Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of preparation

(a) Basis of preparation

These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”). They include the accounts of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated and its subsidiaries from their respective dates of formation or acquisition. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Certain information and footnote disclosure required by US GAAP for complete annual financial statements have been omitted and, therefore, these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic, which continues to spread throughout the world. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operational and financial performance of the Company, including the ability to execute on business strategies and initiatives, will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic and related restrictions placed by oversight bodies and respective global governments, as well as supply and demand impacts driven by the Company’s consignor and buyer base, all of which are uncertain and cannot be easily predicted. Given the dynamic nature of this situation, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impacts of COVID-19 on its business operations, results of operations, cash flows or financial performance.

Revenue recognition

(b) Revenue recognition

Revenues are comprised of:

● Service revenue, including the following:

i. Revenue from auction and marketplace (“A&M”) activities, including commissions earned at our live auctions, online marketplaces, and private brokerage services where we act as an agent for consignors of equipment and other assets, and various auction-related fees, including listing and buyer transaction fees; and

ii. Other services revenue, including revenue from listing services, refurbishment, logistical services, financing, appraisal fees and other ancillary service fees; and

● Inventory sales revenue as part of A&M activities

The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, or upon completion of the performance obligation, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. For live event-based auctions or online auctions, revenue is recognized when the auction sale is complete and the Company has determined that the sale proceeds are collectible. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and is shown net of value-added tax and duties.

Service revenue

Commissions from sales at the Company’s auctions represent the percentage earned by the Company on the gross proceeds from equipment and other assets sold at auction. The majority of the Company’s commissions are earned as a pre-negotiated fixed rate of the gross selling price. Other commissions from sales at the Company’s auctions are earned from underwritten commission contracts, when the Company guarantees a certain level of proceeds to a consignor.

1.    Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(b) Revenue recognition (continued)

Service revenue (continued)

The Company accepts equipment and other assets on consignment stimulating buyer interest through professional marketing techniques and matches sellers (also known as consignors) to buyers through the auction or private sale process. Prior to offering an item for sale on its online marketplaces, the Company also performs inspections.

Following the sale of the item, the Company invoices the buyer for the purchase price of the asset, taxes, and, if applicable, the buyer transaction fee, collects payment from the buyer, and remits the proceeds to the seller, net of the seller commissions, applicable taxes, and applicable fees. Commissions are calculated as a percentage of the hammer price of the property sold at auction. Fees are also charged to sellers for listing and inspecting equipment. Other revenue earned in the process of conducting the Company’s auctions include administrative, documentation, and advertising fees.

On the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer, the highest bidder becomes legally obligated to pay the full purchase price, which is the hammer price of the property purchased and the seller is legally obligated to relinquish the property in exchange for the hammer price less any seller’s commissions. Commission and fee revenue are recognized on the date of the auction sale upon the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer.

Under the standard terms and conditions of its auction sales, the Company is not obligated to pay a consignor for property that has not been paid for by the buyer, provided the property has not been released to the buyer. If the buyer defaults on its payment obligation, also referred to as a collapsed sale, the sale is cancelled in the period in which the determination is made, and the property is returned to the consignor or placed in a later event-based or online auction. Historically cancelled sales have not been material.

Online marketplace commission revenue is reduced by a provision for disputes, which is an estimate of disputed items that are expected to be settled at a cost to the Company, related to settlements of discrepancies under the Company’s equipment condition certification program. The equipment condition certification refers to a written inspection report provided to potential buyers that reflects the condition of a specific piece of equipment offered for sale, and includes ratings, comments, and photographs of the equipment following inspection by one of the Company’s equipment inspectors.

The equipment condition certification provides that a buyer may file a written dispute claim during an eligible dispute period for consideration and resolution at the sole determination of the Company if the purchased equipment is not substantially in the condition represented in the inspection report. Typically disputes under the equipment condition certification program are settled with minor repairs or additional services, such as washing or detailing the item; the estimated costs of such items or services are included in the provision for disputes.

Commission revenue are recorded net of commissions owed to third parties, which are principally the result of situations when the commission is shared with a consignor in an auction guarantee risk and reward sharing arrangement.

Underwritten commission contracts can take the form of guarantee contracts. Guarantee contracts typically include a pre-negotiated percentage of the guaranteed gross proceeds plus a percentage of proceeds in excess of the guaranteed amount. If actual auction proceeds are less than the guaranteed amount, commission is reduced; if proceeds are sufficiently lower, the Company can incur a loss on the sale. Losses, if any, resulting from guarantee contracts are recorded in the period in which the relevant auction is completed. If a loss relating to a guarantee contract held at the period end to be sold after the period end is known or is probable and estimable at the financial statement reporting date, the loss is accrued in the financial statements for that period. The Company’s exposure from these guarantee contracts fluctuates over time.

Other services revenue also includes fees for refurbishment, logistical services, financing, appraisal fees and other ancillary service fees. Fees are recognized in the period in which the service is provided to the customer.

