UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
 
OR
 
¨   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______ to ______

          

Commission file number: 001-13425

 

 

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Canada   N/A
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
9500 Glenlyon Parkway    
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada   V5J 0C6
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(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 1
ITEM 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 27
ITEM 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 55
ITEM 4: Controls and Procedures 55
     
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1: Legal Proceedings 57
ITEM 1A: Risk Factors 57
ITEM 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 57
ITEM 5: Other Information 57
ITEM 6: Exhibits 58
     
SIGNATURES

 

   

 

 

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)

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Revenues:          
Service revenues  $176,016   $123,379 
Revenue from inventory sales   84,162    76,048 
Total revenues   260,178    199,427 
           
Operating expenses:          
Costs of services   36,657    24,340 
Cost of inventory sold   75,791    63,401 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   97,470    70,575 
Acquisition-related costs   1,633    8,627 
Depreciation and amortization expenses   16,191    10,338 
Gain on disposition of property, plant and equipment   (345)   (721)
Foreign exchange gain   (92)   (730)
Total operating expenses   227,305    175,830 
Operating income   32,873    23,597 
           
Interest expense   (11,310)   (8,133)
Other income, net   913    2,284 
Income before income taxes   22,476    17,748 
Income tax expense (recovery):          
Current income tax expense   4,004    7,488 
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)   1,265    (173)
Income tax expense   5,269    7,315 
           
Net income  $17,207   $10,433 
           
Net income attributable to:          
Stockholders  $17,138   $10,377 
Non-controlling interests   69    56 
Net income  $17,207   $10,433 
           
Earnings per share attributable to stockholders:          
Basic  $0.16   $0.10 
Diluted  $0.16   $0.10 
           
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:          
Basic   107,355,381    106,851,595 
Diluted   108,643,897    107,788,949 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Ritchie Bros.1

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
         
Net income  $17,207   $10,433 
Other comprehensive income, net of income tax:          
Foreign currency translation adjustment   4,907    7,440 
           
Total comprehensive income  $22,114   $17,873 
           
Total comprehensive income attributable to:          
Stockholders   22,033    17,813 
Non-controlling interests   81    60 
   $22,114   $17,873 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Ritchie Bros.2

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

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

(Unaudited)

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2018   2017 
Assets          
           
Cash and cash equivalents  $278,944   $267,910 
Restricted cash   62,414    63,206 
Trade and other receivables   182,157    92,105 
Inventory   34,350    38,238 
Other current assets   30,657    27,026 
Assets held for sale   251    584 
Income taxes receivable   17,515    19,418 
Total current assets   606,288    508,487 
           
Property, plant and equipment   522,871    526,581 
Equity-accounted investments   6,915    7,408 
Other non-current assets   26,807    24,146 
Intangible assets   259,052    261,094 
Goodwill   674,097    670,922 
Deferred tax assets   19,934    18,674 
Total assets  $2,115,964   $2,017,312 
           
Liabilities and Equity          
           
Auction proceeds payable  $303,416   $199,245 
Trade and other payables   170,777    164,553 
Income taxes payable   2,021    732 
Short-term debt   5,861    7,018 
Current portion of long-term debt   9,264    16,907 
Total current liabilities   491,339    388,455 
           
Long-term debt   771,030    795,985 
Other non-current liabilities   44,857    46,773 
Deferred tax liabilities   34,712    32,334 
Total liabilities   1,341,938    1,263,547 
           
Contingencies          
Contingently redeemable performance share units   16,576    9,014 
Stockholders' equity:          
Share capital:          
Common stock; no par value, unlimited shares authorized, issued and outstanding shares:  107,471,895 (December 31, 2017: 107,269,783)   144,387    138,582 
Additional paid-in capital   44,327    41,005 
Retained earnings   601,205    602,609 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (37,619)   (42,514)
Stockholders' equity   752,300    739,682 
Non-controlling interest   5,150    5,069 
Total shareholders' equity   757,450    744,751 
Total liabilities and equity  $2,115,964   $2,017,312 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Ritchie Bros.3

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

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

(Unaudited)

 

