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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2023
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of eXp World Holdings, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which we have a variable interest of which we are the primary beneficiary. If the Company has a variable interest in an entity but it is not the primary beneficiary of the entity or exercises control over the operations and has less than 50% ownership, it will use the equity or cost method of accounting for investments. Entities in which the Company has less than a 20% investment and where the Company does not exercise significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation. Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) A company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE and must consolidate the entity if the company has both: (i) the power to direct a VIE’s activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Joint ventures A joint venture is a contractual arrangement whereby the Company and other parties undertake an economic activity through a jointly controlled entity. Joint control exists when strategic, financial and operating policy decisions relating to the activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method and are recognized initially at cost. Joint ventures are typically included in the Other Affiliated Services unless the joint venture specifically supports one of the reportable segments. The Company has several joint venture investments. As of December 31, 2023, the operations of these joint ventures are not material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Use of estimates The preparation of 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 disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to allowance for credit losses, legal contingencies, income taxes, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, goodwill and deferred income tax asset valuation allowances. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected. Reclassifications When necessary, the Company will reclassify certain amounts in prior period financial statements to conform to the current period’s presentation. In 2023, the Company reclassified certain amounts in the reconciliation of the provision for income taxes and deferred tax assets in Note 12 – Income Taxes. These reclassifications had no effect on the provision for tax or deferred tax assets that were previously reported. No other reclassifications occurred during the current period. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments and all other highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Restricted cash Restricted cash consists of cash held in escrow by the Company’s brokers and agents on behalf of real estate buyers. The Company recognizes a corresponding customer deposit liability until the funds are released. Once the cash is transferred from escrow, the Company reduces the respective customers’ deposit liability. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheet that sum to the total of the same amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ​
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​ | ​ | December 31, 2023 |  | December 31, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents | ​ | $ 126,864 | ​ | $ 121,594
Restricted cash | ​ | 44,020 | ​ | 37,789
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, ending balance | ​ | $ 170,884 | ​ | $ 159,383
​ Fair value measurements The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Financial assets are marked to bid prices and financial liabilities are marked to offer prices. Fair value measurements do not include transaction costs. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:
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Input Level |  | Definitions
Level 1 | ​ | Inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (these are observable market inputs).
Level 2 | ​ | Inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability (includes quoted market prices for similar assets or identical or similar assets in markets in which there are few transactions, prices that are not current or prices that vary substantially).
Level 3 | ​ | Inputs are unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumptions in pricing the asset or liability (used when little or no market data is available).
The Company holds funds in a money market account. The Company values its money market funds at fair value on a recurring basis. Accounts receivable and allowance for expected credit losses The Company is exposed to credit losses primarily through trade and other financing receivables arising from revenue transactions. The Company uses the aging schedule method to estimate current expected credit losses (“CECL”) based on days of delinquency, including information about past events and current economic conditions. The Company’s accounts receivable is separated into three categories to evaluate an allowance under the CECL impairment model. The three categories include agent non-commission based fees, agent short-term advances and commissions receivable for real estate property settlements. ​ The Company increases the allowance for expected credits losses when the Company determines all or a portion of a receivable is uncollectable. The Company recognizes recoveries as a decrease to the allowance for expected credit losses. In 2023, the Company has decreased its allowances for expected credit losses, for real estate transactions, due to a decrease of the aging receivable balances, as a result of improvement in accounts receivable management. ​ As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, receivables from real estate property settlements totaled $81,004 and $79,135, respectively, of which the Company recognized expected credit losses of $- and $3,127 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 agent non-commission based fees receivable and short-term advances totaled $7,268 and $12,141, respectively of which the Company recognized expected credit losses of $2,303 and $887, respectively. ​ Foreign currency translation The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the United States dollar and the functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is the local currency of their country of domicile. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at rates of exchange in effect at the date of the transaction. Average monthly rates are used to translate revenues and expenses. Gains and losses arising on translation or settlement of foreign currency denominated transactions or balances are included in the consolidated statements of operations in other (income) expense, net. The Company does not employ a hedging strategy to manage the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Fixed assets Fixed assets are stated at historical cost and are depreciated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Useful lives are: Computer hardware and software: 3 to 5 years Furniture, fixtures and equipment:5 to 7 years Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that substantially increase an asset’s useful life or improve an asset’s functionality are capitalized. The Company capitalizes the costs associated with developing its internal-use cloud-based residential real-estate transaction system. Capitalized costs are primarily related to costs incurred in relation to internally created software during the application development stage including costs for upgrades and enhancements that result in additional functionality. Leases Leases are agreements, or terms within agreements, that convey the right to control the use of and receive substantially all of the economic benefit from an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company currently only possesses office space leases. Right-of-use assets The Company recognizes right-of-use (“ROU”) assets at the commencement date of the lease. ROU assets are measured at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses and are adjusted concurrently with the remeasurement of corresponding lease liabilities resulting from a change in future lease payments or a change in the assessment of whether any purchase, extension, or termination options will be exercised. The cost of ROU assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognized, initial direct costs incurred and lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received, if any. Unless the Company is reasonably certain to obtain ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, the ROU assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of its estimated useful life and the lease term. Lease liabilities At the commencement date of a lease, the Company recognizes a lease liability measured at the present value of the lease payments to be made over the lease term. Variable lease payments are recognized as expenses in the period in which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs. In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date if the implicit interest rate in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced by the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, or a change in the assessment to purchase the underlying asset. Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets The Company applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date and which do not contain a purchase option. The Company does not capitalize leases with a present value of below its minimum capitalization threshold as it would not materially affect the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Lease payments on short-term leases and low-value leases are recognized as expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in the fiscal fourth quarter or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not indicate that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Generally, this evaluation begins with a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than its carrying value. The test for impairment requires management to make judgments relating to future cash flows, growth rates and economic and market conditions. 