MDC Partners Inc. Reports Record Results for the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW/ -

FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

• Material acceleration of financial performance across all metrics
• Revenue increased to $294.6 million versus $254.1 million in Q4 2011, an increase of 16.0%
• Organic revenue increased 11.9% for Q4 2012
• EBITDA increased to $43.6 million versus $26.3 million in Q4 2011, an increase of 66.1%
• EBITDA margin increased 450 basis points to 14.8% versus 10.3% in Q4 2011, reflecting an increase of 44%
• Free Cash Flow increased to $24.0 million versus $9.2 million in Q4 2011
• Net new business wins of $33.7 million for Q4 2012

FULL YEAR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Revenue increased to $1.07 billion versus $940.4 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of 13.9%
• Organic revenue increased 8.4% for 2012 on top of a 16.6% organic revenue increase in 2011
• EBITDA increased to $118.4 million versus $93.1 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of 27.2%
• EBITDA margin increased 120 basis points to 11.1% versus 9.9% in 2011
• Free Cash Flow improved to $49.6 million versus $25.0 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of 98.4%
• Net new business wins of $136.9 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 31.5%
• Net debt-to-EBITDA reduced significantly from 4.0 times EBITDA to 3.0 times EBITDA, an improvement of 25%

MDC Partners Inc. ("MDC Partners" or the "Company") today announced financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2012.

Miles S. Nadal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MDC Partners, said, "2012 was a record year for MDC Partners as we exceeded guidance and delivered exceptional revenue, EBITDA, free cash flow and EBITDA margin growth. Our organic revenue growth accelerated to 11.9% for the fourth quarter and 8.4% for 2012, far outpacing the industry and we materially improved our net debt-to-EBITDA leverage ratio, putting our balance sheet in a very strong position.

"It's clear from our results that our strategy of creating a truly transformational business where the most talented people in the industry are dedicated to enhancing the sustainable profitable growth of their clients is working. We are winning incremental share of wallet and gaining market share. We have received exceptional industry recognition, including 2012 Agency of the Year for 72andSunny, Anomaly and kbs+ celebrated as two of only 10 'Standout Agencies,' and TargetCast and Vitro both named 'Agencies to Watch'. Looking ahead, we are even more excited about 2013. Our new business pipeline is at an all-time high and we are seeing larger opportunities across more agencies, and more disciplines. As a result, we have an outstanding foundation for continued accelerated financial performance in 2013 and in the years to come."

Guidance for 2013 is established as follows:

						Implied
		2012		2013		Year over Year
		Actual		Guidance		Change
Revenue		$1,070.7 million		$1,125 - $1,150 million		+5.1% to +7.4%
EBITDA		$118.4 million		$132 - $135 million		+11.5% to +14.0%
Free Cash Flow		$49.6 million		$55 - $60 million		+10.8% to +20.9%
EBITDA Margin		11.1%		11.7%		+60 basis points

Consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $294.6 million, an increase of 16.0% compared to $254.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. EBITDA (as defined) for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $43.6 million, an increase of 66.1% compared to $26.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, as the company realized 450 basis points of EBITDA margin expansion from its previous growth initiatives. Loss attributable to MDC Partners in the fourth quarter was ($24.5) million compared to a loss of ($57.7) million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Diluted loss per share from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2012 was ($0.76) compared to ($1.93) per share in the same period of 2011. Free cash flow from operations (as defined) was $24.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with $9.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.

For the twelve month period ended December 31, 2012, consolidated revenue was $1.07 billion, an increase of 13.9% compared to $940.4 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2011. EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 increased 27.2% to $118.4 million compared to $93.1 million in the same period of 2011. Loss attributable to MDC Partners in the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 was ($85.4) million compared to a loss of ($84.7) million in 2011. Diluted loss per share from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners common shareholders for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 was ($2.60) compared to a loss of ($2.80) per share in the same period of 2011. Cash flows provided by continuing operating activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 was $78.2 million compared to $7.2 million in the same period of 2011. Free cash flow from operations was $49.6 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, compared with $25.0 million in the same period of 2011.

David Doft, CFO of MDC Partners, said, "Our disciplined approach to operating efficiency enabled us to increase EBITDA margins by 44% in the quarter to 14.8% and by 12% for the fiscal year to 11.1%. Our work to improve our balance sheet is paying off as our leverage was 3.0 times net debt-to-EBITDA at year end, well ahead of our long-term plan. This is a 25% improvement over the 4.0 times we reported at year-end 2011. The combination of our superior growth profile, scalability of our model, expected continued margin expansion, strong free cash flow generation, and efforts to optimize our balance sheet, we believe have positioned the company well for strong equity returns in the near and long-term."