   Attributable to stockholders           Contingently 
       Additional       Accumulated   Non-       redeemable 
   Common stock   paid-In       other   controlling       performance 
   Number of       capital   Retained   comprehensive   interest   Total   share units 
   shares   Amount   ("APIC")   earnings   income (loss)   ("NCI")   equity   ("PSUs") 
Balance, December 31, 2017   107,269,783   $138,582   $41,005   $602,609   $(42,514)  $5,069   $744,751   $9,014 
Net income   -    -    -    17,138    -    69    17,207    - 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    4,895    12    4,907    - 
    -    -    -    17,138    4,895    81    22,114    - 
Stock option exercises   202,112    5,805    (1,492)   -    -    -    4,313    - 
Stock option compensation expense   -    -    2,343    -    -    -    2,343    - 
Modification of PSUs   -    -    703    (134)   -    -    569    6,132 
Equity-classified PSU expense   -    -    1,678    -    -    -    1,678    1,357 
Equity-classified PSU dividend equivalents   -    -    90    (200)   -    -    (110)   110 
Change in fair value of contingently redeemable PSUs   -    -    -    37    -    -    37    (37)
Cash dividends paid   -    -    -    (18,245)   -    -    (18,245)   - 
                                         
Balance, March 31, 2018   107,471,895   $144,387   $44,327   $601,205   $(37,619)  $5,150   $757,450   $16,576 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Ritchie Bros.4

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Cash provided by (used in):          
Operating activities:          
Net income  $17,207   $10,433 
Adjustments for items not affecting cash:          
Depreciation and amortization expenses   16,191    10,338 
Stock option compensation expense   2,343    1,311 
Equity-classified PSU expense   3,035    1,012 
Amortization of debt issuance costs   1,066    445 
Other, net   2,131    (1,042)
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities   25,265    112,045 
Net cash provided by operating activities   67,238    134,542 
Investing activities:          
Property, plant and equipment additions   (2,564)   (1,863)
Intangible asset additions   (7,034)   (5,664)
Proceeds on disposition of property, plant and equipment   1,066    1,505 
Other, net   (4,674)   - 
Net cash used in investing activities   (13,206)   (6,022)
Financing activities:          
Dividends paid to stockholders   (18,245)   (18,160)
Dividends paid to NCI   -    (41)
Issuances of share capital   4,313    3,412 
Proceeds from short-term debt   308    1,219 
Repayment of short-term debt   (1,754)   (1,009)
Repayment of long-term debt   (29,237)   - 
Repayment of finance lease obligations   (802)   (438)
Other, net   -    (48)
Net cash used in financing activities   (45,417)   (15,065)
Effect of changes in foreign currency rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   1,627    3,336 
Increase   10,242    116,791 
Beginning of period   331,116    758,089 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period  $341,358   $874,880 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Ritchie Bros.5

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

1.Summary of significant accounting policies

 

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:

 

·Service revenues, including the following:

 

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

 

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

 

·Revenue from inventory sales

 

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.

 

Ritchie Bros.6

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

1.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

(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.

 

Ritchie Bros.7

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

1.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

(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.

 

Ritchie Bros.8

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

1.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

(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.

 

Ritchie Bros.9

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

1.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

(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.

 

Ritchie Bros.10

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

1.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

(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

 

(i)Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The Company implemented the new standard using a full retrospective method, in order to provide more useful comparative information to financial statement users.

 

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:

 

1)Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, all revenue from inventory sales were presented net of costs within service revenues on the income statement. With the adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Company has presented separately revenue from inventory sales and service revenue and accordingly service revenues excludes revenue from inventory sales and cost of inventory sold. Those amounts are now presented gross as separate line items on the face of the consolidated income statement; and

 

2)Ancillary and logistical service revenues are presented within service revenues, now on a gross basis, with the related costs of services presented separately within costs of services.

