Stagwell Inc - FORM 10-Q - May 4, 2016

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) 
 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016
or
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
Commission File Number: 001-13718 
MDC Partners Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Canada
 
98-0364441
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
745 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York
 
10151
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(646) 429-1800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   ý   No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes   ý No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer; a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated Filer  x
Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated Filer  ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   ¨ No   ý
The numbers of shares outstanding as of April 28, 2016 were: 51,651,737 Class A subordinate voting shares and 3,755 Class B multiple voting shares.




MDC PARTNERS INC.
 
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.    Financial Statements
MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue:
 
 
 
Services
$
309,042

 
$
302,222

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
Cost of services sold
211,446

 
210,419

Office and general expenses
77,828

 
74,308

Depreciation and amortization
11,220

 
12,300

 
300,494

 
297,027

Operating profit
8,548

 
5,195

Other Income (Expense):
 
 
 
Other, net
15,512

 
(18,040
)
Interest expense and finance charges
(15,575
)
 
(15,096
)
Loss on redemption of notes
(33,298
)
 
—

Interest income
178

 
119

 
(33,183
)
 
(33,017
)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
(24,635
)
 
(27,822
)
Income tax benefit
(1,972
)
 
(4,054
)
Loss from continuing operations before equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
(22,663
)
 
(23,768
)
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
229

 
351

Loss from continuing operations
(22,434
)
 
(23,417
)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes
—

 
(6,294
)
Net loss
(22,434
)
 
(29,711
)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(859
)
 
(2,380
)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
$
(23,293
)
 
$
(32,091
)
 
 
 
 
Loss Per Common Share
 
 
 
Basic and Diluted




Loss from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders
$
(0.47
)
 
$
(0.52
)
Discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders
—

 
(0.13
)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders
$
(0.47
)
 
$
(0.65
)
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
50,002,552

 
49,754,961

 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense is included in the following line items above:
 
 
 
Cost of services sold
$
3,136

 
$
2,738

Office and general expenses
1,549

 
1,707

Total
$
4,685

 
$
4,445

See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(thousands of United States dollars)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(22,434
)
 
$
(29,711
)
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable tax:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(8,825
)
 
5,181

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(8,825
)
 
5,181

Comprehensive loss for the year
(31,259
)
 
(24,530
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(2,515
)
 
151

Comprehensive loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
$
(33,774
)
 
$
(24,379
)
See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(thousands of United States dollars)
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 

 
 

Current Assets:
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
21,840

 
$
61,458

Cash held in trusts
5,330

 
5,122

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,465 and $1,306
392,639

 
361,044

Expenditures billable to clients
22,320

 
44,012

Other current assets
49,804

 
37,109

Total Current Assets
491,933

 
508,745

Fixed assets, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $101,117 and $96,554
64,755

 
63,557

Investments in non-consolidated affiliates
6,632

 
6,263

Goodwill
877,167

 
870,301

Other intangible assets, net
67,493

 
72,382

Deferred tax asset
20,597

 
15,367

Other assets
42,978

 
41,010

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
1,571,555

 
$
1,577,625

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS, AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
 

 
 

Current Liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
313,183

 
$
359,568

Trust liability
5,330

 
5,122

Accruals and other liabilities
212,869

 
297,964

Advance billings
136,116

 
119,100

Current portion of long-term debt
415

 
470

Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration
98,061

 
130,400

Total Current Liabilities
765,974

 
912,624

Long-term debt, less current portion
896,694

 
728,413

Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration
222,912

 
216,704

Other liabilities
44,779

 
44,905

Deferred tax liabilities
95,405

 
92,581

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities
2,025,764

 
1,995,227

 
 
 
 
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Note 2)
71,000

 
69,471

Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (Note 11)


 


Shareholders’ Deficit:
 

 
 

Preferred shares, unlimited authorized, none issued
—

 
—

Class A Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 50,253,153 and 49,986,705 shares issued and outstanding in 2016 and 2015
275,263

 
269,841

Class B Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 3,755 shares issued and outstanding in 2016 and 2015, each convertible into one Class A share
1

 
1

Charges in excess of capital
(326,701
)
 
(315,261
)
Accumulated deficit
(550,283
)
 
(526,990
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(4,224
)
 
6,257

MDC Partners Inc. Shareholders' Deficit
(605,944
)
 
(566,152
)
Noncontrolling Interests
80,735

 
79,079

Total Shareholders' Deficit
(525,209
)
 
(487,073
)
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Deficit
$
1,571,555

 
$
1,577,625

See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(thousands of United States dollars)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:


 


Net loss
$
(22,434
)
 
$
(29,711
)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes
—

 
(6,294
)
Loss from continuing operations
(22,434
)
 
(23,417
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to cash used in operating activities:


 


Stock-based compensation
4,685

 
4,445

Depreciation
5,028

 
4,537

Amortization of intangibles
6,192

 
7,763

Amortization of deferred finance charges and debt discount
7,021

 
1,494

Loss on redemption of notes
26,873

 
—

Adjustment to deferred acquisition consideration
6,440

 
2,801

Deferred income tax
(2,266
)
 
(3,929
)
Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
(229
)
 
(351
)
Other non-current assets and liabilities
(1,482
)
 
733

Foreign exchange
(14,134
)
 
15,219

Changes in working capital:


 


Accounts receivable
(31,586
)
 
(97,760
)
Expenditures billable to clients
21,692

 
(5,721
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(13,030
)
 
(12,211
)
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities
(138,473
)
 
(36,478
)
Advance billings
17,016

 
30,496

Cash flows used in continuing operating activities
(128,687
)
 
(112,379
)
Discontinued operations
—

 
(1,294
)
   Net cash used in operating activities
(128,687
)

(113,673
)
Cash flows used in investing activities:


 


Capital expenditures
(5,539
)
 
(5,656
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(1,774
)
 
(1,310
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
—

 
29

Other investments
(822
)
 
(2,318
)
Distributions from non-consolidated affiliates
7

 
342

Cash flows used in continuing investing activities
(8,128
)
 
(8,913
)
Discontinued operations
—

 
(153
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(8,128
)

(9,066
)
Cash flows provided by financing activities:


 


Proceeds from issuance of 6.50% Notes
900,000

 
—

Repayment of 6.75% Notes
(735,000
)
 
—

Repayments of revolving credit agreement
(217,208
)
 
(91,190
)
Proceeds from revolving credit agreement
234,187

 
110,792

Acquisition related payments
(30,479
)
 
(11,142
)
Repayment of long-term debt
(156
)
 
(126
)
Purchase of shares
(902
)
 
(876
)
Premium paid on redemption of notes
(26,873
)
 
—

Deferred financing costs
(18,091
)
 
—

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
(2,399
)
 
(2,839
)
Cash overdrafts
6,271

 
32,103

Payment of dividends
(10,636
)
 
(10,636
)
Cash flows provided by continuing financing activities
98,714

 
26,086

Discontinued operations
—

 
(40
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
98,714


26,046

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(1,517
)
 
711

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(39,618
)
 
(95,982
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
61,458

 
113,348

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
21,840

 
$
17,366

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures:


 


Cash income taxes paid
$
143

 
$
540

Cash interest paid
$
25,703

 
$
367

Change in cash held in trusts
$
208

 
$
(246
)
 
 
 
 

6

Non-cash transactions:


 


Capital leases
$
156

 
$
42

Dividends payable
$
1,115

 
$
1,384

See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
(thousands of United States dollars)
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Charges in
Excess of
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
MDC Partners Inc.
Shareholders'
Deficit
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Shareholders'
Deficit
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
49,986,705

 
$
269,841

 
3,755

 
$
1

 
$
—

 
$
(315,261
)
 
$
(526,990
)
 
$
6,257

 
$
(566,152
)
 
$
79,079

 
$
(487,073
)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(23,293
)
 
—

 
(23,293
)
 
—

 
(23,293
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,481
)
 
(10,481
)
 
1,656

 
(8,825
)
Issuance of restricted stock
79,278

 
956

 
—

 
—

 
(956
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Deferred acquisition consideration settled through issuance of shares
227,437

 
5,368

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,368

 
—

 
5,368

Shares acquired and cancelled
(40,267
)
 
(902
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(902
)
 
—

 
(902
)
Stock-based compensation
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,779

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,779

 
—

 
1,779

Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,423
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,423
)
 
—

 
(1,423
)
Dividends paid and to be paid
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,840
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,840
)
 
—

 
(10,840
)
Transfer to charges in excess of capital
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
11,440

 
(11,440
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Balance at March 31, 2016
50,253,153

 
$
275,263

 
3,755

 
$
1

 
$
—

 
$
(326,701
)
 
$
(550,283
)
 
$
(4,224
)
 
$
(605,944
)
 
$
80,735

 
$
(525,209
)
See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)
1. Basis of Presentation
MDC Partners Inc. (the “Company” or “MDC”) has prepared the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) of the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules.
 The accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normally recurring accruals, which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation, in all material respects, of the information contained therein. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results.
 These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
 The Company’s significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:
 Accounting Change. On January 1, 2016, the Company retrospectively adopted the FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest. This update requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. As a result of the adoption of this update, the balance sheet at December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015 was adjusted to reflect the reclassification of $12,625 and $14,511, respectively, from other assets to long-term debt.
Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MDC Partners Inc. and its domestic and international controlled subsidiaries that are not considered variable interest entities, and variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.
 Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities including goodwill, intangible assets, contingent deferred acquisition consideration, valuation allowances for receivables, deferred tax assets and the amounts of revenue and expenses reported during the period. These estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 Fair Value. The Company applies the fair value measurement guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, for financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value and for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets. The measurement of fair value requires the use of techniques based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions. The inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
•
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
•
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations where inputs are observable or where significant value drivers are observable.
•
Level 3 - Instruments where significant value drivers are unobservable to third parties.
When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of its financial instruments and classifies such items in Level 1. In some cases, quoted market prices are used for similar instruments in active markets and the Company classifies such items in Level 2.
 Concentration of Credit Risk. The Company provides marketing communications services to clients who operate in most industry sectors. Credit is granted to qualified clients in the ordinary course of business. Due to the diversified nature of the Company’s client base, the Company does not believe that it is exposed to a concentration of credit risk. No client accounted for

9

more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. No clients accounted for 10% of the Company’s revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2016 or for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
 Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are primarily comprised of investments in overnight interest-bearing deposits, commercial paper and money market instruments and other short-term investments with original maturity dates of three months or less at the time of purchase. The Company has a concentration of credit risk in that there are cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts.
Cash in Trust. A subsidiary of the Company holds restricted cash in trust accounts related to funds received on behalf of clients.  Such amounts are held in escrow under depositary service agreements and distributed at the direction of the clients.  The funds are presented as a corresponding liability on the balance sheet.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  Trade receivables are stated at invoiced amounts less allowances for doubtful accounts. The allowances represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults usually due to customers’ potential insolvency. The allowances include amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical experience and existing economic conditions.
Expenditures Billable to Clients.  Expenditures billable to clients consist principally of outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients when providing advertising, marketing and corporate communications services that have not yet been invoiced to clients. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the course of the production process.
Fixed Assets.  Fixed assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Computers, furniture and fixtures are depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods of three to seven years. 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. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Equity Method Investments. The equity method is used to account for investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest of less than 50% and has significant influence, or joint control by contractual arrangement, (i) over the operating and financial policies of the affiliate or (ii) has an ownership interest greater than 50%; however, the substantive participating rights of the noncontrolling interest shareholders preclude the Company from exercising unilateral control over the operating and financial policies of the affiliate. The Company’s investments accounted for using the equity method include a 30% undivided interest in a real estate joint venture and various interests in investment funds. The Company’s management periodically evaluates these investments to determine if there has been a decline in value that is other than temporary. These investments are included in investments in non-consolidated affiliates.
Cost Method Investments. From time to time, the Company makes non-material cost based investments in start-up advertising technology companies and innovative consumer product companies where the Company does not exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The total net cost basis of these investments, which is included in Other Assets on the balance sheet, at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $12,645 and $11,763, respectively. These investments are periodically evaluated to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may impact the fair value of each investment other than temporary declines below book value. A variety of factors are considered when determining if a decline is other than temporary, including, among others, the financial condition and prospects of the investee, as well as the Company’s investment intent.  In addition, the Company's partner agencies may receive minority equity interests from start-up companies in lieu of fees.
Business Combinations. Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method and accordingly, the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets), the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business are recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The Company’s acquisition model typically provides for an initial payment at closing and for future additional contingent purchase price obligations. Contingent purchase price obligations are recorded as deferred acquisition consideration on the balance sheet at the acquisition date fair value and are remeasured at each reporting period. Changes in such estimated values are recorded in the results of operations. For further information see Note 4 and Note 8. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, $6,327 and $2,248 of expense, respectively, related to changes in such estimated values was recorded in results of operations. The Company expenses acquisition related costs. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, $553 and $874, respectively, of acquisition related costs were charged to operations.
 For each acquisition, the Company undertakes a detailed review to identify intangible assets and a valuation is performed for all such identified assets. The Company uses several market participant measurements to determine the estimated value. This approach includes consideration of similar and recent transactions, as well as utilizing discounted expected cash flow methodologies. Like most service businesses, a substantial portion of the intangible asset value that the Company acquires is the specialized know-how of the workforce, which is treated as part of goodwill and is not required to be valued separately. The majority of the value of the identifiable intangible assets acquired is derived from customer relationships, including the related customer contracts, as well as trade names. In executing the Company's overall acquisition strategy, one of the primary drivers in

