The preparation of Newmark’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing these consolidated financial statements are reasonable. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates included on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2018, in accordance with the new guidance on recognition and measurement of equity investments, Newmark carries its marketable equity securities at fair value and recognizes any changes in fair value in consolidated net income (loss). Further, Newmark has elected to use a measurement alternative for its equity investments without a readily determinable fair value, pursuant to which these investments are initially recognized at cost and remeasured through earnings when there is an observable transaction involving the same or similar investment of the same issuer, or due to an impairment. Newmark’s investments, in which it has significant influence but not a controlling financial interest and of which it is not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method. (See Note 8 — “Investments” for additional information).

The accounting policy changes are attributable to the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from contracts with Customers and related amendments on January 1, 2018. These revenue recognition policy updates are applied prospectively on the accompanying consolidated financial statements from January 1, 2018 onward. Financial information for the year ended December 31, 2017 was not revised and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during that historical period.

Commissions from real estate brokerage transactions are typically recognized at a point in time on the date the lease is signed, if deemed not subject to significant reversal. The date the lease is signed represents the transfer of control and satisfaction of the performance obligation as the tenant has been secured. Commission payments may be due entirely upon lease execution or may be paid in installments upon the resolution of a future contingency (e.g. tenant move-in or payment of first month’s rent).

Commission revenues from sales brokerage transactions are recognized at the time the service has been provided and the commission becomes legally due, except when future contingencies exist. In most cases, close of escrow or transfer of title is a future contingency, and revenue recognition is deferred until all contingencies are satisfied.

Gains from mortgage banking activities/originations, net are recognized when a derivative asset or liability is recorded upon the commitment to originate a loan with a borrower and sell the loan to an investor. The derivative is recorded at fair value and includes loan origination fees, sales premiums and the estimated fair value of the expected net servicing cash flows. Gains from mortgage banking activities/originations, net are recognized net of related fees and commissions to third-party brokers.

Management services revenues include property management, facilities management, project management and valuation and appraisal. Management fees are recognized at the time the related services have been performed, unless future contingencies exist. In addition, in regard to management and facility service contracts, the owner of the property will typically reimburse Newmark for certain expenses that are incurred on behalf of the owner, which comprise primarily on-site employee salaries and related benefit costs. The amounts which are to be reimbursed per the terms of the services contract are recognized as revenue in the same period as the related expenses are incurred. In certain instances, Newmark subcontracts property management services to independent property managers, in which case Newmark passes a portion of its property management fee on to the subcontractor, and Newmark retains the balance. Accordingly, Newmark records these fees gross of the amounts paid to subcontractors, and the amounts paid to subcontractors are recognized as expenses in the same period.

Newmark also uses third party service providers in the provision of its services to customers. In instances where a third-party service provider is used, Newmark performs an analysis to determine whether it is acting as a principal or an agent with respect to the services provided. To the extent that Newmark determines that it is acting as a principal, the revenue and the expenses incurred are recorded on a gross basis. In instances where Newmark has determined that it is acting as an agent, the revenue and expenses are presented on a net basis within the revenue line item.

In some instances, Newmark performs services for customers and incurs out-of-pocket expenses as part of delivering those services. Newmark’s customers agree to reimburse Newmark for those expenses, and those reimbursements are part of the contract’s transaction price. Consequently, these expenses and the reimbursements of such expenses from the customer are presented on a gross basis because the services giving rise to the out-of-pocket expenses do not transfer a good or service. The reimbursements are included in the transaction price when the costs are incurred, and the reimbursements are due from the customer.

Servicing fees are earned for servicing mortgage loans and are recognized on an accrual basis over the lives of the related mortgage loans. Also included in servicing fees are the fees earned on prepayments, interest and placement fees on borrowers’ escrow accounts and other ancillary fees.

Newmark is allocated costs from Cantor and BGC for back-office services provided by Cantor and BGC and their affiliates, including occupancy of office space, utilization of fixed assets, accounting, operations, human resources and legal services and information technology. Fees are expensed as they are incurred.

