A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2022 September (Form 10-Q)

Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the financial condition, results of operations, statements of stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company, and were prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company consolidates its subsidiaries that are wholly-owned, and majority owned, and entities that are variable interest entities where the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of: A-Mark, AMTAG, TDS, AMGL, AMST, JMB, Goldline, and CFC. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

Comprehensive Income

For the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, there were no items that gave rise to other comprehensive income or loss, and as a result, net income equaled comprehensive income.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates include, among others, determination of fair value (primarily, with respect to precious metal inventory, derivatives, certain financial instruments, and certain investments), impairment assessments of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, valuation allowance determination on deferred tax assets, determining the incremental borrowing rate for calculating right of use assets and lease liabilities, and revenue recognition judgments. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.

Reclassification

In our condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, we present (i) accounts payable and other payables and (ii) deferred revenue and other advances as a separate line-items. In prior fiscal years the aggregate amounts were presented in a single line-item, as accounts payable and other current liabilities.

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In our condensed consolidated statements of stockholders' equity, we present (i) exercise of share-based awards and (ii) net settlement of share-based awards and in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, we present (i) proceeds from the exercise of share-based awards and (ii) payments for tax withholding related to net settlement of share-based awards as separate line-items. In prior fiscal years the aggregate amounts were presented in a single line-item, as net settlement on issuance of common shares on exercise of shared-based awards.

Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. This reclassification has no impact on previously reported net income, financial position, or cash flows.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial reporting. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated balance sheets, condensed consolidated statements of income, condensed consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity, and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 or for any other interim period during such fiscal year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 (the “2022 Annual Report”), as filed with the SEC. Amounts related to disclosure of June 30, 2022 balances within these interim condensed consolidated financial statements were derived from the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the 2022 Annual Report.

Stock Split in the Form of a Dividend

On April 28, 2022, the Company’s board of directors declared a two-for-one split of A-Mark’s common stock in the form of a stock dividend. Each stockholder of record at the close of business on May 23, 2022 received a dividend of one additional share of common stock for every share held on the record date, which was distributed on June 6, 2022. All share and per share amounts (except par value) have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split in the form of a stock dividend for all periods presented.

Fair Value Measurement

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic 820 of the ASC ("ASC 820"), creates a single definition of fair value for financial reporting. The rules associated with ASC 820 state that valuation techniques consistent with the market approach, income approach, and/or cost approach should be used to estimate fair value. Selection of a valuation technique, or multiple valuation techniques, depends on the nature of the asset or liability being valued, as well as the availability of data. (See Note 3.)

Concentration of Credit Risk

Cash is maintained at financial institutions, and, at times, balances may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to these balances.

Assets that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of receivables, loans of inventory to customers, and inventory hedging transactions. Based on an assessment of credit risk, the Company typically grants collateralized credit to its customers. Credit risk with respect to loans of inventory to customers is minimal. The Company enters into inventory hedging transactions, principally utilizing metals commodity futures contracts traded on national futures exchanges or forward contracts with credit worthy financial institutions. All of our commodity derivative contracts are under master netting arrangements and include both asset and liability positions. Substantially all of these transactions are secured by the underlying metals positions.

Foreign Currency

The functional currency of the Company is the United States dollar ("USD"). All transactions in foreign currencies are recorded in US dollars at the then-current exchange rate(s). Upon settlement of the underlying transaction, all amounts are remeasured to US dollars at the current exchange rate on date of settlement. All unsettled foreign currency transactions that remain in accounts receivable and trade account payables are remeasured to US dollars at the period end exchange rates. All remeasurement gains and losses are recorded in the current period net income.

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The Company's wholly-owned foreign subsidiary, AMTAG, also generates remeasurement gains and losses. AMTAG functions as the Company’s international sales and marketing support and has a functional currency of USD, but maintains its books of record in the European Union Euro.

For the Company’s foreign-based equity method investments, the proportionate share of the investee’s income is translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the period and the investment is translated using the exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period. The unrealized gains and losses associated with the translation of the investment are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

To manage the effect of foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the Company utilizes foreign currency forward contracts. These derivatives generate gains and losses when settled and/or marked-to-market.

