Douglas Elliman Inc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in Thousands)

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a)Basis of Presentation:

Douglas Elliman Inc. (“Douglas Elliman” or the “Company”) is engaged in the real estate services and property technology investment business and is seeking to acquire or invest in additional real estate services and property technology, or PropTech, companies. The condensed consolidated financial statements of Douglas Elliman include the accounts of DER Holdings LLC and New Valley Ventures LLC (“New Valley Ventures”), directly and indirectly wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, respectively. DER Holdings LLC owns Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC and Douglas Elliman of California, Inc., which are engaged in the residential real estate brokerage business with their subsidiaries. The operations of New Valley Ventures consist of minority investments in innovative PropTech companies.

Certain references to “Douglas Elliman Realty” refer to the Company’s residential real estate brokerage business, including the operations of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC and Douglas Elliman of California Inc., unless otherwise specified.

The unaudited, interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and, in management’s opinion, contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. References to U.S. GAAP issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, also referred to as the “Codification” or “ASC.” These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the combined consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Annual Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The condensed consolidated results of operations for interim periods should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.

In presenting the condensed consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and related disclosures. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

(b)Principles of Consolidation:

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of DER Holdings LLC and New Valley Ventures as well as all other entities in which Douglas Elliman has a controlling financial interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

When evaluating an entity for consolidation, Douglas Elliman first determines whether an entity is within the scope of the guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”) and if it is deemed to be a VIE. If the entity is considered to be a VIE, Douglas Elliman determines whether it would be considered the entity’s primary beneficiary. Douglas Elliman consolidates those VIEs for which it has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. Douglas Elliman will consolidate an entity that is not deemed a VIE upon a determination that it has a controlling financial interest. For entities where Douglas Elliman does not have a controlling financial interest, the investments in such entities are classified as available-for-sale securities or accounted for using the equity or cost method, as appropriate.

(c)Estimates and Assumptions:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates subject to material changes in the near term include impairment charges and valuation of intangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(d)Loss Per Share (“EPS”):

The Company has restricted stock awards which will provide dividends at the same rate as paid on the common stock with respect to the shares underlying the restricted stock awards. These outstanding restricted stock awards represent participating securities under authoritative guidance. The participating securities holders do not participate in the Company’s net losses. There were no outstanding non-participating securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company last paid a cash dividend during the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

Information concerning the Company’s common stock has been adjusted to give retroactive effect to the 5% stock dividend distributed to Company stockholders on June 30, 2023. All per-share amounts and references to share amounts have been updated to reflect the retrospective effect of the stock dividend.

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders attributed to Douglas Elliman Inc. by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, which will include vested restricted stock.

Basic and diluted EPS were calculated using the following shares of common stock for the periods presented below:

The following was outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the effect was anti-dilutive:

(e)Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash:

Restricted cash amounts included in current assets and other assets represent cash and cash equivalents required to be deposited into escrow for amounts required for letters of credit related to office leases, and certain deposit requirements for banking arrangements. The restrictions related to the letters of credit will remain in place for the duration of the respective lease. The restrictions related to the banking arrangements will remain in place for the duration of the arrangement.

The components of “Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash” in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows were as follows:

(f)Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment on an annual basis, as of October 1, or whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company follows ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, and subsequent updates including ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment and ASU 2017-14, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendments permit entities to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value or chooses to bypass the optional qualitative assessment, the Company then assesses recoverability by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount; otherwise, no further impairment test would be required. The fair value of the intangible asset associated with the Douglas Elliman trademark is determined using a “relief from royalty payments” method. This approach involves two steps: (i) estimating reasonable royalty rates for its trademark associated with the Douglas Elliman trademark and (ii) applying these royalty rates to a net sales stream and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine fair value. This fair value is then compared with the carrying value of the trademark.

In the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company utilized third-party valuation specialists to prepare a quantitative assessment of its goodwill and trademark intangible assets, based on the current market conditions in the residential real estate brokerage industry which did not result in impairment charges related to its goodwill or trademark as of September 30, 2024. If the Company fails to achieve the financial projections used in the quantitative assessments of fair value and current market conditions continue to deteriorate, impairment charges could result in future periods, and such impairment charges could be material.

