UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of November 2021 | Commission File Number: 1-31349 |
THOMSON REUTERS CORPORATION
(Translation of registrants name into English)
333 Bay Street, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2R2, Canada
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ☐ Form 40-F ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ☐
The information contained in Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2 of this Form 6-K is incorporated by reference into, or as additional exhibits to, as applicable, the registrants outstanding registration statements.
Thomson Reuters Corporation is voluntarily furnishing certifications by its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as Exhibits 99.3-99.6 of this Form 6-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THOMSON REUTERS CORPORATION (Registrant) | ||||
By: | /s/ Marc E. Gold | |||
Name: | Marc E. Gold | |||
Title: | Deputy Company Secretary |
Date: November 4, 2021
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number |
Description | |
99.1 | Managements Discussion and Analysis | |
99.2 | Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements | |
99.3 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
99.4 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
99.5 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
99.6 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
Exhibit 99.1
Managements Discussion and Analysis
This managements discussion and analysis is designed to provide you with a narrative explanation through the eyes of our management of how we performed, as well as information about our financial condition and future prospects. As this managements discussion and analysis is intended to supplement and complement our financial statements, we recommend that you read this in conjunction with our consolidated interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, our 2020 annual consolidated financial statements and our 2020 annual managements discussion and analysis. This managements discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our three-year outlook, including forecasted impacts associated with our Change Program, and our expectations related to general economic conditions (including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. and global economies), market trends and their anticipated effects on our business segments, and share repurchases. For additional information related to forward-looking statements, material assumptions and material risks associated with them, please see the Outlook and Additional InformationCautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results sections of this managements discussion and analysis. This managements discussion and analysis is dated as of November 2, 2021.
We have organized our managements discussion and analysis in the following key sections:
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this discussion to we, our, us, the Company and Thomson Reuters are to Thomson Reuters Corporation and our subsidiaries.
Basis of presentation
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
Other than EPS, we report our results in millions of U.S. dollars, but we compute percentage changes and margins using whole dollars to be more precise. As a result, percentages and margins calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented, and growth components may not total due to rounding.
Use of non-IFRS financial measures
In this managements discussion and analysis, we discuss our results on both an IFRS and non-IFRS basis. We use non-IFRS measures as supplemental indicators of our operating performance and financial position as well as for internal planning purposes and our business outlook. We believe non-IFRS financial measures provide more insight into our performance. Non-IFRS measures do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to the calculation of similar measures used by other companies, and should not be viewed as alternatives to measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS.
Page 1
Our non-IFRS financial measures include:
● | Adjusted EBITDA and the related margin; |
● | Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures and the related margin; |
● | Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share (EPS); |
● | Net debt and our leverage ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA; and |
● | Free cash flow. |
We also report changes in our revenues, operating expenses, adjusted EBITDA and the related margin, and adjusted EPS before the impact of foreign currency or at constant currency. These measures remove the impacts from changes in foreign currency exchange rates to provide better comparability of our business trends from period to period. To provide greater insight into the revenue growth of our existing businesses on a constant currency basis, we report organic revenue growth (as defined in the glossary below and in Appendix A).
See Appendix A of this managements discussion and analysis for a description of our non-IFRS financial measures, including an explanation of why we believe they are useful measures of our performance, including our ability to generate cash flow. Refer to the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this managements discussion and analysis and Appendix B for reconciliations of our non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures.
Glossary of key terms
We use the following terms in this managements discussion and analysis.
Term |
Definition | |
Big 3 segments |
Our combined Legal Professionals, Corporates and Tax & Accounting Professionals segments | |
Blackstones consortium |
The Blackstone Group and its subsidiaries, and private equity funds affiliated with Blackstone | |
bp |
Basis points one basis point is equal to 1/100th of 1%; 100bp is equivalent to 1% | |
Change Program |
A two-year initiative focused on transforming our company from a holding company to an operating company and into a leading content-driven technology company | |
constant currency |
A non-IFRS measure derived by applying the same foreign currency exchange rates to the financial results of the current and equivalent prior-year period | |
COVID-19 |
A novel strain of coronavirus that was characterized a pandemic by the World Health Organization during March 2020 | |
EPS |
Earnings per share | |
F&R |
Our former Financial & Risk business, now the Refinitiv business of LSEG | |
LSEG |
London Stock Exchange Group plc | |
n/a |
Not applicable | |
n/m |
Not meaningful | |
organic or organically |
A non-IFRS measure that represents changes in revenues of our existing businesses at constant currency. The metric excludes the distortive impacts of acquisitions and dispositions from not owning the business in both comparable periods | |
Refinitiv |
Our former F&R business, which is now the Refinitiv business of LSEG. We owned 45% of Refinitiv from October 1, 2018 through January 29, 2021 | |
YPL |
York Parent Limited, the entity that owns LSEG shares, which is jointly owned by our company and the Blackstone consortium. A group of current LSEG and former members of Refinitiv senior management also owns part of YPL. References to YPL also include its subsidiaries. YPL was previously known as Refinitiv Holdings Limited prior to the sale of Refinitiv to LSEG on January 29, 2021. | |
$ and US$ |
U.S. dollars |
Page 2
Our company
Thomson Reuters is a leading provider of business information services. Our products include highly specialized information-enabled software and tools for legal, tax, accounting and compliance professionals combined with the worlds most global news service Reuters.
We derive most of our revenues from selling information and software solutions, primarily electronically and on a recurring subscription basis. Our solutions blend deep domain knowledge with software and automation tools. We believe our workflow solutions make our customers more productive, by streamlining how they operate, enabling them to focus on higher value activities. Many of our customers use our solutions as part of their workflows, which has led to strong customer retention. We believe that our customers trust us because of our history and dependability and our deep understanding of their businesses and industries, and they rely on our services for navigating a rapidly changing and increasingly complex digital world. Over the years, our business model has proven to be capital efficient and cash flow generative, and it has enabled us to maintain leading and scalable positions in our chosen market segments.
We are organized in five reportable segments supported by a corporate center:
Third-Quarter 2021 Revenues
| ||||
![]() |
Legal Professionals Serves law firms and governments with research and workflow products, focusing on intuitive legal research powered by emerging technologies and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools and analytics.
|
| ||
![]() |
Corporates Serves corporate customers from small businesses to multinational organizations, including the seven largest global accounting firms, with our full suite of content-enabled technology solutions for in-house legal, tax, regulatory, compliance and IT professionals.
| |||
|
Tax & Accounting Professionals Serves tax, accounting and audit professionals in accounting firms (other than the seven largest, which are served by our Corporates segment) with research and workflow products, focusing on intuitive tax offerings and automating tax workflows.
| |||
|
Reuters News Supplies business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, including through Refinitiv, the worlds media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers.
| |||
|
Global Print Provides legal and tax information primarily in print format to customers around the world. | |||
Our corporate center centrally manages commercial and technology operations, including those around our sales capabilities, digital customer experience and product and content development. Our corporate center also centrally manages functions such as finance, legal and human resources. Costs associated with our Change Program, which is discussed later in this Executive Summary, are reported within our corporate center.
Page 3
Key Financial Highlights
Our third-quarter performance exceeded the business outlook we communicated in August 2021, as the momentum we experienced in the first half of the year continued. This strong performance reflects managements view that our markets remain healthy and growing, are broad and dynamic and that our products across legal, tax, corporates and risk, fraud and compliance fit the needs of our customers and enable them to better serve their clients in a rapidly changing workplace. We believe that our third-quarter results also reflect the confidence of our customers in both an improving economic environment and in their prospects.
We continue to execute on our Change Program, which we announced in February 2021, to transition from a holding company to an operating company, and from a content provider to a content-driven technology company. Refer to the Change Program section of this Executive Summary for additional information.
On November 2, 2021, we raised our full-year 2021 total company and Big 3 guidance for revenue growth, total company free cash flow and updated certain other measures in our full-year 2021 outlook based on our strong financial performance and the confidence we have in the trajectory of our business for the remainder of the year. We reaffirmed our full-year 2022 and 2023 outlooks, except for a minor increase to 2022 Change Program spend, reflecting the carryover of lower than expected spend in 2021. Refer to the Outlook section of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information.
Consolidated results
Three months ended September 30,
|
||||||||||||||||
Change
|
||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and margins) | 2021
|
2020
|
Total
|
Constant
|
||||||||||||
IFRS Financial Measures |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
1,526 | 1,443 | 6% | |||||||||||||
Operating profit |
282 | 318 | (11%) | |||||||||||||
Diluted (loss) earnings per share |
($ | 0.49) | $ | 0.48 | n/m | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
534 | 581 | (9%) | |||||||||||||
Non-IFRS Financial Measures(1) |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
1,526 | 1,443 | 6% | 5% | ||||||||||||
Organic revenue growth |
5% | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
458 | 491 | (7%) | (7%) | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
30.0% | 34.0% | (400)bp | (410)bp | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EPS |
$0.46 | $0.39 | 18% | 15% | ||||||||||||
Free cash flow |
383 | 541 | (30%) |
Supplemental financial results Big 3 SegmentsLegal Professionals, Corporates and Tax & Accounting Professionals Combined
Three months ended September 30,
|
||||||||||||||||
Change
|
||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except margins) | 2021
|
2020
|
Total
|
Constant
|
||||||||||||
Big 3 Non-IFRS Financial Measures(1) |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
1,213 | 1,134 | 7% | 6% | ||||||||||||
Organic revenue growth |
6% | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
468 | 439 | 7% | 6% | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
38.6% | 38.7% | (10)bp | (20)bp |
(1) | Refer to Appendices A and B of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information and reconciliations of our non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures. |
Revenues increased 6% in total, driven by growth across four of our five business segments and a 1% favorable impact from foreign currency. Revenues increased 5% on both a constant currency and organic basis, primarily due to 6% growth in recurring revenues (81% of our revenues) as well growth in transactions revenues. Global Print revenues declined.
Page 4
Revenues for our Big 3 segments (79% of total revenues) increased 7% in total and 6% on both a constant currency and organic basis. The increase in organic revenues was driven by 7% growth in recurring revenues (90% of Big 3 revenues).
Operating profit decreased 11% as the prior-year period included a significant benefit from the revaluation of warrants that we previously held in Refinitiv. Higher revenues and lower depreciation and amortization more than offset higher operating expenses, which included Change Program costs. Adjusted EBITDA and the related margin, which excludes the impact of the warrant revaluation as well as depreciation and amortization among other items, decreased due to higher operating expenses.
Diluted loss per share of $0.49 was due to the decrease in value of our LSEG investment. In the prior-year period, the Company reported diluted earnings per share of $0.48. Adjusted EPS, which excludes changes in value from our LSEG investment, as well as other adjustments, increased to $0.46 per share from $0.39 per share in the prior-year period, as the combination of lower depreciation, amortization of computer software and income tax expense more than offset lower adjusted EBITDA.
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased as higher revenues were more than offset by higher expenses, which included Change Program costs, and higher tax payments. Free cash flow decreased due to lower cash flow from operating activities and because the prior-year period included proceeds from the sale of real estate.
Our third-quarter performance exceeded the business outlook we communicated in August 2021. Below is a comparison of our actual revenue performance for the third quarter of 2021 to the related quarterly outlook.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures(1) | Third-Quarter 2021 Outlook |
Third-Quarter 2021 Performance |
||||||
Total Thomson Reuters | ||||||||
Revenue growth (before currency) |
Between 3.5% and 4.0% |
5.1% |
|
✓ |
| |||
Organic revenue growth |
Between 3.5% and 4.0% |
5.1% |
|
✓ |
| |||
Big 3 segments | ||||||||
Revenue growth (before currency) |
Between 5.0% and 5.5% |
6.2% |
|
✓ |
| |||
Organic revenue growth |
Between 5.0% and 5.5% |
6.3% |
|
✓ |
| |||
Other segments | ||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals revenue growth (before currency) |
Low single digits |
6.2% |
|
✓ |
| |||
Reuters News revenue growth (before currency) |
Between 2.0% and 3.0% |
6.2% |
|
✓ |
| |||
Global Print revenue decline (before currency) |
Between (5.0%) and (8.0%) |
(4.6%) |
|
✓ |
|
(1) | Refer to Appendices A and B of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information and reconciliations of our non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures. |
Change Program
Our outlook incorporates significant investments for our Change Program in 2021 and 2022. These investments are intended to drive growth and efficiency by transitioning our company from a holding company into an operating company, and from a content provider into a content-driven technology company.
The objectives of our Change Program are to:
● | Make it easier for our customers to do business with us; |
● | Significantly modernize and simplify our product portfolio and product development groups; |
● | Reduce complexity in our operations and technology organization; and |
● | Continue to simplify our organizational structure to enable a more innovative culture. |
We continue to execute on our Change Program. In the first nine months of 2021, we invested $170 million ($105 million of operating expenses and $65 million of capital expenditures) on technology, organizational and market-related initiatives, and achieved $132 million of annualized run-rate operating expense savings toward our overall savings targets. We supplemented our existing teams with experienced talent to strengthen skill sets across product development, digital, technology, strategy and change management. We expect full-year 2021 Change Program costs and capital expenditures combined will be between $290 million and $320 million, which includes spending on Cloud migration, streamlining internal systems, and third-party contractors. We expect to achieve Change Program-related run-rate savings of $200 million by the end of this year. Refer to the Outlook section of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information.
Page 5
In January 2021, our company and Blackstones consortium sold Refinitiv to LSEG in an all-share transaction. As a result, we indirectly own LSEG shares through YPL, an entity jointly owned by our company, Blackstones consortium and certain current LSEG and former members of Refinitiv senior management. As of September 30, 2021, YPL held a combination of LSEG ordinary shares and LSEG limited-voting ordinary shares (with the shares carrying in aggregate an approximate 30% economic interest and a 24% voting interest in LSEG). At the same date, we owned 42.82% of YPL and indirectly owned approximately 72.4 million LSEG shares. As of October 31, 2021, these shares had a market value of approximately $7.1 billion based on LSEGs closing share price on that day. For a discussion of the lock-up related to our LSEG shares and other governance aspects of our LSEG investment, please see our 2020 annual report.
In the first quarter of 2021, we recognized a gain of $8,075 million related to the January sale of Refinitiv to LSEG within Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments in the consolidated income statement. As of the January 29, 2021 closing date, we indirectly owned approximately 82.5 million LSEG shares, which included 4.5 million shares from the exercise of warrants we previously held in Refinitiv. The transaction was predominantly tax deferred for our company except for approximately $640 million that is payable in 2021. In March 2021, as permitted under a lock-up exception, approximately 10.1 million of our LSEG shares were sold for pre-tax net proceeds of $994 million. Over the course of 2021, we will pay approximately $225 million of tax on the sale of these shares and will use the remaining after-tax proceeds to pay the approximately $640 million of taxes on the LSEG transaction. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we paid $218 million and $662 million, respectively, of tax in connection with these transactions. The proceeds from the sale of the shares by YPL were distributed to our company as a dividend that reduced the value of the investment. The proceeds and the associated tax payments were presented in Net cash used in investing activities within the consolidated statement of cash flow.
Our revenues and operating profit on a consolidated basis do not tend to be significantly impacted by seasonality as we record a large portion of our revenues ratably over the contract term and our costs are generally incurred evenly throughout the year. However, our revenues from quarter to consecutive quarter can be impacted by the release of certain tax products, which tend to be concentrated in the fourth quarter and, to a lesser extent, in the first quarter of the year. The seasonality of our operating profit may be further impacted in 2021 by the timing of significant Change Program costs we expect to incur. The seasonality of our revenues and operating expenses was impacted by COVID-19 in 2020.
Consolidated results
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and margins) |
2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
IFRS Financial Measures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Revenues |
1,526 | 1,443 | 6% |
|
|
|
4,638 | 4,368 | 6% |
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
282 | 318 | (11%) |
|
|
|
985 | 973 | 1% |
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted (loss) earnings per share |
($0.49) | $0.48 | n/m |
|
|
|
$11.80 | $1.12 | n/m |
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Non-IFRS Financial Measures(1) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
1,526 | 1,443 | 6% | 5% | 4,638 | 4,368 | 6% | 5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Organic revenue growth |
5% | 5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
458 | 491 | (7%) | (7%) | 1,518 | 1,450 | 5% | 4% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
30.0% | 34.0% | (400)bp | (410)bp | 32.7% | 33.2% | (50)bp | (30)bp | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures |
327 | 374 | (13%) | 1,154 | 1,046 | 10% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures margin |
21.4% | 25.9% | (450)bp | 24.9% | 24.0% | 90bp | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EPS |
$0.46 | $0.39 | 18% | 15% | $1.52 | $1.31 | 16% | 15% |
Page 6
Supplemental financial results Big 3 Segments Legal Professionals, Corporates and Tax & Accounting Professionals Combined
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-IFRS Financial Measures(1) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
1,213 | 1,134 | 7% | 6% | 3,708 | 3,462 | 7% | 6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Organic revenue growth |
6% | 6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
468 | 439 | 7% | 6% | 1,478 | 1,296 | 14% | 13% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
38.6% | 38.7% | (10)bp | (20)bp | 39.9% | 37.4% | 250bp | 230bp |
(1) | Refer to Appendices A and B of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information and reconciliations of our non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures. |
Revenues
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
Organic | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
Organic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring revenues |
1,233 | 1,153 | 7% | 6% | 6% | 3,673 | 3,460 | 6% | 5% | 5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transactions revenues |
144 | 135 | 8% | 8% | 8% | 527 | 466 | 13% | 12% | 12% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Print revenues |
149 | 154 | (3%) | (5%) | (5%) | 439 | 443 | (1%) | (3%) | (3%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations/Rounding |
- | 1 | (1) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
1,526 | 1,443 | 6% | 5% | 5% | 4,638 | 4,368 | 6% | 5% | 5% |
In both periods, revenues increased 6% in total and 5% on both a constant currency and organic basis. In the third quarter, the increase in organic revenues was driven by 6% growth in recurring revenues (81% of total revenues). Transactions revenues grew 8% as Reuters News benefited from a favorable comparison to the third quarter of 2020, when the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted its results. Global Print revenues declined in both periods. In the nine-month period, revenues on an organic basis increased due to growth in recurring and transactions revenues.
In both periods, revenues for our Big 3 segments increased 7% in total and 6% on both a constant currency and organic basis. In the third quarter, the increase in Big 3 revenues (79% of total revenues) on an organic basis was driven by 7% growth in recurring revenues. In the nine-month period, the increase in Big 3 revenues (80% of total revenues) on an organic basis reflected 6% growth in recurring revenues and 9% growth in transactions revenues.
Foreign currency favorably impacted revenue growth in both periods due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies, including the British pound sterling, Euro, Canadian dollar and Australian dollar, which more than offset the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Argentine peso, compared to the prior-year periods. In the nine-month period of 2021, the U.S. dollar also strengthened against the Brazilian real compared to the prior-year period.
Operating profit, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures
Operating profit decreased 11% in the third quarter as the prior-year period included a significant benefit from the revaluation of warrants we previously held in Refinitiv. Higher revenues and lower depreciation and amortization more than offset higher operating expenses. Operating profit increased 1% in the nine-month period of 2021 as higher revenues more than offset higher operating expenses and the benefit from the revaluation of the Refinitiv warrants in the prior-year period. In 2021, operating expenses included Change Program costs of $53 million in the third quarter and $105 million in the nine-month period.
Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes the impact of the warrant revaluation as well as depreciation and amortization among other items, decreased 7% in the third quarter as higher revenues were more than offset by higher operating expenses. Adjusted EBITDA increased 5% in the nine-month period as higher revenues more than offset higher operating expenses. Adjusted EBITDA margin declined in both periods due to higher operating expenses, which included Change Program costs. Change Program costs negatively impacted adjusted EBITDA margin by 350bp and 230bp in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2021, respectively. Foreign currency benefited the year-over-year change in adjusted EBITDA margin by 10bp in the third quarter and negatively impacted the year-over-year change in adjusted EBITDA margin by 20bp in the nine-month period.
Page 7
Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures and the related margin decreased in the third quarter due to lower adjusted EBITDA and higher capital expenditures. Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures and the related margin increased in the nine-month period due to higher adjusted EBITDA and lower capital expenditures.
Operating expenses
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars)
|
2021
|
2020
|
Total
|
Constant
|
2021
|
2020
|
Total
|
Constant
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
|
1,060 |
|
|
955 |
|
|
11% |
|
|
12% |
|
|
3,114 |
|
|
2,901 |
|
|
7% |
|
|
6% |
| ||||||||
Remove fair value adjustments(1) |
|
8 |
|
|
(3) |
|
|
6 |
|
|
17 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fair value adjustments |
|
1,068 |
|
|
952 |
|
|
12% |
|
|
12% |
|
|
3,120 |
|
|
2,918 |
|
|
7% |
|
|
6% |
|
(1) | Fair value adjustments primarily represent gains or losses due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on intercompany balances that arise in the ordinary course of business. Fair value adjustments are excluded from our calculation of adjusted EBITDA. Refer to Appendix B of this managements discussion and analysis for reconciliations of our non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures. |
Operating expenses, excluding fair value adjustments, increased in both periods in total and on a constant currency basis. Higher operating expenses reflected $53 million and $105 million of Change Program costs in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2021, respectively, as well as higher compensation-related costs. Change Program spending included severance as well as costs related to technology and market initiatives. In the nine-month period, the weakening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies contributed to the increase in total expenses.
Depreciation and amortization
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars)
|
2021
|
2020
|
Change
|
2021
|
2020
|
Change
|
||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
40 | 61 | (34%) | 128 | 144 | (11%) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of computer software |
119 | 133 | (11%) | 356 | 362 | (2%) | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal |
159 | 194 | (18%) | 484 | 506 | (4%) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
29 | 32 | (9%) | 90 | 92 | (2%) |
● | Depreciation and amortization of computer software on a combined basis decreased in both periods primarily because the prior-year period included write-downs of certain software that we stopped using as well as the write-downs of assets associated with real estate leases that we vacated. |
● | Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets decreased in both periods as the completion of amortization of assets acquired in previous years more than offset expenses associated with recent acquisitions. |
Other operating gains, net
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars)
|
2021
|
2020
|
2021
|
2020
|
||||||||||||
Other operating gains, net | 4 | 56 | 35 | 104 |
In 2021, other operating gains, net, in both periods included income related to a license that allows the Refinitiv business of LSEG to use the Reuters mark to brand certain products and services. Additionally, the nine-month period included a $9 million benefit from the revaluation of warrants that we previously held in Refinitiv and a gain on the sale of a business.
In 2020, other operating gains, net, included a benefit of $46 million and $47 million in the third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, related to the revaluation of the warrants. Additionally, both periods included income related to the license for the Reuters mark referred to above and gains associated with the sale of certain real estate. The nine-month period also included a gain associated with a distribution from an investment.