Business Combination

The Company accounts for business combinations by applying the acquisition method in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations. The Company evaluates each purchase transaction to determine whether the acquired assets meet the definition of a business. Transaction costs related to the acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred and excluded from the fair value of consideration transferred. The identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests, if any, in an acquired entity are recognized and measured at their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests, if any, in an acquired entity is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets and liabilities. Net cash paid to acquire a business is classified as investing activities on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

Variable Interest Entity

A variable interest entity ("VIE") is a legal entity that has either (i) a total equity investment that is insufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) whose equity investors as a group lack the ability to control the entity’s activities or lack the ability to receive expected benefits or absorb obligations in a manner that is consistent with their investment in the entity.

A VIE is consolidated for accounting purposes by its primary beneficiary, which is the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance, and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company consolidates VIEs when it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Management regularly reviews and re-evaluates its previous determinations regarding whether it holds a variable interest in potential VIEs, the status of an entity as a VIE, and whether the Company is required to consolidate such VIEs in its condensed consolidated financial statements.

AMCF, a wholly owned subsidiary of CFC, is a special purpose entity ("SPE") formed as part of a securitization transaction in order to isolate certain assets and distribute the cash flows from those assets to investors. AMCF was structured to insulate investors from claims on AMCF’s assets by creditors of other entities. The Company has various forms of on-going involvement with AMCF, which may include (i) holding senior or subordinated interests in AMCF; (ii) acting as loan servicer for a portfolio of loans held by AMCF; and (iii) providing administrative services to AMCF. AMCF is required to maintain separate books and records. The assets and liabilities of this VIE, as of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, are indicated on the table that follows the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

AMCF is considered a VIE because its initial equity investment may be insufficient to maintain its on-going collateral requirements without additional financial support from the Company. The securitization is primarily secured by bullion loans and precious metals, and the Company is required to continuously hedge the value of certain collateral and make future contributions as necessary. The Company is the primary beneficiary of this VIE because the Company has the right to determine the type of collateral (i.e., cash, secured loans, or precious metals), has the right to receive (and has received) the proceeds from the securitization transaction, earns on-going interest income from the secured loans (subject to collateral requirements), and has the obligation to absorb losses should AMCF's interest expense and other costs exceed its interest income. (See Note 15.)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash equivalents as of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022.

Allowance for Credit Losses

On July 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses Topic 326: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as amended by ASC 326, which introduces a new credit reserving methodology known as the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") model. The CECL model applies to financial assets measured at amortized costs, including accounts receivable, contract assets and held-to-maturity loan receivables. Under the CECL model, we identify allowances for credit losses based on future expected losses when accounts receivable, contract assets or held-to-maturity loan receivables are created rather than when losses are probable. We expect trends and business practices to continue in a manner consistent with historical activity.

ASC 326 provides a practical expedient for assets secured by collateral when the amount of collateral is continually adjusted as a result of changes in the fair value of the collateral. In these arrangements, a reporting entity may estimate the expected credit losses by comparing the fair value of the collateral as of the balance sheet date to the asset’s amortized cost basis. In situations when the fair value of the collateral is equal to or greater than the amortized cost, a reporting entity may determine that there are no expected credit losses. The Company applies the practical expedient based on collateral maintenance provisions in estimating an allowance for credit losses for its secured loan receivables activity. The Company has not historically experienced credit losses related to its lending activity, and since it does not expect any future losses, no allowance has been recorded for this asset class.

The Company has not historically experienced credit losses related to its other receivables activity; including (i) customer trade receivables, (ii) wholesale trade advances, and (iii) due from brokers, and, accordingly, no allowance has been recorded for these asset classes.

Precious Metals held under Financing Arrangements

The Company enters into arrangements with certain customers under which A-Mark purchases precious metals from the customers which are subject to repurchase by the customer at the spot value of the product on the repurchase date. The precious metals purchased under these arrangements consist of rare and unique items, and therefore the Company accounts for these transactions as precious metals held under financing arrangements, which generate financing income rather than revenue earned from precious metals inventory sales. In these repurchase arrangements, the Company holds legal title to the metals and earns financing income for the duration of the agreement.

These arrangements are typically terminable by either party upon 14 days' notice. Upon termination, the customer’s right to repurchase any remaining precious metal is forfeited, and the related precious metals are reclassified as inventory held for sale. As of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, precious metals held under financing arrangements totaled $49.3 million and $79.8 million respectively.

