Stagwell (STGW) 10-Q2022 Q1 Quarterly report

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

The number of common shares outstanding as of May 5, 2022 was 133,151,845 shares of Class A Common Stock, 3,946 shares of Class B Common Stock, and 164,814,910 shares of Class C Common Stock.

This document contains forward-looking statements. within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. The Company’s representatives may also make forward-looking statements orally or in writing from time to time. Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including, statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, future financial performance and future prospects, business and economic trends, potential acquisitions, and estimates of amounts for redeemable noncontrolling interests and deferred acquisition consideration, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, which are generally denoted by words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “create,” “estimate,” “expect,” “focus,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “look,” “may,” “opportunity,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” or the negative of such terms or other variations thereof and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of current plans, estimates and projections are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined in this section.

Forward-looking statements in this document are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The material assumptions upon which such forward-looking statements are based include, among others, assumptions with respect to general business, economic and market conditions, the competitive environment, anticipated and unanticipated tax consequences and anticipated and unanticipated costs. These forward-looking 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. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. 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.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stagwell and its subsidiaries. Stagwell has prepared the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements included herein in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for reporting interim financial information on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, the financial statements have been condensed and do not include certain information and disclosures pursuant to these rules. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates about current and future results of operations and cash flows that affect the amounts reported and disclosed. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. The consolidated results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (“2021 Form 10-K”).

On December 21, 2020, MDC Partners Inc. (“MDC”) and Stagwell Media LP (“Stagwell Media”) announced that they had entered into the Transaction Agreement, providing for the combination of MDC with the operating businesses and subsidiaries of Stagwell Media (the “Stagwell Subject Entities”). The Stagwell Subject Entities comprised Stagwell Marketing Group LLC (“Stagwell Marketing” or “SMG”) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

On August 2, 2021, we completed the previously announced combination of MDC and the operating businesses and subsidiaries of Stagwell Media and a series related transactions (such combination and transactions, the “Transactions”). The Transactions were treated as a reverse acquisition for financial reporting purposes, with MDC treated as the legal acquirer and Stagwell Marketing treated as the accounting acquirer. The results of MDC are included within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period beginning on the date of the acquisition through the end of the respective period presented and the results of SMG are included for the entire period presented. See Note 3 of the Notes included herein for information in connection with the acquisition of MDC.

The Company continues to monitor the worldwide public health threat and government actions to combat COVID-19 and the impact such developments may have on the overall economy, our clients and operations. The impact of the pandemic and the corresponding actions are reflected in our judgments, assumptions and estimates in the preparation of the financial statements. The judgments, assumptions and estimates will be updated and could result in different results in the future depending on the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, while not material, the Company continues to monitor the war and other geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and will continue to assess any potential impacts that this conflict may have on the economy, our clients, and our operations.

We have revised the presentation of Current Liabilities to separately present Accrued media of $237,794 as of December 31, 2021. As a result, the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet has been revised to correct this immaterial classification error by decreasing the previously reported amount for Accruals and other liabilities as of December 31, 2021 by the $237,794 of Accrued media. This revision had no effect on our previously reported Total Current Liabilities, or on any other previously reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.

On April 19, 2022, the Company acquired Brand New Galaxy (“BNG”), a leading provider of scaled commerce and marketplace solutions, for approximately $20,000, subject to post-closing adjustments, as well as contingent consideration up to a maximum value of $50,000. The contingent consideration is due upon meeting certain future earnings targets through 2024, with approximately 67% payable in cash and 33% payable in Class A Common Stock. BNG will be included within the Media Network segment. The purchase price allocation has not yet been completed. The Company will provide the purchase price allocation and pro forma operating results of the combined company in its Form 10-Q for the period of June 30, 2022.

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (“FASB”) issued ASU 2020-04, and in January 2021 subsequently issued ASU 2021-01, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, to provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. ASU 2020-04 is effective upon issuance, through December 31, 2022. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

On December 21, 2020, MDC and Stagwell Media announced that they had entered into the Transaction Agreement, providing for the combination of MDC with the operating businesses and subsidiaries of the Stagwell Subject Entities. The Stagwell Subject Entities comprised Stagwell Marketing and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

On August 2, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), we completed the combination of MDC and the Stagwell Subject Entities and a series of steps and related transactions (such combination and transactions, the “Transactions”). In connection with the Transactions, among other things, (i) MDC completed a series of transactions pursuant to which it emerged as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, converted into a Delaware limited liability company and changed its name to Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, which subsequently changed its name to Stagwell Global LLC (“OpCo”); (ii) Stagwell Media contributed the equity interests of Stagwell Marketing and its direct and indirect subsidiaries to OpCo; and (iii) the Company converted into a Delaware corporation, succeeded MDC as the publicly-traded company and changed its name to Stagwell Inc.

