TORONTO, Aug. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Topicus.com Inc. (TSXV:TOI) in a joint release with Constellation Software Inc. (TSX:CSU) today announced financial results for Topicus.com Inc. (“Topicus” or the “Company”) for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023. Please note that all amounts referred to in this press release are in Euros unless otherwise stated.
The following press release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and the accompanying notes, our Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements of Topicus.com Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2022, which we prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and the Company’s annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, which can be found on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on Topicus.com Inc.’s website www.topicus.com. Additional information about Topicus.com Inc. is also available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.
Q2 2023 Headlines:
- Revenue increased 23% (6% organic growth) to €272.1 million compared to €220.6 million in Q2 2022.
- Net income increased to €23.5 million (€0.18 on a diluted per share basis) from €20.1 million (€0.16 on a diluted per share basis).
- Acquisitions were completed for aggregate cash consideration of €63.4 million (which includes acquired cash). Deferred payments associated with these acquisitions have an estimated value of €7.6 million resulting in total consideration of €71.1 million.
- Cash flows from operations (“CFO”) increased €16.7 million to negative €15.4 million compared to negative €32.0 million in Q2 2022 representing an increase of 52%.
- Free cash flow available to shareholders1 (“FCFA2S”) increased €13.7 million to negative €13.1 million compared to negative €26.8 million in Q2 2022 representing an increase 51%.
Total revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 was €272.1 million, an increase of 23%, or €51.5 million, compared to €220.6 million for the comparable period in 2022. For the first six months of 2023 total revenues were €536.5 million, an increase of 26%, or €112.1 million, compared to €424.4 million for the comparable period in 2022. The increase for both the three and six-month periods compared to the same periods in the prior year is primarily attributable to growth from acquisitions as the Company experienced organic growth of 6% and 7%. Organic growth is not a standardized financial measure and might not be comparable to measures disclosed by other issuers.
Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 increased €3.4 million to €23.5 million compared to €20.1 million for the same period in 2022. On a per share basis, this translated into net income per basic and diluted share of €0.18 in the quarter ended June 30, 2023 compared to net income per basic and diluted share of €0.16 for the same period in 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 net income increased €4.1 million to €44.6 million compared to €40.5 million for the same period in 2022. On a per share basis, this translated into net income per basic and diluted share of €0.35 in the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to €0.30 for the same period in 2022.
For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, CFO were negative €15.4 million compared to negative €32.0 million for the same period in 2022. Many of the businesses invoice customers for annual software maintenance fees in Q1 each year resulting in a disproportionate amount of cash being received in the first quarter as compared to the remaining three quarters. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, CFO increased €14.6 million to €158.6 million compared to €144.0 million for the same period in 2022 representing an increase of 10%.
For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, FCFA2S was negative €13.1 million compared to negative €26.8 million for the same period in 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, FCFA2S increased €53.3 million to €88.0 million compared to €34.7 million for the same period in 2022 representing an increase of 153%. The increase for the six month period is primarily as a result of the dividend paid to the Preferred Securities holders during the quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements herein may be “forward looking” statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Topicus or the industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward looking statements. These forward looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and are made as of the date hereof and Topicus assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.
Non-IFRS Measures
Free cash flow available to shareholders ‘‘FCFA2S’’ refers to net cash flows from operating activities less interest paid on lease obligations, interest paid on other facilities, credit facility transaction costs, repayments of lease obligations, dividends paid to redeemable preferred securities holders, and property and equipment purchased, and includes interest and dividends received, and the proceeds from sale of interest rate caps. The portion of this amount applicable to non-controlling interests is then deducted. Topicus believes that FCFA2S is useful supplemental information as it provides an indication of the uncommitted cash flow that is available to shareholders if Topicus does not make any acquisitions, or investments, and does not repay any debts. While Topicus could use the FCFA2S to pay dividends or repurchase shares, Topicus’ objective is to invest all of our FCFA2S in acquisitions which meet Topicus’ hurdle rate.
