RB GLOBAL INC. - Quarter Report: 2018 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

Commission file number: 001-13425

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(778) 331-5500

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer ¨

Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company ¨

Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):

Yes ¨ No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date: 107,769,787 common shares, without par value, outstanding as of May 9, 2018.

RITCHIE BROS. AUCTIONEERS INCORPORATED

FORM 10-Q

For the quarter ended March 31, 2018

INDEX

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1:         CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”) provide global asset management and disposition services, offering customers end-to-end solutions for buying and selling used industrial equipment and other durable assets through its live unreserved auctions, online reserved and unreserved marketplaces, listing services, and private brokerage services. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated is a company incorporated in Canada under the Canada Business Corporations Act, whose shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).

(a) Basis of preparation

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

Certain information and footnote disclosure required by US GAAP for complete annual financial statements have been omitted and, therefore, these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(b) Revenue recognition

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) using the full retrospective method, which included restating prior years for comparative amounts. This new accounting policy resulted in a change in the financial statement presentation only on the income statement, as described in Note 1(i) New and amended accounting standards in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Revenues are comprised of:

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

(b) Revenue recognition (continued)

Service revenues

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

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

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

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

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

Online marketplace commission revenue is reduced by a provision for disputes, which is an estimate of disputed items that are expected to be settled at a cost to the Company, related to settlements of discrepancies under the Company’s equipment condition certification program. The equipment condition certification refers to a written inspection report provided to potential buyers that reflects the condition of a specific piece of equipment offered for sale, and includes ratings, comments, and photographs of the equipment following inspection by one of the Company’s equipment inspectors. The equipment condition certification provides that a buyer may file a written dispute claim during an eligible dispute period for consideration and resolution at the sole determination of the Company if the purchased equipment is not substantially in the condition represented in the inspection report. Typically disputes under the equipment condition certification program are settled with minor repairs or additional services, such as washing or detailing the item; the estimated costs of such items or services are included in the provision for disputes.

Commission revenues are recorded net of commissions owed to third parties, which are principally the result of situations when the commission is shared with a consignor or with the counterparty in an auction guarantee risk and reward sharing arrangement. Additionally, in certain situations, commissions are shared with third parties who introduce the Company to consignors who sell property at auction.

(b) Revenue recognition (continued)

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

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

Revenue on inventory sales

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

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

(c) Cost of services

Costs of services are comprised of expenses incurred in direct relation to conducting auctions (“direct expenses”), earning online marketplace revenues, and earning other fee revenues. Direct expenses include direct labour, buildings and facilities charges, and travel, advertising and promotion costs.

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

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

(d) Cost of inventory sold

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

(e) Share-based payments

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

Equity-classified share-based payments

The Company has three stock option compensation plans that provide for the award of stock options to selected employees, directors and officers of the Company. The cost of options granted is measured at the fair value of the underlying option at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company also has a senior executive PSU plan and an employee PSU plan that provides for the award of PSUs to certain senior executives and employees, respectively, of the Company. The Company has the option to settle certain share unit awards in cash or shares and expects to settle them in shares. The cost of PSUs granted is measured at the fair value of the underlying PSUs at the grant date using a binomial model.

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

Any consideration paid on exercise of the stock options is credited to the common shares. Dividend equivalents on the equity-classified PSUs are recognized as a reduction to retained earnings over the service period.

PSUs awarded under the senior executive and employee PSU plans (described in note 17) are contingently redeemable in cash in the event of death of the participant. The contingently redeemable portion of the senior executive and employee PSU awards, which represents the amount that would be redeemable based on the conditions at the date of grant, to the extent attributable to prior service, is recognized as temporary equity. The balance reported in temporary equity increases on the same basis as the related compensation expense over the service period of the award, with any excess of the temporary equity value over the amount recognized in compensation expense charged against retained earnings. In the event it becomes probable an award is going to become eligible for redemption by the holder, the award would be reclassified to a liability award.