The Company’s precious metals held under financing arrangements are marked-to-market.

Inventories

The Company's inventory, which consists primarily of bullion and bullion coins, is acquired and initially recorded at cost and then marked to fair market value. The fair market value of the bullion and bullion coins comprises two components: (i) published market values attributable to the cost of the raw precious metal, and (ii) the premium paid at acquisition of the metal, which is attributable to the incremental value of the product in its finished goods form. The market value attributable solely to such premium is readily determinable by reference to multiple reputable published sources.

The Company’s inventory, except for certain lower of cost or net realizable value basis products (as discussed below), are subsequently recorded at their fair market values, that is, "marked-to-market." The daily changes in the fair market value of our inventory are offset by daily changes in the fair market value of hedging derivatives that are taken with respect to our inventory positions; both the change in the fair market value of the inventory and the change in the fair market value of these derivative instruments are recorded in cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

While the premium component included in inventory is marked-to-market, our commemorative coin inventory, including its premium component, is held at the lower of cost or net realizable value, because the value of commemorative coins is influenced more by supply and demand determinants than on the underlying spot price of the precious metal content of the commemorative coins. Unlike our bullion coins, the value of commemorative coins is not subject to the same level of volatility as bullion coins because our commemorative coins typically carry a substantially higher premium over the spot metal price than bullion coins. Neither the commemorative coin inventory nor the premium component of our inventory is hedged. (See Note 6.)

Leased Right of Use Assets

We lease warehouse space, office facilities, and equipment. Our operating leases with terms longer than twelve months are recorded at the sum of the present value of the lease's fixed minimum payments as operating lease right of use assets ("ROU assets") in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Lease terms include all periods covered by renewal and termination options where the Company is reasonably certain to exercise the renewal options or not to exercise the termination options. Our lease agreements do not contain any significant residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Our finance leases (previously considered by the Company as capital leases prior to our adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and subsequent related amendments (“ASC 842”) are another type of ROU asset, but are classified in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of property, plant, and equipment at the present value of the lease payments.

The ROU asset amounts include any initial direct costs incurred and lease payments made at or before the commencement date and are reduced by lease incentives. We use our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate to determine the present value of the lease payments for leases, as our leases do not have readily determinable implicit discount rates. Our incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that we would incur to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term and amount in a similar economic environment.

Operating lease cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Finance lease cost is recognized as a combination of the amortization expense for the ROU assets and interest expense for the outstanding lease liabilities using the discount rate discussed above. The depreciable life of ROU assets is limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. (See Note 7.)

For a lease modification, an evaluation is performed to determine if it should be treated as either a separate lease or a change in the accounting of an existing lease. Any amounts related to a modified lease are reflected as an operating lease right-of-use asset or related operating lease liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using a straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets, ranging from three years to twenty-five years. Depreciation and amortization commence when the related assets are placed into service. Internal-use software development costs are capitalized during the application development stage. Internal-use software costs incurred during the preliminary project stage are expensed as incurred. Land is recorded at historical cost and is not depreciated. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. We have no major planned maintenance activities related to our plant assets associated with our minting operations

The Company reviews the carrying value of these assets for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. In evaluating for impairment, the carrying value of each asset or group of assets is compared to the undiscounted estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. An impairment loss is recognized for the difference when the carrying value exceeds the discounted estimated future cash flows. The factors considered by the Company in performing this assessment include current and projected operating results, trends and prospects, the manner in which these assets are used, and the effects of obsolescence, demand and competition, as well as other economic factors.

Finite-lived Intangible Assets

Finite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and employment contracts. Existing customer relationships intangible assets are amortized in a manner reflecting the pattern in which the economic benefits of the assets are consumed. All other intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives, which are estimated to be one year to fifteen years. We review our finite-lived intangible assets for impairment under the same policy described above for property, plant, and equipment; that is, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles (such as trade names and trademarks) are not subject to amortization, but are evaluated for impairment at least annually. However, for tax purposes, goodwill acquired in connection with a taxable asset acquisition is generally deductible.

The Company evaluates its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year (or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist) in accordance with ASC 350. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at a reporting unit level, which for the Company, corresponds to the Company’s reportable operating segments.