 

Ritchie Bros.11

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

1.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

(i)New and amended accounting standards (continued)

 

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:

 

Three months ended March 31, 2017
Consolidated income statement line item  As reported   New Revenue
Standard Adjustment
   Consolidated income statement line
item
  As Adjusted 
        $76,048   Revenue from inventory sales  $76,048 
Revenues  $124,499    (1,120)  Service revenues   123,379 
         74,928   Total revenues   199,427 
         (63,401)  Cost of inventory sold   (63,401)
Costs of services   (12,813)   (11,527)  Costs of services   (24,340)
   $111,686   $-      $111,686 

 

(ii)In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 identifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendments are applied retrospectively on the amendment date. The Company expects the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will result in the $1,302,000 Mascus contingent consideration paid in the second quarter of 2017 to be reclassified from operating to investing cash flows.

 

(j)Recent accounting standards not yet adopted

 

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.

 

Ritchie Bros.12

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

1.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

(j)Recent accounting standards not yet adopted (continued)

 

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.

 

2.Significant judgments, estimates and assumptions

 

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.

 

3.Seasonality

 

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.

 

Ritchie Bros.13

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

4.Segment information

 

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:

 

·Auctions and Marketplaces – This is the Company’s only reportable segment, which consists of the Company’s live on site auctions, its online auctions and marketplaces, and its brokerage service;

 

·Other includes the results of Ritchie Bros. Financial Services (“RBFS”), Mascus online services, and the results from various value-added services and make-ready activities, including the Company’s equipment refurbishment services, Asset Appraisal Services, and Ritchie Bros. Logistical Services.

 

   Three months ended March 31, 2018 
   A&M   Other   Consolidated 
Service revenues  $148,405   $27,611   $176,016 
Revenue from inventory sales   84,162    -    84,162 
Total revenues   232,567    27,611    260,178 
Costs of services   21,448    15,209    36,657 
Cost of inventory sold   75,791    -    75,791 
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A")   93,002    4,468    97,470 
Segment profit  $42,326   $7,934   $50,260 
Acquisition-related costs             1,633 
D&A expenses             16,191 
Gain on disposition of property, plant and equipment ("PPE")             (345)
Foreign exchange gain             (92)
Operating income            $32,873 
Interest expense             (11,310)
Other income, net             913 
Income tax expense             (5,269)
Net income            $17,207 

 

Ritchie Bros.14

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

4.Segment information (continued)

 

   Three months ended March 31, 2017 
   A&M   Other   Consolidated 
Service revenues  $103,030   $20,349   $123,379 
Revenue from inventory sales   76,048    -    76,048 
Total revenues   179,078    20,349    199,427 
Costs of services   12,587    11,753    24,340 
Cost of inventory sold   63,401    -    63,401 
SG&A expenses   67,111    3,464    70,575 
Segment profit  $35,979   $5,132   $41,111 
Acquisition-related costs             8,627 
D&A expenses             10,338 
Gain on disposition of PPE             (721)
Foreign exchange gain             (730)
Operating income            $23,597 
Interest expense             (8,133)
Other income, net             2,284 
Income tax expense             (7,315)
Net income            $10,433 

 

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

 

   United
States
   Canada   Europe   Other   Consolidated 
Total revenues for the three months ended:                         
March 31, 2018  $135,563   $65,809   $34,574   $24,232   $260,178 
March 31, 2017   112,083    41,492    18,267    27,585    199,427 

 

5.Total revenues

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Service revenues:          
Commissions  $101,294   $79,297 
Fees   74,722    44,082 
    176,016    123,379 
Revenue from inventory sales   84,162    76,048 
Total revenues  $260,178   $199,427 

 

Ritchie Bros.15

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

6.Operating expenses

 

Costs of services

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Ancillary and logistical service expenses  $14,580   $11,527 
Employee compensation expenses   9,019    5,476 
Buildings, facilities and technology expenses   2,627    1,546 
Travel, advertising and promotion expenses   6,808    4,656 
Other costs of services   3,623    1,135 
   $36,657   $24,340 

 

SG&A expenses

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Employee compensation expenses  $63,293   $44,455 
Buildings, facilities and technology expenses   15,273    12,270 
Travel, advertising and promotion expenses   9,719    6,586 
Professional fees   4,267    3,100 
Other SG&A expenses   4,918    4,164 
   $97,470   $70,575 

 

Acquisition-related costs

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
IronPlanet: (note 19)  $639   $7,691 
Other acquisitions:          
Continuing employment costs   968    864 
Other acquisition-related costs   26    72 
   $1,633   $8,627 

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Depreciation expense  $6,916   $6,792 
Amortization expense   9,275    3,546 
   $16,191   $10,338 

 

Ritchie Bros.16

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

7.Income taxes

 

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.