Liability-classified share-based payments

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

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

(e) Share-based payments

Liability-classified share-based payments (continued)

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

(f) Inventories

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

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

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

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

(h) Goodwill

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

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

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

(i) New and amended accounting standards

The primary impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 is the change in the presentation of revenue from inventory, ancillary service, and logistical services contracts on a gross basis as a principal versus net as an agent. This is due to the new standard requiring an entity to determine whether the entity controls the specified good or service before transfer to the customer, with the entity being principal in these transactions. Prior to adopting ASU 2014-09, an entity evaluated indicators to determine if it was a principal or agent. As the Company determined that it controls the inventory and provision of ancillary and logistical services before transfer to its customers, the Company concluded that it was acting as a principal rather than an agent. As a result of adoption of the new accounting standard there was no impact on the timing of recognition of revenue, operating income, net income, or on the consolidated balance sheet or consolidated statement of cash flows.

Presenting revenue from inventory sale on a gross basis as a principal selling a tangible product versus net as an agent providing a service significantly changes the face of the Company’s consolidated income statement in two primary ways:

Impact to reported results

The new presentation based on ASU 2014-09 results in an increase the amount of revenue reported but there is no change in the operating income compared to the prior presentation:

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize almost all leases, including operating leases, on the balance sheet through a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability. For short-term leases, defined as those with a term of 12 months or less, the lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize the lease assets and liabilities, and instead recognize the lease expense generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The accounting treatment under this election is consistent with current operating lease accounting. No extensive amendments were made to lessor accounting, but amendments of note include changes to the definition of initial direct costs and accounting for collectability uncertainties in a lease.

ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Both lessees and lessors must apply ASU 2016-02 using a “modified retrospective transition”, which reflects the new guidance from the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements. However, lessees and lessors can elect to apply certain practical expedients on transition.

Management continues to perform a detailed inventory and analysis of all the Company’s leases, of which there are approximately 480 operating and 115 finance leases for which the Company is a lessee at the reporting date. The most significant operating leases in terms of the amount of rental charges and duration of the contract are for various auction sites and offices located in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. However, in terms of the number of leases, the majority consist of leases for computer, automotive, and yard equipment.

The Company continues to evaluate the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements. Under the expectation that the majority, if not all, of the operating leases will be brought onto the Company’s balance sheet on adoption of ASU 2016-02, management is currently investigating the functionality within the Company’s financial system to automate the lease accounting process and is evaluating alternative software solutions to facilitate adoption.

The adoption of ASU 2016-02 is expected to add complexity to the accounting for leases, as well as require extensive system and process changes to manage the large number of operating leases that the Company anticipates will be brought onto its balance sheet. As a result, management has determined that the Company will not early adopt ASU 2016-02, and will continue to evaluate the elections available to the Company involving the application of practical expedients on transition.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Future differences arising between actual results and the judgments, estimates and assumptions made by the Company at the reporting date, or future changes to estimates and assumptions, could necessitate adjustments to the underlying reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in future reporting periods.

Judgments, estimates and underlying assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis by management, and are based on historical experience and other factors including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstance and such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur. Significant items subject to estimates include purchase price allocations, the carrying amounts of goodwill, the useful lives of long-lived assets, share based compensation, deferred income taxes, reserves for tax uncertainties, and other contingencies.

The Company’s operations are both seasonal and event driven. Revenues tend to be the highest during the second and fourth calendar quarters. The Company generally conducts more live, on site auctions during these quarters than during the first and third calendar quarters. Late December through mid-February and mid-July through August are traditionally less active periods. Online volumes are similarly affected as supply of used equipment is lower in the third quarter as it is actively being used and not available for sale.

The Company’s principal business activity is the management and disposition of used industrial equipment and other durable assets. The Company’s operations are comprised of one reportable segment and other business activities that are not reportable as follows:

The Company‘s geographic breakdown of total revenue is as follows:

Costs of services

SG&A expenses

Acquisition-related costs

Depreciation and amortization expenses

At the end of each interim period, the Company estimates the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year.  The estimate reflects, among other items, management’s best estimate of operating results.  It does not include the estimated impact of foreign exchange rates or unusual and/or infrequent items, which may cause significant variations in the customary relationship between income tax expense and income before income taxes.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, income tax expense was $5,269,000, compared to an income tax expense of $7,315,000 for the same period in 2017. Our effective tax rate was 23% in the first quarter of 2018, compared to 41% in the first quarter of 2017. The effective tax rate decreased in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 primarily due to a greater proportion of income taxed in jurisdictions with lower tax rates and partially offset by our estimated Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT”). Additionally, in 2017 a $2,290,000 expense relating to an increase in uncertain tax positions was recognized and an increase in annual non-deductible acquisition costs was estimated.