Conference Call

Management will host a conference call on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. (EST) to discuss results. The conference call will be accessible by dialing 1-412-858-4600 or toll free 1-800-860-2442. An investor presentation has been posted on our website www.mdc-partners.com and will be referred to during the conference call.

A recording of the conference call will be available one hour after the call until 9:00 a.m. March 8, 2013, by dialing 1-412-317-0088 or toll free 1-877-344-7529 (passcode 10024176) or by visiting our website at www.mdc-partners.com.

About MDC Partners Inc.

MDC is a Business Transformation Organization that utilizes technology, marketing communications, data analytics and insights and strategic consulting solutions to drive meaningful returns on Marketing and Communications Investments for multinational clients in the United States, Canada, and worldwide.

MDC's durable competitive advantage is to Empower the Most Talented Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders to Drive Business Success to new levels of Achievement, for both our Clients and our Shareholders, reinforcing MDC's reputation as "The Place Where Great Talent Lives."

MDC Partners' Class A shares are publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "MDCA" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDZ.A".

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to its reported results, MDC Partners has included in this earnings release certain financial results that the Securities and Exchange Commission defines as "non-GAAP financial measures." Management believes that such non-GAAP financial measures, when read in conjunction with the Company's reported results, can provide useful supplemental information for investors analyzing period to period comparisons of the Company's results. These non-GAAP financial measures relate to: (1) presenting EBITDA and EBITDA margin (as defined) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011; and (2) presenting Total Free Cash Flow (as defined) and Free Cash Flow for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Included in this earnings release are tables reconciling MDC's reported results to arrive at these non-GAAP financial measures. In addition, Net Debt is defined in our credit facility as debt due pertaining to the revolving credit facility plus debt pertaining to the Senior Notes less total cash and cash equivalents.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The Company's representatives may also make forward-looking statements orally from time to time. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, earnings guidance, recent business and economic trends, potential acquisitions, estimates of amounts for deferred acquisition consideration and "put" option rights, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined in this section. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events, if any.

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

• risks associated with severe effects of international, national and regional economic downturn;
• the Company's ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients;
• the spending patterns and financial success of the Company's clients;
• the Company's ability to retain and attract key employees;
• the Company's ability to remain in compliance with its debt agreements and the Company's ability to finance its contingent payment obligations when due and payable, including but not limited to those relating to "put" option right and deferred acquisition consideration;
• the successful completion and integration of acquisitions which complement and expand the Company's business capabilities; and
• foreign currency fluctuations.

The Company's business strategy includes ongoing efforts to engage in material acquisitions of ownership interests in entities in the marketing communications services industry. The Company intends to finance these acquisitions by using available cash from operations, from borrowings under its credit facility and through incurrence of bridge or other debt financing, any of which may increase the Company's leverage ratios, or by issuing equity, which may have a dilutive impact on existing shareholders proportionate ownership. At any given time the Company may be engaged in a number of discussions that may result in one or more material acquisitions. These opportunities require confidentiality and may involve negotiations that require quick responses by the Company. Although there is uncertainty that any of these discussions will result in definitive agreements or the completion of any transactions, the announcement of any such transaction may lead to increased volatility in the trading price of the Company's securities.

Investors should carefully consider these risk factors and the additional risk factors outlined in more detail in the Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption "Risk Factors" and in the Company's other SEC filings.

