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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Revenue from contracts with customers from the Company's six reportable operating segments and the All Other category during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 is reported below.
Capital
Markets
Wealth
Management
Auction and
Liquidation
Financial
Consulting
CommunicationsConsumer ProductsAll OtherTotal
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023:
       
Corporate finance, consulting and investment banking fees$190,480 $— $— $83,045 $— $— $— $273,525 
Wealth and asset management fees4,060 177,283 — — — — — 181,343 
Commissions, fees and reimbursed expenses32,436 9,993 29,062 50,660 — — — 122,151 
Subscription services— — — — 324,758 — — 324,758 
Sale of goods— — 74,203 — 6,737 233,202 364 314,506 
Advertising, licensing and other— — — — 6,194 — 66,128 72,322 
Total revenues from contracts with customers226,976 187,276 103,265 133,705 337,689 233,202 66,492 1,288,605 
       
Interest income - Loans and securities lending284,896 — — — — — — 284,896 
Trading gains on investments16,845 4,758 — — — — — 21,603 
Fair value adjustment on loans20,225 — — — — — — 20,225 
Other22,060 6,211 — — — — — 28,271 
Total revenues$571,002 $198,245 $103,265 $133,705 $337,689 $233,202 $66,492 $1,643,600 
Capital
Markets
Wealth
Management
Auction and
Liquidation
Financial
Consulting
CommunicationsConsumer ProductsAll OtherTotal
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022:
       
Corporate finance, consulting and investment banking fees$169,955 $— $— $58,143 $— $— $— $228,098 
Wealth and asset management fees12,547 204,805 — — — — — 217,352 
Commissions, fees and reimbursed expenses41,316 19,299 12,581 40,365 — — — 113,561 
Subscription services— — — — 219,379 — — 219,379 
Sale of goods— — 56,928 — 7,526 77,821 — 142,275 
Advertising, licensing and other— — — — 8,750 — 32,737 41,487 
Total revenues from contracts with customers223,818 224,104 69,509 98,508 235,655 77,821 32,737 962,152 
       
Interest income - Loans and securities lending240,813 — 4,587 — — — — 245,400 
Trading (losses) gains on investments(151,816)3,522 — — — — — (148,294)
Fair value adjustment on loans(54,334)— — — — — — (54,334)
Other69,115 6,631 — — — — — 75,746 
Total revenues$327,596 $234,257 $74,096 $98,508 $235,655 $77,821 $32,737 $1,080,670 
Capital
Markets
Wealth
Management
Auction and
Liquidation
Financial
Consulting
CommunicationsAll OtherTotal
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021:
Corporate finance, consulting and investment banking fees$484,247 $— $— $56,439 $— $— $540,686 
Wealth and asset management fees6,769 282,711 — — — — 289,480 
Commissions, fees and reimbursed expenses48,382 75,776 19,079 37,873 — — 181,110 
Subscription services— — — — 79,149 — 79,149 
Service contract revenues— — 1,090 — — — 1,090 
Sale of goods— — 53,348 — 4,857 — 58,205 
Advertising, licensing and other— — — — 9,341 20,308 29,649 
Total revenues from contracts with customers539,398 358,487 73,517 94,312 93,347 20,308 1,179,369 
       
