracted in our Canadian and International operations, primarily due to the winding down of major projects and the macroeconomic conditions in the mining industry.

Infrastructure

Gross revenue for our Infrastructure business operating unit increased 25.2% in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and 25.7% year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. Of the $108.3 million increase year to date, $47.4 million was due to acquisitions, $27.4 million was due to organic growth, and $33.5 million was due to foreign exchange. Organic revenue growth was 5.7% in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and 6.5% year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. Strong organic revenue growth occurred in our Transportation and Water sectors in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14, and Community Development remained stable. All sectors in Infrastructure achieved strong organic gross revenue growth year to date.

Organic gross revenue growth for our Community Development sector was strong year to date in 2015 compared to 2014; growth in Canada and the United States was partly offset by a retraction in our International operations. We perform approximately half of our Community Development work in Canada, half in the United States. In Q2 15 compared to Q2 14, growth was strong in the United States and stable in Canada. The strong US growth was due to the continual and general improvement in the US economy. Both countries experienced a continued demand for housing, a recovery of urban development and design markets, and an increase in mixed-use commercial projects. All regions had strong growth, and signs of improved housing markets continue. Moreover, we continue securing major nonresidential projects, which include designing streets, sidewalks, sewers, water mains, and streetscape and plaza areas to support the Coney Island redevelopment in Brooklyn, New York. These projects, in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy, are led by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. The construction of the new infrastructure will facilitate the development of City-owned parcels as affordable housing, community facilities, and retail.

Our Transportation sector experienced strong organic gross revenue growth year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. Over 70% of our Transportation revenue is generated in the United States. A rebounding US economy and our North American strategic market position led to an increased number of organic growth opportunities. For example, in Q2 15, we were selected as the independent engineer for the new Champlain Bridge Corridor P3 project in Montreal, Quebec. We are contracted to ensure that all the infrastructures related to the project are designed, built, operated, and maintained according to the contract and that they comply with Canadian and Quebec standards and regulations, as well as good industry practices. This ten-year assignment resulted from our increased presence in the Quebec market because of the Dessau acquisition, as well as our ability to cost effectively bring key resources from across North America to our team.

Our Water sector had strong organic gross revenue growth year to date in 2015 compared to 2014. This sector benefits from continued demand for our services resulting from the rehabilitation required on aging infrastructure and regulatory requirements, including the consent decrees in the United States that mandate municipalities to upgrade their water and wastewater facilities. Growth in Canada and the United States was partly due to the work we added in 2014 on the Bonnybrook wastewater treatment plant and the Springbank Off-Stream Storage Protection project near Calgary, Alberta. In addition, growth continues as we execute key projects such as the Regina wastewater treatment plant, ongoing work with the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the nationwide contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the agency’s flood risk mapping and hazard mitigation programs.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-13   Stantec Inc.


Gross Margin

For a definition of gross margin, refer to the discussion in the Definitions section of our 2014 Annual Report, incorporated here by reference. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenue was 54.0% in Q2 15 compared to 54.7% in Q2 14. The year-to-date gross margin was 54.6% compared to 54.5% in 2014. Our gross margin was within the targeted range of 54% to 56% (set out in our 2014 Annual Report).

The following table summarizes gross margin percentages by regional operating unit:

 

Gross Margin by Regional Operating Unit    Quarter Ended
        June 30
     Two Quarters Ended
  June 30
 
                          2015      2014                          2015      2014  

Canada

     54.4%         55.6%         55.5%         55.2%   

United States

     53.6%         53.8%         53.8%         54.0%   

International

     52.9%         49.8%         52.3%         49.8%   

In general, gross margin fluctuations depend on the particular mix of projects in progress during any quarter and on our project execution. The fluctuations reflect our business model, which is based on diversifying operations across geographic locations, business operating units, and all phases of the infrastructure and facilities project life cycle.

In our Canadian operations, the decrease in gross margin in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 resulted mostly from market conditions in the oil and gas industry, which placed downward pressure on rates, and from lower margins from the Dessau acquisition. The increase in margins in our International operations resulted mainly from the mix of projects.

The following table summarizes our gross margin percentages by business operating unit:

 

Gross Margin by Business Operating Unit    Quarter Ended
        June 30
     Two Quarters Ended
  June 30
 
                          2015      2014                          2015      2014  

Buildings

     55.2%         55.2%         55.2%         55.2%   

Energy & Resources

     52.8%         53.1%         53.9%         52.8%   

Infrastructure

     54.3%         56.4%         54.9%         56.3%   

Note: Comparative figures have been reclassified due to a realignment of several business lines between our Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure business operating units.

Our Energy & Resources business operating unit experienced lower gross margin in Q2 15 than in Q2 14, primarily as a result of Oil & Gas sector clients placing downward pressure on billing rates. Also, margins in our Power sector were impacted by the nature and mix of work brought in from the Dessau acquisition. Year to date, the gross margin for our Energy & Resources business operating unit increased partly due to the recognition of fees in Q1 15 for obtaining certain performance metrics on major mining projects.

Our Infrastructure business operating unit had a lower gross margin in Q2 15 than in Q2 14 and year to date in 2015 compared to 2014, which was caused by the mix of projects and positive adjustments in 2014 to estimates to complete for certain transportation projects.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-14   Stantec Inc.


Administrative and Marketing Expenses

Administrative and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenue was 41.2% in Q2 15 compared to 39.9% in Q2 14. Our year-to-date administrative and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenue was 41.9% in 2015 compared to 40.7% in 2014, falling within the expected range of 40% to 42% (set out in our 2014 Annual Report).

Administrative and marketing expenses fluctuate from year to year because of the amount of staff time charged to marketing and administrative labor, which is influenced by the mix of projects in progress during the period as well as business development and acquisition integration activities.

Year-to-date administrative and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenue was higher in 2015 compared to 2014 due to lower utilization, caused in part by an increase in integration activities. In the months after completing an acquisition, staff time charged to administration and marketing is generally higher because of integration activities, including orienting newly acquired staff. Our acquisitions of Dessau and Sparling in 2015 were larger than our 2014 acquisitions, and additional infrastructure and French language translation costs were incurred to properly prepare for the integration of the Dessau operations. Severance costs were incurred in 2015 to align staffing levels with workload in our Energy & Resources business operating unit. In addition, administrative and marketing expenses was higher in 2015 since 2014 was positively impacted by bad debt recoveries and reduced provisions for claims.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The timing of completed acquisitions, size of acquisitions, and type of intangible assets acquired impact the amount of amortization of intangible assets in a period. Client relationships are amortized over estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 15 years, and contract backlog is generally amortized over an estimated useful life of 1 to 2 years. Consequently, the impact of the amortization of contract backlog can be significant in the 4 to 8 quarters following an acquisition. Also included in intangible assets is purchased and internally generated computer software that is amortized over an estimated useful life ranging from 3 to 7 years.

The following table summarizes the amortization of identifiable intangible assets for Q2 15 and Q2 14 and year to date for 2015 and 2014:

 

                                                                                                   
Amortization of Intangibles            Quarter Ended        
June 30     
             Two Quarters Ended        
June 30     
 
  

 

 

 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)    2015      2014      2015      2014   

 

 

Client relationships

     2,651          2,036          7,023          3,950     

Backlog (Note)

     2,360          1,031          4,618          1,736     

Software

     3,114          2,732          6,277          5,655     

Other

     901          535          1,511          104     

Lease disadvantage

     (347)         (546)         (523)         (293)    

 

 

Total amortization of intangible assets

     8,679          5,788          18,906          11,152     

 

 

Note: Backlog is a non-IFRS measure that is further discussed in the Definitions section of our 2014 Annual Report.

The $2.9 million increase in intangible asset amortization from Q2 14 to Q2 15 resulted primarily from an increase in backlog and client relationships from the Dessau and Sparling acquisitions in Q1 15. The year-to-date increase of $7.8 million from 2014 to 2015 is a result of an increase in backlog and client relationships from the Dessau and Sparling acquisitions in 2015 and the ProU, JBR, SHW, ADD Inc., and Penfield & Smith acquisitions in 2014. Based on the unamortized intangible asset balance remaining at the end of Q2 15, we expect our amortization expense for intangible assets for the full year 2015 to be in the range of $36 to $38 million. The actual expense may be impacted by any new acquisitions completed after Q2 15.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-15   Stantec Inc.


Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense increased $0.7 million in Q2 15 compared to Q2 14 and $1.8 million year to date in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to an increase in interest expense on notes payable. In addition, interest expense on our revolving credit facility increased since the balance outstanding was $149.5 million at June 30, 2015, and $138.6 million at June 30, 2014. The average interest rate for our revolving credit facility and senior secured notes was approximately 2.81% at June 30, 2015, and approximately 2.85% at June 30, 2014. The revolving credit facility and senior secured notes are further described in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this report.

Based on our credit balance at June 30, 2015, we estimate that a 0.5% increase in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased net income for the first two quarters of 2015 by $271,000 and decreased basic earnings per share by less than $0.01. If the interest rate was 0.5% lower, there would have been an equal and opposite impact on net income and basic earnings per share. We have the flexibility to partly mitigate our exposure to interest rate changes by maintaining a mix of both fixed- and floating-rate debt. Our senior secured notes have fixed interest rates; therefore, interest rate fluctuations have no impact on the senior secured notes interest payments.

Foreign Exchange Gains and Losses

We recorded a $0.1 million foreign exchange loss in Q2 15 compared to a $0.2 million gain in Q2 14. These foreign exchange gains and losses arose on the translation of the foreign-denominated assets and liabilities held in our Canadian companies and in our non-US-based foreign subsidiaries. We minimize our exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations by matching foreign currency assets with foreign currency liabilities and, when appropriate, by entering into forward contracts to buy or sell US dollars and British pounds in exchange for Canadian dollars. The foreign exchange loss reported during the quarter was caused by the volatility of daily foreign exchange rates and the timing of the recognition and relief of foreign-denominated assets and liabilities.

We recorded a $44.9 million gain on the translation of our foreign operations in other comprehensive income in the first two quarters of 2015 compared to a $0.6 million gain in the same period in 2014. These unrealized gains arose when translating our foreign operations into Canadian dollars. The gain during the first two quarters of 2015 was due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar—from US$0.86 at December 31, 2014, to US$0.80 at June 30, 2015.

We estimate that at June 30, 2015, a $0.01 decrease in foreign exchange rates, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased net income by $22,000 for the first two quarters of 2015 and decreased basic earnings per share by less than $0.01. If the exchange rates were $0.01 higher, there would have been an equal and opposite impact on net income and basic earnings per share.

Other Income

Other income was $6.7 million in Q2 15 compared to $0.02 million in Q2 14. Other income in Q2 15 was primarily from a gain on the sale of equities in our investments held for self-insured liabilities, which include bonds, equities, and term deposits. The risk associated with these bonds, equities, and term deposits is mitigated by the overall quality and mix of the investment portfolio. During Q2 15, we rebalanced the type of equities in the portfolio, which resulted in the realization of a $4.2 million gain in income. Also in Q2 15, we recognized a $2.5 million gain on the sale of land and buildings.

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate for the first two quarters of 2015 was 27.5% compared to 26.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The effective income tax rate of 27.5% is based on statutory rates in jurisdictions where we operate and on our estimated earnings in each of these jurisdictions. We review statutory rates and jurisdictional earnings quarterly and adjust our estimated income tax rate accordingly.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-16   Stantec Inc.


Summary of Quarterly Results

The following table presents selected data derived from our consolidated financial statements for each of the eight most recently completed quarters. This information should be read in conjunction with the applicable interim unaudited and annual audited consolidated financial statements and related notes.

