Earnings call transcript: Bridgemarq misses Q3 ’25 EPS forecast, stock stable

Bridgemarq Real Estate Services reported its Q3 2025 earnings, revealing a significant miss in earnings per share (EPS) expectations. The company posted an EPS of 0.06, falling short of the forecasted 0.3838, marking an 84.37% surprise on the downside. Despite this, the company’s stock price experienced a modest increase of 0.69%, suggesting investor focus on future growth prospects and operational improvements.

Key Takeaways

• Bridgemarq missed EPS forecasts by a significant margin.
• Revenue for Q3 2025 was CAD 123 million, down from CAD 127 million in Q3 2024.
• The company launched new AI-enhanced service platforms.
• Stock price increased by 0.69% post-earnings announcement.

Company Performance

Bridgemarq’s overall performance in Q3 2025 showed mixed results. While the company faced a revenue decline from the previous year, it managed to improve its net loss significantly, reducing it from CAD 10.8 million in 2024 to CAD 1.7 million. The company’s strategic focus on AI and operational efficiency is evident in its recent product launches and service enhancements.

Financial Highlights

• Revenue: CAD 123 million, down from CAD 127 million in Q3 2024
• Earnings per share: 0.06, compared to the forecast of 0.3838
• Net loss: CAD 1.7 million, improved from CAD 10.8 million in 2024
• Free cash flow: CAD 1.5 million

Earnings vs. Forecast

Bridgemarq’s EPS of 0.06 fell short of the forecasted 0.3838, resulting in an 84.37% negative surprise. This miss is significant, highlighting potential operational challenges or shifts in market conditions. The revenue of CAD 123 million also reflects a decline from the previous year’s CAD 127 million, suggesting potential headwinds in the business environment.

Market Reaction

Despite the earnings miss, Bridgemarq’s stock price rose by 0.69%, indicating investor optimism about the company’s future prospects. The stock’s performance remains stable within its 52-week range, suggesting that investors may be focusing on the company’s strategic initiatives and potential for growth.

Outlook & Guidance

Looking forward, Bridgemarq remains optimistic about its growth opportunities. The company plans to continue investing in AI and operational efficiency while maintaining its dividend of CAD 1.35 per share annually. The focus on franchising and agent recruitment is expected to drive future expansion.

Executive Commentary

CEO Spencer Enright emphasized the company’s strategic focus, stating, "We continue to build on the strong momentum established in the first half of 2025." Enright also highlighted the importance of AI in improving operational efficiency, saying, "We are using it [AI] in many ways to build a more efficient model."

Risks and Challenges

• The significant EPS miss raises concerns about financial health and operational efficiency.
• Declining revenue in key markets like Toronto and Vancouver could impact future growth.
• Macroeconomic pressures and market saturation in the real estate sector pose potential risks.

Q&A

During the earnings call, analysts inquired about Bridgemarq’s realtor network recruitment strategies, AI investment, and future growth investments. CEO Spencer Enright addressed these queries, emphasizing the company’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved productivity and operational efficiency.

Full transcript - Bridgemarq Real Estate Services Inc (BRE) Q3 2025:

Sylvie, Conference Call Operator: Good morning. My name is Sylvie, and I would like to welcome everyone to the Bridgemarq Real Estate Services 2025 Third Quarter Results Conference call. This call is being recorded. Note that all lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker’s remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. For those of you dialed into the conference call, if you would like to ask a question, simply press star then the number one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star then two. For those of you joining us via webcast, if you would like to ask a question, simply type it into the Q&A box on your screen. We will answer these questions following the dial-in questions after the presentation, time permitting. I would now like to introduce Mr.

Spencer Enright, Chief Executive Officer of Bridgemarq Real Estate Services. Mr. Enright, you may begin your conference.