Other income, net comprises gains or losses recorded in connection with changes in fair value of contingent consideration (See Note 26 — “Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities”) in connection with entities acquired, gains and losses associated with the Nasdaq monetization transactions and the movement of mark-to-market and/or hedge on marketable securities that are classified as trading securities (See Note 7 — “Marketable Securities”), Newark’s pro rata share for equity method investments (See Note 8 — “Investments”) and unrealized gains or loses relating to investments carried under the measurement alternative (See Note 19 — "Other assets") and movements related to the impact of any unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses related to the Nasdaq Forwards.

Represents cash set aside for amounts pledged for the benefit of Fannie Mae in excess of the required cash to secure Newmark’s financial guarantee liability (See Note 12 — “Credit Enhancement Receivable, Contingent Liability and Credit Enhancement Deposit”).

The accounting policies described below were updated pursuant to the adoption of ASC 842, Leases and related amendments on January 1, 2019. These policy updates have been applied using the modified retrospective approach in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from January 1, 2019, onward. Financial information for the historical comparable periods was not revised and continues to be reported under the previous accounting guidance on leases in effect during those historical periods

Newmark determines whether an arrangement is a lease or includes a lease at the contract inception. ROU lease assets represent the Newmark’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Other than for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less, 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 leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise those options. Lease expense pertaining to operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term (See Note 18 — “Leases” for additional information).

Newmark has a single operating segment. Newmark is a real estate services firm offering services to commercial real estate tenants, owner occupiers, investors and developers, leasing and corporate advisory, investment sales and real estate finance, consulting, origination and servicing of commercial mortgage loans, valuation, project and development management and property and facility management. The chief operating decision maker regardless of geographic location evaluates the operating results of Newmark as total real estate services and allocates resources accordingly. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Newmark recognized revenues as follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Leasing and other commissions	$	854,780	$	817,435	$	616,980
Capital markets commissions	541,255		468,904		397,736
Gains from mortgage banking activities/origination, net	198,085		182,264		206,000
Management services, servicing fees and other	624,012		578,976		375,734
Revenues	$	2,218,132	$	2,047,579	$	1,596,450

U.S. GAAP guidance defines fair value as the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and further expands disclosures about such fair value measurements.

The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Newmark’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Newmark and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. Newmark’s policy is to consolidate all entities of which it owns more than 50% unless it does not have control over the entity. In accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, Newmark also consolidates any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) of which it is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Newmark maintains multifamily and commercial mortgage loans for the purpose of sale to GSEs. Prior to funding, Newmark enters into an agreement to sell the loans to third-party investors at a fixed price. During the period prior to sale, interest income is calculated and recognized in accordance with the terms of the individual loan. LHFS are carried at fair value, as Newmark has elected the fair value option. The primary reasons Newmark has elected to account for loans backed by commercial real estate under the fair value option are to better offset the change in fair value of the loan and the change in fair value of the derivative instruments used as economic hedges.

Newmark has loan commitments to extend credit to third parties. The commitments to extend credit are for mortgage loans at a specific rate (rate lock commitments). These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require a fee. Newmark is committed to extend credit to the counterparty as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment contracts.

The commitment to extend credit, the forward sale commitment and Nasdaq Forwards qualify as derivative financial instruments. Newmark recognizes all derivatives on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities measured at fair value. The change in the derivatives fair value is recognized in included in “Other income” on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Newmark initially recognizes and measures the rights to service mortgage loans at fair value and subsequently measures them using the amortization method. Newmark recognizes rights to service mortgage loans as separate assets at the time the underlying originated mortgage loan is sold, and the value of those rights is included in the determination of the gains on loans held for sale.

Newmark receives up to a 3-basis point servicing fee and/or up to a 1-basis point surveillance fee on certain Freddie Mac loans after the loan is securitized in a Freddie Mac pool (Freddie Mac Strip). The Freddie Mac Strip is also recognized at fair value and subsequently measured using the amortization method, but is recognized as a MSR at the securitization date.

MSRs are assessed for impairment, at least on an annual basis, based upon the fair value of those rights as compared to the amortized cost. Fair values are estimated using a valuation model that calculates the present value of the future net servicing cash flows. In using this valuation method, Newmark incorporates assumptions that management believes market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income. It is reasonably possible that such estimates may change. Newmark amortizes the mortgage servicing rights in proportion to, and over the period of, the projected net servicing income. For purposes of impairment evaluation and measurement, Newmark stratifies MSRs based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, primarily by investor type (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, FHA/GNMA, CMBS and other). To the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of a specific MSR strata, a valuation allowance is established, which is adjusted in the future as the fair value of MSRs increases or decreases. Reversals of valuation allowances cannot exceed the previously recognized impairment up to the amortized cost.

