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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation:
Douglas Elliman Inc. (“Douglas Elliman” or the “Company”) is engaged in the real estate services and property technology investment business and is seeking to acquire or invest in additional real estate services and property technology (“PropTech”) companies. Douglas Elliman owns Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the New York metropolitan area. Douglas Elliman has 121 offices with approximately 6,200 real estate agents in the New York metropolitan area as well as in Florida, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Colorado, New Jersey, and Texas.
Prior to December 30, 2021, the Company was wholly owned by Vector Group Ltd. (“Vector Group” and collectively, with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Former Parent”). On December 29, 2021, Vector Group stockholders received one share of Douglas Elliman common stock for every two shares of Vector Group common stock held as of the close of business on December 20, 2021 (the “Distribution”).
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of Douglas Elliman, as well as the entities in which Douglas Elliman directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest. These entities include DER Holdings LLC and New Valley Ventures LLC (“New Valley Ventures”). DER Holdings LLC owns Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC and Douglas Elliman of California, Inc. New Valley Ventures consists of minority investments in innovative and cutting-edge PropTech companies. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
In presenting the consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and related disclosures. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
(b) Principles of Consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements presented herein include the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of DER Holdings LLC and New Valley Ventures as well as all other entities in which Douglas Elliman has a controlling financial interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
When evaluating an entity for consolidation, Douglas Elliman first determines whether an entity is within the scope of the guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”) and if it is deemed to be a VIE. If the entity is considered to be a VIE, Douglas Elliman determines whether it would be considered the entity’s primary beneficiary. Douglas Elliman consolidates those VIEs for which it has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. Additionally, Douglas Elliman will consolidate an entity that is not deemed a VIE upon a determination that it has a controlling financial interest. If Douglas Elliman determines it does not have a controlling financial interest in an entity that is a VIE, it does not consolidate the entity. For entities where Douglas Elliman does not have a controlling financial interest, the investments in such entities are classified as available-for-sale securities or accounted for using the equity or cost method, as appropriate.
Estimates and Assumptions Estimates and Assumptions:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates subject to material changes in the near term include impairment charges and valuation of intangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Cash includes cash on hand, cash on deposit in banks, and money market accounts. Cash equivalents include short-term investments which have an original maturity of three months or less. Interest on short-term investments is recognized when earned. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with large commercial banks. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Securities Investor Protection Corporation insure these balances, up to $250 and $500, respectively. Substantially all the Company’s cash balances at December 31, 2024 are uninsured.
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash:
Restricted cash amounts included in current assets and other assets represent cash and cash equivalents required to be deposited into escrow for amounts required for letters of credit related to office leases, and certain deposit requirements for banking arrangements. The restrictions related to the letters of credit will remain in place for the duration of the respective lease. The restrictions related to the banking arrangements will remain in place for the duration of the arrangement.
Investment Securities Investment Securities:
The Company classifies investments in debt securities as trading. Investments classified as trading are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Gains and losses are recognized when realized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The cost of securities sold is determined based on average cost.
Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk:
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables. The Company places its temporary cash in money market securities (investment grade or better) with, what management believes are, high credit quality financial institutions.
Receivables Receivables:
Receivables primarily consist of commissions earned on sales transactions which closed prior to the Company’s year-end but for which the related commissions have not yet been received. The Company provides an allowance for credit losses on uncollectible receivables based principally on the specific identification method. There are no allowances for credit losses for commission receivables as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Uncollectible accounts are written off when the likelihood of collection is remote and when collection efforts have been abandoned.
Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net:
Property and equipment, net are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which are 3 to 10 years for furniture and equipment.
The cost and related accumulated depreciation of property and equipment, net are removed from the accounts upon retirement or other disposition and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.
The cost of leasehold improvements is amortized over the lesser of the related leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Costs of major additions and betterments are capitalized, while expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Investments accounted for under the equity-method of accounting Investments accounted for under the equity-method of accounting:
In accounting for its equity-method investments, the Company identified its participation in VIEs, which are defined as (a) entities in which the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the equity investors at risk lack 1) the power to direct the activities of a legal entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, 2) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or 3) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) as a group, the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the entity’s activities involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest.
The Company’s interest in VIEs is primarily in the form of equity ownership. The Company examines specific criteria and uses judgment when determining if the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered include risk and
reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other partner(s), voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions, representation on a VIE’s executive committee, existence of unilateral kick-out rights exclusive of protective rights or voting rights and level of economic disproportionality between the Company and its other partner(s).
Accounting guidance requires the consolidation of VIEs in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The guidance requires consolidation of VIEs that an enterprise has a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) 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.
