Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
Accounting Policies Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers cash equivalents to include short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Portions of the balance of cash and cash equivalents were held in financial institutions, various money market funds with fixed and floating net asset values and short-term commercial paper. Money market funds have floating net asset values and may be subject to gating or liquidity fees. The Company assesses short-term commercial paper for impairment in connection with investments in marketable debt securities,
available-for-sale. Revenue Recognition The Company generates real estate brokerage commissions by acting as a broker for real estate owners or investors seeking to buy or sell commercial properties. The Company generates financing fees from securing financing on purchase transactions, from refinancing its clients’ existing mortgage debt and other ancillary fees associated with financing activities, including, but not limited to, mortgage servicing, debt and equity advisory services, loan sales and other consulting and due diligence services. The Company recognizes mortgage servicing revenues upon the acquisition of a servicing contract. The Company records servicing fees when earned provided the loans are current and the debt service payments are made by the borrowers. Other revenues include fees generated from consulting and advisory services, as well as referral fees from other real estate brokers. The Company’s contracts contain one performance obligation related to its real estate brokerage, financing and consulting and advisory services offered to buyers and sellers of commercial real estate, and provide that it is operating as a principal in all its revenue generating activities. The Company does not have multiple-element arrangements, variable consideration, financing components, significant noncash consideration, licenses, long-term contracts with customers or other items affecting the transaction price. Accordingly, the Company determined that the transaction price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes revenue in principally all cases at the close of escrow for real estate brokerage, at the close of loan for financing, when services are provided, or upon closing of the transaction for other revenues. Capitalization of Internal Software Certain costs related to the development or purchase of
internal-use software are capitalized. Internal costs that are incurred in the preliminary project stage are expensed as incurred. Direct consulting costs and certain payroll and related costs that are incurred during the development stage of a project are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method over a useful life of five years. Capitalized costs are recorded in property and equipment, net, and depreciation is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated financial statements. Depreciation begins for software that has been placed into production and is ready for its intended use. Post-implementation costs such as training, maintenance and support are expensed as incurred. The Company evaluates the carrying value of capitalized software for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Commissions Receivable, Net Commissions receivable, net consists of commissions earned on brokerage and financing transactions for which payment has not yet been received. The Company evaluates the need for an allowance for credit losses based on consideration of historical experience, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. The majority of commissions receivable are settled within 10 days after the close of escrow. Advances and Loans, Net Advances and loans, net includes amounts advanced and loans due from the Company’s investment sales and financing professionals. In order to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, from time to time, the Company advances funds to its investment sales and financing professionals. The advances are typically in the form of forgivable loans that have terms that are generally between and ten years. The principal amount of a forgivable loan and accrued interest are forgiven over the term of the loan, so long as the investment sales and financing professionals continue to be a service provider with the Company, and/or upon achieving contractual performance criteria. Amounts forgiven are charged to selling, general and administrative expense at the time the amounts are forgiven. If the investment sales and financing professional’s relationship with the Company is terminated before the amount advanced is forgiven, the unforgiven amount becomes due and payable. The Company evaluates the need for an allowance for credit losses based on amounts advanced, expected forgiveness, consideration of historical experience, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. Estimated credit losses, net of any reversals, are charged to credit loss expense included in selling, general and administrative expense. Amounts are generally written off when amounts are determined to be no longer collectable. Accrued interest, when applicable, has historically been immaterial. The Company, from time to time, enters into various agreements with certain of its investment sales and financing professionals whereby these individuals receive loans. The notes receivable, along with stated interest, are typically collected from future commissions or repaid based on the terms stipulated in the respective agreements that are generally between and seven years. The Company evaluates the need for an allowance for credit losses for the loans based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable forecasts of future economic conditions. Estimated credit losses, net of any reversals, are charged to credit loss expense included in selling, general and administrative expense. Amounts are generally written off when amounts are determined to be no longer collectable. Cost of Services Cost of services principally consists of variable commissions, compensation-related costs related to the Company’s financing activities, and other costs for the Company’s investment sales and financing professionals related to transactions closed in the period. Commissions are accrued based on revenue from transactions generated by the Company’s investment sales and financing professionals. Investment sales and financing professionals are compensated at commission rates based on individual agreements, and a portion of the commissions due upon the closing of a transaction may be deferred in accordance with their contracts. Some of our most senior investment sales and financing professionals also have the ability to earn additional commissions after meeting certain annual financial thresholds. These additional commissions are recognized as cost of services in the period in which they are earned. Payment of a portion of these additional commissions are generally deferred for a period of one to three years, at our election, and paid at the beginning of the second and fourth calendar year. These