 

8.Earnings per share attributable to stockholders

 

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.

 

   Net income   WA     
   attributable to   number   Per share 
Three months ended March 31, 2018  stockholders   of shares   amount 
Basic   17,138    107,355,381   $0.16 
Effect of dilutive securities:               
Share units   -    358,087    - 
Stock options   -    930,429    - 
Diluted   17,138    108,643,897   $0.16 

 

Ritchie Bros.17

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

8.Earnings per share attributable to stockholders (continued)

 

   Net income   WA     
   attributable to   number   Per share 
Three months ended March 31, 2017  stockholders   of shares   amount 
Basic   10,377    106,851,595   $0.10 
Effect of dilutive securities:               
Share units   27    263,557    - 
Stock options   -    673,797    - 
Diluted   10,404    107,788,949   $0.10 

 

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

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Trade and other receivables  $(90,077)  $(58,839)
Inventory   3,090    7,813 
Advances against auction contracts   (223)   (1,806)
Prepaid expenses and deposits   (3,443)   4,010 
Income taxes receivable   1,903    (1,910)
Auction proceeds payable   103,390    178,655 
Trade and other payables   8,202    (11,402)
Income taxes payable   920    (4,052)
Share unit liabilities   1,192    (408)
Other   311    (16)
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities  $25,265   $112,045 

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Interest paid, net of interest capitalized  $16,877   $903 
Interest received   392    956 
Net income taxes paid   1,265    14,756 
           
Non-cash transactions:          
Non-cash purchase of property, plant and equipment under capital lease   573    207 

 

Ritchie Bros.18

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

9. Supplemental cash flow information (continued)

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2018   2017 
Cash and cash equivalents  $278,944   $267,910 
Restricted cash   62,414    63,206 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash  $341,358   $331,116 

 

10.Fair value measurement

 

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:

 

● Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at measurement date;
   
● Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
   
● Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

 

      March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
   Category  Carrying
amount
   Fair value   Carrying
amount
   Fair value 
Fair values disclosed, recurring:                       
Cash and cash equivalents  Level 1  $278,944   $278,944   $267,910   $267,910 
Restricted cash  Level 1   62,414    62,414    63,206    63,206 
Short-term debt (note 14)  Level 2   5,861    5,861    7,018    7,018 
Long-term debt (note 14)                       
Senior unsecured notes  Level 1   487,782    498,125    487,339    520,000 
Term loans  Level 2   292,512    296,026    325,553    329,687 

 

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.

 

11.Other current assets

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2018   2017 
Advances against auction contracts  $7,569   $7,336 
Prepaid expenses and deposits   23,088    19,690 
   $30,657   $27,026 

 

Ritchie Bros.19

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

12.Other non-current assets

 

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

 

13.Goodwill

 

Balance, December 31, 2017  $670,922 
Additions   3,242 
Foreign exchange movement   (67)
Balance, March 31, 2018  $674,097 

 

14.Debt

 

   Carrying amount 
   March 31,   December 31, 
   2018   2017 
Short-term debt  $5,861   $7,018 
           
Long-term debt:          
           
Term Loans (previously referred to as Delayed draw term loans):          
Denominated in Canadian dollars, secured, bearing interest at a weighted average rate of 4.014%, due in monthly installments of interest only and quarterly installments of principal, maturing in October 2021   178,335    185,143 
Denominated in United States dollars, secured, bearing interest at a weighted average rate of 4.064%, due in weekly installments of interest only and quarterly installments of principal, maturing in October 2021   117,691    144,544 
Less: unamortized debt issue costs   (3,514)   (4,134)
Senior unsecured notes:          
Bearing interest at 5.375% due in semi-annual installments, with the full amount of principal due in January 2025   500,000    500,000 
Less: unamortized debt issue costs   (12,218)   (12,661)
Total Long-term debt   780,294    812,892 
           
Total debt  $786,155   $819,910 
           
Long-term debt:          
Current portion  $9,264   $16,907 
Non-current portion   771,030    795,985 
Total Long-term debt  $780,294   $812,892 

 

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.