Quarterly Unaudited Financial Information

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)    Jun 30, 2015      Mar 31, 2015      Dec 31, 2014      Sept 30, 2014*    

Gross revenue

     710.3         705.7         647.5         674.7     

Net revenue

     593.9         592.3         519.6         544.2     

Net income

     43.2         38.0         38.1         48.6     

EPS – basic

     0.46         0.40         0.41         0.52     

EPS – diluted

     0.46         0.40         0.40         0.51     
      Jun 30, 2014*      Mar 31, 2014*      Dec 31, 2013*      Sept 30, 2013*    

Gross revenue

     633.8         573.9         575.3         581.2     

Net revenue

     530.2         481.3         451.3         484.8     

Net income

     44.3         33.5         35.7         45.9     

EPS – basic

     0.47         0.36         0.38         0.50     

EPS – diluted

     0.47         0.36         0.38         0.49     

Quarterly earnings per share on a basic and diluted basis are not additive and may not equal the annual earnings per share reported. This is a result of the effect of shares issued on the weighted average number of shares. Diluted earnings per share on a quarterly and an annual basis are also affected by the change in the market price of our shares, since we do not include in dilution options when the exercise price of the option is not in the money.

*Earnings per share are adjusted from previously reported amounts for the two-for-one share split that occurred on November 14, 2014.

The table below compares quarters, summarizing the impact of acquisitions, organic growth, and foreign exchange on gross revenue:

Gross Revenue

(In millions of Canadian dollars)    Q2 15 vs.
Q2 14
    Q1 15 vs.
Q1 14
     Q4 14 vs.
Q4 13
     Q3 14 vs.
Q3 13
 

Increase (decrease) in gross revenue due to Acquisition growth

     93.8        90.9         53.1         48.6   

Organic growth (retraction)

     (53.6     9.5         1.4         34.1   

Impact of foreign exchange rates on revenue earned by foreign subsidiaries

     36.3        31.4         17.7         10.8   

Total net increase in gross revenue

     76.5        131.8         72.2         93.5   

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-17   Stantec Inc.


Q3 14 vs. Q3 13. During Q3 14, net income increased $2.7 million, or 5.9%, from Q3 13, and diluted earnings per share for Q3 14 increased $0.02, or 4.1%, compared to Q3 13. Net income for Q3 14 was positively impacted by an increase in revenue because of acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014, and organic revenue growth in our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units, while our Energy & Resources business operating unit had a reduced pace of growth due to a retraction in our Mining sector. Our US operations had strong organic growth of 10.4% in Q3 14 compared to Q3 13, resulting mainly from growth in our Power and Transportation sectors and in our Buildings business operating unit. Our results were also positively impacted by an increase in gross margin—from 54.3% in Q3 13 to 54.7% in Q3 14. This was offset by an increase in our administrative and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenue—from 38.3% in Q3 13 to 39.3% in Q3 14—mainly from lower utilization due in part to increased integration activities from acquisitions.

Q4 14 vs. Q4 13. During Q4 14, net income increased $2.4 million, or 6.7%, from Q4 13, and diluted earnings per share for Q4 14 increased $0.02, or 5.3%, compared to Q4 13. Net income for Q4 14 was positively impacted by an increase in revenue because of foreign exchange, acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014, and organic revenue growth in our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units. The Energy & Resources business operating unit declined primarily because of certain terminal projects winding down in our Oil & Gas sector in Canada. Our Buildings business operating unit had strong organic growth of 8.4% in Q4 14 compared to Q4 13, caused mainly by improved project management and growth in the Healthcare sectors of our Canada and International operations. Organic gross revenue growth in our Infrastructure business operating unit resulted from growth in its Water and Community Development sectors, and even more, from growth in its Transportation sector in the United States. Our gross margin decreased—from 56.4% in Q4 13 to 55.6% in Q4 14—due to lower margins in our Oil & Gas sector, which has been a growing component of our US revenue, as well as the impact of project adjustments to estimated costs to complete in our Buildings business operating unit. Administrative and marketing expense as a percentage of net revenue decreased—from 43.7% in Q4 13 to 42.5% in Q4 14. The expense in Q4 13 was historically high due to additional charges for seasonal holidays and an increase in the fair value of restricted share units and deferred share units.

Q1 15 vs. Q1 14. During Q1 15, net income increased $4.5 million, or 13.4%, from Q1 14, and diluted earnings per share for Q1 15 increased $0.04, or 11.1%, compared to Q1 14. Net income for Q1 15 was positively impacted by foreign exchange, acquisitions completed in 2014 and 2015, and organic revenue growth in our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units. This organic growth was partly offset by a retraction in our Energy & Resources business operating unit. Our US operations experienced strong organic gross revenue growth; however, organic gross revenue in our Canada and International operations retracted. Organic growth was particularly strong in our US Environmental Services and US Water and Community Development sectors. Also, Buildings experienced strong growth in all regional operating units. Net income was also positively impacted by an increase in gross margin—from 54.4% in Q1 14 to 55.2% in Q1 15. This was offset by an increase in our administrative and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenue—from 41.5% in Q1 14 to 42.5% in Q1 15— mainly from lower utilization due to an increase in integration activity from recent acquisitions and a retraction in our Oil & Gas business. In addition, our bottom line was impacted by an increase in the amortization of intangible assets and net interest expense.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015  

M-18

  Stantec Inc.


Balance Sheet

The following table highlights the major changes to assets, liabilities, and equity since December 31, 2014:

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars)    Jun 30, 2015      Dec 31, 2014      $ Change     % Change  

Total current assets

     894.3         844.4         49.9        5.9%    

Property and equipment

     157.0         152.7         4.3        2.8%    

Goodwill

     856.1         760.6         95.5        12.6%    

Intangible assets

     122.4         97.2         25.2        25.9%    

Other financial assets

     108.2         90.7         17.5        19.3%    

All other assets

     80.1         64.9         15.2        23.4%    

Total assets

     2,218.1         2,010.5         207.6        10.3%   

Current portion of long-term debt

     134.0         53.2         80.8        151.9%    

Provisions

     14.5         10.8         3.7        34.3%    

All other current liabilities

     392.0         411.1         (19.1     (4.6%)   

Total current liabilities

     540.5         475.1         65.4        13.8%    

Long-term debt

     259.3         256.1         3.2        1.2%    

Provisions

     59.4         51.6         7.8        15.1%    

Other liabilities

     66.5         64.3         2.2        3.4%    

All other liabilities

     94.9         77.2         17.7        22.9%    

Equity

     1,197.5         1,086.2         111.3        10.2%    
         

Total liabilities and equity

     2,218.1         2,010.5         207.6        10.3%   

Refer to the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this report for an explanation of the changes in current assets and current liabilities.

Property and equipment, goodwill, and intangible assets increased as a result of the Dessau and Sparling acquisitions. Intangible assets increased mostly because of customer relationships, backlog, and lease advantages acquired from these acquisitions and the renewal of Autodesk software in Q1 15. Total current and long-term other financial assets increased mainly due to an increase in investments held for self-insured liabilities and an amount owing from the sale of land and buildings.

Total current and long-term debt increased mainly as a result of an increase in our revolving credit facility and was partly offset by a reduction in our notes payable from acquisitions. In addition, our increase in finance lease obligations was primarily due to the renewal of Autodesk software in Q1 15. An increase in our provision for self-insured liabilities, as a result of the timing of the recognition of the liability and its ultimate settlement, in turn caused an increase in long-term provisions. Also, total current and long-term provisions increased due to provisions for project-related claims assumed from the Dessau acquisition. The increase in other liabilities resulted primarily from the increase in fair value of deferred share units outstanding at June 30, 2015.

Overall, the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for our US subsidiaries on our consolidated balance sheets increased due to the weakening Canadian dollar—from US$0.86 at December 31, 2014, to US$0.80 at June 30, 2015.

Our shareholders’ equity increased due to $81.1 million in net income earned in the first two quarters of 2015, $5.6 million in share options exercised for cash, and $2.6 million expensed for share-based compensation. As well, comprehensive income increased $41.6 million, resulting from the unrealized gain on the translation of our US subsidiaries and the unrealized gain on our investments held for self-insured liabilities. These increases were partly offset by the $19.7 million in dividends declared year to date.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-19   Stantec Inc.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

We are able to meet our liquidity needs through a variety of sources, including cash generated from operations, long- and short-term borrowings from our $350 million revolving credit facility, senior secured notes, and the issuance of common shares. We use funds primarily to pay operational expenses, complete acquisitions, sustain capital spending on property and on equipment and software, repay long-term debt, and pay dividend distributions to shareholders.

We believe that internally generated cash flows, supplemented by borrowings, if necessary, will be sufficient to cover our normal operating and capital expenditures. We also believe that the design of our business model (explained in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our 2014 Annual Report) reduces the impact of changing market conditions on operating cash flows. Consequently, we do not anticipate any immediate need to access additional capital by issuing additional equity. However, under certain favorable market conditions, we would consider issuing common shares to facilitate acquisition growth or to reduce borrowings under our credit facility.

We continue to limit our exposure to credit risk by placing our cash and cash equivalents in short-term deposits in—and, when appropriate, by entering into derivative agreements with—high-quality credit institutions. Investments held for self-insured liabilities include bonds, equities, and term deposits. We mitigate risk associated with these bonds, equities, and term deposits through the overall quality and mix of our investment portfolio.

Working Capital

The following table summarizes working capital information at June 30, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014:

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except ratio)    June 30, 2015      Dec 31, 2014      $ Change  

Current assets

     894.3          844.4          49.9    

Current liabilities

     (540.5)            (475.1)            (65.4)   

Working capital (note)

     353.8          369.3            (15.5)   

Current ratio (note)

     1.65          1.78          n/a   

note: Working capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. Current ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. Both non-IFRS measures are further discussed in the Definitions section of our 2014 Annual Report.

Current assets increased primarily because of a $163.2 million increase in trade and other receivables and in unbilled revenue. Investment in trade and other receivables and in unbilled revenue increased to 101 days at June 30, 2015, from 86 days at December 31, 2014. This increase occurred mainly in our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units. In addition, cash in escrow relating to the Dessau acquisition increased $6.0 million, prepaid expenses increased $2.6 million, and taxes recoverable increased $12.1 million due to the timing of income tax instalments for 2014 and 2015. These increases were partly offset by a decrease of $132.7 million in our cash and deposits (further explained in the Cash Flows section of this report).

Current liabilities increased primarily as a result of an increase in the current portion of long-term debt since $70 million of our senior secured notes come due May 10, 2016; notes payable from current acquisitions increased $8.9 million. In addition, bank indebtedness increased $3.7 million and the current portion of provisions increased $3.7 million due to the increase in our provisions for project-related claims assumed from the Dessau acquisition. These increases were partly offset by a $10.8 million decrease in trade and other payables due to the timing of payments for annual employee bonuses. Also, billings in excess of costs decreased $11.2 million.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-20   Stantec Inc.


Cash Flows

Our cash flows from and used in operating, investing, and financing activities are reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows and summarized in the following table:

 

    

Quarter Ended

June 30

   

Two Quarters Ended

June 30

 
(In millions of Canadian dollars)            2015             2014             Change             2015             2014             Change  

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

     60.6        18.6        42.0        (27.6     15.0        (42.6

Cash flows used in investing activities

     (15.9     (54.8     38.9        (161.9     (113.8     (48.1

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities

     (38.6     34.7        (73.3     51.0        73.6        (22.6

Cash Flows Used in Operating Activities

Cash flows used in operating activities are impacted by the timing of acquisitions, particularly the timing of payments for acquired trade and other payables, including annual employee bonuses. The $42.6 million increase in cash flows used in operating activities year to date in 2015 compared to 2014 resulted from an increase in cash paid to employees, which, in turn, was caused by an increase in the number of employees and bonuses paid. As well, cash paid to suppliers increased because of our acquisition and organic growth and the timing of various payments. Interest paid increased since more interest was paid on notes payable for acquisitions in 2015 compared to 2014. These increases in cash outflows were partly offset by an increase in cash receipts from clients due to our acquisitions and organic growth.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

Cash flows used in investing activities increased year to date in 2015 compared to 2014 due to an increase in cash used for business acquisitions. We used $132.2 million to pay cash consideration for current year acquisitions and notes payable for prior year acquisitions in Q2 15 compared to $76.6 million in Q2 14. Also contributing to this increase in cash flows used was a $6.0 million deposit paid in escrow for the indemnification of potential claims on the Dessau acquisition. These increases in cash flows used in investing activities were partly offset by a $5.9 million decrease in investments held for self-insured liabilities and an $8.0 million decrease in the purchase of property and equipment.

