Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of estimates The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the assessment of collectability of revenue recognized and the valuation of accounts receivable and notes receivable, inventory, investments, goodwill and intangible assets, liabilities, deferred income tax assets and liabilities including projecting future years’ taxable income, and stock-based compensation. These estimates have the potential to significantly impact our consolidated financial statements, either because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they relate, or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events that are continuous in nature.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior year balances within the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Nature of Business	Nature of Business The Company earns revenue both from commission or fee-based services, and from the sale of distressed or surplus assets. With respect to the former, revenue is recognized as the services are provided. With respect to the latter, the majority of the asset sale transactions are conducted directly by the Company and the revenue is recognized in the period in which the asset is sold. Fee based revenue is reported as services revenue, and the associated direct costs are reported as cost of services revenue. At the balance sheet date, any unsold assets which the Company owns are reported as inventory, any outstanding accounts receivable are included in the Company’s accounts receivable, and any associated liabilities are included in the Company’s accrued liabilities. Equipment inventory is expected to be sold within a year and is therefore classified as a current asset. The remaining asset sale transactions involve the Company acting jointly with one or more additional purchasers or lenders, pursuant to a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company agreement (collectively, “Joint Ventures”). Transactions in which the Company’s ownership share meets the criteria for the equity method investments under ASC Topic 323, Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”), are accounted for as equity method investments, and, accordingly, the Company’s proportionate share of the net income (loss) is reported as earnings of equity method investments. At each balance sheet date, the Company’s investments in these Joint Ventures are reported in the consolidated balance sheet as equity method investments. These investments are classified on the balance sheet as non-current assets due to the uncertainties relating to the timing of resale of the underlying assets as a result of the Joint Venture relationship. The Company monitors the value of the Joint Ventures’ underlying assets and liabilities and records a write down of its investments if the Company concludes that there has been a decline in the value of the net assets. As the activity of the Joint Ventures involves asset purchase/resale transactions, which is similar in nature to the Company’s other activities, the earnings (losses) of the Joint Ventures are included in the operating income in the accompanying consolidated income statements. Through HGC, a wholly owned subsidiary of HG, the Company provides specialty financing solutions to investors in charged-off and nonperforming asset portfolios.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions in the United States. These accounts may from time to time exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts.
Accounts receivable, net	Accounts receivable, net The Company’s accounts receivable primarily relate to the operations of its asset liquidation business. They generally consist of three major categories: (1) fees, commissions and retainers relating to appraisals and auctions, (2) receivables from asset sales, and (3) receivables from Joint Venture partners. The initial value of an account receivable corresponds to the fair value of the underlying goods or services. To date, a majority of the receivables have been classified as current and, due to their short-term nature, any decline in fair value would be due to issues involving collectability. At each financial statement date the collectability of each outstanding account receivable is evaluated, and an allowance is recorded if the book value exceeds the amount that is deemed collectable. See Note 11 for more detail regarding the Company’s accounts receivable.
Notes receivable, net	Notes receivable, net The Company’s notes receivable balance consists of loans to buyers of charged-off and nonperforming receivable portfolios, which is considered the only loan category or segment to be reported under the applicable accounting guidance. These loans are measured at historical costs and reported at their outstanding principal balances net of any unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans. Loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and recognized as adjustments to interest income over the lives of the related loans. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has not recorded an allowance for credit losses related to notes receivable outstanding. In order to evaluate the need for an adjustment to the receivable balance related to credit losses, or impairment, the Company performs a review of all outstanding loan receivables on a quarterly basis to determine if any indicators exist that suggest the loan will not be fully recoverable.
Inventory - Equipment	Inventory - Equipment The Company’s inventory consists of assets acquired for resale, which are normally expected to be sold within a one-year operating cycle. All inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
Employee Retention Credit	Employee Retention Credit On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law providing numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including the Employee Retention Credit ("ERC"), which is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes. The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 extended and expanded the availability of the ERC. As an employer that carried on a trade or business during calendar year 2020 and whose gross receipts were less than 80% in relation to comparable periods in 2019, the Company is eligible for the refundable ERC under the Cares Act for the quarters ended June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2021. As the Company has incurred certain employment taxes during 2021 and have yet to receive the refundable ERC, the Company has accounted for the credit as a loss recovery under ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations (by analogy), which indicates that a claim for recovery should be recognized only when the claim is probable as it is defined in ASC Topic 450, Contingencies. The Company has determined that the claim is in alignment with applicable regulatory criteria, the amounts are known and realizable, and refundable ERC is probable. As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded a $0.6 million receivable classified in other current assets on its consolidated balance sheet.
