Marcus Millichap Inc

Previous wording

We are a leading national real estate services firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing services, research, and advisory services. We have been the top commercial real estate investment broker in the United States based on the number of investment transactions for more than 15 years. As of December 31, 2023, we had 1,783 investment sales and financing professionals that are primarily exclusive independent contractors operating in more than 80 offices, who provide real estate brokerage and financing services to sellers and buyers of commercial real estate assets. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we closed 7,546 investment sales, financing and other transactions with total sales volume of approximately $43.6 billion. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we closed 12,272 investment sales, financing and other transactions with total sales volume of approximately $86.3 billion.

Current wording

We are a leading national real estate services firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing services, research, and advisory services. We have been the top commercial real estate investment broker in the United States based on the number of investment transactions for more than 15 years. As of December 31, 2024, we had 1,712 investment sales and financing professionals that are primarily exclusive independent contractors operating in more than 80 offices, who provide real estate brokerage and financing services to sellers and buyers of commercial real estate assets. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we closed 7,836 investment sales, financing and other transactions with total sales volume of approximately $49.6 billion. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we closed 7,546 investment sales, financing and other transactions with total sales volume of approximately $43.6 billion.

Previous wording

We generate revenue by collecting real estate brokerage commissions upon the sale, and financing fees upon the financing of commercial properties, by providing equity advisory services and loan sales, loan guarantees and providing consulting and advisory services. Real estate brokerage commissions are typically based upon the value of the property and financing fees are typically based upon the size of the loan. During the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 87% of our revenue was generated from real estate brokerage commissions, 10% from financing fees and 3% from other revenue, including consulting and advisory services.

Current wording

We generate revenue by collecting real estate brokerage commissions upon the sale, and financing fees upon the financing of commercial properties, by providing equity advisory services and loan sales, loan guarantees and providing consulting and advisory services. Real estate brokerage commissions are typically based upon the value of the property and financing fees are typically based upon the size of the loan. During the year ended December 31, 2024, approximately 85% of our revenue was generated from real estate brokerage commissions, 12% from financing fees and 3% from other revenue, including consulting and advisory services.

Previous wording

Credit and liquidity issues in the financial markets have a direct impact on the flow of capital to the commercial real estate market. Real estate purchases are often financed with debt, and as a result, credit and liquidity impact transaction activity and prices. Movements of interest rates in one direction, whether increasing or decreasing, could adversely or positively affect the operations and income potential of commercial real estate properties, as well as lender and equity underwriting for real estate investments. These changes directly influence investor demand for commercial real estate investments. Furthermore, the use of debt or loan-to-value ratios can shift along with lender confidence and underwriting standards. At times of heightened uncertainty or liquidity issues, loan-to-values decline, requiring buyers to provide more equity and take more risk to close deals.

Current wording

Credit and liquidity issues in the financial markets have a direct impact on the flow of capital to the commercial real estate market. Real estate purchases are often financed with debt, and as a result, credit and liquidity impact transaction activity and prices. Movements of interest rates in one direction, whether increasing or decreasing, could adversely or positively affect the operations and income potential of commercial real estate properties, as well as lender and equity underwriting for real estate investments. These changes directly influence investor demand for commercial real estate investments and what they are willing to pay. Furthermore, the use of debt or loan-to-value ratios can shift along with lender confidence and underwriting standards. At times of heightened uncertainty or liquidity issues, loan-to-values decline, requiring buyers to provide more equity and take more risk to close deals.

Previous wording

The capital markets remain at the heart of the commercial real estate transaction slowdown. The combination of sharply higher interest rates with tighter lender underwriting, reduced loan-to-value standards and a broad-based reduction in the volume of available debt capital have restrained market liquidity and forced investors to recalibrate their underwriting. This exacerbated the buyer/seller expectation gap and reduced trading throughout 2023.

Current wording

The capital markets have been at the heart of the commercial real estate transaction slowdown over the last two years. The combination of sustained higher interest rates with tighter lender underwriting, reduced loan-to-value standards and a broad-based reduction in the volume of available debt capital have restrained market liquidity. This has forced investors to recalibrate their underwriting. This widened the buyer/seller expectation gap and reduced trading throughout 2023 and 2024.

Previous wording

Office properties, particularly those in the urban core, face the greatest uncertainty and the greatest challenges in acquiring debt financing. Apartment financing, underpinned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has generally been the most attainable, with typically lower interest rates than other property types. However, the rapid interest rate spike relative to the sector's very low cap rates and the large apartment development pipeline together with slackening rent growth has impacted apartment sales. Defensive assets — such as single-tenant net lease properties backed by high-credit tenants — and medical office assets continue to receive buyer interest, but sales of these types of properties have also fallen as the flow of 1031 exchange capital coming from other property types has diminished. Ultimately, the market velocity will be dictated by a combination of the economic outlook, geopolitical forces, Federal Reserve action, interest rates and the narrowing of the buyer/seller expectation gap. If, and when, the Federal Reserve reduces rates, we believe commercial real estate sales activity should begin to increase toward its historical norm in 2024.