As a professional services organization, we are not capital intensive. In the past, we made capital expenditures primarily for items such as leasehold improvements, computer equipment and software, furniture, and other office and field equipment. Property and equipment and software purchases totaled $6.5 million in Q2 15 compared to $14.9 million in Q2 14. We had higher purchases in 2014 due to an increase in leasehold improvements made to various office locations. For the remainder of 2015, we plan to continue investing in enhancements to our information technology infrastructure and enterprise systems; this will optimize and streamline business processes and prepare us for continued growth. During Q2 15, we financed property and equipment and software purchases through cash flows from operations.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash flows from financing activities decreased year to date in 2015 compared to 2014, mainly due to the net $14.6 million decrease in cash inflows from our revolving credit facility. In addition, cash outflows increased due to the payment of our Autodesk finance lease obligation and a $2.2 million increase in the payment of dividends year to date in 2015 compared to 2014.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-21   Stantec Inc.


Capital Management

We manage our capital structure according to the internal guideline established in our 2014 Annual Report by maintaining a net debt to EBITDA ratio of below 2.5. We calculate our net debt to EBITDA ratio, a non-IFRS measure, as the sum of (1) long-term debt, including current portion, plus bank indebtedness, less cash and deposits and cash in escrow, divided by (2) EBITDA, calculated as income before income taxes, plus net interest expense, amortization of intangible assets, and depreciation of property and equipment. At June 30, 2015, our net debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.18, calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis. Going forward, there may be occasions when we exceed our target by completing opportune acquisitions that increase our debt level for a period of time.

We have entered into an agreement for a $350 million revolving credit facility expiring August 31, 2018, that allows us to access an additional $150 million under the same terms and conditions on approval from our lenders. Our credit facility is available for acquisitions, working capital needs, and general corporate purposes. Depending on the form under which it is accessed and on certain financial covenant calculations, rates of interest may vary between Canadian prime, US base rate, or LIBOR or bankers’ acceptance rates, plus specified basis points. The specified basis points may vary, depending on our level of consolidated debt to EBITDA—from 20 to 125 for Canadian prime and US base rate loans and from 120 to 225 for bankers’ acceptances, LIBOR loans, and letters of credit. At June 30, 2015, $195.6 million was available in the revolving credit facility for future activities.

On May 13, 2011, we issued $70 million of 4.332% senior secured notes due May 10, 2016, and $55 million of 4.757% senior secured notes due May 10, 2018. These amounts were recorded net of transaction costs of $1.1 million. The senior secured notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated May 13, 2011, between Stantec Inc., as issuer, and BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee and collateral agent. These notes are ranked equally with our existing revolving credit facility. Interest on the senior secured notes is payable semiannually in arrears on May 10 and November 10 each year until maturity or the earlier payment, redemption, or purchase in full of the notes. We may redeem them, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at specified redemption prices and subject to certain conditions required by the indenture. The senior secured notes contain restrictive covenants. All of our assets are held as collateral under a general security agreement for the revolving credit facility and senior secured notes.

We are subject to financial and operating covenants related to our credit facility and senior secured notes. Failure to meet the terms of one or more of these covenants may constitute a default, potentially resulting in accelerated repayment of our debt obligation. In particular, at each quarter-end, we must satisfy the following at any time: (1) our consolidated EBITDAR to debt service ratio must not be less than 1.25 to 1.0 for the revolving credit facility and senior secured notes and (2) our consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio must not exceed 2.5 to 1.0 for the revolving credit facility and 2.75 to 1.0 for the senior secured notes, except in the case of a material acquisition when our consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio must not exceed 3.0 to 1.0 for the revolving credit facility and 3.25 to 1.0 for the senior secured notes for a period of two complete quarters following the acquisition. EBITDA and EBITDAR to debt service ratios are defined in the Definitions section of our 2014 Annual Report. We were in compliance with all of these covenants as at and throughout the period ended June 30, 2015.

We have a bid bond facility, expiring on August 31, 2018, in the amount of $15 million that allows us to access an additional $5 million under the same terms and conditions on approval from our lenders. This facility may be used to issue bid bonds, performance guarantees, letters of credit, and documentary credits in international currencies. At June 30, 2015, $9.8 million had been issued under this bid bond facility.

Shareholders’ Equity

Share options exercised generated $5.6 million in cash during the first two quarters of 2015 compared to $5.5 million in cash generated during the same period in 2014.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-22   Stantec Inc.


Other

Outstanding Share Data

At June 30, 2015, 94,186,720 common shares and 3,277,744 share options were outstanding. From June 30, 2015, to August 5, 2015, 71,764 share options were exercised and 512 share options were forfeited. At August 5, 2015, 94,258,484 common shares and 3,205,468 share options were outstanding.

Contractual Obligations

As part of our continuing operations, we enter into long-term contractual arrangements from time to time. The following table summarizes the contractual obligations due on our long-term debt, operating and finance lease commitments, purchase and service obligations, and other obligations at June 30, 2015, on a discounted basis:

 

     Payment Due by Period  
            Less than                    After  
(In millions of Canadian dollars)    Total      1 Year      1–3 Years      4–5 Years      5 Years  

Debt

     379.4         126.6         102.7         149.7         0.4   

Interest on debt

     21.6         10.4         10.8         0.4         -   

Operating leases

     908.2         135.6         231.2         162.7         378.7   

Finance lease obligation

     14.1         7.6         6.5         -         -   

Purchase and service obligations

     17.8         7.9         7.8         2.1         -   

Other obligations

     37.6         2.1         17.1         0.1         18.3   

Total contractual obligations

     1,378.7         290.2         376.1         315.0         397.4   

For further information regarding the nature and repayment terms of our long-term debt and finance lease obligations, refer to the Cash Flows from Financing Activities and Capital Management sections of this report and notes 9 and 15 of our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Operating lease commitments include obligations under office space rental agreements. Purchase and service obligations include agreements to purchase future goods and services that are enforceable and legally binding. Other obligations include amounts payable under our deferred share unit and restricted share unit plans and amounts payable for performance share units issued under our long-term incentive program. Failure to meet the terms of our operating lease commitments may constitute a default, potentially resulting in a lease termination payment, accelerated payments, or a penalty as detailed in each lease agreement.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of June 30, 2015, we had off-balance sheet financial arrangements relating to letters of credit in the amount of $1.2 million that expire at various dates before July 2016. These letters of credit were issued in the normal course of operations, including the guarantee of certain office rental obligations. We also provide indemnifications and, in very limited circumstances, surety bonds. These are often standard contractual terms and are provided to counterparties in transactions such as purchase and sale contracts for assets or shares, service agreements, and leasing. As part of the normal course of operations, our surety facility allows the issuance of bonds for certain types of project work. At June 30, 2015, $4.3 million in bonds was issued under this surety facility; the bonds expire at various dates before April 2020. At June 30, 2015, $9.8 million was issued under our bid bond facility, which allows us to issue bid bonds, performance guarantees, letters of credit, and documentary credits in international currencies; these expire at various dates before June 2016.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-23   Stantec Inc.


Financial Instruments and Market Risk

The nature and extent of our use of financial instruments, as well as the risks associated with these instruments, have not changed materially from those described in the Financial Instruments and Market Risk section of our 2014 Annual Report and are incorporated here by reference.

Related-Party Transactions

We have subsidiaries that are 100% owned and structured entities that are consolidated in our financial statements. From time to time, we enter into transactions with associated companies, joint ventures, and joint operations. These transactions involve providing or receiving services and are entered into in the normal course of business. Key management personnel—including the chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief operating officer (COO), and executive vice presidents—have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of the Company. We pay compensation to key management personnel and directors in the normal course of business.

From time to time, we guarantee the obligation of a subsidiary or structured entity regarding lease agreements. Also from time to time, we guarantee a subsidiary or structured entity’s obligations to a third party pursuant to an acquisition agreement. Transactions with subsidiaries, structured entities, associated companies, joint ventures, and key management personnel are further described in note 19 of our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, and notes 13 and 30 of our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in our 2014 Annual Report and incorporated here by reference.

Outlook

The outlook for fiscal 2015 is based on our expectations described in our 2014 Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference.

Outlook by Region

Our outlook for two of our regional operating units has changed during the first two quarters of 2015. Following is the outlook for all regional operating units:

 

      2014
Annual Report
           Q1 15                    Q2 15        

  Canada

   Stable    Stable    Retraction

  United States

   Moderate    Moderate    Moderate

  International

   Moderate    Moderate    Stable

Certain expectations are summarized below.

Canada

We believe our Canadian operations will end the year with a retraction in organic revenue in 2015 compared to 2014. In Q2 15, we revised our outlook from stable, as described in our 2014 Annual Report, due to the retraction that occurred in the first two quarters of 2015, most significantly in our Oil & Gas sector. However, we expect this reduction to slow and stabilize during the remainder of 2015. Organic revenues in the last half of the year will continue to be positively impacted by increased activity and growth in sectors and geographic regions that are linked to non-energy-related sectors.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-24   Stantec Inc.


United States

We believe our US operations will experience moderate organic revenue growth in 2015 compared to 2014. The US economy, driven by steady domestic economic fundamentals, continued to gain momentum in the quarter; this is expected to carry on throughout the rest of the year. We have maintained a moderate organic revenue growth outlook because we expect that continued growth in all our US sectors will be offset by a continued retraction in Oil & Gas. Even though growth did slowly improve in the public sector during 2014, we believe the outlook for the private sector is more favorable than for the public sector in 2015.

International

We believe our International operations will experience stable organic revenue in 2015 compared to 2014. In Q2 15, we revised our outlook described in our 2014 Annual Report due to the year-to-date retraction in organic gross revenue in our Mining sector as a result of challenging global market conditions and a retraction in our Community Development sector. Currently, our International operations—mainly within our Buildings business operating unit and Mining sector—make up a small percentage of our business. Economic conditions and business operations in our International region are mixed. Similar to other locations, we expect to leverage our local position to drive cross-selling opportunities with clients in the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

Outlook by Business Operating Unit

Our outlook for our business operating units for fiscal 2015 has changed during the first two quarters of 2015, as shown in the table below:

 

      2014
Annual Report
           Q1 15                    Q2 15        

Buildings

   Moderate    Moderate    Strong

Energy & Resources

   Stable    Retraction    Retraction

Infrastructure

   Moderate    Moderate    Strong

Certain expectations are summarized below.

Buildings

We believe our Buildings business operating unit will experience strong organic growth in 2015 compared to 2014. In Q2 15, we revised our outlook to strong from moderate, as described in our 2014 Annual Report, due to better-than-anticipated growth in the first half of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. This growth was assisted by strong account management and strategic pursuits that materialized into project wins. Overall, we anticipate that the buildings industry will recover from the levels of previous years, and because of our top-tier positioning and global expertise in healthcare, education, and airports, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on this growth.

Energy & Resources

We believe our Energy & Resources business operating unit will end 2015 with a retraction in gross revenue compared to 2014. We believe Energy & Resources may retract at a slower pace and stabilize at these lower revenue levels in the second half of 2015. In Q1 15, we revised the outlook described in our 2014 Annual Report due to the greater-than-expected retraction in our Canadian and US Oil & Gas sector when compared to the robust growth experienced during the past few years. We expect our Mining and Power sectors to remain stable for the rest of the year.