(g)Related Party Transactions:

Agreements with Vector Group Ltd. (“Vector Group”). The Company paid Vector Group $1,050 and $3,150 under that certain transition services agreement, dated December 21, 2021, by and between the Company and Vector Group (“the Transition Services Agreement”) during thethree and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company paid Vector Group $235 and $1,830 under certain aircraft lease agreements entered into with affiliates of Vector Group (the “Aircraft Lease Agreements”) during thethree and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $452 and $1,748 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The Aircraft Lease Agreements have been terminated. See (k) - Subsequent events.

Real estate commissions. Real estate commissions include commissions of approximately$308 and $2,325 for thethree and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $104 and $946 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, from projects where the Company has been engaged by certain developers as the sole broker or the co-broker for real estate development projects that Vector Group owns an interest in through its real estate venture investments.

(h)Investment (Loss) Gains:

Investment (loss) gains consist of the following:

(i)Restructuring:

Employee severance and benefits expensed for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 relate entirely to the reduction in staff and are cash charges. The amount expensed for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $1,932 and was included in Restructuring expense in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. The following table presents the changes in the employee severance and benefits liability under the Real Estate Brokerage segment restructuring plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:

(j)Other Comprehensive Income:

The Company does not have any activity that results in Other Comprehensive Income; therefore, no statement of Comprehensive Income is included in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

(k)Subsequent Events:

On October 17, 2024, the Company delivered notices of termination to terminate, effective as of November 16, 2024, the Aircraft Lease Agreements.

On October 21, 2024, the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer, notified the Company’s Board of his resignation as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. In connection with his cessation of employment with the Company, the Company cancelled 2,965,625 unvested shares of common stock subject to vesting pursuant to the Issuer’s 2021 Management Incentive Plan. On October 25, 2024, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company’s subsidiary, Douglas Elliman Realty LLC, was terminated effective immediately. On October 30, 2024, the Company and James D. Ballard, Senior Vice President - Enterprise Efficiency and Chief Technology Officer, mutually agreed to terminate Mr. Ballard’s employment, effective immediately. Mr. Ballard will be entitled to (i) receive cash payment in an amount equal to $835; (ii) acceleration of all unvested equity and option grants; and (iii) participation in a COBRA plan for 18 months.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through November 12, 2024, the date the financial statements were issued.

(l)New Accounting Pronouncements:

ASUs to be adopted in future periods:

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU requires that all public entities on an annual basis (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280), Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU requires that all public entities improve the reportable segment disclosure primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

(m)SEC Rule Changes:

On March 6, 2024, the SEC passed rule changes that will require registrants to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports. The rules require information about a registrant's climate-related risks that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on its business, results of operations, or financial condition. The required information about climate-related risks will also include disclosure of a registrant's greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the rules will require registrants to present certain climate-related financial metrics in their audited financial statements. On April 4, 2024, the SEC voluntarily stayed the rules pending the resolution of certain legal challenges. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the rule changes.

2. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Disaggregation of Revenue

In the following tables, revenue is disaggregated by major services line and primary geographical market:

Contract Balances

The following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from development marketing and commercial leasing contracts with customers:

The Company recognized revenue of $8,293 ($4,311 of consulting, administration and net commissions) and $12,508 ($7,299 of consulting, administration and net commissions) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, that were included in the contract liabilities balances at December 31, 2023. The Company recognized revenue of $8,681 ($7,688 of consulting, administration and net commissions) and $20,043 ($14,085 of consulting, administration and net commissions) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, that were included in the contract liabilities balances at December 31, 2022.

3. CURRENT EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES

Real estate broker agent receivables: Douglas Elliman Realty is exposed to credit losses for various amounts due from real estate agents, which are included in Agent receivables, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, net of an allowance for credit losses. The Company estimates its allowance for credit losses on receivables from agents based on an evaluation of aging, agent sales in pipeline, any security, specific exposures, historical experience of collections from the individual agents, and current and expected future market trends. The Company estimated that the credit losses for these receivables were $5,231 and $5,575 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:

(1)The current period provision for the real estate broker agent receivables is included in “General and administrative expenses” in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

(1)The current period provision for the real estate broker agent receivables is included in “General and administrative expenses” in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

4. LEASES

The Company has operating leases for corporate and sales offices and equipment. The components of lease expense, which were included in Sales and marketing expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations, were as follows:

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

As of September 30, 2024, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $686 undiscounted lease payments relating to real estate leases that have not yet commenced. The operating leases will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024 with lease terms ranging between 1.2 years and 5.4 years.

5. LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

Long-term investments consisted of the following:

(1)These assets are measured at net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient under ASC 820.

(2)These amounts are included in “Other current assets” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(3)These amounts are included in “Equity-method investments” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains recognized on long-term investment securities were as follows:

(a) PropTech Convertible Trading Debt Securities:

These securities are classified as trading debt securities and are accounted for at fair value. The remaining convertible note matures in February 2025.

(b) Long-Term Investment Securities at Fair Value:

The following is a summary of unrealized (losses) gains recognized in net loss on long-term investment securities at fair value during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively:

The Company has unfunded commitments of $658 related to long-term investment securities at fair value as of September 30, 2024.

(c) Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values That Do Not Qualify for the NAV Practical Expedient

Equity securities without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient consisted of investments in various limited liability companies as of September 30, 2024. The total carrying value of equity securities without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient was $8,150 as of September 30, 2024 and $8,888 as of December 31, 2023. The Company recorded an impairment of $489 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The impairment was included in “Investment and other gains” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. No impairment or other adjustments related to observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments were identified for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.

6. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

Equity method investments consisted of the following:

At September 30, 2024, the Company’s ownership percentages in these investments ranged from 5.9% to 50.0%; therefore, the Company accounts for these investments under the equity method of accounting.

VIE Consideration:

The Company has determined that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of any of its equity method investments because it does not control the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of each investment. The Company determined that the entities were VIEs but the Company was not the primary beneficiary. Therefore, the Company’s equity method investments have been accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

Maximum Exposure to Loss:

The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from its equity method investments consists of the net carrying value of the investments adjusted for any future capital commitments and/or guarantee arrangements. The maximum exposure to loss was$2,031 as of September 30, 2024.

7. NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable consisted of the following:

*The fair value of the derivatives embedded within the 7.0% Convertible Note ($35,441 at September 30, 2024 and $0 at December 31, 2023 respectively), is separately classified as a derivative liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

7.0% Convertible Notes due 2029:

On July 2, 2024, the Company, Alter Domus (US) LLC, as collateral agent, and entities (the “Purchasers”) advised or managed by Kennedy Lewis Investment Management LLC (“KLIM”) entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to the Purchasers, and the Purchasers agreed to purchase from the Company, $50,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s newly issued senior secured convertible promissory notes due July 2, 2029 (the “Convertible Notes”) in a private placement transaction in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by

Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes for general corporate purposes. The issuance and sale of the Convertible Notes contemplated by the Purchase Agreement were consummated on July 2, 2024.

The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.0% per annum payable in cash, or, at the Company’s election,8.0% per annum paid in kind, due semi-annually. The maturity date of the Convertible Notes is July 2, 2029.

The Purchasers have the right to elect at any time to convert the Convertible Notes into shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial conversion price equal to $1.50 per share of common stock, so long as the aggregate number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by such Purchaser (together with its affiliates) would not exceed 4.99% (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the conversion, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Note. The Purchasers have the right to increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation upon no less than 61 days’ prior written notice to the Company, provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation may in no event exceed 24.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the conversion. The initial conversion price of the Convertible Notes represents a premium of approximately 19% to the last reported sale price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on July 1, 2024. The conversion price will be subject to certain customary anti-dilution adjustments. Assuming the Convertible Notes are converted in full (without issuance of any make-whole shares), and based on the current number of shares of common stock outstanding, the Purchasers would beneficially own approximately 27% of the shares of common stock outstanding on an as-converted basis.

The Convertible Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) and secured by first priority security interests in substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, subject to customary exceptions.

On or after July 2, 2027, the Company will have the right to redeem up to one-third of the initial outstanding principal and capitalized interest of the Convertible Notes (the “Redemption Amount”) in cash if the last reported sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds 200% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) in a 30-day trading period. On or after January 2, 2028, the Company will have the right to redeem the Redemption Amount in cash if the last reported sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds 225% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) in a 30-day trading period. On or after July 2, 2028, the Company will have the right to redeem the Redemption Amount in cash if the last reported sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds 250% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) in a 30-day trading period. The Company may not redeem more than the Redemption Amount in any rolling six-month period after July 2, 2027. In each case, such optional redemption would entitle the holder of the Convertible Notes to convert into shares of common stock calculated pursuant to a customary make-whole table prior to the applicable redemption date.