Current wording

Several metrics including increased exclusive inventory being brought to market and a rising number of property tours in several markets and property types, suggest investor activity may rise in 2025. Nonetheless, a variety of factors including the economy, interest rates, financial market trends, geopolitical and commercial real estate pricing clarity could suppress activity in 2025. Should the Federal Reserve continue to reduce rates, it would support positive momentum, but a full market recovery will take additional time. Lenders are becoming more assertive with borrowers, and though loan extensions and modification remain common, incidents of forced refinancing and distressed sales are becoming more frequent. Office properties, particularly those in the urban core, continue to face the greatest uncertainty and the greatest challenges in acquiring debt financing. Apartment financing, underpinned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has generally been the most attainable, with typically lower interest rates than other property types. Defensive assets, such as single-tenant net lease properties backed by high-credit tenants, and medical office assets continue to receive buyer interest, but sales of these types of properties have also fallen as the flow of 1031 exchange capital coming from other property types has diminished. Ultimately, the market velocity will be dictated by a combination of the economic outlook, geopolitical forces, Federal Reserve action, interest rates and the narrowing of the buyer/seller expectation gap. If interest rates trend lower, we believe commercial real estate investment activity could gain additional momentum.

Previous wording

Our real estate brokerage commissions and financing fees have tended to be seasonal and, combined with other factors, can affect an investor’s ability to compare our financial condition and results of operations on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Historically, this seasonality has generally caused our revenue, operating income, net income, and cash flows from operating activities to be lower in the first half of the year and higher in the second half of the year, particularly in the fourth quarter. The concentration of earnings and cash flows in the last six months of the year, particularly in the fourth quarter, is due to an industry-wide focus of clients to complete transactions towards the end of the calendar year. This historical trend can be disrupted both positively and negatively by major economic events, political events, natural disasters or pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which may impact, among other things, investor sentiment for a particular property type or location, volatility in financial markets, current and future projections of interest rates, attractiveness of other asset classes, market liquidity, and the extent of limitations or availability of capital allocations for larger property buyers, among others. Private client investors may accelerate or delay transactions due to personal or business-related reasons unrelated to economic events. In addition, our operating margins are typically lower during the second half of each year due to our commission structure for some of our senior investment sales and financing professionals. These senior investment sales and financing professionals are on a graduated commission schedule that resets annually, pursuant to which higher commissions are paid for higher sales volumes. During the year ended December 31, 2023, seasonal fluctuations were disrupted by changes in overall market conditions and increased interest rates, and going forward our historical pattern of seasonality may or may not continue to the same degree experienced in prior years.

Current wording

Our real estate brokerage commissions and financing fees have tended to be seasonal and, combined with other factors, can affect an investor’s ability to compare our financial condition and results of operations on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Historically, this seasonality has generally caused our revenue, operating income, net income, and cash flows from operating activities to be lower in the first half of the year and higher in the second half of the year, particularly in the fourth quarter. The concentration of earnings and cash flows in the last six months of the year, particularly in the fourth quarter, is due to an industry-wide focus of clients to complete transactions towards the end of the calendar year. This historical trend can be disrupted both positively and negatively by major economic events, political events, natural disasters, or public health crises, which may impact, among other things, investor sentiment for a particular property type or location, volatility in financial markets, current and future projections of interest rates, attractiveness of other asset classes, market liquidity, and the extent of limitations or availability of capital allocations for larger property buyers, among others. Private client investors may accelerate or delay transactions due to personal or business-related reasons unrelated to economic events. In addition, our operating margins are typically lower during the second half of each year due to our commission structure for some of our senior investment sales and financing professionals. These senior investment sales and financing professionals are on a graduated commission schedule that resets annually, pursuant to which higher commissions are paid for higher sales volumes. During 2024, seasonal fluctuations were disrupted by changes in overall market conditions and interest rates, and going forward our historical pattern of seasonality may or may not continue to the same degree experienced in prior years.

Previous wording

Because our business is transaction oriented, we rely on investment sales and financing professionals to continually develop leads, identify properties to sell and finance, market those properties and close the sale timely to generate a consistent flow of revenue. While our sales volume is impacted by seasonality factors, the timing of closings is also dependent on many market and personal factors unique to a particular client or transaction, particularly clients transacting in the $1 million to $10 million private client market. These factors can cause transactions to be accelerated or delayed beyond our control. Further, commission rates earned are generally inversely related to the value of the property sold. As a result of our expansion into the middle and larger transaction markets, we have seen our overall commission rates fluctuate from period-to-period as a result of changes in the relative mix of the number and volume of investment sales transactions closed in the middle and larger transaction markets as compared to the $1 million to $10 million private client market. These factors may result in period-to-period variations in our revenue that differ from historical patterns.

Current wording

Because our business is transaction oriented, we rely on investment sales and financing professionals to continually develop leads, identify properties to sell and finance, market those properties and close the sale or financing in a timely manner to generate a consistent flow of revenue. While our sales volume is impacted by seasonality factors, the timing of closings is also dependent on many market and personal factors unique to a particular client or transaction, particularly clients transacting in the $1 million to $10 million private client market. These factors can cause transactions to be accelerated or delayed beyond our control. Further, commission rates earned are generally inversely related to the value of the property sold or financed. As we have expanded our business into the middle and larger transaction markets, we have seen our overall commission rates fluctuate from period-to-period as a result of changes in the relative mix of the number and volume of investment sales transactions closed in the middle and larger transaction markets as compared to the $1 million to $10 million private client market. These factors may result in period-to-period variations in our revenue that differ from historical patterns.