FCFA2S is not a recognized measure under IFRS and, accordingly, readers are cautioned that FCFA2S should not be construed as an alternative to net cash flows from operating activities.
The following table reconciles FCFA2S to net cash flows from operating activities:
Three months ended June 30, |
Six months ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||
(€ in millions) | (€ in millions) | |||||||||||||
Net cash flows from operating activities | (15.4 | ) | (32.0 | ) | 158.6 | 144.0 | ||||||||
Adjusted for: | ||||||||||||||
Interest paid on lease obligations | (0.3 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (0.7 | ) | (0.6 | ) | ||||||
Interest paid on other facilities | (3.5 | ) | (2.4 | ) | (6.6 | ) | (4.0 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of interest rate cap | 5.5 | – | 5.5 | – | ||||||||||
Credit facility transaction costs | (0.2 | ) | – | (0.2 | ) | – | ||||||||
Payments of lease obligations | (5.5 | ) | (5.1 | ) | (10.8 | ) | (9.6 | ) | ||||||
Property and equipment purchased | (1.9 | ) | (1.6 | ) | (3.9 | ) | (3.6 | ) | ||||||
Dividends paid to redeemable preferred securities holders | – | – | – | (66.6 | ) | |||||||||
(21.3 | ) | (41.4 | ) | 142.0 | 59.7 | |||||||||
Less amount attributable to | ||||||||||||||
non-controlling interests | 8.2 | 14.5 | (54.0 | ) | (24.9 | ) | ||||||||
Free cash flow available to shareholders | (13.1 | ) | (26.8 | ) | 88.0 | 34.7 | ||||||||
Due to rounding, certain totals may not foot. | ||||||||||||||
About Topicus.com Inc.
Topicus’ subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Venture Stock Exchange under the symbol "TOI". Topicus acquires, manages and builds vertical market software businesses.
About Constellation Software Inc.
Constellation’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "CSU". Constellation acquires, manages and builds vertical market software businesses.
For further information:
Jamal Baksh
Chief Financial Officer
(416) 861-9677
info@topicus.com
www.topicus.com
SOURCE: TOPICUS.COM INC.
Topicus.com Inc. | ||||||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position | ||||||||||||
(In thousands of euros, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.) | ||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | June 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||||||
Cash | 172,315 | 136,772 | 159,728 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable | 130,456 | 95,790 | 92,317 | |||||||||
Unbilled revenue | 48,701 | 41,036 | 42,925 | |||||||||
Inventories | 4,268 | 1,419 | 902 | |||||||||
Other assets | 54,657 | 34,778 | 36,500 | |||||||||
410,396 | 309,795 | 332,372 | ||||||||||
Non-current assets: | ||||||||||||
Property and equipment | 20,372 | 19,579 | 19,582 | |||||||||
Right of use assets | 57,919 | 54,412 | 57,927 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 7,044 | 19,978 | 8,307 | |||||||||
Other assets | 12,161 | 17,030 | 11,502 | |||||||||
Intangible assets | 942,297 | 874,000 | 872,887 | |||||||||
1,039,793 | 984,999 | 970,205 | ||||||||||
Total assets | 1,450,189 | 1,294,794 | 1,302,577 | |||||||||
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Topicus Revolving Credit Facility and current portion of term and other loans | 168,228 | 201,275 | 151,570 | |||||||||
Loan from CSI | 30,281 | 30,867 | – | |||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 162,868 | 174,824 | 142,840 | |||||||||
Deferred revenue | 241,980 | 116,989 | 197,492 | |||||||||
Provisions | 1,682 | 1,884 | 1,076 | |||||||||
Acquisition holdback payables | 14,878 | 14,009 | 18,416 | |||||||||
Lease obligations | 19,280 | 18,824 | 18,927 | |||||||||
Income taxes payable | 16,510 | 11,467 | 14,457 | |||||||||
655,707 | 570,141 | 544,779 | ||||||||||
Non-current liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Term and other loans | 65,807 | 41,280 | 101,421 | |||||||||
Loan from CSI | – | – | 31,602 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 147,382 | 150,521 | 145,731 | |||||||||
Acquisition holdback payables | 1,289 | 2,316 | 3,078 | |||||||||
Lease obligations | 39,684 | 36,634 | 40,076 | |||||||||