Page 8
Net interest expense
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars)
|
2021
|
2020
|
Change
|
2021
|
2020
|
Change
|
||||||||||||||||||
Net interest expense | 46 | 49 | (5%) | 146 | 146 | |
In the third quarter of 2021, interest expense decreased due to lower interest costs on our net pension obligations. Interest expense associated with our debt obligations was essentially unchanged. In the nine-month period of 2021, net interest expense was unchanged as lower interest costs on our net pension obligations was offset by higher interest associated with the issuance of C$1.4 billion (approximately US$1.0 billion) five-year notes in May 2020, and lower interest income.
Other finance income
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars)
|
2021
|
2020
|
2021
|
2020
|
||||||||||||
Other finance income | 34 | 2 | 30 | 36 |
Other finance income in all periods included gains from fluctuations of foreign currency exchange rates on certain intercompany funding arrangements. Additionally, both periods in 2020 included gains related to the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges and, in the nine-month period, a benefit associated with foreign exchange contracts.
Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars)
|
2021
|
2020
|
2021
|
2020
|
||||||||||||
YPL (formerly Refinitiv Holdings Ltd.) |
(675) | (179) | 6,710 | (392) | ||||||||||||
Other equity method investments |
3 | 1 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||
Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments |
(672) | (178) | 6,717 | (385) |
We account for our investment in LSEG at fair value based on the share price of LSEG within Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments in the consolidated income statement. The investment is subject to equity accounting because the LSEG shares are held through YPL, over which we have significant influence. As YPL owns only the financial investment in LSEG shares, which the parties intend to sell over time, and is not involved in operating LSEG or the Refinitiv business, the investment in LSEG shares held by YPL is accounted for at fair value. LSEG dividends distributed to our company from YPL were included in Other investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flow.
In the third quarter of 2021, our share of post-tax losses in equity method investments primarily reflected a decrease in the value of our LSEG investment. In the nine-month period of 2021, our share of post-tax earnings in equity method investments was primarily comprised of an $8,075 million gain from the sale of Refinitiv, which was partly offset by a $1,272 million decline in the value of our LSEG investment after the sale and $168 million of post-tax losses related to the Refinitiv operations prior to the sale.
We received $51 million of dividends from our LSEG investment in June 2021 and an additional $24 million in October 2021 (see the Subsequent Events section of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information).
Tax (benefit) expense
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars)
|
2021
|
2020
|
2021
|
2020
|
||||||||||||
Tax (benefit) expense | (161) | (147) | 1,722 | (84) |
The increase in tax (benefit) expense in both periods was driven by our (loss) earnings in equity method investments. Additionally, tax (benefit) expense in each period reflected the mix of taxing jurisdictions in which pre-tax profits and losses were recognized. Because the geographical mix of pre-tax profits and losses in interim periods may be different from that for the full year, tax expense or benefit in interim periods is not necessarily indicative of tax expense or benefit for the full year.
Page 9
The comparability of our tax (benefit) expense was impacted by various transactions and accounting adjustments during each period. The following table sets forth certain components within income tax (benefit) expense that impact comparability from period to period, including tax (benefit) expense associated with items that are removed from adjusted earnings:
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars)
|
2021
|
2020
|
2021
|
2020
|
||||||||||||
Tax (benefit) expense |
||||||||||||||||
Tax items impacting comparability: |
||||||||||||||||
Corporate tax laws and rates(1) |
|
- |
|
|
(14) |
|
|
(11) |
|
|
32 |
| ||||
Deferred tax adjustments(2) |
|
(4) |
|
|
(132) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
(139) |
| ||||
Subtotal |
|
(4) |
|
|
(146) |
|
|
(15) |
|
|
(107) |
| ||||
Tax related to: |
||||||||||||||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
|
(6) |
|
|
(8) |
|
|
(20) |
|
|
(21) |
| ||||
Share of post-tax earnings (losses) in equity method Investments |
|
(169) |
|
|
(47) |
|
|
1,631 |
|
|
(100) |
| ||||
Other operating gains, net |
|
1 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
18 |
| ||||
Other items |
|
- |
|
|
1 |
|
|
- |
|
|
3 |
| ||||
Subtotal |
|
(174) |
|
|
(41) |
|
|
1,616 |
|
|
(100) |
| ||||
Total |
|
(178) |
|
|
(187) |
|
|
1,601 |
|
|
(207) |
|
(1) | In the nine-month period of 2021, this amount included changes in deferred tax assets due to changes in foreign tax rates. In the third quarter and nine-month period of 2020, this amount primarily related to a minimum tax that we did not ultimately pay due to the taxable gains that arose on the sale of an investment in the fourth quarter of 2020. However, IFRS required that we accrue the tax before that transaction took place. |
(2) | Relates primarily to the recognition of deferred tax assets that arose in prior years and adjustments required due to disposals and acquisitions. |
Because the items described above impact the comparability of our tax expense or benefit for each period, we remove them from our calculation of adjusted earnings, along with the pre-tax items to which they relate. The computation of our adjusted tax expense is set forth below:
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars)
|
2021
|
2020
|
2021
|
2020
|
||||||||||||
Tax (benefit) expense
|
(161) | (147) | 1,722 | (84) | ||||||||||||
Remove: Items from above impacting comparability
|
178 | 187 | (1,601) | 207 | ||||||||||||
Other adjustment:
|
||||||||||||||||
Interim period effective tax rate normalization(1)
|
8 | 15 | 10 | 21 | ||||||||||||
Total tax expense on adjusted earnings
|
25 | 55 | 131 | 144 |
(1) | Adjustment to reflect income taxes based on estimated full-year effective tax rate. Earnings or losses for interim periods under IFRS generally reflect income taxes based on the estimated effective tax rates of each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The non-IFRS adjustment reallocates estimated full-year income taxes between interim periods, but has no effect on full-year income taxes. |
Results of Discontinued Operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, includes the following:
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
- |
|
|
(2) |
|
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, included residual income and expenses related to our former F&R business.
Page 10
Net (loss) earnings and diluted (loss) earnings per share
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) earnings |
(240) | 241 | n/m | 5,864 | 560 | n/m | ||||||||||||||||||
Diluted (loss) earnings per share |
|
($0.49) |
|
|
$0.48 |
|
|
n/m |
|
|
$11.80 |
|
|
$1.12 |
|
|
n/m |
|
The net loss and the diluted loss per share in the third quarter were due to the decrease in the value of our LSEG investment. The increase in net earnings and diluted earnings per share in the nine-month period was due to the gain on the sale of Refinitiv to LSEG in January 2021.
Adjusted earnings and adjusted EPS
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted earnings |
|
227 |
|
|
192 |
|
|
17% |
|
|
755 |
|
|
652 |
|
|
16% |
|
||||||||||||||
Adjusted EPS |
$ |
0.46 |
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
18% |
|
|
15% |
|
$ |
1.52 |
|
$ |
1.31 |
|
|
16% |
|
|
15% |
|
Adjusted earnings and the related per share amount increased in the third quarter as the benefits from lower depreciation and amortization of computer software as well as lower income tax expense more than offset lower adjusted EBITDA. The increase in the nine-month period reflected the same benefits, but also included higher adjusted EBITDA.
Segment results
The following is a discussion of our five reportable segments and our Corporate costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. We assess revenue growth for each segment, as well as the businesses within each segment, in constant currency and on an organic basis. See Appendix A of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information.
Legal Professionals
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
Organic | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
Organic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring revenues |
|
634 |
|
|
592 |
|
|
7% |
|
|
6% |
|
|
6% |
|
|
1,881 |
|
|
1,759 |
|
|
7% |
|
|
6% |
|
|
5% |
| ||||||||||
Transactions revenues |
|
48 |
|
|
44 |
|
|
11% |
|
|
10% |
|
|
10% |
|
|
142 |
|
|
123 |
|
|
16% |
|
|
14% |
|
|
14% |
| ||||||||||
Revenues |
682 | 636 | 7% | 6% | 6% | 2,023 | 1,882 | 7% | 6% | 6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
288 | 272 | 6% | 4% | 852 | 756 | 13% | 11% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA margin |
42.3% | 42.8% | (50)bp | (80)bp | 42.1% | 40.2% | 190bp | 180bp |
Revenues increased in total and on both a constant currency and organic basis in both periods. The increase in organic revenues was due to growth in recurring revenues (93% of the Legal Professionals segment in the third quarter) and transactions revenues (7% of the Legal Professionals segment in the third quarter). Revenues from law firms, which includes revenues from large global law firms and represent just over two-thirds of the segments revenues, and the segments Global business, representing smaller law firms outside the U.S., each increased 6% in the third quarter (5% in the nine-month period). U.S. Government revenues, which include much of our Risk, Fraud and Compliance offerings, grew 10% in the third quarter and 9% in nine-month period.
In both periods, the recurring revenues increased on an organic basis driven by growth from Westlaw Edge, Practical Law, FindLaw and the segments international and Government businesses. FindLaw, the Government businesses, as well as Elite, drove the increase in transactions revenues during both periods.
Segment adjusted EBITDA increased in the third quarter driven by higher revenues, which more than offset higher expenses. The related margin decreased due to the increase in expenses, which reflected unfavorable timing of marketing and selling expenses compared to the prior year period. Segment adjusted EBITDA and the related margin increased in the nine-month period primarily driven by higher revenues. Foreign currency benefited the year-over-year change in segment adjusted EBITDA margin by 30bp and 10bp in the third quarter and nine-month period, respectively.
Page 11
Corporates
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change
|
Change
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except margins) | 2021
|
2020
|
Total
|
Constant
|
Organic
|
2021
|
2020
|
Total
|
Constant
|
Organic
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring revenues |
309 | 287 | 8% | 7% | 7% | 904 | 850 | 6% | 5% | 5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transactions revenues |
47 | 46 | 2% | 2% | 2% | 184 | 179 | 3% | 3% | 3% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
356 | 333 | 7% | 6% | 6% | 1,088 | 1,029 | 6% | 5% | 5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
131 | 120 | 9% | 9% | 407 | 355 | 15% | 14% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA margin |
36.8% | 36.0% | 80bp | 80bp | 37.4% | 34.5% | 290bp | 310bp |
Revenues increased in total, constant currency and on an organic basis in both periods. The increase in organic revenues was due to growth in recurring revenues (87% of the Corporates segment in the third quarter) and in transactions revenues (13% of the Corporates segment in the third quarter).
In both periods, the increase in recurring revenues on an organic basis reflected growth in legal, tax and risk solutions. The segments Practical Law, Indirect Tax, CLEAR and international businesses all contributed to its recurring revenue growth. Transactions revenues increased slightly in both periods.
Segment adjusted EBITDA and the related margin increased in the third quarter as higher revenues more than offset higher expenses, which included investments in marketing initiatives, technology and data and analytical capabilities. Both measures increased in the nine-month period of 2021 driven by higher revenues. Foreign currency had no impact in the year-over-year change on segment adjusted EBITDA margin in the third quarter and negatively impacted the year-over-year change in segment adjusted EBITDA margin in the nine-month period by 20bp.
Tax & Accounting Professionals
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change
|
Change
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except margins)
|
2021
|
2020
|
Total
|
Constant
|
Organic
|
2021
|
2020
|
Total
|
Constant
|
Organic
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring revenues |
147 | 133 | 10% | 10% | 10% | 457 | 427 | 7% | 7% | 7% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transactions revenues |
28 | 32 | (9%) | (9%) | (9%) | 140 | 124 | 13% | 12% | 12% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
175 | 165 | 6% | 6% | 6% | 597 | 551 | 8% | 8% | 8% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
49 | 47 | 4% | 6% | 219 | 185 | 18% | 18% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA margin |
28.0% | 28.5% | (50)bp | (20)bp | 36.6% | 33.6% | 300bp | 310bp |
Revenues increased in total, constant currency and on an organic basis in both periods. The increase in organic revenues in the third quarter was due to growth in recurring revenues (84% of the Tax & Accounting Professionals segment in the third quarter) driven by Audit Solutions, which includes the Confirmation business, and the segments Latin American businesses. Transactions revenues (16% of the Tax & Accounting Professionals segment in the third quarter) declined due to an unfavorable comparison to 2020, when the extension of the U.S. federal tax filing deadline for individuals caused by the COVID-19 pandemic shifted Pay-Per-Return tax filing revenues from the second quarter of 2020 to the third quarter of 2020. Tax & Accounting Professionals organic revenues in the third quarter would have grown 11%, after adjusting the 2020 Pay-Per-Return revenues to be comparable to the revenue pattern of 2021. In the nine-month period, organic revenues increased due to strong growth in both recurring and transactions revenues.
Segment adjusted EBITDA increased in the third quarter as higher revenues more than offset higher expenses. The related margin declined slightly due to the unfavorable impact from the shift in the tax filing deadlines in 2020. Segment adjusted EBITDA and the related margin increased in the nine-month period due to higher revenues. Foreign currency negatively impacted the year-over-year change in segment adjusted EBITDA margin by 30bp and 10bp in the third quarter and nine-month period, respectively.
Tax & Accounting Professionals is a more seasonal business relative to our other businesses, with a higher percentage of its segment adjusted EBITDA historically generated in the fourth quarter and to a slightly lesser extent, the first quarter, due to the release of certain tax products. Small movements in the timing of revenues and expenses can impact quarterly margins.
Page 12
Reuters News
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
Organic | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
Organic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring revenues |
143 | 141 | 1% | 1% | 1% | 431 | 424 | 2% | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transactions revenues |
21 | 13 | 62% | 66% | 66% | 61 | 40 | 52% | 50% | 50% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
164 | 154 | 6% | 6% | 6% | 492 | 464 | 6% | 5% | 5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
25 | 23 | 4% | 8% | 88 | 67 | 30% | 44% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA margin |
14.9% | 15.2% | (30)bp | 20bp | 17.8% | 14.5% | 330bp | 540bp |
Revenues increased in total, constant currency and on an organic basis in both periods. The increase in organic revenues was driven by transactions revenues from the segments Professional businesses, which includes Reuters Events, as well as its Agency business. In 2020, Reuters Events was negatively impacted by the cancellation of in-person events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the business has been holding nearly all of its events virtually while it continues to assess when it can resume its full in-person event schedule based on local health guidelines and feedback from customers. Recurring revenues on an organic basis increased slightly in the third quarter, but were essentially unchanged in the nine-month period.
Reuters News has an agreement to supply news and editorial content to Refinitiv through October 1, 2048. In the first nine months of 2021, Reuters News recorded revenues of $254 million (2020 $252 million) under this agreement.
We expect Reuters News total and organic revenue growth to be between 3% and 5% for the full year, driven by all Reuters News business lines.
Segment adjusted EBITDA increased in the third quarter as higher revenues more than offset higher expenses, which included additional investments in the business. The related margin decreased in the third quarter due to the impact of foreign currency. Both measures increased in the nine-month period of 2021 due to higher revenues. Foreign currency negatively impacted the year-over-year change in segment adjusted EBITDA margin by 50bp and 210bp in the third quarter and nine-month period, respectively.
Global Print
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
Organic | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Constant Currency |
Organic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
|
149 |
|
|
154 |
|
|
(3%) |
|
|
(5%) |
|
|
(5%) |
|
|
439 |
|
|
443 |
|
|
(1%) |
|
|
(3%) |
|
|
(3%) |
| ||||||||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
52 |
|
|
64 |
|
|
(18%) |
|
|
(19%) |
|
|
165 |
|
|
181 |
|
|
(9%) |
|
|
(11%) |
|
||||||||||||||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA margin |
|
35.0% |
|
|
41.1% |
|
|
(610)bp |
|
|
(630)bp |
|
|
37.5% |
|
|
40.7% |
|
|
(320)bp |
|
|
(340)bp |
|
Revenues decreased in total, constant currency, and on an organic basis in both periods. The declines were less than expected as the business benefited from an increase in third-party revenues for printing services and the gradual return to office by its customers. We expect Global Print revenues to decline between 4% and 6% for the full year.
Segment adjusted EBITDA and the related margins decreased in both periods due to lower revenues and higher expenses. The decrease in margins also reflected the dilutive impact of lower margin third-party print revenues. Foreign currency benefited the year-over-year change in segment adjusted EBITDA margin in both periods by 20bp.
Corporate costs
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
Corporate costs |
|
87 |
|
|
35 |
|
|
213 |
|
|
94 |
|
The increase in Corporate costs primarily reflected $53 million and $105 million of Change Program expenses in the third quarter and nine-month period, respectively. We expect between $175 million and $190 million of Change Program expenses for the full year 2021.
Page 13
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have historically maintained a disciplined capital strategy that balances growth, long-term financial leverage, credit ratings and returns to shareholders. We are focused on having the investment capacity to drive revenue growth, both organically and through acquisitions, while also maintaining our long-term financial leverage and credit ratings and continuing to provide returns to shareholders. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash provided by our operations, our commercial paper program and credit facility. From time to time, we also issue debt securities. Our principal uses of cash are for debt repayments, debt servicing costs, dividend payments, capital expenditures, share repurchases and acquisitions.
To date, we have not experienced any significant adverse impacts to our liquidity from the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. We continue to believe that we can weather the periods of volatility that are likely to occur as a result of the ongoing crisis, as our capital strategy approach has provided us with a strong capital structure and liquidity position. At September 30, 2021, we had $1.5 billion of cash on hand. Over the remainder of 2021, we expect to use about $200 million of our cash balance to pay the remaining income taxes on the sale of Refinitiv to LSEG and on the subsequent sale of some of our LSEG shares in the first quarter of 2021. We also plan to complete our existing program to repurchase some of our common shares, as described below.
We expect that the operating leverage of our business will increase our free cash flow if we increase revenues as contemplated by our outlook. We target a maximum leverage ratio of 2.5:1 net debt to adjusted EBITDA and have set a target to pay out 50% to 60% of our expected free cash flow as dividends to our shareholders. We completed a $200 million share repurchase program during the first quarter of 2021 to offset the dilution associated with our dividend reinvestment and equity incentive plans. In August 2021, we announced a new share repurchase program to repurchase up to $1.2 billion of our common shares, which we expect to complete by the end of this year. Under this program, we have repurchased approximately $1.1 billion of our common shares, of which we repurchased $603 million in the third quarter and approximately $450 million in October 2021 (refer to the Share Repurchases - Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) section below and the Subsequent Events section of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information). In the future, we expect that proceeds from sales of LSEG shares after the expiration of the applicable contractual lock-up provisions, as discussed in the Sale of Refinitiv to LSEG section of this managements discussion and analysis, will provide us with further options for investment and returns to shareholders.
Our net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio as of September 30, 2021 was approximately 1.2:1, which is lower than our target of 2.5:1. As calculated under our credit facility covenant, our net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio at September 30, 2021 was 1.1:1, which is well below the maximum leverage ratio allowed under the credit facility of 4.5:1. None of our debt securities are scheduled to mature until 2023.
On October 14, 2021, we announced the formation of a new $100 million Corporate Venture Capital fund, known as Thomson Reuters (TR) Ventures, to support and accelerate innovation for the Future of Professionals. As a leader in content-enabled technology across Legal, Tax & Accounting, Risk, Fraud, Compliance, and News & Media markets, our customers rely on us to deliver trusted solutions to manage and grow their businesses. TR Ventures will concentrate on investments supporting companies building innovations that will allow professionals to operate more productively and with greater insights.
We believe that our existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our projected cash requirements for the next 12 months.
The information above and in this section is forward-looking and should be read in conjunction with the section entitled Additional InformationCautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results.
Cash flow
Summary of consolidated statement of cash flow
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) |
2021 |
2020 |
$ Change |
2021 |
2020 |
$ Change |
||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
534 |
|
|
581 |
|
|
(47) |
|
|
1,376 |
|
|
1,179 |
|
|
197 |
| ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
(545) |
|
|
(62) |
|
|
(483) |
|
|
(205) |
|
|
(404) |
|
|
199 |
| ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
(817) |
|
|
(318) |
|
|
(499) |
|
|
(1,444) |
|
|
(443) |
|
|
(1,001) |
| ||||||
(Decrease) increase in cash and bank overdrafts |
|
(828) |
|
|
201 |
|
|
(1,029) |
|
|
(273) |
|
|
332 |
|
|
(605) |
| ||||||
Translation adjustments |
|
(3) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
(8) |
|
|
(3) |
|
|
(5) |
|
|
2 |
| ||||||
Cash and bank overdrafts at beginning of period |
|
2,342 |
|
|
946 |
|
|
1,396 |
|
|
1,787 |
|
|
825 |
|
|
962 |
| ||||||
Cash and bank overdrafts at end of period |
|
1,511 |
|
|
1,152 |
|
|
359 |
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
1,152 |
|
|
359 |
| ||||||
Non-IFRS Financial Measure(1) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Free cash flow |
|
383 |
|
|
541 |
|
|
(158) |
|
|
1,001 |
|
|
881 |
|
|
120 |
|
(1) | Refer to Appendices A and B of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information and reconciliations of our non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure. |
Page 14
Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased in the third quarter as higher revenues were more than offset by higher expenses, which included Change Program costs and higher tax payments. In the nine-month period, net cash provided by operating activities increased due to higher revenues, favorable working capital movements (including lower annual incentive bonus payments, which were due to the impact of COVID-19 in 2020) and because the prior-year period included costs and investments to reposition our company following the separation of our former F&R business. These increases to cash flows from operating activities were partly offset by higher tax payments and expenses, which included Change Program costs.
Investing activities. In the third quarter of 2021, net cash used in investing activities included $218 million of taxes paid related to the sale of Refinitiv and the subsequent sale of LSEG shares. The discontinued operations portion of investing activities included $210 million of tax assessments related to our former F&R business (see the Sale of Refinitiv to LSEG and Contingencies Uncertain Tax Position sections of this managements discussion and analysis). Capital expenditures were $131 million. In the third quarter of 2020, net cash used in investing activities included capital expenditures of $117 million and spending to acquire the CaseLines business, both of which were partly offset by proceeds from the sale of certain real estate.
In the nine-month period of 2021, net cash used in investing activities included $662 million of taxes paid related to the sale of Refinitiv and the subsequent sale of LSEG shares. The discontinued operations portion of investing activities included $252 million of tax assessments related to our former F&R business. The nine-month period also included $364 million of capital expenditures. These outflows were partly offset by $1,045 million of dividends received, which included $994 million in connection with the sale of LSEG shares and $51 million paid by LSEG. In the nine-month period of 2020, net cash used in investing activities reflected $404 million of capital expenditures, as well as spending to acquire our Pondera Solutions and CaseLines businesses. These outflows were partly offset by the proceeds from the sale of certain real estate.
