DATA Communications Management Corp. Announces Fourth Quarter and Year End Financial Results for 2016

DATA Communications Management (CNW Group/DATA Communications Management Corp.)

HIGHLIGHTS

FISCAL 2016

• Refinement of sales leadership team, and enhancements to sales process and go-to market strategy
• Further cost reductions through rationalization of headcount across various functions of the business
• Improvements to production capabilities and facilities
• Refinanced senior credit facility
• Corporate rebranding as "DATA Communications Management"
• Revenues of $278.4 million, a decrease of 8.6% year over year

FOURTH QUARTER 2016

• Appointment of Gregory J. Cochrane as President
• Completed closure of large Edmonton, Alberta manufacturing facility

RECENT EVENTS

• Completed acquisitions of Eclipse Colour & Imaging Corp. ("Eclipse") and Thistle Printing Limited ("Thistle")
• Increased availability and amended certain terms on senior credit facilities
• Streamlined order-to-production process

BRAMPTON, ON, March 9, 2017 /CNW/ - DATA Communications Management Corp. (TSX: DCM) ("DATA" or the "Company"), a leading provider of business communication solutions to companies across North America, announced its consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2016.

OVERVIEW

"It was a busy year at DATA. While we made significant progress in our operating efficiencies and developed our strategy for growth, we fell short on our revenue and EBITDA targets. Nonetheless, we believe that the progress made and the initiatives completed have positioned DATA for success", said Michael G. Sifton, Chief Executive Officer of DATA.  "I would like to commend our team for simultaneously closing our recent strategic acquisitions of Eclipse and Thistle. We believe we are well positioned to execute on additional acquisitions in our pipeline. DATA has laid the groundwork to strategically evolve, be better positioned to meet client needs, and become more profitable."

Further improvements in operations and technology
Operationally, DATA made significant improvements in its production capabilities and facilities including the closure of its large Edmonton, Alberta manufacturing facility during the fourth quarter of 2016 ahead of schedule and below budget.  DATA has significantly downsized to a 10,000 square foot sales, customer experience and high-volume digital print production facility in order to strategically serve the local market.  Total cost savings from the large Edmonton, Alberta closure and a number of strategic headcount reductions across several functions of the business are expected to be $5.2 million on an annualized basis.  Total restructuring costs related to its operational improvements in 2016, primarily pertaining to headcount reductions, were $4.2 million.  In total, DATA has reduced its total production facilities by over 600,000 square feet reduced its total workforce by more than 400 employees in the last three years.

On January 31, 2017, DATA announced a process realignment of its operations, which DATA anticipates will result in estimated cost savings of $2.4 million on an annualized basis.  In connection with these improvements, DATA will incur a total of approximately $1.8 million in severance expenses in 2017.  This restructuring primarily involves a reduction of DATA's indirect labour force across its operations, which is designed to streamline DATA's order-to-production process.  This process redesign and automation is expected to improve manufacturing processes from DATA's on-line web-to-print ordering system, directly to digital production.

With respect to the Company's IT infrastructure, the technology team was busy in 2016 enhancing DATA's network capabilities, streamlining its employee and systems work flow, and advancing its Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") project.

Leadership strength and sales
On the sales front, DATA continued to build its sales leadership, go-to-market strategies, and vertical market focus.  In November  2016, DATA announced the appointment of Gregory J. Cochrane President of DATA.  In his new role, Mr. Cochrane is focused on sales and business development and will help lead the organization through its next stages of growth.  He has tremendous experience in the marketing communications and services industries, with extensive industry knowledge and C-suite client relationships.  Mr. Sifton remains as CEO of DATA with a focus on financial and strategic initiatives.

Strategic acquisitions
On February 22, 2017, DATA completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Eclipse and all of the shares of Thistle.

Eclipse is a leading Canadian large-format and point-of-purchase printing and packaging company located in Burlington, Ontario.  The acquisition of Eclipse adds significantly expanded wide format, large format, and grand format printing capabilities to DATA's portfolio of products and services, with Eclipse having a product mix focused on in-store print, outdoor, transit, display, packaging, kitting and fulfilment capabilities.  The net purchase price was approximately $9.4 million which was satisfied with the payment of $3.5 million in cash on closing, $1.3 million through the issuance of common shares of DATA, and $4.6 million through the issuance of a secured, non-interest bearing vendor take-back promissory note.

Thistle is a full service commercial printing company located in Toronto, Ontario.  The acquisition of Thistle provides DATA with a full service commercial print facility in Eastern Canada and enables DATA to expand its margins by insourcing commercial printing capabilities which it has historically outsourced to local tier two suppliers.  The net purchase price was approximately $6.1 million which was satisfied with a payment of $1.1 million in cash on closing, $1.5 million through the issuance of common shares of DATA, and $3.5 million in the form of a secured, non-interest bearing vendor take-back promissory note.