Other liabilities | 26,273 | 26,118 | 20,410 | |||||||||
280,434 | 256,869 | 342,317 | ||||||||||
Total liabilities | 936,141 | 827,009 | 887,096 | |||||||||
Shareholders’ Equity: | ||||||||||||
Capital stock | 39,412 | 39,412 | 39,412 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 851 | (232 | ) | 1,576 | ||||||||
Retained earnings (deficit) | 255,528 | 226,919 | 192,970 | |||||||||
Non-controlling interests | 218,258 | 201,685 | 181,523 | |||||||||
514,048 | 467,784 | 415,481 | ||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | 1,450,189 | 1,294,794 | 1,302,577 | |||||||||
Topicus.com Inc. | |||||||||||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||||||
(In thousands of euros, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.) | |||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | |||||||||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||
Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
License | 7,847 | 6,418 | 14,825 | 11,885 | |||||||||||||
Professional services | 71,974 | 56,481 | 141,314 | 106,589 | |||||||||||||
Hardware and other | 3,705 | 2,293 | 6,385 | 4,534 | |||||||||||||
Maintenance and other recurring | 188,557 | 155,425 | 373,989 | 301,374 | |||||||||||||
272,083 | 220,616 | 536,513 | 424,383 | ||||||||||||||
Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
Staff | 155,841 | 123,809 | 305,949 | 235,704 | |||||||||||||
Hardware | 2,545 | 1,515 | 4,123 | 2,234 | |||||||||||||
Third party license, maintenance and professional services | 21,340 | 18,625 | 41,888 | 36,099 | |||||||||||||
Occupancy | 2,560 | 1,804 | 5,026 | 3,341 | |||||||||||||
Travel, telecommunications, supplies, software and equipment | 10,703 | 8,450 | 20,267 | 14,548 | |||||||||||||
Professional fees | 4,557 | 3,779 | 8,837 | 7,576 | |||||||||||||
Other, net | 964 | 4,762 | 7,178 | 9,182 | |||||||||||||
Depreciation | 7,695 | 7,008 | 14,990 | 13,203 | |||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 29,985 | 26,010 | 57,946 | 48,989 | |||||||||||||
236,191 | 195,763 | 466,204 | 370,875 | ||||||||||||||
Finance and other expenses (income) | 4,447 | (51 | ) | 9,396 | 1,680 | ||||||||||||
4,447 | (51 | ) | 9,396 | 1,680 | |||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 31,445 | 24,904 | 60,912 | 51,828 | |||||||||||||
Current income tax expense (recovery) | 14,898 | 11,041 | 27,226 | 22,263 | |||||||||||||
Deferred income tax expense (recovery) | (6,905 | ) | (6,237 | ) | (10,894 | ) | (10,894 | ) | |||||||||
Income tax expense (recovery) | 7,993 | 4,805 | 16,332 | 11,370 | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 23,452 | 20,099 | 44,580 | 40,458 | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to: | |||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of Topicus | 14,572 | 12,526 | 28,472 | 24,097 | |||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests | 8,880 | 7,573 | 16,108 | 16,362 | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 23,452 | 20,099 | 44,580 | 40,458 | |||||||||||||
Weighted average shares | |||||||||||||||||
Basic shares outstanding | 81,889,764 | 80,097,017 | 81,889,764 | 80,011,366 | |||||||||||||
Diluted shares outstanding | 129,841,819 | 129,841,819 | 129,841,819 | 129,841,819 | |||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per common share of Topicus | |||||||||||||||||
Basic | 0.18 | 0.16 | 0.35 | 0.30 | |||||||||||||
Diluted | 0.18 | 0.16 | 0.35 | 0.30 | |||||||||||||
Topicus.com Inc. | |||||||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||
(In thousands of euros, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.) | |||||||||||||
Unaudited | |||||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 23,452 | 20,099 | 44,580 | 40,458 | |||||||||
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to net income (loss): | |||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences from foreign operations and other | 2,999 | 3,444 | 2,203 | 4,871 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income for the period, net of income tax | 2,999 | 3,444 | 2,203 | 4,871 | |||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period | 26,451 | 23,543 | 46,784 | 45,329 | |||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: | |||||||||||||