 

Ritchie Bros.20

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

14.Debt (continued)

 

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.

 

15.Other non-current liabilities

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2018   2017 
Tax payable  $26,698   $25,958 
Finance lease obligation - non-current   7,130    7,875 
Share unit liabilities   -    2,865 
Other non-current liabilities   11,029    10,075 
   $44,857   $46,773 

 

16.Equity and dividends

 

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:

 

   Declaration date  Dividend
per share
   Record date  Total
dividends
   Payment date
Fourth quarter 2017  January 26, 2018  $0.1700   February 16, 2018  $18,246   March 9, 2018
Fourth quarter 2016  January 23, 2017  $0.1700   February 10, 2017  $18,160   March 3, 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.

 

Ritchie Bros.21

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

16.Equity and dividends (continued)

 

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).

 

17.Share-based payments

 

Share-based payments consist of the following compensation costs:

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Stock option compensation expense:          
SG&A expenses  $2,148   $1,311 
Acquisition-related costs   195    - 
Share unit expense (recovery):          
Equity-classified share units   3,035    1,012 
Liability-classified share units   1,599    (407)
Employee share purchase plan - employer contributions   537    436 
   $7,514   $2,352 

 

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:

 

           WA     
   Common   WA   remaining   Aggregate 
   shares under   exercise   contractual   intrinsic 
   option   price   life (in years)   value 
Outstanding, December 31, 2017   4,459,744   $24.29    7.5   $17,649 
Granted   889,169    32.16           
Exercised   (202,112)   21.34        $2,215 
Forfeited   (19,662)   22.25           
Outstanding, March 31, 2018   5,127,139   $25.78    7.7   $30,313 
Exercisable, March 31, 2018   2,675,935   $24.13    6.7   $19,839 

 

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.

 

Ritchie Bros.22

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

17.Share-based payments (continued)

 

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:

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Risk free interest rate   2.7%   2.1%
Expected dividend yield   2.11%   2.05%
Expected lives of the stock options   5 years    5 years 
Expected volatility   28.1%   27.9%

 

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:

 

   Equity-classified awards   Liability-classified awards 
   PSUs   RSUs   PSUs   RSUs   DSUs 
       WA grant       WA grant       WA grant       WA grant       WA grant 
       date fair       date fair       date fair       date fair       date fair 
   Number   value   Number   value   Number   value   Number   value   Number   value 
                                         
Outstanding, December 31, 2017   434,248   $27.83    125,152   $26.93    259,241   $26.38    4,666   $26.42    93,487   $26.32 
Granted   223,484    31.37    88,120    31.98    -    -    25    32.26    5,475    32.05 
Transferred to (from) equity awards on modification   257,659    31.30    -    -    (257,659)   26.38    -    -    -    - 
Forfeited   (15,519)   31.28    -    -    (1,582)   26.45    -    -    -    - 
Outstanding, March 31, 2018 (1)   899,872   $30.87    213,272   $29.02    -   $-    4,691   $26.45    98,962   $26.64 

 

(1)Included in this total are 184,329 equity-classified PSUs that were vested but not settled at March 31, 2018. These vested share units had WA grant date fair values of $31.99 respectively.

 

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.

 

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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

17.Share-based payments (continued)

 

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:

 

Three months ended March 31,  2018   2017 
Risk free interest rate   1.9%   1.4%
Expected dividend yield   2.09%   1.92%
Expected lives of the PSUs   3 years    3 years 
Expected volatility   31.1%   28.2%
Average expected volatility of comparable companies   34.1%   37.0%

 

18.Contingencies

 

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. 