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Evaluation of goodwill for impairment

The Company has the option to first qualitatively assess whether relevant events and circumstances make it more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is less than its carrying value. A qualitative assessment includes analyzing current economic indicators associated with a particular reporting unit such as changes in economic, market and industry conditions, business strategy, cost factors, and financial performance, among others, to determine if there would be a significant decline to the fair value of a particular reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment indicates a stable or improved fair value, no further testing is required.

If, based on this qualitative assessment, management concludes that goodwill is more likely than not to be impaired, or elects not to perform the qualitative assessment, then it is required to perform a quantitative analysis to determine the fair value of the business, and compare the calculated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If through this quantitative analysis the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not to be impaired. If the Company concludes that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. (See Note 9.)

Evaluation of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment

The Company evaluates its indefinite-lived intangible assets (i.e., trade names and trademarks) for impairment. In assessing its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the Company has the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether events or circumstances exist that lead to a determination that it is unlikely that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is unlikely that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company is not required to perform any additional tests in assessing the asset for impairment. However, if the Company concludes otherwise or elects not to perform the qualitative assessment, then it is required to perform a quantitative analysis to determine if the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. If through this quantitative analysis the Company determines the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its carrying amount, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered not to be impaired. If the Company concludes that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value.

The methods used to estimate the fair value measurements of the Company’s reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets include those based on the income approach (including the discounted cash flow and relief-from-royalty methods) and those based on the market approach (primarily the guideline transaction and guideline public company methods). (See Note 9.)

Long-Term Investments

Investments in privately-held entities are accounted for using the equity method when the Company has significant influence, but not control over the investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the Company’s ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee ranges between 20% and 50%, although other factors are considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate. Under the equity method, the carrying values of these investments are adjusted to reflect our proportionate share of the investee's net income or loss, any unrealized gain or loss resulting from the translation of foreign-denominated financial statements into U.S. dollars, and dividends received. We use the cumulative earnings approach for classifying dividends received in the statements of cash flows. Under the cumulative earnings approach, we compare the distributions received to cumulative equity method earnings since inception. Any distributions received up to the amount of cumulative equity earnings are considered a return on investment and classified in operating activities. Any excess distributions are considered a return of investment and classified in investing activities. The basis difference between the carrying value and our proportionate share of the equity method investment's book value is primarily related to consideration paid in excess of the stepped-up basis of assets and liabilities on the date of purchase.

Investments in privately-held entities for which the Company has little or no influence over the investee are initially recorded at cost. Because the investments do not have a readily determinable fair value, the Company has elected to measure the investments at cost minus impairments, if any, with changes recognized in net income. If the Company identifies observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or a similar investment, the Company’s investment will be measured at fair value as of the date the observable transaction occurs.

We evaluate our long-term investments for impairment quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a decline in the fair value of these assets is determined to be other-than-temporary. Additionally, the Company performs an on-going evaluation of the investments with which the Company has variable interests to determine if any of these entities are VIEs that are required to be consolidated. None of the Company’s long-term investments are VIEs as of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022.

Other Long-Term Assets

Digital Assets

The Company has purchased certain digital assets (crypto currencies) that are held for investment purposes. The Company accounts for digital assets in accordance with Intangibles - Goodwill and Other Topic 350 of the ASC ("ASC 350"). Digital assets are shown in the other long-term assets line-item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Digital assets are a type of intangible asset with indefinite useful lives, which are recorded at cost less impairment. Accordingly, if the fair market value at any point during the reporting period is lower than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded. If the fair market value at any point during the reporting period is higher than the carrying value, the basis of the digital assets will not be adjusted to account for this increase. Gains on digital assets, if any, are recognized upon sale or disposal of the digital assets. Write downs and gains are shown in the condensed consolidated statement of income, as component of the line-item other income, net.

As of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, the carrying balance of the digital assets was $0.2 million and $0.2 million respectively, which is shown net of cumulative write-downs of $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, the fair market value of such digital assets held was $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded no write-downs on such digital assets. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company had no realized gains related to sale of digital assets. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company had no digital asset activity.

Option to Acquire Additional Interest in a Long-Term Investment

On June 27, 2022, the Company acquired an additional 40% interest in Silver Gold Bull, Inc. (See Note 10.) Also included in this acquisition was an option, which is exercisable between December 2023 and September 2024, to purchase an additional 27.6% of the outstanding equity of Silver Gold Bull, Inc. to bring the Company's ownership interest up to 75.0%. As of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, the fair value of the option was $5.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively.