Financing activities. In both periods of 2021, net cash used in financing activities was primarily comprised of dividends on common shares and share repurchases totaling $797 million and $1,385 million in the third quarter and nine-month period, respectively. In the third quarter of 2020, net cash used in financing activities was primarily comprised of $183 million of dividends on common shares and $120 million of commercial paper repayments. The nine-month period of 2020 was primarily comprised of dividends on common shares and share repurchases totaling $747 million as well as $372 million of proceeds from net borrowings of debt. Refer to the Commercial paper program, Credit facility and Long-term debt subsections below for additional information regarding our debt activity.
Cash and bank overdrafts. The decrease in cash and bank overdrafts of $273 million in the nine-month period of 2021 reflects the use of cash to repurchase common shares.
Free cash flow. Free cash flow decreased in the third quarter primarily due to lower cash flow from operating activities and because the prior-year period included proceeds from the sale of real estate. In the nine-month period, free cash flow increased as higher cash flows from operating activities and the $51 million dividend paid by LSEG in the second quarter more than offset the prior-year period benefit from the proceeds associated with the sale of real estate.
Additional information about our debt, dividends and share repurchases is as follows:
● | Commercial paper program. Our $1.8 billion commercial paper program provides cost-effective and flexible short-term funding. There was no outstanding commercial paper at September 30, 2021. In January 2020, we issued $630 million of commercial paper, the proceeds of which were used to redeem debt obligations ahead of their maturity. The commercial paper was repaid during the first nine months of 2020, primarily from funds borrowed under our credit facility. |
● | Credit facility. We have a $1.8 billion syndicated credit facility agreement which matures in December 2024 and may be used to provide liquidity for general corporate purposes (including acquisitions or support for our commercial paper program). There were no outstanding borrowings under the credit facility at September 30, 2021. We borrowed $1.0 billion in the first three months of 2020, of which a portion of the proceeds was used to repay commercial paper. In May 2020, we repaid our borrowings under the credit facility primarily with the proceeds we received from our May 2020 debt issuance. Based on our current credit ratings, the cost of borrowing under the facility is priced at LIBOR/EURIBOR plus 112.5 basis points. We have the option to request an increase, subject to approval by applicable lenders, in the lenders commitments in an aggregate amount of $600 million for a maximum credit facility commitment of $2.4 billion. |
The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, is phasing out the majority of LIBOR rates globally by the end of 2021. Key alternative reference rates have been established and progress continues to be made in establishing better liquidity and term structures required to efficiently replace the existing LIBOR structures. In October 2021, we acknowledged with our lending group that certain LIBOR-based benchmarks, which are being phased out at the end of 2021, will no longer be available to us until we agree to replace them with alternative benchmarks. This change does not impact our companys general ability to borrow under the facility, as there are adequate LIBOR benchmarks still in effect until June 2023. With the exception of the LIBOR-based benchmarks within our external credit facility, we have no material agreements with third parties that use or reference LIBOR as a benchmark rate which require amendment. |
Page 15
If our debt rating is downgraded by Moodys or S&P, our facility fees and borrowing costs may increase, although availability would be unaffected. Conversely, an upgrade in our ratings may reduce our facility fees and borrowing costs. We also monitor the lenders that are party to our facility and believe they continue to be able to lend to us. |
We guarantee borrowings by our subsidiaries under the credit facility. We must also maintain a ratio of net debt as defined in the credit agreement (total debt after swaps less cash and cash equivalents) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter to EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and other modifications described in the credit agreement) for the last four quarters ended of not more than 4.5:1. If we complete an acquisition with a purchase price of over $500 million, the ratio of net debt to EBITDA would temporarily increase to 5.0:1 for three quarters after completion, at which time the ratio would revert to 4.5:1. As of September 30, 2021, we were in compliance with this covenant as our ratio of net debt to EBITDA, as calculated under the terms of our syndicated credit facility, was 1.1:1. |
● | Long-term debt. We did not issue notes or make any debt repayments in the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The following table provides information regarding notes that we issued and repaid in the nine months ended September 30, 2020. |
MONTH/YEAR | TRANSACTION | PRINCIPAL AMOUNT (IN MILLIONS) | ||
Notes issued | ||||
May 2020 | 2.239% Notes, due 2025 | C$1,400 | ||
Notes repaid | ||||
January 2020 | 3.309% Notes, due 2021 | C$550 | ||
January 2020 | 3.95% Notes, due 2021 | US$139 |
The notes issued in May 2020 were immediately swapped into U.S. dollars and we used the $999 million of net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which included repayment of borrowings under our credit facility. |
In January 2020, we repaid notes prior to their scheduled maturity dates for $640 million. This amount included early redemption premiums and the settlement of cross-currency swaps. The repayments were funded with commercial paper borrowings. |
Thomson Reuters Corporation and one of its U.S. subsidiaries, TR Finance LLC, may collectively issue up to $3.0 billion of unsecured debt securities from time to time through August 6, 2022 under a base shelf prospectus. Any debt securities issued by TR Finance LLC will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis by Thomson Reuters Corporation and three U.S. subsidiary guarantors, which are also indirect 100%-owned and consolidated subsidiaries of Thomson Reuters Corporation. Except for TR Finance LLC and the subsidiary guarantors, none of Thomson Reuters Corporations other subsidiaries have guaranteed or would otherwise become obligated with respect to any issued TR Finance LLC debt securities. As of November 2, 2021, neither Thomson Reuters Corporation nor TR Finance LLC has issued any debt securities under the prospectus. Please refer to Appendix D of this managements discussion and analysis for condensed consolidating financial information about TR Finance LLC and the subsidiary guarantors. |
● | Credit ratings. Our access to financing depends on, among other things, suitable market conditions and the maintenance of suitable long-term credit ratings. Our credit ratings may be adversely affected by various factors, including increased debt levels, decreased earnings, declines in customer demand, increased competition, a deterioration in general economic and business conditions and adverse publicity. Any downgrades in our credit ratings may impede our access to the debt markets or result in higher borrowing rates. |
In May 2021, Moodys affirmed our credit ratings and raised our Outlook to Positive from Stable, citing the strength of our business and strong liquidity position, among other items. |
The following table sets forth the credit ratings from rating agencies in respect of our outstanding securities as of the date of this managements discussion and analysis: |
Moodys |
S&P Global Ratings |
DBRS Limited |
Fitch | |||||
Long-term debt |
Baa2 |
BBB |
BBB (high) |
BBB+ | ||||
Commercial paper |
P-2 |
A-2 |
R-2 (high) |
F1 | ||||
Trend/Outlook |
Positive |
Stable |
Stable |
Stable |
These credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold, or sell securities and do not address the market price or suitability of a specific security for a particular investor. Credit ratings may not reflect the potential impact of all risks on the value of securities. We cannot assure you that our credit ratings will not be lowered in the future or that rating agencies will not issue adverse commentaries regarding our securities. |
Page 16
● | Dividends. Dividends on our common shares are declared in U.S. dollars. In February 2021, we announced a $0.10 per share increase in the annualized dividend to $1.62 per common share (beginning with the common share dividend that we paid in March 2021). In our consolidated statement of cash flow, dividends paid on common shares are shown net of amounts reinvested in our company under our dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP). Registered holders of common shares may participate in our DRIP, under which cash dividends are automatically reinvested in new common shares. Common shares are valued at the weighted-average price at which the shares traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) during the five trading days immediately preceding the record date for the dividend. |
Details of dividends declared per common share and dividends paid on common shares are as follows: |
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) |
2021 |
2020 |
2021 |
2020 |
||||||||||||
Dividends declared per share |
$ |
0.405 |
|
$ |
0.380 |
|
$ |
1.215 |
|
$ |
1.140 |
| ||||
Dividends declared |
|
200 |
|
|
189 |
|
|
600 |
|
|
565 |
| ||||
Dividends reinvested |
|
(6) |
|
|
(6) |
|
|
(18) |
|
|
(18) |
| ||||
Dividends paid |
|
194 |
|
|
183 |
|
|
582 |
|
|
547 |
|
● | Share repurchases Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB). We may buy back shares (and subsequently cancel them) from time to time as part of our capital strategy. On August 5, 2021, we announced that we plan to repurchase up to $1.2 billion of our common shares, which we expect to complete by the end of this year. This new buyback program is in addition to the $200 million repurchase program that was completed in February 2021. |
Our share repurchases are typically executed under a NCIB. Shares are being repurchased for the new buyback program under an amended NCIB, which was approved by the TSX. The amended NCIB increased the maximum number of common shares that may be repurchased by an additional 15 million. Under the amended NCIB, up to 20 million common shares may be repurchased between January 4, 2021 and January 3, 2022. Under the amended NCIB, we may repurchase common shares in open market transactions on the TSX, the NYSE and/or other exchanges and alternative trading systems, if eligible, or by such other means as may be permitted by the TSX and/or NYSE or under applicable law, including private agreement purchases if we receive an issuer bid exemption order from applicable securities regulatory authorities in Canada for such purchases. The price that our company will pay for shares in open market transactions under the NCIB will be the market price at the time of purchase or such other price as may be permitted by TSX. |
Details of share repurchases under the NCIB for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: |
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) |
2021 |
2020 |
2021 |
2020 |
||||||||||||
Share repurchases (millions of U.S. dollars) |
|
603 |
|
|
- |
|
|
803 |
|
|
200 |
| ||||
Shares repurchased (number in millions) |
|
5.2 |
|
|
- |
|
|
7.7 |
|
|
2.6 |
| ||||
Share repurchases average price per share in U.S. dollars |
$ | 116.15 | - | $ | 105.01 | $ | 78.37 |
In October 2021, we repurchased approximately $450 million of our common shares under our NCIB (see the Subsequent Events section of this managements discussion). |
Decisions regarding any future repurchases will depend on factors, such as market conditions, share price and other opportunities to invest capital for growth. We may elect to suspend or discontinue our share repurchases at any time, in accordance with applicable laws. From time to time when we do not possess material nonpublic information about ourselves or our securities, we may enter into a pre-defined plan with our broker to allow for the repurchase of shares at times when we ordinarily would not be active in the market due to our own internal trading blackout periods, insider trading rules or otherwise. Any such plans entered into with our broker will be adopted in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We entered into such a plan with our broker on September 27, 2021. As a result, we recorded a $480 million liability in Other financial liabilities within current liabilities at September 30, 2021 with a corresponding amount recorded in equity in the consolidated statement of financial position (December 31, 2020 $200 million). |
Page 17
Financial position
Our total assets were $23.1 billion at September 30, 2021, compared to $17.9 billion at December 31, 2020. The increase reflected the value associated with our LSEG investment.
At September 30, 2021, our current liabilities exceeded our current assets because current liabilities include a significant amount of deferred revenue, which arises from the sale of subscription-based products and services that many customers pay for in advance. The cash received from these advance payments is used to currently fund the operating, investing and financing activities of our business. However, for accounting purposes, these advance payments must be deferred and recognized over the term of the subscription. As such, we typically reflect a negative working capital position in our consolidated statement of financial position. In the ordinary course of business, deferred revenue does not represent a cash obligation, but rather an obligation to perform services or deliver products, and therefore when we are in that situation, we do not believe it is indicative of a liquidity issue, but rather an outcome of the required accounting for our business model.
Net debt and leverage ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA
September 30, |
December 31, |
|||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) |
2021 |
2020 |
||||||
Long-term indebtedness |
|
3,782 |
|
|
3,772 |
| ||
Total debt |
|
3,782 |
|
|
3,772 |
| ||
Swaps |
|
(97) |
|
|
(100) |
| ||
Total debt after swaps |
|
3,685 |
|
|
3,672 |
| ||
Remove fair value adjustments for hedges(1) |
|
(9) |
|
|
1 |
| ||
Total debt after currency hedging arrangements |
|
3,676 |
|
|
3,673 |
| ||
Remove transaction costs, premiums or discounts included in the carrying value of debt |
|
35 |
|
|
38 |
| ||
Add: lease liabilities (current and non-current) |
|
268 |
|
|
306 |
| ||
Less: cash and cash equivalents(2) |
|
(1,511) |
|
|
(1,787) |
| ||
Net debt(3) |
|
2,468 |
|
|
2,230 |
| ||
Leverage ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA |
||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(3)(4) |
|
2,043 |
|
|
1,975 |
| ||
Net debt / adjusted EBITDA(3)(4) |
|
1.2:1 |
|
|
1.1:1 |
|
(1) | Represents the interest-related fair value component of hedging instruments that are removed to reflect net cash outflow upon maturity. |
(2) | Includes cash and cash equivalents of $67 million and $61 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, held in subsidiaries which have regulatory restrictions, contractual restrictions or operate in countries where exchange controls and other legal restrictions apply and are therefore not available for general use by our company. |
(3) | Amount represents non-IFRS measures. For additional information about our liquidity, we provide our leverage ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA. Refer to Appendix A of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information of our non-IFRS financial measures. |
(4) | For purposes of this calculation, adjusted EBITDA is computed on a rolling 12-month basis and includes adjusted EBITDA of $458 million, $502 million, $558 million and $525 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, June 30, 2021, March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Refer to Appendix B of this managements discussion and analysis, our 2020 annual report, and our interim reports for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and March 31, 2021 for additional information regarding the calculation of adjusted EBITDA in each of these periods. |
At September 30, 2021, our total debt position (after swaps) was $3.7 billion. The maturity dates for our term debt are well balanced with no significant concentration in any one year. At September 30, 2021, the average maturity of our term debt was approximately nine years at an average interest rate (after swaps) of slightly over 4%, all of which is fixed. Our leverage ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA was below our target ratio of 2.5:1. The increase in our net debt is primarily due to the decrease in our cash and cash equivalents (refer to the Cash Flow section of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information).
Off-balance sheet arrangements, commitments and contractual obligations
For a summary of our other off-balance sheet arrangements, commitments and contractual obligations please see our 2020 annual managements discussion and analysis. There were no material changes to these arrangements, commitments and contractual obligations during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Page 18
Contingencies
Lawsuits and legal claims
We are engaged in various legal proceedings, claims, audits and investigations that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. These matters include, but are not limited to, employment matters, commercial matters, defamation claims and intellectual property infringement claims. The outcome of all of the matters against us is subject to future resolution, including the uncertainties of litigation. Based on information currently known to us and after consultation with outside legal counsel, management believes that the ultimate resolution of any such matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition taken as a whole.
Uncertain tax positions
We are subject to taxation in numerous jurisdictions and we are routinely under audit by many different taxing authorities in the ordinary course of business. There are many transactions and calculations during the course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain, as taxing authorities may challenge some of our positions and propose adjustments or changes to our tax filings.
As a result, we maintain provisions for uncertain tax positions that we believe appropriately reflect our risk. These provisions are made using our best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. When appropriate, we perform an expected value calculation to determine our provisions. We review the adequacy of these provisions at the end of each reporting period and adjust them based on changing facts and circumstances. Due to the uncertainty associated with tax audits, it is possible that at some future date, liabilities resulting from such audits or related litigation could vary significantly from our provisions. However, based on currently enacted legislation, information currently known to us and after consultation with outside tax advisors, management believes that the ultimate resolution of any such matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition taken as a whole.
In February 2018, the U.K. tax authority, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), issued notices of assessment under the Diverted Profits Tax (DPT) regime for the 2015 taxation year of certain of our current and former U.K. affiliates. We paid $31 million in tax, as required under the notices. As management does not believe that these U.K. affiliates fall within the scope of the DPT regime, we appealed these assessments in July 2019 to obtain a refund. In February 2021, HMRC issued DPT notices for the 2016 taxation year aggregating $87 million, which we paid in March 2021, as required under the notices. In August 2021, HMRC issued DPT notices for the 2018 taxation year aggregating $261 million, which we paid in September 2021. In addition, based on recent discussions with HMRC, management believes it is reasonably possible that HMRC may issue similar notices in the next three months for another taxation year for as much as $80 million. These outstanding and expected assessments largely relate to businesses that we have sold. Certain of the assessments are subject to indemnity arrangements under which we have been or will be required to pay additional taxes to HMRC, including those attributable to the indemnity counterparty. We are vigorously defending our position and intend to continue contesting the outstanding and expected assessments through all available administrative and judicial remedies. Any payments made by us are not a reflection of our view on the merits of the case. Because management believes that our position is supported by the weight of law, we do not believe that the resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition taken as a whole. As a result, we have recorded substantially all of these payments as non-current receivables from HMRC and the indemnity counterparty on our financial statements since we expect to receive refunds of substantially all of the aggregate amount paid pursuant to these notices of assessment. We expect that our existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund any future required payments.
For additional information, please see the Risk Factors section of our 2020 annual report, which contains further information on risks related to legal and tax matters.
Page 19
The information in this section is forward-looking and should be read in conjunction with the section entitled Additional Information Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results.
Our full-year 2021 business outlook was originally communicated in February 2021 and has been updated quarterly throughout the year. On November 2, 2021, we announced an increase in our 2021 full-year revenue growth outlook for total Thomson Reuters and our Big 3 segments, as well as an increase in our outlook for free cash flow, which was based on our strong financial performance and the confidence we have in the trajectory of our business for the remainder of the year. We updated certain other measures as set forth in the table below. We also reaffirmed our 2022 and 2023 full-year outlooks we previously communicated in February 2021, except for a minor increase to 2022 Change Program spend, reflecting the carryover of lower than expected spend in 2021.
The following table summarizes the changes in our 2021 full-year business outlook that occurred during the year.
Total Thomson Reuters 2021 Full-Year Outlook | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
February 23, 2021 | May 4, 2021 |
|
August 5, 2021 | November 2, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
|
Before currency,
includes the Change Program impact and
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue growth |
|
3.0% - 4.0% |
|
|
3.5% - 4.0% |
|
|
4.0% - 4.5% |
|
|
4.5% - 5.0% |
| ||||||||
Organic revenue growth |
|
3.0% - 4.0% |
|
|
3.5% - 4.0% |
|
|
4.0% - 4.5% |
|
|
4.5% - 5.0% |
| ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
|
30% - 31% |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
31% - 32% |
|
|
Unchanged |
| ||||||||
Corporate costs |
|
$305 million - $340 million |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
$305 million - $330 million |
| ||||||||
Core corporate costs |
$130 million - $140 million | Unchanged | Unchanged | Unchanged | ||||||||||||||||
Change Program operating expenses |
$175 million - $200 million | Unchanged | Unchanged | $175 million - $190 million | ||||||||||||||||
Free cash flow |
|
$1.0 billion - $1.1 billion |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
$1.1 billion - $1.2 billion |
|
|
Approximately $1.2 billion |
| ||||||||
Capital expenditures, as a percentage of revenues |
|
9.0% - 9.5% |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
Unchanged |
| ||||||||
Change Program capital expenditures |
$125 million - $150 million | Unchanged | Unchanged | $115 million - $130 million | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization of computer software |
|
$650 million - $675 million |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
Unchanged |
| ||||||||
Interest expense |
|
$190 million - $210 million |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
Unchanged |
| ||||||||
Effective tax rate on adjusted earnings |
|
16% - 18% |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
14% - 16% |
| ||||||||
Big 3 Segments 2021 Full-Year Outlook | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
February 23, 2021 | May 4, 2021 |
|
August 5, 2021 | November 2, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
|
Before currency,
includes the Change Program impact and
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue growth |
|
4.5% - 5.5% |
|
|
5.0% - 5.5% |
|
|
5.5% - 6.0% |
|
|
Approximately 6.0% |
| ||||||||
Organic revenue growth |
|
4.5% - 5.5% |
|
|
5.0% - 5.5% |
|
|
5.5% - 6.0% |
|
|
Approximately 6.0% |
| ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
|
38%- 39% |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
|
Approximately 39% |
|
|
Unchanged |
|
Our Outlook also assumes constant currency rates relative to 2020 and does not factor in the impact of any acquisitions or divestitures that may occur in future periods. We believe this type of guidance provides useful insight into the performance of our business. Some of the financial measures in this Outlook are provided on a non-IFRS basis. Refer to Appendices A and B of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information and reconciliations of our non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures.
Page 20
The following table sets forth our current three-year business outlook.
2021, 2022 and 2023 Full-Year Outlook | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Thomson Reuters |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
2021 (November 2 Update) | 2022 |
|
2023 |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Before currency,
includes the Change Program impact and
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Revenue growth |
|
4.5% - 5.0% |
|
|
4.0% - 5.0% |
|
|
5.0% - 6.0% |
|
|||||||||||
Organic revenue growth |
|
4.5% - 5.0% |
|
|
4.0% - 5.0% |
|
|
5.0% - 6.0% |
|
|||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
|
31% - 32% |
|
|
34% - 35% |
|
|
38% - 40% |
|
|||||||||||
Corporate costs |
|
$305 million - $330 million |
|
|
$245 million - $290 million |
|
|
$110 million - $120 million |
|
|||||||||||
Core corporate costs |
$130 million - $140 million | $120 million - $130 million | $110 million - $120 million | |||||||||||||||||
Change Program operating expenses |
$175 million - $190 million | $125 million - $160 million | $0 | |||||||||||||||||
Free cash flow |
|
Approximately $1.2 billion |
|
|
$1.2 billion - $1.3 billion |
|
|
$1.8 billion - $2.0 billion |
|
|||||||||||
Capital expenditures, as a percentage of revenues |
|
9.0% - 9.5% |
|
|
7.5% - 8.0% |
|
|
6.0% - 6.5% |
|
|||||||||||
Change Program capital expenditures |
$115 million - $130 million | $85 million - $120 million | $0 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization of computer software |
|
$650 million - $675 million |
|
|
$620 million - $645 million |
|
|
$580 million - $605 million |
|
|||||||||||
Interest expense |
|
$190 million - $210 million |
|
|
$190 million - $210 million |
|
|
$190 million - $210 million |
|
|||||||||||
Effective tax rate on adjusted earnings |
|
14% - 16% |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
n/a |
|
|||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Outlook | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
2021 (November 2 Update) | 2022 |
|
2023 |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Before currency,
includes the Change Program impact and
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Revenue growth |
|
Approximately 6.0% |
|
|
5.5% - 6.5% |
|
|
6.0% - 7.0% |
|
|||||||||||
Organic revenue growth |
|
Approximately 6.0% |
|
|
5.5% - 6.5% |
|
|
6.0% - 7.0% |
|
|||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
|
Approximately 39% |
|
|
41% - 42% |
|
|
43% - 45% |
|
Change Program
In February 2021, we announced a two-year Change Program to transition from a holding company to an operating company, and from a content provider to a content-driven technology company. Our outlook incorporates the forecasted impacts associated with the Change Program, which is expected to take 24 months (2021 2022) to largely complete and is projected to require an investment of between $500 million and $600 million during the course of that time. By 2023, we believe the financial benefits that will result from these initiatives include:
● | Organic revenue growth of 5% - 6% including additional annual revenues of $100 million; |
● | Adjusted EBITDA margin of 38% - 40%; |
● | Free cash flow of $1.8 billion - $2.0 billion; |
● | Annual operating expense savings of $600 million, of which $200 million is expected to be reinvested in growth initiatives; and |
● | Capital expenditures as a percentage of revenue between 6% - 6.5%. |
In 2021, we plan to invest between $290 million and $320 million in the Change Program, of which $170 million was invested during the first nine months of 2021. For the full year, we expect to expense 60% of the investments and capitalize 40% of the investments, which will be amortized over future periods.
