XML 19 R9.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.24.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
The Company has reflected CES as a discontinued operation in its consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. Unless otherwise noted, all amounts and disclosures throughout these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relate to the Company's continuing operations. (See Note 3 for additional information).
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates, include, but are not limited to, the valuation of equity method investments, incentive fee revenue recognition, and the valuation of deferred tax assets. Assumptions made in the development of these estimates contemplate both the macroeconomic landscape and the Company's anticipated results, however actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
Fiscal Year
Comstock uses a fiscal reporting calendar which begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. The fiscal years presented are the years ended December 31, 2022 (“2022”) and December 31, 2021 (“2021”). Each of the Company’s fiscal quarters ends on the last day of the calendar month.
Segment Information
Operating segments are defined as components of a business that can earn revenue and incur expenses for which discrete financial information is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in order to decide how to allocate resources and assess performance.
Prior to June 30, 2021, the Company operated its business through two segments: Asset Management and Real Estate Services. Given the classification of CES as a discontinued operation, the Company now manages its business as one reportable operating segment.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and short-term investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these investments.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at the amount invoiced. The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts on an as-needed basis to reduce the trade accounts receivables balance by the estimated amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. The allowance for doubtful accounts estimate is based on the accounts receivable aging report, historical collection experience, and the payee's general financial condition. The Company does not record an allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable from related parties due to the nature of the receivables and collection history. As of December 31, 2022, the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.1 million.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable from related parties. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents in financial institutions that management believes to be financially sound and with minimal credit risk. At times the Company's deposits exceed federally insured limits, however management believes that the Company’s credit risk exposure is mitigated by the financial strength of the banking institutions in which the deposits are held. The Company does a significant amount of business with related parties, demonstrated by related parties accounting for 98.5% of its consolidated revenue and 86.7% of its accounts receivable in 2022. The Company generally does not obtain collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to credit risk, but monitors the credit standing of its related party entities.
Investments in Real Estate Ventures
The Company invests in certain real estate ventures that qualify for equity method accounting treatment. Based on elections made at the investment date, the Company has elected to record certain equity method investments at fair value. With this treatment, investments are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets and subsequently remeasured at each reporting period. The fair value of these investments as of the balance sheet date is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, income approach, or sales-comparable approach, depending on the unique characteristics of the real estate venture. Assumptions about the discount rate are based on a weighted average cost of capital built up from various interest rate components applicable to the Company. Assumptions about the growth rate and future financial performance of a reporting unit are based on the Company's forecasts, business plans, economic projections and anticipated future cash flows. Market multiples are derived from recent transactions among comparable real estate properties of similar size, construct, and location. The net change in the fair value of the investments is recorded on the consolidated statements of operations as other income (expense).

In addition, the Company performs an analysis on its investments in real estate ventures to determine if they qualify as a variable interest entity (“VIE”). For an entity in which we have acquired an interest, the entity will be considered a VIE if either of the following characteristics are met: (i) the entity lacks sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or (ii) equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. If an entity is determined to be a VIE, the Company then determines if it is the primary beneficiary to determine if the entity needs to be included in its consolidated financial results. The primary beneficiary has both (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company considers a variety of factors in identifying the entity that holds the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, including evaluating the nature of relationships and activities of the parties involved and, where necessary, determining which party within a related-party group is most closely associated with the VIE and would therefore be considered the primary beneficiary. The Company determines primary beneficiary status of a VIE at the time of investment and performs ongoing reassessments to evaluate whether changes in the entity’s capital structure or changes in the nature of its involvement with the entity result in a change to the VIE designation or a change to its consolidation conclusion. (See Note 5 for additional information)
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are as follows:
Asset ClassEstimated Useful Life
Leasehold improvements
Shorter of asset life or related lease term
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Office equipment
5 years
Vehicles
5 years
Computer equipment
3 years
Capitalized software
3 years
Evaluation of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the amount of any impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
On an annual basis, and at interim periods when circumstances require, the Company tests the recoverability of any goodwill and intangible assets balances that exist at that time and reviews for indicators of impairment. The Company performs impairment assessments at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, also known as a component. To test for the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment based on economic, industry and company-specific factors for all or selected reporting units to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. Based on the results of the qualitative assessment, two additional steps in the impairment assessment may be required. The first step would require a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to the respective carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss on a relative fair value basis, if any.
