10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

CBRE GROUP, INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2003

Filed May 14, 2003For Securities:CBRE

Summary

CBRE Group, Inc. (CBRE) reported a net loss of $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2003, a significant improvement from a net loss of $6.1 million in the same period of 2002. Revenue increased by 17.7% to $263.7 million, driven by higher worldwide sales transaction revenue and increased lease transaction revenue. Despite revenue growth, cost of services as a percentage of revenue increased due to higher commissions and payroll-related costs, impacting operating income. The company is actively pursuing the acquisition of Insignia Financial Group for approximately $430 million, which is expected to close in June 2003, subject to financing and regulatory approvals. Management believes current liquidity, along with potential new capital sources, will be sufficient to meet anticipated obligations, including the Insignia acquisition.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net loss improved to $1.3 million in Q1 2003 from $6.1 million in Q1 2002.
  • 2Revenue increased by 17.7% to $263.7 million, primarily driven by strong sales transaction revenue.
  • 3Cost of services as a percentage of revenue increased to 46.9% from 44.2% due to higher commissions and payroll costs.
  • 4The company announced a planned acquisition of Insignia Financial Group for approximately $430 million, expected to close in June 2003.
  • 5Liquidity appears sufficient for near-term operations, with management actively seeking financing for the Insignia acquisition.
  • 6Americas segment showed strong revenue growth (11.9%), while EMEA and Asia Pacific also experienced revenue increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

CBRE reported a net loss of $1.3 million on revenues of $263.7 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2003. This represents an improvement compared to a net loss of $6.1 million on revenues of $224.0 million for the same period in 2002. Revenue growth was driven by increased sales transaction and lease transaction revenues.

The cost of services increased by 24.8% to $123.6 million. This increase was primarily driven by higher sales transaction commissions in the U.S. corresponding to increased sales transaction revenues, and increased payroll-related costs in the U.S. and Europe. As a result, cost of services as a percentage of revenue rose from 44.2% to 46.9%.

CBRE entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Insignia Financial Group, Inc. on February 17, 2003. The transaction is valued at approximately $430 million and is expected to close in June 2003, subject to Insignia shareholder approval, financing, and regulatory approvals. CBRE is actively pursuing financing for the acquisition.

CBRE has a significant amount of debt, including senior subordinated notes and senior secured term loans. The company is pursuing financing for the Insignia acquisition, including debt securities and equity contributions. Management believes its existing liquidity sources, including internally generated cash flow and borrowings, will be sufficient to meet its anticipated non-acquisition cash requirements for the next twelve months, but acknowledges that material future acquisitions will require new sources of capital.