Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

v3.20.2
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Description of Business
Description of Business
Marcus & Millichap, Inc., (the “Company”, “Marcus & Millichap”, or “MMI”), a Delaware corporation, is a brokerage firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services. As of September 30, 2020, MMI operates 83 offices in the United States and Canada through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including the operations of Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation.
Reorganization and Initial Public Offering
Reorganization and Initial Public Offering
MMI was formed in June 2013 in preparation for Marcus & Millichap Company (“MMC”) to
spin-off
its majority owned subsidiary, Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, Inc. (“MMREIS”). Prior to the initial public offering (“IPO”) of MMI, all of the preferred and common stockholders of MMREIS (including MMC and employees of MMREIS) contributed all of their outstanding shares to MMI, in exchange for new MMI common stock. As a result, MMREIS became a wholly-owned subsidiary of MMI. Thereafter, MMC distributed 80.0% of the shares of MMI common stock to MMC’s shareholders and exchanged the remaining portion of its shares of MMI common stock for cancellation of indebtedness of MMC. MMI completed its IPO in November 2013.
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The financial information presented in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, has been prepared in accordance with rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form
10-Q
and
Article 10-01
of
Regulation S-X.
Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2019 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K
filed on March 2, 2020 with the SEC. The results of the nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020, for other interim periods or for future years.
Considerations Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Considerations Related to the
COVID-19
Pandemic
The
COVID-19
pandemic and resultant shutdown of economic activity across much of the world has led to sharp increases in unemployment,
volatility
 in debt and equity markets and businesses instituting cost-cutting and capital-preservation measures. There has been a significant impact on commercial real estate markets in the United States and Canada that started at the end of first quarter 2020
,
 continued through the second quarter of 2020 and to a lesser extent,
 through the end of the
 third quarter of 2020, as many property owners have put transactions on hold, driving significantly lower sales volumes.
The Company could experience other potential impacts as a result of the
COVID-19
pandemic. Actual results may differ from the Company’s current estimates as there is considerable uncertainty around the scope and duration of the
COVID-19
pandemic, and, as a result, the extent of the impact of
COVID-19
on our operational and financial performance is uncertain and cannot be predicted. The Company expects the effects of the
COVID-19
pandemic to continue to impact its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the remainder of 2020 and
into calendar year 2021
.
See Note 3 – “Property and Equipment, Net”, Note 6 – “Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, Note 10 – “Fair Value Measurements” and Note 15 – “Commitments and Contingencies”
for further discussion on
COVID-19.
Consolidation
Consolidation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of condensed 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 condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, including the impact
COVID-19
may have on our business. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Segment Reporting
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 our customers including real estate investment sales, financing (including mortgage servicing) 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.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications
Certain prior-period amounts in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and statement of cash flows, Note 7 – “Selected Balance Sheet Data” and Note 10 – “Fair Value Measurements” have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These changes had no impact on the previously reported condensed consolidated results of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
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.
The likelihood of realizing material losses from cash and cash equivalents, including the excess of cash balances over federally insured limits, is remote.
Commissions Receivable, Net
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
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 5 and 10 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, 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 and expected forgiveness, in 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 1 and 7 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.
Investments in Marketable Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale
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,
and accordingly are recorded at their fair values. The Company determines the appropriate classification of investments in marketable debt securities at the time of purchase. Interest along with amortization of purchase premiums and accretion of discounts from the purchase date through the estimated maturity date, including consideration of variable maturities and contractual call provisions, are included in other income (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statements of net and comprehensive income. The Company typically invests in highly-rated debt securities, and its investment policy generally limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. The policy requires substantially all investments to be investment grade, with the primary objective of minimizing the potential risk of principal loss and matching long-term liabilities.
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,
for the purposes of identifying and measuring an impairment. An investment is impaired if the fair value is less than its amortized cost basis. Impairment relating to credit losses is recorded through a reduction in the amortized cost of the security or an allowance for credit losses and credit loss expense (included in selling, general and administrative expense), limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Impairment that has not been recorded as a credit loss is recorded through other comprehensive income/loss, net of applicable taxes. The Company made an accounting policy election to not measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. The Company evaluates
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 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.
Concentration of Credit Risk
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,
security deposits (included under other assets,
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
are limited by the approved investment policy.
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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company’s Canadian operations represented less than 2% of total revenues. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company’s Canadian operations represented less than 1% of total revenues.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, no office represented 10% or more of total revenues.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)
No. 2016-13,
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
(“ASU
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) is 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.
The Company elected the practical expedient to exclude accrued interest from both the fair value and the amortized cost basis of marketable debt securities,
available-for-sale,
for the purposes of identifying and measuring an impairment
.
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
(“ASU
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 condensed consolidated financial statements.
Pending Adoption
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU
No. 2019-12,
Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
(“ASU
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 is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard and does not expect ASU
2019-12
to have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
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
(“ASU
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. 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 15 – “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 September 30, 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 condensed consolidated financial statements.