Page 21
The following table summarizes our material assumptions and material risks that may cause actual performance to differ from our expectations underlying our financial outlook.
Revenues | ||
Material assumptions
|
Material risks
| |
● Improved global economic conditions throughout 2021 to 2023, despite periods of volatility due to disruption caused by COVID-19 and the measures intended to mitigate its impact
● Continued need for trusted products and services that help customers navigate evolving and complex legal, tax, accounting, regulatory, geopolitical and commercial changes, developments and environments, and for cloud-based digital tools that drive productivity
● Continued ability to deliver innovative products that meet evolving customer demands
● Acquisition of new customers through expanded and improved digital platforms, simplification of the product portfolio and through other sales initiatives
● Improvement in customer retention through commercial simplification efforts and customer service improvements |
● Business disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including government enforced quarantines and stay-at-home orders, may continue longer than we expect or may be interrupted by future outbreaks and resurgences of the virus, delaying the anticipated recovery of the global economy
● Global economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as related regulatory reform and changes in the political environment may lead to limited business opportunities for our customers, creating significant cost pressures for some of them and potentially constraining the number of professionals employed, which could lead to lower demand for our products and services
● Demand for our products and services could be reduced by changes in customer buying patterns, or our inability to execute on key product design or customer support initiatives
● Competitive pricing actions and product innovation could impact our revenues
● Our sales, commercial simplification and product design initiatives may be insufficient to retain customers or generate new sales
| |
Adjusted EBITDA margin
| ||
Material assumptions
|
Material risks
| |
● Our ability to achieve revenue growth targets
● Business mix continues to shift to higher-growth product offerings
● Change Program expenses of $500 million to $600 million in 2021 and 2022
● Change Program investments drive higher adjusted EBITDA margin through higher revenues and efficiencies by 2023
|
● Same as the risks above related to the revenue outlook
● The costs to execute our Change Program may be higher than current expectations, or the expected benefits by 2023 may be lower than current expectations
● Acquisition and disposal activity may dilute adjusted EBITDA margin | |
Free Cash Flow
| ||
Material assumptions
|
Material risks
| |
● Our ability to achieve our revenue and adjusted EBITDA margin targets
● Capital expenditures expected to be between 9% and 9.5% of revenues in 2021; between 7.5% and 8% of revenues in 2022; and between 6% and 6.5% of revenues in 2023 |
● Same as the risks above related to the revenue and adjusted EBITDA margin outlook
● A weaker macroeconomic environment could negatively impact working capital performance, including the ability of our customers to pay us
● Capital expenditures may be higher than currently expected
● The timing and amount of tax payments to governments may differ from our expectations
| |
Effective tax rate on adjusted earnings
| ||
Material assumptions
|
Material risks
| |
● Our ability to achieve our adjusted EBITDA target
● The mix of taxing jurisdictions where we recognized pre-tax profit or losses in 2020 does not significantly change
● No unexpected changes in tax laws and treaties within the jurisdictions where we operate
● Depreciation and amortization of computer software between $650 million and $675 million in 2021
● Interest expense between $190 million and $210 million in 2021
|
● Same as the risks above related to adjusted EBITDA
● A material change in the geographical mix of our pre-tax profits and losses
● A material change in current tax laws or treaties to which we are subject, and did not expect
● Depreciation and amortization of computer software as well as interest expense may be significantly higher or lower than expected
|
Our Outlook contains various non-IFRS financial measures. We believe that providing reconciliations of forward-looking non-IFRS financial measures in our Outlook would be potentially misleading and not practical due to the difficulty of projecting items that are not reflective of ongoing operations in any future period. The magnitude of these items may be significant. Consequently, for Outlook purposes only, we are unable to reconcile these non-IFRS measures to the most comparable IFRS measures because we cannot predict, with reasonable certainty, the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates which impact (i) the translation of our results reported at average foreign currency rates for the year and (ii) other finance income or expense related to intercompany financing arrangements. Additionally, we cannot reasonably predict (i) our share of post-tax earnings (losses) in equity method investments, which is subject to changes in the stock price of LSEG or (ii) the occurrence or amount of other operating gains and losses, which generally arise from business transactions we do not currently anticipate.
Page 22
While our performance in the first nine months of 2021 provides us with increasing confidence about our outlook, the global economy continues to experience substantial disruption due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, as well as from the measures intended to mitigate its impact. Any worsening of the global economic or business environment could impact our ability to achieve our outlook.
As of November 1, 2021, Woodbridge beneficially owned approximately 67% of our common shares.
In March 2021, we received proceeds of $994 million related to the sale of LSEG shares. This amount was distributed to us by YPL, an entity jointly owned by Thomson Reuters, Blackstones consortium and certain current LSEG and former members of Refinitiv senior management. YPL is an equity method investment of our company. In June 2021, we received a dividend of $51 million from YPL reflecting our portion of dividends paid by LSEG (see the Sale of Refinitiv to LSEG and Subsequent Events sections of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information).
In September 2021, we redeemed our ownership interest in an equity method investment and received proceeds of $13 million.
Except for the above transactions, there were no new significant related party transactions during the first nine months of 2021. Refer to the Related Party Transactions section of our 2020 annual managements discussion and analysis, which is contained in our 2020 annual report, as well as note 31 of our 2020 annual consolidated financial statements for information regarding related party transactions.
Share Repurchases
In October 2021, we repurchased approximately $450 million of our common shares under our NCIB.
Dividends Received
In October 2021, we received an additional dividend of $24 million from YPL related to our portion of dividends paid by LSEG.
Changes in Accounting Policies
Please refer to the Changes in Accounting Policies section of our 2020 annual managements discussion and analysis, which is contained in our 2020 annual report, for information regarding changes in accounting policies. Since the date of our 2020 annual managements discussion and analysis, there have not been any significant changes to our accounting policies.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments about the future. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Please refer to the Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments section of our 2020 annual managements discussion and analysis, which is contained in our 2020 annual report, for additional information. Since the date of our 2020 annual managements discussion and analysis, there have not been any significant changes to our critical accounting estimates and judgments.
Page 23
Disclosure controls and procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in applicable U.S. and Canadian securities law) as of the end of the period covered by this managements discussion and analysis, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that all information that we are required to disclose in reports that we file or furnish under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act and applicable Canadian securities law is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Internal control over financial reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.
We are engaged in a long-term efficiency initiative which impacts our financial reporting. We are enhancing our order-to-cash (OTC) applications and related workflow processes in phases over multiple years. Key elements of the OTC solutions are order management, billing, cash management and collections functionality. We expect to reduce the number of applications and to streamline and automate processes across our organization through this initiative.
As we are implementing this initiative in phases over an extended period, the nature and extent of activity will vary by quarter. The initiative could result in material changes to our internal control over financial reporting depending on the nature and volume of work completed, as we will continue to modify the design and documentation of the related internal control processes and procedures, as necessary.
Except as described above, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter of 2021 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Share capital
As of November 1, 2021, we had outstanding 486,898,910 common shares, 6,000,000 Series II preference shares, 2,736,848 stock options and a total of 2,622,788 time-based restricted share units and performance restricted share units. We have also issued a Thomson Reuters Founders Share which enables Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company to exercise extraordinary voting power to safeguard the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Public securities filings and regulatory announcements
You may access other information about our company, including our 2020 annual report (which contains information required in an annual information form) and our other disclosure documents, reports, statements or other information that we file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities through SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in the United States with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at www.sec.gov.
Page 24
Cautionary note concerning factors that may affect future results
Certain statements in this managements discussion and analysis are forward-looking, including, but not limited to, our three-year business outlook, expectations related to the Change Program, statements regarding the Companys intention to target a dividend payout ratio of between 50% to 60% of its free cash flow, statements regarding the expected future growth of our customer segments or businesses, the Companys expectations regarding share repurchases, and the outcome of HMRC matters. The words will, expect, believe, target, estimate, could, should, intend, predict, project and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. While we believe that we have a reasonable basis for making forward-looking statements in this managements discussion and analysis, they are not a guarantee of future performance or outcomes or that any other events described in any forward-looking statement will materialize. Forward-looking statements, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Many of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions are beyond our companys control and the effects of them can be difficult to predict. In particular, the full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, operations and financial results will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict.
Certain factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations are discussed in the Outlook section above. Additional factors are discussed in the Risk Factors section of our 2020 annual report and in materials that we from time to time file with, or furnish to, the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of those risks are, and could be, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result. There is no assurance that any forward-looking statement will materialize.
Our companys three-year business outlook is based on information currently available to the Company and is based on various external and internal assumptions made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments (including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic), as well as other factors that the Company believes are appropriate under the circumstances.
Our company has provided a business outlook for the purpose of presenting information about current expectations for the periods presented. This information may not be appropriate for other purposes. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements which reflect expectations only as of the date of this managements discussion and analysis. Except as may be required by applicable law, Thomson Reuters disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Page 25
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
We use non-IFRS financial measures as supplemental indicators of our operating performance and financial position. Additionally, we use non-IFRS measures as performance metrics as the basis for management incentive programs. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to the calculation of similar measures used by other companies.
The following table sets forth our non-IFRS financial measures, including an explanation of why we believe they are useful measures of our performance. Reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS measure are reflected in Appendix B and the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this managements discussion and analysis.
How We Define It |
Why We Use It and Why It Is Useful to Investors |
Most Directly Comparable
IFRS | ||
Segment adjusted EBITDA, consolidated adjusted EBITDA and the related margins
| ||||
Segment adjusted EBITDA represents earnings from continuing operations before tax expense or benefit, net interest expense, other finance costs or income, depreciation, amortization of software and other identifiable intangible assets, our share of post-tax earnings or losses in equity method investments, other operating gains and losses, certain asset impairment charges, fair value adjustments and corporate related items.
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA is comprised of adjusted EBITDA from each reportable segment and Corporate costs.
The related margins are expressed as a percentage of revenues. |
Provides a consistent basis to evaluate operating profitability and performance trends by excluding items that we do not consider to be controllable activities for this purpose.
Represents a measure commonly reported and widely used by investors as a valuation metric. Additionally, this measure is used to assess our ability to incur and service debt. |
Earnings from continuing operations | ||
Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures and the related margin
| ||||
Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures. The related margin is expressed as a percentage of revenues. |
Provides a basis for evaluating the operating profitability and capital intensity of a business in a single measure. This measure captures investments regardless of whether they are expensed or capitalized.
|
Earnings from continuing operations |
Page 26
How We Define It |
Why We Use It and Why It Is Useful to Investors |
Most Directly Comparable
IFRS | ||
Adjusted earnings and adjusted EPS
| ||||
Net (loss) earnings: ● Excluding the post-tax impacts of fair value adjustments, amortization of other identifiable intangible assets, other operating gains and losses, certain asset impairment charges, other finance costs or income, our share of post-tax earnings or losses in equity method investments, discontinued operations and other items affecting comparability. We calculate the post-tax amount of each item excluded from adjusted earnings based on the specific tax rules and tax rates associated with the nature and jurisdiction of each item. ● We also deduct dividends declared on preference shares.
|
Provides a more comparable basis to analyze earnings and is also a measure commonly used by shareholders to measure our performance. | Net (loss) earnings and diluted (loss) earnings per share | ||
Adjusted EPS is calculated from adjusted earnings using diluted weighted-average shares.
|
||||
In interim periods, we also adjust our reported earnings and earnings per share to reflect a normalized effective tax rate. Specifically, the normalized effective rate is computed as the estimated full-year effective tax rate applied to pre-tax adjusted earnings of the interim period. The reported effective tax rate is based on separate annual effective income tax rates for each taxing jurisdiction that are applied to each interim periods pre-tax income. |
Because the geographical mix of pre-tax profits and losses in interim periods may be different from that for the full year, our effective tax rate computed in accordance with IFRS may be more volatile by quarter. Therefore, we believe that using the expected full-year effective tax rate provides more comparability among interim periods. The adjustment to normalize the effective tax rate reallocates estimated full-year income taxes between interim periods, but has no effect on full-year tax expense or on cash taxes paid.
|
|||
Net debt and leverage ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA | ||||
Net debt: Total indebtedness (excluding the associated unamortized transaction costs and premiums or discount) plus the currency related fair value of associated hedging instruments, and lease liabilities less cash and cash equivalents. |
Provides a commonly used measure of a companys leverage.
Given that we hedge some of our debt to reduce risk, we include hedging instruments as we believe it provides a better measure of the total obligation associated with our outstanding debt. However, because we intend to hold our debt and related hedges to maturity, we do not consider the interest components of the associated fair value of hedges in our measurements. We reduce gross indebtedness by cash and cash equivalents. |
Total debt (current indebtedness plus long-term indebtedness) | ||
Net debt to adjusted EBITDA: Net debt is divided by adjusted EBITDA for the previous twelve-month period ending with the current fiscal quarter. |
Provides a commonly used measure of a companys ability to pay its debt. Our non-IFRS measure is aligned with the calculation of our internal target and is more conservative than the maximum ratio allowed under our contractual covenants in our credit facility. |
For adjusted EBITDA, refer to the definition above for the most directly comparable IFRS measure | ||
Free cash flow | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities, proceeds from disposals of property and equipment, and other investing activities, less capital expenditures, payments of lease principal and dividends paid on our preference shares. |
Helps assess our ability, over the long term, to create value for our shareholders as it represents cash available to repay debt, pay common dividends and fund share repurchases and new acquisitions. |
Net cash provided by operating activities |
Page 27
How We Define It |
Why We Use It and Why It Is Useful to Investors |
Most Directly Comparable
IFRS | ||
Changes before the impact of foreign currency or at constant currency | ||||
Applicable measures where changes are reported before the impact of foreign currency or at constant currency
IFRS Measures: ● Revenues ● Operating expenses
Non-IFRS Measures: ● Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin ● Adjusted EPS |
Provides better comparability of business trends from period to period.
Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. However, we conduct activities in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We measure our performance before the impact of foreign currency (or at constant currency), which means that we apply the same foreign currency exchange rates for the current and equivalent prior period. To calculate the foreign currency impact between periods, we convert the current and equivalent prior periods local currency results using the same foreign currency exchange rate. |
For each non-IFRS measure, refer to the definitions above for the most directly comparable IFRS measure. | ||
Changes in revenues computed on an organic basis | ||||
Represent changes in revenues of our existing businesses at constant currency. The metric excludes the distortive impacts of acquisitions and dispositions from not owning the business in both comparable periods.
● For acquisitions, we calculate organic growth as though we had owned the acquired business in both periods. We compare revenues for the acquired business for the period we owned the business to the same prior-year period revenues for that business, when we did not own it. ● For dispositions, we calculate organic growth as though we did not own the business in either period. We exclude revenues of the disposed business from the point of disposition, as well as revenues from the same prior-year period before the sale. |
Provides further insight into the performance of our existing businesses by excluding distortive impacts and serves as a better measure of our ability to grow our business over the long term. |
Revenues |
Page 28
Appendix B
This appendix provides reconciliations of certain non-IFRS measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measure that are not presented elsewhere in this managements discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
Reconciliation of (loss) earnings from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations |
(241) | 240 | 5,864 | 562 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to remove: |
||||||||||||||||
Tax (benefit) expense |
(161) | (147) | 1,722 | (84) | ||||||||||||
Other finance income |
(34) | (2) | (30) | (36) | ||||||||||||
Net interest expense |
46 | 49 | 146 | 146 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
29 | 32 | 90 | 92 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of computer software |
119 | 133 | 356 | 362 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation |
40 | 61 | 128 | 144 | ||||||||||||
EBITDA |
(202) | 366 | 8,276 | 1,186 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to remove: |
||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax losses (earnings) in equity method investments |
672 | 178 | (6,717) | 385 | ||||||||||||
Other operating gains, net |
(4) | (56) | (35) | (104) | ||||||||||||
Fair value adjustments |
(8) | 3 | (6) | (17) | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
458 | 491 | 1,518 | 1,450 | ||||||||||||
Deduct: Capital expenditures |
(131) | (117) | (364) | (404) | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures |
327 | 374 | 1,154 | 1,046 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
30.0% | 34.0% | 32.7% | 33.2% | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures margin |
21.4% | 25.9% | 24.9% | 24.0% |
Reconciliation of net (loss) earnings to adjusted earnings and adjusted EPS
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and share data) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) earnings |
(240) | 241 | 5,864 | 560 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to remove: |
||||||||||||||||
Fair value adjustments |
(8) | 3 | (6) | (17) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
29 | 32 | 90 | 92 | ||||||||||||
Other operating gains, net |
(4) | (56) | (35) | (104) | ||||||||||||
Other finance income |
(34) | (2) | (30) | (36) | ||||||||||||
Share of post-tax losses (earnings) in equity method investments |
672 | 178 | (6,717) | 385 | ||||||||||||
Tax on above items(1) |
(174) | (41) | 1,616 | (100) | ||||||||||||
Tax items impacting comparability(1) |
(4) | (146) | (15) | (107) | ||||||||||||
(Earnings) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax |
(1) | (1) | - | 2 | ||||||||||||
Interim period effective tax rate normalization(1) |
(8) | (15) | (10) | (21) | ||||||||||||
Dividends declared on preference shares |
(1) | (1) | (2) | (2) | ||||||||||||
Adjusted earnings |
227 | 192 | 755 | 652 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EPS |
$0.46 | $0.39 | $1.52 | $1.31 | ||||||||||||
Diluted weighted-average common shares (millions)(2) |
495.9 | 498.4 | 496.6 | 497.8 |
(1) | See the Results of OperationsTax (benefit) expense section of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information. |
(2) | For the three months ended September 30, 2021, refer to Reconciliation of weighted-average diluted shares used in adjusted EPS in this appendix. |
Page 29
Reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
534 | 581 | 1,376 | 1,179 | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(131) | (117) | (364) | (404) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment |
- | 98 | - | 162 | ||||||||||||
Other investing activities |
3 | - | 56 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Payments of lease principal |
(22) | (20) | (65) | (56) | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid on preference shares |
(1) | (1) | (2) | (2) | ||||||||||||
Free cash flow |
383 | 541 | 1,001 | 881 |
Reconciliation of changes in revenues excluding the effects of foreign currency (constant currency) as well as acquisitions/divestitures (organic basis)(1)
Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Foreign Currency |
Subtotal Constant Currency |
Acquisitions/ (Divestitures) |
Organic | |||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
682 | 636 | 7% | 1% | 6% | - | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Corporates |
356 | 333 | 7% | 1% | 6% | - | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
175 | 165 | 6% | - | 6% | - | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Combined |
1,213 | 1,134 | 7% | 1% | 6% | - | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Reuters News |
164 | 154 | 6% | - | 6% | - | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Global Print |
149 | 154 | (3%) | 1% | (5%) | - | (5%) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations/Rounding |
- | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
1,526 | 1,443 | 6% | 1% | 5% | - | 5% |
Reconciliation of changes in recurring revenues excluding the effects of foreign currency (constant currency) as well as acquisitions/divestitures (organic basis)(1)
Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Foreign Currency |
Subtotal Constant Currency |
Acquisitions/ (Divestitures) |
Organic | |||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
634 | 592 | 7% | 1% | 6% | - | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Corporates |
309 | 287 | 8% | 1% | 7% | - | 7% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
147 | 133 | 10% | - | 10% | - | 10% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Combined |
1,090 | 1,012 | 8% | 1% | 7% | - | 7% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Reuters News |
143 | 141 | 1% | - | 1% | - | 1% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total recurring revenues |
1,233 | 1,153 | 7% | 1% | 6% | - | 6% |
(1) | Growth percentages are computed using whole dollars. Accordingly, percentages calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented, and components of growth may not total due to rounding. |
Page 30
Reconciliation of changes in transactions revenues excluding the effects of foreign currency (constant currency) as well as acquisitions/divestitures (organic basis)(1)
Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Foreign Currency |
Subtotal Constant Currency |
Acquisitions/ (Divestitures) |
Organic | |||||||||||||||||||||
Transactions Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
48 | 44 | 11% | 1% | 10% | (1%) | 10% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Corporates |
47 | 46 | 2% | - | 2% | - | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
28 | 32 | (9%) | - | (9%) | - | (9%) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Combined |
123 | 122 | 2% | 1% | 2% | - | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Reuters News |
21 | 13 | 62% | (5%) | 66% | - | 66% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total transactions revenues |
144 | 135 | 8% | - | 8% | - | 8% |
Reconciliation of changes in revenues excluding the effects of foreign currency (constant currency) as well as acquisitions/divestitures (organic basis)(1)
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Foreign Currency |
Subtotal Constant Currency |
Acquisitions/ (Divestitures) |
Organic | |||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
2,023 | 1,882 | 7% | 1% | 6% | - | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Corporates |
1,088 | 1,029 | 6% | 1% | 5% | - | 5% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
597 | 551 | 8% | - | 8% | - | 8% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Combined |
3,708 | 3,462 | 7% | 1% | 6% | - | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Reuters News |
492 | 464 | 6% | 1% | 5% | - | 5% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Global Print |
439 | 443 | (1%) | 2% | (3%) | - | (3%) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations/Rounding |
(1) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
4,638 | 4,368 | 6% | 1% | 5% | - | 5% |
Reconciliation of changes in recurring revenues excluding the effects of foreign currency (constant currency) as well as acquisitions/divestitures (organic basis)(1)
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Foreign Currency |
Subtotal Constant Currency |
Acquisitions/ (Divestitures) |
Organic | |||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
1,881 | 1,759 | 7% | 1% | 6% | - | 5% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Corporates |
904 | 850 | 6% | 1% | 5% | - | 5% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
457 | 427 | 7% | - | 7% | - | 7% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Combined |
3,242 | 3,036 | 7% | 1% | 6% | - | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Reuters News |
431 | 424 | 2% | 1% | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total recurring revenues |
3,673 | 3,460 | 6% | 1% | 5% | - | 5% |
(1) | Growth percentages are computed using whole dollars. Accordingly, percentages calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented, and components of growth may not total due to rounding. |
Page 31
Reconciliation of changes in transactions revenues excluding the effects of foreign currency (constant currency) as well as acquisitions/divestitures (organic basis)(1)
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Foreign Currency |
Subtotal Constant Currency |
Acquisitions/ (Divestitures) |
Organic | |||||||||||||||||||||
Transactions Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
142 | 123 | 16% | 3% | 14% | - | 14% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Corporates |
184 | 179 | 3% | - | 3% | - | 3% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
140 | 124 | 13% | 1% | 12% | - | 12% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Combined |
466 | 426 | 10% | 1% | 9% | - | 9% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Reuters News |
61 | 40 | 52% | 2% | 50% | 1% | 50% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total transactions revenues |
527 | 466 | 13% | 1% | 12% | - | 12% |
(1) | Growth percentages are computed using whole dollars. Accordingly, percentages calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented, and components of growth may not total due to rounding. |
Reconciliation of changes in adjusted EBITDA and the related margin, and consolidated operating expenses and adjusted EPS, excluding the effects of foreign currency(1)
Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except margins and per share amounts) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Foreign Currency |
Constant Currency |
|||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
||||||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
288 | 272 | 6% | 2% | 4% | |||||||||||||||
Corporates |
131 | 120 | 9% | 1% | 9% | |||||||||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
49 | 47 | 4% | (1%) | 6% | |||||||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Combined |
468 | 439 | 7% | 1% | 6% | |||||||||||||||
Reuters News |
25 | 23 | 4% | (4%) | 8% | |||||||||||||||
Global Print |
52 | 64 | (18%) | 1% | (19%) | |||||||||||||||
Corporate costs |
(87) | (35) | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA |
458 | 491 | (7%) | 1% | (7%) | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin |
||||||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
42.3% | 42.8% | (50)bp | 30bp | (80)bp | |||||||||||||||
Corporates |
36.8% | 36.0% | 80bp | - | 80bp | |||||||||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
28.0% | 28.5% | (50)bp | (30)bp | (20)bp | |||||||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Combined |
38.6% | 38.7% | (10)bp | 10bp | (20)bp | |||||||||||||||
Reuters News |
14.9% | 15.2% | (30)bp | (50)bp | 20bp | |||||||||||||||
Global Print |
35.0% | 41.1% | (610)bp | 20bp | (630)bp | |||||||||||||||
Corporate costs |
n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin |
30.0% | 34.0% | (400)bp | 10bp | (410)bp | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated operating expenses |
1,060 | 955 | 11% | 1% | 12% | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated adjusted EPS |
$0.46 | $0.39 | 18% | 3% | 15% |
(1) | Growth percentages and adjusted EBITDA margins are computed using whole dollars. Accordingly, percentages and margins calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented, and components of growth may not total due to rounding. |
Page 32
Reconciliation of changes in adjusted EBITDA and the related margin, and consolidated operating expenses and adjusted EPS, excluding the effects of foreign currency(1)
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except margins and per share amounts) | 2021 | 2020 | Total | Foreign Currency |
Constant Currency |
|||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
||||||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
852 | 756 | 13% | 2% | 11% | |||||||||||||||
Corporates |
407 | 355 | 15% | 1% | 14% | |||||||||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
219 | 185 | 18% | - | 18% | |||||||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Combined |
1,478 | 1,296 | 14% | 1% | 13% | |||||||||||||||
Reuters News |
88 | 67 | 30% | (14%) | 44% | |||||||||||||||
Global Print |
165 | 181 | (9%) | 2% | (11%) | |||||||||||||||
Corporate costs |
(213) | (94) | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA |
1,518 | 1,450 | 5% | 1% | 4% | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin |
||||||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
42.1% | 40.2% | 190bp | 10bp | 180bp | |||||||||||||||
Corporates |
37.4% | 34.5% | 290bp | (20)bp | 310bp | |||||||||||||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
36.6% | 33.6% | 300bp | (10)bp | 310bp | |||||||||||||||
Big 3 Segments Combined |
39.9% | 37.4% | 250bp | 20bp | 230bp | |||||||||||||||
Reuters News |
17.8% | 14.5% | 330bp | (210)bp | 540bp | |||||||||||||||
Global Print |
37.5% | 40.7% | (320)bp | 20bp | (340)bp | |||||||||||||||
Corporate costs |
n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin |
32.7% | 33.2% | (50)bp | (20)bp | (30)bp | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated operating expenses |
3,114 | 2,901 | 7% | 1% | 6% | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated adjusted EPS |
$1.52 | $1.31 | 16% | 1% | 15% |
(1) | Growth percentages and adjusted EBITDA margins are computed using whole dollars. Accordingly, percentages and margins calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented, and components of growth may not total due to rounding. |
Reconciliation of weighted-average diluted shares used in adjusted EPS
Because we reported a net loss for continuing operations under IFRS for the three months ended September 30, 2021, the weighted-average number of common shares used for basic and diluted loss per share is the same for all per share calculations in the period, as the effect of stock options and other equity incentive awards would reduce the loss per share, and therefore be anti-dilutive. Since our non-IFRS measure adjusted earnings is a profit, potential common shares are included, as they lower adjusted EPS and are therefore dilutive.