10

identifying and executing a specific transaction is the existence of, or the ability to, expand the existing client relationships. The expected benefits of the Company's acquisitions are typically shared across multiple agencies and regions.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests. Many of the Company’s acquisitions include contractual arrangements where the noncontrolling shareholders have an option to purchase, or may require the Company to purchase, such noncontrolling shareholders' incremental ownership interests under certain circumstances and the Company has similar call options under the same contractual terms. The amount of consideration under these contractual arrangements is not a fixed amount, but rather is dependent upon various valuation formulas as described in Note 11. In the event that an incremental purchase may be required of the Company, the amounts are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests in mezzanine equity on the balance sheet at their acquisition date fair value and adjusted for changes to their estimated redemption value through additional paid-in capital (but not less than their initial redemption value), except for foreign currency translation adjustments. These adjustments will not impact the calculation of earnings (loss) per share.
If the estimated redemption value is in excess of the fair value of the noncontrolling interests, the Company records a charge to income attributable to noncontrolling interests. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no charges to income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Changes in the estimated redemption amounts of the redeemable noncontrolling interests are adjusted at each reporting period with a corresponding adjustment to equity. These adjustments will not impact the calculation of earnings (loss) per share.
The following table presents changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Beginning Balance
$
69,471

 
$
194,951

Redemptions
—

 
(155,042
)
Additions (1)
—

 
7,703

Changes in redemption value
1,423

 
22,809

Currency Translation Adjustments
106

 
(950
)
Ending Balance
$
71,000

 
$
69,471

(1)
Additions in 2015 consisted of transfers from noncontrolling interests related to step-up transactions and new acquisitions.
Subsidiary and Equity Investment Stock Transactions. Transactions involving the purchase, sale or issuance of stock of a subsidiary where control is maintained are recorded as a reduction in the redeemable noncontrolling interests or noncontrolling interests, as applicable. Any difference between the purchase price and noncontolling interest are recorded to additional paid-in capital. In circumstances where the purchase of shares of an equity investment results in obtaining control, the existing carrying value of the investment is remeasured to the acquisition date fair value and any gain or loss is recognized in results of operations.
Variable Interest Entity. Effective March 28, 2012, the Company invested in Doner Partners LLC (“Doner”). The Company acquired a 30% voting interest and convertible preferred interests that allow the Company to increase ordinary voting ownership to 70% at the Company’s option. The Company has determined that (i) this entity is a variable interest entity, and (ii) the Company is the primary beneficiary because it receives a disproportionate share of profits and losses as compared to its ownership percentage. As such, Doner is consolidated for all periods subsequent to the date of investment.
 Doner is a full service integrated creative agency that is included as part of the Company's portfolio in the Advertising and Communications segment. The Company’s Credit Agreement (see Note 7) is guaranteed and secured by all of Doner’s assets.
Total assets and total liabilities of Doner included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2016 were $113,235 and $77,668, respectively, and at December 31, 2015 were $122,558 and $86,047, respectively.
Guarantees.  Guarantees issued or modified by the Company to third parties after January 1, 2003 are generally recognized at the inception or modification of the guarantee as a liability for the obligations it has undertaken in issuing the guarantee, including its ongoing obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of the guarantee in the event that the specified triggering events or conditions occur. The initial measurement of that liability is the fair value of the guarantee. The recognition of a liability is required even if it is not probable that payments will be required under a guarantee. The Company’s liability associated with guarantees is not significant. (See Note 11).
 Revenue Recognition. The Company’s revenue recognition policies are established in accordance with the Revenue Recognition topics of the FASB ASC, and accordingly, revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) the selling price is fixed or determinable; (iii) services have been performed or

11

upon delivery of the products when ownership and risk of loss has transferred to the client; and (iv) collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
The Company follows the Multiple-Element Arrangement topic of the FASB ASC, which addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities and how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting.
The Company follows the Principal Agent Consideration topic of the FASB ASC which addresses (i) whether revenue should be recorded at the gross amount billed because it has earned revenue from the sale of goods or services, or recorded at the net amount retained because it has earned a fee or commission, and (ii) that reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred should be characterized in the income statement as revenue. Accordingly, the Company has included such reimbursed expenses in revenue.
 The Company earns revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commissions; from short-term project arrangements in the form of fixed fees or per diem fees for services; and from incentives or bonuses.
 Non-refundable retainer fees are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the specific customer arrangement. Commission revenue is earned and recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligations. Fixed fees for services are recognized upon completion of the earnings process and acceptance by the client. Per diem fees are recognized upon the performance of the Company’s services. In addition, for a limited number of certain service transactions, which require delivery of a number of service acts, the Company uses the proportional performance model, which generally results in revenue being recognized based on the straight-line method.
 Fees billed to clients in excess of fees recognized as revenue are classified as Advanced Billings on the Company's balance sheet.
 A small portion of the Company’s contractual arrangements with customers includes performance incentive provisions, which allow the Company to earn additional revenue as a result of its performance relative to both quantitative and qualitative goals. The Company recognizes the incentive portion of revenue under these arrangements when specific quantitative goals are assured, or when the Company’s clients determine performance against qualitative goals has been achieved. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when collection is reasonably assured. The Company records revenue net of sales and other taxes due to be collected and remitted to governmental authorities.
Cost of Services Sold.  Cost of services sold do not include depreciation charges for fixed assets.
Interest Expense. Interest expense primarily consists of the cost of borrowing on the Company's previously outstanding 6.75% senior notes due 2020 (the “6.75% Notes”); the Company's 6.50% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the “6.50% Notes”); and the Company's $325 million senior secured revolving credit agreement due 2019 (the “Credit Agreement”). The Company uses the effective interest method to amortize the deferred financing costs on the 6.75% Notes and the 6.50% Notes as well as the original issue premium on the 6.75% Notes. The Company also uses the straight-line method to amortize the deferred financing costs on the Credit Agreement. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, interest expense included $112 and $554, respectively, relating to present value adjustments for fixed deferred acquisition consideration payments.
The Company redeemed the 6.75% Notes with the net proceeds from the issuance of the 6.50% Notes. For further information see Note 7.
 Income Taxes. The Company’s U.S. operating units are generally structured as limited liability companies, which are treated as partnerships for tax purposes. The Company is only taxed on its share of profits, while noncontrolling holders are responsible for taxes on their share of the profits. The Company currently has a fully reserved valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets related to U.S. net operating losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company's effective tax rate was substantially lower than the statutory rate due primarily to (i) the utilization of previously fully reserved net operating losses, and (ii) noncontrolling interest charges and losses in certain tax jurisdictions where a valuation allowance was deemed necessary, offset by non-deductible stock-based compensation.
Stock-Based Compensation.  Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is expensed over the service period, in this case the award’s vesting period. When awards are exercised, share capital is credited by the sum of the consideration paid, together with the related portion previously credited to additional paid-in capital when compensation costs were charged against income or acquisition consideration.
The Company uses its historical volatility derived over the expected term of the award to determine the volatility factor used in determining the fair value of the award.
 Stock-based awards that are settled in cash, or may be settled in cash at the option of employees, are recorded as liabilities. The measurement of the liability and compensation cost for these awards is based on the fair value of the award, and is recorded in operating income over the service period, in this case the award's vesting period. Changes in the Company’s payment obligation

12

prior to the settlement date of a stock-based award are recorded as compensation cost in operating income in the period of the change. The final payment amount for such awards is established on the date of the exercise of the award by the employee.
 Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or equity at the option of the Company are recorded at fair value on the date of grant and recorded as additional paid-in capital. The fair value measurement of the compensation cost for these awards is based on using the Black-Scholes option pricing-model and is recorded in operating income over the service period, in this case the award's vesting period.
 It is the Company’s policy for issuing shares upon the exercise and/or vesting of an equity incentive award to calculate and verify the amount of shares to be issued, as well as the amount of proceeds to be collected (if any) and to deliver new shares to the exercising party.
 The Company has adopted the straight-line attribution method for determining the compensation cost to be recorded during each accounting period. However, awards based on performance conditions are recorded as compensation expense when the performance conditions are expected to be met.
 The Company treats benefits paid by shareholders or equity members to employees as a stock-based compensation charge with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in-capital.
From time to time, certain acquisitions and step-up transactions include an element of compensation related payments. The Company accounts for those payments as stock-based compensation.
 During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company issued 111,500 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to its employees and directors. The RSUs have an aggregate grant date fair value of $2,018 and generally vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant. In addition, the Company issued 527,348 restricted stock awards. The vesting of these awards are contingent upon the Company meeting a cumulative three year earnings target and vesting date. Once the Company defines the earnings target and the vesting conditions and a grant date is established, the Company will record the compensation expense over the vesting period.
 A total of 1,376,388 Class A shares of restricted stock, granted to employees as equity incentive awards but not yet vested, has been excluded in the Company’s calculation of Class A shares outstanding as of March 31, 2016.
Loss per Common Share.  Basic loss per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, including the “Share capital to be issued” as reflected in Shareholders’ Equity on the balance sheet. Diluted loss per share is based on the above, plus, if dilutive, common share equivalents, which include outstanding options, stock appreciation rights, and unvested restricted stock units.
Foreign Currency Translation.  The Company’s financial statements were prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Foreign Currency Translation topic of the FASB ASC. The functional currency of the Company is the Canadian dollar and it has decided to use U.S. dollars as its reporting currency for consolidated reporting purposes. Generally, the Company’s subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency. Accordingly, the currency impacts of the translation of the balance sheets of the Company’s non-U.S. dollar based subsidiaries to U.S. dollar statements are included as cumulative translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income. Translation of intercompany debt, which is not intended to be repaid, is included in cumulative translation adjustments. Cumulative translation adjustments are not included in net earnings unless they are actually realized through a sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of the Company’s net investment in the foreign operation. Translation of current intercompany balances are included in net earnings. The balance sheets of non-U.S. dollar based subsidiaries are translated at the period end rate. The income statements of non-U.S. dollar based subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates for the period.
Gains and losses arising from the Company’s foreign currency transactions are reflected in net earnings. Unrealized gains or losses arising on the translation of certain intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature (that is settlement is not planned or anticipated in the future) are included as cumulative translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income.