Spencer Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgemarq Real Estate Services: Thank you, Operator. Good morning, everyone, and thanks for joining us on the call today. I’m joined by our Chief Financial Officer, Wallace Wang. I will begin with a brief overview of our company’s third quarter results. Wallace will then discuss our financial results in more detail, and I’ll conclude by providing some remarks on operational highlights, company updates, and market developments. Following our remarks, Wallace and I would be happy to take your questions. I want to remind you that some of the remarks expressed during this call may contain forward-looking statements. You should not place reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results and performance of the company to differ materially from the anticipated future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

I encourage everyone to review the cautionary language found in our news release and on all our regulatory filings. These can be found on our website and on CDAR Plus. We continue to build on the strong momentum established in the first half of 2025, an encouraging sign given broader economic challenges and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, including U.S. trade tensions that continue to affect the Canadian economy. Despite ongoing uncertainty in both the housing market and the wider economic environment, we have continued to successfully attract and retain high-performing agents across our brands. Our comprehensive suite of tools, training services, and technology offerings, which are all tailored specifically to the needs of Canadian realtors, have been a key differentiator over our competitors, helping us remain competitive and deliver exceptional value to our network.

Revenue for the first nine months of the year was CAD 309 million, compared to CAD 249 million in 2024. As a reminder, last year’s results reflect the addition of the brokerage businesses, which were acquired on March 31, 2024. At its meeting yesterday, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of CAD 11.25 per share, payable on December 31 to shareholders of record on November 28. This indicates an annualized dividend of CAD 1.35 per share, which is consistent with 2024. With that, I’ll turn the call over to Wallace for a closer look at our third quarter financial performance.

Wallace Wang, Chief Financial Officer, Bridgemarq Real Estate Services: Great. Thank you, Spencer, and good morning, everyone. Revenue in the third quarter was CAD 123 million, slightly lower than the CAD 127 million reported in the third quarter of 2024. Franchise fees increased for the quarter and the first nine months of the year, driven by the fee increases implemented at the beginning of 2025, as well as an increase in the number of realtors in our network. There are currently 21,617 realtors in our network, an increase of 3% since the end of last year. By contrast, the total number of CREA realtors has decreased by 2% since the end of last year. In the third quarter, the company generated a net loss of CAD 1.7 million compared to a net loss of CAD 10.8 million in 2024.

The reduced loss in the quarter is largely driven by the valuation of the exchangeable units remaining unchanged in the quarter, compared to a loss of CAD 10.8 million in the third quarter of 2024. Our adjusted net earnings, which considers our operating earnings before certain non-cash, non-operating adjustments and payments to holders of exchangeable units, amounted to CAD 1.0 million in the third quarter. Cash provided by operating activities amounted to CAD 1.3 million in the third quarter of 2025, compared to CAD 2.7 million last year. The company generated CAD 1.5 million in free cash flow in Q3, down from the CAD 5.3 million generated in the same quarter of 2024. This is primarily driven by increased capital expenditures during the quarter.

The Canadian residential real estate market grew in the third quarter of 2025, closing at approximately CAD 84 billion, an increase of 5% compared to the same period in 2024, driven by a modest 1% increase in the average selling price and a 4% increase in sales volume. This is largely driven by the province of Quebec, where the residential real estate market recorded a 20% increase in transactional dollar volume during the third quarter of 2025, compared to the previous year, closing at more than CAD 12 billion. This reflects a 10% increase in unit sales and a 9% increase in the average selling price. The Greater Toronto Area and the Greater Vancouver Area recorded declines in the average home prices compared to last year. The number of units sold during the quarter increased in both markets.

As a reminder, market data is generally reported on a firm deal basis, whereas the company recognizes revenues when the transactions are closed. Spencer will now provide additional insights into the market and an update on our operations.

Spencer Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgemarq Real Estate Services: Thanks, Wallace. Buyer activity throughout 2025 has remained below typical levels, particularly in Canada’s two most expensive markets, Toronto and Vancouver. As has been the trend since spring, buyer demand in many areas of the country has been lower than historical norms, influenced by many factors, including housing affordability, employment, immigration, and overall consumer confidence. For buyers in a position to transact at this time, however, improved affordability in the Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver housing markets is presenting an opportunity. With inventory continuing to rise, prices edging lower, and lending rates declining, affordability is gradually improving, creating more favorable conditions for those ready to make a move at this time. Quebec’s real estate markets continue to demonstrate strength and resilience, joining major centers in the Prairies and Atlantic Canada in posting increases in home prices amid tighter supply conditions this year.