Previous wording

The majority of our cost of services expense is variable commissions paid to our investment sales and financing professionals and compensation-related costs related to our financing activities. Commission expenses are directly attributable to providing services to our clients for investment sales and financing services. Most of our investment sales and financing professionals are independent contractors and are paid commissions; however, because there are some who are initially paid a salary and certain of our financing professionals are employees, costs of services also include employee-related compensation, employer taxes and benefits for those employees. The commission rates we pay to our investment sales and financing professionals vary based on individual contracts negotiated and are generally higher for the more experienced professionals. Some of our most senior investment sales and financing professionals can also earn additional commissions after meeting certain annual financial thresholds. These additional commissions are recognized as cost of services in the period in which they are earned. Payment of a portion of these additional commissions are generally deferred for a period of three years, at our election, and paid at the end of the third calendar year. Cost of services also includes referral fees paid to other real estate brokers where we are the principal service provider. Cost of services, therefore, can vary based on the commission structure of the independent contractors that closed transactions in any particular period.

Current wording

The majority of our cost of services expense is variable commissions paid to our investment sales and financing professionals and compensation-related costs related to our financing activities. Commission expenses are directly attributable to providing services to our clients for investment sales and financing services. Most of our investment sales and financing professionals are independent contractors and are paid commissions; however, because there are some who are employees and initially paid a salary, costs of services also include employee-related compensation, employer taxes and benefits for those employees. The commission rates we pay to our investment sales and financing professionals vary based on individual contracts negotiated and are generally higher for the more experienced professionals. Some of our most senior investment sales and financing professionals can also earn additional commissions after meeting certain annual financial thresholds. These additional commissions are recognized as cost of services in the period in which they are earned. Payment of a portion of these additional commissions are generally deferred for a period of three years, at our election, and paid at the end of the third calendar year. Cost of services also includes referral fees paid to other real estate brokers where we are the principal service provider. Cost of services, therefore, can vary based on the commission structure of the investment sales and financing professionals that closed transactions in any particular period.

Previous wording

The largest expense component within selling, general and administrative expenses is personnel expenses for our management team and sales and support staff, as well as business development, marketing, and expensing of forgivable loans over the retention period of our sales and financing professionals. In addition, these costs include facilities costs (excluding depreciation and amortization), staff related expenses, sales, marketing, legal, telecommunication, network, data sources, transaction costs related to acquisitions, changes in fair value for contingent and deferred consideration and other administrative expenses. Also included in selling, general and administrative are expenses for stock-based compensation to non-employee directors, employees and independent contractors (i.e. investment sales and financing professionals) under the 2013 Plan and the ESPP.

Current wording

The largest expense component within selling, general and administrative expenses is compensation for our management team and sales and support staff, as well as business development, marketing, and expensing of forgivable loans provided to our investment sales and financing professionals over the contractual term of the loan. In addition, these costs include facility costs (excluding depreciation and amortization), sales and events, licenses and subscriptions, legal, information technology, telecommunications, changes in fair value for contingent and deferred consideration and other administrative expenses. Also included in selling, general and administrative are expenses for stock-based compensation.

Previous wording

Depreciation expense consists of depreciation recorded on our computer software and hardware equipment, as well as our furniture, fixtures and equipment. Depreciation is recognized over estimated useful lives ranging from three to seven years for assets. Amortization expense consists of (i) amortization recorded on intangible assets amortized on a straight-line basis using a useful life between one and seven years and (ii) amortization recorded for the 2022 and 2021 periods on our mortgage servicing rights using the interest method over the period that servicing income was expected to be received. Such servicing rights were terminated in June 2022.

Current wording

Depreciation expense consists of depreciation recorded on our computer software and hardware equipment, as well as our furniture, fixtures and equipment. Depreciation is recognized over estimated useful lives ranging from three to seven years for assets. Amortization expense consists of amortization recorded on intangible assets amortized on a straight-line basis using a useful life between one and seven years.

Previous wording

We are subject to U.S. and Canadian federal taxes and individual state and local taxes based on the income generated in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Our effective tax rate fluctuates as a result of (i) changes in our annual effective tax rate applied to current pre-tax income (loss), (ii) the change in the mix of our activities in the jurisdictions in which we operate due to differing tax rates in those jurisdictions and (iii) the impact of permanent items, including compensation charges, qualified transportation fringe benefits, uncertain tax positions, meals and entertainment and tax-exempt deferred compensation plan assets. Our (benefit) provision for income taxes includes the windfall tax benefits and shortfall expenses, net, from shares issued in connection with our 2013 Plan and ESPP.

Current wording

We are subject to U.S. and Canadian federal taxes and individual state and local taxes based on the income generated in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Our effective tax rate fluctuates as a result of (i) changes in our annual effective tax rate applied to current pre-tax income (loss), (ii) the change in the mix of our activities in the jurisdictions in which we operate due to differing tax rates in those jurisdictions and (iii) the impact of permanent items, including compensation charges, qualified transportation fringe benefits, uncertain tax positions, meals and entertainment and tax-exempt deferred compensation plan assets. Our (benefit) provision for income taxes includes the windfall tax benefits and shortfall expenses, net, from shares issued in connection with our Amended Plan and Amended ESPP.

