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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of OPENLANE and all of its majority owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates based in part on assumptions about current, and for some estimates, future economic and market conditions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Although the current estimates contemplate current conditions and expected future changes, as appropriate, it is reasonably possible that future conditions could differ from these estimates, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position. Among other effects, such changes could result in future impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets, incremental losses on finance receivables, additional allowances on accounts receivable and deferred tax assets and changes in litigation and other loss contingencies.

Business Segments

Our operations are grouped into two operating segments: Marketplace and Finance. The two operating segments also serve as our reportable business segments. Operations are measured through detailed budgeting and monitoring of contributions to consolidated income by each business segment.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity

We recognize all derivative financial instruments in the consolidated financial statements at fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 815, Derivatives and Hedging. We most recently used interest rate swaps that were

designated and qualified as cash flow hedges to manage the variability of cash flows to be paid due to interest rate movements on our variable rate debt. The fair values of the interest rate derivatives are based on quoted market prices for similar instruments from commercial banks. The fair value of the derivatives were recorded in "Other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges were recorded as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive income." The earnings impact of the interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges were recorded upon the recognition of the interest related to the hedged debt.

Foreign Currency Translation

The local currency is the functional currency for each of our foreign entities. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates in effect during the year. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated using the exchange rates in effect at year end. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses on intercompany balances are included in the consolidated statements of income within "Other (income) expense, net" and resulted in a gain of $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a loss of $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and a loss of $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Adjustments arising from the translation of net assets located outside the U.S. (gains and losses) are shown as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive income."

Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. These investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

Restricted Cash

AFC Funding Corporation, a wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote, consolidated, special purpose subsidiary of AFC, is required to maintain a minimum cash reserve of 1 or 3 percent of total receivables sold to the group of bank purchasers as security for the receivables sold. Automotive Finance Canada Inc. ("AFCI") is also required to maintain a minimum cash reserve of 1 or 3 percent of total receivables sold to its securitization facilities. The amount of the cash reserve depends on circumstances which are set forth in the securitization agreements. Such reserves are presented as "Restricted cash" on the consolidated balance sheets.

Receivables

Trade receivables include the unremitted purchase price of vehicles purchased by third parties through our marketplaces, fees to be collected from those buyers and amounts due for services provided by us related to certain consigned vehicles in our possession. The amounts due with respect to the services provided by us related to certain consigned vehicles are generally deducted from the sales proceeds upon the eventual marketplace sale or other disposition of the related vehicles.

Finance receivables include floorplan receivables created by financing dealer purchases of vehicles in exchange for a security interest in those vehicles and special purpose loans. Floorplan receivables become due at the earlier of the dealer subsequently selling the vehicle or a predetermined time period (generally 30 to 90 days). Special purpose loans relate to loans that are either line of credit loans or working capital loans that can be either secured or unsecured based on the facts and circumstances of the specific loans.

Due to the nature of our business, substantially all trade and finance receivables are due from vehicle dealers and commercial sellers. We have possession of vehicles or vehicle titles collateralizing a significant portion of the trade and finance receivables.

Trade receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management's evaluation of the receivables under current conditions, the aging of the receivables, review of specific collection issues and such other factors which in management's judgment deserve recognition in estimating losses.

We also maintain an allowance for credit losses for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. AFC’s finance receivables represent revolving line of credit arrangements extended to used car dealers and are secured by collateral which is a key credit quality indicator monitored by the Company. Delinquencies and losses are monitored on an ongoing basis and this historical experience provides the primary basis for estimating the allowance which is estimated using a loss-rate method. We estimate the allowance for credit losses using a methodology that first considers historical loss rates calculated using recorded charge-offs and recoveries over a historical period as well as identified potential loss events as the primary quantitative factors. The allowance for credit losses is also based on management's evaluation of the receivables

portfolio under current economic conditions, the size of the portfolio, overall portfolio credit quality, review of specific collection matters and such other factors which, in management's judgment, deserve recognition in estimating losses. Specific collection matters can be impacted by the outcome of negotiations, litigation and bankruptcy proceedings with individual customers.

AFC controls credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits, underwriting and collateral management monitoring procedures, including lot audits and holding vehicle titles where permitted. The estimates are based on management’s evaluation of many factors, including AFC’s historical credit loss experience, the value of the underlying collateral, delinquency trends and economic conditions. The estimates are based on information available as of each reporting date and reflect the expected credit losses over the entire expected term of the receivables. Actual losses may differ from the original estimates due to actual results varying from those assumed in our estimates.