In respect of the Transactions, the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, together with acquired processes and employees, represent a business as defined in the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). The Transactions were accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting, pursuant to ASC Topic 805-10, Business Combinations, with MDC treated as the legal acquirer and SMG treated as the accounting acquirer. In identifying SMG as the acquiring entity for accounting purposes, MDC and SMG took into account a number of factors, including the relative voting rights and the corporate governance structure of the Company. SMG is considered the accounting acquirer since Stagwell Media controls the board of directors of the Company following the Transactions and received an indirect ownership interest in the Company’s only operating subsidiary, OpCo, of 69.55% ownership of OpCo’s common units. However, no single factor was the sole determinant in the overall conclusion that Stagwell is the acquirer for accounting purposes; rather all factors were considered in arriving at such conclusion. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of MDC, as the accounting acquiree, were recorded at their respective fair value as of the date the Transactions were completed.

On August 2, 2021, an aggregate of 179,970 shares of the Company’s Class C Common Stock were issued to Stagwell Media in exchange for $1.80 (the “Stagwell New MDC Contribution”). The Class C Common Stock does not participate in the earnings of the Company. Additionally, an aggregate of 179,970 OpCo common units were issued to Stagwell Media in exchange for the equity interests of the Stagwell Subject Entities (the “Stagwell OpCo Contribution”).

The fair value of the purchase consideration is $429,062, consisting of approximately 80,000 shares of the Company’s Class A and B Common Stock and Common Stock equivalents based on a per share price of approximately $5.42, the closing stock price on the date of the combination.

ASC 805 requires the allocation of the purchase price consideration to the fair value of the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed upon consummation of a business combination. For this purpose, fair value shall be determined in accordance with the fair value concepts defined in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” (“ASC 820”). Fair value is defined in ASC 820 as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” Fair value measurements can be highly subjective and can involve a high degree of estimation.

The total purchase price to acquire MDC has been allocated to the assets acquired and assumed liabilities based upon preliminary estimated fair values, with any excess purchase price allocated to goodwill. The fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities as of the date of acquisition are based on preliminary estimates assisted, in part, by a third-party valuation expert. The estimates are subject to change upon the finalization of appraisals and other valuation analyses, which are expected to be completed no later than one year from the date of acquisition. Although the completion of the valuation activities may result in asset and liability fair values that are different from the preliminary estimates included herein, it is not expected that those differences would alter the understanding of the impact of this transaction on the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company.

The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows:

The excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill, which is primarily attributed to the assembled workforce of MDC. Goodwill of $1,059,388, $174,710 and $66,262 was assigned to the Integrated Agencies Network, the Media Network and the Communications Network reportable segments, respectively. The majority of the goodwill is non-deductible for income tax purposes. Goodwill has been updated from the previously reported amount of $1,299,374 to reflect a change in certain assets and liabilities. There has been no change that impacts the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Intangible assets consist of trade names and customer relationships. We amortize purchased intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives. The weighted average life of the total acquired identifiable intangible assets is thirteen years. The following table presents the details of identifiable intangible assets acquired.

The unaudited pro forma information for the periods set forth below gives effect to the acquisition as if it occurred as of January 1, 2021. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions been consummated as of that time.

On December 31, 2021, the Company acquired GoodStuff Holdings Limited (“Goodstuff”) for approximately £21,000 (approximately $28,053) of cash consideration as well as contingent consideration up to a maximum of £22,000. The cash consideration included an initial payment of £8,000, an excess working capital payment of approximately £9,000 and approximately £4,000 of deferred payments. The contingent consideration is tied to employees’ service and will be recognized as deferred acquisition consideration expense through 2026. Therefore, only the cash consideration has been allocated to the assets acquired and assumed liabilities of Goodstuff based upon preliminary estimated fair values, with any excess purchase price allocated to goodwill. The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows:

The excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill, which is primarily attributed to the assembled workforce of Goodstuff. Goodwill of $4,275 was assigned to the Media Network. The majority of the goodwill is non-deductible for income tax purposes.