In the event of certain major transactions, the Company will be required to repay the Convertible Notes on the date on which such transaction occurs at a price equal to the greater of (i) the outstanding principal and capitalized interest on the Convertible Note plus a make-whole premium and (ii) the sum of (a) the fair market value of the as-converted amount of the Convertible Note for common stock plus (b) the fair market value of additional make-whole shares calculated pursuant to a customary make-whole table. In the event of a major transaction triggered by (i) the common stock or, following an earlier merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the equity securities of a successor entity, ceasing to be listed on a national trading market or (ii) the sale of the Company’s property management business, the Purchasers may decline to be repaid.

In addition, upon certain fundamental transactions that do not result in the foregoing major transactions, the right to convert the Convertible Notes into shares of common stock will be converted into the right to receive the shares of a successor entity, if any, or the Company and any additional consideration receivable as a result of such transaction.

The Purchase Agreement also contains certain affirmative and negative covenants (including restrictions on the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, permit liens, make dividends or distributions, consummate investments and consummate certain affiliate transactions). In addition, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, if the Company’s Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) for any two consecutive fiscal quarters from and after the fiscal quarter commencing July 1, 2024 is less than $0, the Company will be required to maintain Liquidity (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) of at least

$20,000 as of the end of each calendar month until such time as the Company’s Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is greater than $0 at the end of any subsequent fiscal quarter. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2024.

The Convertible Notes provide for customary events of default which include (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), among others, the following: nonpayment of principal or interest, breach of covenants or other agreements in the Purchase Agreement and Convertible Notes, certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, the failure of the common stock to be eligible for listing or quotation on a national trading market and the failure of the Company to file certain required reports under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Upon an event of default, the holders of the Convertible Notes may declare the outstanding principal amount of the Convertible Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest immediately due and payable. In addition, after the occurrence of any Event of Default that results in the eventual acceleration of any Convertible Notes, such Convertible Notes bear an additional rate of interest equal to 1.0% per annum.

Embedded Derivatives on the Convertible Debt:

The Company determined that the conversion feature meets the definition of a derivative liability. The Company separated the derivative liability from the host debt instrument based on the fair value of the derivative liability. In accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for derivatives and hedging, the Company has bifurcated these embedded derivatives and estimated the fair value of the embedded derivative liability based on a third-party valuation. The resulting discount created by allocating a portion of the issuance proceeds to the embedded derivative is then amortized to interest expense over the term of the debt using the effective interest method. Changes to the fair value of these embedded derivatives are reflected quarterly in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as “Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt.” The value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in interest rates, the Company’s stock price, stock price volatility, and the Company’s dividend yield over the term of the debt.

A summary of non-cash interest expense associated with the amortization of the debt discount created by the embedded derivative liability associated with the Company’s convertible debt is as follows:

A summary of non-cash changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt is as follows:

Fair Values of Notes Payable and Other Obligations:

The estimated fair value of the Company’s notes payable has been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies including the evaluation of the Company’s credit risk as described in Note 1. However, considerable judgment is required to develop the estimates of fair value and, accordingly, the estimate presented herein is not necessarily indicative of the amount that could be realized in a current market exchange.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s notes payable is as follows:

Notes payable is recorded on the condensed combined consolidated balance sheets at amortized cost. The determinations of fair values disclosed above would be classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy disclosed in Note 10 if such liabilities were recorded on the condensed combined consolidated balance sheets at fair value.

8. CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in litigation through the normal course of its business. The majority of claims are covered by the Company’s insurance policies in excess of any applicable retention. Other claims may not be covered by the Company’s insurance policies. The Company believes that the resolution of ordinary course matters will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

In October 2023, individual plaintiffs filed an action on behalf of a putative national class of home sellers from October 2019 through the present in the Western District of Missouri against the National Association of Realtors (“NAR”) and certain real estate brokerage firms, including the Company, alleging anticompetitive behavior in violation of federal antitrust laws arising from the NAR’s requirement that sellers’ agents for Multiple Listing Service (“MLS”) listed properties offer to pay a portion of commissions received on the sale of such properties to buyers’ agents (the Gibson case).