deferred commissions are included in deferred compensation and commissions (current and non-current) captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Cost of services also includes referral fees paid to other real estate brokers where we are the principal service provider. Investments in Marketable Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale The Company maintains a portfolio of investments in a variety of fixed and variable rate debt securities, including U.S. treasuries, U.S. government sponsored entities, corporate debt, asset-backed securities (“ABS”) and other. The Company considers its investments in marketable debt securities to be available-for-sale, The Company reviews quarterly its investment portfolio of all securities in an unrealized loss position to determine if an impairment charge or credit reserve is required. The Company excludes accrued interest from both the fair value and the amortized cost basis of marketable debt securities, available-for-sale, write-off of accrued interest receivable by the major security-type level at the time credit loss exists for the underlying security. Determining whether a credit loss exists requires a high degree of judgment and the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors in making its determination. The Company evaluates its intent to sell, or whether the Company will more likely than not be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. For all securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company evaluates, among other items, the extent and length of time the fair market value of a security is less than its amortized cost, time to maturity, duration, seniority, the financial condition of the issuer including credit ratings, any changes thereto and relative default rates, leverage ratios, availability of liquidity to make principle and interest payments, performance indicators of the underlying assets, analyst reports and recommendations, and changes in base and market interest rates. If the qualitative and quantitative analysis is sufficient to conclude that an impairment related to credit losses does not exist, the Company typically does not perform further quantitative analysis to estimate the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security. Estimates of expected future cash flows are the Company’s best estimate based on past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts. Assets Held in Rabbi Trust The Company maintains a
non-qualified deferred compensation program for certain employees. Deferred amounts are invested in variable whole life insurance policies owned by the Company supporting the deferred obligation and are held in a rabbi trust. Participants elect to invest in various hypothetical equity and debt securities offered within the plan on a notional basis. The net change in the carrying value of the underlying assets held in the rabbi trust is recorded in other income (expense), net. The change in the deferred compensation liability as a result of the change in the notional value of the participants accounts is recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of net and comprehensive income. Fair Value Measurements U.S. GAAP defines the fair value of a financial instrument as the amount that would be received from the sale of an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company is responsible for the determination of fair value and the supporting methodologies and assumptions. The Company uses various pricing sources and third parties to provide and validate the values utilized. The degree of judgment used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments is generally inversely correlated with the level of observable valuation inputs. Financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and less judgment is used in measuring fair value. Financial instruments for which no quoted prices are available have less observability and are measured at fair value using valuation models or other pricing techniques that require more judgment. Assets recorded at fair value are measured and classified in accordance with a fair value hierarchy consisting of the three “levels” based on the observability of inputs available in the marketplace used to measure the fair values as discussed below:
Recurring Fair Value Measurements The Company values its investments including commercial paper and floating NAV money market funds recorded in cash and cash equivalents, investments in marketable debt securities, available-for-sale, Fair values for investments included in cash and cash equivalents and marketable debt securities, available-for-sale Fair values for assets held in the rabbi trust and related deferred compensation liability were determined based on the cash surrender value of the company owned variable life insurance policies and underlying investments in the trust, and are Level 2 and Level 1 measurements, respectively. Contingent consideration in connection with acquisitions, is carried at fair value and determined on a contract-by-contract Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements In accordance with U.S. GAAP, from time to time, the Company measures certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The Company reviews the carrying value of mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”), intangibles, goodwill and other assets for indications of impairment at least annually. When indications of potential impairment are identified, the Company may be required to determine the fair value of those assets and record an adjustment for the carrying amount in excess of the fair value determined. Any fair value determination would be based on valuation approaches, which are appropriate under the circumstances and utilize Level 2 and Level 3 measurements as required. Assets and Liabilities not Measured at Fair Value The Company’s commissions receivable, amounts due from employees and investment sales and financing professionals (included in the other assets, net current and other assets non-current captions), accounts payable and other liabilities and commissions payable (included in deferred compensation and commissions current and deferred compensation and commissions non-current captions) are carried at cost, which approximates fair value based on their immediate or short-term maturities and terms which approximate current market rates. The Company’s obligations under stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) liability (included in the deferred compensation and commissions current and deferred compensation and commissions non-current captions) bear interest at a variable rate based on U.S. Treasuries, and the Company has determined that the carrying value approximates their fair value. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company uses the straight-line method for depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are generally provided over estimated useful lives ranging from to seven years. The Company evaluates its fixed assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Other Assets Other assets consist primarily of MSRs, security deposits made in connection with operating leases, customer trust accounts, employee notes receivable and other assets and receivables. In connection with a brokerage transaction, the Company may need to, or be required to, hold cash in escrow for a transaction participant. These amounts are deposited into separate customer trust accounts controlled by the Company. The amounts are included in current other assets, net, with a corresponding liability included in accounts payable and other liabilities, both in the consolidated balance sheets. MSRs are recorded at fair value upon acquisition of a servicing contract. The Company has elected the amortization method for the subsequent measurement of MSRs. MSRs are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. All MSRs are amortized using the interest method over the period that servicing income is expected to be received. MSRs are included in other assets non-current in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7 – “Selected Balance Sheet Data” for additional information. Amortization related to the MSRs is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of net and comprehensive income. The Company measures MSRs at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. MSRs are a Level 3 measurement. The Company’s MSRs do not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices. The estimated fair value of the Company’s MSRs were developed using a discounted cash flow model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The model considers contractual provisions and assumptions of market participants including specified servicing fees, prepayment assumptions, delinquency rates, late charges, other ancillary revenue, costs to service and other economic factors. The Company periodically reassesses and adjusts, when necessary, the underlying inputs and assumptions used in the model to reflect observable market conditions and assumptions that a market participant would consider in valuing an MSR asset. In connection with MSR activities, the Company holds funds in escrow for the benefit of the lenders. These funds and the offsetting obligations are not presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as they do not represent assets and liabilities of the Company. Leases The Company utilizes operating leases for all its facilities and autos. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Right-of-use non-current, and operating lease liabilities current and non-current captions in the consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized on the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Lease agreements may contain periods of free rent or reduced rent, predetermined fixed increases in the minimum rent and renewal or termination options, all of which add complexity and impact the determination of the lease term and lease payments to be used in calculating the lease liability. Certain facility leases provide for rental escalations related to increases in the lessors’ direct operating expenses. The Company uses the implicit rate in the lease when determinable. As most of the Company’s leases do not have a determinable implicit rate, determining the rate to be used in its calculations is judgmental. The Company uses a derived incremental borrowing rate based on borrowing options under its credit agreement and applies a spread over treasury rates for the indicated term of the lease based on the information available on the commencement date of the lease. The Company typically leases general purpose built-out office space, which reverts to the lessor upon termination of the lease. Any payments for completed improvements, determined to be owed by the lessor, net of incentives received, are recorded as an increase to the ROU asset and considered in the determination of the lease cost. The Company has lease agreements with lease and
non-lease components, which are accounted for as a single lease component. Lease cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease payments consist of common area costs, insurance, taxes, utilities, parking and other lease related costs, which are determined principally based on billings from landlords. Litigation The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve claims for damages that are substantial in amount. Most of these litigation matters are covered by insurance, which contain deductibles, exclusions, claim limits and aggregate policy limits. While the ultimate liability for these legal proceedings cannot be determined, the Company uses judgment in the evaluation of claims and the need for accrual for loss contingencies quarterly. The Company records an accrual for litigation related losses where the likelihood of loss is both probable and estimable. The Company accrues legal fees for litigation as the legal services are provided. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of net and comprehensive income. Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $586,000, $889,000 and $1.1 million, respectively. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and (ii) operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. The Company measures existing deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the Company expects to have temporary differences realized or settled. The Company recognizes in the provision for income taxes, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company periodically evaluates deferred tax assets to assess whether it is likely that the deferred tax assets will be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is required, the Company considers the timing of deferred tax reversals, current year taxable income and historical performance. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Because of the nature of the Company’s business, which includes activity in the U.S. and Canada, incorporating numerous states and provinces as well as local jurisdictions, the Company’s tax position can be complex. As such, the Company’s effective tax rate is subject to changes as a result of fluctuations in the mix of its activity in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates including changes in tax rates, state apportionment, tax related interest and penalties, valuation allowances and other permanent items. Calculating some of the amounts involves a high degree of judgment. The Company evaluates its tax positions quarterly. The threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax return positions in the financial statements is “more likely than not” to be sustained by the taxing authority and requires measurement of a tax position meeting the more-likely-than-not criterion, based on the largest benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized. The Company assesses its inventory of tax positions with respect to all applicable income tax issues for all open tax years (in each respective jurisdiction) and determines whether uncertain tax positions are required to be recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company recognizes interest and penalties incurred as income tax expense. Stock-Based Compensation The Company follows the accounting guidance for share-based payments, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees, independent contractors and non-employee directors. Awards are issued under the Amended and Restated 2013 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (“2013 Plan”) and 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). For awards made to the Company’s employees and directors, the Company initially values restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) based on the grant date closing price of the Company’s common stock. For awards with periodic vesting, the Company recognizes the related expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award, subject to periodic adjustments to ensure that the cumulative amount of expense recognized through the end of any reporting period is at least equal to the portion of the grant date value of the award that has vested through that date. The Company accounts for forfeitures prospectively as they occur. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-7, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting 2018-7”) on July 1, 2018. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2018-7, the Company determined that the fair value of the awards made to independent contractors would be measured based on the fair value of the equity instrument as it is more reliably measurable than the fair value of the consideration received. The Company used the grant date as the performance commencement date, and the measurement date was the date the services were completed, which was the vesting date. As a result, the Company recorded stock-based compensation for these awards over the vesting period on a straight-line basis with periodic adjustments during the vesting period for changes in the fair value of the awards. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2018-7, awards made to independent contractors on or subsequent to July 1, 2018 are measured based on the grant date closing price of the Company’s common stock consistent with awards made to the Company’s employees and directors. Unvested awards issued to independent contractors as of the adoption date of July 1, 2018 were remeasured at the adoption date stock price. The Company will recognize the remaining unrecognized value of unvested awards over the remaining performance period based on the adoption date stock price, with no further remeasurement through the performance completion date. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested share-based awards, the Company may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unrecognized or previously recorded stock-based compensation expense. For shares issued under the ESPP, the Company determined that the plan was a compensatory plan and is required to expense the fair value of the awards over each
-month offering period. The Company estimates the fair value of these awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company calculates the expected volatility based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and the risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant, both consistent with the term of the offering period. The Company incorporates no forfeiture rate and includes no expected dividend yield as the Company has not, and currently does not intend to pay a regular dividend. Earnings per Share Basic weighted average shares outstanding includes vested, but un-issued, deferred stock units (“DSUs”). The difference between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding represents the dilutive impact of common stock equivalents consisting of shares to be issued under the 2013 Plan and ESPP and contingently issuable shares in connection with stock settled consideration for acquired businesses. Foreign Currency Translation The Company prepares the financial statements of its Canadian subsidiary using the local currency as the functional currency. The assets and liabilities of the Company’s Canadian subsidiary are translated in to U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date with the resulting translation adjustments included as a separate component of stockholder’s equity through other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of net and comprehensive income. Income and expenses are translated at the average monthly rates of exchange. The Company includes realized gains and losses from foreign currency transactions in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of net and comprehensive income. The effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents is reflected in cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows, and is not material for any period presented. Taxes Collected from Clients and Remitted to Governmental Authorities The Company accounts for tax assessed by any governmental authority that is based on revenue or transaction value (e.g. sales, use and value added taxes) on a net basis, and, accordingly, such amounts are not included in revenue. Collected amounts are recorded as a current liability until paid. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosures at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments in marketable debt securities, available-for-sale, non-current) and commissions receivable, net. Cash and cash equivalents are placed with high-credit quality financial institutions and invested in high-credit quality money market funds and commercial paper. Concentrations of marketable debt securities, available-for-sale To reduce its credit risk, the Company monitors the credit standing of the financial institutions money market funds that represent amounts recorded as cash and cash equivalents. The Company historically has not experienced any significant losses related to cash and cash equivalents. The Company derives its revenues from a broad range of real estate investors, owners, and users in the United States and Canada, none of which individually represents a significant concentration of credit risk. The Company maintains allowances, as needed, for estimated credit losses based on management’s assessment of the likelihood of collection. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, no transaction represented 10% or more of total revenues. Further, while one or more transactions may represent 10% or more of commissions receivable at any reporting date, amounts due are typically collected within 10 days of settlement and, therefore, do not expose the Company to significant credit risk. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company’s Canadian operations represented less than 2% of total revenues. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s Canadian operations represented less than 1% of total revenues. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, no office represented 10% or more of total revenues. Business Combinations The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, under which the consideration for the acquisition, including the fair value of any contingent and deferred consideration, is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company recognizes identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values as determined by management as of the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration over the assets acquired net of liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. During the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded as expense in the consolidated statements of net and comprehensive income. In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company enters into agreements to pay additional cash amounts based on the achievement of certain performance measures and/or service and time requirements. Contingent and deferred consideration in connection with the acquisition of a business is measured at fair value on the acquisition date and remeasured at fair value each reporting period thereafter until the consideration is settled in cash or stock, with changes in fair value recorded in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of net and comprehensive income. Acquisition-related costs, such as due diligence, legal and accounting fees, are expensed as incurred and not considered in determining the fair value of the acquired assets. Acquisition-related costs are reflected in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of net and comprehensive income. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. In addition to the annual impairment evaluation, the Company evaluates at least quarterly whether events or circumstances have occurred in the period subsequent to the annual impairment testing which indicate that it is more likely than not an impairment loss has occurred. The initial impairment evaluation of goodwill is a qualitative assessment and is performed to assess whether the fair value of a reporting unit (“RU”) is less than its carrying amount. The Company proceeds to the quantitative impairment test if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the RU is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines the quantitative impairment test is required, the estimated fair value of the RU is compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The Company currently has only one RU, therefore, all goodwill is allocated to that one RU. The Company evaluates its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, or as events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company records an impairment loss if impairment triggers exist and the fair value of the asset is less than the asset’s carrying amount. The Company measures recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the future undiscounted cash flows that the intangible assets are expected to generate. If the carrying value of the intangible assets are not recoverable, the impairment recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds its fair value. The Company’s intangible assets primarily include
non-compete agreements, customer relationships and contracts in progress that resulted from its business combinations. These intangible assets are generally amortized on a straight-line basis using a useful life between and seven years. Segment Reporting The Company follows U.S. GAAP for segment reporting, which requires reporting information on operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. Substantially all of the Company’s operations involve the delivery of commercial real estate services to its customers including real estate investment sales, financing and consulting and advisory services. Management makes operating decisions, assesses performance and allocates resources based on an ongoing review of these integrated operations, which constitute the Company’s only operating segment for financial reporting purposes. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses 2016-13”). The new standard requires the use of an expected-loss model for financial assets measured at amortized cost and marketable debt securities, available-for sale, which requires that identified credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as an impairment write-down. Reversals of credit losses (in situations in which the estimate of credit losses declines) are permitted in the reporting period that the change occurs. Previously, U.S. GAAP prohibited reflecting any reversals of impairment charges. The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2020 using the modified-retrospective transition method for assets measured at amortized cost other than marketable debt securities, available-for-sale, which was adopted using a prospective transition approach as required by the new standard. On the adoption date, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment related to an allowance for credit losses associated with commissions receivable and advances and loans, net of tax in the amount of $33,000 with the offset to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period presented after adoption. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s investment policy and impairment model for marketable debt securities, available-for-sale. available-for-sale, In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) - Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract 2018-15”). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license), by permitting a customer in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to capitalize certain implementation costs as if the arrangement was an internal-use software project. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2020, using the prospective method. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. For the Company, the new standard will be effective on January 1, 2021. ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions including the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities related to outside basis differences. It also clarifies and simplifies other aspects of the accounting for income taxes such as step-up in tax basis for goodwill and interim recognition of enactment of tax laws or rate changes. The Company early adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2020, and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Pending Adoption In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU
No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 provides temporary optional exceptions to the guidance in U.S. GAAP on contract modifications to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). ASU 2020-04 is effective for all entities upon issuance and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications through December 31, 2022. The guidance applies to the Company’s Credit Agreement (see Note 16 – “Commitments and Contingencies”), which references LIBOR, and will generally allow it to account for and present a modification as an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date or reassessment of a previous accounting determination. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has not drawn funds from the credit facility. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this new standard and does not expect ASU 2020-04 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. |