1.    Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(b) Revenue recognition (continued)

Inventory sales revenue

Underwritten commission contracts can take the form of inventory contracts. Revenue related to inventory contracts is recognized in the period in which the sale is completed, title to the property passes to the purchaser and the Company has fulfilled any other obligations that may be relevant to the transaction. In its role as auctioneer, the Company auctions its inventory to equipment buyers through the auction process. Following the sale of the item, the Company invoices the buyer for the purchase price of the asset, taxes, and, if applicable, the buyer transaction fee, and collects payment from the buyer.

On the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer, the highest bidder becomes legally obligated to pay the full purchase price, which is the hammer price of the property purchased. Title to the property is transferred in exchange for the hammer price, and if applicable, the buyer transaction fee plus applicable taxes.

Costs of services

(c) Costs of services

Costs of services are comprised of expenses incurred in direct relation to conducting auctions (“direct expenses”), earning online marketplace revenue, and earning other fee revenue. Direct expenses include direct labour, buildings and facilities charges, travel, advertising and promotion costs and fees paid to unrelated third parties who introduce the Company to equipment sellers who sell property at the Company’s auctions and marketplaces.

Costs of services incurred to earn online marketplace revenue in addition to the costs listed above also include inspection costs. Inspections are generally performed at the seller’s physical location. The cost of inspections includes payroll costs and related benefits for the Company’s employees that perform and manage field inspection services, the related inspection report preparation and quality assurance costs, fees paid to contractors who perform field inspections, related travel and incidental costs for the Company’s inspection service organization, and office and occupancy costs for its inspection services personnel. Costs of earning online marketplace revenue also include costs for the Company’s customer support, online marketplace operations, logistics, title and lien investigation functions.

Costs of services incurred in earning other fee revenue include ancillary and logistical service expenses, direct labour (including commissions on sales), software maintenance fees, and materials. Costs of services exclude depreciation and amortization expenses.

Cost of inventory sold

(d) Cost of inventory sold

Cost of inventory sold includes the purchase price of assets sold for the Company’s own account and is determined using a specific identification basis.

Share-based payments

(e) Share-based payments

The Company classifies a share-based payment award as an equity or liability payment based on the substantive terms of the award and any related arrangement.

Equity-classified share-based payments

Share unit plans

The Company has a senior executive performance share unit (“PSU”) plan and an employee PSU plan that provides for the award of PSUs to certain senior executives and employees, respectively, of the Company. The Company has the option to settle certain share unit awards in cash or shares and expects to settle them in shares. The cost of PSUs granted is measured at the fair value of the underlying PSUs at the grant date. PSUs vest based on the passage of time and achievement of performance criteria.

The Company also has a senior executive restricted share unit (“RSU”) plan and an employee RSU plan that provides for the award of RSUs to certain senior executives and employees, respectively, of the Company. The Company has the option to settle certain share unit awards in cash or shares and expects to settle all grants on and after 2017 in shares. The cost of RSUs granted is measured at the fair value based on the fair value of the Company’s common shares at the grant date. RSUs vest based on the passage of time and include restrictions related to employment.

1.    Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(e) Share-based payments (continued)

Equity-classified share-based payments (continued)

Share unit plans (continued)

This fair value of awards expected to vest under these plans is expensed over the respective remaining service period of the individual awards, on an accelerated recognition basis, with the corresponding increase to APIC recorded in equity. At the end of each reporting period, the Company revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognized in earnings, such that the consolidated expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to equity. Dividend equivalents on the equity-classified PSUs and RSUs are recognized as a reduction to retained earnings over the service period.

Stock option plans

The Company has three stock option compensation plans that provide for the award of stock options to selected employees, directors and officers of the Company. The cost of options granted is measured at the fair value of the underlying option at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of options expected to vest under these plans is expensed over the respective remaining service period of the individual awards, on an accelerated recognition basis, with the corresponding increase to APIC recorded in equity. Upon exercise, any consideration paid on exercise of the stock options and amounts fully amortized in APIC are credited to the common shares.

Liability-classified share-based payments

The Company maintains other share unit compensation plans that vest over a period of up to three years after grant. Under those plans, the Company is either required or expects to settle vested awards on a cash basis or by providing cash to acquire shares on the open market on the employee’s behalf, where the settlement amount is determined based on the average price of the Company’s common shares prior to the vesting date or, in the case of deferred share unit (“DSU”) recipients, following cessation of service on the Board of Directors.

These awards are classified as liability awards, measured at fair value at the date of grant and re-measured at fair value at each reporting date up to and including the settlement date. The determination of the fair value of the share units under these plans is described in note 17. The fair value of the awards is expensed over the respective vesting period of the individual awards with recognition of a corresponding liability. Changes in fair value after vesting are recognized through compensation expense. Compensation expense reflects estimates of the number of instruments expected to vest.