The Bank of Canada reduced its target for the overnight lending rate by 25 basis points each in September and October, and the overnight rate now sits at 2.25%. In September, Canada’s consumer price index increased 2.4% year over year, up from the 1.9% recorded in August, which remains within the bank’s inflation target range. On its own, the reductions to the Bank of Canada’s key lending rate, along with indications of the rate remaining stable for some time, should provide a much-needed measure of added stability for Canadians who are contemplating a real estate purchase in the near term. Now I’ll give you a few updates on the company’s operations. A key competitive strength of our business is the ability to provide a broad range of real estate solutions for both agents and consumers.

Our strong portfolio of brands, including Royal LePage, Via Capitale, and Proprio Direct, sets the standard of service excellence across all of Canada. We continue to proactively innovate and improve our suite of services to our agents. We are currently embedding AI functionality throughout our service platforms, with particular attention to tools that enhance lead generation and client engagement. At the same time, we have revamped our agent training and coaching programs to equip our network of agents with AI knowledge and insights to improve their productivity and realize greater results in the marketplace. During the third quarter, we launched a new fall digital advertising campaign called Agents of a Different Stripe, aimed at driving consumer brand awareness for Royal LePage. During its first four weeks, the campaign earned over 24 million impressions across Canada via video and static advertisements.

Direct introduced a new CRM platform designed to enhance the client experience and streamline business operations, helping our agents within that banner deliver a higher level of service. Also in the third quarter, Via Capitale hosted its 2025 Via Capitale Congress to support skills development and training for real estate professionals. We remain focused on introducing new initiatives and training programs that enhance efficiency and help agents grow their businesses. During the quarter, agents operating under our corporately owned Royal LePage Real Estate Services and Johnston & Daniel Luxury Brand benefited from the launch of a new Deal Hub, created to streamline compliance and deal processing across all of our brokerage operations. By continuing to invest in initiatives that enhance agent productivity through education and the strategic use of artificial intelligence, we are strengthening our leading brands, creating new opportunities for growth, and delivering greater value to our shareholders.

Overall, I am pleased with the market share growth we have achieved so far this year, and I’m excited to continue that momentum as we close out the year. With that, I will turn the call back to our operator and open up the call to any questions.

Sylvie, Conference Call Operator: Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, as stated, if you would like to ask a question via the phone, please press star followed by one. If you would like to withdraw from the queue, please press star two. For those joining via webcast, you may type your question in the Q&A box on your screen. Thank you. Please go ahead and press star one from the phone if you have any questions. First, we will hear from Jeff Fenwick at Cormark Securities. Please go ahead.

Jeff Fenwick, Analyst, Cormark Securities: Hi there. Good morning, everybody.

Spencer Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgemarq Real Estate Services: Good morning, Jeff. So good to hear from you.

Jeff Fenwick, Analyst, Cormark Securities: Thanks. I wanted to start off just talking about the realtor network. It looks like you’ve had some success sort of progressively growing it this year. The industry itself has seen some contraction. What are you seeing in terms of opportunities for recruiting right now? Does this offer up maybe a bit of a better environment for you to maybe pick off some talented people that might want to come into your network? How are you thinking about that?

Spencer Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgemarq Real Estate Services: Yeah, Jeff, this is an excellent year for us from a recruiting standpoint. We’ve had success both in securing new franchises as well as in recruiting individual agents, not just within our own brokerage operations, but also within our franchise networks of brokers. That’s been across both the Royal LePage brand, which operates nationally in all 10 provinces, as well as our Via Capitale brand, which is exclusive to the Quebec province. You know what I found is over the years and what we’ve seen as sometimes a trend is in years where the market is extremely difficult, and especially when you see Toronto and Vancouver with fewer home sale transactions, competition for listings is that much more fierce than it normally is, which is extremely fierce on a regular date. Agents want and need support for that.

The ability to find and secure new business for them is even more difficult when there’s less business to go around. There is what we like to term a flight to quality, where there’s a lot of new conversations with agents that maybe have been successful in the past with other brands, other competitors, and are struggling now. They are looking to partners like us for new solutions. Is there a way that they can regain that momentum for themselves or really build it in their career in a way that they’re not getting today from others or that they’ve been getting before? We are having great conversations all across the country with agents as well as with broker owners. We’ve had really good success in growing our networks this year. We’ve got a really robust pipeline that we continue to work on.