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments As noted above, the Company conducts a portion of its business through Joint Ventures. Transactions in which the ownership share meets the criteria for the equity method investments under ASC 323 are accounted for using the equity method of accounting whereby the Company's proportionate share of the Joint Venture’s net income (loss) is reported in the consolidated income statement as earnings of equity method investments. At the balance sheet date, the Company's investments in these Joint Ventures are reported in the consolidated balance sheet as equity method investments. The Company monitors the value of each Joint Ventures’ underlying assets and liabilities, and records a write down of the investments should the Company conclude that there has been a decline in the value of the net assets. These investments have historically been classified as non-current in the Company's consolidated financial statements due to the uncertainties relating to the timing of resale of the underlying assets as a result of the Joint Venture relationship. See Note 6 for further detail.
Fair value of financial instruments	Fair value of financial instruments The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other assets, and accounts payable approximate fair value given the short term nature of these instruments. The Company’s notes receivable and debt obligations approximate fair value as a result of the interest rate on the receivable or debt obligation approximating prevailing market rates. There are three levels within the fair value hierarchy: Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 – significant other observable inputs; and Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no material financial instruments requiring fair value measurement on a recurring basis.
Business combinations	Business combinations Acquisitions are accounted for under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed that are deemed to be a business are recorded based on their respective acquisition date fair values. ASC 805 further requires that separately identifiable intangible assets be recorded at their acquisition date fair values and that the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (including identifiable intangible assets) should be recorded as goodwill. In August 2021 the Company acquired American Laboratory Trading for approximately $5.6 million. The Company's purchase price allocation was based on an evaluation of the appropriate fair values and represents management's best estimate.
Intangible assets	Intangible assets Intangible assets are recorded at fair value upon acquisition. Those with an estimated useful life are amortized, and those with an indefinite useful life are unamortized. Subsequent to acquisition, the Company monitors events and changes in circumstances that require an assessment of intangible asset recoverability. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually to determine both if they remain indefinite-lived and if they are impaired. The Company assesses whether or not there have been any events or changes in circumstances that suggest the value of the asset may not be recoverable. Amortized intangible assets are not tested annually, but are assessed when events and changes in circumstances suggest the assets may be impaired. If an assessment determines that the carrying amount of any intangible asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized in the income statement, determined by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. All of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets at December 31, 2022 have been acquired as part of the acquisitions of HGP in 2012, NLEX in 2014 and ALT in 2021, and are discussed in more detail in Note 10. No impairment charges were necessary during 2022 and 2021.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill, which results from the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination, is not amortized but, in accordance with GAAP, is tested at least annually for impairment. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of October 1. In testing goodwill, the Company initially uses a qualitative approach and analyzes relevant factors to determine if events and circumstances have affected the value of the goodwill. If the result of this qualitative analysis indicates it is more likely than not that the value has been impaired, the Company then applies a quantitative approach to calculate the difference between the goodwill’s recorded value and its fair value. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the recorded value exceeds its fair value. Goodwill, in addition to being tested for impairment annually, is tested for impairment at interim periods if an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. All of the Company’s goodwill relates to its acquisitions of HGP in 2012, NLEX in 2014 and ALT in 2021, and is discussed in more detail in Note 10.
Deferred income taxes	Deferred income taxes The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the amounts at which they are carried in the financial statements, based upon the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company establishes a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In 2014, as a result of incurring losses in previous years, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against all of its net deferred tax assets. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company recorded a reduction to the valuation allowance resulting in a net deferred tax asset balance of approximately $9.4 million as it is more likely than not that a significant portion our net operating loss carryforwards will be utilized. For further discussion of our income taxes, see Note 14.
Liabilities and contingencies	Liabilities and contingencies The Company is involved from time to time in various legal matters arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. On a case by case basis, the Company evaluates the likelihood of possible outcomes for this litigation. Based on this evaluation, the Company determines whether a loss accrual is appropriate. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated, the Company accounts for the estimated loss in the current period. See Note 13 for further discussion.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue recognition The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) and ASC Topic 310, Receivables (“ASC 310”). Services revenue generally consists of commissions and fees from providing auction services, appraisals, brokering of sales transactions, and secured lending. Asset sales revenue generally consists of proceeds obtained through sales of purchased assets. With the exception of revenue generated within our Specialty Lending segment, revenue is recognized for both services revenue and asset sales revenue based on the ASC 606 standard recognition model, which consists of the following: (1) an agreement exists between two or more parties that creates enforceable rights and obligations, (2) the performance obligations are clearly identified, (3) the transaction price has been determined, (4) the transaction price has been properly allocated to each performance obligation, and (5) the entity satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service to a customer for each of the entities. All services and asset sales revenue from contracts with customers consists of three reportable segments: Auction and Liquidation, Refurbishment & Resale, and Brokerage. Generally, revenue is recognized at the point in time in which the performance obligation has been satisfied and full consideration is received. The exception to recognition at a point in time occurs when certain contracts provide for advance payments recognized over a period of time. Services revenue recognized over a period of time is not material in comparison to total revenues (less than 1% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022), and therefore not reported on a disaggregated basis. Further, as certain contracts stipulate that the customer make advance