The Company’s maximum exposure to loss in its investments in unconsolidated VIEs is limited to its investment in the VIE, any unfunded capital commitments to the VIE, and, in some cases, guarantees in connection with debt on the specific project.
On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates its equity-method investments to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If so, the Company further investigates to determine if an impairment has occurred and whether such impairment is considered temporary or other than temporary. The Company believes that the assessment of temporary or other-than-temporary impairment is facts-and-circumstances driven.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:
Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized and are tested for impairment on an annual basis, as of October 1, or whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company follows ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, and subsequent updates including ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment and ASU 2017-14, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendments permit entities to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value or chooses to bypass the optional qualitative assessment, the Company then assesses recoverability by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount; otherwise, no further impairment test would be required. The fair value of the intangible asset associated with the Douglas Elliman trademark is determined using a “relief from royalty payments” method. This approach involves two steps: (i) estimating reasonable royalty rates for its trademark associated with the Douglas Elliman trademark and (ii) applying these royalty rates to a net sales stream and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine fair value. This fair value is then compared with the carrying value of the trademark. As discussed in Note 9, in the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company utilized third-party valuation specialists to prepare a quantitative assessment of its goodwill and trademark intangible assets, based on the current market conditions in the residential real estate brokerage industry which did not result in impairment charges related to its goodwill or trademark for the year ended December 31, 2024. If the Company fails to achieve the financial projections used in the quantitative assessments of fair value and current market conditions deteriorate, impairment charges could result in future periods, and such impairment charges could be material.
Goodwill from acquisitions represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the underlying acquired net tangible and intangible assets. Factors that contribute to the recognition of goodwill in the Company’s acquisitions include (i) expected growth rates and profitability of the acquired companies, (ii) securing buyer-specific synergies that increase revenue and profits and are not otherwise available to market participants, (iii) significant cost savings opportunities, (iv) experienced workforce and (v) the Company’s strategies for growth in sales, income and cash flows.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate long-lived assets described below.
Impairment Long-Lived Assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company performs a test for recoverability, comparing projected undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group to determine if impairment exists. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value of the asset on the basis of discounted cash flow. Impairment losses on assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal.
Additionally, the Company performs impairment reviews on its long-term investments that are classified as equity securities without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the net asset value (“NAV”) practical expedient. On a
quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the investments to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If so, a determination is made of whether there is an impairment and if it is considered temporary or other than temporary. The assessment of temporary or other-than-temporary impairment is facts-and-circumstances driven. The impairment indicators that are taken into consideration as part of the analysis include (a) a significant deterioration in the earnings performance, credit rating, asset quality, or business prospects of the investee, (b) a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic, or technological environment of the investee, (c) a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry in which the investee operates, and (d) factors that raise significant concerns about the investee’s ability to continue as a going concern, such as negative cash flows from operations, working capital deficiencies, or noncompliance with statutory capital requirements or debt covenants.
Leases Leases:
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the duration of the lease term. Lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments as determined by the lease agreement. Lease liabilities are recorded at commencement for the net present value of future lease payments over the lease term. The discount rate used is the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate unless the lessor’s implicit rate is readily determinable. Discount rates are calculated periodically to estimate the rate the Company would pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value, over a similar term, with a similar security. ROU assets are recorded and recognized at commencement for the lease liability amount, initial direct costs incurred and are reduced for lease incentives received. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components; the Company has elected the accounting policy to combine lease and non-lease components for all underlying asset classes.
Stock Awards Stock Awards:The Company accounts for employee stock compensation plans by measuring compensation cost for share-based payments at fair value at the grant date. The fair value is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. The terms of restricted stock awarded under the 2021 Management Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) provide for common stock dividend equivalents (paid in cash at the same rate as paid on the common stock) with respect to the shares underlying the unvested portion of the restricted stock award. The Company recognizes payments of the dividend equivalent rights on these restricted stock awards on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as reductions in additional paid-in capital ($0 and $307 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively), which are included as “Distributions and dividends on common stock” in the Company’s consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity.
Income Taxes Income Taxes:
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method and records deferred taxes for the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for tax purposes as well as tax credit carryforwards and loss carryforwards. These deferred taxes are measured by applying the enacted tax rates relative to when the deferred item is expected to reverse. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is deemed more likely than not that some portion or all deferred tax assets will not be realized. A current tax provision is recorded for income taxes currently payable.
The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes by recognizing tax liabilities when, despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are supportable, the Company believes that certain positions may not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities. Benefits from tax positions are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences impact income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made. Interest and penalties, if any, related to accrued liabilities for potential tax assessments are included in income tax expense.
Contingencies Contingencies:
The Company and its subsidiaries record provisions in its consolidated financial statements for pending litigation when they determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.