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 Company recognized goodwill impairment of $8,248 for the year ended December 31, 2023 related to Virbela. The Company did no t recognize any impairment of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Intangible assets The Company’s intangible assets are finite lived and consist primarily of trade name, technology and customer relationships. Each intangible asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over its useful life, ranging from 3 to 10 years. The Company evaluates its intangible assets for recoverability and potential impairment, or as events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired. The Company recognized impairment related to the trade name and customer relationships of $955 for the year ended December 31, 2023, related to Virbela. The Company did no t recognize any impairment of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Software development costs The Company capitalizes software development costs related to products to be sold, leased, or marketed to external users and internal-use software. Business combinations The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, under which the consideration for the acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company recognizes identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date fair values as determined by management as of the acquisition date. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions, estimates and market factors. These assumptions and estimates include projected revenues and income growth rates, terminal growth rates, competitive and consumer trends, market-based discount rates and other market factors. If current expectations of future growth rates are not met or market factors outside of the Company’s control change significantly, then goodwill or intangible assets may become impaired. Additionally, as goodwill and intangible assets associated with recently acquired businesses are recorded on the balance sheet at their estimated acquisition date fair values, those amounts are more susceptible to impairment risk if business operating results or macroeconomic conditions deteriorate. 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. Impairment of long-lived assets The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used when events and circumstances warrant such a review. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flow from such asset is less than its carrying value. When assets are considered impaired, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. Fair value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Stock-based compensation Our stock-based compensation is comprised of employee equity incentives, agent growth incentive programs, agent equity program and stock option awards. Stock-based compensation is more fully disclosed in Note 9 – Stockholders’ Equity to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation granted to employees and non-employees using a fair value method. Stock-based compensation awards are measured at the grant date fair value and are recognized over the requisite service period of the awards, usually the vesting period, on a straight-line basis, net of forfeitures. The Company reduces stock-based compensation for forfeitures when they occur. Recognition of compensation cost for an award with a performance condition is based on the probable outcome of that performance condition being met. Revenue recognition The Company generates substantially all of its revenue from North American Realty and International Realty segments and generates a de minimis portion of its revenues from software subscription (Virbela segment) and professional services. The Company does not have contracts with customers that provide variable consideration. North American Realty and International Realty The Company serves as a licensed broker in the areas in which it operates for the purpose of processing residential real estate transactions. The Company is contractually obligated to provide services for the fulfillment of transfers of residential real estate between buyers and sellers. The Company provides these services itself and controls the services necessary to legally transfer residential real estate. Correspondingly, the Company is defined as the principal. The Company, as principal, satisfies its obligation upon the closing of a residential real estate transaction. As principal and upon satisfaction of the performance obligation, the Company recognizes revenue in the gross amount of consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. The Company estimates and accrues revenue to which it is entitled to for closed transactions but has yet to receive all the necessary closing documents. The accrual for estimated revenue was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Revenue is derived from assisting homebuyers and sellers in listing, marketing, selling and finding residential real estate. Commissions earned on real estate transactions are recognized at the completion of a residential real estate transaction once the Company has satisfied the performance obligation. Agent-related fees charged by the Company are recorded as a reduction to commissions and other agent-related costs. Software Subscription and Professional Services Subscription revenue is derived from fees from customers to access the Company’s virtual reality software platform. The terms of subscriptions do not provide customers the right to take possession of the software. Subscription revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term. Professional services revenue is derived from implementation and consulting services. Professional services revenue is typically recognized over time as the services are rendered, using an efforts-expended (labor hours) input method. Disaggregated revenue The Company primarily operates as a real estate brokerage firm and discloses disaggregated revenue from services to customers across its four reportable segments to provide additional insight into the future recognition of revenue and cash flows. The vast majority of the Company’s revenue is derived from providing real estate brokerage services, to purchasers and sellers of homes in the U.S., Canada and internationally. See Note 10 – Segment Information to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for details regarding segment and geographic information. Management provides disaggregation of revenue from its services to customers to provide additional insight into the future recognition of revenue and cash flows. Sustainable Revenue Share Plan expenses The Company’s costs incurred under the Revenue Share Plan are included as commissions and other agent-related costs in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Advertising and marketing costs Advertising and marketing costs are generally expensed in the period incurred. Advertising and marketing expenses are included in the sales and marketing expense line item on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred advertising and marketing expenses of $12,156, $15,359 and $12,180, respectively. Income taxes The Company records income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. These differences are measured using the enacted statutory tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which differences are expected to reverse. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred income taxes of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby: (i) it determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (ii) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Comprehensive (loss) income The Company’s only components of comprehensive (loss) income are net (loss) income and foreign currency translation adjustments. Earnings per share Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net (loss) income for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus, if potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. The Company has paid dividends in 2023, 2022 and 2021. The Company does not have participating shares outstanding. Accounting pronouncements The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements and does not believe that there are any other new accounting standards that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position and results of operations. In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07 – Segment Reporting (Topic 280) (“ASU 2023-07”). ASU 2023-07 improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosure about significant segment expenses. The amendments in this update require, among other things, that a public company disclose on an annual and interim basis significant segment expense, as well as other segment expenses, that are regularly provided to the CODM. The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the amendments in ASU 2023-07 will have on its segment disclosures. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 – Income Taxes (Topic 740) (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 improves reporting for income taxes, primarily by requiring disclosure of specific categories in the tax rate reconciliation and providing additional annual information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 also require additional annual information regarding income taxes paid, as well as other additional disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the amendments in ASU 2023-09 will have on its tax disclosures.

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