payments, amounts not recognized within the reporting period are considered deferred revenue and the Company’s “contract liability”. As of December 31, 2022, the deferred revenue balance was approximately $0.4 million. The deferred revenue balance is primarily related to customer deposits on asset sales within the Refurbishment & Resale segment. The Company records receivables in certain situations based on timing of payments for Auction and Liquidation transactions held at the end of the reporting period; however, revenue is generally recognized in the period that the Company satisfies the performance obligation and cash is collected. The Company does not record a “contract asset” for partially satisfied performance obligations. For auction services and brokerage sale transactions, funds are typically collected from buyers and are held by the Company on the seller's behalf. The funds are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company releases the funds to the seller, less the Company's commission and other fees due, after the buyer has accepted the goods. The amount of cash held on behalf of the sellers is recorded as payables to sellers in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company evaluates revenue from Auction and Liquidation and Brokerage segment transactions in accordance with the accounting guidance to determine whether to report such revenue on a gross or net basis. The Company has determined that it acts as an agent for its fee based transactions and therefore reports the revenue from transactions in which the Company acts as an agent on a net basis. The Company also earns income through transactions that involve the Company acting jointly with one or more additional purchasers or lenders, pursuant to a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company (“LLC”) agreement (collectively, “Joint Ventures”). For these transactions, in which the Company’s ownership share meets the criteria for the equity method investments under ASC Topic 323, Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”), the Company does not record revenue or expense. Instead, the Company’s proportionate share of the net income (loss) is reported as earnings of equity method investments. In general, the Joint Ventures apply the same revenue recognition and other accounting policies as the Company. Through our Specialty Lending segment, the Company provides specialty financing solutions to investors in charged-off and nonperforming asset portfolios. The Company recognizes revenue generated by lending activity in accordance with ASC 310. Fees collected in relation to the issuance of loans includes loan origination fees, interest income, portfolio monitoring fees, and a backend profit share percentage related to the underlying asset portfolio. The loan origination fees are offset with any direct origination costs and are deferred upon issuance of the loan and amortized over the lives of the related loans, as an adjustment to interest income. The interest method is used to arrive at a periodic interest cost (including amortization) that will represent a level effective rate on the sum of the face amount of the debt and (plus or minus) the unamortized premium or discount and expense at the beginning of each period. The monitoring fees and the backend profit share are considered a separate earnings process as compared to the origination fees and interest income. Monitoring fees are recorded at the agreed upon rate, and at the moment in which payments are made by the borrower. The backend profit share is recognized in accordance with the agreed upon rate at the time in which the amount is realizable and earned. The recognition policy was established due to the uncertainty of timing of the amount of backend profit share which will be realized. Cost of services revenue and asset sales Cost of services revenue generally includes the direct costs associated with generating commissions and fees from the Company’s auction and appraisal services, merger and acquisition advisory services, and brokering of charged-off receivable portfolios. The Company recognizes these expenses in the period in which the revenue they relate to is recorded. Cost of asset sales generally includes the cost of purchased inventory and the related direct costs of selling inventory. The Company recognizes these expenses in the period in which title to the inventory passes to the buyer, and the buyer assumes the risk and reward of the inventory.
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation The Company’s stock-based compensation is primarily in the form of options to purchase common shares. The grant date fair value of stock options is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The determination of the fair value of the Company’s stock options is based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the price of the Company’s common stock, the expected volatility of the stock price over the expected life of the award, and expected exercise behavior. The grant date fair value of the awards is subsequently expensed over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures. The provisions of the Company’s stock-based compensation plans do not require the Company to settle any options by transferring cash or other assets, and therefore the Company classifies the option awards as equity. See Note 17 for further discussion of the Company’s stock-based compensation.
Advertising	Advertising The Company expenses advertising costs in the period in which they are incurred. Advertising and promotion expense included in selling, general and administrative expense for both years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $0.4 million.
Future accounting pronouncements	Future accounting pronouncements In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASU 2016-13”), which applies a current expected credit loss model which is a new impairment model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The expected credit losses, and subsequent adjustments to such losses, will be recorded through an allowance account that is deducted from, or added to, the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, with the net carrying value of the financial asset presented on the consolidated balance sheet at the amount expected to be collected. ASU 2016-13 eliminates the current accounting model for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality under ASC Topic 310-30, Receivables – Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, which provides authoritative guidance for the accounting of the Company’s notes receivable. With respect to smaller reporting companies, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company currently expects the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will result in an adjustment to retained earnings on January 1, 2023 between $0.3 million and $0.4 million, in order to establish an expected credit loss reserve against our receivables related to loans outstanding, including those held within equity method investments. The Company is currently finalizing the execution of its implementation controls and processes, the ultimate impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2023 could differ from our current expectation. The expected increase is a result of changing from an “incurred loss” model, which encompasses allowances for current known and inherent losses within the portfolio, to an “expected loss” model, which encompasses allowances for losses expected to be incurred over the life of the portfolio.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Use of estimates