Interest income - Loans and securities lending122,723 — — — — — 122,723 
Trading gains on investments203,287 7,623 — — — — 210,910 
Fair value adjustment on loans9,635 — — — — — 9,635 
Other16,187 15,874 — — — — 32,061 
Total revenues$891,230 $381,984 $73,517 $94,312 $93,347 $20,308 $1,554,698 
Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or performance obligations for services is transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the goods or services. A performance obligation may be satisfied over time or at a point in time. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied over time is recognized by measuring the Company’s progress in satisfying the
performance obligation in a manner that depicts the transfer of the goods or services to the customer. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied at a point in time is recognized at the point in time that we determine the customer obtains control over the promised good or service. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those promised goods or services (i.e., the “transaction price”). In determining the transaction price, the Company considers multiple factors, including the effects of variable consideration. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainties with respect to the amount are resolved. In determining when to include variable consideration in the transaction price, the Company considers the range of possible outcomes, the predictive value of the Company’s past experiences, the time period of when uncertainties expect to be resolved and the amount of consideration that is susceptible to factors outside of our influence, such as market volatility or the judgment and actions of third parties. Payment terms vary by customer with due dates varying in advance of service or upon invoice of the service or for the sale of goods with credit terms. Revenues by geographic region by segment is included in Note 23 – Business Segments.
The following provides detailed information on the recognition of the Company’s revenues from contracts with customers:
Corporate finance, consulting and investment banking fees. Fees earned from corporate finance and investment banking services are derived from debt, equity and convertible securities offerings in which the Company acted as an underwriter or placement agent. Fees from underwriting activities are recognized as revenues when the performance obligation for the services related to the underwriting transaction is satisfied under the terms of the engagement and is not subject to any other contingencies. Fees are also earned from financial advisory and consulting services rendered in connection with client mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, recapitalizations and other strategic transactions. The performance obligation for financial advisory services is satisfied over time as work progresses on the engagement and services are delivered to the client. Fees earned from bankruptcy, financial advisory, forensic accounting and real estate consulting services are rendered to clients over time as work progresses on the engagement and services are delivered to the client. Fees may also include success and performance based fees which are recognized as revenue when the performance obligation is no longer constrained and it is not probable that the revenue recognized would be subject to significant reversal in a future period. The performance obligation for financial advisory services may also include success and performance based fees which are recognized as revenue when the performance obligation is no longer constrained and it is not probable that the revenue recognized would be subject to significant reversal in a future period. Generally, it is probable that the revenue recognized is no longer subject to significant reversal upon the closing of the investment banking transaction.
Wealth and asset management fees. Fees from wealth and asset management services consist primarily of investment management fees that are recognized over the period the performance obligation for the services are provided. Investment management fees are primarily comprised of fees for investment management services and are generally based on the dollar amount of the assets being managed.
Commissions, fees and reimbursed expenses. Commissions and other fees from clients for trading activities are earned from equity securities transactions executed as agent or principal are recorded at a point in time on a trade date basis. Commission, fees and reimbursed expenses earned on the sale of goods at Auction and Liquidation sales are recognized when evidence of a contract or arrangement exists, the transaction price has been determined, and the performance obligation has been satisfied when control of the product and risks of ownership has been transferred to the buyer. Revenues from fees and reimbursed expenses for valuation services to clients are recognized when the performance obligation is completed and is generally at the point in time upon delivery of the report to the customer.
Subscription services. Subscription service revenues are primarily earned from the Communications segment's service contracts and are recognized in the period in which the transaction price has been determinable and the related performance obligations for services are provided to the customer. UOL pay accounts generally pay in advance for their internet access services and revenues are then recognized ratably over the service period. Subscription service revenues from magicJack include (a) revenues for initial access rights, which are recognized ratably over the service term, (b) revenues from access rights renewal, which are recognized ratably over the extended access right period; (c) revenues from access and wholesale charges, which are recognized as calls are terminated to the network; (d) revenues from UCaaS services, which are recognized in the period the services are provided over the term of the customer agreements; and (e) prepaid international long distance minutes, which are recognized as the minutes are used or expired. Subscription service revenues from our mobile phone business include revenues from mobile voice, text, and data services and are recognized
ratably over the service period. Voice, text, and data overage charges are recognized over time as the consumer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits each period as the Company performs.
Service contract revenues. Service contract revenues are primarily earned from Auction and Liquidation services contracts where the Company guarantees a minimum recovery value for goods being sold at auction or liquidation are recognized over time when the performance obligation is satisfied. The Company generally uses the cost-to-cost measure of progress for its contracts because it best depicts the transfer of services to the customer which occurs as the Company incurs costs on its contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Revenues, including estimated fees or profits, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. Costs to fulfill the contract include labor and other direct costs incurred by the Company related to the contract. Due to the nature of the guarantees and performance obligations under these contracts, the estimation of revenue that is ultimately earned is complex and subject to many variables and requires significant judgment. It is common for these contracts to contain provisions that can either increase or decrease the transaction price upon completion of our performance obligations under the contract. Estimated amounts are included in the transaction price at the most likely amount it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur. The Company’s estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether or not to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based on an assessment of its anticipated performance under the contract taking into consideration all historical, current and forecasted information that is reasonably available to the Company.
If the Company determines that the variable consideration used in the initial determination of the transaction price for the contract is such that the total recoveries from the auction or liquidation will not exceed the guaranteed recovery values or advances made in accordance with the contract, the transaction price will be reduced and a loss or negative revenue could result from the performance obligation. A provision for the entire loss as negative revenue on the performance obligation is recognized in the period the loss is determined.