Thereafter, additional litigation was filed by other plaintiffs on behalf of putative classes of home sellers from 2019 to the present against certain real estate brokerage firms, including the Company and/or its subsidiaries, alleging anticompetitive behavior, similar to the Gibson case: (i) the March case (November 2023 – Southern District of New York) -- a putative class action on behalf of home sellers in Manhattan from November 2019 through the present; (ii) the Friedman case – (January 2024 – Southern District of New York) -- a putative class action on behalf of home sellers in certain parts of Brooklyn from January 2020 through present; (iii) the Umpa case (December 2023 -- Western District of Missouri – putative class action on behalf of home sellers nationwide (with certain markets excluded) from December 2019 through present, which has now been consolidated into the Gibson case; and (iv) the Whaley case (January 2024 District of Nevada) -- putative class action on behalf of home sellers in Nevada from January 2020 through the present.

In November 2023, additional individual plaintiffs filed an action on behalf of a putative national class of home buyers from 1996 to the present in the Northern District of Illinois against certain real estate brokerage firms, including the Company, alleging anticompetitive behavior similar to the Gibson case, (the Batton case). In June 2024, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed this action without prejudice. Thereafter, on June 11, 2024, plaintiffs’ counsel from the Batton case added the Company to a previously filed action on behalf of a putative national class of home buyers in the Southern District of Florida (the Lutz case). The allegations and claims in the Lutz case are similar to the Batton case.

In April 2024, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) to resolve, on a nationwide basis, the Gibson and Umpa cases (the “Lawsuits”). On April 30, 2024, the Court in the now-consolidated Gibson case (which includes the Umpa case) preliminarily approved the settlement, preliminarily certified the proposed settlement class and stayed the case as against the Company pending final approval of the Settlement Agreement.

After preliminary approval, the Company obtained stays of the remaining actions against it, other than the Lutz case. The final approval hearing for the settlement took place on October 31,2024, and on November 4, 2024, the Settlement Agreement received final court approval and became effective as of that date.

The settlement resolves all claims on a nationwide basis by the plaintiffs and proposed settlement class members in the Lawsuits, which includes, but is not limited to, all claims concerning brokerage commissions by the proposed settlement class members that were asserted in other lawsuits against the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Claims”), and releases the Company, its subsidiaries, and affiliated agents from all Claims. The settlement is not an admission of liability, nor does the Company concede or validate any of the claims asserted against it.

Under the Settlement Agreement, the Company paid into an escrow fund $7,750 on June 12, 2024, and agreed to paytwo $5,000 contingent payments subject to certain financial contingencies on or before December 31, 2027 (collectively, the “Settlement Amount”). The contingent payments may be accelerated under certain circumstances. The Company recognized an expense of$17,750 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

In addition, the Company agreed to make certain changes to its business practices and emphasize certain practices that have been a part of Douglas Elliman’s longstanding policies and practices, including: reminding its brokerages and agents that the Company has no rule requiring agents to make or accept offers of compensation; requiring its brokerages and agents to clearly disclose to clients that commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable; prohibiting its brokerages and buyer agents from claiming buyer agent services are free; requiring its brokerages and agents to disclose to the buyer the listing broker’s offer of compensation for prospective buyers’ agents as soon as possible; prohibiting its brokerages and agents from using any technology (or manual methods) to sort listings by offers of compensation, unless requested by the client; reminding its brokerages and agents of their obligation to show properties regardless of compensation for buyers’ agents for properties that meet the buyer’s priorities; and developing training materials for its brokerages and agents that support all the practice changes outlined in the injunctive relief.

Two real estate salespersons formerly associated with the Company as independent contractors, have, together or separately, been named as defendants in multiple complaints by women accusing them of sexual assault and related wrongdoing. While the Company is not named as a defendant in these lawsuits, the salespersons’ former association with the Company has been reported in various publications. The Company is aware of the potential for litigation against the Company and certain of its current and former executives based on such alleged sexual assault and related wrongdoing, including claims that the Company and those executives are liable or indirectly liable for such wrongdoing. The Company and its executives deny all liability.

Litigation is subject to uncertainty and it is possible that there could be adverse developments in pending cases or that more cases, including antitrust lawsuits, could be commenced. With the commencement of any new case, the defense costs and the risks relating to the unpredictability of litigation increase. Management reviews on a quarterly basis with counsel all pending litigation and evaluates the probability of a loss being incurred and whether an estimate can be made of the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. The Company is unable to reasonably estimate the financial impact of these litigations. The Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected from an unfavorable outcome in, or settlement of, any of these matters.