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates include the assessment of collectability of revenue recognized and the valuation of accounts receivable and notes receivable, inventory, investments, goodwill and intangible assets, liabilities, deferred income tax assets and liabilities including projecting future years’ taxable income, and stock-based compensation. These estimates have the potential to significantly impact our consolidated financial statements, either because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they relate, or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events that are continuous in nature.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year balances within the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Nature of Business

The Company earns revenue both from commission or fee-based services, and from the sale of distressed or surplus assets. With respect to the former, revenue is recognized as the services are provided. With respect to the latter, the majority of the asset sale transactions are conducted directly by the Company and the revenue is recognized in the period in which the asset is sold. Fee based revenue is reported as services revenue, and the associated direct costs are reported as cost of services revenue. At the balance sheet date, any unsold assets which the Company owns are reported as inventory, any outstanding accounts receivable are included in the Company’s accounts receivable, and any associated liabilities are included in the Company’s accrued liabilities. Equipment inventory is expected to be sold within a year and is therefore classified as a current asset.

The remaining asset sale transactions involve the Company acting jointly with one or more additional purchasers or lenders, pursuant to a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company agreement (collectively, “Joint Ventures”). Transactions in which the Company’s ownership share meets the criteria for the equity method investments under ASC Topic 323, Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”), are accounted for as equity method investments, and, accordingly, the Company’s proportionate share of the net income (loss) is reported as earnings of equity method investments. At each balance sheet date, the Company’s investments in these Joint Ventures are reported in the consolidated balance sheet as equity method investments. These investments are classified on the balance sheet as non-current assets due to the uncertainties relating to the timing of resale of the underlying assets as a result of the Joint Venture relationship. The Company monitors the value of the Joint Ventures’ underlying assets and liabilities and records a write down of its investments if the Company concludes that there has been a decline in the value of the net assets. As the activity of the Joint Ventures involves asset purchase/resale transactions, which is similar in nature to the Company’s other activities, the earnings (losses) of the Joint Ventures are included in the operating income in the accompanying consolidated income statements.