13

3. Loss Per Common Share
 The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per common share from continuing operations.
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Numerator


 


Numerator for basic loss per common share - loss from continuing operations
$
(22,434
)
 
$
(23,417
)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(859
)
 
(2,380
)
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders
(23,293
)
 
(25,797
)
Effect of dilutive securities
—

 
—

Numerator for diluted loss per common share - loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders from continuing operations
$
(23,293
)
 
$
(25,797
)
Denominator


 


Denominator for basic loss per common share - weighted average common shares
50,002,552

 
49,754,961

Effect of dilutive securities
—

 
—

Denominator for diluted loss per common share - adjusted weighted shares and assumed conversions
50,002,552

 
49,754,961

Basic loss per common share from continuing operations
$
(0.47
)
 
$
(0.52
)
Diluted loss per common share from continuing operations
$
(0.47
)
 
$
(0.52
)
 During the three months ended March 31, 2016, options and other rights to purchase 1,498,535 shares of common stock, which includes 1,423,535 shares of non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units, were outstanding and were excluded in the computation of diluted income per common share.
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, options and other rights to purchase 944,835 shares of common stock, which includes 832,335 shares of non-vested restricted stock, were outstanding and were not included in the computation of diluted income per common share.
4. Acquisitions
Valuations of acquired companies are based on a number of factors, including specialized know-how, reputation, competitive position and service offerings. The Company's acquisition strategy has been focused on acquiring the expertise of an assembled workforce in order to continue to build upon the core capabilities of its various strategic business platforms to better serve the Company's clients. MDC’s strategy includes acquiring ownership stakes in well-managed businesses with strong reputations in the industry. The Company’s model of “Perpetual Partnership” often involves acquiring a majority interest rather than a 100% interest and leaving management owners with a significant financial interest in the performance of the acquired entity for a minimum period of time, typically not less than five years. The Company’s acquisition model in this scenario typically provides for (i) an initial payment at the time of closing, (ii) additional contingent purchase price obligations based on the future performance of the acquired entity, and (iii) an option by the Company to purchase (and in some instances a requirement to so purchase) the remaining interest of the acquired entity under a predetermined formula.
Contingent purchase price obligations. The Company's contingent purchase price obligations are generally payable within a five year period following the acquisition date, and are based on (i) the achievement of specific thresholds of future earnings, and (ii) in certain cases, the growth rate of those earnings. Contingent purchase price obligations are recorded as deferred acquisition consideration on the balance sheet at the acquisition date fair value and adjusted at each reporting period through operating income or net interest expense, depending on the nature of the arrangement. See Note 8 for additional information on deferred acquisition consideration.
Options to purchase. When acquiring less than 100% ownership, 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 balance sheet. Where the incremental purchase may be required of the Company, the amounts are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests in mezzanine equity at their acquisition date estimated redemption value and adjusted at each reporting period for changes to their estimated redemption value through additional paid-in capital (but not less than their initial redemption value), except for foreign currency translation adjustments. On occasion,

14

the Company may initiate a renegotiation to acquire an incremental ownership interest and the amount of consideration paid may differ materially from the balance sheet amounts. See Note 11 for additional information on redeemable noncontrolling interests.
Employment conditions. From time to time, specifically when the projected success of an acquisition is deemed to be dependent on retention of specific personnel, such acquisition may include deferred payments that are contingent upon employment terms as well as financial performance. The Company accounts for those payments through operating income as stock-based compensation over the required retention period. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, stock-based compensation included $2,906 and $2,668, respectively, of expense relating to those payments.
Distributions to minority shareholders. If minority shareholders have the right to receive distributions based on the profitability of an acquired entity, the amount is recorded as income attributable to noncontrolling interests. However, there are circumstances when the Company acquires a majority interest and the selling shareholders waive their right to receive distributions with respect to their retained interest for a period of time, typically not less than five years.  Under this model, the right to receive such distributions typically begins concurrently with the purchase option period and, therefore, if such option is exercised at the first available date the Company may not record any minority interest over the entire period from the initial acquisition date through the acquisition date of the remaining interests.
Pro forma financial information has not been presented for 2016 as there were no material acquisitions.
2015 Acquisitions
Effective May 1, 2015, the Company acquired a majority of the equity interests of Y Media Labs LLC, such that following the transaction, the Company's effective ownership was 60%. Effective October 31, 2015, the Company acquired substantially 100% of the assets of Unique Influence, LLC (and certain other affiliated entities). The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions had an estimated present value at acquisition date of $55,279 and consisted of total closing cash payments of $23,000 and additional deferred acquisition payments that will be based on the future financial results of the underlying businesses from 2015 to 2020 with final payments due in 2022. These additional deferred payments have an estimated present value at acquisition date of $32,279. An allocation of excess purchase price consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identifiable intangibles of $16,721, consisting primarily of customer lists, trade names and covenants not to compete, and goodwill of $43,654, representing the value of the assembled workforce. The identified assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately 6.3 years and will be amortized in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic benefits of the customer contracts/relationships are realized. In addition, the Company has recorded $1,999 as the present value of redeemable noncontrolling interests. The Company expects intangibles and goodwill of $9,720 to be tax deductible.
The actual adjustments that the Company will ultimately make in finalizing the allocation of purchase price to fair value of the net assets acquired will depend on a number of factors.
In 2015, the Company acquired incremental ownership interests of Sloane & Company LLC, Anomaly Partners LLC, Allison & Partners LLC, Relevent Partners LLC, Kenna Communications LP and 72andSunny Partners LLC. In addition, the Company also entered into various non-material transactions in connection with other majority owned entities.
The aggregate purchase price for these 2015 acquisitions of incremental ownership interests has an estimated present value at transaction date of $200,822 and consisted of total closing cash payments of $37,467 and additional deferred acquisition payments that are both fixed and based on the future financial results of the underlying businesses from 2015 to 2021 with final payments due in 2022. These additional deferred payments have an estimated present value at acquisition date of $163,355. The Company reduced redeemable noncontrolling interests by $149,335 and noncontrolling interests by $8,708. The difference between the purchase price and the noncontrolling interests of $42,780 was recorded in additional paid-in capital.
 The actual adjustments that the Company will ultimately make in finalizing the allocation of purchase price to fair value of the net assets acquired will depend on a number of factors.

15

Noncontrolling Interests
 Changes in the Company’s ownership interests in our less than 100% owned subsidiaries during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
Net Loss Attributable to MDC Partners Inc. and
Transfers (to) from the Noncontrolling Interests 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
$
(23,293
)
 
$
(32,091
)
Transfers to (from) the noncontrolling interest:
 
 
 
Decrease in MDC Partners Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of equity interests in excess of redeemable noncontrolling interests and noncontrolling interests
—

 
(2,917
)
Net transfers to (from) noncontrolling interests
$
—

 
$
(2,917
)
Change from net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests
$
(23,293
)
 
$
(35,008
)
5. Accruals and Other Liabilities
 At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, accruals and other liabilities included accrued media of $138,441 and $187,540, respectively; and included amounts due to noncontrolling interest holders, for their share of profits, which will be distributed within the next twelve months of $3,921 and $5,473, respectively.
Changes in amounts due to noncontrolling interest holders included in accrued and other liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2015 and three months ended March 31, 2016 were as follows:
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
Balance, December 31, 2014
$
6,014

Income attributable to noncontrolling interests
9,054

Distributions made
(9,503
)
Other (1)
(92
)
Balance, December 31, 2015
$
5,473

Income attributable to noncontrolling interests
859

Distributions made
(2,399
)
Other (1)
(12
)
Balance, March 31, 2016
$
3,921

(1)
Other consists primarily of step-up transactions and cumulative translation adjustments.

16

6. Discontinued Operations
Effective May 31, 2015, the Company completed the sale of Accent Marketing Services, L.L.C. for an aggregate selling price of $17,102, net of transaction expenses.
There were no discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Included in discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were the following: 
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
 
2015
Revenue

$
15,524

Operating loss

(1,552
)
Other expense

(72
)
Loss on disposal

(4,670
)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes

$
(6,294
)
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had no assets classified as held for sale.
7. Debt
The Company's indebtedness was comprised as follows:

March 31,
2016

December 31, 2015
Revolving credit agreement
$
16,979

 
$
—

6.50% Senior Notes due 2024
900,000

 
—

6.75% Senior Notes due 2020
—

 
735,000

Original issue premium
—

 
5,838

Debt issuance costs
(20,389
)
 
(12,625
)
 
896,590

 
728,213

Obligations under capital leases
519

 
670

 
897,109

 
728,883


 
 
 
Less current portion:
415

 
470

 
$
896,694

 
$
728,413

6.50% Senior Notes
On March 23, 2016, MDC entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) among MDC, its existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to secure, the Credit Agreement, as guarantors (the “Guarantors”) and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, relating to the issuance by MDC of $900,000 aggregate principal amount of the 6.50% Notes. The 6.50% Notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exceptions from registration under the the Securities Act of 1933. The 6.50% Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum, accruing from March 23, 2016. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning November 1, 2016. The 6.50% Notes mature on May 1, 2024, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. The Company received net proceeds from the offering of the 6.50% Notes equal to approximately $880,000. The Company used the net proceeds to redeem all of its existing 6.75% Notes, together with accrued interest, related premiums, fees and expenses and recorded a charge for the loss on redemption of such notes of $33,298, including write offs of unamortized original issue premium and debt issuance costs. Remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including funding of deferred acquisition consideration.
The 6.50% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of MDC’s existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to secure, the Credit Agreement. The 6.50% Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of MDC and rank (i) equally in right of payment with all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness, (ii) senior in right of payment to MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness, (iii) effectively subordinated to all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness, including the Credit Agreement, and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of MDC’s subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.

17

 MDC may, at its option, redeem the 6.50% Notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on and after May 1, 2019 (i) at a redemption price of 104.875% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2019, (ii) at a redemption price of 103.250% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2020, (iii) at a redemption price of 101.625% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2021, and (iv) at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed on May 1, 2022 and thereafter.
 Prior to May 1, 2019, MDC may, at its option, redeem some or all of the 6.50% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6.50% Notes plus a “make whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. MDC may also redeem, at its option, prior to May 1, 2019, up to 35% of the 6.50% Notes with the proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.50% of the principal amount thereof.
 If MDC experiences certain kinds of changes of control (as defined in the Indenture), holders of the 6.50% Notes may require MDC to repurchase any 6.50% Notes held by them at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 6.50% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if MDC sells assets under certain circumstances, it must apply the proceeds from such sale and offer to repurchase the 6.50% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
 The Indenture includes covenants that, among other things, restrict MDC’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 MDC; make certain types of investments; create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from MDC’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 MDC’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The 6.50% Notes are also subject to customary events of default, including a cross-payment default and cross-acceleration provision.
Redemption of 6.75% Senior Notes
On March 23, 2016, the Company redeemed the 6.75% Notes in whole at a redemption price of 103.375% of the principal amount thereof with the proceeds from the issuance of the 6.50% Notes.
Credit Agreement
On March 20, 2013, MDC, Maxxcom Inc. (a subsidiary of MDC) and each of their subsidiaries party thereto entered into an amended and restated, $225 million senior secured revolving credit agreement due 2018 (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. Advances under the Credit Agreement are to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, in each case pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this section and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.
 Effective October 23, 2014, MDC and its subsidiaries entered into an amendment to its Credit Agreement. The amendment: (i) expands the commitments under the facility by $100 million, from $225 million to $325 million; (ii) extends the date by an additional eighteen months to September 30, 2019; (iii) reduces the base borrowing interest rate by 25 basis points (the applicable margin for borrowing is 1.00% in the case of Base Rate Loans and 1.75% in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans) ; and (iv) modifies certain covenants to provide the Company with increased flexibility to fund its continued growth and other general corporate purposes.
Advances under the Credit Agreement bear interest as follows: (a)(i) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at the LIBOR Rate and (ii) Base Rate Loans bear interest at the Base Rate, plus (b) an applicable margin. The initial applicable margin for borrowing is 1.00% in the case of Base Rate Loans and 1.75% in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Agreement, MDC is required to pay an unused revolver fee to lenders under the Credit Agreement in respect of unused commitments thereunder.
The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by substantially all of MDC’s present and future subsidiaries, other than immaterial subsidiaries and subject to customary exceptions. The Credit Agreement includes covenants that, among other things, restrict MDC’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital stock of MDC; make certain types of investments; impose limitations on dividends or other amounts from MDC’s subsidiaries; incur certain liens, sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of MDC’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants, including a total leverage ratio, a senior leverage ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio and a minimum earnings level. The Credit Agreement is also subject to customary events of default.
The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of its Credit Agreement, and management believes, based on its current financial projections, that the Company will be in compliance with the covenants over the next twelve months. At March 31, 2016, there were $16,979 borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

18

At March 31, 2016, the Company had issued $4,597 of undrawn outstanding letters of credit.
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, accounts payable included $67,287 and $73,558 of outstanding checks, respectively.
8. Fair Value Measurements
 Authoritative guidance for fair value establishes a framework for measuring fair value. 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 order to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, the guidance establishes a hierarchy for observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below: 
•
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
•
Level 2 - Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.
•
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.
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.
Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following tables present certain information for the financial liabilities that are disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
 
 
Level 1

Level 1
 
March 31, 2016

December 31, 2015
 
Carrying
Amount

Fair Value

Carrying
Amount

Fair Value
Liabilities:
 


 


 


 

6.50% Senior Notes due 2024
$
900,000

 
$
918,000

 
$
—

 
$
—

6.75% Senior Notes due 2020
—


—


740,838


765,319

Long-term debt includes fixed rate debt. The fair value of this instrument is based on quoted market prices. 
The following table presents changes in deferred acquisition consideration:
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
March 31,

December 31,
 
2016

2015
Beginning Balance of contingent payments
$
306,734


$
172,227

Payments (1)
(6,188
)

(77,301
)
Additions (2)
517


174,530

Redemption value adjustments (3)
8,321


41,636

Foreign translation adjustment
1,549


(4,358
)
Ending Balance of contingent payments
$
310,933


$
306,734

(1)
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, payments include $5,368 of deferred acquisition consideration settled through the issuance of 227,437 MDC Class A Shares in lieu of cash.
(2)
Additions are the initial estimated deferred acquisition payments of new acquisitions and step-up transactions completed within that fiscal period.
(3)
Redemption value adjustments are fair value changes from the Company's initial estimates of deferred acquisition payments, including the accretion of present value and stock-based compensation charges relating to acquisition payments that are tied to continued employment.