Previous wording

We regularly review a number of key metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate financial projections and make strategic decisions. We also believe these metrics are relevant to investors’ and others’ assessment of our financial condition and results of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we closed more than 7,500, 12,200 and 13,200 investment sales, financing and other transactions, respectively, with total sales volume of approximately $43.6 billion, $86.3 billion and $84.4 billion, respectively. Such key metrics for real estate brokerage and financing activities (excluding other transactions) are as follows:

Current wording

We regularly review a number of key metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate financial projections and make strategic decisions. We also believe these metrics are relevant to investors’ and others’ assessment of our financial condition and results of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, we closed more than 7,800, 7,500 and 12,200 investment sales, financing and other transactions, respectively, with total sales volume of approximately $49.6 billion, $43.6 billion and $86.3 billion, respectively. Such key metrics for real estate brokerage and financing activities (excluding other transactions) are as follows:

Previous wording

Our total revenue was $645.9 million in 2023 compared to $1,301.7 million in 2022, a decrease of $655.8 million, or 50.4%. Total revenue decreased as a result of decreases in real estate brokerage commissions and financing fees, as described below. See "Factors Affecting Our Business" section for additional market information.

Current wording

Our total revenue was $696.1 million in 2024 compared to $645.9 million in 2023, an increase of $50.1 million, or 7.8%. Total revenue primarily increased as a result of increases in real estate brokerage commissions and financing fees, as described below. See "Factors Affecting Our Business" section for additional market information.

Previous wording

Real estate brokerage commissions. Revenue from real estate brokerage commissions decreased to $559.8 million in 2023, from $1,170.3 million in 2022, a decrease of $610.6 million, or 52.2%. The number of transactions decreased by 39.9% and the average transaction size decreased by 24.7%, which drove a decrease of revenue of 45.3% in the Private Client Market and a decrease of 64.2% in the combined Middle Market and Larger Transaction Market. The average commission rate increased by 10 basis points in 2023 compared to 2022, as a result of a shift in the proportion of transactions to the Private Client Market from the Middle Market and Larger Transaction Market as Private Client Market transactions typically earn higher commission rates.

Current wording

Real estate brokerage commissions. Revenue from real estate brokerage commissions increased to $589.7 million in 2024 from $559.8 million in 2023, an increase of $29.9 million, or 5.3%. The increase was primarily the result of a 9.1% increase in total sales volume, partially offset by a seven basis point decrease in the average commission rate earned, caused by the shift in the proportion of transactions to the Middle Market and Larger Transaction Market from the Private Client Market, as Middle Market and Larger Transaction Markets typically earn lower commission rates. The combined Middle Market and Larger Transaction Market revenue increased by 22.3%, while Private Client Market revenue decreased by 1.9%.

Previous wording

Financing fees. Revenue from financing fees decreased to $66.9 million in 2023 from $113.0 million in 2022, a decrease of $46.1 million, or 40.8%, resulting primarily from a 49.8% decrease in the number of financing transactions. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in the average transaction size of 4.5%, and an increase in the average fee per transaction of 13.8%, resulting in an increase in the average fee rate of seven basis points.

Current wording

Financing fees. Revenue from financing fees increased to $84.5 million in 2024 from $66.9 million in 2023, an increase of $17.6 million, or 26.3%. The increase was a result of a 35.2% increase in the total financing volume, partially offset by a decrease of eight basis points in the average fee rate earned compared to 2023.

Previous wording

Our total operating expenses were $705.3 million in 2023 compared to $1,164.3 million in 2022, a decrease of $459.0 million, or 39.4%. Cost of services decreased by $444.2 million and selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased by $15.0 million, as described below.

Current wording

Our total operating expenses were $729.0 million in 2024 compared to $705.3 million in 2023, an increase of $23.7 million, or 3.4%. Cost of services increased by $24.8 million and selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased by $4.1 million, as described below.

Previous wording

Cost of services. Cost of services are variable commissions paid to our investment sales professionals and compensation-related costs in connection with our financing activities. Cost of services decreased to $406.6 million in 2023 from $850.9 million in 2022, a decrease of $444.2 million, or 52.2%. The decrease was primarily due to decreased commission expenses driven by the related decreased revenue discussed above. Cost of services as a percentage of total revenue decreased by 240 basis points to 63.0% compared to 2022 primarily due to our senior investment sales and financing professionals earning a lower amount of additional commissions due to lower revenue.

Current wording

Cost of services. Cost of services are variable commissions paid to our investment sales professionals and compensation-related costs in connection with our financing activities. Cost of services increased to $431.5 million in 2024 from $406.6 million in 2023, an increase of $24.8 million, or 6.1%. The increase was primarily due to increased commission expenses driven by the related increased revenue discussed above. Cost of services as a percentage of total revenue decreased by 100 basis points to 62.0% compared to 2023 primarily due to our senior investment sales and financing professionals earning a lower amount of commissions.

Previous wording

Selling, general, and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased to $285.0 million in 2023, from $300.0 million in 2022, a decrease of $15.0 million or 5.0%. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in compensation-related costs, specifically performance-based bonuses for 2023, partially offset by an increase in business development, marketing, and expensing of forgivable loans related to the long-term retention of our sales and financing professionals. As a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expense increased due to the fixed nature of certain of these expenses.

Current wording

Selling, general, and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased to $280.9 million in 2024 from $285.0 million in 2023, a decrease of $4.1 million or 1.4%. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in marketing support costs, partially offset by an increase in compensation-related costs. As a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expense decreased due to the fixed nature of certain of these expenses.