Infrastructure

We expect strong organic gross revenue growth in our Infrastructure business operating unit in 2015 compared to 2014. In Q2 15, we revised our outlook to strong from moderate, as described in our 2014 Annual Report, because of better-than-anticipated growth in the first of half of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. We expect that a gradual continuation of long-term trends—in particular, population growth, urbanization, and the need to rehabilitate aging infrastructure—will further drive the requirement for our water, community development, and transportation services.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-25   Stantec Inc.


Overall Outlook

We believe that our outlook is to end the year with a moderate increase in organic revenue growth in 2015 compared to 2014. We believe that our Buildings and Infrastructure business operating units will achieve strong organic gross revenue growth. However, compared to 2014, the 2015 organic gross revenue for our Energy & Resources business operating unit is expected to retract. In the second half of 2015, we expect that organic retraction either will be slower than in the first half of 2015 or will stabilize at these lower levels.

We operate in a highly diverse infrastructure and facilities market in North America and internationally that consists of many technical disciplines, market sectors, client types, and industries in both the private and public sectors. This gives us the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions in a timely manner. Our results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter, depending on variables such as project mix, economic factors, and integration activities related to acquisitions in a quarter. In the first two quarters of 2015, we saw no significant changes in our industry’s environment; in particular, uncertainty remains in the oil and gas sector.

Our business model continues to focus on mitigating risk by diversifying operations across geographic locations, business operating units, and all phases of the infrastructure and facilities project life cycle. Our overall expectations remain consistent with those discussed in the Outlook by Region and Outlook by Business Operating Unit sections in this report and those generally described in the Outlook section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our 2014 Annual Report.

Our overall outlook is based in part on an update of the underlying assumptions found in the Outlook section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our 2014 Annual Report. The Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis outlines these updated assumptions.

Critical Accounting Estimates, Developments, and Measures

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires us to make various estimates and assumptions. However, future events may result in significant differences between estimates and actual results. There has been no significant change in our critical accounting estimates in Q2 15 from those described in our 2014 Annual Report under the heading Critical Accounting Estimates, Developments, and Measures and in note 5 of our December 31, 2014, audited consolidated financial statements, which are incorporated here by reference.

Definition of Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures

IFRS mandates certain minimum line items for financial statements and requires presentation of additional line items, headings, and subtotals when that presentation is relevant to an understanding of a company’s financial position and performance. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis includes additional IFRS measures, namely, gross revenue, net revenue, and gross margin. It also includes references to and uses measures and terms that are not specifically defined in IFRS and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. These measures and terms are working capital, current ratio, net debt to equity ratio, return on equity ratio, EBITDA, EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue, EBITDAR, debt to EBITDA ratio, net debt to EBITDA ratio, EBITDAR to debt service ratio, and backlog. These non-IFRS measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

For the first two quarters ended June 30, 2015, there has been no significant change in our description of additional IFRS measures and non-IFRS measures from that included in our 2014 Annual Report under the heading Critical Accounting Estimates, Developments, and Measures and incorporated here by reference. For additional information, refer to this discussion in our 2014 Annual Report.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-26   Stantec Inc.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2015, we adopted the following amendments, further described in note 6 of our December 31, 2014, annual consolidated financial statements and note 4 of our June 30, 2015, unaudited interim consolidated financial statements:

 

  ·   Annual Improvements (2010–2012 Cycle)
  ·   Annual Improvements (2011–2013 Cycle)

Adopting these amendments did not have an impact on our financial position or performance.

Future Adoptions

Standards, amendments, and interpretations that we reasonably expect to be applicable at a future date and intend to adopt when they become effective are described in note 4 of our June 30, 2015, unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and are incorporated here by reference.

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our CEO and CFO evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (defined in the US Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Risk Factors

For the first two quarters of 2015, there has been no significant change in our risk factors from those described in our 2014 Annual Report; the risk factors are incorporated here by reference.

Subsequent Events

On July 10, 2015, we acquired certain assets and liabilities, and the business of VI Engineering, LLC (VI Engineering), adding 30 staff to our Company. Based in Houston, Texas, VI Engineering provides specialized engineering, design, analysis, and project management of high-voltage substations, transmission lines, and electric power systems.

On August 5, 2015, we declared a cash dividend of $0.105 per share payable on October 15, 2015, to shareholders of record on September 30, 2015.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-27   Stantec Inc.


Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Our public communications often include written or verbal forward-looking statements within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act and Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are disclosures regarding possible events, conditions, or results of operations that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions or courses of action and include future-oriented financial information.

Statements of this type are contained in this report, including the discussion of our goals in the Core Business and Strategy section and of our annual and long-term targets and expectations for our regional and business operating units in the Results and Outlook sections, and may be contained in filings with securities regulators or in other communications. Forward-looking statements may involve, but are not limited to, comments with respect to our objectives for 2015 and beyond, our strategies or future actions, our targets, our expectations for our financial condition or share price, or the results of or outlook for our operations.

We provide forward-looking information for our business in the following sections and subsections of this report:

    Core Business and Strategy
    United States and Buildings subsections under Results—Gross and Net Revenue
    Amortization of Intangible Assets subsection under Results
    Liquidity and Capital Resources
    Outlook

These describe the management expectations and targets by which we measure our success and assist our shareholders in understanding our financial position as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented in this report. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is a significant risk that predictions, forecasts, conclusions, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate. We caution readers of this report not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements since a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions, or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates, or intentions expressed in these forward-looking statements.

Future outcomes relating to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors and material risks.

Assumptions

In determining our forward-looking statements, we consider material factors, including assumptions about the performance of the Canadian, US, and various international economies in 2015 and their effect on our business. The assumptions we made at the time of publishing our annual targets and outlook for 2015 are listed in the Outlook section of our 2014 Annual Report. The following information updates and, therefore, supersedes those assumptions.

To establish our level of future cash flows, we assumed that the Canadian dollar would remain relatively stable during 2015. We also assumed that our average interest rate would remain relatively stable in 2015 compared to 2014. On June 30, 2015, the Canadian dollar closed at US$0.80 compared to US$0.86 on December 31, 2014. The average interest rate on our revolving credit facility was 1.38% at June 30, 2015, compared to 1.37% at December 31, 2014. The interest rates on our senior secured notes are fixed. To establish our effective income tax rate, we assumed the tax rate substantially enacted at the time of preparing our targets for 2015 for the countries in which we operate, primarily Canada and the United States. Our effective tax rate was 27.5% as at June 30, 2015, compared to 26.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 (further explained on page M-17).

In our 2014 Annual Report, we noted that according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in the United States, seasonally adjusted annual rates of total housing starts in the United States were expected to increase to 1,169,000 units in 2015. This forecast has since been revised to 1,076,000 units in 2015.

In our 2014 Annual Report, the Bank of Canada forecasted GDP growth would be 2.1% in 2015 and the overnight target rate would be 0.75%. The GDP forecast for 2015 has since been revised to 1.1%; the overnight target rate has been decreased to 0.50%.

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) from the American Institute of Architects rose from 51.7 in March to 55.9 in June. This is the highest the ABI has been since July 2007. In our 2014 Annual Report, we noted that the ABI had been consistently above 50.0, suggesting improving demand for design services.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-28   Stantec Inc.


The outlook for all three business operating units—Buildings, Energy & Resources, and Infrastructure—changed during the first two quarters of 2015 from that described in the Outlook section of our 2014 Annual Report. The organic growth outlooks have been revised from moderate to strong for Buildings and Infrastructure, and from stable to retraction for Energy & Resources. The outlooks for our Canadian and International regional operating units changed from that described in the Outlook section of our 2014 Annual Report. The organic growth outlook has been revised from stable to retraction for Canada and from moderate to stable for International. The outlook for the United States remains at moderate.

The assumptions and expectations used to establish these outlooks are discussed in the Outlook section in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis, as well as in the Outlook section of our 2014 Annual Report, incorporated here by reference.

The preceding list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Investors and the public should carefully consider these factors, other uncertainties, and potential events, as well as the inherent uncertainty of forward-looking statements, when relying on these statements to make decisions with respect to our Company. The forward-looking statements contained here represent our expectations as of August 5, 2015, and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or verbal, that may be made from time to time. In the case of the ranges of expected performance for fiscal 2015, it is our current practice to evaluate and, where we deem appropriate, provide updates. However, subject to legal requirements, we may change this practice at any time at our sole discretion.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    
(unaudited)    
June 30, 2015   M-29   Stantec Inc.


Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

(Unaudited)

 

            June 30      December 31  
            2015      2014  
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)    Notes      $      $  

ASSETS

             

Current

        

Cash and deposits

             20,973          153,704    

Cash in escrow

             6,000            

Trade and other receivables

             553,069          431,751    

Unbilled revenue

        234,156          192,310    

Income taxes recoverable

        23,228          11,171    

Prepaid expenses

        25,983          23,425    

Other financial assets

             30,316          31,526    

Other assets

              545          530    

Total current assets

        894,270          844,417    

Non-current

        

Property and equipment

        157,028          152,707    

Goodwill

        856,066          760,631    

Intangible assets

        122,429          97,243    

Investments in joint ventures and associates

        5,141          4,975    

Deferred tax assets

        74,063          58,801    

Other financial assets

             108,241          90,667    

Other assets

              836          1,029    

Total assets

              2,218,074          2,010,470    

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        

Current

        

Bank indebtedness

             3,677            

Trade and other payables

     12          289,493          300,293    

Billings in excess of costs

        84,854          96,082    

Current portion of long-term debt

             133,967          53,172    

Provisions

     10          14,501          10,796    

Other financial liabilities

        2,031          2,773    

Other liabilities

     11          11,953          11,953    

Total current liabilities

        540,476          475,069    

Non-current

        

Long-term debt

             259,266          256,093    

Provisions

     10          59,415          51,596    

Deferred tax liabilities

        92,610          74,602    

Other financial liabilities

        2,293          2,547    

Other liabilities

     11          66,543          64,318    

Total liabilities

              1,020,603          924,225    

Shareholders’ equity

        

Share capital

     12          284,086          276,698    

Contributed surplus

     12          14,364          13,490    

Retained earnings

        797,294          735,917    

Accumulated other comprehensive income

              101,727          60,140    

Total shareholders’ equity

              1,197,471          1,086,245    

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

              2,218,074          2,010,470    

See accompanying notes

 

       F-1   Stantec Inc.


Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

 

                     For the quarter ended  
    June 30
              For the two quarters ended  
    June 30
 
             

 

2015

       2014       

 

2015

       2014  

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

 

  

Notes

 

      

$

 

      

$

 

      

$

 

      

$

 

 

Gross revenue

          710,254            633,819            1,415,977            1,207,712    

Less subconsultant and other direct expenses

                116,336            103,568            229,775            196,206    

Net revenue

          593,918            530,251            1,186,202            1,011,506    

Direct payroll costs

     16            273,138            240,229            538,271            459,851    

Gross margin

          320,780            290,022            647,931            551,655    

Administrative and marketing expenses

     5,12,16            244,968            211,803            496,426            411,715    

Depreciation of property and equipment

          11,162            9,175            22,004            17,999    

Amortization of intangible assets

          8,679            5,788            18,906            11,152    

Net interest expense

          2,863            2,172            5,529            3,697    

Other net finance expense

          739            758            1,577            1,416    

Share of income from joint ventures and associates

          (516)            (581)           (1,155)           (1,386)   

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

          94            (179)           (34)           89    

Other income

     17            (6,749)           (24)           (7,217)           (390)   

Income before income taxes

                59,540            61,110            111,895            107,363   

Income taxes

                      

Current

          17,103            17,495            31,204           27,821    

Deferred

                (730)           (690)           (433)           1,704    

Total income taxes

                16,373            16,805            30,771            29,525    

Net income for the period

                43,167            44,305            81,124            77,838    

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic

                94,037,462            93,409,806            93,950,055            93,328,828    

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted

                94,645,377            94,303,814            94,495,416            94,272,502    

Shares outstanding, end of the period

                94,186,720            93,504,332            94,186,720            93,504,332    

Earnings per share

                      

Basic

                0.46            0.47            0.86            0.83    

Diluted

                0.46            0.47            0.86            0.83    

See accompanying notes

Shares outstanding and earnings per share for 2014 have been adjusted for the November 14, 2014, two-for-one share split.

