10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2009

CBRE GROUP, INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2009

Filed November 9, 2009For Securities:CBRE

Summary

CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. (CBRE) reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of $12.4 million for the third quarter of 2009, compared to a net income of $40.4 million in the same period of 2008, on revenue that decreased by 21.3% to $1.02 billion. The decline in revenue was primarily attributed to continued challenging global economic conditions impacting sales and leasing activity across all segments. Despite revenue challenges, the company managed to decrease operating, administrative, and other expenses by 19.6% due to cost-reduction measures. The balance sheet showed total assets of $4.48 billion and total liabilities of $4.01 billion as of September 30, 2009. The company's cash position improved significantly to $326.0 million from $158.8 million at the end of 2008, bolstered by equity offerings which helped manage its significant debt load. Financially, CBRE is navigating a challenging macroeconomic environment, characterized by weak commercial real estate markets and tight credit conditions. This is reflected in the year-to-date net loss of $30.9 million. The company has undertaken cost-cutting initiatives and managed its debt structure, including issuing new subordinated notes and repaying term loans, to improve its financial flexibility. Investors should monitor the company's ability to manage its debt covenants and the impact of global economic recovery on its revenue streams.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.02B
Operating Expenses$968.98M
Operating Income$56.99M
Interest Expense$54.08M
Net Income$12.38M
EPS (Basic)$0.04
EPS (Diluted)$0.04
Shares Outstanding (Basic)282.73M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)285.92M

Key Highlights

  • 1CBRE reported a net loss of $12.4 million for Q3 2009, a significant decrease from a net income of $40.4 million in Q3 2008.
  • 2Consolidated revenue for Q3 2009 declined by 21.3% year-over-year to $1.02 billion, primarily due to weak global economic conditions affecting sales and leasing activity.
  • 3The company managed to reduce operating, administrative, and other expenses by 19.6% through cost-reduction measures, partially mitigating the impact of lower revenue.
  • 4Cash and cash equivalents increased substantially to $326.0 million as of September 30, 2009, up from $158.8 million at December 31, 2008.
  • 5The company issued $450 million in senior subordinated notes in June 2009 and repaid substantial amounts on its senior secured term loans, indicating active debt management.
  • 6Goodwill and intangible assets remain significant at $1.31 billion and $320 million respectively, though the company had significant impairment charges in the prior year.
  • 7The company continues to be highly leveraged, with total debt (excluding notes payable on real estate and warehouse lines of credit) around $2.2 billion as of September 30, 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions

CBRE reported a net loss of $12.4 million for the third quarter of 2009, a substantial decrease from a net income of $40.4 million in the same period of 2008. Revenue fell 21.3% to $1.02 billion due to weak global economic conditions impacting real estate markets. Despite lower revenue, the company reduced operating expenses by nearly 20% through cost-saving measures.

CBRE's cash and cash equivalents significantly increased to $326.0 million by the end of Q3 2009, up from $158.8 million at the end of 2008. This improvement was partly due to equity offerings. The company actively managed its debt, issuing $450 million in senior subordinated notes in June 2009 and making significant repayments on its senior secured term loans. Total debt remains substantial, around $2.2 billion, excluding certain other borrowings.

The primary challenge for CBRE is the ongoing weak global economic and commercial real estate market conditions, which directly impact transaction volumes and revenue. High leverage and significant debt service obligations pose a risk, as does the potential for further impairment of goodwill and intangible assets. The company also faces risks associated with its international operations, foreign currency fluctuations, and intense competition.

All operating segments, particularly Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific, experienced revenue declines due to the challenging economic environment. The Global Investment Management segment saw lower revenues due to capital market constraints, and Development Services revenue decreased due to lower construction activity. The company implemented cost-cutting measures across all segments to mitigate the impact of reduced revenues.