Previous wording

Other income, net increased to $19.9 million in 2023 from $5.3 million in 2022. The increase of $14.5 million was primarily driven by an increase of $8.9 million in income from investments as a result of increased interest rates and a favorable change of $3.3 million in the value of our deferred compensation plan assets that are held in a rabbi trust.

Current wording

Other income, net increased to $20.7 million in 2024 from $19.9 million in 2023. The $0.8 million increase was primarily driven by an increase in interest income as a result of rebalancing the Company's investments to take advantage of higher yields.

Previous wording

The benefit for income taxes was $6.4 million in 2023, compared to a provision for income taxes of $37.8 million in 2022. The effective income tax rate for 2023 was 15.8% compared to 26.6% for 2022. The majority of the reduction in the effective tax rate is related to permanent and other items and state income tax expense as presented in Note 12 - "Income Taxes" of our accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Current wording

The benefit for income taxes was $0.7 million in 2024, compared to a benefit for income taxes of $6.4 million in 2023. The effective income tax rate for 2024 was 5.1% compared to 15.8% for 2023. The majority of the reduction in the effective tax rate is related to permanent and other items and stock based compensation expense as presented in Note 12 - "Income Taxes" of our accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Previous wording

A discussion regarding our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the results for the year ended December 31, 2021 can be found under Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023, which is available on the SEC’s website atwww.sec.gov.

Current wording

Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2024, which is available on the SEC’s website atwww.sec.gov.

Previous wording

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we include a non-GAAP financial measure, Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net (loss) income before (i) interest income and other, including net realized gains (losses) on marketable debt securities, available-for-sale and cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, (ii) interest expense, (iii) (benefit) provision for income taxes, (iv) depreciation and amortization, (v) stock-based compensation, and (vi) non-cash MSR activity. We use Adjusted EBITDA in our business operations to evaluate the performance of our business, develop budgets and measure our performance against those budgets, among other things. We also believe that analysts and investors use Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure to evaluate our overall operating performance. However, Adjusted EBITDA has material limitations as a supplemental metric and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. We find Adjusted EBITDA to be a useful management metric to assist in evaluating performance, because Adjusted EBITDA eliminates items related to capital structure, taxes and non-cash items. In light of the foregoing limitations, we do not rely solely on Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure and also consider our U.S. GAAP results. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of our financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income or any other measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated in the same manner by all companies, it may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. A reconciliation of the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, net income, to Adjusted EBITDA is as follows (in thousands):

Current wording

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we include a non-GAAP financial measure, Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net (loss) income before (i) interest income and other, including net realized gains (losses) on marketable debt securities, available-for-sale and cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, (ii) interest expense, (iii) (benefit) provision for income taxes, (iv) depreciation and amortization, and (v) stock-based compensation. We use Adjusted EBITDA in our business operations to evaluate the performance of our business, develop budgets and measure our performance against those budgets, among other things. We also believe that analysts and investors use Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure to evaluate our overall operating performance. However, Adjusted EBITDA has material limitations as a supplemental metric and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. We find Adjusted EBITDA to be a useful management metric to assist in evaluating performance, because Adjusted EBITDA eliminates items related to capital structure, taxes and non-cash items. In light of the foregoing limitations, we do not rely solely on Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure and also consider our U.S. GAAP results. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of our financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net (loss) income, operating (loss) income or any other measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated in the same manner by all companies, it may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. A reconciliation of the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, net income, to Adjusted EBITDA is as follows (in thousands):

Previous wording

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations, marketable debt securities, available-for-sale and, if necessary, borrowings under the Credit Agreement (as defined herein). In order to enhance our yield, we have invested a portion of our cash in money market funds and fixed and variable income debt securities, in accordance with our investment policy approved by the Board of Directors. Certain of our investments in money market funds may not maintain a stable net asset value and may impose a discretionary liquidity fee. To date, we have not experienced any restrictions on our ability to redeem funds from money market funds. Although we have historically funded our operations through operating cash flows, there can be no assurance that we can continue to meet our cash requirements entirely through our operations, cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from the sale of marketable debt securities, available-for-sale or availability under the Credit Agreement.

Current wording

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations, marketable debt securities, available-for-sale and, if necessary, borrowings under the Credit Agreement (as defined herein). We have invested a portion of our cash in money market funds and fixed and variable income debt securities, in accordance with our investment policy approved by the Board of Directors. Certain of our investments in money market funds may not maintain a stable net asset value and may impose a discretionary liquidity fee. To date, we have not experienced any restrictions on our ability to redeem funds from money market funds. Although we have historically funded our operations through operating cash flows, there can be no assurance that we can continue to meet our cash requirements entirely through our operations, cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from the sale of marketable debt securities, available-for-sale or availability under the Credit Agreement.

Previous wording

Our total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balance decreased by $65.1 million to $170.8 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $235.9 million at December 31, 2022. The following table sets forth our summary cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in thousands):

Current wording

Our total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balance decreased by $17.3 million to $153.4 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $170.8 million at December 31, 2023. The following table sets forth our summary cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):

Previous wording

Cash flows used in operating activities were $72.4 million in 2023 compared to cash flows provided by operating activities of $13.6 million in 2022. The $86.0 million decrease in cash flows from operating activities in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to decreased operating income, as discussed above. The cash flows from operating activities were also affected by the timing of certain cash receipts and payments.