"We believe that these two transactions will position DATA to grow revenue within our Retail and Financial Services client bases.  Both businesses will provide enhanced product offerings to our sales team, enabling us to target further opportunities with our clients," said Mr. Sifton. "We believe there are significant other strategic acquisitions available to us at attractive prices that could help us further diversify our business from the declines we have been experiencing."

Increase in senior credit facilities and amendment to existing terms
On January 31, 2017, DATA amended its senior credit facilities.  DATA entered into an amended senior revolving credit facility with a Canadian chartered bank, including an increase in the total available commitment under that facility from $25.0 million to up to $35.0 million and the extension of the term of this facility by one year to March 31, 2020 from March 11, 2019.  DATA also completed an amendment to our term facility which provides DATA with a total borrowing base of up to $72.0 million from $50.0 million.  The increased availability under its senior credit facilities was partially used to finance the up-front cash components of the Eclipse and Thistle acquisitions and related transaction expenses and will also provide DATA with additional flexibility to continue to pursue its strategic growth objectives.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

All financial information in this press release is presented in Canadian dollars and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").

Table 1      The following table sets out selected historical consolidated financial information for the periods noted.

For the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015		Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2015
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts, unaudited)		$	$	$	$
Revenues		68,191	81,010	278,363	304,575
Cost of revenues		54,950	61,237	215,295	233,505
Gross profit		13,241	19,773	63,068	71,070
Selling, general and administrative expenses		13,394	13,082	55,934	56,663
Restructuring expenses		1,721	1,545	4,200	13,560
Impairment of goodwill		31,066	—	31,066	26,000
Gain on redemption of convertible debentures		—	(12,766)	—	(12,766)
Acquisition costs		68	—	68	—
(Loss) income before finance costs and income taxes		(33,008)	17,912	(28,200)	(12,387)
Finance costs (income)
	Interest expense	839	1,370	3,414	5,599
	Interest income	—	(1)	(8)	(11)
	Amortization of transaction costs	111	163	578	468
		950	1,532	3,984	6,056
(Loss) income before income taxes		(33,958)	16,380	(32,184)	(18,443)
Income tax (recovery) expense
	Current	194	941	1,572	1,191
	Deferred	(1,037)	2,034	(1,649)	(462)
		(843)	2,975	(77)	729
Net (loss) income for the year		(33,115)	13,405	(32,107)	(19,172)
Basic (loss) earnings per share		(2.77)	11.27	(2.89)	(40.33)
Diluted (loss) earnings per share		(2.77)	11.27	(2.89)	(40.33)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic		11,975,053	1,188,967	11,125,518	475,382
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted		11,975,053	1,188,967	11,125,518	475,382

As at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014	As at Dec. 31, 2016	As at Dec. 31, 2015
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)	$	$
Current assets	68,620	80,125
Current liabilities	58,473	90,298
Total assets	90,910	134,067
Total non-current liabilities	42,372	24,750
Shareholders' equity (deficit)	(9,935)	19,019

Table 2

The following table provides reconciliations of net (loss) income to EBITDA and of net (loss) income to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods noted. See "Non-IFRS Measures".

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation
For the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015		Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2015
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)		$	$	$	$
Net (loss) income for the year		(33,115)	13,405	(32,107)	(19,172)
Interest expense		839	1,370	3,414	5,599
Interest income		—	(1)	(8)	(11)
Amortization of transaction costs		111	163	578	468
Current income tax expense		194	941	1,572	1,191
Deferred income tax (recovery) expense		(1,037)	2,034	(1,649)	(462)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		815	1,182	4,052	4,754
Amortization of intangible assets		560	504	2,092	1,949
EBITDA		(31,633)	19,598	(22,056)	(5,684)
Restructuring expenses		1,721	1,545	4,200	13,560
One-time business reorganization costs		995	—	1,103	—
Impairment of goodwill		31,066	—	31,066	26,000
Gain on redemption of convertible debentures		—	(12,766)	—	(12,766)
Acquisition costs		68	—	68	—
Adjusted EBITDA		2,217	8,377	14,381	21,110

Table 3

The following table provides reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted net income and a presentation of Adjusted net income per share and Pro forma Adjusted net income per share for the periods noted.  See "Non- IFRS Measures".

Adjusted Net Income Reconciliation
For the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015	Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2015
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts, unaudited)	$	$	$	$
Net (loss) income for the year	(33,115)	13,405	(32,107)	(19,172)
Restructuring expenses	1,721	1,545	4,200	13,560
One-time business reorganization costs	995	—	1,103	—
Impairment of goodwill	31,066	—	31,066	26,000
Gain on redemption of convertible debentures	—	(12,766)	—	(12,766)
Acquisition costs	68	—	68	—
Tax effect of the above adjustments	(710)	1,253	(1,386)	(1,858)
Adjusted net income	25	3,437	2,944	5,764
Adjusted net income per share, basic and diluted	—	2.89	0.26	12.12
Pro forma Adjusted net income per share, basic ^(1)	—	0.29	0.25	0.48
Pro forma Adjusted net income per share, diluted ^(1)	—	0.28	0.24	0.46
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic	11,975,053	1,188,967	11,125,518	475,382
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	11,975,053	1,188,967	11,125,518	475,382
Number of common shares outstanding, basic	11,975,053	9,987,528	11,975,053	9,987,528
Number of common shares outstanding, diluted	12,465,818	9,987,528	12,464,343	9,987,528