 

       F-2   Stantec Inc.


Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

 

      

       For the quarter ended  
    June 30

    

       For the two quarters ended  
    June  30

      

 

2015

     2014     

 

2015

     2014 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

 

    

$

 

    

$

 

    

$

 

    

 

Net income for the period

     43,167      44,305      81,124      77,838 

Other comprehensive income (All items may be reclassified to net income in subsequent periods)

                   

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

     (452)      (15,928)      44,824      583 

Net unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale financial assets

     (1,511)      1,096      1,171      2,626 

Net realized gain on available-for-sale financial assets
transferred to income

     (4,156)      (8)      (4,466)      (304) 

Income tax effect on available-for-sale financial assets

     100      (19)      58      (41) 

Other comprehensive (loss) income for the period, net of tax

     (6,019)      (14,859)      41,587      2,864 

Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

     37,148      29,446      122,711      80,702 

See accompanying notes

 

       F-3   Stantec Inc.


Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

 

     Shares
Outstanding
(note 12)
     Share
Capital
(note 12)
     Contributed
Surplus
(note 12)
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     Total  

(In thousands of Canadian dollars,

      except shares outstanding)

   #      $      $     $     $      $  

Balance, December 31, 2013

     93,152,264         262,573         12,369        606,056        11,636         892,634   

Net income

             77,838           77,838   

Other comprehensive income

                     2,864         2,864   

Total comprehensive income

             77,838        2,864         80,702   

Share options exercised for cash

     352,068         5,515                5,515   

Share-based compensation expense

           2,223             2,223   

Reclassification of fair value of share
options previously expensed

        1,816         (1,816          -   

Dividends declared (note 12)

                               (17,281              (17,281

Balance, June 30, 2014

     93,504,332         269,904         12,776        666,613        14,500         963,793   

Balance, December 31, 2014

     93,836,258         276,698         13,490        735,917        60,140         1,086,245   

Net income

             81,124           81,124   

Other comprehensive income

                     41,587         41,587   

Total comprehensive income

             81,124        41,587         122,711   

Share options exercised for cash

     350,462         5,649                5,649   

Share-based compensation expense

           2,613             2,613   

Reclassification of fair value of share
options previously expensed

        1,739         (1,739          -   

Dividends declared (note 12)

                               (19,747              (19,747

Balance, June 30, 2015

     94,186,720         284,086         14,364        797,294        101,727         1,197,471   

See accompanying notes

 

       F-4   Stantec Inc.


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

              For the quarter ended             For the two quarters ended  
              June 30         June 30  
          2015     2014     2015     2014  
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)    Notes    $     $     $     $  

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

           

Cash receipts from clients

        707,840        613,938        1,334,017        1,180,116   

Cash paid to suppliers

        (239,643     (189,102     (479,314     (399,341

Cash paid to employees

        (379,246     (381,185     (834,743     (721,792

Interest received

        542        489        1,221        1,250   

Interest paid

        (5,437     (3,623     (6,477     (4,215

Finance costs paid

        (568     (631     (1,245     (1,240

Income taxes paid

        (23,515     (21,369     (42,640     (40,715

Income taxes recovered

          636        125        1,532        954   

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

   18      60,609        18,642        (27,649     15,017   

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

           

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   5      (16,398     (38,518     (132,242     (76,604

Cash held in escrow

   6      -        -        (6,000     -   

Dividends from investments in joint ventures and associates

        289        1,658        1,299        1,755   

Proceeds (purchase) of investments held for self-insured liabilities

        2,076        (4,529     (4,057     (9,951

Decrease (increase) in investments and other assets

        4,484        (412     (318     (545

Proceeds from lease inducements

        74        1,849        560        1,849   

Purchase of intangible assets

        (383     -        (2,081     (2,934

Purchase of property and equipment

        (6,140     (14,861     (19,354     (27,403

Proceeds on disposition of property and equipment

          143        20        297        64   

Cash flows used in investing activities

          (15,855     (54,793     (161,896     (113,769

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

           

Repayment of bank debt

        (32,344     (5,358     (36,841     (17,555

Proceeds from bank debt

        -        46,968        110,311        105,661   

Payment of finance lease obligations

        (402     (748     (9,572     (3,697

Proceeds from issue of share capital

        4,024        2,477        5,649        5,515   

Payment of dividends to shareholders

   12      (9,862     (8,634     (18,542     (16,318

Cash flows (used in) from financing activities

          (38,584     34,705        51,005        73,606   

Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash held in foreign currency

          18        (1,392     2,132        (148

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        6,188        (2,838     (136,408     (25,294

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

          11,108        120,574        153,704        143,030   

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

   6      17,296        117,736        17,296        117,736   

See accompanying notes

 

       F-5   Stantec Inc.


Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed

Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Corporate Information

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements (consolidated financial statements) of Stantec Inc. (the Company) for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, were authorized for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Company’s Audit and Risk Committee on August 5, 2015. The Company was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on March 23, 1984. Its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol STN. The Company’s registered office is located at 10160 – 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta. The Company is domiciled in Canada.

The Company is a provider of comprehensive professional services in the area of infrastructure and facilities for clients in the public and private sectors. The Company’s services include planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics for infrastructure and facilities projects.

2. Basis of Preparation

These consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, were prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 Interim Financial Reporting. The consolidated financial statements do not include all information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s December 31, 2014, annual consolidated financial statements.

The accounting policies adopted when preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed when preparing the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, except for the adoption of Annual Improvements (2010-2012 Cycle and 2011-2013 Cycle) (described in note 4). Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected total annual income.

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The significant judgments made by management in applying the Company’s accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the Company’s December 31, 2014, annual consolidated financial statements.

These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. All comparative share capital, earnings per share, dividend per share, and share-based payment transaction information have been adjusted from amounts reported before the two-for-one share split on November 14, 2014.

3. Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries, and its structured entities as at June 30, 2015.

Subsidiaries and structured entities are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, which is the date the Company obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. The statements of financial position of the subsidiaries and structured entities are prepared as at June 30, 2015. All intercompany balances are eliminated.

Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method, and joint operations are accounted for by the Company recognizing its share of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses of the joint operation.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-6   Stantec Inc.


4. Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Changes to Accounting Policies

Recently adopted

The following amendments have been adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2015. The adoption of these amendments did not have an impact on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

  ·   In December 2013, the IASB issued Annual Improvements (2010-2012 Cycle) to make necessary but non-urgent amendments to IFRS 2 Share-based Payments; IFRS 3 Business Combinations (IFRS 3); IFRS 8 Operating Segments (IFRS 8); IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (IFRS 13); IAS 16 Property, Plant, and Equipment; IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures; and IAS 38 Intangible Assets.

 

  ·   In December 2013, the IASB issued Annual Improvements (2011-2013 Cycle) to make necessary but non-urgent amendments to IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of IFRS; IFRS 3; IFRS 13; and IAS 40 Investment Properties.

Future adoptions

The standards, amendments, and interpretations issued before 2015 but not yet adopted by the Company have been disclosed in note 6 of the Company’s December 31, 2014, annual consolidated financial statements. No additional standards, amendments, and interpretations applicable to the Company were issued in the first two quarters of 2015.

5. Business Acquisitions

Acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting and the results of operations since the respective dates of acquisition are included in the consolidated statements of income. From time to time, as a result of the timing of acquisitions in relation to the Company’s reporting schedule, certain estimates of fair values of assets and liabilities acquired may not be finalized at the initial time of reporting. These estimates are completed after the vendors’ final financial statements and income tax returns have been prepared and accepted by the Company and when the valuation of intangible assets acquired is finalized. The preliminary fair values are based on management’s best estimates of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. During a measurement period not to exceed one year, adjustments to the initial estimates may be required to finalize the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. The Company will revise comparative information if these measurement period adjustments are material.

The consideration paid for acquisitions may be subject to price adjustment clauses included in the purchase agreements and may extend over a number of years. At each consolidated statement of financial position date, these price adjustment clauses are reviewed. This may result in an increase in or a reduction of the notes payable consideration (recorded on the acquisition date) to reflect either more or less non-cash working capital than was originally recorded. Since these adjustments are a result of facts and circumstances occurring after the acquisition date, they are not considered measurement period adjustments.

For some acquisitions, additional payments may be made to the employees of an acquired company that are based on the employees’ continued service over an agreed period of time. These additional payments are not included in the purchase price. They are expensed as compensation when services are provided by the employees.

Acquisitions in 2015

On January 16, 2015, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of Dessau Inc. and all the shares and business of 9073-4195 Quebec Inc. and Azimuth Services (Central) Inc. (collectively called Dessau) for cash consideration. The Company acquired the Canadian engineering operations of this Montreal-based firm, which has offices throughout Quebec and in Mississauga and Ottawa, Ontario. Dessau adds to the Company’s expertise in healthcare, water, power and energy, transportation, and community development, as well as introduces telecommunications and security services to its broader platform.

On February 28, 2015, the Company acquired all the shares and business of Sparling, Inc. (Sparling) for cash consideration and notes payable. Sparling is based in Seattle, Washington, and has additional offices in San Diego, California, and in Portland, Oregon. Sparling provides expertise in electrical engineering and architectural lighting design. This addition further enhances the Company’s West Coast presence in the United States.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-7   Stantec Inc.


Aggregate consideration for assets acquired and liabilities assumed

Details of the aggregate consideration transferred and the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired at the date of acquisition are as follows:

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30
2015

$

 

 

 

Cash consideration

     113,800    

Notes payable

     15,537    

 

 

Consideration

     129,337    

 

 

Assets and liabilities acquired

  

Cash acquired

     9,758    

Non-cash working capital

     49,626    

Property and equipment

     6,208    

Investments in associates

     262    

Intangible assets

  

Client relationships

     10,813    

Contract backlog

     5,634    

Lease advantages

     6,358    

Other

     434    

Provisions

     (5,518)    

Long-term debt

     (4,492)    

Deferred income taxes

     (4,512)    

 

 

Total identifiable net assets at fair value

     74,571    

Goodwill arising on acquisitions

     54,766    

 

 

Consideration

     129,337    

 

 

Trade receivables assumed from acquired companies are recognized at fair value at the time of acquisition. In the first two quarters of 2015, trade receivables acquired had a fair value of $51,932,000 and gross value of $54,459,000.

Goodwill consists of the value of expected synergies arising from an acquisition, the expertise and reputation of the assembled workforce acquired, and the geographic location of the acquiree. Of the goodwill and intangible assets resulting from acquisitions completed in 2015, $41,884,000 is deductible for income tax purposes.

As a result of the Dessau and Sparling acquisitions, the Company assumed commitments for operating leases of approximately $55,293,000, with remaining lease terms of up to nine years. Future sublease payments expected to be received under noncancellable sublease agreements are $9,507,000.

As part of the Dessau acquisition, the Company assumed interests in a number of individually and in aggregate immaterial joint operations. The Company provides services to these joint operations in the normal course of business and recognizes its share of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses in its consolidated financial statements. To support the activities of certain joint operations, the Company and the other investors in the joint operations have agreed to make additional contributions, in proportion to their interest, to make up any losses, if required. In addition, for certain joint operations, the profits will not be distributed until the parties to the arrangement provide consent for distribution.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-8   Stantec Inc.