Current wording

Cash flows provided by operating activities were $21.7 million in 2024 compared to cash flows used in operating activities of $72.4 million in 2023. The $94.1 million increase in cash flows from operating activities in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to (a) a reduction in net losses, as discussed above, (b) a reduction in bonus payments as the 2023 payment for bonuses related to amounts accrued in 2022 based in part on 2022 profits and (c) a reduction in payments in deferred compensation and commissions. The cash flows from operating activities were also affected by the timing of certain cash receipts and payments.

Previous wording

Cash flows provided by investing activities were $74.9 million in 2023 compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $54.0 million in 2022. The $128.9 million increase in cash provided by investing activities in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to a net increase of $119.1 million in net proceeds from sales, purchases, and maturities of securities in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, as well as the 2022 acquisition of a business for $12.5 million, with no corresponding outflow in 2023.

Current wording

Cash flows used in investing activities were $9.9 million in 2024 compared to cash flows provided by investing activities of $74.9 million in 2023. The $84.8 million decrease in cash from investing activities in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to a decrease in net proceeds of $86.3 million from sales, purchases, and maturities of securities in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Previous wording

Cash flows used in financing activities were $67.7 million in 2023 compared to $105.6 million in 2022. The decrease of $37.9 million in cash flows used in financing activities in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to a decrease of $5.3 million in taxes paid related to net share settlement of stock-based awards, along with a decrease of $40.3 million in dividends paid, partially offset by an increase of $10.4 million in stock repurchases. The decrease in dividend paid relates primarily to a one-time special dividend paid in 2022 with no corresponding one-time dividend payment in 2023.

Current wording

Cash flows used in financing activities were $28.8 million in 2024 compared to $67.7 million in 2023. The decrease of $38.9 million in cash flows used in financing activities in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to a decrease of $38.7 million in stock repurchases.

Previous wording

We believe that our existing balances of cash and cash equivalents, cash flows expected to be generated from our operations, and proceeds from the sale of marketable debt securities, available-for-sale will be sufficient to satisfy our operating requirements for at least the next 12 months and beyond. If we need to raise additional capital through public or private debt or equity financings, strategic relationships or other arrangements, this capital might not be available to us in a timely manner, on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise sufficient capital when needed could prevent us from funding acquisitions or otherwise financing our growth or operations. As of December 31, 2023, cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and marketable debt securities, available-for-sale, aggregated $407.1 million.

Current wording

We believe that our existing balances of cash and cash equivalents, cash flows expected to be generated from our operations, and proceeds from the sale of marketable debt securities, available-for-sale will be sufficient to satisfy our operating requirements for at least the next 12 months and beyond. If we need to raise additional capital through public or private debt or equity financings, strategic relationships or other arrangements, this capital might not be available to us in a timely manner, on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise sufficient capital when needed could prevent us from funding acquisitions or otherwise financing our growth or operations. As of December 31, 2024, cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and marketable debt securities, available-for-sale, aggregated $394.2 million, which includes $10.7 million in restricted cash.

Previous wording

We have a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as amended, the "Credit Agreement") which provides for a $10.0 million principal amount senior secured revolving credit facility that is guaranteed by all of our domestic subsidiaries and matures on June 1, 2024. We monitor covenant compliance on a regular basis to ensure continued compliance with the Credit Agreement. Our ability to borrow under the Credit Agreement is limited by our ability to comply with its covenants or obtain necessary waivers. See Note 15 – “Commitments and Contingencies” of our accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Credit Agreement.

Current wording

We have a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”) which provides for a $10 million principal amount senior secured revolving credit facility that is guaranteed by all of our domestic subsidiaries and matures on June 1, 2025. As of December 31, 2024, there were no amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement. We monitor covenant compliance on a regular basis to ensure continued compliance with the Credit Agreement. Our ability to borrow under the Credit Agreement is limited by our ability to comply with its covenants or obtain necessary waivers. See Note 16 – “Commitments and Contingencies” of our accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Credit Agreement.

Previous wording

The Company, in connection with the Strategic Alliance with M&T Realty Capital Corporation (“MTRCC”), has agreed to provide loan opportunities that may be funded through MTRCC’s agreement with Fannie Mae, which requires MTRCC to guarantee a portion of each funded loan. On a loan-by-loan basis, the Company, at its option, can assume a portion of MTRCC’s guarantee obligation to Fannie Mae of loan opportunities presented to and closed by MTRCC. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has agreed to a maximum aggregate guarantee obligation of $152.6 million relating to loans with an unpaid balance of $915.4 million. The maximum guarantee obligation is not representative of the actual loss we would incur. The Company would be liable for this amount only if all of the loans for which it is providing a guarantee to MTRCC were to default and all of the collateral underlying these loans was determined to be without value at the time of settlement. The Company records a loan-loss obligation and is required to provide cash collateral to MTRCC for this obligation and has provided $283,000 as of December 31, 2023 which is included in cash and cash equivalent on the balance sheet.