Other Current Assets

Other current assets consist of inventories, prepaid expenses, taxes receivable and other miscellaneous assets. The inventories, which consist of vehicles, supplies and parts, are accounted for on the specific identification method and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually in the second quarter, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise. ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, permits an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before applying the goodwill impairment model. If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that a reporting unit's fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the remaining impairment steps would be unnecessary. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. Under the quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the fair value of that goodwill, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis.

Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets

Customer relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life determined at the time of acquisition. Other intangible assets generally consist of tradenames and computer software, which if amortized, are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Tradenames with indefinite lives are not amortized. Costs incurred related to software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized during the application development stage of software development and amortized over their estimated useful lives. The amortization periods of finite-lived intangible assets are re-evaluated periodically when facts and circumstances indicate that revised estimates of useful lives may be warranted. Indefinite-lived tradenames are assessed for impairment, in accordance with ASC 350, annually in the second quarter or more frequently as impairment indicators arise. At the end of each assessment, a determination is made as to whether the tradenames still have an indefinite life.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method at rates intended to depreciate the costs of assets over their estimated useful lives. Upon retirement or sale of property and equipment, the cost of the disposed assets and related accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to selling, general and administrative expenses. Expenditures for normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Additions and expenditures for improving or rebuilding existing assets that extend the useful life are capitalized. Leasehold improvements made either at the inception of the lease or during the lease term are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term including any renewals that are reasonably assured.

Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs reflect the expenditures incurred in conjunction with term loan debt, the revolving credit facility, the senior notes and the U.S. and Canadian receivables purchase agreements. The debt issuance costs are being amortized to interest

expense using the effective interest method or the straight-line method, as applicable, over the lives of the related debt issues. Debt issuance costs are presented as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.

Other Assets

Other assets consist of investments, deposits, notes receivable, foreign deferred taxes and other long-term assets.

Long-Lived Assets

Management reviews our property and equipment, customer relationships and other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. The determination includes evaluation of factors such as current market value, future asset utilization, business climate and future cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets. If the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds the total amount of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows from that asset, a loss is recognized in the period to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. The impairment analysis is based on our current business strategy, expected growth rates and estimated future economic and regulatory conditions.

Leases

The Company accounts for leases under ASC 842, Leases. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in "Operating lease right-of-use assets," "Other accrued expenses" and "Operating lease liabilities" in our consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in "Property and equipment, net," "Other accrued expenses" and "Other liabilities" in our consolidated balance sheets.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. We use the implicit rate when readily determinable. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU assets also include any lease payments made and exclude lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. For certain equipment leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

Accounts Payable

Accounts payable include amounts due sellers from the proceeds of the sale of their consigned vehicles less any fees, as well as trade payables and outstanding checks to sellers and vendors. Book overdrafts, representing outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit, are recorded in "Accounts payable" and amounted to $17.9 million and $20.2 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Self Insurance Reserves

Self-Insurance Reserves

We self-insure our employee medical benefits, as well as a portion of our automobile, general liability and workers' compensation claims. We have insurance coverage that limits the exposure on individual claims. The cost of the insurance is expensed over the contract periods. We record an accrual for the claims related to our employee medical benefits, automobile, general liability and workers' compensation claims based upon the expected amount of all such claims. Accrued medical benefits and workers' compensation expenses are included in "Accrued employee benefits and compensation expenses" while accrued automobile and general liability expenses are included in "Other accrued expenses."

Environmental Liabilities

Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, based on current law and existing technologies. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress, or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in "Other accrued expenses" at undiscounted amounts and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third parties.

Temporary Equity

The Company records shares of convertible preferred stock at their respective fair values on the date of issuance, net of issuance costs. The convertible preferred stock is recorded outside of stockholders' equity on the consolidated balance sheet because the shares contain liquidation features that are not solely within the Company's control. The Company has elected not to adjust the carrying values of the convertible preferred stock to the liquidation preferences of such shares because of the uncertainty of whether or when such an event would occur. Subsequent adjustments to increase the carrying value to the liquidation preferences will be made only when it becomes probable that such a liquidation event will occur. See Note 15 for a discussion of the convertible preferred stock.

Revenue Recognition

The Company accounts for revenue under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, except for AFC interest and fee income, which is described under AFC below. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company generates its revenues from contracts with customers. In contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company identifies each performance obligation and evaluates whether the performance obligations are distinct within the context of the contract at contract inception. Performance obligations that are not distinct at contract inception are combined. The Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct performance obligation proportionately based on the estimated standalone selling price for each performance obligation. The Company then determines how the goods or services are transferred to the customer in order to determine the timing of revenue recognition.