Distributions and Dividends on Common Stock Distributions and Dividends on Common Stock:
The Company records distributions on its common stock as dividends in its consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity to the extent of retained earnings. Any amounts exceeding retained earnings are recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in-capital to the extent paid-in-capital is available and then to retained earnings (accumulated deficit). The Company’s stock dividends are recorded as stock splits and given retroactive effect to earnings per share for all years presented.
Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition:
Commissions and other brokerage income: Real estate commissions earned by the Company’s real estate brokerage businesses are recognized as revenue when the real estate sale is completed or lease agreement is executed, which is the point in time that the performance obligation is satisfied. Any commission and other payments received in advance are deferred until the satisfaction of the performance obligation. Corresponding agent commission expenses, including any advance commission or other direct expense payments, are deferred and recognized as agent commission expenses concurrently with related revenues. The accounting for these commissions and other brokerage income under Topic 606 are largely consistent with the previous accounting for these transactions under Topic 605, except for customer arrangements in the development marketing business and extended payments terms that exist in some commercial leasing contracts.
Property management: Property management revenue arrangements consist of providing operational and administrative services to manage a subject property. Fees for these services are typically billed and collected monthly. Property management service fees are recognized as revenue over time using the output method as the performance obligations under the customer arrangement are satisfied each month.
Ancillary services: Ancillary services revenue earned by the Company related primarily to title and escrow services. These services are recognized as revenue when the real estate sale is completed, which is the point in time that the performance obligation is satisfied.
Real estate agent commissions expense Real estate agent commissions expense:
Real estate agent commissions expense consists of commissions paid to the Company’s agents, who are independent contractors, upon the closing of a real estate transaction and fees paid to external brokerages for client referrals, which are recognized and paid upon the closing of a real estate transaction.
Sales and marketing expenses and General and administrative expenses Sales and marketing expenses:
Sales and marketing expenses consists primarily of marketing and advertising expenses, compensation and other personnel-related costs for employees supporting sales, marketing, expansion and related functions, occupancy-related costs and agent acquisition incentives. Advertising expense primarily includes the cost of marketing activities such as print advertising, online advertising and promotional items, which are expensed as incurred. Compensation and other personnel-related costs include salaries, benefits, bonuses and other compensation expense.
General and administrative expenses:
General and administrative expenses consists primarily of compensation, stock-based compensation expense and other personnel-related costs for executive management and administrative employees, including finance and accounting, legal, human resources and communications, the occupancy costs for its headquarters and other offices supporting its administrative functions, and transition services paid to its Former Parent for the use of office space and employees, professional services fees for legal and finance, insurance expenses and talent acquisition expenses.
Operations and support expenses Operations and support expenses:
Operations and support expenses consists primarily of compensation and other personnel-related costs for employees supporting agents, third-party consulting and professional services costs (not included in general and administrative or technology), fair value adjustments to contingent consideration for the Company’s acquisitions and other related expenses.
Technology expenses Technology expenses:
Technology expenses consist primarily of compensation and other personnel-related costs for employees in the product, engineering and technology functions, website hosting expenses, software licenses and equipment, third-party consulting costs, data licenses of PropTech and other related expenses associated with the implementation of our technology initiatives.
Restructuring Restructuring:Employee severance and benefits expensed for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 relate entirely to the reduction in staff and are cash charges. All amounts expensed for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are included in Restructuring expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The following table presents the changes in the employee severance and benefits liability for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income:
The Company does not have any activity that results in Other Comprehensive Income; therefore, no statement of Comprehensive Income is included in the consolidated financial statements.
Subsequent Events Subsequent Events:
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through March 17, 2025, the date the financial statements were issued.
New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements:
Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) adopted in 2024:
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280), Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU requires that all public entities improve the reportable segment disclosure primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted the guidance for the year ended December 31, 2024. Refer to Note 18 for additional information relating to the Company’s segment reporting.
ASUs to be adopted in future periods:
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU requires that all public entities on an annual basis (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements and anticipates adopting the standard in the year ended December 31, 2025.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement (Topic 220) – Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The ASU requires enhanced disclosures around disaggregation of certain income statement expense lines into specified categories. The new standard is effective on a prospective basis for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements and anticipates adopting the standard in the year ended December 31, 2026
SEC Rule Changes:
On March 6, 2024, the SEC passed rule changes that would have required registrants to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports. The rules required information about a registrant's climate-related risks that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on its business, results of operations, or financial condition. The required information about climate-related risks would have also included disclosure of a registrant's greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the rules would have required registrants to present certain climate-related financial metrics in their audited financial statements. On April 4, 2024, the SEC issued an order staying such proposed rule changes. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the rule changes.
Earnings Per Share
Basic EPS is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders attributed to Douglas Elliman Inc. by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, which will include vested restricted stock.