Fair Value Measurement
The Company applies fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities that are reported at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The accounting guidance establishes a defined three-tier hierarchy to classify and disclose the fair value of assets and liabilities on both the date of their initial measurement as well as all subsequent periods. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value by the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are described as follows:
Level 1: Observable inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
Level 2: Observable inputs other than the quoted price. Includes quoted prices for similar instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets and amounts derived from valuation models where all significant inputs are observable in active markets; and
Level 3: Unobservable inputs. Includes amounts derived from valuation models where one or more significant inputs are unobservable and require the Company to develop relevant assumptions.
The Company evaluates its financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis to determine the appropriate level of classification as of each reporting period.
Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement contains a lease and the classification of a lease, if applicable, is made at lease commencement, at which time the Company also measures and recognizes a right-of-use ("ROU") asset, representing the Company’s right to use the underlying asset, and a lease liability, representing the Company’s obligation to make lease payments under the terms of the arrangement. Operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments (e.g. rent) over the lease term beginning at the commencement date. The operating lease assets are adjusted for lease incentives, deferred rent, and initial direct costs, if incurred. The related lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company's leases generally do not include an implicit rate; therefore, an incremental borrowing rate is used that is based on information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of future minimum lease payments. The Company typically looks to the floating rate of interest charged under the Company's existing credit facility at the time of lease commencement when determining the incremental borrowing rate.
For the purposes of recognizing operating lease assets and liabilities, the Company has elected the practical expedient to not recognize an asset or lease liability for short-term leases, which are leases with a term of twelve months or less. The lease term is defined as the non-cancelable portion of the lease term plus any periods covered by an option to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised.
Revenue
The Company’s revenue streams, revenue recognition policies, and cost of revenue details are summarized by the following:
Asset Management/Property Management
Asset management pricing includes a cost-plus management fee or a market-rate fee form of variable consideration, and the Company earns whichever is higher. Property Management pricing is generally in the form of a monthly management fee based upon property-level cash receipts, square footage under management, or some other variable metric. In addition, property management revenue includes reimbursable expenses such as payroll and other employee costs for those performing services at managed properties.
Asset and property management services represent a series of distinct daily services rendered over time. The revenue for asset and property management services is presented gross for any services provided by the Company's employees and presented net of third-party reimbursements in instances where the Company does not control third-party services delivered to the client. Consistent with the transfer of control for distinct, daily services to the customer, revenue is typically recognized at the end of each period for the fees associated with the services performed.
Capital Markets
Compensation for commercial mortgage and structured financing services is received via fees paid upon successful commercial financing from third-party lenders. The earned fees are contingent upon the funding of the loan, which represents the transfer of control for services to the customer. Therefore, the Company's performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time of the funding of the loan, when there is a present right to payment.
Leasing
Compensation for providing strategic advice and execution for owners, investors, and occupiers is received in the form of a commission. The commission is paid upon signing of the lease by the tenant, therefore the Company's performance obligation is satisfied at the time of the contractual event, where there is a present right to payment.
Project & Development Services
Fees for project and development services for owners and occupiers of real estate are typically variable and based on a percentage of the total project cost. Project and development services represent a series of performance obligations delivered over time, therefore the Company recognizes revenue over time for these services accordingly.