Newmark has accrued commission’s receivable from real estate brokerage transactions and management services and servicing fee receivables from contractual management assignments. Receivables are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11.8 million and $16.3 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The allowance is based on management’s estimate and is reviewed periodically based on the facts and circumstances of each outstanding receivable.

Fixed assets are carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The costs of additions and improvements are capitalized, while

maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Fixed assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives as follows:



Leasehold improvements and other fixed assets		shorter of the remaining term of lease or useful life

Software, including software development costs		3-5 years straight-line

Computer and communications equipment		3-5 years straight-line

Newmark periodically evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets and amortizable intangible assets, when a change in circumstances occurs, by applying the U.S. GAAP guidance, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, and assessing whether the unamortized carrying amount can be recovered over the remaining life through undiscounted future expected cash flows generated by the underlying assets. If the undiscounted future cash flows were less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment charge would be recorded. The impairment charge would be measured as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over the present value of estimated expected future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved.

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. As prescribed in U.S. GAAP guidance, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are periodically tested for impairment. Newmark reviews goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that could reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. When reviewing goodwill for impairment, Newmark first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Newmark did not recognize an impairment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Definite-lived intangible assets arising from business combinations include trademarks and trade names, contractual and non-contractual customers, non-compete agreements and brokerage backlog.

Newmark recognizes a liability in connection with the guarantee provided to Fannie Mae under the Delegated Underwriting and Servicing Program (“DUS”) and Freddie Mac under the Targeted Affordable Housing Program (“TAH”). The financial guarantee liability requires Newmark to make payments to the guaranteed party based on the borrower’s failure to meet its obligations. The liability is adjusted through provisions charged or reversed through operations. The financial guarantee liability is included in “Other long-term liabilities” on Newmark’s consolidated balance sheets.

Newmark originates its commercial mortgage loans primarily for the GSEs’ distribution channels, which generally involve (a) Freddie Mac purchasing Newmark’s loans for cash, (b) Fannie Mae securitizing Newmark’s loans into a mortgage-backed security (“MBS”) guaranteed by Fannie Mae, (c) FHA guaranteeing the credit risk of Newmark’s loans or (d) Ginnie Mae securitizing Newmark’s loans into an MBS. MBS are collateralized by the loan and Ginnie Mae selling the MBS for cash. As part of its origination activities, Newmark accounts for the transfer of financial assets in accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance on Transfers and Servicing. In accordance with this guidance, the transfer of financial assets between two entities must meet the following criteria for derecognition and sale accounting:

borrowings against these lines are collateralized by an assignment of the underlying mortgages, reflected as loans held for sale, at fair value on Newmark’s consolidated balance sheets and third-party purchase commitments. The borrowing rates on the warehouse lines are based on short-term LIBOR plus applicable margins. Accordingly, the warehouse facilities collateralized by U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprises are typically classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The facilities are generally repaid within a 45-day period when Freddie Mac buys the loans or upon settlement of the Fannie Mae or Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities, while Newmark retains servicing rights.

Newmark accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method as prescribed in U.S. GAAP guidance on Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to basis differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Certain of Newmark’s entities are taxed as U.S. partnerships and are subject to the Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) in New York City. Therefore, the tax liability or benefit related to the partnership income or loss except for UBT rests with the partners, rather than the partnership entity. As such, the partners’ tax liability or benefit is not reflected on the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The tax-related assets, liabilities, provisions or benefits included on the accompanying consolidated financial statements also reflect the results of the entities that are taxed as corporations, either in the U.S. or in foreign jurisdictions.

Newmark’s income taxes as presented are calculated on a separate return basis for the periods prior to the Spin-Off and have historically been included in BGC’s U.S. federal and state tax returns or separate non-U.S. jurisdictions tax returns. Subsequent to the Spin-Off, Newmark files its own stand-alone tax returns for its operations within these jurisdictions. The 2018 tax results reflect both the pre and post spin periods and, as such, Newmark’s tax results as presented are not necessarily reflective of the results that Newmark would have generated on a stand-alone basis.

