MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 03/11/13 -- easyhome Ltd. (TSX: EH) (the "Company" or "easyhome"), Canada's largest merchandise leasing company and a growing provider of financial services, today announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2012.
easyhome delivered record revenues and strong earnings growth in the fourth quarter of 2012. Revenue for the quarter increased 4.9% to $51.7 million, driven primarily by the expansion of the easyfinancial Services business and the related growth of its consumer loans receivable portfolio. Net income for the quarter was $3.8 million, up from $2.6 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2011. Reported earnings per share for the quarter was 32 cents compared to 22 cents for the fourth quarter of 2011.
During the fourth quarter of 2012, the consumer loans receivable portfolio experienced a record level of growth, increasing by $11.1 million compared with growth of $4.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. The gross consumer loans receivable as at December 31, 2012 was $70.7 million compared with $47.6 million as at December 31, 2011.
Other highlights for the fourth quarter of 2012 include:
easyhome Leasing
-- Successful completion of an exchange of stores with a large U.S. based
rent-to-own company. The exchange consisted of the concurrent sale of
the assets and operations of 15 leasing stores owned by easyhome in the
U.S. and the purchase of the assets and operations of 15 leasing stores
in Canada.
-- Same store revenue growth excluding easyfinancial Services of 2.7%.
-- Record quarter for unit deliveries.
-- Excluding the impact of changes to the store network, the lease
portfolio as measured by potential monthly lease revenue increased by
$0.6 million.
-- Although revenue declined in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to 2011
due to the reduced store count, operating income for the leasing
business increased 10.9%.
easyfinancial Services
-- The consumer loans receivable portfolio closed at $70.7 million,
representing a year- over-year increase of 49%.
-- Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2012 increased 40% compared to the
fourth quarter of 2011.
-- Operating margin of 27.3% was reduced from the previous quarter due to
higher loan book growth requiring a larger provision against future
losses (although the actual charge off rate was comparable between
periods) and additional drag from new store openings along with
increased amortization related to the new loan system.
easyhome Franchising
-- Franchise system wide revenue increased 28% compared to the fourth
quarter of 2011.
-- Two new Be-A-Contender franchise locations that are funded by easyhome
opened during the fourth quarter.
Overall
-- Same store revenue growth of 9.0%.
-- Operating income for the quarter includes a net gain of $0.8 million (7
cents per share) realized on the sale of the U.S. corporate stores.
-- Operating income for the quarter was negatively impacted by a $1.1
million (7 cents per share) increase in stock based incentive
compensation plan expenses, which are based on expected performance
versus targets and movements in the Company's share price.
-- Excluding the net gain and the impact of increased stock based incentive
compensation plan expenses, adjusted operating income increased by $1.9
million or 46.3%.
-- Operating margin of 11.2% and EBITDA margin of 12.7%, up from 8.5% and
11.0%, respectively, from the fourth quarter of 2011.
-- Cash flow from operating activities of $15.6 million.
"We are pleased with the financial performance of all of our business units during the quarter," said David Ingram, easyhome's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The additional financing that was secured at the beginning of the fourth quarter allowed us to continue growing our easyfinancial business, improving profitability now and into the future. Additionally, we are encouraged by the improved operating results of our leasing business. The restructuring activities that we completed earlier in the year are beginning to positively impact results and the exchange of stores that was completed at the end of the quarter will benefit the operating income of our leasing business throughout 2013."
Fourth Quarter Results
For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012, easyhome generated revenues of $51.7 million, an increase from $49.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. At the store level, including easyfinancial, same store revenue growth for the quarter was a strong 9.0%.
On a segmented basis, easyfinancial Services revenues increased 40% to $10.9 million from $7.8 million for the same period last year. The improvement is a result of the increase in the consumer loans receivable portfolio from $47.6 million to $70.7 million. The Company's leasing operations recorded revenues of $40.2 million, down from $41.0 for the same period last year due to the reduced number of stores. Franchising operations recorded revenues of $0.5 million, relatively unchanged from the same period last year.
Operating income, which is income before interest expense and income taxes, increased 38% to $5.8 million from $4.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. As a percentage of revenue, operating income was 11.2% compared to 8.5% in the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding the net gain realized on the sale of the U.S. corporate stores and the impact of increased stock based incentive compensation plan expenses, adjusted operating income increased by $1.9 million or 46.3%.