Equity holders of Topicus | 1,320 | 1,325 | 1,083 | 1,956 | |||||||||
Non-controlling interests | 1,679 | 2,119 | 1,120 | 2,915 | |||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 2,999 | 3,444 | 2,203 | 4,871 | |||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: | |||||||||||||
Equity holders of Topicus | 15,892 | 13,850 | 29,555 | 26,052 | |||||||||
Non-controlling interests | 10,559 | 9,693 | 17,228 | 19,277 | |||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | 26,451 | 23,543 | 46,784 | 45,329 | |||||||||
Topicus.com Inc. | |||||||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Deficiency) | |||||||||||||
(In thousands of euros, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.) | |||||||||||||
Unaudited | |||||||||||||
Six months ended June 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||
Attributable to equity holders of Topicus | |||||||||||||
Preferred Shares |
Capital Stock |
Other equity | Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income |
Retained earnings (Deficit) |
Total | Non-controlling interests | Total equity | ||||||
Balance at January 1, 2023 | – | 39,412 | – | (232 | ) | 226,919 | 266,099 | 201,685 | 467,784 | ||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period: | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | – | – | – | – | 28,472 | 28,472 | 16,108 | 44,580 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | |||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences from | |||||||||||||
foreign operations and other, net of income tax | – | – | – | 1,083 | – | 1,083 | 1,120 | 2,203 | |||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | |||||||||||||
for the period | – | – | – | 1,083 | – | 1,083 | 1,120 | 2,203 | |||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period | – | – | – | 1,083 | 28,472 | 29,555 | 17,228 | 46,784 | |||||
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity | |||||||||||||
Other movements in non-controlling interests and equity | – | – | – | – | 137 | 137 | 70 | 207 | |||||
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests | – | – | – | – | – | – | (726 | ) | (726 | ) | |||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | – | 39,412 | – | 851 | 255,528 | 295,791 | 218,258 | 514,048 | |||||
Topicus.com Inc. | |||||||||||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Deficiency) | |||||||||||||||||
(In thousands of euros, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.) | |||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | |||||||||||||||||
Six months ended June 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
Attributable to equity holders of Topicus | |||||||||||||||||
Preferred Shares | Capital Stock | Other equity | Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income |
Retained earnings (deficit) |
Total | Non-controlling interests | Total equity | ||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2022 | 2,047,473 | 39,412 | (1,009,996 | ) | (380 | ) | (1,782,113 | ) | (705,604 | ) | 1,061,236 | 355,632 | |||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period: | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | – | – | – | – | 24,097 | 24,097 | 16,362 | 40,458 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences from | |||||||||||||||||
foreign operations and other | – | – | – | 1,956 | – | 1,956 | 2,915 | 4,871 | |||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | – | – | – | 1,956 | – | 1,956 | 2,915 | 4,871 | |||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period | – | – | – | 1,956 | 24,097 | 26,052 | 19,277 | 45,329 | |||||||||
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity | |||||||||||||||||
Conversion of preferred shares to subordinate voting shares | (2,047,473 | ) | – | 2,047,473 | – | – | – | – | – | ||||||||
Conversion of non-controlling interest preferred units to ordinary units and other movements in non-controlling interests | – | – | 912,788 | – | – | 912,788 | (912,788 | ) | – | ||||||||
Net acquisition of non-controlling interest associated with business combinations | – | – | (23 | ) | (0 | ) | (54 | ) | (78 | ) | 15,470 | 15,393 | |||||