On October 1, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase the approximate 27% remaining interest of Targeted Victory it did not already own, stipulating the purchase of 13.3% on October 1, 2021 and the remaining 13.3% on July 31, 2023, with the option for the seller to delay the second purchase until July 31, 2025. The purchase price of $73,898, was comprised of a contingent deferred acquisition payment and redeemable noncontrolling interest with estimated present values at the acquisition date of $46,618 and $27,280, respectively. The contingent deferred payment and redeemable noncontrolling interest were based on the financial results of the underlying business through 2025. In addition, at the option of the Company, up to 50% of the total purchase price can be paid in shares of Class A Common Stock and in no event may the purchase price exceed $135,000.

On December 1, 2021, the Company acquired the approximate 27% remaining interest of Concentric it did not already own for an aggregate purchase price of $8,058, comprised of a closing cash payment of $1,581 and contingent deferred acquisition payments with an estimated present value at the acquisition date of $6,477. The contingent deferred payments were based on the financial results of the underlying business through 2022 with final payment due in 2023.

On December 31, 2021, the Company acquired the approximate 49% remaining interest of Instrument it did not already own for an aggregate purchase price of $157,072, comprised of a closing payment of $37,500 in cash and $37,500 in shares of Class A Common Stock and deferred acquisition payments with an estimated present value at the acquisition date of $82,072. The deferred payments are not contingent and will be paid in 2023 and 2024.

The Company’s revenue recognition policies are established in accordance with ASC 606, and accordingly, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our clients, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

The Stagwell network provides an extensive range of services to our clients, offering a variety of marketing and communication capabilities including strategy, creative and production for advertising campaigns across a variety of platforms (print, digital, social media, television broadcast), public relations services including strategy, editorial, crisis support or issues management, media training, influencer engagement and events management. We also provide media buying and planning across a range of platforms (out-of-home, paid search, social media, lead generation, programmatic, television broadcast), experiential marketing and application/website design and development.

The primary source of the Company’s revenue is from agency arrangements in the form of fees for services performed, commissions, and from performance incentives or bonuses, depending on the terms of the client contract. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when collection is reasonably assured. Certain of the Company’s contractual arrangements have more than one performance obligation. For such arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative stand-alone selling price. Stand-alone selling prices are determined based on the prices charged to clients or using expected cost plus margin.

The determination of our performance obligations is specific to the services included within each contract. Based on a client’s requirements within the contract, and how these services are provided, multiple services could represent separate performance obligations or be combined and considered one performance obligation. Contracts that contain services that are not significantly integrated or interdependent, and that do not significantly modify or customize each other, are considered separate performance obligations. Typically, we consider media planning, media buying, creative (or strategy), production and experiential marketing services to be separate performance obligations if included in the same contract as each of these services can be provided on a stand-alone basis, and do not significantly modify or customize each other. Public relations services and application/website design and development are typically each considered one performance obligation as there is a significant integration of these services into a combined output.

Certain of the Company’s contracts consist of a single performance obligation. In these instances, the Company does not consider the underlying activities as separate or distinct performance obligations because its services are highly interrelated, and

We typically satisfy our performance obligations over time, as services are performed. Fees for services are typically recognized using input methods (direct labor hours, materials and third-party costs) that correspond with efforts incurred to date in relation to total estimated efforts to complete the contract. To a lesser extent, revenue is recognized using output measures, such as impressions or ongoing reporting. For client contracts when the Company has a stand-ready obligation to perform services on an ongoing basis over the life of the contract, where the scope of these arrangements includes an undefined number of broad activities and there are no significant gaps in performing the services, the Company recognizes revenue ratably using a time-based measure. In addition, for client contracts where the Company is providing online subscription-based hosted services, it recognizes revenue ratably over the contract term. Point in time recognition primarily relates to certain commission-based contracts, which are recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligation.

Revenue is recognized net of sales and other taxes due to be collected and remitted to governmental authorities. The Company’s contracts typically provide for termination by either party within 30 to 90 days. Although payment terms vary by client, they are typically within 30 to 60 days. In addition, the Company generally has the right to payment for all services provided through the end of the contract or termination date.

Within each contract, we identify whether the Company is principal or agent at the performance obligation level. In arrangements where the Company has substantive control over the service before transferring it to the client, and is primarily responsible for integrating the services into the final deliverables, we act as principal. In these arrangements, revenue is recorded at the gross amount billed. Accordingly, for these contracts the Company has included reimbursed expenses in revenue. In other arrangements where a third-party supplier, rather than the Company, is primarily responsible for the integration of services into the final deliverables, and thus the Company is solely arranging for the third-party supplier to provide these services to our client, we generally act as agent and record revenue equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned. The role of Stagwell’s agencies under a production services agreement is to facilitate a client’s purchasing of production capabilities from a third-party production company in accordance with the client’s strategy and guidelines. The obligation of Stagwell’s agencies under media buying services is to negotiate and purchase advertising media from a third-party media vendor on behalf of a client to execute its media plan. We do not obtain control prior to transferring these services to our clients; therefore, we primarily act as agent for production and media buying services.                                    