The fair value of provisions are determined at the acquisition date. These liabilities relate to claims that are subject to legal arbitration and onerous contracts. During the first two quarters of 2015, the Company assumed $4,098,000 in provisions for claims relating to the current period’s acquisitions (2014 – $535,000). At the reporting date, provisions for claims outstanding from current and prior acquisitions were reassessed and determined to be $6,486,000, based on their expected probable outcome. Certain of these claims are indemnified by the acquiree (note 8).

For business combinations that occurred in 2015, the Company estimates that gross revenue earned in 2015, since the acquired entities’ acquisition dates, is $76,401,000. The Company integrates the operations and systems of acquired entities shortly after the acquisition date; therefore, it is impracticable to disclose the acquiree’s earnings in its consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date.

If the business combinations that occurred in 2015 had taken place at the beginning of 2015, gross revenue from continuing operations for 2015 would have been $1,428,388,000 and the profit from continuing operations would have been $80,456,000.

In 2015, directly attributable acquisition-related costs of $465,000 have been expensed and are included in administrative and marketing expenses.

Consideration paid and outstanding

Details of the consideration paid for current and past acquisitions are as follows:

 

    

For the quarter
ended June 30

 

    

For the two quarters
          ended June 30

 

 
  

 

 

 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

2015

$

    

2015

$

 

 

 

Cash consideration (net of cash acquired)

     -         104,042   

Payments on notes payable from previous acquisitions

     16,398         28,200   

 

 

Total net cash paid

     16,398         132,242   

 

 

Total notes payable and adjustments to these obligations are as follows:

     
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)         Notes
Payable
$
 

 

 

December 31, 2014

        108,928   

Additions for acquisitions in the period

        15,537   

Other adjustments

        (1,830

Payments

        (28,200

Interest

        857   

Impact of foreign exchange

        7,273   

 

 

June 30, 2015

        102,565   

 

 

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-9   Stantec Inc.


6. Cash and Deposits

The Company’s policy is to invest cash in excess of operating requirements in highly liquid investments. For the purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and deposits consist of the following:

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30   
2015   

$   

    

June 30 2014

$

 

 

 

Cash

     19,873            115,361    

Unrestricted investments

     1,100            2,375    

 

 

Cash and deposits

     20,973            117,736    

Bank indebtedness

     (3,677)             

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

     17,296            117,736    

 

 

Unrestricted investments consist of short-term bank deposits with initial maturities of three months or less.

Pursuant to the Dessau acquisition agreement, $6,000,000 was placed in an escrow account to cover potential indemnification claims and will be settled in accordance to an escrow agreement. A corresponding obligation was also recorded on acquisition and is included in other notes payable.

7. Trade and Other Receivables

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30
2015

$

    

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Trade receivables, net of allowance

     543,568         420,408    

Holdbacks, current

     3,215         4,351    

Other

     6,286         6,992    

 

 

Trade and other receivables

     553,069         431,751    

 

 

The Company maintains an allowance for estimated losses on trade receivables. The estimate is based on the best assessment of the collectibility of the related receivable balance, which is determined in part based on the age of the outstanding receivables and the Company’s historical collection and loss experience.

The following table provides a reconciliation of changes to the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30
2015

$

    

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of the period

     18,152          19,316    

Provision for doubtful accounts

     3,377          2,664    

Deductions

     (2,518)         (4,908)   

Impact of foreign exchange

     927          1,080    

 

 

Balance, end of the period

     19,938          18,152   

 

 

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-10   Stantec Inc.


The aging analysis of gross trade receivables is as follows:

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)     

Total

$

      

1–30

$

      

31–60

$

      

61–90

$

       91–120
$
      

121+

$

 

 

 

June 30, 2015

       563,506            299,369            133,199            48,575            34,504            47,859    

 

 

December 31, 2014

       438,560            225,556            99,334            57,279            20,943            35,448    

 

 

8. Other Financial Assets

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30

2015

$

    

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Investments held for self-insured liabilities

     119,991         112,020    

Investments

     2,107         1,645    

Holdbacks on long-term contracts

     10,340         7,649    

Indemnifications

     108         442    

Other

     6,011         437    

 

 
     138,557         122,193    

Less current portion

     30,316         31,526    

 

 

Long-term portion

     108,241         90,667    

 

 

Investments held for self-insured liabilities

Investments held for self-insured liabilities consist of government and corporate bonds, equity securities, and term deposits. These investments are classified as available for sale and are stated at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income. Their fair value and amortized cost are as follows:

 

                         June 30                     
2015
$
                         December 31                     
2014
$
 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)    Fair Value      Amortized
Cost/Cost
     Fair Value     

Amortized

Cost/Cost

 

 

 

Bonds

     82,730         82,238         73,209         72,960   

Equity securities

     36,087         31,846         35,113         27,299   

Term deposits

     1,174         1,173         3,698         3,698   

 

 

Total

     119,991         115,257         112,020         103,957   

 

 

The bonds bear interest at rates ranging from 0.50% to 5.10% per annum (December 31, 2014 – 0.50% to 5.10%).Term deposits mature at various dates before November 2015.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-11   Stantec Inc.


The terms to maturity of the bond portfolio, stated at fair value, are as follows:

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30
2015

$

    

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Within one year

     24,225         27,340   

After one year but not more than five years

     58,505         45,869   

 

 

Total

     82,730         73,209   

 

 

Indemnifications

The Company’s indemnifications relate to certain legal claims (note 10). During 2015, the Company decreased provisions and indemnification assets relating to prior acquisitions by $370,000 (June 30, 2014 – $135,000) because of the settlement of certain claims and new information obtained in the period.

9. Long-Term Debt

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30
2015

$

      

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Non-interest-bearing note payable

     296            282    

Other notes payable

     104,728            111,191    

Bank loan

     149,464            64,966    

Senior secured notes

     124,693            124,594    

Finance lease obligations

     14,052            8,232    

 

 
     393,233            309,265    

Less current portion

     133,967            53,172    

 

 

Long-term portion

     259,266            256,093    

 

 

Other notes payable

Other notes payable consists primarily of notes payable for acquisitions (note 5). The weighted average rate of interest on the other notes payable is 3.70% (December 31, 2014 – 3.65%). The notes may be supported by promissory notes and are due at various times from 2015 to 2018. The aggregate maturity value of the notes is $106,614,000 (December 31, 2014 – $113,726,000). At June 30, 2015, $88,943,000 (US$71,211,000) (December 31, 2014 –$100,207,000 (US$86,378,000)) of the notes’ carrying amount was payable in US funds.

Bank loan

The Company has entered into an agreement for a $350 million revolving credit facility expiring August 2018. This facility allows the Company access to an additional $150 million under the same terms and conditions on approval from its lenders. The facility is available for future acquisitions, working capital needs, and general corporate purposes. Depending on the form under which the credit facility is accessed, rates of interest will vary between Canadian prime, US base rate, and LIBOR or bankers’ acceptance rates, plus specified basis points. The specified basis points may vary, depending on the Company’s level of consolidated debt to EBITDA (a non-IFRS measure), from 20 to 125 for Canadian prime and US base rate loans, and from 120 to 225 for bankers’ acceptances, LIBOR loans, and letters of credit.

At June 30, 2015, $149,464,000 (US$119,667,000) of the bank loan was payable in US funds. At December 31, 2014, $64,966,000 (US$56,000,000) of the bank loan was payable in US funds. Loans may be repaid under the credit facility from time to time at the option of the Company. The credit facility contains restrictive covenants (note 15). The average interest rate applicable at June 30, 2015, was 1.39% (December 31, 2014 – 1.37%).

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-12   Stantec Inc.


The funds available under the revolving credit facility are reduced by any outstanding letters of credit issued pursuant to this facility agreement. At June 30, 2015, the Company had issued and outstanding letters of credit, expiring at various dates before July 2016, totaling $212,000 (December 31, 2014 – $2,287,000), payable in Canadian funds, and $1,007,000 (US$806,000) (December 31, 2014 – $872,000 (US$752,000)), payable in US funds. These letters of credit were issued in the normal course of operations, including the guarantee of certain office rental obligations. At June 30, 2015, $195,640,000 (December 31, 2014 – $281,875,000) was available in the revolving credit facility for future activities.

The Company has a surety facility to facilitate, as part of the normal course of operations, the issuance of bonds for certain types of project work. At June 30, 2015, the Company had issued bonds under this surety facility totaling $213,000 (December 31, 2014 – $36,000) in Canadian funds and $4,095,000 (US$3,279,000) (December 31, 2014 –$3,268,000 (US$2,817,000)) in US funds. These bonds expire at various dates before April 2020.

The Company has a bid bond facility expiring on August 31, 2018, in the amount of $15 million. This facility allows the Company access to an additional $5 million under the same terms and conditions upon approval from its lenders. This facility may be used for the issuance of bid bonds, performance guarantees, letters of credit, and documentary credits in international currencies. At June 30, 2015, $9,759,000 (December 31, 2014 – $8,525,000) was issued under this bid bond facility, is payable in various international currencies, and will expire at various dates before June 2016.

Senior secured notes

On May 13, 2011, the Company issued $70 million of 4.332% senior secured notes due May 10, 2016, and $55 million of 4.757% senior secured notes due May 10, 2018. These amounts were recorded net of transaction costs of $1,115,000. The senior secured notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated May 13, 2011, between the Company, as issuer, and BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee and collateral agent. The senior secured notes are ranked pari passu with the Company’s existing revolving credit facility.

Interest on the senior secured notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 10 and November 10 until maturity or the earlier of payment, redemption, or purchase in full of the senior secured notes. The Company may redeem the senior secured notes, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at specified redemption prices and subject to certain conditions required by the indenture. The Company may purchase its senior secured notes for cancellation at any time. The senior secured notes contain restrictive covenants (note 15). All Company assets are held as collateral under a general security agreement for the revolving credit facility and the senior secured notes.

Finance lease obligations

The Company has finance leases for software and for automotive and office equipment. At June 30, 2015, finance lease obligations included finance leases bearing interest at rates ranging from 0.66% to 12.98% (December 31, 2014 – 0.66% to 12.98%). These finance leases expire at various dates before August 2018.

Future minimum lease payments under finance leases and the present value of the net minimum lease payments are as follows:

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30
2015

$

    

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Within one year

     7,719          5,888    

After one year but not more than five years

     6,547          2,604    

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

     14,266          8,492    

 

 

Present value of minimum lease payments

     14,052          8,232    

 

 

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-13   Stantec Inc.


10. Provisions

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30
2015

$

    

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Provision for self-insured liabilities

     57,137         50,074   

Provisions for claims

     8,124         4,506   

Onerous contracts

     8,655         7,812   

 

 
     73,916         62,392   

Less current portion

     14,501         10,796   

 

 

Long-term portion

     59,415         51,596   

 

 

In the normal conduct of operations, various legal claims are pending against the Company, alleging, among other things, breaches of contract or negligence in connection with the performance of consulting services. The Company carries professional liability insurance, subject to certain deductibles and policy limits, and has a captive insurance company that provides insurance protection against such claims. Due to uncertainties in the nature of the Company’s legal claims, such as the range of possible outcomes and the progress of the litigation, provisions accrued involve estimates. The ultimate cost to resolve these claims may exceed or be less than those recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Management believes that the ultimate cost to resolve these claims will not materially exceed the insurance coverage or provisions accrued and, therefore, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated statements of income and financial position. Management regularly reviews the timing of the outflows of these provisions. Cash outflows for existing provisions are expected to occur within the next one to five years, although this is uncertain and depends on the development of the various claims. These outflows are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s cash flows.