Recent Tax Legislation

On December 22, 2017 H.R. 1, originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, (the “Tax Act”) was enacted. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that impacted our quarter ended March 31, 2018, including, but not limited to, (1) reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and (2) imposing BEAT - a tax on certain deductible payments from our U.S. subsidiary to any of its foreign-related parties.

On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we have not made any adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017.  Additional work is still necessary for a more detailed analysis of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, our historical foreign earnings subject to the one-time transition tax, and potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to tax expense in the corresponding quarter of 2018 when the analysis is complete.

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) attributable to stockholders was calculated by dividing the net income attributable to stockholders by the weighted average (“WA”) number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS attributable to stockholders was calculated by dividing the net income attributable to stockholders after giving effect to outstanding dilutive stock options and PSUs by the WA number of shares outstanding adjusted for all dilutive securities.

In respect of PSUs awarded, performance and market conditions, depending on their outcome at the end of the contingency period, can reduce the number of vested awards to nil or to a maximum of 200% of the number of outstanding PSUs. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, 13,528 share units to purchase common shares were outstanding but excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS attributable to stockholders as they were anti-dilutive (2017: nil). For the three months ended March 31, 2018, stock options to purchase 1,619,141 common shares were outstanding but excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS attributable to stockholders as they were anti-dilutive (2017: nil).

9. Supplemental cash flow information (continued)

All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the condensed consolidated financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement or disclosure:

The carrying value of the Company‘s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade and other receivables, advances against auction contracts, auction proceeds payable, trade and other payables, short term debt, and revolving loans approximate their fair values due to their short terms to maturity. The carrying value of the term loans, before deduction of deferred debt issue costs, approximates its fair value as the interest rates on the loans were short-term in nature. The fair value of the senior unsecured notes is determined by reference to a quoted market price.

Included in other non-current assets is a tax receivable amount of $13,419,000 (December 31, 2017: $12,851,000)

Short-term debt at March 31, 2018 is comprised of drawings in different currencies on the Company’s committed revolving credit facilities and have a weighted average interest rate of 2.9% (December 31, 2017: 2.7%).

During the quarter, the company made voluntary prepayments totalling $25,000,000 on the term loan denominated in United States dollars. Prepayments are applied against future scheduled mandatory payments. The amount available pursuant to the term loan facility was only available to finance the acquisition of IronPlanet and will not be available for other corporate purposes upon repayment of amounts borrowed under that facility.

As at March 31, 2018, the Company had available committed revolving credit facilities aggregating $655,600,000 of which $651,761,000 is available until October 27, 2021.

Share capital

Preferred stock

Unlimited number of senior preferred shares, without par value, issuable in series.

Unlimited number of junior preferred shares, without par value, issuable in series.

All issued shares are fully paid. No preferred shares have been issued.

Dividends

Declared and paid

The Company declared and paid the following dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

Declared and undistributed

Subsequent to March 31, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 cents per common share, payable on June 20, 2018 to stockholders of record on May 30, 2018. This dividend payable has not been recognized as a liability in the financial statements. The payment of this dividend will not have any tax consequences for the Company.

Foreign currency translation reserve

Foreign currency translation adjustments include intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term investment nature, which generated net gains of $2,138,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (2017: net gains of $3,667,000).

Share-based payments consist of the following compensation costs:

Share unit expense (recovery) and employer contributions to the employee share purchase plan are recognized in SG&A expenses.

Stock option plan

Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is presented below:

The fair value of the stock option grants is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $7.67.

Stock option plan (continued)

The significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are presented in the following table on a weighted average basis:

As at March 31, 2018, the unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to the non-vested stock options was $10,976,000 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years.

Share unit plans

Share unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is presented below:

As at March 31, 2018, the unrecognized share unit expense related to equity-classified PSUs was $13,656,668 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years. The unrecognized share unit expense related to equity-classified RSUs was $5,696,935, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years. The unrecognized share unit expense related to liability-classified RSUs was $30,024, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.6 years. There is no unrecognized share unit expense related to liability-classified DSUs as they vest immediately upon grant.