(1)

Pro forma Adjusted net income per share, basic and pro forma Adjusted net income per share, diluted, are non-IFRS measures: assumes Adjusted net income per share, basic and diluted, were calculated on the basis of the total number of common shares outstanding of 11,975,053 and of 12,465,818, respectively at December 31, 2016, rather than the weighted average, basic and diluted, number of common shares outstanding at the respective period ends, given the significant changes in the number of common shares of DATA outstanding during comparable periods.

Revenues
For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, DATA recorded revenues of $68.2 million, a decrease of $12.8 million or 15.8% compared with the same period in 2015.  The decrease in revenues was due to (i) lower volumes and pricing from certain customers, (ii) approximately $3.6 million of non-recurring work related to labels and forms from a major retailer and certain government agencies, respectively, in 2015, (iii) disruption caused by the closure of the large Edmonton, Alberta manufacturing facility and reassignment of contracts to other plants during the fourth quarter.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, DATA recorded revenues of $278.4 million, a decrease of $26.2 million or 8.6% compared with the same period in 2015.  The decrease in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily due to lower volumes and pricing pressures from certain customers that reduced their overall spend during the year, with some shift to digital advertising.  Other contributors included: (i) the threatened Canada Post labour disruption, which reduced demand for work destined directly or indirectly for the mail stream, (ii) approximately $5.1 million of non-recurring work related to labels and forms, from a major retailer and certain government agencies, respectively, in 2015, (iii) a weaker economy in Western Canada, (iv) disruption caused by the closure of the large Edmonton, Alberta manufacturing facility and reassignment of contracts to other plants, and (v) training of the sales force to transition to DATA's new business structure, which is now more vertical market focused.

Cost of Revenues and Gross Profit
For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, cost of revenues decreased to $55.0 million from $61.2 million for the same period in 2015.  Gross profit for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was $13.2 million, which represented a decrease of $6.5 million or 33.0% from $19.8 million for the same period in 2015.  Gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased to 19.4% for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared to 24.4% for the same period in 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, cost of revenues decreased to $215.3 million from $233.5 million for the same period in 2015.  Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $63.1 million, which represented a decrease of $8.0 million or 11.3% from $71.1 million for the same period in 2015.  Gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased to 22.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 23.3% for the same period in 2015.

The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of revenues for the quarter and the year ended December 31, 2016 were due to the decrease in revenues, changes in product mix, one-time business reorganization costs incurred related to the closure of the large Edmonton, Alberta manufacturing facility, and compressed margins on recently negotiated large contracts with certain existing customers.  The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of revenues was partially offset by cost reductions realized from prior cost savings initiatives implemented in 2015.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 increased $0.3 million or 2.4% to $13.4 million compared to $13.1 million in the same period in 2015.  As a percentage of revenues, these costs were 19.6% of revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared to 16.1% of revenues for the same period in 2015.  The increase in SG&A expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to increased marketing expenses and costs related to DATA's ERP system development.

SG&A expenses  for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $0.7 million or 1.3% to $55.9 million compared to $56.7 million for the same period of 2015.  As a percentage of revenues, these costs were 20.1% and 18.6% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The decrease in SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to cost savings initiatives implemented in 2015, including headcount reductions across sales, general and administration functions, and was partially offset by higher expenses related to share-based compensation expense, increased marketing expenses, costs related to DATA's development of its ERP system and additional corporate costs related to changes in the Board of Directors in the second quarter of 2016, the change in DATA's legal name on July 4, 2016 and the share consolidation.