Provision for self-insured liabilities

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30
2015

$

   

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Provision, beginning of the period

     50,074        47,628   

Current-period provision

     7,133        4,893   

Payment for claims settlement

     (2,681     (5,180

Impact of foreign exchange

     2,611        2,733   

 

 

Provision, end of the period

     57,137        50,074   

 

 

The current and long-term portions of provision for self-insured liabilities are determined based on an actuarial estimate. At June 30, 2015, the long-term portion was $54,022,000 (December 31, 2014 – $46,521,000).

Provisions for claims

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30

2015

$

   

December 31

2014

$

 

 

 

Provisions, beginning of the period

     4,506        6,946   

Current-period provisions

     907        1,528   

Claims from acquisitions

     4,098        672   

Claims paid or otherwise settled

     (1,535     (4,810

Impact of foreign exchange

     148        170   

 

 

Provisions, end of the period

     8,124        4,506   

 

 

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-14   Stantec Inc.


Provisions for claims include an estimate for costs associated with legal claims covered by third-party insurance. Often, these legal claims are from prior acquisitions and may be indemnified by the acquiree (notes 5 and 8).

Onerous contracts

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

June 30
2015

$

    

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Liability, beginning of the period

     7,812          7,012    

Current-period provisions

     444          1,637    

Resulting from acquisitions

     1,420          816    

Costs paid or otherwise settled

     (1,497)         (2,098)   

Impact of foreign exchange

     476          445    

 

 

Liability, end of the period

     8,655          7,812    

 

 

Onerous contracts consist of lease exit liabilities and sublease losses. Payments for these onerous contracts will occur until December 2024.

11. Other Liabilities

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)    Note     

June 30
2015

$

    

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Deferred gain on sale leaseback

        2,148         2,506   

Lease inducement benefits

        43,603         44,411   

Lease disadvantages

        4,231         4,784   

Deferred share units payable

     12         16,131         13,157   

Other cash-settled share-based compensation

     12         5,144         4,960   

Liability for uncertain tax positions

        7,239         6,453   

 

 
        78,496         76,271   

Less current portion

        11,953         11,953   

 

 

Long-term portion

        66,543         64,318   

 

 

12. Share Capital

Authorized

Unlimited    Common shares, with no par value
Unlimited    Preferred shares issuable in series, with attributes designated by the board of directors

Common shares

During the second quarter of 2015, the Company recognized a share-based compensation expense of $4,954,000 (June 30, 2014 – $2,187,000) in administrative and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Of the amount expensed, $1,230,000 (June 30, 2014 – $1,218,000) related to the fair value of options granted and $3,724,000 (June 30, 2014 – $969,000) related to cash-settled share-based compensation (deferred share units (DSUs), restricted share units (RSUs), and performance share units (PSUs)).

During the first two quarters of 2015, the Company recognized a share-based compensation expense of $7,418,000 (June 30, 2014 – $4,049,000) in administrative and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Of the amount expensed, $2,613,000 (June 30, 2014 – $2,223,000) related to the fair value of options granted and $4,805,000 (June 30, 2014 – $1,826,000) related to cash-settled share-based compensation (DSUs, RSUs, and PSUs).

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-15   Stantec Inc.


The fair value of options granted was reflected through contributed surplus, and the cash-settled share-based compensation was reflected through other liabilities. Upon the exercise of share options, for which a share-based compensation expense has been recognized, the cash paid, together with the related portion of contributed surplus, is credited to share capital.

Dividends

Holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends when declared by the Company’s board of directors. The table below describes the dividends declared and recorded in the consolidated financial statements in 2015 and 2014. All dividend per share amounts have been adjusted for the share split that occurred on November 14, 2014.

 

Date Declared    Record Date    Payment Date    Dividend per Share
$
    

Paid

$

 

 

 

February 26, 2014

   March 28, 2014    April 17, 2014      0.0925          8,634,000    

May 14, 2014

   June 27, 2014    July 17, 2014      0.0925          8,647,000    

August 6, 2014

   September 26, 2014    October 16, 2014      0.0925          8,676,000    

November 15, 2014

   December 31, 2014    January 15, 2015      0.0925          8,680,000    

February 25, 2015

   March 31, 2015    April 16, 2015      0.1050          9,862,000    

May 13, 2015

   June 30, 2015    July 16, 2015      0.1050            

 

 

At June 30, 2015, trade and other payables included $9,885,000 related to the dividends declared on May 13, 2015.

Share-based payment transactions

In 2015, under the long-term incentive program, the Company granted share options and PSUs. The Company also has a DSU plan for the board of directors. All comparative share-based payment transaction information below has been adjusted from amounts reported before the two-for-one share split on November 14, 2014.

a) Share options

The Company has granted share options to officers and employees to purchase 3,277,744 shares at prices from $14.33 to $32.90 per share. These options expire on dates between August 18, 2015, and March 3, 2022.

 

    

For the two quarters ended

June 30

2015

    

For the year ended
December 31

2014

 
  

 

 

 
    

Shares

#

    

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

$

    

Shares

#

     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
$
 

 

 

Share options, beginning of the period

     2,676,568          21.82          2,610,830          16.80    

Granted

     965,064          32.01          803,926          32.90    

Exercised

     (350,462)         16.12          (683,994)         15.48    

Forfeited

     (13,426)         30.24          (54,194)         24.61    

 

 

Share options, end of the period

                 3,277,744          25.39          2,676,568          21.82    

 

 

The fair value of options granted is determined at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The model was developed to use when estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected share price volatility.

As at June 30, 2015, 1,517,992 (June 30, 2014 – 1,431,344) share options were exercisable at a weighted average price of $19.51 (June 30, 2014 – $15.71). As at June 30, 2015, and June 30, 2014, no share options were antidilutive.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-16   Stantec Inc.


b) Restricted share units

Under the Company’s RSU plan, senior vice presidents (SVPs) may receive RSUs equal to one common share. The SVPs may be granted an allotment of these units annually; after two years, they receive a cash payment equivalent to the weighted-by-volume average of the closing price of the Company’s common shares for the last 10 trading days before the units’ release date. The RSUs vest on their grant date since the SVPs are not required to complete a specified period of service. The units are recorded at fair value. RSUs are adjusted for dividends as they arise, based on the number of units outstanding on the record date.

During the quarter, 110 RSUs were issued (June 30, 2014 – 246). At June 30, 2015, 38,195 RSUs were outstanding at the fair value of $1,375,000 (December 31, 2014 – 88,491 units were outstanding at the fair value of $2,774,000).

c) Performance share units

Under the Company’s long-term incentive plan, certain members of the senior leadership teams, including the chief executive officer (CEO), may be granted PSUs. These units are adjusted for dividends as they arise, based on the number of units held on the record date. PSUs vest upon completing a three-year service condition that starts on the date the units are granted. In addition, the number of units that vest is subject to a percentage that can range from 0% to 200%, depending on achieving two equally weighted three-year performance objectives based on net income growth and return on equity. For the units that vest, unit holders will receive a cash payment based on the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the third anniversary date of issue. The fair value of these units is expensed over their three-year vesting period.

During the quarter, 937 PSUs were issued (June 30, 2014 – 435). In addition, during the second quarter, 657 units were forfeited (June 30, 2014 – nil). At June 30, 2015, 350,248 PSUs were outstanding at the fair value of $12,758,000 (December 31, 2014 – 155,737 units were outstanding at the fair value of $7,795,000).

d) Deferred share units

The Company also has a DSU plan. Under this plan, directors of the board of the Company may receive DSUs equal to one common share. Before 2014, the CEO could also receive DSUs. These units vest on their grant date. They are paid in cash to the CEO and directors of the board on their death or retirement, or in the case of the CEO, in cash on termination. They are valued at the weighted-by-volume average of the closing market price of the Company’s common shares for the last 10 trading days of the month of death, retirement, or termination. These units are recorded at fair value. DSUs are adjusted for dividends as they arise, based on the number of units outstanding on the record date.

During the quarter, 14,086 DSUs were issued (June 30, 2014 – 13,895). At June 30, 2015, 448,063 DSUs were outstanding at the fair value of $16,131,000 (December 31, 2014 – 419,704 units were outstanding at the fair value of $13,157,000).

13. Fair Value Measurements

All financial instruments carried at fair value are categorized into one of the following three categories:

  Level 1 – quoted market prices
  Level 2 – valuation techniques (market observable)
  Level 3 – valuation techniques (non-market observable)

When forming estimates, the Company uses the most observable inputs available for valuation purposes. If a fair value measurement reflects inputs of different levels within the hierarchy, the financial instrument is categorized based on the lowest level of significant input.

When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The Company measures certain financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis. In 2015, no change has been made to the method of determining fair value.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-17   Stantec Inc.


For financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorizations at the end of each reporting period. During the two quarters ended June 30, 2015, no transfers were made between levels 1 and 2 fair value measurements.

The following table summarizes the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those assets measured and adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis as at June 30, 2015:

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

 

   Note     

Carrying
Amount of
Asset

$

    

Quoted

Prices in
Active
Markets
for
Identical
Items
(Level 1)
$

    

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

$

    

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

$

 

 

 

Investments held for self-insured liabilities

     8         119,991                  119,991            

 

 

Investments held for self-insured liabilities consist of government and corporate bonds, equity securities, and term deposits. Fair value of equities is determined using the reported net asset value per share of the investment funds. The funds derive their value from the observable quoted prices of the equities owned that are traded in an active market. Fair value of bonds is determined using observable prices of debt with characteristics and maturities that are similar to the bonds being valued.

The following table summarizes the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those liabilities that were not measured at fair value but were disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis as at June 30, 2015:

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

 

   Note     

Fair Value
Amount of
Liability

$

     Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for
Identical
Items
(Level 1)
$
    

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

$

    

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

$

 

 

 

Other notes payable

     9         104,853                  104,853            

Senior secured notes

     9         130,488                  130,488            

 

 
        235,341                  235,341            

 

 

The fair values of other notes payable and senior secured notes are determined by calculating the present value of future payments using observable benchmark interest rates and credit spreads for debt with similar characteristics and maturities.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-18   Stantec Inc.


14. Financial Instruments

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligation. Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash and deposits, cash in escrow, other financial assets, and trade and other receivables.

The Company’s maximum amount of credit risk exposure is limited to the carrying amount of these financial instruments, which is $718,599,000 at June 30, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $706,769,000).

The Company limits its exposure to credit risk by placing its cash and deposits in and entering into derivative agreements with high-quality credit institutions. Investments held for self-insured liabilities include bonds, equities, and term deposits. The risk associated with bonds, equities, and term deposits is mitigated by the overall quality and mix of the Company’s investment portfolio.

The Company mitigates the risk associated with trade and other receivables and holdbacks on long-term contracts by providing services to diverse clients in various industries and sectors of the economy. The Company does not concentrate its credit risk in any particular client, industry, or economic or geographic sector. In addition, management reviews trade and other receivables past due on an ongoing basis to identify matters that could potentially delay the collection of funds at an early stage. The Company monitors trade receivables to an internal target of days of revenue in trade receivables, which at June 30, 2015, was 71 days (December 31, 2014 –59 days).

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet obligations associated with its financial liabilities as they fall due. The Company meets its liquidity needs through a variety of sources, including cash generated from operations, long- and short-term borrowings from its $350 million revolving credit facility and senior secured notes, and the issuance of common shares. The unused capacity of the credit facility at June 30, 2015, was $195,640,000 (December 31, 2014 – $281,875,000). The Company believes that it has sufficient resources to meet its obligations associated with its financial liabilities. Liquidity risk is managed according to the Company’s internal guideline of maintaining a net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 2.5 (note 15).