I’m very excited for what we’ve got moving forward as well as what we’ve seen so far this year.

Jeff Fenwick, Analyst, Cormark Securities: Helpful color. Thank you. I guess another aspect of the business you’ve been investing in, it sounds like, is just operationally becoming a bit more efficient and using tools like AI. Are there opportunities here to sort of help boost the margins and I guess also make your realtors more productive at the end of the day? What’s the current outlook there?

Spencer Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgemarq Real Estate Services: Yeah, there’s lots of opportunity there, and we’re doing everything we can in two key focus areas. One is with agents themselves, helping them take advantage of large language models and other tools that they have already available to themselves. We provide through our Google suite partnership access to tools to all of our agents in our networks. They need to be as productive as possible. There’s opportunities to improve their productivity, their sales effectiveness. We’re working on that through training programs as well as other educational forums for them to learn even from each other, not just from us. Within our own operation, we’re using it in many ways to build a more efficient model and a more effective model.

One area that we’re focused on right now across our brokerage business is making sure that we’ve got the highest standards from a compliance and regulatory standpoint, which has always worked well for us. Across all of our brokerage operations, which are in multiple cities, multiple provinces, there’s an opportunity to use AI to our advantage in building the right way of ensuring that every transaction we do, every home sale and purchase, is fully compliant with all of the regulations required.

Jeff Fenwick, Analyst, Cormark Securities: Thank you. Just wondering if within that, there was some spend in the quarter. I noticed the CapEx number, I think it was CAD 3 million, which is a bit higher than typical. Were there some investments going on in the business in the quarter?

Spencer Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgemarq Real Estate Services: No, that’s primarily driven by the increase in the agent count. You can think of it as sometimes when we convert larger franchisees to our network, we pay a per agent fee upfront. That’s primarily to help the franchisees kind of offset the conversion cost, right? They’ll need to convert their signs and some of the other costs. We obviously size these investments upfront based on the ROI of the capital that we’re going to invest to make sure that over the lifetime of the contract, we generate attractive ROI.

Jeff Fenwick, Analyst, Cormark Securities: Great. In terms of looking forward, I guess you do have some capacity now with your balance sheet to look to continue to make those sorts of growth investments. At the same time, I know you’re juggling an environment that’s a bit softer, and you’re deferring some of your dividend payments to Brookfield. What is the thinking in terms of feeling comfortable about continuing to make those growth investments right now?

Spencer Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgemarq Real Estate Services: Yeah, we feel really confident about it. I think when you take a look at the way we grow our business, in addition to the organic growth that you see with our franchisees growing or our own brokerage growing one agent at a time, there are franchising opportunities. We have got a strong pipeline. As Wallace mentioned, sometimes there is a bit of a capital outlay for conversions. Like I said, we are having great conversations ongoing with new potential partners with us, whether they are in a franchise capacity or in a part of our own brokerage capacity as agent teams, large teams. There might be a bit of CapEx and investment to bring some of that in.

As Wallace mentioned, we focus on the long term, and growing our agent count now under 10-year contracts with franchises is that long-term play where we build on top of the existing royalty streams that we have, the existing franchise fee streams. There are lots of opportunities to continue to do that. Exactly when those take place is not necessarily streamlined quarter by quarter because in terms of a franchisee moving from one brand to another, that happens at the end of a contract, whether that is with someone that is on a five-year or some other time frame. You cannot necessarily predict that that will all happen in one quarter or another or that it will be consistent quarter to quarter or year over year. That has been our bread and butter in terms of one of the small-scale M&A growth paths that we have pursued in the past.

We expect to do more of that.

Jeff Fenwick, Analyst, Cormark Securities: Okay, thanks for that color. That’s all I had.

Spencer Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgemarq Real Estate Services: Thanks, Matt. Thanks for your time.

Sylvie, Conference Call Operator: At this time, I will turn it over to check on web questions.

Spencer Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgemarq Real Estate Services: Right. There are currently no questions on the webcast. All right. Thanks, everybody. I’d like to thank everyone once again for joining us on today’s call. We look forward to speaking with you again after we release our Q4 results in March.

Sylvie, Conference Call Operator: Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, this does conclude your conference call for today. Once again, thank you for attending.

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