Restructuring Expenses
For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, DATA incurred restructuring expenses of $1.7 million primarily to related headcount reductions associated with the closure of its large Edmonton, Alberta manufacturing facility, in addition to headcount reductions across other functions of the business.  For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, DATA incurred restructuring expenses of $1.5 million primarily related to a lease exit charge associated with the closure of its Vancouver, British Columbia manufacturing facility as well as additional headcount reductions completed in the fourth quarter of 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, DATA incurred total restructuring expenses of $4.2 million.  Throughout the year, a number of strategic headcount reductions were made across several functions of the business resulting in $2.1 million of restructuring costs. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2016, DATA closed its Richmond Hill, Ontario location. In order to exit the lease for this facility there were approximately $0.4 million in restructuring charges that were incurred.  Further, during the fourth quarter of 2016, DATA completed the closure of its large Edmonton, Alberta manufacturing facility and incurred approximately $1.7 million in restructuring charges, primarily related to headcount reductions.  DATA anticipates these restructuring initiatives will generate total cost savings of $5.2 million on an annualized basis.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, DATA incurred restructuring expenses of $13.6 million comprised of (i) $11.2 million of restructuring expenses due to changes in senior management, headcount reductions across DATA's operations and the closure of certain manufacturing and warehouse locations, and (ii) a charge to onerous contracts of $2.3 million for lease exit charges for a warehouse that was closed in Brampton, Ontario and the closure of other facilities in Calgary, Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Impairment of Goodwill
During the fourth quarter of 2016, DATA performed its annual review of impairment of goodwill by comparing the fair value of each cash generating unit ("CGU") to the CGU's carrying value.  The recoverable amounts of all CGU's were determined based on their respective fair value less cost to sell, using the income approach which is predicated on future cash flows discounting them to their present value.  Revenue growth rates and operating margins were based on the 2017 budget approved by the Board and projected over a five-year period.  These forecasts were adjusted downwards given the declining operating results experienced by DATA in the past and the specific trends of the printing industry.  Accordingly, a weighted average declining growth rate based on a range of 1% to 3% was applied to revenue and a perpetual long-term growth rate of 0% thereafter were used to derive the recoverable amount of its CGU's.  As a result, DATA recorded a non-cash impairment of goodwill for $31.1 million.  There was no further goodwill remaining as at December 31, 2016.

During the fourth quarter of 2015, DATA performed its annual review of impairment of goodwill. As a result of that review, DATA concluded that no further goodwill impairment charges were required at that time.  However, earlier in the year, during the second quarter of 2015, impairment indicators, including changes in revenue trends and profit forecasts and the failure to meet certain financial covenants under its credit facilities, indicated that DATA's assets may be impaired.  As a result of this information, DATA performed an impairment analysis at June 30, 2015 and DATA recorded a non-cash impairment of goodwill for $26.0 million during the three month period ended June 30, 2015.

These non-cash impairment charges had no impact on DATA's cash flow or compliance with debt covenants.

Gain on Redemption of Convertible Debentures
During the year ended December 31, 2015,  DATA redeemed $33.5 million aggregate principal amount of its $44.7 million outstanding 6.00% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures (the "6.00% Convertible Debentures") on December 23, 2015.  DATA elected to satisfy its redemption payment obligation by issuing and delivering common shares of DATA to the holders of the 6.00% Convertible Debentures, in lieu of cash.  The common shares had a fair value of $19.5 million for purposes of IFRS, compared with a carrying value of $32.7 million on that date.  This resulted in a gain on partial redemption of the 6.00% Convertible Debentures of $13.2 million.

Adjusted EBITDA
For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Adjusted EBITDA was $2.2 million, or 3.3% of revenues.  Adjusted EBITDA decreased $6.2 million or 73.5% from the same period in the prior year and Adjusted EBITDA margin for the quarter, as a percentage of revenues, decreased from 10.3% of revenues in 2015 to 3.3% of revenues in 2016.  The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was due to lower gross profit as a result of lower revenues and higher SG&A expenses.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, Adjusted EBITDA was $14.4 million, or 5.2% of revenues, after adjusting EBITDA for the non-cash impairment of goodwill for $31.1 million, removing $4.2 million in restructuring charges and adding back $1.1 million related to one-time business reorganization costs.  Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $6.7 million or 31.9% from the same period in the prior year and Adjusted EBITDA margin for the period, as a percentage of revenues, decreased from 6.9% of revenues in 2015 to 5.2% of revenues in 2016.  The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA for 2016 was attributable to lower levels of revenue and gross profit which was partially offset by lower SG&A expenses compared to the prior comparable period.

Interest Expense
Interest expense, including interest on debt outstanding under DATA's credit facilities, on its outstanding 6.00% Convertible Debentures, on certain unfavourable lease obligations related to closed facilities and on DATA's employee benefit plans, was $0.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2015, and was $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $5.6 million for the same period in 2015.  Interest expense for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2016 were lower than the same periods in the prior year  primarily due to reductions in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding 6.00% Convertible Debentures and debt outstanding under DATA's credit facilities, respectively.

Income Taxes
DATA reported a loss before income taxes of $34.0 million and a net income tax recovery of $0.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared to income before income taxes of $16.4 million and a net income tax expense of $3.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015.  The current income tax expense was primarily related to the income taxes payable on DATA's estimated taxable income for the quarters ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.  The deferred income tax recoveries primarily related to changes in estimates of future reversals of temporary differences and new temporary differences that arose during the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

DATA reported a loss before income taxes of $32.2 million and a net income tax recovery of $77 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to a loss before income taxes of $18.4 million and a net income tax expense of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.  The net income tax recovery for the year ended December 31, 2016, includes current tax expense due to the income taxes payable on DATA's estimated taxable income, a reclassification from deferred taxes related to an adjustment of a tax filing in the prior year and is offset by taxes recovered from a prior period.  The current tax expense was offset by deferred income tax recoveries primarily related to changes in estimates of future reversals of temporary differences and new temporary differences that arose during year, offset by a reclassification to current income taxes related to an adjustment of a tax filing in the prior year.