Accumulated other comprehensive income

For the Company’s foreign-based equity method investments, the proportionate share of the investee’s income is translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the period and the investment is translated using the exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as changes in cumulative translation adjustments in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Noncontrolling interest

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Noncontrolling interest is the portion of equity (net assets) in an entity in which the Company has a controlling financial interest that is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company. Such noncontrolling interest is reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets within equity, separately from the Company’s equity. On the condensed consolidated statements of income, revenues, expenses and net income or loss from the less-than-wholly owned subsidiary are reported at their consolidated amounts, including both the amounts attributable to the Company and the noncontrolling interest. Income or loss is allocated to the noncontrolling interest based on its weighted average ownership percentage for the applicable period. The condensed consolidated statements of equity include beginning balances, activity for the period and ending balances for each component of stockholders’ equity, noncontrolling interest and total equity.

Revenue Recognition

Settlement Date Accounting

Substantially all of the Company’s sales of precious metals are conducted using sales contracts that meet the definition of derivative instruments in accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging Topic 815 of the ASC ("ASC 815"). The contract underlying A-Mark’s commitment to deliver precious metals is referred to as a “fixed-price forward commodity contract” because the price of the commodity is fixed at the time the order is placed. Revenue is recognized on the settlement date, which is defined as the date on which: (i) the quantity, price, and specific items being purchased have been established, (ii) metals have been delivered to the customer, and (iii) payment has been received or is covered by the customer’s established credit limit with the Company.

All derivative instruments are marked-to-market during the interval between the order date and the settlement date, with the changes in the fair value charged to cost of sales. The Company’s hedging strategy to mitigate the market risk associated with its sales commitments is described separately below under the caption “Hedging Activities.”

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Types of Orders that are Physically Delivered

The Company’s contracts to sell precious metals to customers are usually settled with the physical delivery of metals to the customer, although net settlement (i.e., settlement at an amount equal to the difference between the contract value and the market price of the metal on the settlement date) is permitted. Below is a summary of the Company’s major order types and the key factors that determine when settlement occurs and when revenue is recognized for each type:

In general, unshipped orders for which a customer advance has been received by the Company are classified as advances from customers. Orders that have been paid for and shipped, but not yet delivered to the customer are classified as deferred revenue. Both customer advances and deferred revenue are shown, in the aggregate, as deferred revenue and other advances in the condensed consolidated financial statements. (See Note 11.)

Hedging Activities

The value of our inventory and our purchase and sale commitments are linked to the prevailing price of the underlying precious metal commodity. The Company seeks to minimize the effect of price changes of the underlying commodity and enters into inventory hedging transactions, principally utilizing metals commodity futures contracts traded on national futures exchanges or forward contracts with credit worthy financial institutions. The Company hedges by each commodity type (gold, silver, platinum, and palladium). All of our commodity derivative contracts are under master netting arrangements and include both asset and liability positions.

Commodity forward, and futures contracts entered into for hedging purposes are recorded at fair value on the trade date and are marked-to-market each period. The difference between the original contract values and the market values of these contracts are reflected as derivative assets or derivative liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with the corresponding unrealized gains or losses included as a component of cost of sales. When these contracts are net settled, the unrealized gains and losses are reversed and the realized gains and losses for forward contracts are recorded in revenue and cost of sales, and the net realized gains and losses for futures and option contracts are recorded in cost of sales.

The Company enters into futures and forward contracts solely for the purpose of hedging our inventory holding risk and our liability on price protection programs, and not for speculative market purposes. The Company’s gains and losses on derivative instruments are substantially offset by the changes in the fair market value of the underlying precious metals inventory, which is also recorded in cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of income. (See Note 12.)

Other Sources of Revenue

The Company recognizes its storage, logistics, licensing, and other services revenues in accordance with the FASB's release ASU 2014-09 Revenue From Contracts With Customers Topic 606 of the ASC and subsequent related amendments ("ASC 606"), which follows five basic steps to determine whether revenue can be recognized: (i) identify the contract with a customer; (ii) identify the

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performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

The Company recognizes revenue when (or as) it satisfies its obligation by transferring control of the good or service to the customer. This is either satisfied over time or at a point in time. A performance obligation is satisfied over time if one of the following criteria are met: (i) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits as the Company performs, (ii) the Company's performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced, or (iii) the Company's performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Company, and the Company has an enforceable right for payment of performance completed-to-date. When none of those is met, a performance obligation is satisfied at a point-in-time.