Senior executive and employee PSU plans

The Company grants PSUs under a senior executive PSU plan and an employee PSU plan (the “PSU Plans”). Under the PSU Plans, the number of PSUs that vest is conditional upon specified market, service, and performance vesting conditions being met. The PSU Plans allow the Company to choose whether to settle the awards in cash or in shares. With respect to settling in shares, the Company has the option to either (i) arrange for the purchase shares on the open market on the employee’s behalf based on the cash value that otherwise would be delivered, or (ii) to issue a number of shares equal to the number of units that vest.

Share unit plans (continued)

Senior executive and employee PSU plans (continued)

On March 1, 2018, the Company modified the market and performance vesting conditions for the PSUs. Concurrently, the employee PSU plan were reclassified to equity awards, based on the Company’s settlement intentions. The weighted average fair value of the PSU awards outstanding on the modification date was $31.35. The incremental compensation recognized as a result of the vesting condition modification was $1,400,000. The share unit liability related to the employee PSUs, representing the portion of the fair value attributable to past service, was $6,701,000, which was reclassified to equity on that date. No incremental compensation was recognized as a result of the employee PSU settlement modification. Because the employee PSUs are contingently redeemable in cash in the event of death of the participant, on the modification date, the Company reclassified $6,132,000 to temporary equity, representing the portion of the contingent redemption amount of the PSUs as if redeemable on March 1, 2018, to the extent attributable to prior service.

The fair value of the equity-classified PSUs is estimated on modification date and on the date of grant using a binomial model. The significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the equity-classified PSUs during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are presented in the following table on a weighted average basis:

Legal and other claims

The Company is subject to legal and other claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Management does not believe that the results of these claims will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet or consolidated income statement.

Guarantee contracts

In the normal course of business, the Company will in certain situations guarantee to a consignor a minimum level of proceeds in connection with the sale at auction of that consignor’s equipment.

At March 31, 2018, there were $103,315,000 of assets guaranteed under contract, of which 87% is expected to be sold prior to the end of June 30, 2018, with the remainder to be sold prior to December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017: $30,948,000 of which 27% is expected to be sold prior to the end of March 31, 2018 with the remainder to be sold by December 31, 2018).

The outstanding guarantee amounts are undiscounted and before estimated proceeds from sale at auction. 

IronPlanet acquisition

On May 31, 2017 (the “IronPlanet Acquisition Date”), the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of IronPlanet for a total fair value consideration of $776,474,000. As at the acquisition date, cash consideration of $772,706,000, of which approximately $35,000,000 was placed in escrow, was paid to the former shareholders, vested option holders and warrant holders of IronPlanet. In addition to the cash consideration, non-cash consideration of $2,330,000 was issued attributable to the assumption of outstanding IronPlanet options, $1,771,000 was paid in cash and placed in escrow, related to customary closing adjustments, and $333,000 was related to settlement of intercompany payable transactions. Funds placed in escrow of $36,771,000 were released in March 2018.

A summary of the net cash flows and purchase price are detailed below:

IronPlanet is a leading online marketplace for selling and buying used equipment and other durable assets and an innovative participant in the multi–billion dollar used equipment market. The acquisition expands the breadth and depth of equipment disposition and management solutions the Company can offer its customers.

The acquisition was accounted for in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair values at the IronPlanet Acquisition Date. Goodwill of $568,137,000 was calculated as the fair value of consideration over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired.

IronPlanet provisional purchase price allocation

The amounts included in the IronPlanet provisional purchase price allocation are preliminary in nature and are subject to adjustment as additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the IronPlanet Acquisition Date. The final determination of the fair values of certain assets and liabilities will be completed within the measurement period of up to one year from the IronPlanet Acquisition Date, and is dependent upon finalization of income tax liabilities. Adjustments to the preliminary values during the measurement period will be recorded in the operating results of the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. Changes to the amounts recorded as assets and liabilities will result in a corresponding adjustment to goodwill.