Net (Loss) Income
Net loss for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was $33.1 million compared to net income of $13.4 million for the same period in 2015.  The decrease in comparable profitability for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was substantially due to lower gross profit as a result of lower revenues, higher SG&A expenses, a non-cash goodwill impairment charge, restructuring expenses, and one-time business reorganization costs incurred in 2016.  The net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 included a gain for purposes of IFRS on the partial redemption of the 6.00% Convertible Debentures.

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $32.1 million compared to a net loss $19.2 million for the same period in 2015.  The decrease in comparable profitability for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily due to a larger non-cash impairment of goodwill, lower revenue, and larger deferred income tax recovery during in 2016.  The decrease was partially offset by lower restructuring charges and interest expenses, combined with a larger current income tax expense during the year ended December 31, 2016.  During 2015, the net loss included a non-cash gain on redemption of convertible debentures which did not recur in 2016, along with a non-cash impairment of goodwill totaling $26.0 million.

Adjusted Net (Loss) Income
Adjusted net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was $25.0 thousand compared to Adjusted net income of $3.4 million for the same period in 2015.  The decrease in comparable profitability for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was attributable to gross profit as a result of lower revenues and higher SG&A expenses which was partially offset by lower interest expense in 2016.  Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $2.9 million compared to Adjusted net income of $5.8 million for the same period in 2015.  The decrease in comparable profitability for the year ended December 31, 2016 was attributable to lower revenues, which was partially offset by lower SG&A expenses and interest expenses in 2016.

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS

During the year ended December 31, 2016, cash flows provided by operating activities were $10.1 million compared to $8.2 million during the same period in 2015.  $12.1 million of current year cash flows resulted from operations, after adjusting for non-cash items, compared with $16.7 million in 2015.  The $4.6 million decrease over the prior year related primarily to lower revenue earned in the current year.  Changes in working capital in 2016 generated $7.6 million compared with $3.5 million in the prior year primarily due to lower accounts receivables, deferred revenue and inventory on hand as a result of lower sales and due to higher collections on outstanding receivables from customers at the end of 2016.  Accounts payables decreased due to the timing of payments to suppliers for purchases and lower production levels, also a result of lower revenues. In addition, $7.4 million of cash was used to make payments primarily related to severances and lease termination costs, compared with $9.8 million of restructuring related payments in 2015.  Contributions made to the Company`s pension plans were $1.9 million, which was unchanged from the prior year.

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

During the year ended December 31, 2016, $2.9 million in cash flows were used for investing activities compared with $3.9 million during the same period in 2015.  In 2016, this lower level was primarily made up of $2.7 million in capital expenditures to recalibrate machinery and equipment that was moved from the large Edmonton, Alberta manufacturing facility to other locations, install new racking in the Calgary, Alberta warehouse and the purchase of new software.  There were $3.2 million of capital expenditures in the prior year, which mainly related to the consolidation of three manufacturing facilities into the Calgary, Alberta manufacturing facility.  Total capital expenditures as a percentage of revenue were approximately 1% for both years.

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

During the year ended December 31, 2016, cash flow used by financing activities was $6.5 million compared to $4.3 million during the same period in 2015.  $2.8 million in gross proceeds were received, less issuance expenses of $0.1 million, for net aggregate proceeds of $2.7 million from the private placement completed in 2016.  The net proceeds of the private placement were used by DATA for general working capital purposes.  During the year ended December 31, 2016, DATA established new credit facilities and used cash from advances under those credit facilities totaling $43.3 million to repay the outstanding principal amounts under its prior credit facilities.  In addition, DATA repaid a total of $7.2 million of the principal amount outstanding under its new credit facilities during the year compared to $4.0 million of principal repaid under its prior credit facilities in 2015.  DATA incurred $1.3 million of transaction costs related to the establishment of new credit facilities during the year ended December 31, 2016.

OUTLOOK

During 2016, DATA made progress on several important strategic projects.  These included: further improvements to operating efficiencies through headcount reductions across various functions, in addition to the closure its large Edmonton, Alberta manufacturing facility, which was completed ahead of schedule; the advancement of DATA's internal ERP replacement project; the implementation of new technology for improving service levels, new data storage facilities and PC platforms; refinement of DATA's sale team at the leadership level, along with enhancements to DATA's sales process and go-to market strategy, which is now more vertical market focused; and in addition to DATA's executive leadership team with the introduction of Greg J. Cochrane as President.

DATA continued into 2017 with further cost reductions to streamline the Company's order-to-production process and has now shifted its focus onto the growth of its business through organic growth and potential acquisitions.  In February of 2017, DATA took its first step in executing on its growth strategy by successfully completing the acquisitions of Eclipse and Thistle.  The Company is currently working on integrating these businesses and identifying potential revenue synergies and other opportunities for synergies.  DATA is actively pursuing other growth opportunities it sees in its markets which leverage its key competencies of managing complexity and providing superior execution for its clients' business and marketing communications needs.