The Company recognizes storage revenue as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the storage services (e.g., fixed storage fees based on the passage of time). The Company recognizes logistics (i.e., fulfillment) revenue when the customer receives the benefit of the services. The Company recognizes advertising and consulting revenues when the service is performed, and the benefit of the service is received by the customer. In aggregate, these types of service revenues account for less than 1% of the Company's consolidated revenues.

Interest Income

In accordance with the Interest Topic 835 of the ASC ("ASC 835"), the following are interest income generating activities of the Company:

Interest Expense

The Company accounts for interest expense on the following arrangements in accordance with Interest Topic 835 of the ASC ("ASC 835"):

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Leased metal transactions are a similar type of transaction, except the Company is not required to pledge other precious metal as collateral for the precious metal received. The fees charged by the third party are based on the spot value of the pool metal received.

Both borrowed and leased metal transactions provide an additional source of liquidity, as the Company usually monetizes the metals received under such arrangements. Repayment is usually in the same form as the metals advanced, but may be settled in cash.

Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt have been included as a component of the carrying amount of debt, with the exception of Trading Credit Facility debt issuance costs, which are included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. Debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense over the contractual term of the debt. Debt issuance costs of the Trading Credit Facility are amortized on a straight-line basis, while all other debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method. Amortization of debt issuance costs included in interest expense was $0.6 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Earnings from Equity Method Investments

The Company's proportional interest in the reported earnings from equity method investments is shown on the condensed consolidated statements of income as earnings from equity method investments.

Other Income, Net

The Company's other income and expense is comprised of royalty income, which is recognized when earned.

Advertising

Advertising and marketing costs consist primarily of internet advertising, online marketing, direct mail, print media, and television commercials and are expensed when incurred. Advertising costs totaled $3.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. Costs associated with the marketing and promotion of the Company's products are included within selling, general, and administrative expenses. Advertising costs associated with the operation of our SilverPrice.org and GoldPrice.org websites, which provide price information on silver, gold, and cryptocurrencies, are not included within selling, general, and administrative expenses, but are included in cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs represent costs associated with shipping product to customers and receiving product from vendors and are included in cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Shipping and handling costs incurred totaled $6.7 million and $5.2 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for equity awards under the provisions of the Compensation - Stock Compensation Topic 718 of the ASC ("ASC 718"), which establishes fair value-based accounting requirements for share-based compensation to employees. ASC 718 requires the Company to recognize the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees as expense over the service period in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. The expense is adjusted for actual forfeitures of unvested awards as they occur. (See Note 17.)

Income Taxes

As part of the process of preparing its condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its provision for income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions in which it conducts business, in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic 740 of the ASC ("ASC 740"). The Company computes its annual tax rate based on the statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to it in the various jurisdictions in which it earns income. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company's annual tax rate and in evaluating uncertainty in its tax positions. The Company has adopted the provisions of ASC 740-10, which clarifies the accounting for uncertain tax positions. ASC 740-10 requires that the Company recognizes the impact of a tax position in the financial statements if the position is not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to certain uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense and the accrued interest and penalties are included in deferred and income taxes payable in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. (See Note 13 for more information on the Company’s accounting for income taxes.)

Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include the Company's forecast of the reversal of temporary differences, future taxable income, and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. Failure to achieve forecasted taxable income in applicable tax jurisdictions could affect the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets and could result in an increase in the Company's effective tax rate on future earnings. Based on our assessment, it appears more likely than not that all of the net deferred tax assets will be realized through future taxable income.

Earnings per Share ("EPS")

The Company computes and reports both basic EPS and diluted EPS using the two-class method. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding any participating securities. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shares adjusted for reallocation of undistributed earnings of unvested restricted shares by the weighted average number of common shares determined for the basic EPS plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents using the treasury stock method based on the average market price for the period.

All outstanding nonvested shares that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents that participate in undistributed earnings with common stock are considered participating securities and are included in computing earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends or dividend equivalents and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s vested restricted stock units are considered participating securities. The Company’s unvested restricted stock units are considered nonparticipating securities since they are forfeitable.