19

In addition to the above amounts, there are fixed payments of $10,040 and $40,370 for total deferred acquisition consideration of $320,973 and $347,104, which reconciles to the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
The Company includes the payments of all deferred acquisition consideration in financing activities in the Company's consolidated statement of cash flows as the Company believes these payments to be seller-related financing activities, which is the predominant source of cash flows.
 Level 3 payments relate to payments made for deferred acquisition consideration. Level 3 grants relate to contingent purchase price obligations related to acquisitions and are recorded on the balance sheet at the acquisition date fair value. The estimated liability is determined in accordance with various contractual valuation formulas that may be dependent on future events, such as the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during the contractual period and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate as of the date of payment. Level 3 redemption value adjustments relate to the remeasurement and change in these various contractual valuation formulas as well as adjustments of present value.
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximated fair value because of their short-term maturity. The Company does not disclose the fair value for equity method investments or investments held at cost as it is not practical to estimate fair value since there is no readily available market data.
Non-financial Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
 On a nonrecurring basis, the Company uses fair value measures when analyzing asset impairment. Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined such indicators are present and the review indicates that the assets will not be fully recoverable, based on undiscounted estimated cash flows over the remaining amortization periods, their carrying values are reduced to estimated fair value. Measurements based on undiscounted cash flows are considered to be Level 3 inputs. During the fourth quarter of each year, the Company evaluates goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at the reporting unit level. For each acquisition, the Company performed a detailed review to identify intangible assets and a valuation is performed for all such identified assets. The Company used several market participant measurements to determine estimated value. This approach includes consideration of similar and recent transactions, as well as utilizing discounted expected cash flow methodologies. The amounts allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisitions were determined using Level 3 inputs. Fair value for property and equipment was based on other observable transactions for similar property and equipment. Accounts receivable represents the best estimate of balances that will ultimately be collected, which is based in part on allowance for doubtful accounts reserve criteria and an evaluation of the specific receivable balances.
9. Other Income (Expense)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Other income
$
58

 
$
490

Foreign currency gain (loss)
15,454

 
(18,530
)
 
$
15,512

 
$
(18,040
)
10. Segment Information
The Company determines an operating segment if a component (1) engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses, (2) has discrete financial information that is, and (3) regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance. During 2015, the Company had a change in the CODM as well as a change in how the CODM manages the business. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company reassessed its determination of operating segments. Decisions regarding allocations of resources are made and will be made based on the overall performance of the overall Partner Firm network. Therefore, the Company has determined that the Partner Firm network represents its operating segment. The Company also reassessed its previous allocation methodology and has conformed the allocations to align with how the CODM manages the business. The overall Partner Firm network consists of each of the Company's operating agencies. The Company now reports in one reportable Advertising and Communications segment in addition to the Corporate Group described as follows:
•
The Advertising and Communications segment consists of Partner Firms that deliver innovative, value-added marketing, activation, communications and strategic consulting services to their clients. MDC and its Partner Firms deliver a wide range of customized services, including (1) multi-channel media management and optimization, (2) interactive and mobile marketing, (3) direct marketing, (4) database and customer relationship management, (5) sales promotion, (6) corporate

20

communications, (7) market research, (8) data analytics and insights, (9) corporate identity, design and branding services, (10) social media communications, (11) product and service innovation and (12) e-commerce management.
•
The Corporate Group consists of corporate office expenses incurred in connection with the strategic resources provided to the Advertising and Communications segment, as well as certain other centrally managed expenses that are not fully allocated to the reportable segment. Office and general expenses include (1) salaries and related expenses for corporate office employees including employees dedicated to supporting the Partner Firms, (2) occupancy expense relating to properties occupied by all corporate office employees, (3) other office and general expenses including professional fees for the financial statement audits, and (4) certain other professional fees managed by the corporate office. Additional expenses managed by the corporate office that are directly related to the Partner Firms are allocated to the reportable segment.
Prior year results have been recast to reflect the new reportable segment.
The significant accounting policies are in the summary of significant accounting policies included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


21

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(thousands of United States dollars)
 
Advertising and Communications

Corporate

Total
Revenue
$
309,042


$
—


$
309,042










Cost of services sold
211,446


—


211,446










Office and general expenses
65,095


12,733


77,828










Depreciation and amortization
10,823


397


11,220










Operating profit (loss)
21,678


(13,130
)

8,548










Other Income (Expense):
 


 




Other income, net
 


 


15,512

Interest expense and finance charges, net
 


 


(15,397
)
Loss on redemption of notes
 
 
 
 
(33,298
)









Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
 


 


(24,635
)
Income tax benefit
 


 


(1,972
)









Loss from continuing operations before equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
 


 


(22,663
)
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
 


 


229










Loss from continuing operations
 


 


(22,434
)









Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes
 


 


—










Net loss
 


 


(22,434
)









Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(859
)

—


(859
)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
 


 


$
(23,293
)









Stock-based compensation
$
3,881


$
804


$
4,685










Supplemental Segment Information:
 


 


 










Capital expenditures
$
5,511


$
28


$
5,539










Goodwill and intangibles
$
944,660


$
—


$
944,660










Total Assets
$
1,412,988


$
158,567


$
1,571,555




22


Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(thousands of United States dollars)
 
Advertising and Communications

Corporate

Total
Revenue
$
302,222


$
—


$
302,222










Cost of services sold
210,419


—


210,419










Office and general expenses
53,936


20,372


74,308










Depreciation and amortization
11,854


446


12,300










Operating profit (loss)
26,013


(20,818
)

5,195










Other Income (Expense):
 


 


 

Other expense, net
 


 


(18,040
)
Interest expense and finance charges, net
 


 


(14,977
)









Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
 


 


(27,822
)
Income tax benefit
 


 


(4,054
)









Loss from continuing operations before equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
 


 


(23,768
)
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
 


 


351










Loss from continuing operations
 


 


(23,417
)









Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes
 


 


(6,294
)









Net loss
 


 


(29,711
)









Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(2,380
)

—


(2,380
)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
 


 


$
(32,091
)









Stock-based compensation
$
3,500


$
945


$
4,445










Supplemental Segment Information:

















Capital expenditures
$
5,588


$
68


$
5,656










Goodwill and intangibles
$
916,222


$
—


$
916,222










Total Assets
$
1,483,613


$
142,000


$
1,625,613



23

A summary of the Company’s revenue by geographic area, based on the location in which the services originated, is set forth in the following table:
 
United States

Canada

Other

Total
Revenue
 


 


 


 

Three Months Ended March 31,
 


 


 


 

2016
$
252,199


$
28,406


$
28,437


$
309,042

2015
$
252,018


$
29,825


$
20,379


$
302,222

11. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
Deferred Acquisition Consideration. In addition to the consideration paid by the Company in respect of certain of its acquisitions at closing, additional consideration may be payable, or may be potentially payable based on the achievement of certain threshold levels of earnings. See Note 2 and Note 4.
Options to purchase. Noncontrolling shareholders in certain subsidiaries have the right in certain circumstances to require the Company to acquire the remaining ownership interests held by them. 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 date would result in obligations of the Company to fund the related amounts during the remainder of 2016 to 2024. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights.
The amount payable by the Company in the event such rights are exercised is dependent on various valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment.
Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at March 31, 2016, perform over the relevant future periods at their trailing twelve-months earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $16,710 to the owners of such rights to acquire such ownership interests in the relevant subsidiaries. Of this amount, the Company is entitled, at its option, to fund approximately $120 by the issuance of share capital.
In addition, the Company is obligated under similar contractual rights to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $50,841 only upon termination of such owner’s employment with the applicable subsidiary or death.
The amount the Company would be required to pay to the noncontrolling interest holders should the Company acquire the remaining ownership interests is $3,449 less than the initial redemption value recorded in redeemable noncontrolling interests.
Included in redeemable noncontrolling interests at March 31, 2016 was $71,000 of these options to purchase because they are not within the control of the Company. The ultimate amount payable relating to these transactions will vary because it is dependent on the future results of operations of the subject businesses and the timing of when these rights are exercised.
Natural Disasters. Certain of the Company’s operations are located in regions of the United States which typically are subject to hurricanes. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, these operations did not incur any costs related to damages resulting from hurricanes.
Guarantees. Generally, the Company has indemnified the purchasers of certain assets in the event that a third party asserts a claim against the purchaser that relates to a liability retained by the Company. These types of indemnification guarantees typically extend for a number of years. Historically, the Company has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements and no amount has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees. The Company continues to monitor the conditions that are subject to guarantees and indemnifications to identify whether it is probable that a loss has occurred, and would recognize any such losses under any guarantees or indemnifications in the period when those losses are probable and estimable.
Legal Proceedings. The Company’s operating entities are involved in legal proceedings of various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, the Company has no reason to believe that the outcome of such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations of the Company, except as set forth below in connection with the SEC investigation and the related class action litigation claims.
SEC Investigation Update
The Special Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Special Committee”) and management have continued to fully cooperate with the SEC in connection with its ongoing investigation of the Company, including with respect to payments made to or on

24

behalf of Miles Nadal and Nadal Management Limited. Mr. Nadal resigned from his position as CEO and as a Director of the Company’s Board of Directors, effective July 20, 2015, and agreed to repay to the Company specified expenses paid by the Company on his behalf and prior cash bonus awards. 
Specifically, as of December 31, 2015, Mr. Nadal repaid to the Company an aggregate amount equal to $11,285 in respect of perquisites and improper payments identified by the Special Committee. No additional amounts have been identified during the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Separately, Mr. Nadal agreed to repay to the Company $10,582 in connection with amounts required to be repaid pursuant to cash bonus awards previously paid to Mr. Nadal, with such repayments to be made in five installments, with the last to be paid on December 31, 2017. Mr. Nadal repaid to the Company the first installment of $1,000 in September 2015 and the second installment of $1,500 in December 2015. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $5,338 in the third quarter of 2015 for the balance of prior cash bonus award amounts that will not be recovered.
The SEC investigation of these expenses and related matters remains ongoing. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has incurred $1,486 and $5,762, respectively, of professional expenses relating to the ongoing SEC investigation.
Class Action Litigation
On July 31, 2015, North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District Firefighter Pension Plan filed a putative class action suit in the Southern District of New York, naming as defendants the Company, CFO David Doft, former CEO Miles Nadal, and former CAO Michael Sabatino. The plaintiff alleges violations of § 10(b), Rule 10b-5, and § 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, based on allegedly materially false and misleading statements in the Company’s SEC filings and other public statements regarding executive compensation, goodwill accounting, and the Company’s internal controls. The Company is vigorously defending this suit.
On August 7, 2015, Roberto Paniccia issued a Statement of Claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in the City of Brantford, Ontario seeking to certify a class action suit naming as Defendants the Company, former CEO Miles S. Nadal, former CAO Michael C. Sabatino, CFO David Doft and BDO USA LLP. The Plaintiff alleges violations of section 138.1 of the Ontario Securities Act (and equivalent legislation in other Canadian provinces and territories) as well as common law misrepresentation based on allegedly materially false and misleading statements in the company’s public statements, as well as omitting to disclose material facts with respect to an SEC investigation. The Company is also vigorously defending this suit.
Commitments.  At March 31, 2016, the Company had issued $4,597 of undrawn outstanding letters of credit. In addition, the Company has commitments to fund investments in an aggregate amount of $3,182.
12. New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which amended guidance on the accounting for employee share-based payments that requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized on the income statement instead of as additional paid-in capital, with prospective application required. The guidance also changes the classification of such tax benefits or tax deficiencies on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows from a financing activity to an operating activity, with prospective application required. Additionally, the guidance changes the classification of employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows from an operating activity, previously included in the changes in Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities, to a financing activity, with retrospective application required. This amended guidance, which will be effective beginning January 1, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and related cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which amends the ASC and creates Topic 842, Leases. Topic 842 will require lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous U.S. GAAP on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities, which will require equity investments, except equity method investments, to be measured at fair value and any changes in fair value will be recognized in results of operations. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early application is not permitted. Additionally, this guidance provides for the recognition of the cumulative effect of retrospective application of the new standard in the period of initial application. The Company does not expect the application of this guidance to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes, which amends Topic 740 and requires all deferred income tax assets and liabilities to be presented as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This amended guidance is effective beginning January