Including the additions of Eclipse and Thistle, the Company expects full year non-IFRS Adjusted EBITDA to be between $22.0 million and $26.0 million in 2017, representing an improvement of approximately 53% to 80% compared to 2016, despite anticipated softness in the first quarter of 2017.

At the end of the second quarter of 2017, the 6.00% Convertible Debentures will come due.  DATA is currently evaluating various alternatives to finance the settlement of the 6.00% Convertible Debentures on maturity.  Management expects to be able to meet all of its ongoing obligations and finance future growth through a potential combination of its operating cash flows, drawing upon or increasing its senior credit facilities, refinancing, redeeming or amending the terms of the 6.00% Convertible Debentures and through the issuance of common shares.

"We recognize that there were certain anomalies that transpired during the year, especially in the second half, which affected our ability to meet our annual financial targets for 2016.  In addition, we are conscious of the challenges that lie ahead, however, we expect 2017 will be a better year as the strategic projects completed in 2016 are now behind us and there is optimism that the benefits of these initiatives will come to fruition in the years to follow", said Michael G. Sifton, Chief Executive Officer of DATA.

About DATA Communications Management Corp.

DATA is a leading provider of business communication solutions, bringing value and collaboration to marketing and operation teams in companies across North America.  We help marketers and agencies unify and execute communications campaigns across multiple channels, and we help operations teams streamline and automate document and communications management processes.  Our core capabilities include direct marketing, commercial print services, labels and asset tracking, event tickets and gift cards, logistics and fulfilment, content and workflow management, data management and analytics, and regulatory communications.  We serve clients in key vertical markets such as financial services, retail, healthcare, lottery and gaming, not-for-profit, and energy.  We are strategically located across Canada to support clients on a national basis, and serve the U.S. market through our facilities in Chicago, Illinois.

Additional information relating to DATA Communications Management Corp. is available on www.datacm.com, and in the disclosure documents filed by DATA Communications Management Corp. on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking" statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, objectives or achievements of DATA, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, objectives or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  When used in this press release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan", and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These statements reflect DATA's current views regarding future events and operating performance, are based on information currently available to DATA, and speak only as of the date of this press release.  These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such performance or results will be achieved.  Many factors could cause the actual results, performance, objectives or achievements of DATA to be materially different from any future results, performance, objectives or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The principal factors, assumptions and risks that DATA made or took into account in the preparation of these forward-looking statements include: the limited growth in the traditional printing industry and the potential for further declines in sales of DATA's printed business documents relative to historical sales levels for those products; the risk that changes in the mix of products and services sold by DATA which are related to reduced demand for its printed products will adversely affect DATA's financial results; the risk that DATA may not be successful in reducing the size of its legacy print business, realizing the benefits expected from restructuring and business reorganization initiatives, reducing costs, reducing and repaying its long-term debt, repaying or refinancing its outstanding 6.00% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures, and growing its digital communications business; the risk that DATA may not be successful in managing its organic growth; DATA's ability to invest in, develop and successfully market new digital and other products and services; competition from competitors supplying similar products and services, some of whom have greater economic resources than DATA and are well-established suppliers; DATA's ability to grow its sales or even maintain historical levels of its sales of printed business documents; the impact of economic conditions on DATA's businesses; risks associated with acquisitions by DATA; the failure to realize the expected benefits from acquisitions and risks associated with the integration of acquired businesses; increases in the costs of paper and other raw materials used by DATA; and DATA's ability to maintain relationships with its customers.  Additional factors are discussed elsewhere in this press release and under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Risks and Uncertainties" in DATA's management's discussion and analysis and in DATA's other publicly available disclosure documents, as filed by DATA on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this press release as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.  Unless required by applicable securities law, DATA does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