 

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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

19.Business combinations

 

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:

 

   May 31, 2017 
Cash consideration paid to former equity holders  $723,810 
Settlement of IronPlanet's debt   36,313 
Settlement of IronPlanet's transaction costs   12,583 
Cash consideration paid on closing   772,706 
Cash consideration paid related to closing adjustments   1,771 
Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired   (95,626)
Less: restricted cash acquired   (3,000)
Acquisition of IronPlanet, net of cash acquired  $675,851 
      
Cash consideration paid on closing  $772,706 
Replacement stock option awards attributable to pre- combination services   4,926 
Stock option compensation expense from accelerated vesting of awards attributable to post-combination services   (2,596)
Cash consideration paid relating  to closing adjustments   1,771 
Settlement of pre-existing intercompany balances   (333)
Purchase price  $776,474 

 

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.

 

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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

19.Business combinations (continued)

 

IronPlanet provisional purchase price allocation

 

   May 31, 2017 
Purchase price  $776,474 
      
Assets acquired:     
Cash and cash equivalents  $95,626 
Restricted cash   3,000 
Trade and other receivables   13,021 
Inventory   600 
Advances against auction contracts   4,623 
Prepaid expenses and deposits   1,645 
Income taxes receivable   55 
Property, plant and equipment   2,381 
Other non-current assets   2,551 
Deferred tax assets   1,497 
Intangible assets ~   188,000 
      
Liabilities assumed:     
Auction proceeds payable   63,616 
Trade and other payables   14,511 
Deferred tax liabilities   26,535 
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired   208,337 
Goodwill acquired on acquisition  $568,137 

 

~Intangible assets consist of indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks, customer relationships with estimated useful lives of ranging from six to 13 years, and a technology platform with an estimated useful life of seven years.

 

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).

 

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ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

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.

 

 
1GTV represents total proceeds from all items sold at our live on site auctions and online marketplaces. GTV is not a measure of financial performance, liquidity, or revenue, and is not presented in our consolidated financial statements.

 

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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

 

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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:

 

·Straight commission contracts, where the consignor receives the gross proceeds from the sale less a pre-negotiated commission rate;
·Guarantee contracts, where the consignor receives a guaranteed minimum amount plus an additional amount if proceeds exceed a specified level; and
·Inventory contracts, where we purchase, take custody, and hold used equipment and other assets before they are resold in the ordinary course of business.

 

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:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
   2018   2017 
Total revenues  $260,178   $199,427 
Less: cost of inventory sold   (75,791)   (63,401)
Less: ancillary and logistical service expenses   (14,580)   (11,527)
Agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure)  $169,807   $124,499 

 

 
2Our balance sheet scorecard includes the non-GAAP measure performance metric, agency proceeds. Agency proceeds is also an element of the performance criteria for certain annual short-term incentive awards we grant to our employees and officers. We calculate agency proceeds by subtracting the cost of inventory sold and ancillary and logistical service expenses from total revenues.

  

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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:

 

·Total revenues, as presented under the new revenue standard, were $260.2 million; a 30% increase over the first quarter of 2017
·Total Company agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure) of $169.8 million increased 36% from $124.5 million in the first quarter of 2017
·Cash provided by operating activities of $67.2 million
·Repayment of $29.2 million of long-term debt in the first quarter of 2018
·Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per common share

 

A&M segment results:

 

·GTV of $1.2 billion increased 29% from $0.9 billion in the first quarter of 2017

·Total revenues of $232.6 million increased 30% from $179.1 million in the first quarter of 2017
·A&M agency proceeds3 (non-GAAP measure) of $156.8 million increased 36% from $115.7 million in the first quarter of 2017
·A&M revenue rate4 improved 10 basis points (“bps”) over the first quarter of 2017; and A&M agency proceeds rate5 (non-GAAP measure) improved 60 bps over the first quarter of 2017

 

 
3A&M agency proceeds is a non-GAAP financial measure that provides useful information about the performance of our A&M contracts for different financial periods. A&M agency proceeds is calculated as A&M total revenues less cost of inventory sold and is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Segment Performance” below.

 

4We believe A&M segment total revenues are best understood by considering their relationship to GTV. The metric we use to measure that performance is A&M revenue rate, which is calculated as A&M total revenues divided by GTV.