25

1, 2017, and may be applied retrospectively or prospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the application of this guidance to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The FASB has issued amended guidance on revenue recognition, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, that supersedes Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB affirmed its proposal to delay the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year to January 1, 2018, with early adoption to be permitted as of the original effective date of January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact and choice of either the full or modified retrospective adoption method as well as impact the adoption of the amended guidance will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.
13. Subsequent Events
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Effective May 3, 2016, MDC and its subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated Credit Agreement. The amendment extends the maturity date to May 3, 2021 and gives the Company the ability to borrow in foreign currencies, as well as certain other changes to provide additional flexibility in operating the Company's business.
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Unless otherwise indicated, references to the “Company” or “MDC” mean MDC Partners Inc. and its subsidiaries, and references to a fiscal year means the Company’s year commencing on January 1 of that year and ending December 31 of that year (e.g., fiscal 2016 means the period beginning January 1, 2016, and ending December 31, 2016).
Website Access to Company Reports
MDC Partners Inc.’s internet website address is www.mdc-partners.com. The Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, will be made available free of charge through the Company’s website as soon as reasonably practical after those reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The information found on, or otherwise accessible through, the Company’s website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. From time to time, the Company may use its website as a channel of distribution of material company information.
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) of the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). However, the Company has included certain non-U.S. GAAP financial measures and ratios, which it believes provide useful information to both management and readers of this report in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Company. One such term is “organic revenue” which means growth in revenues from sources other than acquisitions or foreign exchange impacts. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, nor should they be construed as an alternative to other titled measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The following discussion focuses on the operating performance of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 and the financial condition of the Company as of March 31, 2016. This analysis should be read in conjunction with the interim condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this interim report and the annual audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis presented in the Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2015 as reported on Form 10-K. All amounts are in dollars unless otherwise stated.
Executive Summary
The Company’s objective is to create shareholder value by building, growing and acquiring market-leading Partner Firms that deliver innovative, value-added marketing, activation, communications and strategic consulting to their clients. Management believes that shareholder value is maximized with an operating philosophy of “Perpetual Partnership” with proven committed industry leaders in marketing communications.
MDC manages its business by monitoring several financial and non-financial performance indicators. The key indicators that we focus are on the areas of revenues and operating expenses and capital expenditures. Revenue growth is analyzed by reviewing a mix of measurements, including (i) growth by major geographic location, (ii) existing growth by major discipline (organic), (iii) growth from currency changes and (iv) growth from acquisitions. In addition to monitoring the foregoing financial indicators, the Company assesses and monitors several non-financial performance indicators relating to the business performance of our Partner Firms. These indicators may include a Partner Firm's recent new client win/loss record; the depth and scope of a pipeline of potential new client account activity; the overall quality of the services provided to clients; and the relative strength of the Company's next generation team that is in place as part of a potential succession plan to succeed the current senior executive team.

26

MDC conducts its businesses through its network of Partner Firms and reports as one reportable segment called the Advertising and Communications segment. In addition, MDC has a “Corporate Group” which provides client and business development support to the Partner Firms as well as certain strategic resources, including accounting, administrative, financial, real estate, human resource and legal functions.
Certain Factors Affecting Our Business
Overall Factors Affecting our Business and Results of Operations.  The most significant factors include national, regional and local economic conditions, our clients’ profitability, mergers and acquisitions of our clients, changes in top management of our clients and our ability to retain and attract key employees. New business wins and client losses occur due to a variety of factors. The two most significant factors are (i) our clients’ desire to change marketing communication firms, and (ii) the creative product that our Partner Firms offer. A client may choose to change marketing communication firms for a number of reasons, such as a change in top management and the new management wants to retain an agency that it may have previously worked with. In addition, if the client is merged or acquired by another company, the marketing communication firm is often changed. Further, global clients are trending to consolidate the use of numerous marketing communication firms to just one or two. Another factor in a client changing firms is the agency’s campaign or work product is not providing results and they feel a change is in order to generate additional revenues.
Clients will generally reduce or increase their spending or outsourcing needs based on their current business trends and profitability.
Acquisitions and Dispositions. The Company's strategy includes acquiring ownership stakes in well-managed businesses with strong reputations in the industry. The Company engaged in a number of acquisition and disposal transactions during the 2009 to 2015 period, which affected revenues, expenses, operating income and net income. Additional information regarding acquisitions is provided in Note 4 “Acquisitions” and information on dispositions is provided in Note 6 “Discontinued Operations” in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Foreign Exchange Fluctuations. Our financial results and competitive position are affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and non-U.S. dollars, primarily the Canadian dollar. See also “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Foreign Exchange.” 
Seasonality. Historically, with some exceptions, the Company generates the highest quarterly revenues during the fourth quarter in each year. The fourth quarter has historically been the period in the year in which the highest volumes of media placements and retail related consumer marketing occur.
 
 
 
 
 
 

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
Results of Operations:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(thousands of United States dollars)

Advertising and Communications
 
Corporate
 
Total
Revenue
$
309,042

 
$
—

 
$
309,042




 


 


Cost of services sold
211,446

 
—

 
211,446




 


 


Office and general expenses
65,095

 
12,733

 
77,828




 


 


Depreciation and amortization
10,823

 
397

 
11,220




 


 


Operating profit (loss)
21,678

 
(13,130
)
 
8,548




 


 


Other Income (Expense):


 


 


Other income, net


 


 
15,512

Interest expense and finance charges, net


 


 
(15,397
)
Loss on redemption of notes
 
 
 
 
(33,298
)



 


 


Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates


 


 
(24,635
)
Income tax benefit


 


 
(1,972
)



 


 


Loss from continuing operations before equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates


 


 
(22,663
)
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates


 


 
229




 


 


Loss from continuing operations


 


 
(22,434
)



 


 


Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes


 


 
—




 


 


Net loss


 


 
(22,434
)



 


 


Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(859
)
 
—

 
(859
)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.


 


 
$
(23,293
)



 


 


Stock-based compensation
$
3,881

 
$
804

 
$
4,685



28

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(thousands of United States dollars)


Advertising and Communications
 
Corporate
 
Total
Revenue
$
302,222

 
$
—

 
$
302,222




 


 


Cost of services sold
210,419

 
—

 
210,419




 


 


Office and general expenses
53,936

 
20,372

 
74,308




 


 


Depreciation and amortization
11,854

 
446

 
12,300




 


 


Operating profit (loss)
26,013

 
(20,818
)
 
5,195




 


 


Other Income (Expense):


 


 


Other expense, net


 


 
(18,040
)
Interest expense and finance charges, net


 


 
(14,977
)



 


 


Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates


 


 
(27,822
)
Income tax benefit


 


 
(4,054
)



 


 


Loss from continuing operations before equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates


 


 
(23,768
)
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates


 


 
351




 


 


Loss from continuing operations


 


 
(23,417
)



 


 


Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes


 


 
(6,294
)



 


 


Net loss


 


 
(29,711
)



 


 


Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(2,380
)
 
—

 
(2,380
)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.


 


 
$
(32,091
)



 


 


Stock-based compensation
$
3,500

 
$
945

 
$
4,445

 

29

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016, Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Revenue was $309.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, representing an increase of $6.8 million, or 2.3%, compared to revenue of $302.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase related primarily to an increase in organic revenue of $6.6 million and acquisition growth of $3.8 million. This revenue increase was partially offset by a decrease in foreign exchange of $3.6 million primarily due to a stronger U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar during the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Operating profit for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $8.5 million, compared to $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Operating profit decreased by $4.3 million in the Advertising and Communications segment. Operating profit benefited as Corporate operating expenses decreased $7.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Loss from continuing operations was $22.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to a loss of $23.4 million for three months ended March 31, 2015. This decrease in loss of $0.9 million was primarily attributable to an increase in Other income (expense), net of $33.6 million, a reduction in income tax benefit of $2.1 million, increased interest expense and finance charges of $0.5 million, partially offset by an increase in operating profit of $3.4 million, and the loss on redemption of notes of $33.3 million.
Advertising and Communications Segment
 The components of the change in revenues by geography for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
 
 
 
2016 Activity
 
 
 
Change
Advertising and Communications
 
2015 Revenue
 
Foreign
Exchange
 
Acquisitions
 
Organic
Growth
 
2016 Revenue
 
Foreign
Exchange
 
Acquisitions
 
Organic
Growth
 
Total
Revenue
 
 
(Dollars in Millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
252.0

 
$
—

 
$
3.3

 
$
(3.1
)
 
$
252.2

 
—
 %
 
1.3
%
 
(1.2
)%
 
0.1
 %
Canada
 
29.8

 
(2.8
)
 
—

 
1.3

 
28.4

 
(9.3
)%
 
—
%
 
4.5
 %
 
(4.8
)%
Other
 
20.4

 
(0.9
)
 
0.5

 
8.4

 
28.4

 
(4.3
)%
 
2.4
%
 
41.4
 %
 
39.5
 %
Total
 
$
302.2

 
$
(3.6
)
 
$
3.8

 
$
6.6

 
$
309.0

 
(1.2
)%
 
1.3
%
 
2.2
 %
 
2.3
 %
The geographic mix in revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
 
2016
 
2015
United States
82
%
 
83
%
Canada
9
%
 
10
%
Other
9
%
 
7
%
Revenue was $309.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, representing an increase of $6.8 million, or 2.3%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase was comprised of organic revenue growth of $6.6 million, or 2.2%, and the effect of acquisitions of $3.8 million, or 1.3%. The revenue increases were partially offset by adverse changes in foreign exchange rates resulting in a reduction of revenue of $3.6 million, or 1.2%.
Our revenue increase was attributable to new client wins. There was mixed performance by client sector, with strength in the technology and automotive sectors, partially offset by declines in the retail and financial sectors. The technology and data analytics, public relations and strategic communications, and integrated advertising disciplines led our growth. The experiential businesses was negatively impacted by decreased billable pass-through costs incurred on the client's behalf from the Company acting as principal, as compared to the first quarter of 2015.
Our business outside of North America continued to be a driver of growth for the overall company, with organic revenue growth of 41.4%. This growth was driven by new client wins and increased spend from existing clients as we extended our capabilities into new markets throughout Europe, Asia, and to a lesser degree, South America. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, 9.2% of our total revenue came from outside North America, up from 6.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Canada's revenue grew organically while the United States declined due to (1) decreased billable pass-through costs, (2) timing of revenue recognition, and (3) shifts in spending by some clients. Additional revenue growth came from 2015 acquisitions of firms that helped expand our capabilities in mobile development and digital media buying.
The adverse currency impact was primarily due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar, the British Pound and the Euro against the U.S. dollar during the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

30

The change in expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Advertising and Communications segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
Advertising and Communications
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
%
 
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Revenue
 
$
309.0

 
 
 
$
302.2

 
 
 
$
6.8

 
2.3
 %
Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services sold
 
211.4

 
68.4
%
 
210.4

 
69.6
%
 
1.0

 
0.5
 %
Office and general expenses
 
65.1

 
21.1
%
 
53.9

 
17.8
%
 
11.2

 
20.7
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
10.8

 
3.5
%
 
11.9

 
3.9
%
 
(1.0
)
 
(8.7
)%
 
 
$
287.4

 
93.0
%
 
$
276.2

 
91.4
%
 
$
11.2

 
4.0
 %
Operating profit
 
$
21.7

 
7.0
%
 
$
26.0

 
8.6
%
 
$
(4.3
)
 
(16.7
)%
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Advertising and Communications segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
Advertising and Communications
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
%
 
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Direct costs (1)
 
$
40.3

 
13.0
%
 
$
44.8

 
14.8
%
 
$
(4.5
)
 
(10.0
)%
Staff costs (2)
 
185.6

 
60.1
%
 
176.5

 
58.4
%
 
9.2

 
5.2
 %
Administrative
 
40.4

 
13.1
%
 
37.3

 
12.4
%
 
3.0

 
8.2
 %
Deferred acquisition consideration
 
6.3

 
2.0
%
 
2.2

 
0.7
%
 
4.1

 
181.5
 %
Stock-based compensation
 
3.9

 
1.3
%
 
3.5

 
1.2
%
 
0.4

 
10.9
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
10.8

 
3.5
%
 
11.9

 
3.9
%
 
(1.0
)
 
(8.7
)%
Total operating expenses
 
$
287.4

 
93.0
%
 
$
276.2

 
91.4
%
 
$
11.2

 
4.0
 %
(1)
Excludes staff costs.
(2)
Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
Operating profit for the Advertising and Communications segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $21.7 million, compared to $26.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Operating margins declined 160 basis points from 8.6% in 2015 to 7.0% in 2016. The decrease in operating profit and margin was largely due to increases in staff costs as a percentage of revenue, and higher administrative expenses and deferred acquisition consideration adjustments, partially offset by a decrease in direct costs as a percentage of revenue.
Direct costs decreased by $4.5 million, or 10.0%, and as a percentage of revenue decreased from 14.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 to 13.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2016. This decrease was due to a decline in pass-through costs incurred on the clients' behalf, most notably in the experiential businesses.
Staff costs increased by $9.2 million, or 5.2%, and as a percentage of revenue increased from 58.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 to 60.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in staff costs was due to increased headcount, and as a percentage of revenue, was largely impacted by the reduction of billable pass-through costs which is also a reduction in revenue. In addition, at certain Partner Firms, revenue declines outpaced the decline in staff costs, as well as being impacted by the timing of revenue recognition.
Administrative costs increased year over year and as a percentage of revenue primarily due to higher occupancy expenses and other general and administrative expenses. These increases were incurred to support to the growth and expansion of certain Partner Firms.
Deferred acquisition consideration expense increased on a year-over-year basis as a result of the accretion of present value on a higher liability balance as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. The higher liability balance was a result of the 2015 acquisitions and acquisitions of incremental ownership interests.