NON-IFRS MEASURES

This press release includes certain non-IFRS measures as supplementary information. Except as otherwise noted, when used in this press release, EBITDA means earnings before interest and finance costs, taxes, depreciation and amortization and Adjusted net income (loss) means net income (loss) adjusted for the impact of certain non-cash items and certain items of note on an after-tax basis.  Adjusted EBITDA means EBITDA adjusted for restructuring expenses, one-time business reorganization costs, goodwill impairment charges, gain on redemption of convertible debentures, and acquisition costs.  Adjusted net income (loss) means net income (loss) adjusted for restructuring expenses, one-time business reorganization costs, goodwill impairment charges, gain on redemption of convertible debentures, acquisition costs and the tax effects of those items.  Adjusted net income (loss) per share (basic and diluted) is calculated by dividing Adjusted net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares (basic and diluted) outstanding during the period.  Pro forma Adjusted net income (loss) per share (basic and diluted) assumes that Adjusted net income (loss) per share was calculated on the basis of the total number of common shares outstanding at December 31, 2016, rather than the weighted average or the weighted average diluted number of common shares outstanding at the respective period ends, given the significant changes in the number of common shares of DATA outstanding during those periods.  DATA believes that, in addition to net income (loss), Adjusted net income (loss), Adjusted net income (loss) per share, Pro forma Adjusted net income (loss) per share, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful supplemental measures in evaluating the performance of DATA.  Adjusted net income (loss), Adjusted net income (loss) per share, Pro forma Adjusted net income (loss) per share, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not earnings measures recognized by IFRS and do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS.  Therefore, Adjusted net income (loss), Adjusted net income (loss) per share, Pro forma Adjusted net income (loss) per share, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Investors are cautioned that Adjusted net income (loss), Adjusted net income (loss) per share, Pro forma Adjusted net income (loss) per share, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as alternatives to net income (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of DATA's performance.  For a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, see Table 2 above.  For a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted net income (loss) and a presentation of Adjusted net income (loss) per share and Pro forma Adjusted net income (loss) per share, see Table 3 above.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)		December 31, 2016 $	December 31, 2015 $
Assets
Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	1,544	871
	Trade receivables	29,157	38,051
	Inventories	33,252	37,053
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,667	4,150
		68,620	80,125
Non-current assets
	Deferred income tax assets	3,839	2,070
	Restricted cash	425	—
	Property, plant and equipment	12,483	14,422
	Pension assets	1,589	770
	Intangible assets	3,954	5,614
	Goodwill	—	31,066
		90,910	134,067
Liabilities
Current liabilities
	Trade payables	27,304	29,766
	Current portion of Credit facilities	5,886	43,095
	Current portion of Convertible debentures	11,082	—
	Provisions	3,305	5,723
	Income taxes payable	2,231	903
	Deferred revenue	8,665	10,811
		58,473	90,298
Non-current liabilities
	Provisions	675	1,483
	Credit facilities	29,156	—
	Convertible debentures	—	10,912
	Deferred income tax liabilities	—	76
	Other non-current liabilities	1,691	1,362
	Pension obligations	8,340	8,354
	Other post-employment benefit plans	2,510	2,563
		100,845	115,048
Equity
Shareholders' equity (deficit)
	Shares	237,432	234,782
	Conversion options	128	128
	Contributed surplus	1,164	385
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	258	306
	Deficit	(248,917)	(216,582)
		(9,935)	19,019
		90,910	134,067

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts, unaudited)		For the three months ended December 31, 2016	For the three months ended December 31, 2015
		$	$
Revenues		68,191	81,010
Cost of revenues		54,950	61,237
Gross profit		13,241	19,773
Expenses
	Selling, commissions and expenses	7,521	7,847
	General and administration expenses	5,873	5,235
	Restructuring expenses	1,721	1,545
	Impairment of goodwill	31,066	—
	Gain on redemption of convertible debentures	—	(12,766)
	Acquisition costs	68	—
		46,249	1,861
(Loss) income before finance costs and income taxes		(33,008)	17,912
Finance costs (income)
	Interest expense	839	1,370
	Interest income	—	(1)
	Amortization of transaction costs	111	163
		950	1,532
(Loss) income before income taxes		(33,958)	16,380
Income tax (recovery) expense
	Current	194	941
	Deferred	(1,037)	2,034
		(843)	2,975
Net (loss) income for the period		(33,115)	13,405
Basic (loss) earnings per share		(2.77)	11.27
Diluted (loss) earnings per share		(2.77)	11.27

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts, unaudited)		For the year ended December 31, 2016	For the year ended December 31, 2015
		$	$
Revenues		278,363	304,575
Cost of revenues		215,295	233,505
Gross profit		63,068	71,070
Expenses
	Selling, commissions and expenses	31,376	33,194
	General and administration expenses	24,558	23,469
	Restructuring expenses	4,200	13,560
	Impairment of goodwill	31,066	26,000
	Gain on redemption of convertible debentures	—	(12,766)
	Acquisition costs	68	—
		91,268	83,457
Loss before finance costs and income taxes		(28,200)	(12,387)
Finance costs (income)
	Interest expense	3,414	5,599
	Interest income	(8)	(11)
	Amortization of transaction costs	578	468
		3,984	6,056
Loss before income taxes		(32,184)	(18,443)
Income tax (recovery) expense
	Current	1,572	1,191
	Deferred	(1,649)	(462)
		(77)	729
Net loss for the year		(32,107)	(19,172)
Basic loss per share		(2.89)	(40.33)
Diluted loss per share		(2.89)	(40.33)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)		For the three months ended December 31, 2016	For the three months ended December 31, 2015
		$	$
Net (loss) income for the period		(33,115)	13,405
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to net (loss) income
	Foreign currency translation	43	61
		43	61
Items that will not be reclassified to net (loss) income
	Re-measurements of post-employment benefit obligations	2,482	(601)
	Taxes related to post-employment adjustment above	(648)	157
		1,834	(444)
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax		1,877	(383)
Comprehensive (loss) income for the period		(31,238)	13,022