SCHEDULE 1
MDC PARTNERS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(US$ in 000s, except share and per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
		2012	2011		2012	2011
Revenue		$294,648	$254,068		$1,070,711	$940,403
Operating Expenses:
Cost of services sold		195,156	180,862		739,121	669,990
Office and general expenses		96,229	66,436		303,084	218,514
Depreciation and amortization		10,370	10,576		46,414	40,220
		301,755	257,874		1,088,619	928,724
Operating profit (loss)		(7,107)	(3,806)		(17,908)	11,679
Other Income (Expenses):
Other income (expense), net		383	789		(859)	(1,561)
Interest expense		(12,151)	(10,892)		(46,571)	(41,922)
Interest income		76	54		259	206
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
and equity in affiliates		(18,799)	(13,855)		(65,079)	(31,598)
Income tax expense (recovery)		3,539	40,831		9,553	41,735
Loss from continuing operations before equity in affiliates		(22,338)	(54,686)		(74,632)	(73,333)
Equity in earnings (loss) of non-consolidated affiliates		234	(1)		633	213
Loss from continuing operations		(22,104)	(54,687)		(73,999)	(73,120)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(860)	(1,203)		(5,428)	(3,167)
Net loss		(22,964)	(55,890)		(79,427)	(76,287)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests		(1,584)	(1,850)		(6,012)	(8,387)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.		($24,548)	($57,740)		($85,439)	($84,674)
Loss Per Common Share:
Basic and Diluted:
Loss from continuing operations attributable to MDC
Partners Inc. common shareholders		($0.76)	($1.93)		($2.60)	($2.80)
Discontinued operations attributable to MDC
Partners Inc. common shareholders		($0.03)	($0.04)		($0.18)	($0.11)
Loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
common shareholders		($0.79)	($1.97)		($2.78)	($2.91)
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares:
Basic and Diluted		31,086,033	29,258,049		30,726,773	29,120,373

SCHEDULE 2
MDC PARTNERS INC.
RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO EBITDA
(US$ in 000s, except percentages)
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
		Strategic		Performance
		Marketing		Marketing
		Services		Services		Corporate		Total
Revenue		$200,710		$93,938		-		$294,648
Operating income (loss) as reported		$667		$212		($7,986)		($7,107)
margin		0.3%		0.2%				-2.4%
Add:
Depreciation and amortization		5,717		4,318		335		10,370
Stock-based compensation		2,584		2,640		603		5,827
Acquisition deal costs		88		34		761		883
Deferred acquisition consideration adjustments to P&L		29,882		3,019		-		32,901
Profit distributions from affiliates		-		-		746		746
EBITDA *		$38,938		$10,223		($5,541)		$43,620
margin		19.4%		10.9%				14.8%
* EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure, but as shown above it represents operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, acquisition deal costs, deferred acquisition consideration adjustments and profit distributions from affiliates.
MDC PARTNERS INC.
RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO EBITDA
(US$ in 000s, except percentages)
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
		Strategic		Performance
		Marketing		Marketing
		Services		Services		Corporate		Total
Revenue		$165,442		$88,626		-		$254,068
Operating income (loss) as reported		($8,336)		$13,744		($9,214)		(3,806)
margin		-5.0%		15.5%				-1.5%
Add:
Depreciation and amortization		6,036		4,160		380		10,576
Stock-based compensation		1,253		1,104		3,480		5,837
Acquisition deal costs		660		190		531		1,381
Deferred acquisition consideration adjustments to P&L		19,990		(8,233)		-		11,757
Profit distributions from affiliates		-		-		517		517
EBITDA*		$19,603		$10,965		($4,306)		$26,262
margin		11.8%		12.4%				10.3%
* EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure, but as shown above it represents operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, acquisition deal costs, deferred acquisition consideration adjustments and profit distributions from affiliates.

SCHEDULE 3
MDC PARTNERS INC.
RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO EBITDA
(US$ in 000s, except percentages)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Strategic		Performance
		Marketing		Marketing
		Services		Services		Corporate		Total
Revenue		$721,228		$349,483		-		$1,070,711
Operating income (loss) as reported		$22,711		($430)		($40,189)		($17,908)
margin		3.1%		-0.1%				-1.7%
Add:
Depreciation and amortization		27,455		17,617		1,342		46,414
Stock-based compensation		9,186		8,227		14,784		32,197
Acquisition deal costs		951		482		1,931		3,364
Deferred acquisition consideration adjustments to P&L		47,702		5,325		-		53,027
Profit distributions from affiliates		-		-		1,288		1,288
EBITDA *		$108,005		$31,221		($20,844)		$118,382
margin		15.0%		8.9%				11.1%
* EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure, but as shown above it represents operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, acquisition deal costs, deferred acquisition consideration adjustments and profit distributions from affiliates.
MDC PARTNERS INC.
RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO EBITDA
(US$ in 000s, except percentages)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Strategic		Performance
		Marketing		Marketing
		Services		Services		Corporate		Total
Revenue		$608,022		$332,381		-		$940,403
Operating income (loss) as reported		$22,504		$25,433		($36,258)		$11,679
margin		3.7%		7.7%				1.2%
Add:
Depreciation and amortization		22,378		17,016		826		40,220
Stock-based compensation		5,149		3,695		14,813		23,657
Acquisition deal costs		1,111		825		1,883		3,819
Deferred acquisition consideration adjustments to P&L		23,418		(10,795)		-		12,623
Profit distributions from affiliates		-		-		1,065		1,065
EBITDA*		$74,560		$36,174		($17,671)		$93,063
margin		12.3%		10.9%				9.9%
* EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure, but as shown above it represents operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, acquisition deal costs, deferred acquisition consideration adjustments and profit distributions from affiliates.