The timing of undiscounted cash outflows relating to financial liabilities is outlined in the table below:

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

Total

$

     Less than 1 Year
$
     1–3 Years
$
     After 3 Years
$
 

 

 

December 31, 2014

           

Trade and other payables

     300,293         300,293         -         -   

Long-term debt

     327,385         58,533         267,647         1,205   

Other financial liabilities

     5,320         2,773         356         2,191   

 

 

Total contractual obligations

     632,998         361,599         268,003         3,396   

 

 

June 30, 2015

           

Trade and other payables

     289,493         289,493         -         -   

Long-term debt

     396,278         134,770         260,331         1,177   

Other financial liabilities

     4,324         2,031         135         2,158   

 

 

Total contractual obligations

     690,095         426,294         260,466         3,335   

 

 

In addition to the financial liabilities listed in the table, the Company will pay interest on the bank loan and senior secured notes outstanding in future periods. Further information on long-term debt is included in note 9.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-19   Stantec Inc.


Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market rates of interest. The Company is subject to interest rate cash flow risk to the extent that its revolving credit facility is based on floating rates of interest. The Company is also subject to interest rate pricing risk to the extent that its investments held for self-insured liabilities include fixed-rate government bonds, corporate bonds, and term deposits.

If the interest rate on the Company’s revolving credit facility balance at June 30, 2015, was 0.5% higher, with all other variables held constant, net income would have decreased by $271,000. If the interest rate was 0.5% lower, there would have been an equal and opposite impact on net income. The Company has the flexibility to partly mitigate its exposure to interest rate changes by maintaining a mix of both fixed- and floating-rate debt. The Company’s senior secured notes have fixed interest rates; therefore, interest rate fluctuations would have no impact on the interest payments for the senior secured notes.

Foreign exchange risk

Foreign exchange risk is the risk that the fair value of the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. Foreign exchange gains or losses in net income arise on the translation of foreign currency–denominated assets and liabilities (such as trade and other receivables, trade and other payables, and long-term debt) held in the Company’s Canadian operations and non-US-based foreign subsidiaries. The Company minimizes its exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations on these items by matching foreign currency assets with foreign currency liabilities and, when appropriate, by entering into forward contracts to buy or sell US dollars and British pounds in exchange for Canadian dollars.

If exchange rates were $0.01 lower at June 30, 2015, with all other variables held constant, net income would have decreased by $22,000. If the exchange rates were $0.01 higher, there would have been an equal and opposite impact on net income.

Foreign exchange fluctuations may also arise on the translation of the Company’s US-based subsidiaries or other foreign subsidiaries, where the functional currency is different from the Canadian dollar, and are recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company does not hedge for this foreign exchange risk.

Price risk

The Company’s investments held for self-insured liabilities are exposed to price risk arising from changes in the market values of the equity funds. This risk is mitigated to the extent that the portfolio of equity funds is monitored regularly and is relatively diversified. The effects of a 1.0% increase in equity prices would have increased the Company’s comprehensive income by $262,000. If equity prices declined by 1.0%, there would have been an equal and opposite impact on comprehensive income.

15. Capital Management

The Company’s objective when managing capital is to provide sufficient capacity to cover normal operating and capital expenditures, acquisition growth, and payment of dividends, while maintaining an adequate return for shareholders. The Company defines its capital as the aggregate of long-term debt (including the current portion) and shareholders’ equity.

The Company manages its capital structure to maintain the flexibility to adjust to changes in economic conditions and acquisition growth and to respond to interest rate, foreign exchange, credit, and other risks. To maintain or adjust its capital structure, the Company may purchase shares for cancellation pursuant to normal course issuer bids, issue new shares, or raise or retire debt.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-20   Stantec Inc.


The Company periodically monitors capital by maintaining the following ratio targets:

  Net debt to EBITDA ratio below 2.5

  Return on equity (ROE) at or above 14%

These targets are established annually and monitored quarterly. Targets for 2015 are the same as for 2014.

Net debt to EBITDA ratio, a non-IFRS measure, is calculated as the sum of (1) long-term debt, including current portion, plus bank indebtedness, less cash and deposits and cash in escrow, divided by (2) EBITDA, calculated as income before income taxes, net interest expense, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of property and equipment, and goodwill and intangible asset impairment. The Company’s net debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.18 at June 30, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 0.53), calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis. Going forward, there may be occasions when the Company exceeds its target by completing acquisitions that increase its debt level above the target for a period of time.

ROE, a non-IFRS measure, is calculated as net income for the last four quarters, divided by average shareholders’ equity over each of those quarters. The Company’s ROE was 15.4% for the period ended June 30, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 16.8%).

The Company is subject to restrictive covenants related to its $350 million revolving credit facility and its senior secured notes that are measured quarterly. These covenants include, but are not limited to, consolidated debt to EBITDA and EBITDAR to consolidated debt service ratio (non-IFRS measures). EBITDAR is calculated as EBITDA, plus building rental obligations net of common area costs, taxes, charges, and levies. Failure to meet the terms of one or more of these covenants may constitute a default, potentially resulting in accelerating the repayment of the debt obligation. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under these agreements as at and throughout the three months ended June 30, 2015.

16. Employee Costs

 

    

    For the quarter ended    

June 30

    

    For the two quarters ended    

June 30

 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

2015

$

    

2014

$

    

2015

$

    

2014

$

 

 

 

Wages, salaries, and benefits

     403,816         354,714         807,296         678,596   

Pension costs

     12,172         9,132         24,403         18,733   

Share-based compensation

     4,954         2,187         7,418         4,049   

 

 

Total employee costs

     420,942         366,033         839,117         701,378   

 

 

Direct labor

     273,138         240,229         538,271         459,851   

Indirect labor

     147,804         125,804         300,846         241,527   

 

 

Total employee costs

     420,942         366,033         839,117         701,378   

 

 

Direct labor costs include salaries, wages, and related fringe benefits for labor hours directly associated with the completion of projects. Bonuses, share-based compensation, and salaries, wages, and related fringe benefits for labor hours not directly associated with the completion of projects are included in indirect labor costs. Indirect labor costs are included in administrative and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-21   Stantec Inc.


17. Other Income

 

       For the quarter ended  
June 30
       For the two quarters ended  
June 30
 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

2015

$

    

2014

$

    

2015

$

    

2014

$

 

 

 

Gain on sale of property and equipment

     2,491                  2,491            

Realized gain on available-for-sale equity securities

     4,156                  4,466          304    

Other

     102          16          260          86    

 

 

Total other income

     6,749          24         7,217         390   

 

 

18. Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities determined by the indirect method are as follows:

 

       For the quarter ended  
June 30
       For the two quarters ended  
June 30
 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

2015

$

    

2014

$

    

2015

$

    

2014

$

 

 

 
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES            

Net income for the period

     43,167          44,305          81,124          77,838    

Add (deduct) items not affecting cash:

           

Depreciation of property and equipment

     11,162          9,175          22,004          17,999    

Amortization of intangible assets

     8,679          5,788          18,906          11,152    

Deferred income taxes

     (730)         (690)         (433)         1,704    

(Gain) loss on dispositions of investments and other assets

     (2,730)         329          (2,491)         1,021    

Share-based compensation expense

     4,954          2,187          7,418          4,049    

Provision for self-insured liabilities and claims

     4,080          608          8,040          4,653    

Other non-cash items

     (8,203)         (857)         (9,941)         (2,683)   

Share of income from joint ventures and associates

     (516)         (581)         (1,155)         (1,386)   

 

 
     59,863          60,264          123,472          114,347    

 

 

Trade and other receivables

     (27,249)         (20,602)         (61,293)         5,359    

Unbilled revenue

     4,271          (15,722)         (19,632)         (65,496)   

Prepaid expenses

     983          6,407          732          3,734    

Trade and other payables

     37,643          (11,198)         (35,812)         (34,184)   

Billings in excess of costs

     (8,013)         3,091          (24,629)         3,322    

Income taxes recoverable

     (6,889)         (3,598)         (10,487)         (12,065)   

 

 
     746          (41,622)         (151,121)         (99,330)   

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

     60,609          18,642          (27,649)         15,017    

 

 

19. Related-Party Disclosures

As at June 30, 2015, the Company has subsidiaries and structured entities that are controlled by the Company and consolidated in its financial statements. These are listed in the Company’s December 31, 2014, annual consolidated statements. In addition, the Company enters into related-party transactions through a number of individually immaterial joint ventures and associates. These transactions involve providing or receiving services, and during the quarter, they were entered into in the normal course of business. During the quarter, ENTRAN of Virginia, PLLC was dissolved.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-22   Stantec Inc.


Compensation of key management personnel and directors of the Company

 

       For the quarter ended  
June 30
       For the two quarters ended  
June 30
 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

2015

$

    

2014

$

    

2015

$

    

2014

$

 

 

 

Salaries and other short-term employment benefits

     2,057          2,499          4,471          4,931    

Directors’ fees

     67          76          131          138    

Share-based compensation

     3,489          878          4,482          1,748    

 

 

Total compensation

     5,613          3,453          9,084          6,817    

 

 

20. Segmented Information

The Company provides comprehensive professional services in the area of infrastructure and facilities throughout North America and internationally. It considers the basis on which it is organized, including geographic areas and service offerings, to identify its reportable segments. Operating segments of the Company are defined as components of the Company for which separate financial information is available and are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker when allocating resources and assessing performance. The chief operating decision maker is the CEO of the Company, and the Company’s operating segments are based on its regional geographic areas.

The Company has three operating segments—Canada, the United States, and International—which are aggregated into the consulting services reportable segment. Canada and the United States are combined into a single reportable segment because each segment provides comparable services and uses similar methods to provide the services. Also, these operating segments have similar long-term economic performance, nature and type of labor, customer industries, and nature of the regulatory environment. As well, these operating segments have similar economic characteristics such as historical and long-term gross margins and operating, financing, and underlying currency risks. The International operating segment does not meet the size quantitative thresholds of IFRS 8, and therefore is not reported separately. The International operating segment was combined into consulting services because it is not material.

Geographic information: Non-current assets

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)  

June 30
2015

$

   

December 31
2014

$

 

 

 

Canada

    498,147        431,055   

United States

    635,890        578,015   

International

    1,486        1,511   

 

 
    1,135,523        1,010,581   

 

 

Non-current assets in the table above consist of property and equipment, goodwill, and intangible assets.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-23   Stantec Inc.


Geographic information: Gross revenue

 

       For the quarter ended  
June 30
       For the two quarters ended  
June 30
 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

2015

$

    

2014

$

    

2015

$

    

2014

$

 

 

 

Canada

     333,766         347,169         670,683         667,928   

United States

     351,534         263,007         694,772         491,198   

International

     24,954         23,643         50,522         48,586   

 

 
     710,254         633,819         1,415,977         1,207,712   

 

 

Gross revenue is attributed to countries based on the location of the project.

Business operating unit information: Gross revenue

 

       For the quarter ended  
June 30
       For the two quarters ended  
June 30
 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

2015

$

    

2014

$

    

2015

$

    

2014

$

 

 

 

Buildings

     194,094         127,322         382,900         255,199   

Energy & Resources

     241,672         287,307         503,978         531,678   

Infrastructure

     274,488         219,190         529,099         420,835   

 

 
     710,254         633,819         1,415,977         1,207,712   

 

 

The allocation of gross revenue to business operating units has been reclassified for comparative figures due to a realignment of certain business lines between business operating units.

Customers

The Company has a large number of clients in various industries and sectors of the economy. Gross revenue is not concentrated in any particular client.

21. Events after the Reporting Period

On July 10, 2015, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities, and the business of VI Engineering, LLC (VI Engineering) for cash consideration and promissory notes. Based in Houston, Texas, VI Engineering provides specialized engineering, design, analysis, and project management of high-voltage substations, transmission lines, and electric power systems. This addition will further enhance the Company’s power expertise.

On August 5, 2015, the Company declared a dividend of $0.105 per share, payable on October 15, 2015, to shareholders of record on September 30, 2015.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
June 30, 2015   F-24   Stantec Inc.


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