31

Stock-based compensation remained consistent at approximately 1% of revenue.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $1.0 million primarily due to lower amortization from intangibles related to prior year acquisitions.
Corporate Group
The change in operating expenses for three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change
Corporate Group
 
2016
 
2015
 
$
 
%
 
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Staff costs (1)
 
$
7.1

 
$
8.8

 
$
(1.6
)
 
(18.5
)%
Administrative
 
4.8

 
10.7

 
(5.9
)
 
(55.1
)%
Stock-based compensation
 
0.8

 
0.9

 
(0.1
)
 
(14.9
)%
Depreciation and amortization
 
0.4

 
0.4

 
—

 
(11.0
)%
Total operating expenses
 
$
13.1

 
$
20.8

 
$
(7.7
)
 
(36.9
)%
(1)
Excludes stock-based compensation.
Total operating expenses related to the Corporate Group’s operations decreased by $7.7 million to $13.1 million in 2016, compared to $20.8 million in 2015.
Staff costs decreased on a year-over-year basis by $1.6 million, or 18.5%, due to lower executive compensation expense.
Administrative costs decreased by $5.9 million primarily due to reductions in (1) legal fees related to the Securities and Exchange Commission investigation of $4.3 million, (2) travel and entertainment expenses of $0.5 million, (3) advertising and promotional expenses of $0.4 million, (4) professional fees of $0.5 million, and (5) various other administrative expenses of $0.2 million.
Other Income (expense), Net
Other income, net, increased by $33.5 million from expense of $18.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 to income of $15.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase was primarily related to an unrealized foreign exchange gain of $15.5 million, due to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar in the quarter related to U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness, compared to an unrealized foreign exchange loss of $18.5 million. Additionally, in 2016 the Company had other income of $0.1 million compared to other income of $0.5 million.
Interest Expense and Finance Charges, Net
Interest expense and finance charges, net, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $15.6 million, an increase of $0.5 million over the $15.1 million of interest expense and finance charges, net, incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase was due to higher average outstanding debt in 2016. In addition the Company incurred a $33.3 million loss on redemption of the 6.75% Notes in March 2016.
Income Tax Benefit
Income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $2.0 million compared to a benefit of $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company's effective rate in 2016 and 2015 was lower than the statutory rate due to losses in certain tax jurisdictions where a valuation allowance was deemed necessary.
The Company's U.S. operating units are generally structured as limited liability companies, which are treated as partnerships for tax purposes. The Company is only taxed on its share of profits, while noncontrolling holders are responsible for taxes on their share of profits.
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
Equity in earnings of affiliates represents the income attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded income of $0.2 million compared to income of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

32

Noncontrolling Interests
The effects of noncontrolling interests was $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $1.5 million from the $2.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015. This decrease related to the overall decrease in profits in Partner Firms where there are noncontrolling shareholders.
Discontinued Operations
The loss, net of taxes, from discontinued operations was $6.3 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Net Loss Attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
As a result of the foregoing, the net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $23.3 million or a loss of $0.47 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $32.1 million, or $0.65 per diluted share reported for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Liquidity and Capital Resources:
Liquidity
The following table provides summary information about the Company’s liquidity position:
 
As of and for the first three months ended March 31, 2016

As of and for the first three months ended March 31, 2015

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2015
 
(000’s)

(000’s)

(000’s)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
21,840


$
17,366


$
61,458

Working capital deficit
$
(274,041
)

$
(283,960
)

$
(403,879
)
Cash (used in) provided by operations
$
(128,687
)
 
$
(113,673
)

$
162,805

Cash used in investing
$
(8,128
)
 
$
(9,066
)

$
(29,893
)
Cash (used in) provided by financing
$
98,714

 
$
26,046


$
(190,020
)
Long-term debt to total equity ratio
(1.71
)

(1.87
)

(1.50
)
Fixed charge coverage ratio
N/A

N/A


N/A

As of March 31, 2016 and 2015 and December 31, 2015, $5.4 million, $6.2 million, and $5.2 million, respectively, of the Company's consolidated cash position was held by subsidiaries. Although this amount is available for the subsidiaries' use, it does not represent cash that is distributable as earnings to MDC for use to reduce its indebtedness. It is the Company’s intent through its cash management system to reduce any outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement by using available cash.
The Company intends to maintain sufficient cash and/or available borrowings to fund operations for the next twelve months.
Working Capital
At March 31, 2016, the Company had a working capital deficit of $274.0 million compared to a deficit of $403.9 million at December 31, 2015. Working capital deficit decreased by $129.8 million primarily due to the net proceeds from the issuance of the 6.5% Notes offset by the redemption of the 6.75% Notes. The Company's working capital is impacted by seasonality in media buying, amounts spent by clients, and timing of amounts received from clients and subsequently paid to suppliers. Media buying is impacted by the timing of certain events, such as major sporting events and national holidays, and there can be a quarter to quarter lag between the time amounts received from clients for the media buying are subsequently paid to suppliers. At March 31, 2016, the Company had $17.0 million of borrowings outstanding under its Credit Agreement. The Company includes amounts due to noncontrolling interest holders, for their share of profits, in accrued and other liabilities. At March 31, 2016, $3.9 million remained outstanding to be distributed to noncontrolling interest holders over the next twelve months.
The Company intends to maintain sufficient cash or availability of funds under the Credit Agreement at any particular time to adequately fund working capital should there be a need to do so from time to time.
Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Cash flows used in continuing operations, including changes in non-cash working capital, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $128.7 million. This was attributable to a loss from continuing operations of $22.4 million, a decrease in accounts

33

payable, accruals, and other liabilities of $138.5 million primarily driven by a decrease in accrued media and the timing of payments to suppliers, an increase in accounts receivable of $31.6 million, foreign exchange of $14.1 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $13.0 million, deferred income taxes of $2.3 million, a net increase in other non-current assets and liabilities of $1.5 million, and earnings of non-consolidated affiliates of $0.2 million. This was partially offset by a loss on the redemption of the 6.75% Notes of $26.9 million, a decrease in expenditures billable to clients of $21.7 million, a decrease in advanced billings of $17.0 million, depreciation, amortization of intangibles, and stock compensation of $15.9 million, amortization of deferred finance charges and debt discount of $7.0 million, and adjustments to deferred acquisition consideration of $6.4 million.
Cash flows used in continuing operations, including changes in non-cash working capital, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $112.4 million. This was attributable to a loss from continuing operations of $23.4 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $97.8 million and a decrease in accounts payable primarily due to the timing and collection of related media payments, accruals, a decrease in other liabilities of $36.5 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $12.2 million, an increase in expenditures billable to clients of $5.7 million, deferred income taxes of $3.9 million and earnings of non-consolidated affiliates of $0.4 million. This was offset by depreciation, amortization of intangibles, and stock compensation of $16.7 million, adjustments to deferred acquisition consideration of $2.8 million, amortization of deferred finance charges and debt discount of $1.5 million, an increase in advanced billings of $30.5 million, foreign exchange of $15.2 million and an increase in other non-current assets and liabilities of $0.7 million. Discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners used cash of $1.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities was $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared with cash flows used of $9.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015. In the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company used $1.8 million, net of cash acquired for acquisitions and $0.8 million for other investments. In the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company used $1.3 million, net of cash acquired, for acquisitions and $2.3 million for other investments. The outflows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were partially offset by $0.3 million of profit distributions from affiliates.
In the three months ended March 31, 2016, capital expenditures totaled $5.5 million, of which $5.5 million was incurred by the Adverting and Communications segment. In the three months ended March 31, 2015, capital expenditures totaled $5.7 million of which $5.6 million was incurred by the Advertising and Communications segment and $0.1 million was incurred by corporate. These expenditures consisted primarily of computer equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements. Discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners used cash of $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 related to capital expenditures.
Financing Activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $98.7 million, and consisted of $900.0 million in proceeds from the issuance of the 6.50% Notes, $17.0 million in net borrowings under the credit agreement and cash overdrafts of $6.3 million. These inflows were partially offset by the redemption of the 6.75% Notes of $735.0 million, a premium paid in connection with such redemption of $26.9 million including accrued interest through the settlement date, $18.1 million of debt issuance costs paid in connection with the issuance of the 6.50% Notes, $30.5 million of acquisition related payments, payment of dividends of $10.6 million, distributions to noncontrolling partners of $2.4 million, the purchase of treasury shares for income tax withholding requirements of $0.9 million, and repayments of long-term debt of $0.2 million.
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $26.0 million, and consisted of cash overdrafts of $32.1 million and $19.6 million in net borrowings under the credit agreement. These inflows were offset by $11.1 million of acquisition related payments, payment of dividends of $10.6 million, distributions to noncontrolling partners of $2.8 million, the purchase of treasury shares for income tax withholding requirements of $0.9 million, and repayments of long term debt of $0.1 million.
Total Debt
6.50% Senior Notes Due 2024
On March 23, 2016, MDC entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) among MDC, its existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to secure, the Credit Agreement, as guarantors (the “Guarantors”) and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, relating to the issuance by MDC of its $900,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior unsecure notes due 2024. The 6.50% Notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exceptions from registration under the '33 Act. The 6.50% Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum, accruing from March 23, 2016. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning November 1, 2016. The 6.50% Notes mature on May 1, 2024, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. The Company received net proceeds from the offering of the 6.50% Notes equal to approximately $880,000. The Company used the net proceeds to redeem all of its existing 6.75% Notes, together with accrued interest, related premiums, fees and expenses and recorded a charge for the loss on redemption of such notes of $33,298, including write offs of

34

unamortized original issue premium and debt issuance costs. Remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including funding of deferred acquisition consideration.
The 6.50% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of MDC’s existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to secure, the Credit Agreement. The 6.50% Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of MDC and rank (i) equally in right of payment with all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness, (ii) senior in right of payment to MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness, (iii) effectively subordinated to all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness, including the Credit Agreement, and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of MDC’s subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.
 MDC may, at its option, redeem the 6.50% Notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on and after May 1, 2019 (i) at a redemption price of 104.875% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2019, (ii) at a redemption price of 103.250% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2020, (iii) at a redemption price of 101.625% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2021, and (iv) at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed on May 1, 2022 and thereafter.
 Prior to May 1, 2019, MDC may, at its option, redeem some or all of the 6.50% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6.50% Notes plus a “make whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. MDC may also redeem, at its option, prior to May 1, 2019, up to 35% of the 6.50% Notes with the proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.50% of the principal amount thereof.
If MDC experiences certain kinds of changes of control (as defined in the Indenture), holders of the 6.50% Notes may require MDC to repurchase any 6.50% Notes held by them at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 6.50% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if MDC sells assets under certain circumstances, it must apply the proceeds from such sale and offer to repurchase the 6.50% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
 The Indenture includes covenants that, among other things, restrict MDC’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 MDC; make certain types of investments; create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from MDC’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 MDC’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The 6.50% Notes are also subject to customary events of default, including a cross-payment default and cross-acceleration provision.
Redemption of 6.75% Senior Notes Due 2020
On March 23, 2016, the Company redeemed the 6.75% Notes in whole at a redemption price of 103.375% of the principal amount thereof with the proceeds from the issuance of the 6.50% Notes.
Revolving Credit Agreement
On March 20, 2013, MDC, Maxxcom Inc. (a subsidiary of MDC) and each of their subsidiaries party thereto entered into an amended and restated, $225 million senior secured revolving credit agreement due 2018 (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. Advances under the Credit Agreement will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, in each case pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this section and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement. 
Effective October 23, 2014, MDC, Maxxcom Inc. and each of their subsidiaries party thereto entered into an amendment of its Credit Agreement. The amendment: (i) expands the commitments under the facility by $100 million, from $225 million to $325 million; (ii) extends the date by an additional eighteen months to September 30, 2019; (iii) reduces the base borrowing interest rate by 25 basis points (the applicable margin for borrowing is 1.00% in the case of Base Rate Loans and 1.75% in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans) ; and (iv) modifies certain covenants to provide the Company with increased flexibility to fund its continued growth and other general corporate purposes.
Advances under the Credit Agreement bear interest as follows: (a)(i) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at the LIBOR Rate and (ii) Base Rate Loans bear interest at the Base Rate, plus (b) an applicable margin. The initial applicable margin for borrowing is 1.00% in the case of Base Rate Loans and 1.75% in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Agreement, MDC is required to pay an unused revolver fee to lenders under the Credit Agreement in respect of unused commitments thereunder.
The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by substantially all of MDC’s present and future subsidiaries, other than immaterial subsidiaries and subject to customary exceptions. The Credit Agreement includes covenants that, among other things, restrict MDC’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or redeem or