Sale of goods. Sale of goods primarily consists of the sale of magicJack and Marconi Wireless devices, amounts from the sale of goods acquired in Auction and Liquidation asset purchase agreements, and amounts from the sale of goods from Targus in the Consumer Products segment. Revenues from the sale of magicJack and Marconi Wireless devices are recognized upon delivery (when control transfers to the customer). Sale of product revenues also include the related shipping and handling and installment fees, if applicable. Revenues from the sale of goods acquired in Auction and Liquidation asset purchase agreements are recognized when control of the product and risks of ownership has been transferred to the buyer. Revenue from the sale of Targus goods is recognized when control of the product transfers to the customer, generally upon product shipment. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for the transfer of product. There are no significant judgments or estimates made to determine the amount or timing of reported revenues. Sales terms do not allow for a right of return except for matters related to products with defects or damages.
Advertising, licensing and other. Advertising revenues consist of amounts from UOL’s Internet search partner that are generated as a result of users utilizing the partner’s Internet search services and amounts generated from display advertisements. Advertising revenues are recognized in the period in which the advertisement is displayed or, for performance-based arrangements, when the related performance criteria are met. In determining whether an arrangement exists, the Company ensures that a written contract is in place, such as a standard insertion order or a customer-specific agreement. The Company assesses whether performance criteria have been met and whether the transaction price is determinable based on a reconciliation of the performance criteria and the payment terms associated with the transaction. The reconciliation of the performance criteria generally includes a comparison of customer-provided performance data to the contractual performance obligation and to internal or third-party performance data in circumstances where that data is available.
Licensing revenue results from various license agreements that provide revenue based on guaranteed minimum royalty amounts and advertising/marketing fees with additional royalty revenue based on a percentage of defined sales. Guaranteed minimum royalty amounts are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the full contract term. Royalty payments exceeding the guaranteed minimum amounts in a specific contract year are recognized only subsequent to when the guaranteed minimum amount has been achieved. Other licensing fees are recognized at a point in time once the performance obligations have been satisfied. Payments received as consideration for the grant of a license are recorded as deferred revenue at the time payment is received and recognized ratably as revenue over the term of the license agreement. Advanced royalty payments are recorded as deferred revenue at the time payment is received and recognized as revenue when earned. Revenue is not recognized unless collectability is probable.
Other income primarily consists of services revenues from the operations of a regional environmental services business, bebe, and a landscaping business. The environmental services business is engaged in the recycling of scrap and waste materials and deals primarily in paper products. Customer arrangements contain a single obligation to transfer processed recycled goods and revenues are recognized at a point in time as processing fees when the performance obligation is satisfied. bebe's revenues are primarily from rental fees of merchandise, and revenue is recognized over the rental term. The landscaping business provides landscaping maintenance, improvements, and irrigation services to its customers. Revenues are recognized as the services are performed, which is typically ratably over the term of the contract.
Information on Remaining Performance Obligations and Revenue Recognized from Past Performance
The Company does not disclose information about remaining performance obligations pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less. The transaction price allocated to remaining unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligation(s) with an original expected duration exceeding one year was not material as of December 31, 2023. Corporate finance and investment banking fees and retail liquidation engagement fees that are contingent upon completion of a specific milestone and fees associated with certain distribution services are also excluded as the fees are considered variable and not included in the transaction price as of December 31, 2023.
Contract Balances
The timing of the Company’s revenue recognition may differ from the timing of payment by its customers. The Company records a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to payment and the Company has an unconditional right to payment. Alternatively, when payment precedes the provision of the related services, the Company records deferred revenue until the performance obligation(s) are satisfied. Receivables related to revenues from contracts with customers totaled $115,496, $149,110, and $49,673 as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The Company had no significant impairments related to these receivables during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. The Company also has $13,402, $14,144, and $12,315 of unbilled receivables included in prepaid expenses and other assets as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The Company’s deferred revenue primarily relates to retainer and milestone fees received from corporate finance and investment banking advisory engagements, asset management agreements, financial consulting engagements, subscription services where the performance obligation has not yet been satisfied and license agreements with guaranteed minimum royalty payments and advertising/marketing fees with additional royalty revenue based on a percentage of defined sales. Deferred revenue as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $71,504, $85,441, and $69,507, respectively. The Company expects to recognize the deferred revenue of $71,504 as of December 31, 2023 as service and fee revenues when the performance obligation is met during the years December 31, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 in the amount of $47,627, $11,206, $5,776, $2,578, and $1,479, respectively. The Company expects to recognize the deferred revenue of $2,838 after December 31, 2028.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized revenue of $51,107, $37,254, and $39,906 that was recorded as deferred revenue at the beginning of each period, respectively.
Contract Costs
Contract costs include: (1) costs to fulfill contracts associated with corporate finance and investment banking engagements are capitalized where the revenue is recognized at a point in time and the costs are determined to be recoverable; (2) costs to fulfill Auction and Liquidation services contracts where the Company guarantees a minimum recovery value for goods being sold at auction or liquidation where the revenue is recognized over time when the performance obligation is satisfied; and (3) commissions paid to obtain magicJack contracts which are recognized ratably over the contract term and third party support costs for magicJack and related equipment purchased by customers which are recognized ratably over the service period.
The capitalized costs to fulfill a contract were $8,131, $5,990, and $1,605 as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, and are recorded in prepaid expenses and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized expenses of $4,677, $3,117, and $580 related to capitalized costs to fulfill a contract, respectively. There were no significant impairment charges recognized in relation to these capitalized costs during years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.