The following table reconciles IFRS and non-IFRS common share information:
Three months ended September 30, | ||||
(weighted-average common shares) | 2021 | |||
IFRS: Basic and diluted |
494,624,854 | |||
Effect of stock options and other equity incentive awards |
1,275,150 | |||
Non-IFRS diluted |
495,900,004 |
Page 33
Appendix C
Quarterly information (unaudited)
The following table presents a summary of our consolidated operating results for the eight most recent quarters.
|
Quarters ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) |
September 30, 2021 |
June 30, 2021 |
March 31, 2021 |
December 31, 2020 |
September 30, 2020 |
June 30, 2020 |
March 31, 2020 |
December 31, 2019 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
1,526 | 1,532 | 1,580 | 1,616 | 1,443 | 1,405 | 1,520 | 1,583 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
282 | 316 | 387 | 956 | 318 | 365 | 290 | 216 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations |
(241) | 1,072 | 5,033 | 587 | 240 | 131 | 191 | 1,321 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
1 | (4) | 3 | (25) | 1 | (5) | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) earnings |
(240) | 1,068 | 5,036 | 562 | 241 | 126 | 193 | 1,324 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings attributable to common shareholders |
(240) | 1,068 | 5,036 | 562 | 241 | 126 | 193 | 1,324 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Basic (loss) earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
From continuing operations |
$(0.49) | $2.16 | $10.15 | $1.18 | $0.48 | $0.26 | $0.38 | $2.64 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
From discontinued operations |
- | (0.01) | - | (0.05) | - | (0.01) | 0.01 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
$(0.49) | $2.15 | $10.15 | $1.13 | $0.48 | $0.25 | $0.39 | $2.65 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted (loss) earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
From continuing operations |
$(0.49) | $2.16 | $10.13 | $1.18 | $0.48 | $0.26 | $0.38 | $2.63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
From discontinued operations |
- | (0.01) | - | (0.05) | - | (0.01) | 0.01 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
$(0.49) | $2.15 | $10.13 | $1.13 | $0.48 | $0.25 | $0.39 | $2.64 |
Revenues Our revenues do not tend to be significantly impacted by seasonality as we record a large portion of our revenues ratably over a contract term. However, our revenues from quarter to consecutive quarter can be impacted by the release of certain tax products, which tend to be concentrated in the fourth quarter and, to a lesser extent, in the first quarter of the year. The COVID-19 pandemic caused some of our revenue to shift from our traditional patterns. Specifically, revenues in our Tax & Accounting Professionals segment in the second quarter of 2021 benefited from higher Pay-Per-Return revenues associated with extended U.S. federal tax deadlines, while revenues in our Global Print segment benefited from more professionals returning to work. In contrast, revenues in the second quarter of 2020 were negatively impacted by delayed print shipments and deferrals of Pay-Per-Return revenues due to extended U.S. federal tax deadlines. Foreign currency had a slightly negative impact on our revenues through December 31, 2020. Acquisitions or divestitures of businesses did not significantly impact on revenues throughout the eight quarter period.
Operating profit Similarly, our operating profit does not tend to be significantly impacted by seasonality, as most of our operating expenses are fixed. As a result, when our revenues increase, we become more profitable, and when our revenues decline, we become less profitable. In 2021, our operating profit was negatively impacted by Change Program costs and, in 2019, by costs and investments to reposition our business. In 2020, operating profit benefited from lower costs due to the completion of the repositioning of our company in 2019 following the sale of F&R in October 2018 and, beginning with the second quarter of 2020, our COVID-19 related cost-reduction initiatives. In the fourth quarter of 2020, operating profit also benefited from a significant gain from the sale of an investment and a gain from an amendment to a pension plan.
Net (loss) earnings Net loss in the third quarter of 2021 reflected a decrease in the value of our LSEG investment while net earnings in the second quarter of 2021 reflected an increase in the value of our LSEG investment. The increase in net earnings in the first quarter of 2021 was due to the gain on sale of Refinitiv to LSEG. Net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2019 reflected a $1.2 billion deferred tax benefit associated with the reorganization of certain foreign operations.
Page 34
Appendix D
Guarantor Supplemental Financial Information
The following tables set forth consolidating summary financial information in connection with the full and unconditional guarantee by Thomson Reuters Corporation and three U.S. subsidiary guarantors, which are also indirect 100%-owned and consolidated subsidiaries of Thomson Reuters Corporation (referred to as the Guarantor Subsidiaries), of any debt securities issued by TR Finance LLC under a trust indenture to be entered into between Thomson Reuters Corporation, TR Finance LLC, the Guarantor Subsidiaries, Computershare Trust Company of Canada, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas. TR Finance LLC is an indirect 100%-owned subsidiary of Thomson Reuters Corporation and was formed with the sole purpose of issuing debt securities. TR Finance LLC has no significant assets or liabilities, as well as no subsidiaries or ongoing business operations of its own. The ability of TR Finance LLC to pay interest, premiums, operating expenses and to meet its debt obligations will depend upon the credit support of Thomson Reuters Corporation and the subsidiary guarantors. See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this managements discussion and analysis for additional information.
The tables below contain condensed consolidating financial information for the following:
● | Parent Thomson Reuters Corporation, the direct or indirect owner of all of its subsidiaries |
● | Subsidiary Issuer TR Finance LLC |
● | Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis |
● | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Other subsidiaries of Thomson Reuters Corporation on a combined basis that will not guarantee TR Finance LLC debt securities |
● | Eliminations Consolidating adjustments |
● | Thomson Reuters on a consolidated basis |
The Guarantor Subsidiaries referred to above are comprised of the following indirect 100%-owned and consolidated subsidiaries of Thomson Reuters Corporation:
● | Thomson Reuters Applications Inc., which operates part of the Companys Legal Professionals, Tax & Accounting Professionals and Corporates businesses; |
● | Thomson Reuters (Tax & Accounting) Inc., which operates part of the Companys Tax & Accounting Professionals and Corporates businesses; and |
● | West Publishing Corporation, which operates part of the Companys Legal Professionals, Corporates and Global Print businesses. |
Thomson Reuters Corporation accounts for its investments in subsidiaries using the equity method for purposes of the condensed consolidating financial information. Where subsidiaries are members of a consolidated tax filing group, Thomson Reuters Corporation allocates income tax expense pursuant to the tax sharing agreement among the members of the group, including application of the percentage method whereby members of the consolidated group are reimbursed for losses when they occur, regardless of the ability to use such losses on a standalone basis. We believe that this allocation is a systematic, rational approach for allocation of income tax balances. Adjustments necessary to consolidate the Parent, Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries are reflected in the Eliminations column.
This basis of presentation is not intended to present the financial position of Thomson Reuters Corporation and the results of its operations for any purpose other than to comply with the specific requirements for guarantor reporting and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, our 2020 annual consolidated financial statements, as well as our 2020 annual managements discussion and analysis included in our 2020 annual report.
The following condensed consolidating financial information is provided in compliance with the requirements of Section 13.4 of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations providing for an exemption for certain credit support issuers. Thomson Reuters Corporation has also elected to provide the following supplemental financial information in accordance with Article 13 of Regulation S-X, as adopted by the SEC on March 2, 2020 and set forth in SEC Release No. 33-10762.
Page 35
The following condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB and is unaudited.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INCOME STATEMENT
Three months ended September 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Parent | Subsidiary Issuer |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||
CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
- | - | 1,043 | 805 | (322) | 1,526 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(3) | - | (903) | (476) | 322 | (1,060) | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | (13) | (27) | - | (40) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of computer software |
- | - | (5) | (115) | 1 | (119) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
- | - | (13) | (16) | - | (29) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating gains, net |
- | - | - | 4 | - | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating (loss) profit |
(3) | - | 109 | 175 | 1 | 282 | ||||||||||||||||||
Finance (costs) income, net: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest expense |
(39) | - | - | (7) | - | (46) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other finance (costs) income |
(4) | - | - | 38 | - | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany net interest income (expense) |
27 | - | (13) | (14) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income before tax and equity method investments |
(19) | - | 96 | 192 | 1 | 270 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax losses in equity method investments |
- | - | - | (672) | - | (672) | ||||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in subsidiaries |
(221) | - | 3 | 90 | 128 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax (expense) benefit |
- | - | (6) | 167 | - | 161 | ||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations |
(240) | - | 93 | (223) | 129 | (241) | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) earnings |
(240) | - | 93 | (222) | 129 | (240) | ||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings attributable to common shareholders |
(240) | - | 93 | (222) | 129 | (240) |
Page 36
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INCOME STATEMENT
Three months ended September 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Parent | Subsidiary Issuer |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||
CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
- | - | 1,006 | 790 | (353) | 1,443 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
- | - | (868) | (440) | 353 | (955) | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | (26) | (35) | - | (61) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of computer software |
- | - | (6) | (128) | 1 | (133) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
- | - | (13) | (19) | - | (32) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating (losses) gains, net |
- | - | (2) | 58 | - | 56 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
- | - | 91 | 226 | 1 | 318 | ||||||||||||||||||
Finance (costs) income, net: |
- | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest expense |
(39) | - | (1) | (9) | - | (49) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other finance (costs) income |
(24) | - | - | 26 | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany net interest income (expense) |
28 | - | (13) | (15) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income before tax and equity method investments |
(35) | - | 77 | 228 | 1 | 271 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax losses in equity method investments |
- | - | - | (178) | - | (178) | ||||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax earnings in subsidiaries |
276 | - | 5 | 72 | (353) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax (expense) benefit |
- | - | (1) | 148 | - | 147 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations |
241 | - | 81 | 270 | (352) | 240 | ||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | - | (4) | 5 | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings |
241 | - | 77 | 275 | (352) | 241 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings attributable to common shareholders |
241 | - | 77 | 275 | (352) | 241 |
Page 37
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INCOME STATEMENT
Nine months ended September 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Parent | Subsidiary Issuer |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||
CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
- | - | 3,184 | 2,542 | (1,088) | 4,638 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(8) | - | (2,757) | (1,437) | 1,088 | (3,114) | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | (46) | (82) | - | (128) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of computer software |
- | - | (15) | (343) | 2 | (356) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
- | - | (38) | (52) | - | (90) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating (losses) gains, net |
- | - | (1) | 36 | - | 35 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating (loss) profit |
(8) | - | 327 | 664 | 2 | 985 | ||||||||||||||||||
Finance (costs) income, net: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest expense |
(117) | - | (1) | (28) | - | (146) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other finance (costs) income |
(7) | - | - | 37 | - | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany net interest income (expense) |
84 | - | (38) | (46) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income before tax and equity method investments |
(48) | - | 288 | 627 | 2 | 869 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax earnings in equity method investments |
- | - | - | 6,717 | - | 6,717 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax earnings in subsidiaries |
5,912 | - | 10 | 234 | (6,156) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax expense |
- | - | (54) | (1,668) | - | (1,722) | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations |
5,864 | - | 244 | 5,910 | (6,154) | 5,864 | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings |
5,864 | - | 244 | 5,910 | (6,154) | 5,864 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings attributable to common shareholders |
5,864 | - | 244 | 5,910 | (6,154) | 5,864 |
Page 38
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INCOME STATEMENT
Nine months ended September 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Parent | Subsidiary Issuer |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||
CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
- | - | 3,071 | 2,339 | (1,042) | 4,368 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(8) | - | (2,669) | (1,266) | 1,042 | (2,901) | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | (59) | (85) | - | (144) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of computer software |
- | - | (18) | (346) | 2 | (362) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
- | - | (40) | (52) | - | (92) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating (losses) gains, net |
- | - | (13) | 117 | - | 104 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating (loss) profit |
(8) | - | 272 | 707 | 2 | 973 | ||||||||||||||||||
Finance (costs) income, net: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest expense |
(114) | - | (2) | (30) | - | (146) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other finance income (costs) |
60 | - | (1) | (23) | - | 36 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany net interest income (expense) |
80 | - | (38) | (42) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Income before tax and equity method investments |
18 | - | 231 | 612 | 2 | 863 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax losses in equity method investments |
- | - | - | (385) | - | (385) | ||||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax earnings in subsidiaries |
542 | - | 16 | 156 | (714) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax (expense) benefit |
- | - | (71) | 155 | - | 84 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations |
560 | - | 176 | 538 | (712) | 562 | ||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | - | (4) | 2 | - | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings |
560 | - | 172 | 540 | (712) | 560 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings attributable to common shareholders |
560 | - | 172 | 540 | (712) | 560 |
Page 39
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
September 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Parent | Subsidiary Issuer |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
71 | - | 350 | 1,090 | - | 1,511 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
3 | - | 614 | 334 | - | 951 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany receivables |
3,527 | - | 606 | 3,509 | (7,642) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Other financial assets |
- | - | 5 | 78 | - | 83 | ||||||||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
1 | - | 228 | 234 | - | 463 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
3,602 | - | 1,803 | 5,245 | (7,642) | 3,008 | ||||||||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net |
- | - | 209 | 264 | - | 473 | ||||||||||||||||||
Computer software, net |
- | - | 18 | 791 | (1) | 808 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other identifiable intangible assets, net |
- | - | 1,148 | 2,211 | - | 3,359 | ||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
- | - | 3,823 | 2,112 | - | 5,935 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity method investments |
- | - | - | 7,225 | - | 7,225 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
98 | - | 125 | 925 | - | 1,148 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany receivables |
254 | - | - | 778 | (1,032) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Investments in subsidiaries |
17,463 | - | 68 | 4,367 | (21,898) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax |
- | - | - | 1,143 | - | 1,143 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
21,417 | - | 7,194 | 25,061 | (30,573) | 23,099 | ||||||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payables, accruals and provisions |
75 | - | 448 | 703 | - | 1,226 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current tax liabilities |
- | - | - | 398 | - | 398 | ||||||||||||||||||
Deferred revenue |
- | - | 626 | 212 | - | 838 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany payables |
2,885 | - | 624 | 4,133 | (7,642) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
480 | - | 19 | 150 | - | 649 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
3,440 | - | 1,717 | 5,596 | (7,642) | 3,111 | ||||||||||||||||||
Long-term indebtedness |
3,782 | - | - | - | - | 3,782 | ||||||||||||||||||
Provisions and other non-current liabilities |
4 | - | 77 | 890 | - | 971 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany payables |
- | - | 778 | 254 | (1,032) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax |
- | - | 187 | 857 | - | 1,044 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
7,226 | - | 2,759 | 7,597 | (8,674) | 8,908 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total equity |
14,191 | - | 4,435 | 17,464 | (21,899) | 14,191 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and equity |
21,417 | - | 7,194 | 25,061 | (30,573) | 23,099 |
Page 40
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Parent | Subsidiary Issuer |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
3 | - | 359 | 1,425 | - | 1,787 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
1 | - | 735 | 415 | - | 1,151 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany receivables |
3,406 | - | 245 | 3,298 | (6,949) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Other financial assets |
- | - | 5 | 607 | - | 612 | ||||||||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
1 | - | 212 | 212 | - | 425 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
3,411 | - | 1,556 | 5,957 | (6,949) | 3,975 | ||||||||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net |
- | - | 241 | 304 | - | 545 | ||||||||||||||||||
Computer software, net |
- | - | 12 | 821 | (3) | 830 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other identifiable intangible assets, net |
- | - | 1,150 | 2,277 | - | 3,427 | ||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
- | - | 3,731 | 2,245 | - | 5,976 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity method investments |
- | - | - | 1,136 | - | 1,136 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
101 | - | 132 | 555 | - | 788 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany receivables |
245 | - | - | 778 | (1,023) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Investments in subsidiaries |
12,854 | - | 175 | 4,056 | (17,085) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax |
- | - | - | 1,204 | - | 1,204 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
16,611 | - | 6,997 | 19,333 | (25,060) | 17,881 | ||||||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payables, accruals and provisions |
39 | - | 421 | 699 | - | 1,159 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current tax liabilities |
- | - | 1 | 250 | - | 251 | ||||||||||||||||||
Deferred revenue |
- | - | 611 | 255 | - | 866 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany payables |
2,617 | - | 681 | 3,651 | (6,949) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
200 | - | 19 | 157 | - | 376 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
2,856 | - | 1,733 | 5,012 | (6,949) | 2,652 | ||||||||||||||||||
Long-term indebtedness |
3,772 | - | - | - | - | 3,772 | ||||||||||||||||||
Provisions and other non-current liabilities |
3 | - | 72 | 1,008 | - | 1,083 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany payables |
- | - | 778 | 245 | (1,023) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax |
- | - | 183 | 211 | - | 394 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
6,631 | - | 2,766 | 6,476 | (7,972) | 7,901 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total equity |
9,980 | - | 4,231 | 12,857 | (17,088) | 9,980 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and equity |
16,611 | - | 6,997 | 19,333 | (25,060) | 17,881 |
Page 41
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Parent | Subsidiary Issuer |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, 2021 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
(6) | - | 299 | 241 | - | 534 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
1,200 | - | (9) | (536) | (1,200) | (545) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(1,126) | - | (290) | (601) | 1,200 | (817) | ||||||||||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash and bank overdrafts |
68 | - | - | (896) | - | (828) | ||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, 2020 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
(13) | - | (141) | 735 | - | 581 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
47 | - | (9) | (28) | (72) | (62) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(37) | - | 15 | (368) | 72 | (318) | ||||||||||||||||||
(Decrease) increase in cash and bank overdrafts |
(3) | - | (135) | 339 | - | 201 | ||||||||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Parent | Subsidiary Issuer |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2021
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
(93) | - | 482 | 987 | - | 1,376 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) by investing activities |
1,200 | - | (20) | (150) | (1,235) | (205) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(1,039) | - | (471) | (1,169) | 1,235 | (1,444) | ||||||||||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash and bank overdrafts |
68 | - | (9) | (332) | - | (273) | ||||||||||||||||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
(114) | - | 286 | 1,007 | - | 1,179 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
- | - | (20) | (124) | (260) | (404) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
110 | - | (288) | (525) | 260 | (443) | ||||||||||||||||||
(Decrease) increase in cash and bank overdrafts |
(4) | - | (22) | 358 | - | 332 |
Page 42
Exhibit 99.2
Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
THOMSON REUTERS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
(unaudited)
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) | Notes | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
|
2 |
|
|
1,526 |
|
|
1,443 |
|
|
4,638 |
|
|
4,368 |
| |||||
Operating expenses |