Newmark provides for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. Management is required to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Because significant assumptions are used in determining whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities, actual results may differ from Newmark’s estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Newmark recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in “Provision for income taxes” on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if it is deemed more likely than not that those assets will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, Newmark considers all available evidence, including past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent fiscal years, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of tax planning strategies.

The measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities is based on provisions of enacted tax laws and involves uncertainties in the application of tax regulations in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions. Because Newmark’s interpretation of complex tax law may impact the measurement of current and deferred income taxes, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions regarding the application of tax law.

Equity-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the fair value of the portion of equity-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. The grant-date fair value of equity-based awards is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ vesting periods. As equity-based compensation expense recognized in the Newmark’s consolidated statements of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reviewed for estimated forfeitures. Further, forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

RSUs are accounted for as equity awards and in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Newmark is required to record an expense for the portion of the RSUs that is ultimately expected to vest. The grant-date fair value of RSUs is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ expected vesting periods. The amortization is reflected as a component of compensation expense under “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Limited partnership units in BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings are held by Newmark employees and receive quarterly allocations of net income and are generally contingent upon services being provided by the unit holders. The quarterly allocations of net income on such limited partnership units are reflected as a component of compensation expense under “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Certain of these limited partnership units in Newmark Holdings and BGC Holdings, such as REUs, entitle the holders to receive post-termination payments equal to the notional amount in four equal yearly installments after the holder’s termination. These limited partnership units are accounted for as post-termination liability awards under U.S. GAAP guidance, which requires that Newmark record an expense for such awards based on the change in value at each reporting period and include the expense in the Newmark’s consolidated statements of operations as part of “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs.” The liability for limited partnership units held by Newmark employees with a post-termination payout amount is included in “Other long-term liabilities” on the Newmark’s consolidated balance sheets.

Certain limited partnership units held by Newmark employees are granted exchangeability into Class A common stock or may be redeemed in connection with the grant of shares of Class A common stock. At the time exchangeability is granted, or the shares are issued, Newmark recognizes an expense based on the fair value of the award on that date, which is included in “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

In addition, Preferred Units are granted in connection with the grant of certain limited partnership units, such as PSUs, that may be granted exchangeability to cover the withholding taxes owed by the unit holder upon such exchange. Each quarter, the net profits of BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings are allocated to such units at a rate of either 0.6875% (which is 2.75% per calendar year) or such other amount as set forth in the Preferred Distribution, which is deducted before the calculation and distribution of the quarterly partnership distribution for the remaining limited partnership interests. The Preferred Units are not entitled to participate in partnership distributions other than with respect to the Preferred Distribution. Preferred Units may not be made exchangeable into BGC or Newmark Class A common stock and are only entitled to the Preferred Distribution, and accordingly they are not included in Newmark’s fully diluted share count. The quarterly allocations of net income on Preferred Units are reflected in compensation expense under “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Redeemable partnership interest represents limited partnership interests in Newmark Holdings held by founding/working partners. (See Note 2 — “Limited Partnership Interests in Newmark Holdings and BGC Holdings” for additional information related to redeemable partnership interest).

Newmark has entered into various agreements with certain of its employees and partners whereby these individuals receive loans which may be either wholly or in part repaid from the distribution earnings that the individual receives on some or all of their limited partnership units or may be forgiven over a period of time. The forgivable portion of these loans is recognized as compensation expense over the life of the loan. From time to time, Newmark may also enter into agreements with employees and partners to grant bonus and salary advances or other types of loans. These advances and loans are repayable in the timeframes outlined in the underlying agreements. Management reviews the loan balances each reporting period for collectability. If Newmark determines that the collectability of a portion of the loan balances is not expected, Newmark recognizes a reserve against the loan balance. This reserve is included in “Compensation and employee benefits” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Noncontrolling interests represent third-party, Cantor’s and BGC’s (prior to the Spin-Off) ownership interests on the accompanying consolidated subsidiaries and EPUs (See Note 1 — “Organization and Basis of Presentation”) and are included on Newmark’s consolidated balance sheets. Prior to the Spin-Off, Cantor and BGC units received allocations of net income (loss). Subsequent to the Spin-Off, Cantor units received allocations of net income (loss). Allocations of net income (loss) and are reflected as a component of “Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.