There were no material contract assets, contract liabilities or deferred contract costs recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. For each of our primary revenue streams, cash flows are consistent with the timing of revenue recognition.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods was not material. Revenue expected to be recognized in any future year related to remaining performance obligations, excluding revenue pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less and contracts where revenue is recognized as invoiced, is not material.

Marketplace

The performance obligation contained within the marketplace contracts for sellers is facilitating the remarketing of vehicles, including titling, administration and sale through our marketplaces. The remarketing performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time the vehicle is sold through our marketplaces. The ancillary services contracts include services such as inbound and outbound transportation logistics, reconditioning, vehicle inspection and certification, collateral recovery services and technology solutions. The performance obligations related to these services are subject to separate contracts and are satisfied at the point in time the services are completed.

Contracts with buyers are generally established via purchase through our marketplaces, subject to standard terms and conditions. These contracts contain a single performance obligation, which is satisfied at a point in time when the vehicle is purchased through our marketplaces.

The vehicles sold on our marketplaces generate auction fees from buyers and sellers. The Company generally does not take title to these consigned vehicles and records only its auction fees as revenue ("Auction fees" in the consolidated statement of income (loss)) because it has no influence on the vehicle marketplace selling price agreed to by the seller and the buyer. The Company does not record the gross selling price of the consigned vehicles sold through our marketplaces as revenue. Our buyer fees are typically based on a tiered structure with fees increasing with the sale price of the vehicle, while seller fees are typically fixed. The Company generally enforces its rights to payment for seller transactions through net settlement provisions following the sale of a vehicle. Marketplace services such as inbound and outbound transportation logistics, reconditioning, vehicle inspection and certification, collateral recovery services and technology solutions are generally recognized at the time of service ("Service revenue" in the consolidated statement of income (loss)). The Company also sells vehicles that have been purchased, which represent approximately 1% of the total volume of vehicles sold. For these types of sales, the Company does record the gross selling price of purchased vehicles sold through our marketplaces as revenue ("Purchased vehicle sales" in the consolidated statement of income (loss)) and the gross purchase price of the vehicles as "Cost of services," at the completion of each sale to a third party.

Finance

AFC's revenue ("Finance-related revenue" in the consolidated statement of income (loss)) is comprised of interest and fee income, provision for credit losses and other revenues associated with our finance receivables. The following table summarizes the primary components of AFC's finance-related revenue:


	Year Ended December 31,
Finance-Related Revenue (in millions)	2023		2022		2021
Interest income	$	248.4	$	202.8	$	139.7
Fee income	183.3		171.9		144.4
Other revenue	12.3		11.0		8.6
Provision for credit losses	(50.6)		(9.8)		(3.5)
	$	393.4	$	375.9	$	289.2

Interest and fee income

Revenues associated with interest and fee income are accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, and therefore are not subject to evaluation under Topic 606. Interest on finance receivables is recognized based on the number of days the vehicle remains financed, adjusted for historical loss rates. Dealers are also charged a fee to floorplan a vehicle ("floorplan fee"), to extend the terms of the receivable ("curtailment fee") and a document processing fee. AFC fee income including floorplan and curtailment fees is recognized over the estimated life of the finance receivable.

Other revenue

Other revenue includes lot check fees, filing fees, lien holder payoff services and other related program fees, each of which are charged to and collected from AFC's customers.

Income Taxes

We file federal, state and foreign income tax returns in accordance with the applicable rules of each jurisdiction. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes includes federal, foreign, state and local income taxes payable, as well as deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable amounts in periods in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized.

We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.

Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations per Share

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations per Share

The Company includes participating securities (Series A Preferred Stock) in the computation of income from continuing operations per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method of calculating income from continuing operations per share is an allocation method that calculates earnings per share for common stock and participating securities. Under the two-class method, total dividends provided to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities are subtracted from income from continuing operations in determining income attributable to common stockholders.

The effect of stock options and restricted stock on income from continuing operations per share-diluted is determined through the application of the treasury stock method, whereby net proceeds received by the Company based on assumed exercises are hypothetically used to repurchase our common stock at the average market price during the period. Stock options that would have an anti-dilutive effect on income from continuing operations per diluted share, unexercisable market options and PRSUs subject to performance conditions which have not yet been satisfied are excluded from the calculations.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. We recognize all stock-based compensation as expense in the financial statements over the vesting period and that cost is measured as the fair value of the award at the grant date for equity-classified awards. We also recognize the impact of forfeitures as they occur and excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to employee stock-based compensation within income tax expense.

New Accounting Standards

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires additional income tax disclosures on an annual basis, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2023-09 will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which updates reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2023-07 will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.