Goodwill

The main drivers generating goodwill are the anticipated synergies from (1) the Company's auction expertise and transactional capabilities to IronPlanet's existing customer base, (2) IronPlanet providing existing technology to the Company's current customer base, and (3) future growth from international expansion and new Caterpillar dealers. Other factors generating goodwill include the acquisition of IronPlanet's assembled work force and their associated technical expertise.

Acquisition-related costs

Expenses totalling $639,000 for legal fees, stock option compensation expense, and other acquisition-related costs are included in the consolidated income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (2017: $7,691,000).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report, including the following section “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by such words as “aim”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “ongoing”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “likely”, “generally”, “future”, “long-term”, or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially.

While we have not described all potential risks related to our business and owning our common shares, the important factors discussed in “Part II, Item 1A: Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in “Part I, Item 1A: Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which is available on our website at www.rbauction.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, are among those that we consider may affect our performance materially or could cause our actual financial and operational results to differ significantly from our expectations. Except as required by applicable securities law and regulations of relevant securities exchanges, we do not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements, even if our expectations have been affected by new information, future events or other developments.

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”). Except for Gross Transaction Value (“GTV”)¹, which is a measure of operational performance and not a measure of financial performance, liquidity, or revenue, the amounts discussed below are based on our consolidated financial statements. Unless indicated otherwise, all tabular dollar amounts, including related footnotes, presented below are expressed in thousands of United States (“U.S.”) dollars.

We make reference to various non-GAAP financial measures throughout this discussion and analysis. These measures do not have a standardized meaning, and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

Overview

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated (“Ritchie Bros.”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”) (NYSE & TSX: RBA) is a world leader in asset management and disposition of used industrial equipment and other durable assets, selling $1.2 billion of used equipment and other assets during the first quarter of 2018. Our expertise, unprecedented global reach, market insight, and trusted portfolio of brands provide us with a unique position in the used equipment market. We primarily sell used equipment for our customers through live, unreserved auctions worldwide including in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Netherlands, which are simulcast online to reach a global bidding audience.

On May 31, 2017, we acquired IronPlanet Holdings, Inc. (“IronPlanet”), a leading online marketplace for heavy equipment and other durable assets for $776.5 million (the “Acquisition”). IronPlanet’s complementary used equipment brand solutions, together with Marketplace-E, our online marketplace that supports reserved pricing, provide different value propositions to equipment owners and allow us to meet the needs and preferences of a wide spectrum of equipment sellers and buyers. Upon the consummation of the Acquisition on May 31, 2017, we formed an alliance with Caterpillar Inc. (“Caterpillar”), pursuant to a Strategic Alliance and Remarketing Agreement (the “Alliance”). Under the Alliance, we became Caterpillar's preferred global partner for live on site and online auctions for used Caterpillar equipment.

In the past three years, we have also added a private brokerage service (Ritchie Bros. Private Treaty) and an online listing service (Mascus).

Through our unreserved live on site auctions, online marketplaces, and private brokerage services, we sell a broad range of used and unused equipment, including earthmoving equipment, truck trailers, government surplus, oil and gas equipment and other industrial assets. Construction and heavy machinery comprise the majority of the equipment sold through our multiple brand solutions. Customers selling equipment through our sales channels include end-users (such as construction companies), equipment dealers, original equipment manufacturers, and other equipment owners (such as rental companies and government bodies). Our customers participate in a variety of sectors, including heavy construction, transportation, agriculture, energy, and mining.

Service Offerings

As part of our Auction and Marketplace (“A&M”) solutions, we offer our equipment seller and buyer customers multiple distinct, complementary, multi-channel brand solutions that address the range of their needs. Our global customer base has a variety of transaction options, breadth of services, and the widest selection of used equipment available to them. The tables below illustrate the various channels and brand solutions available under our A&M segment, as well as our other services.

A&M segment

Channels	Brand Solutions	Description of Offering
Live On Site Auctions		n Live unreserved on site with live simulcast online auctions
		n Event-based sales of used construction and heavy equipment held in the Caterpillar dealer geographies
		n Event-based sales of used energy equipment
Online Auctions and Marketplaces		n Online marketplace for selling and buying used equipment
		n Online marketplace offering multiple price and timing options
		n Online marketplace for the sale of government and military assets
		n Online truck and trailer marketplace
Brokerage Service		n Confidential, negotiated sales

Contract options

As part of our A&M business, we offer sellers several contract options to meet their individual needs and sale objectives, which include:

We refer to guarantee and inventory contracts as underwritten contracts.