35

repurchase the capital stock of MDC; make certain types of investments; impose limitations on dividends or other amounts from MDC’s subsidiaries; incur certain liens, sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of MDC’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants, including a senior leverage ratio, a total leverage ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio and a minimum earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization level (in each case, as more fully described in the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement is also subject to customary events of default.
The foregoing descriptions of the Indenture and the Credit Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements.
Debt as of March 31, 2016 was $897.1 million, an increase of $168.2 million, compared with $728.9 million outstanding at December 31, 2015.  This increase in debt was a primarily a result of the Company’s issuance of the 6.50% Notes offset by the redemption of the 6.75% Notes and borrowings on the Credit Agreement in order to fund working capital. At March 31, 2016, approximately $303.4 million of commitments under the Credit Agreement were undrawn.
The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, and management believes, based on its current financial projections, that the Company will be in compliance with its covenants over the next twelve months.
If the Company loses all or a substantial portion of its lines of credit under the Credit Agreement, or if the Company uses the maximum available amount under the Credit Agreement, it will be required to seek other sources of liquidity. If the Company were unable to find these sources of liquidity, for example through an equity offering or access to the capital markets, the Company’s ability to fund its working capital needs and any contingent obligations with respect to acquisitions and redeemable noncontrolling interests would be adversely affected.
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Company must comply with certain financial covenants including, among other things, covenants for (i) senior leverage ratio, (ii) total leverage ratio, (iii) fixed charges ratio, and (iv) minimum earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization, in each case as such term is specifically defined in the Credit Agreement. For the period ended March 31, 2016, the Company’s calculation of each of these covenants, and the specific requirements under the Credit Agreement, respectively, were calculated based on the trailing twelve months as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2016
Total Senior Leverage Ratio
0.1

Maximum per covenant
2.0

 
 

Total Leverage Ratio
4.4

Maximum per covenant
5.5

 
 

Fixed Charges Ratio
1.8

Minimum per covenant
1.0

 
 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
$
210,221

Minimum per covenant
$
105,000

    
These ratios are not based on generally accepted accounting principles and are not presented as alternative measures of operating performance or liquidity. Some of these measures include, among other things, proforma adjustments for acquisitions, one-time charges, and other items, as defined in the Credit Agreement. They are presented here to demonstrate compliance with the covenants in the Credit Agreement, as non-compliance with such covenants could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Deferred Acquisition Consideration and Other Balance Sheet Commitments
Acquisitions of a business, or a majority interest of a business, by the Company may include future additional contingent purchase price obligations payable to the seller, which are recorded as deferred acquisition consideration liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet at the estimated acquisition date fair value and are remeasured at each reporting period. These contingent purchase obligations are generally payable within a one to five year period following the acquisition date, and are based on achievement of certain thresholds of future earnings and, in certain cases, the rate of growth of those earnings. The actual amount that the Company pays in connection with such contingent purchase obligations may differ materially from this estimate.

36

In connection with such contingent purchase obligations, the Company may have the option or, in some cases, the requirement, to purchase the remaining interest. Generally, the Company’s option or requirement to purchase the incremental ownership interest coincides with the final payment of the purchase price obligations related to the Company’s initial majority acquisition. In the event the Company subsequently acquires the remaining incremental ownership interest, the acquisition fair value of the purchase price, net of any cash paid at closing, is recorded as a liability, any noncontrolling interests are removed and any difference between the purchase price and noncontrolling interest is recorded to additional paid-in capital.
The deferred acquisition consideration and redeemable noncontrolling interests are impacted by (i) present value adjustments to accrete the acquisition date fair value of the obligation to the estimated future payment amount at the reporting date, and (ii) changes in the estimated future payment obligation resulting from the underlying subsidiary’s financial performance. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are not adjusted below the related initial redemption value. Significant changes in actual results and metrics, such as profit margins and growth rates among others, relative to expectations would result in a higher or lower redemption value adjustment. In addition, the deferred acquisition consideration and redeemable noncontrolling interests could be materially impacted by future acquisition activity, if any, and the particular structure of such acquisitions.
As a result, and due to the factors noted above, the Company does not have a view of the future trajectory and quantification of potential changes in the deferred acquisition consideration and redeemable noncontrolling interests.
The following table presents the changes in the deferred acquisition consideration by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Advertising and Communications
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Beginning Balance of contingent payments
$
306,734

 
$
172,227

Payments (1)
(6,188
)
 
(77,301
)
Additions (2)
517

 
174,530

Redemption value adjustments (3)
8,321

 
41,636

Foreign translation adjustment
1,549

 
(4,358
)
Ending Balance of contingent payments
310,933

 
306,734

Fixed payments (4)
10,040

 
40,370

 
$
320,973

 
$
347,104

(1)
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, payments include $5,368 of deferred acquisition consideration settled through the issuance of 227,437 MDC Class A Shares in lieu of cash.
(2)
Additions are the initial estimated deferred acquisition payments of new acquisitions and step-up transactions.
(3)
Redemption value adjustments are fair value changes from the Company's initial estimates of deferred acquisition payments, including the accretion of present value and stock-based compensation charges relating to acquisition payments that are tied to continued employment.
(4)
The reduction in the fixed payments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was attributable to payments of approximately $31.4 million, partially offset by redemption value and foreign translation adjustments.
Included in additions (above) are deferred acquisition consideration obligations recorded in connection with the Company's acquisitions. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company did not complete any new material acquisitions.
Put Rights of Subsidiaries' Noncontrolling Shareholders
As noted above, noncontrolling shareholders in certain subsidiaries have the right in certain circumstances to require the Company to acquire the remaining ownership interests held by them. 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 date would result in obligations of the Company to fund the related amounts during the remainder of 2016 to 2024. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights.
The amount payable by the Company in the event such contractual rights are exercised is dependent on various valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through that date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period, and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment.

37

Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at March 31, 2016, perform over the relevant future periods at their trailing twelve-month earnings level, that these rights, if all exercised, could require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $16.7 million to the owners of such rights to acquire such ownership interests in the relevant subsidiaries. Of this amount, the Company is entitled, at its option, to fund approximately $0.1 million by the issuance of share capital.
In addition, the Company is obligated under similar contractual rights to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $50.8 million only upon termination of such owner’s employment with the applicable subsidiary or death.
The amount the Company would be required to pay to the noncontrolling interest holders should the Company acquire the remaining ownership interests is $3.4 million less than the initial redemption value recorded in redeemable noncontrolling interests.
The Company intends to finance the cash portion of these contingent payment obligations using available cash from operations, borrowings under the Credit Agreement (and refinancings thereof) and, if necessary, through the incurrence of additional debt. The ultimate amount payable and the incremental operating income in the future relating to these transactions will vary because it is dependent on the future results of operations of the subject businesses and the timing of when these rights are exercised. Approximately $2.6 million of the estimated $16.7 million that the Company would be required to pay subsidiaries noncontrolling shareholders upon the exercise of outstanding contractual rights relates to rights exercisable within the next twelve months. Upon the settlement of the total amount of such options to purchase, the Company estimates that it would receive incremental operating income before depreciation and amortization of $5.4 million.
The following table summarizes the potential timing of the consideration and incremental operating income before depreciation and amortization based on assumptions as described above:
Consideration (4)
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020 &
Thereafter
 
Total
 
 
 
(Dollars in Millions)
 
Cash
 
$
2.6

 
$
3.7

 
$
2.9

 
$
1.6

 
$
5.8

 
$
16.6

 
Shares
 
—

 
—

 
0.1

 
—

 
—

 
0.1

 
 
 
$
2.6

 
$
3.7

 
$
3.0

 
$
1.6

 
$
5.8

 
$
16.7

(1) 
Operating income before depreciation and amortization to be received (2)
 
$
1.1

 
$
—

 
$
2.4

 
$
—

 
$
1.9

 
$
5.4

 
Cumulative operating income before depreciation and amortization (3)
 
$
1.1

 
$
1.1

 
$
3.5

 
$
3.5

 
$
5.4

 
 
(5) 
(1)
This amount is in addition to $50.8 million of (i) options to purchase only exercisable upon termination not within the control of the Company, or death, and (ii) the excess of the initial redemption value recorded in redeemable noncontrolling interests over the amount the Company would be required to pay to the holders should the Company acquire the remaining ownership interests.
(2)
This financial measure is presented because it is the basis of the calculation used in the underlying agreements relating to the put rights and is based on actual operating results. This amount represents additional amounts to be attributable to MDC Partners Inc., commencing in the year the put is exercised.
(3)
Cumulative operating income before depreciation and amortization represents the cumulative amounts to be received by the Company.
(4)
The timing of consideration to be paid varies by contract and does not necessarily correspond to the date of the exercise of the put.
(5)
Amounts are not presented as they would not be meaningful due to multiple periods included.
Critical Accounting Policies
 The following summary of accounting policies has been prepared to assist in better understanding the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the related management discussion and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider this information together with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements as included herein for a more complete understanding of accounting policies discussed below.
 Accounting Change. On January 1, 2016, the Company retrospectively adopted the FASB ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest. This update requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. As a result of the adoption of this update, the balance sheet at

38

December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015 was adjusted to reflect the reclassification of $12,625 and $14,511, respectively, from other assets to long-term debt.
Estimates.  The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities (including goodwill, intangible assets, redeemable noncontrolling interests and deferred acquisition consideration), valuation allowances for receivables, deferred income tax assets and stock-based compensation, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The statements are evaluated on an ongoing basis and estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results can differ from those estimates, and it is possible that the differences could be material.
 Revenue Recognition.   The Company’s revenue recognition policies are as required by the Revenue Recognition topics of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Company earns revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commissions; from short-term project arrangements in the form of fixed fees or per diem fees for services; and from incentives or bonuses. A small portion of the Company’s contractual arrangements with clients includes performance incentive provisions, which allow the Company to earn additional revenues as a result of its performance relative to both quantitative and qualitative goals. The Company records revenue net of sales and other taxes, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services are provided or upon delivery of the products when ownership and risk of loss has transferred to the customer, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. 
The Company recognizes the incentive portion of revenue under these arrangements when specific quantitative goals are assured, or when the Company’s clients determine performance against qualitative goals has been achieved. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when collection is reasonably assured. The Company records revenue net of sales and other taxes due to be collected and remitted to governmental authorities. In the majority of the Company’s businesses, the Company acts as an agent and records revenue equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned. In certain arrangements, the Company acts as principal and contracts directly with suppliers for third party media and production costs. In these arrangements, revenue is recorded at the gross amount billed. Additional information about our revenue recognition policy appears in Note 2 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
 Business Combinations.   The Company has historically made, and expects to continue to make, selective acquisitions of marketing communications businesses. In making acquisitions, the price paid is determined by various factors, including service offerings, competitive position, reputation and geographic coverage, as well as prior experience and judgment. Due to the nature of advertising, marketing and corporate communications services companies; the companies acquired frequently have significant identifiable intangible assets, which primarily consist of customer relationships. The Company has determined that certain intangibles (trademarks) have an indefinite life, as there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, or economic factors that limit the useful life.
Valuations of acquired companies are based on a number of factors, including specialized know-how, reputation, competitive position and service offerings. Our acquisition strategy has been to focus on acquiring the expertise of an assembled workforce in order to continue building upon the core capabilities of our various strategic business platforms to better serve our clients. Consistent with our acquisition strategy and past practice of acquiring a majority ownership position, most acquisitions include an initial payment at the time of closing and provide for future additional contingent purchase price payments. Contingent purchase price obligations for these transactions are recorded as a liability and are derived from the performance of the acquired entity and are based on predetermined formulas. These various contractual valuation formulas may be dependent on future events, such as the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during the contractual period, and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate on the date of payment. The liability is adjusted quarterly based on changes in current information affecting each subsidiary's current operating results and the impact this information will have on future results included in the calculation of the estimated liability. In addition, changes in various contractual valuation formulas as well as adjustments to present value impact quarterly adjustments. These adjustments are recorded in results of operations. In addition, certain acquisitions also include options to purchase additional equity ownership interests. The estimated value of these interests are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests.
 For each of the Company's acquisitions, a detailed review is undertaken to identify other intangible assets and a valuation is performed for all such identified assets. The Company's uses several market participant measurements to determine estimated value. This approach includes consideration of similar and recent transactions, as well as utilizing discounted expected cash flow methodologies. Like most service businesses, a substantial portion of the intangible asset value that the Company acquires is the specialized know-how of the workforce, which is treated as part of goodwill and is not required to be valued separately. The majority of the value of the identifiable intangible assets that the Company acquires is derived from customer relationships, including the related customer contracts, as well as trade names. In executing our acquisition strategy, one of the primary drivers in identifying and executing a specific transaction is the existence of, or the ability to, expand our existing client relationships. The expected benefits of our acquisitions are typically shared across multiple agencies and regions.