A small portion of the Company’s contractual arrangements with clients include performance incentive provisions, which allow the Company to earn additional revenues as a result of its performance relative to both quantitative and qualitative goals. Incentive compensation is primarily estimated using the most likely amount method and is included in revenue up to the amount that is not expected to result in a reversal of a significant amount of cumulative revenue recognized. We recognize revenue related to performance incentives as we satisfy the performance obligation to which the performance incentives are related.

Stagwell has historically largely focused where the Company was founded in North America, the largest market for its services in the world. The Company has expanded its global footprint to support clients looking for help to grow their businesses in new markets. Stagwell’s Brands are located in the United States and United Kingdom, and more than 30 other countries around the world. In the past, some clients have responded to weakening economic conditions with reductions to their marketing budgets, which included discretionary components that are easier to reduce in the short term than other operating expenses.

Contract assets consist of fees and reimbursable outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients when providing advertising, marketing and corporate communications services that have not yet been invoiced to clients. Unbilled service fees were $161,912 and $116,558 at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and are included as a component of Accounts receivable on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients which have yet to be invoiced were $51,069 and $63,065 at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and are included on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as Expenditures billable to clients. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the course of providing services.

Contract liabilities consist of fees received from or billed to clients in excess of fees recognized. Such fees are classified as Advance billings presented on the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In arrangements in which we are acting as an agent, the recognition related to the contract liability is presented on a net basis within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Advance billings at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were $344,125 and $361,885, respectively. The decrease in the Advance billings balance of $17,760 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was primarily driven by cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, offset by $221,094 of revenues recognized that were included in the Advance billings balances as of December 31, 2021 and reductions due to the incurrence of third-party costs.

Changes in the contract asset and liability balances during the three months ended March 31, 2022 were not materially impacted by write offs, impairment losses or any other factors.

The majority of our contracts are for periods of one year or less. For those contracts with a term of more than one year, we had approximately $28,241 of unsatisfied performance obligations as of March 31, 2022 of which we expect to recognize approximately 67% in the remaining quarters of 2022, 30% in 2023 and 3% in 2024.

Deferred acquisition consideration on the balance sheet consists of deferred obligations related to contingent and fixed purchase price payments, and contingent and fixed retention payments tied to continued employment of specific personnel.

The following table presents changes in contingent deferred acquisition consideration, which is measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, and a reconciliation to the amounts reported on the balance sheets as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

The Company leases office space in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. This space is primarily used for office and administrative purposes by the Company’s employees in performing professional services. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between years 2022 through 2034. The Company’s finance leases are immaterial.

The Company’s leasing policies are established in accordance with ASC 842, and accordingly, the Company recognizes on the balance sheet at the time of lease commencement a right-of-use lease asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. Right-of-use lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. All right-of-use lease assets are reviewed for impairment. As the Company’s implicit rate in its leases is not readily determinable, in determining the present value of lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are comprised of non-cancellable lease payments, payments based upon an index or rate, payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal period will be exercised, and payments for early termination options unless it is reasonably certain the lease will not be terminated early.

Lease costs are recognized in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. 

Some of the Company’s leases contain variable lease payments, including payments based upon an index or rate. Variable lease payments based upon an index or rate are initially measured using the index or rate in effect at the lease commencement date and are included within the lease liabilities. Lease liabilities are not remeasured as a result of changes in the index or rate, rather changes in these types of payments are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. In addition, some of our leases contain variable payments for utilities, insurance, real estate tax, repairs and maintenance, and other variable operating expenses. Such amounts are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and are recognized in the period when the facts and circumstances which the variable lease payments are based upon occur.

Some of the Company’s leases include options to extend or renew the leases through 2044. The renewal and extension options are not included in the lease term as the Company is not reasonably certain that it will exercise its option.

From time to time, the Company enters into sublease arrangements with unrelated third parties. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between years 2022 through 2032. Sublease income is recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Currently, the Company subleases office space in North America, Europe and Australia.