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)		For the year ended December 31, 2016	For the year ended December 31, 2015
		$	$
Net loss for the year		(32,107)	(19,172)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to net loss
	Foreign currency translation	(48)	214
		(48)	214
Items that will not be reclassified to net loss
	Re-measurements of post-employment benefit obligations	(309)	159
	Taxes related to post-employment adjustment above	81	(41)
		(228)	118
Other comprehensive (loss) income for the year, net of tax		(276)	332
Comprehensive loss for the year		(32,383)	(18,840)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)	Shares	Conversion options	Contributed surplus	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Deficit	Total equity (deficit)
	$	$		$	$	$
Balance as at December 31, 2014	215,336	513	—	92	(197,528)	18,413
Net loss for the year	—	—	—	—	(19,172)	(19,172)
Other comprehensive income for the year	—	—	—	214	118	332
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year	—	—	—	214	(19,054)	(18,840)
Shares issued on the redemption of convertible debentures	19,446	(385)	385	—	—	19,446
Balance as at December 31, 2015	234,782	128	385	306	(216,582)	19,019
Balance as at December 31, 2015	234,782	128	385	306	(216,582)	19,019
Net loss for the year	—	—	—	—	(32,107)	(32,107)
Other comprehensive loss for the year	—	—	—	(48)	(228)	(276)
Total comprehensive loss for the year	—	—	—	(48)	(32,335)	(32,383)
Issuance of common shares	2,650	—	—	—	—	2,650
Share-based compensation expense	—	—	779	—	—	779
Balance as at December 31, 2016	237,432	128	1,164	258	(248,917)	(9,935)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)		For the three months ended December 31, 2016	For the three months ended December 31, 2015
		$	$
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities
Net (loss) income for the period		(33,115)	13,405
Adjustments to net (loss) income
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	815	1,182
	Amortization of intangible assets	560	504
	Share-based compensation expense	61	—
	Pension expense	147	153
	Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	120	22
	Impairment of goodwill	31,066	—
	Gain on redemption of convertible debentures	—	(12,766)
	Provisions	1,721	1,545
	Amortization of transaction costs	111	163
	Accretion of convertible debentures	21	75
	Other non-current liabilities	75	254
	Other post-employment benefit plans, net	(96)	(463)
	Income tax credits recognized	—	—
	Income tax (recovery) expense	(843)	2,975
		643	7,049
Changes in working capital		7,696	(4,013)
Contributions made to pension plans		(479)	(481)
Provisions paid		(1,960)	(2,795)
Income taxes paid		(12)	(232)
		5,888	(472)
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(1,371)	(281)
Purchase of intangible assets		(281)	—
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment		33	15
		(1,619)	(266)
Financing activities
Repayment of credit facilities		(1,869)	(1,000)
Proceeds from loan payable		—	1
Repayment of loan payable		(56)	(19)
Finance and transaction costs		—	(552)
Finance lease payments		—	(10)
		(1,925)	(1,580)
(Decrease) in (bank overdraft) / decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the period		2,344	(2,318)
(Bank overdraft) cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period		(829)	3,153
Effects of foreign exchange on cash balances		29	36
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period		1,544	871

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, unaudited)		For the year ended December 31, 2016	For the year ended December 31, 2015
		$	$
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities
Net loss for the year		(32,107)	(19,172)
Adjustments to net loss
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	4,052	4,754
	Amortization of intangible assets	2,092	1,949
	Share-based compensation expense	779	—
	Pension expense	589	609
	Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	358	56
	Impairment of goodwill	31,066	26,000
	Gain on redemption of convertible debentures	—	(12,766)
	Provisions	4,200	13,560
	Amortization of transaction costs	578	468
	Accretion of convertible debentures	85	212
	Other non-current liabilities	469	692
	Other post-employment benefit plans, net	94	(250)
	Tax credits recognized	(124)	(181)
	Income tax (recovery) expense	(77)	729
		12,054	16,660
Changes in working capital		7,619	3,521
Contributions made to pension plans		(1,878)	(1,878)
Provisions paid		(7,426)	(9,757)
Income taxes paid		(223)	(380)
		10,146	8,166
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(2,653)	(4,300)
Purchase of intangible assets		(432)	(302)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment		167	654
		(2,918)	(3,948)
Financing activities
Increase in restricted cash		(425)	—
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net		2,650	—
Proceeds from credit facilities		49,532	—
Repayment of credit facilities		(56,737)	(4,000)
Proceeds from loan payable		—	342
Repayment of loan payable		(191)	(32)
Finance and transaction costs		(1,341)	(565)
Finance lease payments		(18)	(37)
		(6,530)	(4,292)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the year		698	(74)
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year		871	812
Effects of foreign exchange on cash balances		(25)	133
Cash and cash equivalents – end of year		1,544	871

SOURCE DATA Communications Management Corp.

Mr. Michael G. Sifton, Chief Executive Officer, DATA Communications Management Corp., Tel: [phone]; Mr. James E. Lorimer, Chief Financial Officer, DATA Communications Management Corp., Tel: [phone]

Related Links

http://www.datagroup.ca