Through HGC, a wholly owned subsidiary of HG, the Company provides specialty financing solutions to investors in charged-off and nonperforming asset portfolios.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions in the United States. These accounts may from time to time exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts.

Accounts receivable, net

The Company’s accounts receivable primarily relate to the operations of its asset liquidation business. They generally consist of three major categories: (1) fees, commissions and retainers relating to appraisals and auctions, (2) receivables from asset sales, and (3) receivables from Joint Venture partners. The initial value of an account receivable corresponds to the fair value of the underlying goods or services. To date, a majority of the receivables have been classified as current and, due to their short-term nature, any decline in fair value would be due to issues involving collectability. At each financial statement date the collectability of each outstanding account receivable is evaluated, and an allowance is recorded if the book value exceeds the amount that is deemed collectable. See Note 11 for more detail regarding the Company’s accounts receivable.

Notes receivable, net

The Company’s notes receivable balance consists of loans to buyers of charged-off and nonperforming receivable portfolios, which is considered the only loan category or segment to be reported under the applicable accounting guidance. These loans are measured at historical costs and reported at their outstanding principal balances net of any unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans. Loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and recognized as adjustments to interest income over the lives of the related loans.

As of December 31, 2022, the Company has not recorded an allowance for credit losses related to notes receivable outstanding. In order to evaluate the need for an adjustment to the receivable balance related to credit losses, or impairment, the Company performs a review of all outstanding loan receivables on a quarterly basis to determine if any indicators exist that suggest the loan will not be fully recoverable.

Inventory - Equipment

The Company’s inventory consists of assets acquired for resale, which are normally expected to be sold within a one-year operating cycle. All inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value.

Employee Retention Credit

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law providing numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including the Employee Retention Credit ("ERC"), which is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes. The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 extended and expanded the availability of the ERC.

As an employer that carried on a trade or business during calendar year 2020 and whose gross receipts were less than 80% in relation to comparable periods in 2019, the Company is eligible for the refundable ERC under the Cares Act for the quarters ended June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2021.

As the Company has incurred certain employment taxes during 2021 and have yet to receive the refundable ERC, the Company has accounted for the credit as a loss recovery under ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations (by analogy), which indicates that a claim for recovery should be recognized only when the claim is probable as it is defined in ASC Topic 450, Contingencies. The Company has determined that the claim is in alignment with applicable regulatory criteria, the amounts are known and realizable, and refundable ERC is probable. As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded a $0.6 million receivable classified in other current assets on its consolidated balance sheet.

Equity Method Investments

As noted above, the Company conducts a portion of its business through Joint Ventures. Transactions in which the ownership share meets the criteria for the equity method investments under ASC 323 are accounted for using the equity method of accounting whereby the Company's proportionate share of the Joint Venture’s net income (loss) is reported in the consolidated income statement as earnings of equity method investments. At the balance sheet date, the Company's investments in these Joint Ventures are reported in the consolidated balance sheet as equity method investments. The Company monitors the value of each Joint Ventures’ underlying assets and liabilities, and records a write down of the investments should the Company conclude that there has been a decline in the value of the net assets. These investments have historically been classified as non-current in the Company's consolidated financial statements due to the uncertainties relating to the timing of resale of the underlying assets as a result of the Joint Venture relationship. See Note 6 for further detail.

Fair value of financial instruments

The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other assets, and accounts payable approximate fair value given the short term nature of these instruments. The Company’s notes receivable and debt obligations approximate fair value as a result of the interest rate on the receivable or debt obligation approximating prevailing market rates.

There are three levels within the fair value hierarchy: Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 – significant other observable inputs; and Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no material financial instruments requiring fair value measurement on a recurring basis.