As of March 31, 2022, the Company has entered into 4 operating leases for which the commencement date has not yet occurred primarily because the premises are in the process of being prepared for occupancy by the landlord. Accordingly, these 4 leases represent an obligation of the Company that is not reflected within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2022. The aggregate future liability related to these leases is approximately $3,478.

The discount rate used for leases accounted for under ASC 842 is the Company’s collateralized credit adjusted borrowing rate.

The following table presents lease costs and other quantitative information for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:

Operating lease expense is included in office and general expenses in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s lease expense for leases with a term of 12 months or less is immaterial.

The following table presents minimum future rental payments under the Company’s leases at March 31, 2022 and their reconciliation to the corresponding lease liabilities:

Interest expense related to long-term debt included in Interest expense, net on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 was $18,261 and $1,624, respectively.

The amortization of debt issuance costs included in Interest expense, net on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 was $605 and $139, respectively.

On November 18, 2019, the Company entered into a debt agreement (“JPM Syndicated Facility”) with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A (“JPM”). The JPM Syndicated Facility consisted of a five-year revolving credit facility of $265,000 (“JPM Revolver”) with the right to be increased by an additional $150,000. On March 18, 2020, the Company increased the commitments on the JPM Revolver by $60,000 to $325,000.

On August 2, 2021, in connection with the closing of the acquisition of MDC, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Combined Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks led by JPM to increase commitments on the existing JPM Revolver. The Combined Credit Agreement consists of a $500,000 senior secured revolving credit facility with a five-year maturity.

The Combined Credit Agreement contains sub-limits for revolving loans and letters of credit of $50,000 for loans denominated in pounds sterling or euros. It also includes an accordion feature under which the Company may request, subject to lender approval and certain conditions, to increase the amount of the commitments to an aggregate amount not to exceed $650,000.

Borrowings under the Combined Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, (i) the greatest of (a) the prime rate of interest announced from time to time by JPM, (b) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.50% and (c) the LIBOR rate plus 1%, in each case, plus the applicable margin (calculated based on the Company’s total leverage ratio) at that time or (ii) the LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin (calculated based on the Company’s total leverage ratio) at that time. The Company is also required to pay an unused revolver fee to the lenders under the Combined Credit Agreement in respect of the unused commitments thereunder ranging from 0.15% to 0.30% of unused commitments depending on the total leverage ratio, as well as customary letter of credit fees.

As of April 27, 2022, the Company amended its Combined Credit Agreement. Among other things, this amendment replaces any previous reference to LIBOR with SOFR. The borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, (i) the greatest of (a) the prime rate of interest in effect on such day, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) the SOFR rate plus 1% in each case, plus the applicable margin (calculated base on the Company’s total leverage ratio) at that time. Additionally, the Combined Credit Agreement was amended to remove certain pre-commencement notice provisions for certain acquisitions under $50,000 in the aggregate, increased the amount permitted for certain investments allowed under the Combined Credit Agreement, and subject to certain conditions, explicitly allows for the repurchase of Stagwell Inc. stock in an amount not to exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year. All other substantive terms of the Combined Credit Agreement remain unchanged.

Advances under the Combined Credit Agreement may be prepaid in whole or in part from time to time without penalty or premium. The Combined Credit Agreement commitment may be reduced by the Company from time to time. Principal amounts outstanding under the Combined Credit Agreement are due and payable in full at maturity within five years of the date of the Combined Credit Agreement.

If an event of default occurs under the Combined Credit Agreement or any future secured indebtedness, the holders of such secured indebtedness will have a prior right to our assets securing such indebtedness, to the exclusion of the holders of the 5.625% Notes (as defined below), even if we are in default with respect to the 5.625% Notes. In that event, our assets securing such indebtedness would first be used to repay in full all indebtedness and other obligations secured by them (including all amounts outstanding under the Combined Credit Agreement), resulting in all or a portion of our assets being unavailable to satisfy the claims of the holders of the 5.625% Notes and other unsecured indebtedness.

The Combined Credit Agreement contains a number of financial and nonfinancial covenants and is guaranteed by substantially all of our present and future subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions.

The Company was in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2022.

A portion of the Combined Credit Agreement in an amount not to exceed $50,000 is available for the issuance of standby letters of credit. At March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had issued undrawn outstanding letters of credit of $24,943 and $24,332, respectively.

In August 2021, the Company issued $1,100,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.625% senior notes (“5.625% Notes”). A portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the 5.625% Notes was used to redeem $870,300 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 7.50% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Existing Notes”) for a price of $904,200. This price is equal to 101.625% of the outstanding principal amount of the Existing Notes being redeemed, plus, accrued, and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Notes. The Company did not recognize a gain or loss on redemption.