Incentive Fees
Pursuant to the 2022 AMA, incentive compensation fees revenue ("Incentive Fees") may be earned on certain managed real estate assets if defined triggering events, which are differentiated based on the classification of the assets, are achieved. (See Note 14 for additional information)
Incentive Fees are calculated as a percentage of the imputed profit that would be realized upon the hypothetical sale or recapitalization of the asset (or assets) for which triggering event criteria were met. The calculation of imputed profit is based on a fair market value assessment that includes highly variable financial inputs and must also consider macro-economic and environmental factors that may affect fair market value. Due to the subjective and potentially volatile nature of this variable consideration, revenue is only recognized on Incentive Fees for each managed asset when 1) any material uncertainties associated with the valuation of real estate assets that drive Incentive Fees are substantially resolved and 2) it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of related cumulative Incentive Fee revenue recognized will not occur. As a result, the Company has only
recognized Incentive Fees at or near each asset's respective triggering event (as detailed in the 2022 AMA) when imputed profit can be reasonably calculated and relied upon to not materially change.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue is composed primarily of employment expenses for personnel dedicated to providing services to the Anchor Portfolio as well as the costs and expenses of the Company related to maintaining the public listing of its shares and complying with related regulatory and reporting obligations pursuant to the 2022 AMA. It also includes payroll and other reimbursable expenses incurred under the Company's various property management agreements.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock units is measured based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the grant-date fair value of stock option awards. The exercise price of stock option awards is set to equal the quoted closing market price of the underlying common stock at the date of the grant. The following weighted-average assumptions are also used to calculate the estimated fair value of stock option awards:
Expected volatility: The expected volatility of the Company’s shares is estimated using the historical stock price volatility over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected term of the awards.
Expected term: The Company determines the expected term by calculating the weighted-average period of time between the grant date and exercise or post-vesting cancellation date of all outstanding stock options.
Dividend yield: The Company has not paid dividends and does not anticipate paying a cash dividend in the foreseeable future and, accordingly, uses an expected dividend yield of zero.
Risk-free interest rate: The Company bases the risk-free interest rate on the implied yield available on a U.S. Treasury note with a term equal to the estimated expected term of the awards.
The Company applies the graded vesting attribution method to recognize compensation expense for stock-based awards. Using this method, the estimated grant-date fair value of the award is recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche as though each tranche of the award is, in substance, a separate award. This advanced recognition expense from future vesting tranches results in the accelerated recognition of the overall compensation cost related to the award. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur. For awards with a performance-based vesting condition, the Company accrues stock-based compensation expense if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with ASC 740. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on the deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We provide a valuation allowance when we consider it “more likely than not” (greater than 50% probability) that a deferred income tax asset will not be fully recovered. Adjustments to the valuation allowance are a component of the deferred income tax expense or benefit in the consolidated statements of operations.
For interim periods, an income tax provision (benefit) is recognized based on the estimated annual effective tax rate expected for the entire fiscal year. The interim annual estimated effective tax rate is based on the statutory tax rates then in effect, as adjusted for estimated changes in permanent differences, and excludes certain discrete items whose tax effect, when material, is recognized in the interim period in which they occur. These changes in permanent differences and discrete items result in variances to the effective tax rate from period to period. Impacts from significant pre-tax, non-recognized subsequent events are excluded from the interim estimated annual effective rate until the period in which they occur.
Net Income (Loss) per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, without consideration for common share equivalents or any impacts from Preferred Stock activity. Common share equivalents consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock unit awards. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the fully diluted weighted-average number of common
shares outstanding during the period. The diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding amount includes the impact of common share equivalents, which are the incremental shares of common stock that would be issuable upon the hypothetical exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock unit awards. The common stock equivalents are calculated using the treasury stock method and average market prices during the periods, and are included in the diluted net income (loss) per share calculation unless their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This guidance is intended to introduce a revised approach to the recognition and measurement of credit losses, emphasizing an updated model based on current expected credit losses ("CECL") rather than incurred losses. The standard will become effective for the Company for financial statement periods beginning after December 15, 2022, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.