39

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Intangibles.   The Company reviews goodwill and other indefinite live intangible assets for impairment annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
The Company has the option of assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying value of its reporting units exceeds their respective fair value or proceeding directly to the two-step impairment test. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, no further assessment is deemed necessary. Otherwise, goodwill must be tested for impairment using a two-step process. In addition, the two-step process must be applied for any reporting units not included in the qualitative assessment. The first step involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of each of the Company's reporting units to its carrying value, including goodwill. In performing the first step, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about the amount and timing of expected future cash flows and appropriate discount rates.
The expected cash flows used in the DCF analysis are based on the Company's most recent budget and forecasted growth rates. Assumptions used in the DCF analysis, including the discount rate, are assessed annually based on the reporting units' current results and forecast, as well as macroeconomic and industry specific factors.
If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then the goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. Otherwise, step two must be performed. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with its carrying value to measure the amount of impairment, if any.
 Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests.   The minority interest shareholders of certain subsidiaries have the right to require the Company to acquire their ownership interest under certain circumstances pursuant to a contractual arrangement and the Company has similar call options under the same contractual terms. The amount of consideration under the put and call rights is not a fixed amount, but rather is dependent upon various valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise and the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise.
 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.   Trade receivables are stated less allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance represents estimated uncollectible receivables usually due to customers’ potential insolvency. The allowance includes amounts for certain customers where risk of default has been specifically identified.
 Income Tax Valuation Allowance.   The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Management considers factors such as the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, the character of the income tax asset, tax planning strategies, changes in tax laws and other factors. A change to any of these factors could impact the estimated valuation allowance and income tax expense.
Interest Expense.  Interest expense primarily consists of the cost of borrowing on the 6.75% Notes, the 6.50% Notes and the revolving Credit Agreement. The Company uses the effective interest method to amortize the original issue discount and original issue premium on the 6.75% Notes. The Company amortizes deferred financing costs using the effective interest method over the lives of the 6.75% Notes and 6.50% Notes and straight line over the life of the Credit Agreement.
Stock-based Compensation.  The fair value method is applied to all awards granted, modified or settled. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is expensed over the service period that is the award’s vesting period. When awards are exercised, share capital is credited by the sum of the consideration paid together with the related portion previously credited to additional paid-in capital when compensation costs were charged against income or acquisition consideration. Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or may be settled in cash at the option of employees are recorded as liabilities. The measurement of the liability and compensation cost for these awards is based on the fair value of the award, and is recorded into operating income over the service period, that is the vesting period of the award. Changes in the Company’s payment obligation are revalued each period and recorded as compensation cost over the service period in operating income.
The Company treats amounts paid by shareholders to employees as a stock-based compensation charge with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital.
From time to time, certain acquisitions and step-up transactions include an element of compensation related payments. The Company accounts for those payments as stock-based compensation.
New Accounting Pronouncements
 In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which amended guidance on the accounting for employee share-based payments that requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized on the income statement instead of as additional paid-in capital, with prospective application required. The guidance also changes the classification of such tax benefits or tax deficiencies on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows from a financing activity to an operating activity, with prospective

40

application required. Additionally, the guidance changes the classification of employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows from an operating activity, previously included in the changes in Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities, to a financing activity, with retrospective application required. This amended guidance, which will be effective beginning January 1, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and related cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which amends the ASC and creates Topic 842, Leases. Topic 842 will require lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous U.S. GAAP on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities, which will require equity investments, except equity method investments, to be measured at fair value and any changes in fair value will be recognized in results of operations. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early application is not permitted. Additionally, this guidance provides for the recognition of the cumulative effect of retrospective application of the new standard in the period of initial application. The Company does not expect the application of this guidance to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes, which amends Topic 740 and requires all deferred income tax assets and liabilities to be presented as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This amended guidance is effective beginning January 1, 2017, and may be applied retrospectively or prospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the application of this guidance to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The FASB has issued amended guidance on revenue recognition, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, that supersedes Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB affirmed its proposal to delay the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year to January 1, 2018, with early adoption to be permitted as of the original effective date of January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact and choice of either the full or modified retrospective adoption method as well as impact the adoption of the amended guidance will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

41

Risks and Uncertainties
This document contains forward-looking statements. The Company’s representatives may also make forward-looking statements orally from time to time. Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, recent business and economic trends, potential acquisitions, and estimates of amounts for redeemable noncontrolling interests and deferred acquisition consideration, 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 the SEC’s ongoing investigation and the related class action litigation claims;
•
risks associated with severe effects of international, national and regional economic conditions;
•
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 redeemable noncontrolling interests 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 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 the Credit Agreement and through the 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 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 risk factors outlined in more detail in (i) Part II, Item 1A (Risk Factors) in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and (ii) the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Risk Factors,” and in the Company’s other SEC filings.
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk related to interest rates and foreign currencies.
Debt Instruments:  At March 31, 2016, the Company’s debt obligations consisted of amounts outstanding under its Credit Agreement and the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes bear a fixed 6.5% interest rate. The Credit Agreement bears interest at variable rates based upon the Eurodollar rate, U.S. bank prime rate and U.S. base rate, at the Company’s option. The Company’s ability to obtain the required bank syndication commitments depends in part on conditions in the bank market at the time of syndication. Given that there were $17.0 million borrowings under the Credit Agreement, as of March 31, 2016, a 1.0% increase or decrease in the weighted average interest rate, which was 4.50% at March 31, 2016, would have an interest impact of $0.2 million.
 Foreign Exchange:  The Company conducts business in several currencies around the world. Our results of operations are subject to risk from the translation to the U.S. dollar of the revenue and expenses of our non-U.S. operations. The effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of our results of operations are discussed in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations”. For the most part, our revenues and expenses incurred related to our non-U.S. operations are denominated in their functional currency. This minimizes the impact that fluctuations in exchange rates will have on profit margins. The Company does not enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

42

 The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations relating to its intercompany balances between the U.S. and foreign entities. For every one cent change in the exchange rate between the U.S. and foreign currencies, the Company will incur a $3.3 million impact to its financial statements.
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be included in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the applicable time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), who is our principal executive officer, and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), who is our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. However, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurances of achieving our control objectives.
We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO, CFO and management Disclosure Committee, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that, as of March 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that decisions can be made timely with respect to required disclosures, as well as ensuring that the recording, processing, summarization and reporting of information required to be included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 is appropriate.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
The certifications of our CEO and CFO, incorporated herein as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2, respectively, should be read in conjunction with the foregoing information for a more complete understanding of the references in those Exhibits to disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.

43

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
SEC Investigation
The Company’s operating entities are involved in legal proceedings of various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, the Company has no reason to believe that the outcome of such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations, except as set forth below and under “Item 1A Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in connection with the SEC investigation and related litigation.
MDC Partners is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and transparency in its reporting practices. Since October 5, 2014, the Company has been actively cooperating with the production of documents in response to a subpoena it received from the SEC. In a letter accompanying the subpoena, the SEC stated that it is conducting an investigation of the Company. The SEC's subpoena requests the production of documents and communications that, among other things, relate to: (i) reimbursement of expenses on behalf of the Company’s then-current CEO, Miles Nadal; (ii) the Company’s goodwill and related accounting practices; and (iii) information relating to trading in the Company’s securities. The investigation is ongoing and the Company is fully cooperating with the SEC.
In 2014, the Company formed a Special Committee of independent directors to review, among other things, certain matters relating to the reimbursement of expenses incurred by Mr. Nadal. The Special Committee is being advised by Bruch Hanna LLP, as special independent advisor, and by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as legal counsel. The Special Committee, through its counsel, conducted an extensive review of perquisites and payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Nadal during the period 2009 through 2014. These payments included medical expenses, travel and commutation expenses, charitable donations and other expenses that lacked appropriate substantiation, over a six (6) year period. Following this review, through December 31, 2015, Mr. Nadal paid the Company for the expenses for which the Company sought reimbursement, in an aggregate amount of $11,285,000.
On July 20, 2015, Mr. Nadal resigned from his position as CEO and from his position as a member and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Nadal further agreed to repay the Company $10,581,605 in connection with repayment obligations pursuant to prior cash bonus awards. Through December 31, 2015, Mr. Nadal has paid $2.5 million of this amount, and is obligated to repay the remaining balance in three installments, with the last to be paid on December 31, 2017. Michael Sabatino, the Company’s former Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”), also resigned, effective on July 20, 2015, and repaid $208,535 to the Company pursuant to prior cash bonus awards.
The Company has also continued to cooperate fully with the SEC in connection with its ongoing review of historical goodwill and related accounting matters. Specifically, the Company engaged an independent accounting firm to review and assess the Company’s historical goodwill accounting. The Company believes that its historical goodwill impairment and related accounting analysis is appropriate and has been applied in accordance with U.S. GAAP in all material respects.
Class Action Litigation
On July 31, 2015, North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District Firefighter Pension Plan filed a putative class action suit in the Southern District of New York, naming as defendants the Company, CFO David Doft, Mr. Nadal, and Mr. Sabatino. The plaintiff alleges violations of § 10(b), Rule 10b-5, and § 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, based on allegedly materially false and misleading statements in the Company’s SEC filings and other public statements regarding executive compensation, goodwill accounting, and the Company’s internal controls. The Company is vigorously defending this suit.
On August 7, 2015, Roberto Paniccia issued a Statement of Claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in the City of Brantford, Ontario seeking to certify a class action suit naming as Defendants the Company, former CEO Miles S. Nadal, former CAO Michael C. Sabatino, CFO David Doft and BDO USA LLP. The Plaintiff alleges violations of section 138.1 of the Ontario Securities Act (and equivalent legislation in other Canadian provinces and territories) as well as common law misrepresentation based on allegedly materially false and misleading statements in the company’s public statements, as well as omitting to disclose material facts with respect to an SEC investigation. The Company is vigorously defending this suit.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There are no material changes in the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
In the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Company issued 227,437 Class A subordinate voting shares to management of certain of the Company’s acquired subsidiaries in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  These shares were issued as payments in lieu of cash for the Company’s obligation to make deferred payments as part

44

of the purchase price for prior acquisitions and therefore did not result in any proceeds to the Company.  No commissions were paid to any person in connection with the issuance or sale of these shares.
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 None
Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures
 Not applicable
Item 5.    Other Information
None.
Item 6.     Exhibits 
The exhibits required by this item are listed on the Exhibit Table.

45

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
MDC PARTNERS INC.
 
/s/ David Doft
David Doft
Chief Financial Officer and Authorized Signatory
 
May 4, 2016

46

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
4.1
 
Indenture relating to the 6.50% Senior Notes, dated as of March 23, 2016, among the Company, the Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2016).
 
 
 
4.2
 
Form of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2016).
 
 
 
10.1
 
Consent and Fifth Amendment, with an effective date of March 23, 2016, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2013, among the Company, Maxxcom Inc., a Delaware corporation, each of their subsidiaries party thereto, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2016).
 
 
 
10.2
 
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2016, among the Company, Maxxcom Inc., a Delaware corporation, each of their subsidiaries party thereto, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2016).

 
 
 
10.3
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert Kantor, dated as of May 5, 2014.*
 
 
 
12
 
Statement of computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.*
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a - 14(a) and 15d - 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a - 14(a) and 15d - 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
 
 
99.1
 
Schedule of Advertising and Communications Companies.*
 
 
 
101
 
Interactive data file.*

* Filed electronically herewith.


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