The 5.625% Notes are due August 15, 2029 and bear interest of 5.625% to be paid on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing on February 15, 2022.

The 5.625% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries. The 5.625% Notes rank (i) equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s or any guarantor’s existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness, (ii) senior in right of payment to the Company’s or any guarantor’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness, (iii) effectively subordinated to any of the Company’s or any guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness, including the Combined Credit Agreement, and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries that are not guarantors.

Our obligations under the 5.625% Notes are unsecured and are effectively junior to our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such secured indebtedness. Borrowings under the Combined Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, and any existing and future subsidiary guarantors, including all of the capital stock of each restricted subsidiary.

The Company may, at its option, redeem the 5.625% Notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on and after August 15, 2024 at a redemption price of 102.813% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on August 15, 2024, at a redemption price of 101.406% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on August 15, 2025 and at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed on August 15, 2026 and thereafter. Prior to August 15, 2024, the Company may, at its option, redeem some or all of the 5.625% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.625% Notes plus a “make whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may also redeem, at its option, prior to August 15, 2024, up to 40% of the 5.625% Notes with the net proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 105.625% of the principal amount thereof.

If the Company experiences certain kinds of changes of control (as defined in the indenture), holders of the 5.625% Notes may require the Company to repurchase any 5.625% Notes held by them at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 5.625% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if the Company sells assets under certain circumstances, it must offer to repurchase the 5.625% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.625% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The indenture includes covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the indenture) to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital stock of the Company; make certain types of investments; create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from the Company’s restricted subsidiaries; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of the Company’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The 5.625% Notes are also subject to customary events of default, including cross-payment default and cross-acceleration provisions. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2022.

The Company had an interest rate swap that matured in April 2022 to convert $9,375 of variable rate debt to a fixed rate of 2.7%. The fair value of the swap was $10 and $77 as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and is included in Accruals and other liabilities on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swap closed at the fair value recorded as of March 31, 2022.

When acquiring less than 100% ownership of an entity, the Company may enter into agreements that give the Company an option to purchase, or require the Company to purchase, the incremental ownership interests under certain circumstances. Where the option to purchase the incremental ownership is within the Company’s control, the amounts are recorded as noncontrolling interests in the equity section of the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Where the incremental purchase may be required of the Company, the amounts are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests in mezzanine equity at their estimated acquisition date redemption value and adjusted at each reporting period for changes to their estimated redemption value through Retained earnings (but not less than their initial redemption value), except for foreign currency translation adjustments.

There were no changes to the Company's ownership interests in our less than 100% owned subsidiaries during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.

The following table presents net income attributable to noncontrolling interests between holders of Class C shares and other equity interest holders for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:

The following table presents noncontrolling interests between holders of Class C shares and other equity interest holders as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

The following table presents changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests:

The noncontrolling shareholders’ ability to exercise any such option right is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including conditions requiring notice in advance of exercise and specific employment termination conditions. In addition, these rights cannot be exercised prior to specified staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual

These adjustments will not impact the calculation of earnings (loss) per share if the redemption values are less than the estimated fair values. There is no related impact on the Company’s income per share calculations.

The Company entered into 4 operating leases for which the commencement date has not yet occurred as of March 31, 2022. See Note 7 of the Notes included herein for additional information.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into long-term, non-cancellable contracts with partner associations that include revenue or profit-sharing commitments related to the provision of its services. These contracts may also include provisions that require the partner associations to meet certain performance targets prior to any obligation to the Company. As of March 31, 2022, the Company estimates its future minimum commitments under these non-cancellable agreements to be: $9,397, $7,403, $2,139, $1,407, $1,207, and $92 for the remainder of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively.

The authorized and outstanding share capital of the Company is below.

There are 1,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock authorized. There were 133,192 Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2022. The Class A Shares are an unlimited number of subordinate voting shares, carrying 1 vote each, with a par value of $0.001 entitled to dividends equal to or greater than Class B Shares, and convertible at the option of the holder into one Class B Share for each Class A Share after the occurrence of certain events related to an offer to purchase all Class B shares.

There are 5 shares of Class B Common Stock authorized. There were 4 of Class B Shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2022. The Class B Shares are an unlimited number of voting shares, carrying 20 votes each, with a par value of $0.001, convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one Class A share for each Class B share.