Current wording

The Company, in connection with the Strategic Alliance with M&T Realty Capital Corporation (“MTRCC”), has agreed to provide loan opportunities that may be funded through MTRCC’s agreement with Fannie Mae, which requires MTRCC to guarantee a portion of each funded loan. On a loan-by-loan basis, the Company, at its option, can assume a portion of MTRCC’s guarantee obligation to Fannie Mae of loan opportunities presented to and closed by MTRCC. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has agreed to a maximum aggregate guarantee obligation of $296.3 million relating to loans with an unpaid balance of $1,831.8 million. The maximum guarantee obligation is not representative of the actual loss we would incur. The Company would be liable for this amount only if all of the loans for which it is providing a guarantee to MTRCC were to default and all of the collateral underlying these loans was determined to be without value at the time of settlement, and the Company has recorded an allowance for losses of $174,000 as of December 31, 2024 related to these guarantee obligations. The Company is required to provide cash collateral to MTRCC for this obligation and this is reflected as $0.7 million of restricted cash as of December 31, 2024, which is included in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet.

Previous wording

(2)Forecasted principal payments are based on each participant’s estimated retirement age and current contractual interest rate of 5.79% as of January 1, 2023 and reflect required payments that resulted from the retirement of certain executives. See Note 7 – “Selected Balance Sheet Data” of our accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Current wording

(2)Forecasted principal payments are based on each participant’s estimated retirement age and current contractual interest rate of 5.95% as of January 1, 2024 and reflect required payments that resulted from the retirement of certain executives. See Note 7 – “Selected Balance Sheet Data” of our accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Previous wording

(4)Represents current estimated payouts for participants currently receiving payments based on their elections at the time of deferral. We hold assets in a rabbi trust of $10.8 million to settle outstanding amounts when they become due. Amounts assume no increase or decrease in the liability due to future returns or losses. See Note 7 – “Selected Balance Sheet Data” of our accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Current wording

(4)Represents current estimated payouts for participants currently receiving payments based on their elections at the time of deferral. We hold assets in a rabbi trust of $12.2 million to settle outstanding amounts when they become due. Amounts assume no increase or decrease in the liability due to future returns or losses. See Note 7 – “Selected Balance Sheet Data” of our accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Previous wording

Other than operating expenses, including those accrued and payable as December 31, 2023, cash requirements for 2024 are expected to consist primarily of capital expenditures for the future acquisitions, if any, payment of dividends, payments for stock repurchases, and advances to our investment sales and financing professionals.

Current wording

Other than operating expenses, including those accrued and payable as December 31, 2024, cash requirements for 2025 are expected to consist primarily of capital expenditures for the future acquisitions, if any, payment of dividends, if any, payments for stock repurchases, if any, and advances to our investment sales and financing professionals.

Previous wording

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and (ii) operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. We measure existing deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which we expect to have temporary differences realized or settled. We recognize in the provision for income taxes, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in the period that includes the enactment date. We periodically evaluate deferred tax assets to assess whether it is likely that the deferred tax assets will be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is required, we consider the timing of deferred tax reversals, current year taxable income, and historical performance. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our valuation allowance is related principally to losses incurred in our Canadian operations. Future results of operations of the Canadian business will impact valuation allowances in the future.

Current wording

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and (ii) operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. We measure existing deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which we expect to have temporary differences realized or settled. We recognize in the provision for income taxes, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in the period that includes the enactment date. We periodically evaluate deferred tax assets to assess whether it is likely that the deferred tax assets will be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is required, we consider the timing of deferred tax reversals, estimates of future taxable income, current year taxable income, and historical performance. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our valuation allowance is related principally to losses incurred in our Canadian operations. Future results of operations of the Canadian business will impact valuation allowances in the future.

Previous wording

Due to the nature of our business, which includes activity in the U.S. and Canada, incorporating numerous states and provinces as well as local jurisdictions, our tax position can be complex. As such, our effective tax rate is subject to changes as a result of fluctuations in the mix of our activity in the various jurisdictions in which we operate including changes in tax rates, state apportionment, tax related interest and penalties, valuation allowances and other permanent items, including net windfalls and shortfalls related to stock-based compensation. Calculating some of the amounts involves a high degree of judgment. Our state taxes, net of federal benefit, has ranged from 1.5% to 4.8% over the past 3 years.

Current wording

Due to the nature of our business, which includes activity in the U.S. and Canada, incorporating numerous states and provinces as well as local jurisdictions, our tax position can be complex. As such, our effective tax rate is subject to changes as a result of fluctuations in the mix of our activity in the various jurisdictions in which we operate including changes in tax rates, state apportionment, tax related interest and penalties, valuation allowances and other permanent items, including Sec. 162(m) and net windfalls and shortfalls related to stock-based compensation. Calculating some of the amounts involves a high degree of judgment. Our state taxes, net of federal benefit, has ranged from 1.5% to 4.5% over the past 3 years.

Previous wording

The above factors create volatility in our effective tax rate from quarter to quarter and have caused our effective tax rates to range from 15.8% to 26.6% over the past three years.

Current wording

The above factors create volatility in our effective tax rate from quarter to quarter and have caused our effective tax rates to range from 5.1% to 26.6% over the past three years.