|
5 |
|
|
(1,060) |
|
|
(955) |
|
|
(3,114) |
|
|
(2,901) |
| |||||
Depreciation |
|
(40) |
|
|
(61) |
|
|
(128) |
|
|
(144) |
| ||||||||
Amortization of computer software |
|
(119) |
|
|
(133) |
|
|
(356) |
|
|
(362) |
| ||||||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
|
(29) |
|
|
(32) |
|
|
(90) |
|
|
(92) |
| ||||||||
Other operating gains, net |
|
6 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
56 |
|
|
35 |
|
|
104 |
| |||||
Operating profit |
|
282 |
|
|
318 |
|
|
985 |
|
|
973 |
| ||||||||
Finance costs, net: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest expense |
|
7 |
|
|
(46) |
|
|
(49) |
|
|
(146) |
|
|
(146) |
| |||||
Other finance income |
|
7 |
|
|
34 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
36 |
| |||||
Income before tax and equity method investments |
|
270 |
|
|
271 |
|
|
869 |
|
|
863 |
| ||||||||
Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments |
|
8 |
|
|
(672) |
|
|
(178) |
|
|
6,717 |
|
|
(385) |
| |||||
Tax benefit (expense) |
|
9 |
|
|
161 |
|
|
147 |
|
|
(1,722) |
|
|
84 |
| |||||
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations |
|
(241) |
|
|
240 |
|
|
5,864 |
|
|
562 |
| ||||||||
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
- |
|
|
(2) |
| ||||||||
Net (loss) earnings |
|
(240) |
|
|
241 |
|
|
5,864 |
|
|
560 |
| ||||||||
(Loss) earnings attributable to common shareholders |
|
(240) |
|
|
241 |
|
|
5,864 |
|
|
560 |
| ||||||||
(Loss) earnings per share: |
|
10 |
|
|||||||||||||||||
Basic (loss) earnings per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||
From continuing operations |
|
($0.49) |
|
|
$0.48 |
|
|
$11.83 |
|
|
$1.13 |
| ||||||||
From discontinued operations |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(0.01) |
| ||||||||
Basic (loss) earnings per share |
|
($0.49) |
|
|
$0.48 |
|
|
$11.83 |
|
|
$1.12 |
| ||||||||
Diluted (loss) earnings per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||
From continuing operations |
|
($0.49) |
|
|
$0.48 |
|
|
$11.80 |
|
|
$1.12 |
| ||||||||
From discontinued operations |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
| ||||||||
Diluted (loss) earnings per share |
|
($0.49) |
|
|
$0.48 |
|
|
$11.80 |
|
|
$1.12 |
|
The related notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Page 43
THOMSON REUTERS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Notes | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Net (loss) earnings |
|
(240) |
|
|
241 |
|
|
5,864 |
|
|
560 |
| ||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income: |
||||||||||||||||||
Items that have been or may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings: |
||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedges adjustments to net earnings |
7 |
|
25 |
|
|
(22) |
|
|
(7) |
|
|
(56) |
| |||||
Cash flow hedges adjustments to equity |
|
(28) |
|
|
26 |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
40 |
| ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments to equity |
|
(97) |
|
|
67 |
|
|
(65) |
|
|
(128) |
| ||||||
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) in equity method investments |
8 |
|
- |
|
|
93 |
|
|
(98) |
|
|
46 |
| |||||
Related tax (expense) benefit on share of other comprehensive income (loss) in equity method investments |
|
- |
|
|
(22) |
|
|
23 |
|
|
(11) |
| ||||||
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustments on disposal of equity method investment |
|
3 |
|
|
- |
|
|
3 |
|
|
- |
| ||||||
|
(97) |
|
|
142 |
|
|
(148) |
|
|
(109) |
| |||||||
Items that will not be reclassified to net earnings: |
||||||||||||||||||
Fair value adjustments on financial assets |
11 |
|
10 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
15 |
|
|
10 |
| |||||
Remeasurement on defined benefit pension plans |
|
(11) |
|
|
18 |
|
|
122 |
|
|
41 |
| ||||||
Related tax benefit (expense) on remeasurement on defined benefit pension plans |
|
3 |
|
|
(6) |
|
|
(34) |
|
|
(8) |
| ||||||
Share of other comprehensive loss in equity method investments |
8 |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(3) |
| |||||
Related tax benefit on share of other comprehensive loss in equity method investments |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
1 |
| ||||||
|
2 |
|
|
17 |
|
|
103 |
|
|
41 |
| |||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income |
|
(95) |
|
|
159 |
|
|
(45) |
|
|
(68) |
| ||||||
Total comprehensive (loss) income |
|
(335) |
|
|
400 |
|
|
5,819 |
|
|
492 |
| ||||||
Comprehensive (loss) income for the period attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Common shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
|
(336) |
|
|
399 |
|
|
5,819 |
|
|
494 |
| ||||||
Discontinued operations |
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
- |
|
|
(2) |
| ||||||
Total comprehensive (loss) income |
|
(335) |
|
|
400 |
|
|
5,819 |
|
|
492 |
|
The related notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Page 44
THOMSON REUTERS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(unaudited)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Notes | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
11 |
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
1,787 |
| |||
Trade and other receivables |
|
951 |
|
|
1,151 |
| ||||||
Other financial assets |
|
11 |
|
|
83 |
|
|
612 |
| |||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
463 |
|
|
425 |
| ||||||
Current assets |
|
3,008 |
|
|
3,975 |
| ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
|
473 |
|
|
545 |
| ||||||
Computer software, net |
|
808 |
|
|
830 |
| ||||||
Other identifiable intangible assets, net |
|
3,359 |
|
|
3,427 |
| ||||||
Goodwill |
|
5,935 |
|
|
5,976 |
| ||||||
Equity method investments |
|
8 |
|
|
7,225 |
|
|
1,136 |
| |||
Other non-current assets |
|
12 |
|
|
1,148 |
|
|
788 |
| |||
Deferred tax |
|
1,143 |
|
|
1,204 |
| ||||||
Total assets |
|
23,099 |
|
|
17,881 |
| ||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||
Payables, accruals and provisions |
|
13 |
|
|
1,226 |
|
|
1,159 |
| |||
Current tax liabilities |
|
398 |
|
|
251 |
| ||||||
Deferred revenue |
|
838 |
|
|
866 |
| ||||||
Other financial liabilities |
|
11 |
|
|
649 |
|
|
376 |
| |||
Current liabilities |
|
3,111 |
|
|
2,652 |
| ||||||
Long-term indebtedness |
|
11 |
|
|
3,782 |
|
|
3,772 |
| |||
Provisions and other non-current liabilities |
|
14 |
|
|
971 |
|
|
1,083 |
| |||
Deferred tax |
|
1,044 |
|
|
394 |
| ||||||
Total liabilities |
|
8,908 |
|
|
7,901 |
| ||||||
Equity |
||||||||||||
Capital |
|
15 |
|
|
5,463 |
|
|
5,458 |
| |||
Retained earnings |
|
9,550 |
|
|
5,211 |
| ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
(822) |
|
|
(689) |
| ||||||
Total equity |
|
14,191 |
|
|
9,980 |
| ||||||
Total liabilities and equity |
|
23,099 |
|
|
17,881 |
|
Contingencies (note 18)
The related notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Page 45
THOMSON REUTERS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
(unaudited)
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Notes | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations |
|
|
|
|
(241) |
|
|
240 |
|
|
5,864 |
|
|
562 |
| |||||
Adjustments for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
61 |
|
|
128 |
|
|
144 |
| |||||
Amortization of computer software |
|
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
133 |
|
|
356 |
|
|
362 |
| |||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
32 |
|
|
90 |
|
|
92 |
| |||||
Share of post-tax losses (earnings) in equity method investments |
|
8 |
|
|
672 |
|
|
178 |
|
|
(6,717) |
|
|
385 |
| |||||
Deferred tax |
|
|
|
|
(153) |
|
|
(153) |
|
|
770 |
|
|
(190) |
| |||||
Other |
|
16 |
|
|
(7) |
|
|
(10) |
|
|
56 |
|
|
(16) |
| |||||
Changes in working capital and other items |
|
16 |
|
|
101 |
|
|
103 |
|
|
901 |
|
|
(147) |
| |||||
Operating cash flows from continuing operations |
|
|
|
|
560 |
|
|
584 |
|
|
1,448 |
|
|
1,192 |
| |||||
Operating cash flows from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
(26) |
|
|
(3) |
|
|
(72) |
|
|
(13) |
| |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
|
|
534 |
|
|
581 |
|
|
1,376 |
|
|
1,179 |
| |||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
|
17 |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
(43) |
|
|
(5) |
|
|
(165) |
| |||||
Proceeds from disposals of businesses and investments |
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
- |
|
|
28 |
|
|
1 |
| |||||
Dividend from sale of LSEG shares |
|
8 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
994 |
|
|
- |
| |||||
Capital expenditures |
|
|
|
|
(131) |
|
|
(117) |
|
|
(364) |
|
|
(404) |
| |||||
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
98 |
|
|
- |
|
|
162 |
| |||||
Other investing activities |
|
8 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
- |
|
|
56 |
|
|
2 |
| |||||
Taxes paid on sale of Refinitiv and LSEG shares |
|
8 |
|
|
(218) |
|
|
- |
|
|
(662) |
|
|
- |
| |||||
Investing cash flows from continuing operations |
|
|
|
|
(335) |
|
|
(62) |
|
|
47 |
|
|
(404) |
| |||||
Investing cash flows from discontinued operations |
|
16 |
|
|
(210) |
|
|
- |
|
|
(252) |
|
|
- |
| |||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
|
|
(545) |
|
|
(62) |
|
|
(205) |
|
|
(404) |
| |||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Proceeds from debt |
|
11 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
2,019 |
| |||||
Repayments of debt |
|
11 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(1,645) |
| |||||
Net repayments under short-term loan facilities |
|
11 |
|
|
- |
|
|
(120) |
|
|
- |
|
|
(2) |
| |||||
Payments of lease principal |
|
|
|
|
(22) |
|
|
(20) |
|
|
(65) |
|
|
(56) |
| |||||
Repurchases of common shares |
|
15 |
|
|
(603) |
|
|
- |
|
|
(803) |
|
|
(200) |
| |||||
Dividends paid on preference shares |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
(2) |
| |||||
Dividends paid on common shares |
|
15 |
|
|
(194) |
|
|
(183) |
|
|
(582) |
|
|
(547) |
| |||||
Other financing activities |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
(10) |
| |||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
|
|
|
(817) |
|
|
(318) |
|
|
(1,444) |
|
|
(443) |
| |||||
(Decrease) increase in cash and bank overdrafts |
|
|
|
|
(828) |
|
|
201 |
|
|
(273) |
|
|
332 |
| |||||
Translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
(3) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
(3) |
|
|
(5) |
| |||||
Cash and bank overdrafts at beginning of period |
|
|
|
|
2,342 |
|
|
946 |
|
|
1,787 |
|
|
825 |
| |||||
Cash and bank overdrafts at end of period |
|
|
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
1,152 |
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
1,152 |
| |||||
Cash and bank overdrafts at end of period comprised of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
1,152 |
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
1,152 |
| |||||
Supplemental cash flow information is provided in note 16. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Interest paid, net of debt related hedges |
|
|
|
|
(15) |
|
|
(18) |
|
|
(96) |
|
|
(101) |
| |||||
Interest received |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
6 |
| |||||
Income taxes paid |
|
16 |
|
|
(260) |
|
|
(11) |
|
|
(849) |
|
|
(45) |
|
Interest received and interest paid are reflected as operating cash flows.
Income taxes paid are reflected as either operating or investing cash flows depending on the nature of the underlying transaction.
The related notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Page 46
THOMSON REUTERS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(unaudited)
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Stated share capital |
Contributed surplus |
Total capital |
|
Retained earnings |
Unrecognized (loss) gain on financial instruments |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) |
Total equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2020 |
3,719 | 1,739 | 5,458 |
|
|
|
5,211 | (8) | (681) | (689) | 9,980 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings |
- | - | - |
|
|
|
5,864 | - | - | - | 5,864 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
- | - | - |
|
|
|
88 | 26 | (159) | (133) | (45) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
- | - | - |
|
|
|
5,952 | 26 | (159) | (133) | 5,819 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on preference shares |
- | - | - |
|
|
|
(2) | - | - | - | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on common shares |
- | - | - |
|
|
|
(600) | - | - | - | (600) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) |
18 | - | 18 |
|
|
|
- | - | - | - | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common shares |
(39) | - | (39) |
|
|
|
(564) | - | - | - | (603) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pre-defined share repurchase plan (see note 15) |
(33) | - | (33) |
|
|
|
(447) | - | - | - | (480) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock compensation plans |
122 | (63) | 59 |
|
|
|
- | - | - | - | 59 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2021 |
3,787 | 1,676 | 5,463 |
|
|
|
9,550 | 18 | (840) | (822) | 14,191 |
(millions of U.S. dollars) | Stated share capital |
Contributed surplus |
Total capital |
|
Retained earnings |
Unrecognized loss on financial instruments |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
AOCL | Total equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2019 |
3,576 | 1,801 | 5,377 |
|
|
|
4,965 | (3) | (779) | (782) | 9,560 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings |
- | - | - |
|
|
|
560 | - | - | - | 560 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
- | - | - |
|
|
|
31 | (12) | (87) | (99) | (68) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
- | - | - |
|
|
|
591 | (12) | (87) | (99) | 492 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on preference shares |
- | - | - |
|
|
|
(2) | - | - | - | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on common shares |
- | - | - |
|
|
|
(565) | - | - | - | (565) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under DRIP |
18 | - | 18 |
|
|
|
- | - | - | - | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common shares (see note 15) |
2 | - | 2 |
|
|
|
(2) | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock compensation plans |
119 | (62) | 57 |
|
|
|
- | - | - | - | 57 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2020 |
3,715 | 1,739 | 5,454 |
|
|
|
4,987 | (15) | (866) | (881) | 9,560 |
The related notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Page 47
Thomson Reuters Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
(unless otherwise stated, all amounts are in millions of U.S. dollars)
Note 1: Business Description and Basis of Preparation
General business description
Thomson Reuters Corporation (the Company or Thomson Reuters) is an Ontario, Canada corporation with common shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Series II preference shares listed on the TSX. The Company is a leading provider of business information services. The Companys products include highly specialized information-enabled software and tools for legal, tax, accounting and compliance professionals combined with the worlds most global news service - Reuters.
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements (interim financial statements) were approved by the Companys Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on November 1, 2021.
Basis of preparation
The interim financial statements were prepared using the same accounting policies and methods as those used in the Companys consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. The interim financial statements comply with International Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting (IAS 34). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), have been omitted or condensed.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IAS 34 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Companys accounting policies. The areas involving more judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements have been disclosed in note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. The global economy continues to experience substantial disruption due to concerns regarding resurgences and new strains of COVID-19, as well as from the measures intended to mitigate its impact. Due to the significant uncertainty about the duration and impact of the global economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, some of managements estimates and judgments may be more variable and may change materially in the future.
The accompanying interim financial statements include all adjustments, composed of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary by management to fairly state the Companys results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Companys consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, which are included in the Companys 2020 annual report.
References to $ are to U.S. dollars and references to C$ are to Canadian dollars.
Change Program
In February 2021, the Company announced a two-year Change Program to transition from a holding company to an operating company, and from a content provider to a content-driven technology company (see note 5).
Page 48
Note 2: Revenues
Revenues by type and geography
The following tables disaggregate revenues by type and geography and reconciles them to reportable segments (see note 3).
Revenues by type | Legal Professionals |
Corporates | Tax & Accounting Professionals |
Reuters News | Global Print | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring |
|
634 |
|
|
592 |
|
|
309 |
|
|
287 |
|
|
147 |
|
|
133 |
|
|
143 |
|
|
141 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
1,233 |
|
|
1,153 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transactions |
|
48 |
|
|
44 |
|
|
47 |
|
|
46 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
32 |
|
|
21 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
144 |
|
|
135 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Print |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
149 |
|
|
154 |
|
|
149 |
|
|
154 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations/Rounding |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
1 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
682 | 636 | 356 | 333 | 175 | 165 | 164 | 154 | 149 | 154 | 1,526 | 1,443 |
Revenues by type | Legal Professionals |
Corporates | Tax & Accounting Professionals |
Reuters News | Global Print | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nine months ended September 30, | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recurring |
|
1,881 |
|
|
1,759 |
|
|
904 |
|
|
850 |
|
|
457 |
|
|
427 |
|
|
431 |
|
|
424 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
3,673 |
|
|
3,460 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transactions |
|
142 |
|
|
123 |
|
|
184 |
|
|
179 |
|
|
140 |
|
|
124 |
|
|
61 |
|
|
40 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
527 |
|
|
466 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Print |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
439 |
|
|
443 |
|
|
439 |
|
|
443 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations/Rounding |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(1) |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
2,023 | 1,882 | 1,088 | 1,029 | 597 | 551 | 492 | 464 | 439 | 443 | 4,638 | 4,368 |
Revenues by geography (country of destination) |
Legal Professionals |
Corporates | Tax & Accounting Professionals |
Reuters News | Global Print | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021(1) | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. |
|
539 |
|
|
504 |
|
|
290 |
|
|
273 |
|
|
140 |
|
|
136 |
|
|
23 |
|
|
102 |
|
|
101 |
|
|
103 |
|
|
1,093 |
|
|
1,118 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canada (country of domicile) |
|
15 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
23 |
|
|
24 |
|
|
46 |
|
|
44 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
|
7 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
23 |
|
|
18 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
48 |
|
|
41 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Americas (North America, Latin |
561 | 522 | 306 | 286 | 167 | 158 | 25 | 105 | 128 | 132 | 1,187 | 1,203 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.K. |
|
69 |
|
|
66 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
29 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
97 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
209 |
|
|
117 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
|
18 |
|
|
15 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
28 |
|
|
26 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
63 |
|
|
55 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EMEA (Europe, Middle East |
87 | 81 | 41 | 39 | 5 | 4 | 125 | 34 | 14 | 14 | 272 | 172 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asia Pacific |
|
34 |
|
|
33 |
|
|
9 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
15 |
|
|
7 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
67 |
|
|
67 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations/Rounding |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
1 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
|
682 |
|
|
636 |
|
|
356 |
|
|
333 |
|
|
175 |
|
|
165 |
|
|
164 |
|
|
154 |
|
|
149 |
|
|
154 |
|
|
1,526 |
|
|
1,443 |
|
Page 49
Revenues by geography (country of destination) |
Legal Professionals |
Corporates | Tax & Accounting Professionals |
Reuters News | Global Print | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nine months ended September 30, | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021(1) | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. |
|
1,597 |
|
|
1,506 |
|
|
900 |
|
|
851 |
|
|
478 |
|
|
449 |
|
|
93 |
|
|
313 |
|
|
306 |
|
|
315 |
|
|
3,374 |
|
|
3,434 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canada (country of domicile) |
|
46 |
|
|
39 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
7 |
|
|
25 |
|
|
21 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
59 |
|
|
56 |
|
|
141 |
|
|
126 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
|
18 |
|
|
16 |
|
|
36 |
|
|
34 |
|
|
67 |
|
|
56 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
7 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
139 |
|
|
126 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Americas (North America, Latin |
1,661 | 1,561 | 944 | 892 | 570 | 526 | 101 | 323 | 378 | 384 | 3,654 | 3,686 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.K. |
|
206 |
|
|
183 |
|
|
81 |
|
|
84 |
|
|
16 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
266 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
26 |
|
|
597 |
|
|
327 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
|
52 |
|
|
44 |
|
|
36 |
|
|
29 |
|
|
- |
|
|
2 |
|
|
83 |
|
|
78 |
|
|
12 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
183 |
|
|
164 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EMEA (Europe, Middle East |
258 | 227 | 117 | 113 | 16 | 16 | 349 | 98 | 40 | 37 | 780 | 491 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asia Pacific |
|
104 |
|
|
94 |
|
|
27 |
|
|
24 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
9 |
|
|
42 |
|
|
43 |
|
|
21 |
|
|
22 |
|
|
205 |
|
|
192 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations/Rounding |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(1) |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
|
2,023 |
|
|
1,882 |
|
|
1,088 |
|
|
1,029 |
|
|
597 |
|
|
551 |
|
|
492 |
|
|
464 |
|
|
439 |
|
|
443 |
|
|
4,638 |
|
|
4,368 |
|
(1) | Following the sale of Refinitiv to London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) in January 2021, revenues from the Reuters News agreement to supply news and editorial content to Refinitiv were moved from the U.S. to the U.K. |
Note 3: Segment Information
The Company is organized as five reportable segments, reflecting how the businesses are managed. The accounting policies applied by the segments are the same as those applied by the Company. The segments offer products and services to target customers as described below.
Legal Professionals
The Legal Professionals segment serves law firms and governments with research and workflow products, focusing on intuitive legal research powered by emerging technologies and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools and analytics.
Corporates
The Corporates segment serves corporate customers from small businesses to multinational organizations, including the seven largest global accounting firms, with the Companys full suite of content-enabled technology solutions for in-house legal, tax, regulatory, compliance and IT professionals.
Tax & Accounting Professionals
The Tax & Accounting Professionals segment serves tax, accounting and audit professionals in accounting firms (other than the seven largest, which are served by the Corporates segment) with research and workflow products, focusing on intuitive tax offerings and automating tax workflows.
Reuters News
The Reuters News segment supplies business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, including through Refinitiv, the worlds media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers.
Global Print
The Global Print segment provides legal and tax information primarily in print format to customers around the world.
The Company also reports Corporate costs, which includes expenses for corporate functions and does not qualify as a reportable segment.