There are 250,000 shares of Class C Common Stock authorized. There were 164,815 Class C Shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2022. The Class C shares do not participate in the earnings of the Company and have a par value of $.00001. In 2021, an aggregate of 179,970 OpCo common units were issued to Stagwell Media in exchange for the equity interests of the Stagwell Subject Entities. Each Class C Share, together with the related OpCo common unit, is convertible at any time, at the option of the holder, into one Class A Share. In February 2022, holders of Class C Common Stock and OpCo Units (the “Paired Units”) exchanged 15,155 Paired Units for the same number of shares of Class A Common Stock. Approximately 5,000 Paired Units exchanged into an equal number of Class A Shares triggered an employee tax withholding obligation of $14,900. The Company repurchased approximately 2,000 of the 5,000 Class A Shares issued to the employees to satisfy their employee tax withholding obligation.

A fair value measurement assumes a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value. The hierarchy for observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels are described below: 

The following table presents certain information for our financial liability that is not measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

Our long-term debt includes fixed rate debt. The fair value of this instrument is based on quoted market prices in markets that are not active. Therefore, this debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

The following table presents certain information for our financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

The interest rate swap is classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Contingent deferred acquisition consideration (Level 3 fair value measurement) is recorded at the acquisition date fair value and adjusted at each reporting period. The estimated liability is determined in accordance with models of each business' future performance, including revenue growth and free cash flows. These models are dependent upon significant assumptions, such as the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during the contractual period and the discount rate. These growth rates are consistent with the Company’s long-term forecasts. As of March 31, 2022, the discount rate used to measure these liabilities ranged from 3.5% to 7.2%.

As these estimates require the use of assumptions about future performance, which are uncertain at the time of estimation, the fair value measurements presented on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are subject to material uncertainty.

See Note 6 of the Notes included herein for additional information regarding contingent deferred acquisition consideration.

At March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the carrying amount of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximated fair value because of their short-term maturity.

Certain non-financial assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, primarily goodwill, intangible assets (Level 3 fair value measurement) and right-of-use lease assets (Level 2 fair value measurement). Accordingly, these assets are not measured and adjusted to fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to periodic evaluations for potential impairment. The Company did not recognize an impairment of goodwill in the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company recognized impairments for right-of-use lease assets and intangible assets (Level 3 fair value measurement) in the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company did not recognize an impairment for right-of-use lease assets and intangible assets in three months ended March 31, 2021.

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries grant awards to their employees providing them with an equity interest in the respective subsidiary (the “profits interests awards”). The awards generally provide the employee the right, but not the obligation, to sell its profits interest in the subsidiary to the Company based on a performance-based formula and, in certain cases, pay a profit share distribution. The profits interests awards are settled in cash and the corresponding liability at fair value was $37,358 at March 31, 2022 (Level 3 fair value model), and included as a component of Accruals and other liabilities and Other liabilities on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Total stock-based compensation recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $8,021. In the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company granted approximately 3,800 share based awards. Stock-based compensation expense recognized for these grants for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was approximately $1,594.

Our tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items arising in interim periods.

The Company had an income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 of $3,189 (on a pre-tax income of $35,781 resulting in an effective tax rate of 8.9%) compared to income tax expense of $673 (on pre-tax income of $5,272 resulting in an effective tax rate of 12.8%) for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

The difference in the effective tax rate of 8.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2022 as compared to 12.8% in the three months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily related to additional deductions for share based compensation vesting in 2022.

In connection with the closing of the Transactions, we entered into the Tax Receivables Agreement (“TRA”) with OpCo and Stagwell Media, pursuant to which we are required to make cash payments to Stagwell Media equal to 85% of certain U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax savings, if any, that we actually realize, or in certain circumstances are deemed to realize, as a result of (i) increases in the tax basis of OpCo’s assets resulting from exchanges of Paired Units (defined in Note 11) for shares of our Class A Common Stock or cash, as applicable, and (ii) certain other tax benefits related to us making payments under the TRA.

The Company accounts for amounts payable under the TRA in accordance with ASC 450—Contingencies. We will evaluate the likelihood that we will realize the benefit represented by the deferred tax asset and, to the extent that we estimate that it is more likely than not that we will not realize the benefit, we will reduce the carrying amount of the deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance and a corresponding reduction to the TRA liability. The amounts to be recorded for both the deferred tax assets and the liability under the TRA will be estimated at the time of any purchase or exchange as a reduction to shareholders’ equity, and the effects of changes in any of our estimates after this date will be included in net income or loss. Similarly, the effect of subsequent changes in the enacted tax rates will be included in net income or loss.