Accounting Policy. The Company and its subsidiaries record provisions in their consolidated financial statements for pending litigation when they determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At the present time, while it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome in a case may occur, other than with respect to the Lawsuits: (i) management has concluded that it is not probable that a loss has been incurred in any of pending cases; or (ii) management is unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of any pending cases and, therefore, management has not provided any amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any.

9. INCOME TAXES

ASC 740, Income Taxes, requires the Company to establish a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets reported if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If such determination is made and future losses are incurred over the period in which the net deferred tax assets are deductible, the Company believes it will be more likely than not that the benefits of these deductible differences will not be realized, and as a result will be required to maintain a valuation allowance for the full amount of the deferred tax assets. During the nine months ending September 30, 2024, the Company analyzed the likelihood of utilizing its deferred tax assets and determined it will be more likely than not that the benefits of these deductible differences will not be realized, and as a result established a valuation allowance for the full amount of the deferred tax assets. The Company’s income tax (benefit) expense and valuation allowance consisted of the following:

10. INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements were as follows:

(1)Amounts included in Cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, except for $3,364 that is included in current restricted cash and cash equivalents and $2,483 that is included in non-current restricted assets within Other assets.

(2)Amounts included in Cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(3)Amounts included in Other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(4)In accordance with ASC Subtopic 820-10, investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.

(5)Long-term investments with a carrying amount of $489 were written down to their fair value of $0, resulting in an impairment charge of $489, which was included in earnings.

(1)Amounts included in Cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, except for $7,171 that is included in current restricted assets and $2,538 that is included in non-current restricted assets within Other assets.

(2)Amounts included in Cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(3)Amounts included in Other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(4)In accordance with ASC Subtopic 820-10, investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.

The fair value of the Level 2 certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is the rate offered by the financial institution.

The fair values of the Level 3 PropTech convertible trading debt securities were derived using a discounted cash flow model utilizing a probability-weighted expected return method based on the probabilities of different potential outcomes for the convertible trading debt securities.

The long-term investments are based on NAV per share provided by the partnerships based on the indicated market value of the underlying assets or investment portfolio. In accordance with ASC Subtopic 820-10, these investments are not classified under the fair value hierarchy disclosed above because they are measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient.

The fair value of derivatives embedded within the convertible debt and the fair value of the convertible debt itself was derived using a binomial lattice valuation model. These derivatives have been classified as Level 3. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives embedded with the convertible debt are presented in the consolidated statements of operations. The value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in interest rates, the Company’s stock price, stock price volatility, and the Company’s dividend yield. The Company’s stock price, volatility, and dividend yield are based on market observable inputs. The interest rate component of the value of the note is computed by calibrating the yield as of the issuance date, such that the value of the convertible note is equal to the Principal less the Original Issue Discount. This yield is adjusted by the change in spreads from the discount curve equivalent to the Company’s implied credit rating.

The changes in the fair value of these Level 3 liabilities as of September 30, 2024 were as follows:

The unobservable inputs related to the valuations of the Level 3 assets and liabilities were as follows as of September 30, 2024:

The unobservable inputs related to the valuations of the Level 3 assets and liabilities were as follows as of December 31, 2023:

In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company is required to record assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Generally, assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis because of impairment charges. The Company had no nonrecurring nonfinancial assets subject to fair value measurements as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

11. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s business segments are Real Estate Brokerage and Corporate and Other. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

Financial information for the Company’s operations before taxes and non-controlling interests for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

(1)Operating income includes $18 of restructuring expense.

(2)Operating loss includes $215 of restructuring expense.

(3)The following table reconciles operating loss to Adjusted EBITDA attributed to Douglas Elliman for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

(4) Operating loss includes $17,750 of litigation settlement and $616 of restructuring expense.

(5)Operating loss includes $1,932 of restructuring expense.

12. ESCROW FUNDS IN HOLDING

As a service to its customers, Portfolio Escrow Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, administers escrow and trust deposits which represent undisbursed amounts received for the settlement of real estate transactions. Deposits at FDIC-insured institutions are insured up to $250. Portfolio Escrow Inc. had escrow funds on deposit in the amount of $36,061 and $41,338 as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and corresponding escrow funds in holding of the same amount. While these deposits are not assets of the Company (and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets), the subsidiary of the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of these deposits.