Page 50
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2021 |
2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
|
682 |
|
|
636 |
|
|
2,023 |
|
|
1,882 |
| ||||
Corporates |
|
356 |
|
|
333 |
|
|
1,088 |
|
|
1,029 |
| ||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
|
175 |
|
|
165 |
|
|
597 |
|
|
551 |
| ||||
Reuters News |
|
164 |
|
|
154 |
|
|
492 |
|
|
464 |
| ||||
Global Print |
|
149 |
|
|
154 |
|
|
439 |
|
|
443 |
| ||||
Eliminations/Rounding |
|
- |
|
|
1 |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(1) |
| ||||
Consolidated revenues |
|
1,526 |
|
|
1,443 |
|
|
4,638 |
|
|
4,368 |
| ||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
||||||||||||||||
Legal Professionals |
|
288 |
|
|
272 |
|
|
852 |
|
|
756 |
| ||||
Corporates |
|
131 |
|
|
120 |
|
|
407 |
|
|
355 |
| ||||
Tax & Accounting Professionals |
|
49 |
|
|
47 |
|
|
219 |
|
|
185 |
| ||||
Reuters News |
|
25 |
|
|
23 |
|
|
88 |
|
|
67 |
| ||||
Global Print |
|
52 |
|
|
64 |
|
|
165 |
|
|
181 |
| ||||
Corporate costs |
|
(87) |
|
|
(35) |
|
|
(213) |
|
|
(94) |
| ||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
458 |
|
|
491 |
|
|
1,518 |
|
|
1,450 |
| ||||
Fair value adjustments (see note 5) |
|
8 |
|
|
(3) |
|
|
6 |
|
|
17 |
| ||||
Depreciation |
|
(40) |
|
|
(61) |
|
|
(128) |
|
|
(144) |
| ||||
Amortization of computer software |
|
(119) |
|
|
(133) |
|
|
(356) |
|
|
(362) |
| ||||
Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets |
|
(29) |
|
|
(32) |
|
|
(90) |
|
|
(92) |
| ||||
Other operating gains, net |
|
4 |
|
|
56 |
|
|
35 |
|
|
104 |
| ||||
Consolidated operating profit |
|
282 |
|
|
318 |
|
|
985 |
|
|
973 |
| ||||
Net interest expense |
|
(46) |
|
|
(49) |
|
|
(146) |
|
|
(146) |
| ||||
Other finance income |
|
34 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
36 |
| ||||
Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments |
|
(672) |
|
|
(178) |
|
|
6,717 |
|
|
(385) |
| ||||
Tax benefit (expense) |
|
161 |
|
|
147 |
|
|
(1,722) |
|
|
84 |
| ||||
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations |
|
(241) |
|
|
240 |
|
|
5,864 |
|
|
562 |
|
In accordance with IFRS 8, Operating Segments, the Company discloses certain information about its reportable segments based upon measures used by management in assessing the performance of those reportable segments. These measures are defined below and may not be comparable to similar measures of other companies.
Adjusted EBITDA
● | Segment adjusted EBITDA represents earnings from continuing operations before tax expense or benefit, net interest expense, other finance costs or income, depreciation, amortization of software and other identifiable intangible assets, the Companys share of post-tax earnings or losses in equity method investments, other operating gains and losses, certain asset impairment charges, fair value adjustments, and corporate related items. |
● | The Company does not consider these excluded items to be controllable operating activities for purposes of assessing the current performance of the reportable segments. |
● | Each segment includes an allocation of costs, based on usage or other applicable measures, for centralized support services such as technology, customer service, commercial policy, facilities management, and product and content development. Additionally, product costs are allocated when one segment sells products managed by another segment. |
● | Consolidated adjusted EBITDA is comprised of adjusted EBITDA from reportable segments and Corporate costs. |
Page 51
Note 4: Seasonality
The Companys revenues and operating profit on a consolidated basis do not tend to be significantly impacted by seasonality as it records a large portion of its revenues ratably over the contract term and its costs are generally incurred evenly throughout the year. However, the Companys revenues from quarter to consecutive quarter can be impacted by the release of certain tax products, which tend to be concentrated in the fourth quarter and, to a lesser extent, in the first quarter of the year. The seasonality of the Companys operating profit may be further impacted in 2021 by the timing of significant Change Program costs it expects to incur. The seasonality of the Companys revenues and operating expenses was impacted by COVID-19 in 2020.
Note 5: Operating Expenses
The components of operating expenses include the following:
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2021 |
2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Salaries, commissions and allowances |
600 |
|
554 |
|
1,792 |
|
1,646 |
| ||||||||
Share-based payments |
17 |
|
17 |
|
51 |
|
52 |
| ||||||||
Post-employment benefits |
36 |
|
33 |
|
110 |
|
101 |
| ||||||||
Total staff costs |
653 |
|
604 |
|
1,953 |
|
1,799 |
| ||||||||
Goods and services(1) |
328 |
|
257 |
|
895 |
|
839 |
| ||||||||
Content |
67 |
|
67 |
|
205 |
|
198 |
| ||||||||
Telecommunications |
11 |
|
11 |
|
34 |
|
37 |
| ||||||||
Facilities |
9 |
|
13 |
|
33 |
|
45 |
| ||||||||
Fair value adjustments(2) |
(8) |
|
3 |
|
(6) |
|
(17) |
| ||||||||
Total operating expenses |
1,060 |
|
955 |
|
3,114 |
|
2,901 |
|
(1) | Goods and services include professional fees, consulting and outsourcing services, contractors, selling and marketing, and other general and administrative costs. |
(2) | Fair value adjustments primarily represent gains or losses due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on intercompany balances that arise in the ordinary course of business. |
Operating expenses in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 included $53 million and $105 million, respectively, related to the Change Program. The charges included severance as well as costs related to technology and market initiatives and were recorded in Corporate costs.
Note 6: Other Operating Gains, Net
Other operating gains, net, were $4 million and $35 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. Both periods included income related to a license that allows the Refinitiv business of LSEG to use the Reuters mark to brand certain products and services. Additionally, the nine-month period included a $9 million benefit from the revaluation of warrants that the Company previously held in Refinitiv (see note 8) and a gain on the sale of a business.
Other operating gains, net, were $56 million and $104 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and included a benefit of $46 million and $47 million, respectively, related to the revaluation of the warrants. Additionally, both periods included income related to the license for the Reuters mark referred to above and gains associated with the sale of certain real estate. The nine-month period also included a gain associated with a distribution from an investment.
Page 52
Note 7: Finance Costs, Net
The components of finance costs, net, include interest expense (income) and other finance income as follows:
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2021 |
2020 |
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||||||||
Interest expense: |
||||||||||||||||
Debt |
|
40 |
|
|
40 |
|
|
120 |
|
|
116 |
| ||||
Derivative financial instruments hedging activities |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
- |
| ||||
Other, net |
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
10 |
| ||||
Fair value losses (gains) on cash flow hedges, transfer from equity |
25 | (20) | (7) | (47) | ||||||||||||
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses on debt |
|
(25) |
|
|
20 |
|
|
7 |
|
|
47 |
| ||||
Net interest expense debt and other |
41 | 42 | 131 | 126 | ||||||||||||
Net interest expense leases |
2 | 2 | 6 | 7 | ||||||||||||
Net interest expense pension and other post-employment
|
3 | 6 | 10 | 17 | ||||||||||||
Interest income |
|
- |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(4) |
| ||||
Net interest expense |
|
46 |
|
|
49 |
|
|
146 |
|
|
146 |
| ||||
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 |
2020 | |||||||||||||
Net gains due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates |
(34) | (1) | (30) | (16) | ||||||||||||
Net gains on derivative instruments |
|
- |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
- |
|
|
(20) |
| ||||
Other finance income |
|
(34) |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
(30) |
|
|
(36) |
|
Net gains due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates
Net gains due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates were principally comprised of amounts related to certain intercompany funding arrangements.
Net gains on derivative instruments
Net gains on derivative instruments were principally comprised of amounts related to foreign exchange contracts and the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges.
Note 8: Equity Method Investments
On January 29, 2021, the Company and The Blackstone Group and its subsidiaries, and private equity funds affiliated with Blackstone (Blackstones consortium) sold Refinitiv to LSEG in an all-share transaction. As a result, equity method investments at September 30, 2021 were primarily comprised of the Companys indirect investment in LSEG shares, which it holds through its direct investment in York Parent Limited and its subsidiaries (YPL), formerly Refinitiv Holdings Limited (RHL). YPL is an entity incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and jointly owned by the Company, Blackstones consortium and certain current LSEG and former members of Refinitiv senior management. As of September 30, 2021, YPL held a combination of LSEG ordinary shares and LSEG limited-voting ordinary shares (with the shares carrying in aggregate an approximate 30% economic interest and a 24% voting interest in LSEG). At the same date, the Company owned 42.82% of YPL and indirectly owned approximately 72.4 million LSEG shares.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Company and Blackstones consortium have otherwise agreed to be subject to a lock-up for their LSEG shares through January 29, 2023. In each of years three and four following closing (starting on January 30, 2023 and January 30, 2024, respectively), the Company and Blackstones consortium will become entitled to sell in aggregate one-third of the LSEG shares that were issued. The lock-up arrangement will terminate on January 29, 2025. The ability of current LSEG and former members of Refinitiv senior management to sell shares held by them is also subject to certain restrictions.
Page 53
YPL is entitled to nominate three non-executive LSEG directors for as long as it holds at least 25% of LSEG shares, two LSEG directors for as long as it holds at least 17.5% but less than 25% of LSEG shares and one LSEG director for as long as it holds at least 10% but less than 17.5% of LSEG shares. For so long as YPL is entitled to nominate three directors, one nominee will be a Thomson Reuters representative. Once YPL is released from the lock-up agreement described above, any disposals of LSEG shares will be subject to orderly marketing restrictions. A standstill restriction also applies to YPL under which it (and the underlying investors) have agreed not to, among other matters, acquire further LSEG shares, or make a takeover offer for LSEG for designated time periods. YPL has also committed to vote its LSEG shares in line with the LSEG Boards recommendation.
The Company accounts for its investment in LSEG at fair value, based on the share price of LSEG, within Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments in the consolidated income statement. The investment is subject to equity accounting because the LSEG shares are held through YPL, over which the Company has significant influence. As YPL owns only the financial investment in LSEG shares, which the parties intend to sell over time, and is not involved in operating LSEG or the Refinitiv business, the investment in LSEG shares held by YPL is accounted for at fair value. LSEG dividends distributed to the Company from YPL, which amounted to $51 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, were included in Other investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flow.
Gain on sale of Refinitiv to LSEG and subsequent sale of LSEG shares
The Company recognized a gain of $8,075 million related to the January sale of Refinitiv to LSEG within Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments in the consolidated income statement. As of the January 29, 2021 closing date, the Company indirectly owned approximately 82.5 million LSEG shares, which included 4.5 million shares from the exercise of warrants the Company previously held in Refinitiv. The transaction was predominantly tax deferred for the Company except for approximately $640 million that is payable in 2021. In March 2021, as permitted under a lock-up exception, approximately 10.1 million of the Companys LSEG shares were sold for pre-tax net proceeds of $994 million. Over the course of 2021, the Company will pay approximately $225 million of tax on the sale of these shares and will use the remaining after-tax proceeds to pay the approximately $640 million of taxes on the LSEG transaction. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company paid $218 million and $662 million, respectively, of tax in connection with these transactions. The proceeds from the sale of the shares by YPL were distributed to the Company as a dividend that reduced the value of the investment. The proceeds and the associated tax payments were presented in Net cash used in investing activities within the consolidated statement of cash flow.
The Companys share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments as reported in the consolidated income statement is comprised of the following:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 |
2020 | |||||||||||||
YPL (formerly RHL) |
(675) | (179) | 6,710 | (392) | ||||||||||||
Other equity method investments |
|
3 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
7 |
|
|
7 |
| ||||
Total share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments |
|
(672) |
|
|
(178) |
|
|
6,717 |
|
|
(385) |
|
In the three-month period ended September 30, 2021, the Companys share of post-tax losses in equity method investments primarily reflected a decrease in the value of its LSEG investment. In the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021, the Companys share of post-tax earnings in equity method investments was primarily comprised of an $8,075 million gain from the sale of Refinitiv, which was partly offset by a $1,272 million decline in the value of the LSEG investment after the sale and $168 million of post-tax losses related to the Refinitiv operations prior to the sale.
The Company received $51 million of dividends from its LSEG investment in June 2021 and an additional $24 million in October 2021 (see note 20).
The composition of equity method investments as reported in the consolidated statement of financial position is comprised of the following:
September 30, |
December 31, |
|||||||||||||||
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||||||||||
YPL (formerly RHL) |
|
7,075 |
|
|
981 |
| ||||||||||
Other equity method investments |
|
150 |
|
|
155 |
| ||||||||||
Total equity method investments |
|
7,225 |
|
|
1,136 |
|
Page 54
Set forth below is summarized financial information for 100% of YPL at September 30, 2021 (formerly RHL at September 30, 2020).
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2021 |
2020 |
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||||||||
Revenues |
- | 1,615 | 551 | 4,836 | ||||||||||||
Gain related to the sale of Refinitiv to LSEG |
- | - | 18,645 | - | ||||||||||||
Mark-to-market of LSEG shares |
(1,633) | - | (2,780) | - | ||||||||||||
Dividend income |
57 | - | 177 | - | ||||||||||||
Refinitiv net loss prior to its sale to LSEG |
- | (389) | (361) | (808) | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) earnings |
(1,576) | (389) | 15,681 | (808) | ||||||||||||
Remove: Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests |
- | (10) | (11) | (64) | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) earnings attributable to YPL (formerly RHL) |
(1,576) | (399) | 15,670 | (872) | ||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to YPL (formerly RHL) |
- | 207 | (214) | 96 | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to YPL (formerly RHL) |
(1,576) | (192) | 15,456 | (776) |
The Companys share of net (loss) earnings attributable to YPL was $(675) million and $6,710 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. In the nine-month period, the Companys share of net earnings reflected changes in the Companys percentage ownership of RHL and YPL during the first nine months of the year.
The following table reconciles the net assets attributable to YPL to the Companys carrying value of its investment in YPL:
September 30, |
December 31, |
|||||||
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets |
|
61 |
|
|
2,071 |
| ||
Non-current assets |
|
17,185 |
|
|
21,094 |
| ||
Total assets |
|
17,246 |
|
|
23,165 |
| ||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Current liabilities |
|
4 |
|
|
3,995 |
| ||
Non-current liabilities |
|
191 |
|
|
14,268 |
| ||
Total liabilities |
|
195 |
|
|
18,263 |
| ||
Net assets |
|
17,051 |
|
|
4,902 |
| ||
Non-controlling interests |
|
- |
|
|
(2,415) |
| ||
Net assets attributable to YPL (formerly RHL) |
|
17,051 |
|
|
2,487 |
| ||
Net assets attributable to YPL (formerly RHL) - beginning period |
|
2,487 |
|
|
3,278 |
| ||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to YPL (formerly RHL) |
|
15,670 |
|
|
(1,232) |
| ||
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to YPL (formerly RHL) |
|
(214) |
|
|
330 |
| ||
Other adjustments(1) |
|
253 |
|
|
111 |
| ||
Distribution to owners |
|
(1,145) |
|
|
- |
| ||
Net assets attributable to YPL (formerly RHL) - ending period |
|
17,051 |
|
|
2,487 |
| ||
Thomson Reuters % share |
|
42.82% |
|
|
45% |
| ||
Thomson Reuters $ share |
|
7,301 |
|
|
1,119 |
| ||
Historical excluded equity adjustment(2) |
|
(226) |
|
|
(138) |
| ||
Thomson Reuters carrying amount |
|
7,075 |
|
|
981 |
|
(1) | Consists of equity transactions excluded from total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to YPL. |
(2) | Represents the cumulative impact of equity transactions excluded from the Companys investment in YPL. |
Page 55
Note 9: Taxation
Tax (benefit) expense was $(161) million and $(147) million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $1,722 million and $(84) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 included $(169) million and $1,631 million of tax (benefit) expense related to the Companys (loss) earnings in equity method investments. In the nine-month period, the tax expense related primarily to the gain on sale of Refinitiv to LSEG. The tax benefit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes $132 million and $139 million, respectively, for the recognition of deferred tax assets that arose in prior years in various subsidiaries outside the U.S.
Additionally, tax (benefit) expense in each period reflected the mix of taxing jurisdictions in which pre-tax profits and losses were recognized. Because the geographical mix of pre-tax profits and losses in interim periods may be different from that for the full year, tax expense or benefit in interim periods is not necessarily indicative of tax expense or benefit for the full year.
Note 10: Earnings Per Share
Basic (loss) earnings per share was calculated by dividing (loss) earnings attributable to common shareholders less dividends declared on preference shares by the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and vested deferred share units (DSUs) outstanding during the period. DSUs represent common shares that certain employees have elected to receive in the future upon vesting of share-based compensation awards or in lieu of cash compensation.
Diluted (loss) earnings per share was calculated using the denominator of the basic calculation described above adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and time-based restricted share units (TRSUs).
(Loss) earnings used in determining consolidated (loss) earnings per share and (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations are as follows:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings attributable to common shareholders |
(240) | 241 | 5,864 | 560 | ||||||||||||
Less: Dividends declared on preference shares |
(1) | (1) | (2) | (2) | ||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings used in consolidated earnings per share |
(241) | 240 | 5,862 | 558 | ||||||||||||
Less: (Earnings) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax |
(1) | (1) | - | 2 | ||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings used in (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations |
(242) | 239 | 5,862 | 560 |
The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, as well as a reconciliation of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used in the basic (loss) earnings per share computation to the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used in the diluted (loss) earnings per share computation, is presented below:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding |
494,303,094 | 496,673,063 | 495,161,446 | 496,121,137 | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average number of vested DSUs |
321,760 | 417,879 | 353,864 | 423,065 | ||||||||||||
Basic |
494,624,854 | 497,090,942 | 495,515,310 | 496,544,202 | ||||||||||||
Effect of stock options and TRSUs |
- | 1,342,777 | 1,078,094 | 1,283,857 | ||||||||||||
Diluted |
494,624,854 | 498,433,719 | 496,593,404 | 497,828,059 |
Because the Company reported a net loss from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2021, the weighted-average number of common shares used for basic and diluted loss per share is the same, as the effect of stock options and other equity incentive awards would reduce the loss per share, and therefore be anti-dilutive.
Page 56
Note 11: Financial Instruments
Financial assets and liabilities
Financial assets and liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position were as follows:
September 30, 2021 | Assets/ (Liabilities) at Amortized Cost |
Assets/ (Liabilities) at Fair Value through Earnings |
Assets at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income or Loss |
Derivatives Used for Hedging |
Total | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
432 | 1,079 | - | - | 1,511 | |||||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
951 | - | - | - | 951 | |||||||||||||||
Other financial assets - current |
83 | - | - | - | 83 | |||||||||||||||
Other financial assets - non-current (see note 12) |
29 | 241 | 61 | 97 | 428 | |||||||||||||||
Trade payables (see note 13) |
(157) | - | - | - | (157) | |||||||||||||||
Accruals (see note 13) |
(834) | - | - | - | |
(834) |
| |||||||||||||
Other financial liabilities - current(1)(3) |
(647) | (2) | - | - | (649) | |||||||||||||||
Long-term indebtedness |
(3,782) | - | - | - | (3,782) | |||||||||||||||
Other financial liabilities - non current (see note 14)(2) |
(207) | - | - | - | (207) | |||||||||||||||
Total |
(4,132) | 1,318 | 61 | 97 | (2,656) |
December 31, 2020 | Assets/ (Liabilities) at Amortized Cost |
Assets/ (Liabilities) at Fair Value through Earnings |
Assets at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income or Loss |
Derivatives Used for Hedging |
Total | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
311 | 1,476 | - | - | 1,787 | |||||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
1,151 | - | - | - | 1,151 | |||||||||||||||
Other financial assets - current |
95 | 517 | - | - | 612 | |||||||||||||||
Other financial assets - non-current (see note 12) |
35 | 17 | 46 | 100 | 198 | |||||||||||||||
Trade payables (see note 13) |
(217) | - | - | - | (217) | |||||||||||||||
Accruals (see note 13) |
(761) | - | - | - | (761) | |||||||||||||||
Other financial liabilities - current(1)(3) |
(374) | (2) | - | - | (376) | |||||||||||||||
Long-term indebtedness |
(3,772) | - | - | - | (3,772) | |||||||||||||||
Other financial liabilities - non current (see note 14)(2) |
(223) | (1) | - | - | (224) | |||||||||||||||
Total |
(3,755) | 2,007 | 46 | 100 | (1,602) |
(1) | Includes lease liabilities of $79 million (2020 - $83 million). |
(2) | Includes lease liabilities of $189 million (2020 - $223 million). |
(3) | Includes a commitment to repurchase up to $480 million of common shares related to the Companys pre-defined plan with its broker to repurchase the Companys shares during its internal trading blackout period (December 31, 2020 - $200 million). See note 15. |
Cash and cash equivalents
Of total cash and cash equivalents, $67 million and $61 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, were held in subsidiaries which have regulatory restrictions, contractual restrictions or operate in countries where exchange controls and other legal restrictions apply and were therefore not available for general use by the Company.
Page 57
Debt-related activity
The Company did not issue notes or make any debt repayments in the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The following table provides information regarding notes that the Company issued and repaid in the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
MONTH/YEAR | TRANSACTION | PRINCIPAL AMOUNT (IN MILLIONS) | ||
Notes issued | ||||
May 2020 | 2.239% Notes, due 2025 | C$1,400 | ||
Notes repaid | ||||
January 2020 | 3.309% Notes, due 2021 | C$550 | ||
January 2020 | 3.95% Notes, due 2021 | US$139 |
The notes issued in May 2020 were immediately swapped into U.S. dollars and the Company used the $999 million of net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which included repayment of borrowings under the Companys credit facility.
In January 2020, the Company repaid notes prior to their scheduled maturity dates for $640 million. This amount included early redemption premiums and the settlement of cross-currency swaps. The repayments were funded with commercial paper borrowings.
Commercial paper program
Under its commercial paper program, the Company may issue up to $1.8 billion of notes. There was no outstanding commercial paper at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. In January 2020, the Company issued $630 million of commercial paper, the proceeds of which were used to redeem debt obligations ahead of their maturity. The commercial paper was repaid during the first nine months of 2020, primarily from funds borrowed under the Companys credit facility.
Credit facility
The Company has a $1.8 billion syndicated credit facility agreement which matures in December 2024 and may be used to provide liquidity for general corporate purposes (including acquisitions or support for its commercial paper program). There were no outstanding borrowings under the credit facility at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The Company borrowed $1.0 billion in the first three months of 2020, of which a portion of the proceeds was used to repay commercial paper. In May 2020, the Company repaid its borrowings under the credit facility primarily with the proceeds it received from its May 2020 debt issuance. Based on the Companys current credit ratings, the cost of borrowing under the facility is priced at LIBOR/EURIBOR plus 112.5 basis points. The Company has the option to request an increase, subject to approval by applicable lenders, in the lenders commitments in an aggregate amount of $600 million for a maximum credit facility commitment of $2.4 billion.