In March 31, 2022, the Company recorded a TRA liability of $20,846 and a reduction in the net deferred tax liability of $24,525 on its consolidated balance sheet in connection with the projected obligations under the TRA.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties, including its affiliates. The transactions may range in the nature and value of services underlying the arrangements. Below are the related party transactions that are significant in nature:

In 2018, the Company entered into a continuous arrangement to provide technological services to a client founded by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $9 and $15, respectively, in revenue related to this transaction. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $175 and $137, respectively, was due from the client.

In 2018, a Brand entered into a continuous arrangement with a third party in which the third party is providing data management services to the Brand. A family member of one of the Brand’s partners holds an executive leadership position in this entity. Under the arrangement, the Brand is expected to pay the affiliate based upon the success of their services with no minimum or maximum spend. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred $305 and $304, respectively, in expenses related to this transaction. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $617 and $569, respectively, was due to the vendor.

In 2018, a Brand entered into a continuous arrangement to provide marketing services to a client in which a family member of one of the Brand’s partners holds an executive leadership position. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $186 and $24, respectively, in revenue related to this transaction. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $273 and $88, respectively, was due from the client.

In 2019, a Brand of the Company, entered into a loan agreement with a third party who holds a minority interest in the Brand. The loan receivable of $1,797 and $3,784 due from the third party is included within Other current assets in the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Company recognized $43 and $50 of interest income within interest expense, net on its Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

In 2021, the Company entered into an arrangement to provide polling services to a client in which a family member of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer holds a key leadership position. Under the arrangement, the Company will receive from the client approximately $350 which is expected to be fully recognized in 2022. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized revenue of $70 and $15, respectively, related to this arrangement. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $70 and $70 was due from the client, respectively.

In 2021 and 2022, certain of our Brands entered into arrangements to provide marketing and website development services to a client that has a significant interest in the Company. Under the arrangement, the Brands are expected to receive from the Stagwell affiliate approximately $6,152 which will be fully recognized in 2022. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $1,393, and $0, respectively, in revenue related to this transaction. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $1,563 and $502, respectively, was due from the client.

In 2021, a Brand entered into an arrangement to obtain sales and management services from an affiliate for which the CEO of the Brand is a shareholder of the affiliate. Under the arrangement, the Brand has incurred $89 and $49 of related party expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $446 and $442, respectively, was due to the related party.

On a continuous basis, certain of our Brands enter into arrangements to provide typical marketing and advertising services for clients that certain of the Brands’ partners and executives either hold key leadership positions in or are on the Board of Directors of. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized revenue of $2,328 and $2124, respectively, related to this transaction. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $4,907 and $4,577, respectively, was due from the client.

In 2022, the Company entered into an arrangement to provide polling services to a client for which the founder of the client has a significant interest in the Company. Under the arrangement, the Company will receive from the client approximately $3,200 which is expected to be fully recognized as of September 2022. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized revenue of $242 and $0 related to this arrangement, respectively. As of March 31, 2022, $0 was due from the client.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, Stagwell Media made additional noncash investments in the Company of $10,300. In March 2021, the Company made a noncash distribution to Stagwell Media of $13,000 for the transfer of the ownership of the Finn Partners Preferred shares. Additionally, the Company made cash distributions to Stagwell Media of $15,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

The Company determines an operating segment if a component (i) engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses, (ii) has discrete financial information, and is (iii) regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), who is Mark Penn, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, to make decisions regarding resource allocation for the segment and assess its performance. Once operating segments are identified, the Company performs an analysis to determine if aggregation of operating segments is applicable. This determination is based upon a quantitative analysis of the expected and historic average long-term profitability for each operating segment, together with a qualitative assessment to determine if operating segments have similar operating characteristics.

The CODM uses Adjusted EBITDA (defined below) as a key metric, to evaluate the operating and financial performance of a segment, identify trends affecting the segments, develop projections and make strategic business decisions. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Net income excluding non-operating income or expense to achieve operating income, plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred acquisition consideration adjustments, and other items. Other items include restructuring costs, acquisition-related expenses, and non-recurring items.

The Company has 3 reportable segments as follows: “Integrated Agencies Network,” “Media Network” and the “Communications Network.” In addition, the Company combines and discloses operating segments that do not meet the aggregation criteria as “All Other.” The Company also reports corporate expenses, as further detailed below, as “Corporate.” All segments follow the same basis of presentation and accounting policies as those described throughout the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.