We also provide a wide array of value-added services to make the process of selling and buying equipment convenient for our customers, including repair and refurbishment services, financial services through Ritchie Bros. Financial Services (“RBFS”), logistical services, and appraisals.

Revenue Accounting Policy Change

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”). Revenues on inventory sales and ancillary and logistical services are presented gross of the related expenses rather than net. Accordingly, in addition to total revenues, we have added a new metric to our disclosures called agency proceeds² (non-GAAP measure), which presents revenues as previously reported and is calculated as total revenues under Topic 606 less the cost of inventory sold and ancillary and logistical service expenses.

The following table presents total revenues and agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure) results for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, as well as reconciles those two measures:

Performance Highlights

Net income attributable to stockholders of $17.1 million improved 65% compared to $10.4 million for the same quarter in 2017. Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) attributable to stockholders increased 60% to $0.16 versus $0.10 in the first quarter of 2017. Other key first quarter highlights included:

Consolidated results:

A&M segment results:

Results of Operations

Consolidated Results

Total revenues

Total revenues are comprised of:

Total revenues increased $60.8 million, or 30%, in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to the Acquisition, an increase in the volume of inventory contracts in Canada and Europe, an increase in service revenues from our live on site auctions, and the partial harmonization of our transaction fees. Foreign exchange had a positive impact on total revenues in the first quarter of 2018.

Geographic analysis

The distribution of our revenues is determined by the location in which the sale occurred, or in the case of online sales, where the legal entity earning the revenues is incorporated. The following table presents our total revenues on a geographic basis:

The increase in total revenues in Canada and Europe in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 was primarily due to an increase in revenue from inventory sales over the same comparative period. The increase in total revenues in the United States was primarily due to the Acquisition, partially offset by a decrease in revenue from inventory sales over the comparative period. The decrease in total revenues from other regions was primarily due to a decrease in revenue from inventory sales in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017.

Costs of services

Costs of services are comprised of expenses incurred in direct relation to conducting auctions (“direct expenses”), earning online marketplace revenues, and earning other fee revenues. Direct expenses include direct labour, buildings and facilities charges, and travel, advertising and promotion costs.

Costs of services increased $12.4 million or 51% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to the Acquisition and the costs associated with the inspection and appraisal activities that support our online channels. The increase is also due to an increase in GTV at our live on site auctions over the comparative period and the growth of our ancillary business.

Cost of inventory sold

Cost of inventory sold consists of the initial purchase price of equipment and other assets purchased for resale. Cost of inventory sold increased $12.4 million, or 20%, in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to higher volume of inventory contracts.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses

SG&A expenses increased $26.9 million, or 38%, during the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to the Acquisition, investment in talent to support new businesses and initiatives, and $4.6 million of share unit expenses in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2017. Foreign exchange had a negative impact on SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2018.

The Acquisition drove increases in our employee compensation, audit fees, tax and legal consulting fees, and technology support costs. Our headcount⁶, including RBFS and Mascus but excluding Xcira, increased 26% over March 31, 2017, primarily due to the Acquisition and continued growth in the teams that support in our value-added services.

Of the $4.0 million increase in our share unit expenses in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017, $2.4 million related to mark-to-market costs driven by growth in our share price over the comparative period. In addition, the March 1, 2018 modification of certain performance factors related to our share units resulted in an incremental compensation cost of $1.4 million.

Acquisition-related costs

Acquisition-related costs consist of operating expenses directly incurred as part of a business combination, due diligence and integration planning – including those related to the Acquisition – and continuing employment costs that are recognized separately from our business combinations. Business combination, due diligence, and integration operating expenses include advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees, and travel and securities filing fees.

Acquisition-related costs decreased $7.0 million, or 81%, in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 primarily due to costs associated with the Acquisition, which totaled $7.7 million in the first quarter of 2017 versus $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2018.