SCHEDULE 4
MDC PARTNERS INC.
FREE CASH FLOW
(US$ in 000s)
	Three Months Ended December 31,			For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012	2011		2012	2011
Cash Flows Provided by Continuing Operating Activities	$60,104	$11,000		$78,223	$7,230
Distributions	746	517		1,288	1,065
Cash Taxes	317	76		1,236	240
Cash Interest, net	20,185	19,897		40,835	37,291
Changes in Working Capital	(36,855)	(449)		(17,350)	37,898
Changes in Non-Current Assets & Liabilities	9,064	2,842		7,954	1,961
Other	(11,525)	(9,471)		184	(1,009)
Net Income Attributable to the Noncontrolling Interests	1,584	1,850		6,012	8,387
EBITDA	$43,620	$26,262		$118,382	$93,063
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(1,584)	(1,850)		(6,012)	(8,387)
Capital Expenditures, net (1)	(5,553)	(4,943)		(19,232)	(21,111)
Cash Taxes	(317)	(76)		(1,236)	(240)
Cash Interest, net & Other (2)	(12,118)	(10,158)		(42,256)	(38,300)
Free Cash Flow (3)	$24,048	$9,235		$49,646	$25,025
Cash Acquired from Acquisitions	-	14,893		54,624	14,893
Total Free Cash Flow (3)	$24,048	$24,128		$104,270	$39,918
(1) Capital Expenditures, net represents capital expenditures net of landlord reimbursements.
(2) Cash Interest, net & Other represents the quarterly accrual of cash interest under our Senior Notes.
(3) Free Cash Flow and Total Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP measures. As shown above, Free Cash Flow represents EBITDA less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, less capital expenditures, less cash taxes, less net cash interest (including interest paid and other).

SCHEDULE 5
MDC PARTNERS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(US$ in 000s)
		December 31,
		2012		2011
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$60,330		$8,096
Accounts receivable, net		326,087		238,592
Expenditures billable to clients		58,842		39,067
Other current assets		16,892		12,657
Total Current Assets		462,151		298,412
Fixed assets, net		52,914		47,737
Investment in affiliates		-		99
Goodwill		720,071		605,244
Other intangible assets, net		63,243		57,980
Deferred tax assets		9,332		15,380
Other assets		37,234		30,893
Total Assets		$1,344,945		$1,055,745
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable		$356,847		$178,282
Accrued and other liabilities		93,895		72,930
Advance billings		131,908		122,021
Current portion of long term debt		1,858		1,238
Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration		104,325		51,829
Total Current Liabilities		688,833		426,300
Long-term debt		429,845		383,936
Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration		92,121		85,394
Other liabilities		47,985		14,900
Deferred tax liabilities		53,018		50,724
Total Liabilities		1,311,802		961,254
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests		117,953		107,432
Shareholders' Deficit
Common shares		253,870		228,209
Shares to be issued		424		424
Charges in excess of capital		(72,913)		(45,102)
Accumulated deficit		(316,713)		(231,274)
Stock subscription receivable		(55)		(55)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(7,445)		(4,658)
MDC Partners Inc. Shareholders' Deficit		(142,832)		(52,456)
Noncontrolling Interests		58,022		39,515
Total Deficit		(84,810)		(12,941)
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling
Interests and Deficit		$1,344,945		$1,055,745

SCHEDULE 6
MDC PARTNERS INC.
SUMMARY CASH FLOW DATA
(US$ in 000s)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012	2011
Cash flows provided by continuing operating activities		$78,223	$7,230
Discontinued operations		(1,919)	(2,682)
Net cash provided by operating activities		76,304	4,548
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing investing activities		7,830	(29,774)
Discontinued operations		(19)	(662)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		7,811	(30,436)
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing financing activities		(31,858)	23,299
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(23)	(264)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		$52,234	($2,853)

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SOURCE: MDC Partners Inc.

http://www.mdc-partners.com

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