Net income increased to $3.8 million or 32 cents per share for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with net income of $2.6 million or 22 cents per share for the fourth quarter of 2011.
Fiscal 2012 Results
For the full year, easyhome recorded revenues of $199.7 million, up 6.0% compared with $188.3 million in fiscal 2011. Operating income for the period was $17.7 million compared with $15.3 million in fiscal 2011, an increase of 16.0%. Adjusted operating earnings for fiscal 2012, excluding the restructuring and other charges, was $17.3 million, an increase of 13.5% over fiscal 2011. Both operating income and adjusted operating earnings for 2012 compared to 2011 were negatively impacted by a $1.5 million increase in stock based incentive compensation plan expenses, driven by the year over year rise in the Company's share price.
Earnings per share increased from 81 cents to 93 cents. Net income, adjusted for unusual items, was $10.5 million compared with $9.6 million for the last year. On a per share basis and excluding unusual items, earnings per share was 87 cents compared with 81 cents a year ago.
Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $58.2 million. Included in these cash flows was a net investment in the easyfinancial Services consumer loans receivable portfolio of $31.4 million. If this net investment in the loan portfolio was treated as cash flow from investing activities, cash flow from operating activities would be $89.6 million. This cash flow from operating activities enabled the Company to invest in the portfolios to drive future revenue growth of all business units and maintain its total dividend payments for the quarter.
Outlook
Looking ahead, easyhome's strategic focus remains unchanged. The Company will focus on growing easyfinancial, increasing the profitability of the leasing business and growing the franchise network.
The additional financing obtained in 2012 will allow the Company to grow its consumer loans receivable portfolio unencumbered during 2013. Additionally, easyfinancial expects to open a further 25 to 35 locations during 2013 and expects these locations to be stand alone sites. easyfinancial will also focus on continuing to grow its consumer loans receivable portfolio at existing locations. The Company anticipates a loan book of between $95.0 and $100.0 million by the end of 2013.
David Ingram commented, "The Company's view of the North American economic situation suggests that 2013 will be another challenging year, particularly impacting the purchasing decisions of consumers. As a result, easyhome Leasing is not expecting significant growth and does not intend to significantly grow its leasing footprint. Rather easyhome Leasing will continue to drive profitability enhancements across its existing store network."
Mr. Ingram concluded, "My thanks go out to our entire team who have worked tirelessly to provide access to millions of cash and credit constrained consumers for goods and services neglected by mainstream financial services. This was our eleventh consecutive year of growing revenues and producing positive net income."
The Company does not plan to open any new corporate stores during 2013. Of course, should an economic recovery begin to take hold, these expansion plans for the leasing business will be reviewed in the future.
Fortunately, the Company's strategy of developing complementary business units is now somewhat mitigating the impacts of a negative economy on its revenue. While the Company is anticipating low growth within its leasing business, this is more than offset by the strong growth expected from easyfinancial. Ultimately, easyhome is targeting total revenue growth of between 8% and 12% for 2013. As such, next year is expected to be a record year for both revenues and earnings.
Donald K. Johnson, Chairman of the Board, commented, "The Board is pleased with the overall performance of the Company during 2012. Both revenues and net income have shown continued growth and the Company's management has taken the necessary steps to support the Company's strategy for sustainable growth."
The Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend payment of $0.085 per share payable on April 16, 2013 to the holders of common shares of record as at the close of business on April 5, 2013.
About easyhome
As of March 11, 2013, easyhome Ltd. operated 191 easyhome leasing stores (including 9 consolidated franchise locations), 100 easyfinancial locations and 49 franchise locations.
easyhome Ltd. is Canada's largest merchandise leasing Company, offering top quality, brand- name household furnishings, appliances and home electronic products to consumers under weekly or monthly leasing agreements through both corporate and franchise stores. In addition, the Company offers a variety of financial services, including loans and prepaid cards, through its easyfinancial Services business. easyhome Ltd. is listed on the TSX under the symbol 'EH'. For more information, visit www.easyhome.ca.