Business combinations

Acquisitions are accounted for under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed that are deemed to be a business are recorded based on their respective acquisition date fair values. ASC 805 further requires that separately identifiable intangible assets be recorded at their acquisition date fair values and that the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (including identifiable intangible assets) should be recorded as goodwill. In August 2021 the Company acquired American Laboratory Trading for approximately $5.6 million. The Company's purchase price allocation was based on an evaluation of the appropriate fair values and represents management's best estimate.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are recorded at fair value upon acquisition. Those with an estimated useful life are amortized, and those with an indefinite useful life are unamortized. Subsequent to acquisition, the Company monitors events and changes in circumstances that require an assessment of intangible asset recoverability. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually to determine both if they remain indefinite-lived and if they are impaired. The Company assesses whether or not there have been any events or changes in circumstances that suggest the value of the asset may not be recoverable. Amortized intangible assets are not tested annually, but are assessed when events and changes in circumstances suggest the assets may be impaired. If an assessment determines that the carrying amount of any intangible asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized in the income statement, determined by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. All of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets at December 31, 2022 have been acquired as part of the acquisitions of HGP in 2012, NLEX in 2014 and ALT in 2021, and are discussed in more detail in Note 10. No impairment charges were necessary during 2022 and 2021.

Goodwill

Goodwill, which results from the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination, is not amortized but, in accordance with GAAP, is tested at least annually for impairment. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of October 1. In testing goodwill, the Company initially uses a qualitative approach and analyzes relevant factors to determine if events and circumstances have affected the value of the goodwill. If the result of this qualitative analysis indicates it is more likely than not that the value has been impaired, the Company then applies a quantitative approach to calculate the difference between the goodwill’s recorded value and its fair value. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the recorded value exceeds its fair value. Goodwill, in addition to being tested for impairment annually, is tested for impairment at interim periods if an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired.

All of the Company’s goodwill relates to its acquisitions of HGP in 2012, NLEX in 2014 and ALT in 2021, and is discussed in more detail in Note 10.

Deferred income taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the amounts at which they are carried in the financial statements, based upon the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company establishes a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In 2014, as a result of incurring losses in previous years, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against all of its net deferred tax assets. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company recorded a reduction to the valuation allowance resulting in a net deferred tax asset balance of approximately $9.4 million as it is more likely than not that a significant portion our net operating loss carryforwards will be utilized. For further discussion of our income taxes, see Note 14.

Liabilities and contingencies

The Company is involved from time to time in various legal matters arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. On a case by case basis, the Company evaluates the likelihood of possible outcomes for this litigation. Based on this evaluation, the Company determines whether a loss accrual is appropriate. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated, the Company accounts for the estimated loss in the current period. See Note 13 for further discussion.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) and ASC Topic 310, Receivables (“ASC 310”).

Services revenue generally consists of commissions and fees from providing auction services, appraisals, brokering of sales transactions, and secured lending. Asset sales revenue generally consists of proceeds obtained through sales of purchased assets. With the exception of revenue generated within our Specialty Lending segment, revenue is recognized for both services revenue and asset sales revenue based on the ASC 606 standard recognition model, which consists of the following: (1) an agreement exists between two or more parties that creates enforceable rights and obligations, (2) the performance obligations are clearly identified, (3) the transaction price has been determined, (4) the transaction price has been properly allocated to each performance obligation, and (5) the entity satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service to a customer for each of the entities.

All services and asset sales revenue from contracts with customers consists of three reportable segments: Auction and Liquidation, Refurbishment & Resale, and Brokerage. Generally, revenue is recognized at the point in time in which the performance obligation has been satisfied and full consideration is received. The exception to recognition at a point in time occurs when certain contracts provide for advance payments recognized over a period of time. Services revenue recognized over a period of time is not material in comparison to total revenues (less than 1% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022), and therefore not reported on a disaggregated basis. Further, as certain contracts stipulate that the customer make advance payments, amounts not recognized within the reporting period are considered deferred revenue and the Company’s “contract liability”. As of December 31, 2022, the deferred revenue balance was approximately $0.4 million. The deferred revenue balance is primarily related to customer deposits on asset sales within the Refurbishment & Resale segment. The Company records receivables in certain situations based on timing of payments for Auction and Liquidation transactions held at the end of the reporting period; however, revenue is generally recognized in the period that the Company satisfies the performance obligation and cash is collected. The Company does not record a “contract asset” for partially satisfied performance obligations.