Reductions of non-controlling interest associated with disposals | – | – | – | – | – | – | (873 | ) | (873 | ) | |||||||
Reclassification of other equity to retained earnings (deficit) | – | – | (1,950,242 | ) | – | 1,950,242 | – | – | – | ||||||||
Exchange of Topicus Coop ordinary units held by non-controlling interests to subordinate voting shares of Topicus | – | – | – | – | 799 | 799 | (799 | ) | – | ||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | – | 39,412 | – | 1,576 | 192,970 | 233,958 | 181,523 | 415,481 | |||||||||
Topicus.com Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands of euros, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.) | ||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 23,452 | 20,099 | 44,580 | 40,458 | ||||||||||||||
Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 7,695 | 7,008 | 14,990 | 13,203 | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 29,985 | 26,010 | 57,946 | 48,989 | ||||||||||||||
Finance and other expenses (income) | 4,447 | (51 | ) | 9,396 | 1,680 | |||||||||||||
Income tax expense (recovery) | 7,993 | 4,805 | 16,332 | 11,370 | ||||||||||||||
Change in non-cash operating assets and liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||
exclusive of effects of business combinations | (75,465 | ) | (79,639 | ) | 41,134 | 48,989 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes (paid) received | (13,474 | ) | (10,255 | ) | (25,752 | ) | (20,673 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities | (15,367 | ) | (32,023 | ) | 158,626 | 144,014 | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest paid on lease obligations | (347 | ) | (277 | ) | (653 | ) | (556 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest paid on other facilities | (3,505 | ) | (2,432 | ) | (6,565 | ) | (3,987 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of interest rate cap | 5,516 | – | 5,516 | – | ||||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in Topicus Revolving Credit Facility | 45,000 | 45,000 | 35,000 | 100,000 | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of term and other loans | 21,941 | – | 26,218 | 346 | ||||||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in loan from Vela Software Group | (468 | ) | 7,904 | (468 | ) | 6,086 | ||||||||||||
Repayments of term and other loans | (4,497 | ) | (1,052 | ) | (72,941 | ) | (1,669 | ) | ||||||||||
Credit facility transaction costs | (175 | ) | – | (238 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
Payments of lease obligations | (5,543 | ) | (5,063 | ) | (10,805 | ) | (9,574 | ) | ||||||||||
Other financing activities | – | (580 | ) | – | (580 | ) | ||||||||||||
Dividends to non-controlling interests | (726 | ) | – | (726 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid to redeemable preferred securities holders | – | – | – | (66,614 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net cash flows from (used in) in financing activities | 57,197 | 43,500 | (25,663 | ) | 23,452 | |||||||||||||
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of businesses | (63,252 | ) | (94,502 | ) | (88,048 | ) | (107,659 | ) | ||||||||||
Cash obtained with acquired businesses | 4,611 | 24,935 | 5,583 | 27,612 | ||||||||||||||
Post-acquisition settlement payments, net of receipts | (6,567 | ) | (671 | ) | (11,055 | ) | (2,431 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest, dividends and other proceeds received | – | 3,028 | – | 3,028 | ||||||||||||||
Property and equipment purchased | (1,888 | ) | (1,587 | ) | (3,869 | ) | (3,613 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities | (67,096 | ) | (68,798 | ) | (97,388 | ) | (83,064 | ) | ||||||||||
Effect of foreign currency on | ||||||||||||||||||
cash and cash equivalents | 317 | (0 | ) | (31 | ) | (0 | ) | |||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash | (24,950 | ) | (57,321 | ) | 35,543 | 84,402 | ||||||||||||
Cash, beginning of period | 197,265 | 217,049 | 136,772 | 75,326 | ||||||||||||||
Cash, end of period | 172,315 | 159,728 | 172,315 | 159,728 | ||||||||||||||