The above analysis refers to certain financial measures, including same store revenue growth, gross consumer loans receivable, adjusted earnings, adjusted operating earnings and adjusted EBITDA, which are not determined in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). These measures do not have standardized meanings and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are defined in our Management's Discussion and Analysis for the period which is available on SEDAR or on the Company's website at www.easyhome.ca or can be determined by reference to our financial statements. We discuss these measures as we believe that they facilitate the understanding of the results of our operations and financial position.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes forward-looking statements about easyhome Ltd., including its business operations, strategy and expected financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as 'expects', 'anticipates', 'intends', 'plans', 'believes' or negative versions thereof and similar expressions. In addition, any statement that may be made concerning future financial performance (including revenue, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects about future events is also a forward-looking statement. Forward- looking statements are based on certain factors and assumptions, including expected growth, results of operations and business prospects and are inherently subject to, among other things, risks, uncertainties and assumptions about our operations, economic factors and the industry generally. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by us, due to, but not limited to important factors such as our ability to enter into new lease and/or financing agreements, collect on existing lease and/or financing agreements, open new locations on favourable terms, secure new franchised locations, purchase products which appeal to our customers at a competitive rate, cope with changes in legislation, react to uncertainties related to regulatory actions, raise capital under favourable terms, manage the impact of litigation (including shareholder litigation), control costs at all levels of the organization and maintain and enhance our system of internal controls. We caution that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully and not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which may not be appropriate for other purposes. We are under no obligation (and expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter the forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.
easyhome Ltd.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(unaudited)
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at December 31, As at December 31,
2012 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash 4,631 1,019
Amounts receivable 4,536 5,893
Income taxes recoverable - 600
Consumer loans receivable 34,425 32,619
Prepaid expenses 964 1,316
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 44,556 41,447
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amounts receivable 1,000 1,365
Consumer loans receivable 32,159 12,319
Lease assets 68,075 66,996
Property and equipment 13,729 12,612
Deferred tax assets 4,232 2,933
Intangible assets 6,213 4,126
Goodwill 19,963 17,325
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS 189,927 159,123
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Current liabilities
Bank revolving credit facility 21,281 33,123
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities 31,696 19,504
Income taxes payable 4,216 -
Dividends payable 1,012 1,007
Deferred lease inducements 564 598
Unearned revenue 3,922 4,562
Provisions 379 24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 63,070 58,818
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities 1,459 727
Deferred lease inducements 1,898 1,959
Term loan 18,330 -
Provisions 157 77
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 84,914 61,581
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 60,885 60,207
Contributed surplus 3,035 3,171
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss (137) (52)
Retained earnings 41,230 34,216
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity 105,013 97,542
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 189,927 159,123
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
easyhome Ltd.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars except earnings per share)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
--------------------------------------------
December December December December
31, 31, 31, 31,
2012 2011 2012 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUE
Lease revenue 39,124 39,874 156,049 159,072
Interest income 7,168 5,038 24,701 15,719
Other 5,402 4,380 18,923 13,534
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
51,694 49,292 199,673 188,325
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND
AMORTIZATION
Salaries and benefits 16,398 15,987 63,515 60,198
Stock based compensation 1,119 (35) 2,405 883
Advertising and promotion 1,899 1,615 7,757 6,829
Bad debts 3,019 2,046 9,779 6,289
Occupancy 6,465 6,511 25,832 25,330
Distribution and travel 1,765 1,987 7,300 7,919
Other 2,933 3,652 12,988 14,144
Restructuring and other items (814) - (378) -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
32,784 31,763 129,198 121,592
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Depreciation of lease assets 12,334 12,090 48,379 47,465
Depreciation of property and
equipment 1,041 968 4,019 3,506
Amortization of intangible
assets 273 37 621 434
Impairment, net (528) 234 (253) 61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,120 13,329 52,766 51,466
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses 45,904 45,092 181,964 173,058
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 5,790 4,200 17,709 15,267
Interest expense 1,215 485 2,643 1,541
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 4,575 3,715 15,066 13,726
Income tax expense (recovery)
Current (536) (1,410) 5,309 (1,248)
Deferred 1,345 2,509 (1,300) 5,362
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
809 1,099 4,009 4,114
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 3,766 2,616 11,057 9,612
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic earnings per share 0.32 0.22 0.93 0.81
Diluted earnings per share 0.31 0.22 0.92 0.81
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contacts:
easyhome Ltd.
David Ingram
President & Chief Executive Officer
(905) 272-2788
easyhome Ltd.
Steve Goertz
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(905) 272-2788
www.easyhome.ca