For auction services and brokerage sale transactions, funds are typically collected from buyers and are held by the Company on the seller's behalf. The funds are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company releases the funds to the seller, less the Company's commission and other fees due, after the buyer has accepted the goods. The amount of cash held on behalf of the sellers is recorded as payables to sellers in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company evaluates revenue from Auction and Liquidation and Brokerage segment transactions in accordance with the accounting guidance to determine whether to report such revenue on a gross or net basis. The Company has determined that it acts as an agent for its fee based transactions and therefore reports the revenue from transactions in which the Company acts as an agent on a net basis.

The Company also earns income through transactions that involve the Company acting jointly with one or more additional purchasers or lenders, pursuant to a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company (“LLC”) agreement (collectively, “Joint Ventures”). For these transactions, in which the Company’s ownership share meets the criteria for the equity method investments under ASC Topic 323, Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”), the Company does not record revenue or expense. Instead, the Company’s proportionate share of the net income (loss) is reported as earnings of equity method investments. In general, the Joint Ventures apply the same revenue recognition and other accounting policies as the Company.

Through our Specialty Lending segment, the Company provides specialty financing solutions to investors in charged-off and nonperforming asset portfolios. The Company recognizes revenue generated by lending activity in accordance with ASC 310. Fees collected in relation to the issuance of loans includes loan origination fees, interest income, portfolio monitoring fees, and a backend profit share percentage related to the underlying asset portfolio.

The loan origination fees are offset with any direct origination costs and are deferred upon issuance of the loan and amortized over the lives of the related loans, as an adjustment to interest income. The interest method is used to arrive at a periodic interest cost (including amortization) that will represent a level effective rate on the sum of the face amount of the debt and (plus or minus) the unamortized premium or discount and expense at the beginning of each period.

The monitoring fees and the backend profit share are considered a separate earnings process as compared to the origination fees and interest income. Monitoring fees are recorded at the agreed upon rate, and at the moment in which payments are made by the borrower. The backend profit share is recognized in accordance with the agreed upon rate at the time in which the amount is realizable and earned. The recognition policy was established due to the uncertainty of timing of the amount of backend profit share which will be realized.

Cost of services revenue and asset sales

Cost of services revenue generally includes the direct costs associated with generating commissions and fees from the Company’s auction and appraisal services, merger and acquisition advisory services, and brokering of charged-off receivable portfolios. The Company recognizes these expenses in the period in which the revenue they relate to is recorded. Cost of asset sales generally includes the cost of purchased inventory and the related direct costs of selling inventory. The Company recognizes these expenses in the period in which title to the inventory passes to the buyer, and the buyer assumes the risk and reward of the inventory.

Stock-based compensation

The Company’s stock-based compensation is primarily in the form of options to purchase common shares. The grant date fair value of stock options is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The determination of the fair value of the Company’s stock options is based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the price of the Company’s common stock, the expected volatility of the stock price over the expected life of the award, and expected exercise behavior. The grant date fair value of the awards is subsequently expensed over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures. The provisions of the Company’s stock-based compensation plans do not require the Company to settle any options by transferring cash or other assets, and therefore the Company classifies the option awards as equity. See Note 17 for further discussion of the Company’s stock-based compensation.

Advertising

The Company expenses advertising costs in the period in which they are incurred. Advertising and promotion expense included in selling, general and administrative expense for both years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $0.4 million.

Future accounting pronouncements

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASU 2016-13”), which applies a current expected credit loss model which is a new impairment model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The expected credit losses, and subsequent adjustments to such losses, will be recorded through an allowance account that is deducted from, or added to, the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, with the net carrying value of the financial asset presented on the consolidated balance sheet at the amount expected to be collected. ASU 2016-13 eliminates the current accounting model for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality under ASC Topic 310-30, Receivables – Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, which provides authoritative guidance for the accounting of the Company’s notes receivable. With respect to smaller reporting companies, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company currently expects the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will result in an adjustment to retained earnings on January 1, 2023 between $0.3 million and $0.4 million, in order to establish an expected credit loss reserve against our receivables related to loans outstanding, including those held within equity method investments. The Company is currently finalizing the execution of its implementation controls and processes, the ultimate impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2023 could differ from our current expectation. The expected increase is a result of changing from an “incurred loss” model, which encompasses allowances for current known and inherent losses within the portfolio, to an “expected loss” model, which encompasses allowances for losses expected to be incurred over the life of the portfolio.