The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, is phasing out the majority of LIBOR rates globally by the end of 2021. Key alternative reference rates have been established and progress continues to be made in establishing better liquidity and term structures required to efficiently replace the existing LIBOR structures. In October 2021, the Company acknowledged with its lending group that certain LIBOR-based benchmarks, which are being phased out at the end of 2021, will no longer be available to the Company until it agrees to replace them with alternative benchmarks. This change does not impact the Companys general ability to borrow under the facility, as there are adequate LIBOR benchmarks still in effect until June 2023. With the exception of the LIBOR-based benchmarks within the Companys external credit facility, the Company has no material agreements with third parties that use or reference LIBOR as a benchmark rate which requires amendment.
The Company guarantees borrowings by its subsidiaries under the credit facility. The Company must maintain a ratio of net debt as defined in the credit agreement (total debt after swaps less cash and cash equivalents) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter to EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and other modifications described in the credit agreement) for the last four quarters ended of not more than 4.5:1. If the Company were to complete an acquisition with a purchase price of over $500 million, the ratio of net debt to EBITDA would temporarily increase to 5.0:1 for three quarters after completion, at which time the ratio would revert to 4.5:1. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with this covenant as its ratio of net debt to EBITDA, as calculated under the terms of its syndicated credit facility, was 1.1:1.
Fair Value
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade payables and accruals approximate their carrying amounts because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of long-term debt and related derivative instruments is set forth below.
Page 58
Debt and Related Derivative Instruments
Carrying Amounts
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position are referred to as carrying amounts. The carrying amounts of primary debt are reflected in Long-term indebtedness and Current indebtedness and the carrying amounts of derivative instruments are included in Other financial assets and Other financial liabilities, both current and non-current, in the consolidated statement of financial position, as appropriate.
Fair Value
The fair value of debt is estimated based on either quoted market prices for similar issues or current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same maturity. The fair value of interest rate swaps is estimated based upon discounted cash flows using applicable current market rates and considering non-performance risk.
The following is a summary of debt and related derivative instruments that hedged the cash flows of debt:
Carrying Amount
|
Fair Value
|
|||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2021 | Primary Debt Instruments |
Derivative Instruments (Asset) |
Primary Debt Instruments |
Derivative Instruments (Asset) |
||||||||||||||||
C$1,400, 2.239% Notes, due 2025 |
1,099 | (97) | 1,127 | (97) | ||||||||||||||||
$600, 4.30% Notes, due 2023 |
599 | - | 642 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$450, 3.85% Notes, due 2024(1) |
241 | - | 261 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$500, 3.35% Notes, due 2026 |
497 | - | 540 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$350, 4.50% Notes, due 2043(1) |
116 | - | 126 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$350, 5.65% Notes, due 2043 |
342 | - | 473 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$400, 5.50% Debentures, due 2035 |
396 | - | 516 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$500, 5.85% Debentures, due 2040 |
492 | - | 684 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Total |
3,782 | (97) | 4,369 | (97) | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term portion |
3,782 | (97) |
Carrying Amount
|
Fair Value
|
|||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020 | Primary Debt Instruments |
Derivative Instruments (Asset) |
Primary Debt Instruments |
Derivative Instruments (Asset) |
||||||||||||||||
C$1,400, 2.239% Notes, due 2025 |
1,093 | (100) | 1,151 | (100) | ||||||||||||||||
$600, 4.30% Notes, due 2023 |
597 | - | 657 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$450, 3.85% Notes, due 2024(1) |
241 | - | 266 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$500, 3.35% Notes, due 2026 |
497 | - | 557 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$350, 4.50% Notes, due 2043(1) |
116 | - | 130 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$350, 5.65% Notes, due 2043 |
342 | - | 471 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$400, 5.50% Debentures, due 2035 |
395 | - | 531 | - | ||||||||||||||||
$500, 5.85% Debentures, due 2040 |
491 | - | 696 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Total |
3,772 | (100) | 4,459 | (100) | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term portion |
3,772 | (100) |
(1) | Notes were partially redeemed in October 2018. |
Fair value estimation
The following fair value measurement hierarchy is used for financial instruments that are measured in the consolidated statement of financial position at fair value:
● | Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
● | Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices); and |
● | Level 3 - inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs). |
Page 59
The levels used to determine fair value measurements for those instruments carried at fair value in the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:
September 30, 2021 | Total | |||||||||||||||
Assets |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Balance | ||||||||||||
Money market accounts |
- | 1,079 | - | 1,079 | ||||||||||||
Other receivables(1) |
- | - | 241 | 241 | ||||||||||||
Financial assets at fair value through earnings |
- | 1,079 | 241 | 1,320 | ||||||||||||
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income(2) |
37 | 24 | - | 61 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives used for hedging(3) |
- | 97 | - | 97 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
37 | 1,200 | 241 | 1,478 | ||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration(4) |
- | - | (2) | (2) | ||||||||||||
Financial liabilities at fair value through earnings |
- | - | (2) | (2) | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
- | - | (2) | (2) |
December 31, 2020 | Total | |||||||||||||||
Assets |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Balance | ||||||||||||
Money market accounts |
- | 1,476 | - | 1,476 | ||||||||||||
Warrants(5) |
- | - | 517 | 517 | ||||||||||||
Other receivables(1) |
- | - | 17 | 17 | ||||||||||||
Financial assets at fair value through earnings |
- | 1,476 | 534 | 2,010 | ||||||||||||
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income(2) |
27 | 19 | - | 46 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives used for hedging(3) |
- | 100 | - | 100 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
27 | 1,595 | 534 | 2,156 | ||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration(4) |
- | - | (3) | (3) | ||||||||||||
Financial liabilities at fair value through earnings |
- | - | (3) | (3) | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
- | - | (3) | (3) |
(1) | Receivables under indemnification arrangement (see note 18). |
(2) | Investments in entities over which the Company does not have control, joint control or significant influence. |
(3) | Comprised of fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps on indebtedness. |
(4) | Obligations to pay additional consideration for prior acquisitions, based upon performance measures contractually agreed at the time of purchase. |
(5) | Warrants related to the Companys former investment in Refinitiv (see note 8). |
The receivable from the indemnification arrangement is a level 3 in the fair value measurement hierarchy. The increase in the receivable between December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2021 primarily reflected additional payments that are expected to be recovered and fair value losses based on interest rates associated with the indemnifying partys credit profile, which are included within earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the consolidated income statement.
The following reflects the change in the fair value of the Refinitiv warrants, which are a level 3 in the fair value measurement hierarchy, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021:
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||
2021 | ||||
December 31, 2020 |
|
517 |
| |
Gain recognized prior to the sale of Refinitiv to LSEG within other operating gains, net |
|
9 |
| |
Exercise of warrants on date of sale of Refinitiv to LSEG (see note 8) |
|
(526) |
| |
September 30, 2021 |
|
- |
|
Page 60
The Company recognizes transfers into and out of the fair value measurement hierarchy levels at the end of the reporting period in which the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurred. There were no transfers between hierarchy levels for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Valuation Techniques
The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximize the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2. If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3.
Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include:
● | Quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments; |
● | The fair value of cross-currency interest rate swaps are calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on observable yield curves; |
● | The fair value of other receivables considers estimated future cash flows, current market interest rates and non-performance risk; and |
● | The fair value of contingent consideration is calculated based on estimates of future revenue performance. |
Valuation of the Refinitiv Warrants at December 31, 2020
● | On August 1, 2019, the Company and private equity funds affiliated with Blackstone agreed to sell Refinitiv, in which the Company owned a 45% interest, to LSEG, in an all share transaction which closed on January 29, 2021 (see note 8). Under the terms of the warrant agreement, the transaction constituted a change in control whereby the exercise of the warrants in connection with the closing of the transaction entitled the Company to an additional 4.5 million shares of YPL. The value of the warrants at December 31, 2020 reflected the entry into a definitive agreement for the sale of the Refinitiv business on August 1, 2019. The closing of the transaction on January 29, 2021 was not considered an adjusting subsequent event, and therefore the value at December 31, 2020 was not adjusted to incorporate the closing of the transaction. As such, the value was primarily based on the number of incremental shares in YPL to which the Company was entitled upon closing and the share price of LSEG on December 31, 2020. The valuation also incorporated (on a weighted-average basis) other outcomes based on the likelihood (at the time) of the transaction closing in the first quarter of 2021. |
● | The Monte Carlo simulation approach, which was incorporated into the valuation of the Refinitiv warrants, generates values based on the random outcomes from a probability distribution. Key inputs under the Monte Carlo approach included: the estimated equity value of Refinitiv; the capitalization structure of Refinitiv; the expected volatility; the risk-free rate of return; annual dividends or distributions; and assumptions about the timing of a liquidity event. |
Note 12: Other Non-Current Assets
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Net defined benefit plan surpluses |
189 | 128 | ||||||
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies |
343 | 334 | ||||||
Deferred commissions |
104 | 105 | ||||||
Other financial assets (see note 11) |
428 | 198 | ||||||
Other non-current assets(1) |
84 | 23 | ||||||
Total other non-current assets |
1,148 | 788 |
(1) | Includes a tax receivable from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of $73 million at September 30, 2021 (see note 18). |
Note 13: Payables, Accruals and Provisions
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Trade payables |
157 | 217 | ||||||
Accruals |
834 | 761 | ||||||
Provisions |
102 | 111 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
133 | 70 | ||||||
Total payables, accruals and provisions |
1,226 | 1,159 |
Page 61
Note 14: Provisions and Other Non-Current Liabilities
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Net defined benefit plan obligations |
555 | 598 | ||||||
Other financial liabilities (see note 11) |
207 | 224 | ||||||
Deferred compensation and employee incentives |
100 | 111 | ||||||
Provisions |
95 | 140 | ||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
14 | 10 | ||||||
Total provisions and other non-current liabilities |
971 | 1,083 |
Note 15: Capital
Share repurchases - Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB)
The Company may buy back shares (and subsequently cancel them) from time to time as part of its capital strategy. On August 5, 2021, the Company announced that it plans to repurchase up to $1.2 billion of its common shares. This new buyback program is in addition to the $200 million repurchase program that was completed in February 2021.
Share repurchases are typically executed under a NCIB. Shares are being repurchased for the new buyback program under an amended NCIB, which was approved by the TSX. The amended NCIB increased the maximum number of common shares that may be repurchased by an additional 15 million. Under the amended NCIB, up to 20 million common shares may be repurchased between January 4, 2021 and January 3, 2022. Under the amended NCIB, the Company may repurchase common shares in open market transactions on the TSX, the NYSE and/or other exchanges and alternative trading systems, if eligible, or by such other means as may be permitted by the TSX and/or NYSE or under applicable law, including private agreement purchases if the Company receives an issuer bid exemption order from applicable securities regulatory authorities in Canada for such purchases. The price that the Company will pay for shares in open market transactions under the NCIB will be the market price at the time of purchase or such other price as may be permitted by TSX.
Details of share repurchases under the NCIB for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Share repurchases (millions of U.S. dollars) |
603 | - | 803 | 200 | ||||||||||||
Shares repurchased (number in millions) |
5.2 | - | 7.7 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||
Share repurchases - average price per share in U.S. dollars |
$ | 116.15 | - | $ | 105.01 | $ | 78.37 |
In October 2021, the Company repurchased approximately $450 million of its common shares under its NCIB (see note 20).
Decisions regarding any future repurchases will depend on factors, such as market conditions, share price, and other opportunities to invest capital for growth. The Company may elect to suspend or discontinue its share repurchases at any time, in accordance with applicable laws. From time to time when the Company does not possess material nonpublic information about itself or its securities, it may enter into a pre-defined plan with its broker to allow for the repurchase of shares at times when the Company ordinarily would not be active in the market due to its own internal trading blackout periods, insider trading rules or otherwise. Any such plans entered into with the Companys broker will be adopted in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company entered into such a plan with its broker on September 27, 2021. As a result, the Company recorded a $480 million liability in Other financial liabilities within current liabilities at September 30, 2021 with a corresponding amount recorded in equity in the consolidated statement of financial position (December 31, 2020$200 million).
Page 62
Dividends
Dividends on common shares are declared in U.S. dollars. In the consolidated statement of cash flow, dividends paid on common shares are shown net of amounts reinvested in the Company under its dividend reinvestment plan. Details of dividends declared per common share and dividends paid on common shares are as follows:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Dividends declared per common share |
$0.405 | $0.380 | $1.215 | $1.140 | ||||||||||||
Dividends declared |
200 | 189 | 600 | 565 | ||||||||||||
Dividends reinvested |
(6) | (6) | (18) | (18) | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
194 | 183 | 582 | 547 |
Note 16: Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Details of Other in the consolidated statement of cash flow are as follows:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Non-cash employee benefit charges |
37 | 40 | 115 | 124 | ||||||||||||
Net gains on foreign exchange and derivative financial instruments |
(33) | (1) | (30) | (34) | ||||||||||||
Net losses on disposals of businesses and investments |
3 | - | (5) | 1 | ||||||||||||
Revaluation of Refinitiv warrants (see note 11) |
- | (46) | (9) | (47) | ||||||||||||
Fair value adjustments (see note 5) |
(8) | 3 | (6) | (17) | ||||||||||||
Other |
(6) | (6) | (9) | (43) | ||||||||||||
(7) | (10) | 56 | (16) |
Details of Changes in working capital and other items are as follows:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
72 | 57 | 174 | 122 | ||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
8 | 27 | 7 | 19 | ||||||||||||
Other financial assets |
(8) | (12) | 10 | 29 | ||||||||||||
Payables, accruals and provisions |
128 | (9) | (47) | (284) | ||||||||||||
Deferred revenue |
(53) | 32 | 4 | (22) | ||||||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
7 | 12 | (11) | (29) | ||||||||||||
Income taxes(1) |
(51) | (3) | 809 | 59 | ||||||||||||
Other |
(2) | (1) | (45) | (41) | ||||||||||||
101 | 103 | 901 | (147) |
(1) | The nine months ended September 30, 2021 reflects current tax liabilities that were recorded on the LSEG transaction and subsequent sale of LSEG shares (see note 8), for which the tax payments are included in investing activities. |
Details of income taxes paid are as follows:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Operating activities - continuing operations |
(42) | (11) | (143) | (47) | ||||||||||||
Operating activities - discontinued operations |
- | - | (2) | 2 | ||||||||||||
Investing activities - continuing operations |
(218) | - | (662) | - | ||||||||||||
Investing activities - discontinued operations(1) |
- | - | (42) | - | ||||||||||||
Total income taxes paid |
(260) | (11) | (849) | (45) |
(1) | Reflects payments made to HMRC (see note 18). |
Page 63
In the nine months ending September 30, 2021, the Company paid $348 million related to notices of assessment under the Diverted Profit Tax regime. Of this amount, $78 million was paid directly to HMRC and $270 million was paid to LSEG under an indemnity arrangement that related to businesses the Company sold to LSEG. LSEG will remit the payments it received under the indemnity to HMRC on the Companys behalf. The payments made directly to HMRC were included as income taxes paid in the consolidated statement of cash flow. The payments made to LSEG were presented in operating and investing activities from discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of cash flow and were not included as taxes paid. See note 18.
Note 17: Acquisitions
Acquisitions primarily comprise the purchase of businesses that are integrated into existing operations to broaden the Companys range of offerings to customers as well as its presence in global markets. The results of acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Acquisitions also include investments in equity method investments and asset acquisitions.
Acquisitions activity
The number of acquisitions completed, and the related total consideration were as follows:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Number of transactions | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
Businesses acquired |
- | 1 | - | 2 | ||||||||||||
Asset acquisitions |
1 | - | 1 | - | ||||||||||||
1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Total consideration | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
Business acquired |
- | 45 | - | 166 | ||||||||||||
Less: Cash acquired |
- | (3) | - | (4) | ||||||||||||
Business acquired, net of cash |
- | 42 | - | 162 | ||||||||||||
Investments in businesses |
- | 1 | - | 1 | ||||||||||||
Asset acquisitions(1) |
2 | - | 2 | - | ||||||||||||
Contingent consideration payments |
- | - | 3 | 2 | ||||||||||||
2 | 43 | 5 | 165 |
(1) | Acquisition of an intangible asset for $23 million, of which $2 million was paid in cash and $21 million was recorded primarily as a long-term liability. |
The following provides a brief description of the acquisitions completed during the nine months ended September 30, 2020:
Date | Company | Acquiring Segment | Description | |||
March 2020 |
Pondera Solutions |
Legal Professionals |
A provider of technology and advanced analytics to combat fraud, waste and abuse in healthcare and large government programs. | |||
August 2020 |
CaseLines |
Legal Professionals |
A provider of a cloud-based, evidence sharing platform that allows courts, law enforcement, prosecutors and legal practitioners to digitally collaborate, share and participate in virtual and physical court proceedings. |
Page 64
Purchase price allocation
Purchase price allocations related to certain acquisitions may be subject to adjustment pending completion of final valuations.
The details of net assets acquired were as follows:
Three months ended September 30,
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2020
|
|||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
3 | 4 | ||||||
Trade receivables |
1 | 4 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
1 | 1 | ||||||
Current assets |
5 | 9 | ||||||
Computer software |
9 | 25 | ||||||
Other identifiable intangible assets |
5 | 11 | ||||||
Total assets |
19 | 45 | ||||||
Payables and accruals |
(4) | (6) | ||||||
Deferred revenue |
(5) | (6) | ||||||
Other financial liabilities |
- | (2) | ||||||
Current liabilities |
(9) | (14) | ||||||
Provisions and other non-current liabilities |
- | (1) | ||||||
Deferred tax |
(3) | (6) | ||||||
Total liabilities |
(12) | (21) | ||||||
Net assets acquired |
7 | 24 | ||||||
Goodwill |
38 | 142 | ||||||
Total |
45 | 166 |
The excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill and reflects synergies and the value of the acquired workforce. The majority of goodwill for the acquisitions completed in 2020 are not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The acquisition transactions were completed by acquiring all equity interests of the acquired business.
Other
The revenues and operating profit of the acquired businesses since the date of acquisition were not material to the Companys results of operations.
Note 18: Contingencies
Lawsuits and legal claims
The Company is engaged in various legal proceedings, claims, audits and investigations that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. These matters include, but are not limited to, employment matters, commercial matters, defamation claims and intellectual property infringement claims. The outcome of all of the matters against the Company is subject to future resolution, including the uncertainties of litigation. Based on information currently known to the Company and after consultation with outside legal counsel, management believes that the ultimate resolution of any such matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on the Companys financial condition taken as a whole.
Uncertain tax positions
The Company is subject to taxation in numerous jurisdictions and is routinely under audit by many different taxing authorities in the ordinary course of business. There are many transactions and calculations during the course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain, as taxing authorities may challenge some of the Companys positions and propose adjustments or changes to its tax filings.
Page 65
As a result, the Company maintains provisions for uncertain tax positions that it believes appropriately reflect its risk. These provisions are made using the Companys best estimates of the amount expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. When appropriate, the Company performs an expected value calculation to determine its provisions. The Company reviews the adequacy of these provisions at the end of each reporting period and adjusts them based on changing facts and circumstances. Due to the uncertainty associated with tax audits, it is possible that at some future date, liabilities resulting from such audits or related litigation could vary significantly from the Companys provisions. However, based on currently enacted legislation, information currently known by the Company and after consultation with outside tax advisors, management believes that the ultimate resolution of any such matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on the Companys financial condition taken as a whole.
In February 2018, the U.K. tax authority, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), issued notices of assessment under the Diverted Profits Tax (DPT) regime for the 2015 taxation year of certain of the Companys current and former U.K. affiliates. The Company paid $31 million in tax, as required under the notices. As management does not believe that these U.K. affiliates fall within the scope of the DPT regime, the Company appealed these assessments in July 2019 to obtain a refund. In February 2021, HMRC issued DPT notices for the 2016 taxation year aggregating $87 million, which the Company paid in March 2021, as required under the notices. In August 2021, HMRC issued DPT notices for the 2018 taxation year aggregating $261 million, which the Company paid in September 2021. In addition, based on recent discussions with HMRC, management believes it is reasonably possible that HMRC may issue similar notices in the next three months for another taxation year for as much as $80 million. These outstanding and expected assessments largely relate to businesses that the Company has sold. Certain of the assessments are subject to indemnity arrangements under which the Company has been or will be required to pay additional taxes to HMRC, including those attributable to the indemnity counterparty. The Company is vigorously defending its position and intends to continue contesting the outstanding and expected assessments through all available administrative and judicial remedies. Any payments made by the Company are not a reflection of its view on the merits of the case. Because management believes that its position is supported by the weight of law, it does not believe that the resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial condition taken as a whole. As a result, the Company has recorded substantially all of these payments as non-current receivables from HMRC and the indemnity counterparty on its financial statements since the Company expects to receive refunds of substantially all of the aggregate amount paid pursuant to these notices of assessment. The Company expects that its existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund any future required payments.
Note 19: Related Party Transactions
As of September 30, 2021, the Companys principal shareholder, The Woodbridge Company Limited, beneficially owned approximately 67% of the Companys common shares.
In March 2021, the Company received proceeds of $994 million related to the sale of LSEG shares. This amount was distributed to the Company by YPL, an entity jointly owned by Thomson Reuters, Blackstones consortium and certain current LSEG and former members of Refinitiv senior management. YPL is an equity method investment of the Company. In June 2021, the Company received a dividend of $51 million from YPL, reflecting the Companys portion of dividends paid by LSEG (see notes 8 and 20).
In September 2021, the Company redeemed its ownership interest in an equity method investment and received proceeds of $13 million.
Except for the above transactions, there were no new significant related party transactions during the first nine months of 2021. Refer to Related party transactions disclosed in note 31 of the Companys consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, which are included in the Companys 2020 annual report, for information regarding related party transactions.
Note 20: Subsequent Events
Share Repurchases
In October 2021, the Company repurchased approximately $450 million of its common shares under its NCIB.
Dividends Received
In October 2021, the Company received an additional dividend of $24 million from YPL related to its portion of dividends paid by LSEG.
Page 66
EXHIBIT 99.3
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Steve Hasker, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this report on Form 6-K of Thomson Reuters Corporation; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: November 4, 2021
/s/ Steve Hasker |
Steve Hasker |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 99.4
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Michael Eastwood, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this report on Form 6-K of Thomson Reuters Corporation; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: November 4, 2021
/s/ Michael Eastwood |
Michael Eastwood |
Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 99.5
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the report of Thomson Reuters Corporation (the Corporation) on Form 6-K for the period ended September 30, 2021, as furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Steve Hasker, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation.
Date: November 4, 2021
/s/ Steve Hasker |
Steve Hasker President and Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 99.6
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the report of Thomson Reuters Corporation (the Corporation) on Form 6-K for the period ended September 30, 2021, as furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Michael Eastwood, Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation.
Date: November 4, 2021
/s/ Michael Eastwood |
Michael Eastwood Chief Financial Officer |