The impact of forfeitures and fair value revisions, if any, are recognized in earnings such that the cumulative expense reflects the revisions, with a corresponding adjustment to the settlement liability. Liability-classified share unit liabilities due within 12 months of the reporting date are presented in trade and other payables while settlements due beyond 12 months of the reporting date are presented in other non-current liabilities.

Leases

(f) Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company may have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. Additionally, for certain vehicle and equipment leases, management applies a portfolio approach to account for the right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities for assets leased with similar lease terms.

Operating leases

Operating leases are included in other non-current assets, trade and other payables, and other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets if the initial lease term is greater than 12 months. For leases with an initial term of 12 months or less the Company recognizes those lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, management uses the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Management uses the implicit rate when readily determinable. The Company includes lease payments for renewal or termination options in its determination of lease term, ROU asset, and lease liability when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise these options. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and are included in Costs of services or Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses.

1.    Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(f) Leases (continued)

Finance leases

Finance lease ROU assets are included in property, plant and equipment, trade and other payables, and other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

Finance lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, management uses the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Management uses the implicit rate when readily determinable. The Company includes lease payments for renewal, purchase options, or termination options in its determination of lease term, ROU asset, and lease liability when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise these options. Finance lease ROU assets are generally amortized over the lease term and are included in depreciation expense. The interest on the finance lease liabilities is included in interest expense.

Inventories

(g) Inventories

Inventory consists of equipment and other assets purchased for resale in an upcoming live on site auction or online marketplace event. The Company typically purchases inventory for resale through a competitive process where the consignor or vendor has determined this to be the preferred method of disposition through the auction process. In addition, certain jurisdictions require auctioneers to hold title to assets and facilitate title transfer on sale. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value where net realizable value represents the expected sale price upon disposition less make-ready costs and the costs of disposal and transportation. As part of its government business, the Company purchases inventory for resale as part of its commitment to purchase certain surplus government property (note 19). The significant elements of cost include the acquisition price of the inventory and make-ready costs to prepare the inventory for sale that are not selling expenses and in-bound transportation costs. Write-downs to the carrying value of inventory are recorded in cost of inventory sold on the consolidated income statement.

Impairment of long-lived and indefinite-lived assets

(h) Impairment of long-lived and indefinite-lived assets

Long-lived assets, comprised of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization, are assessed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. For the purpose of impairment testing, long-lived assets are grouped and tested for recoverability at the lowest level that generates independent cash flows. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of the assets or asset groups is greater than the future projected undiscounted cash flows. The impairment loss is calculated as the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the asset or asset group. Fair value is based on valuation techniques or third party appraisals. Significant estimates and judgments are applied in determining these cash flows and fair values.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment as of December 31, and between annual tests if indicators of potential impairment exist. The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment to first determine whether the quantitative impairment test is necessary. This involves an assessment of qualitative factors to determine the existence of events or circumstances that would indicate whether it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its fair value. If the qualitative assessment indicates it is not more likely than not that the carrying amount is less than its fair value, a quantitative impairment test is not required. Where a quantitative impairment test is required, the procedure is to compare the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value with its carrying amount. An impairment loss is recognized as the difference between the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s carrying amount and its fair value.

Goodwill

(i) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired enterprise over the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.

Goodwill is not amortized, but it is tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level as of December 31, and between annual tests if indicators of potential impairment exist. The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit to first determine whether the quantitative impairment test is necessary. This involves an assessment of qualitative factors to determine the existence of events or circumstances that would indicate whether it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of the reporting unit to which goodwill belongs is less than its fair value. If the qualitative assessment indicates it is not more likely than not that the reporting unit’s carrying amount is less than its fair value, a quantitative impairment test is not required.

1.    Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(i) Goodwill (continued)

If a quantitative impairment test is required, the procedure is to identify potential impairment by comparing the reporting unit’s fair value with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The reporting unit’s fair value is determined using various valuation approaches and techniques that involve assumptions based on what the Company believes a hypothetical marketplace participant would use in estimating fair value on the measurement date. An impairment loss is recognized as the difference between the reporting unit’s carrying amount and its fair value. If the difference between the reporting unit’s carrying amount and fair value is greater than the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit, the impairment loss is restricted by the amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

New and amended accounting standards

(j) New and amended accounting standards

a. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new standard replaces the ‘incurred loss methodology’ credit impairment model with a new forward-looking “methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates.” In applying the new standard, the Company has adopted the loss rate methodology to estimate historical losses on trade receivables. The historical data is adjusted to account for forecasted changes in the macroeconomic environment in order to calculate the current expected credit loss.

The Company's adoption of ASC 326 did not result in a material change in the carrying values of the Company's financial assets on the transition date. Periods prior to January 1, 2020 that are presented for comparative purposes have not been adjusted.

b. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The update provides "optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued." The amendments are effective immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating existing contracts and the optional expedients provided by the new standard.

c. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract on a prospective basis. The update aligns the accounting for costs incurred to implement a cloud computing arrangement that is a service agreement with the guidance on capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 using the prospective transition approach did not result in a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.