Previous wording

Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized on the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Lease agreements may contain periods of free rent or reduced rent, predetermined fixed increases in the minimum rent and renewal or termination options, all of which add complexity and impact the determination of the lease term and lease payments to be used in calculating the lease liability. Certain facility leases provide for rental escalations related to increases in the lessors’ direct operating expenses. We use the implicit rate in the lease when determinable. As most of our leases do not have a determinable implicit rate, determining the rate to be used in our calculations is judgmental. We use an estimated incremental borrowing rate based on borrowing options under our credit agreement and apply a spread over treasury rates for the indicated term of the lease based on the information available on the commencement date of the lease. As a result, the incremental borrowing rate has and will continue to be impacted by market interest rates. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate was 4.7% in 2023 and 3.9% in 2022. Any payments for completed improvements, determined to be owed by the lessor, net of incentives received, are recorded as an increase to the ROU asset and considered in the determination of the lease cost.

Current wording

Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized on the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Lease agreements may contain periods of free rent or reduced rent, predetermined fixed increases in the minimum rent and renewal or termination options, all of which add complexity and impact the determination of the lease term and lease payments to be used in calculating the lease liability. Certain facility leases provide for rental escalations related to increases in the lessors’ direct operating expenses. We use the implicit rate in the lease when determinable. As most of our leases do not have a determinable implicit rate, determining the rate to be used in our calculations is judgmental. We use an estimated incremental borrowing rate calculated on a spread over treasuries based on our estimated credit rating for the indicated term of the lease based on the information available on the commencement date of the lease. As a result, the incremental borrowing rate has and will continue to be impacted by market interest rates. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate was 5.2% in 2024 and 4.7% in 2023. Any payments for completed improvements, determined to be owed by the lessor, net of incentives received, are recorded as an increase to the ROU asset and considered in the determination of the lease cost.

Previous wording

Unrealized losses on our marketable securities, available-for-sale, fluctuate based on changes in market interest rates due the fixed interest rates of most of the securities. Unrealized losses aggregated $2,635,000 and $5,508,000 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We review our investment portfolio quarterly for all securities in an unrealized loss position to determine if an impairment charge or credit reserve is required. We exclude accrued interest from both the fair value and the amortized cost basis of marketable debt securities, available-for-sale, for the purposes of identifying and measuring an impairment. An investment is impaired if the fair value is less than its amortized cost basis. Impairment relating to credit losses is recorded through a reduction in the amortized cost of the security or an allowance for credit losses and credit loss expense (included in selling, general and administrative expense), limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Impairment that has not been recorded as a credit loss is recorded through other comprehensive (loss) income, net of applicable taxes. We made an accounting policy election to not measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable. We evaluate write-off of accrued interest receivable by the major security-type level at the time credit loss exists for the underlying security.

Current wording

Unrealized losses on our marketable securities, available-for-sale, fluctuate based on changes in market interest rates due the fixed interest rates of most of the securities. Unrealized losses aggregated $1.6 million and $2.6 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We review our investment portfolio quarterly for all securities in an unrealized loss position to determine if an impairment charge or credit reserve is required. We exclude accrued interest from both the fair value and the amortized cost basis of marketable debt securities, available-for-sale, for the purposes of identifying and measuring an impairment. An investment is impaired if the fair value is less than its amortized cost basis. Impairment relating to credit losses is recorded through a reduction in the amortized cost of the security or an allowance for credit losses and credit loss expense (included in selling, general and administrative expense), limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Impairment that has not been recorded as a credit loss is recorded through other comprehensive (loss) income, net of applicable taxes. We made an accounting policy election to not measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable. We evaluate write-off of accrued interest receivable by the major security-type level at the time credit loss exists for the underlying security.

Previous wording

In its determination of fair value for contingent and deferred consideration, the Company uses judgment in determining the probability of achieving contractual EBITDA and other performance targets and the time frame in which the settlements will occur. Further, judgment is used in determining the appropriate current and future interest rates to apply in each situation. The Company estimated the probability of achievement of contractual EBITDA and other performance targets was between 11.1% to 100.0% based on each acquisition’s historical and estimated future performance and risk adjusted discount rates of between 5.3% to 6.4%, which resulted in a recorded fair value for the contingent consideration of $5.5 million and $7.1 million as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The Company estimated the fair value of the deferred consideration using a discounted cash flow estimate using market rates, with the only remaining condition on such payments being the passage of time which resulted in a recorded fair value of $1.6 million and $5.1 million as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The maximum undiscounted future settlements of contingent and deferred consideration was $14.7 million at December 31, 2023, and the Company is uncertain as to the extent of the volatility in the judgments and unobservable inputs will have on the ultimate settlement of these amounts in the foreseeable future.

Current wording

In its determination of fair value for contingent and deferred consideration, the Company uses judgment in determining the probability of achieving contractual performance targets and the time frame in which the settlements will occur. Further, judgment is used in determining the appropriate current and future interest rates to apply in each situation. The Company estimated the probability of achievement of contractual performance targets was between 0% to 100% based on each acquisition’s historical and estimated future performance and risk adjusted discount rates of between 4.8% to 6.1%, which resulted in a recorded fair value for the contingent consideration of $4.7 million and $5.5 million as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The Company estimated the fair value of the deferred consideration using a discounted cash flow estimate using market rates, with the only remaining condition on such payments being the passage of time which resulted in a recorded fair value of $0.4 million and $1.6 million as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The maximum undiscounted future settlements of contingent and deferred consideration was $12.0 million at December 31, 2024, and the Company is uncertain as to the extent of the volatility in the judgments and unobservable inputs will have on the ultimate settlement of these amounts in the foreseeable future.