Operating income

Operating income of $32.9 million increased $9.3 million or 39%, in the first quarter of 2018, compared to the first quarter of 2017. This increase was driven by higher total revenues and lower acquisition costs, partially offset by higher costs of services and SG&A expenses. Foreign exchange did not have a significant impact on operating income in the first quarter of 2018. As there were no adjusting items during the first quarter of 2018 or the first quarter of 2017, adjusted operating income⁷ (non-GAAP measure) results were the same as operating income results.

Operating income margin, which is our operating income divided by revenues, increased 80 bps to 12.6% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 11.8% in the first quarter of 2017. This increase is primarily due to the increase in operating income exceeding the increase in total revenues. Agency proceeds adjusted operating income rate⁸ (non-GAAP measure) increased to 19.4% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 19.0% in the first quarter of 2017.

Interest expense

Interest expense of $11.3 million increased $3.2 million or 39% in the first quarter of 2018, compared to the first quarter of 2017. This increase is primarily due to the additional indebtedness we incurred in 2016 to finance the Acquisition and an increase in short-term interest over the comparative period. As of March 31, 2018, our long-term debt was $780.3 million compared to $596.4 million as of March 31, 2017.

Income tax expense and effective tax rate

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, income tax expense was $5.3 million, compared to an income tax expense of $7.3 million for the same period in 2017. Our effective tax rate was 23% in the first quarter of 2018, compared to 41% in the first quarter of 2017. The effective tax rate decreased in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 primarily due to a greater proportion of income taxed in jurisdictions with lower tax rates and partially offset by our estimated Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT”). Additionally, in 2017 a $2.3 million expense relating to an increase in uncertain tax positions was recognized and greater annual non-deductible acquisitions costs were estimated.

On December 22, 2017 H.R. 1, originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, (the “Tax Act”) was enacted. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that impacted our quarter ended March 31, 2018, including, but not limited to, (1) reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and (2) imposing BEAT - a tax on certain deductible payments from our U.S. subsidiary to any of its foreign-related parties.

On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we have not made any adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017.  Additional work is still necessary for a more detailed analysis of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, our historical foreign earnings subject to the one-time transition tax, and potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to tax expense in the corresponding quarter of 2018 when the analysis is complete.

At the end of each interim period, we estimate the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year.  The estimate reflects, among other items, management’s best estimate of operating results.  It does not include the estimated impact of foreign exchange rates or unusual and/or infrequent items, which may cause significant variations in the customary relationship between income tax expense and income before income taxes.

Net income

Net income attributable to stockholders increased $6.8 million, or 65%, in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to stronger operating income and was partially offset by a higher interest expense. Adjusted net income attributable to stockholders⁹ (non-GAAP measure) increased $4.5 million, or 35%, to $17.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $12.7 million in the first quarter of 2017.

Similarly, net income increased $6.8 million or 65% to $17.2 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $10.4 million in the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”)¹⁰ (non-GAAP measure) increased $14.3 million, or 41%, to $49.6 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $35.3 million in the first quarter of 2017.

Net income margin increased 140 bps to 6.6% in the first quarter of 2018 from 5.2% in the first quarter of 2017. Agency proceeds adjusted EBITDA rate¹¹ (non-GAAP measure) increased 90 bps to 29.2% in the first quarter of 2018 from 28.3% in the first quarter of 2017, as revenue growth outpaced expense growth.

Debt at March 31, 2018, represented 9.6 times net income as at and for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018. This compares to debt at March 31, 2017, which represented 8.4 times net income as at and for the 12 months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in this debt/net income multiplier was primarily due to higher debt balances in the first quarter of 2018 versus the first quarter of 2017, partially offset by higher net income over the comparative period. The increase in debt was primarily due to funding for the Acquisition. Adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA¹² (non-GAAP measure) was 2.5 times as at and for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 compared to -0.6 times as at and for the 12 months ended March 31, 2017.

Diluted EPS

Diluted EPS attributable to stockholders increased 60% to $0.16 in the first quarter of 2018 from $0.10 in the first quarter of 2017. This increase is primarily due to the increase in net income attributable to stockholders. Diluted adjusted EPS attributable to stockholders¹³ (non-GAAP measure) increased 33% to $0.16 in the first quarter of 2018 from $0.12 in the first quarter of 2017.

Segment Performance

Auctions and Marketplaces segment