 

5A&M agency proceeds rate is a non-GAAP financial measure that provides useful information about the performance of our operations by comparing the margins we earn on our contracts for different financial periods. A&M agency proceeds rate is calculated by dividing A&M agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure) by GTV. A&M agency proceeds rate is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Segment Performance” below.

  

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Results of Operations

 

Financial overview  Three months ended March 31, 
           $ Change   % Change 
(in U.S. $000's, except EPS)  2018   2017   2018 over
2017
   2018 over
2017
 
Service revenues  $176,016   $123,379   $52,637    43%
Revenue from inventory sales   84,162    76,048    8,114    11%
Total revenues   260,178    199,427    60,751    30%
Costs of services   36,657    24,340    12,317    51%
Cost of inventory sold   75,791    63,401    12,390    20%
Selling, general and administrative expenses   97,470    70,575    26,895    38%
Acquisition-related costs   1,633    8,627    (6,994)   (81)%
Depreciation and amortization expenses   16,191    10,338    5,853    57%
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment   (345)   (721)   376    (52)%
Foreign exchange gain   (92)   (730)   638    (87)%
Operating income   32,873    23,597    9,276    39%
Operating income margin   12.6%   11.8%   n/a    80 bps
Interest expense   (11,310)   (8,133)   (3,177)   39%
Other income, net   913    2,284    (1,371)   (60)%
Income tax expense   5,269    7,315    (2,046)   (28)%
Net income attributable to stockholders   17,138    10,377    6,761    65%
Diluted earnings per share attributable to stockholders  $0.16   $0.10   $0.06    60%
Effective tax rate   23%   41%   n/a    -1800 bps
GTV  $1,160,712   $899,410   $261,302    29%
Agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure)   169,807    124,499    45,308    36%

 

Consolidated Results

 

Total revenues

 

Total revenues are comprised of:

 

·Service revenues, including the following:
·Revenue from A&M activities, including commissions earned at our live and online auctions where we act as an agent for consignors of equipment and other assets, and various auction-related fees, including listing and buyer transaction fees; and
·Other services revenues, including revenues from refurbishment, logistical services, financing, appraisal fees and other ancillary service fees.
·Revenue from inventory sales

 

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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:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  United
States
   Canada   Europe   Other   Consolidated 
Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018  $135,563   $65,809   $34,574   $24,232   $260,178 
Proportion of consolidated amount   53%   25%   13%   9%   100%
Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017  $112,083   $41,492   $18,267   $27,585   $199,427 
Proportion of consolidated amount   56%   21%   9%   14%   100%
Change 2018 over 2017:                         
$ change  $23,480   $24,317   $16,307   $(3,353)  $60,751 
% change   21%   59%   89%   (12)%   30%

 

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.

 

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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.

 

 
6In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, our total headcount excluding Mascus and Xcira employees should have been 2,119 instead of 2,165 as 46 Mascus employees were inadvertently included in the figure reported.

 

7Adjusted operating income is a non-GAAP measure. We use income statement and balance sheet performance scorecards to align our operations with our strategic priorities. We concentrate on a limited number of metrics to ensure focus and to facilitate quarterly performance discussions. Our income statement scorecard includes the performance metric, adjusted operating income. We believe that comparing adjusted operating income for different financial periods provides useful information about the growth or decline of operating income for the relevant financial period. We calculate adjusted operating income by eliminating from operating income the pre-tax effects of significant non-recurring items that we do not consider to be part of our normal operating results, such as acquisition-related costs, management reorganization costs, severance, retention, gains/losses on sale of certain property, plant and equipment, impairment losses, and certain other items, which we refer to as ‘adjusting items’. Adjusted operating income is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

 

8Our income statement scorecard includes the performance metric, agency proceeds adjusted operating income rate, which is a non-GAAP measure. We believe that comparing agency proceeds adjusted operating income rate for different financial periods provides useful information about the growth or decline of our operating income for the relevant financial period. We calculate agency proceeds adjusted operating income rate by dividing adjusted operating income (non-GAAP measure) by agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure). Agency proceeds adjusted operating income rate is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

    

Ritchie Bros.33

 

 

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.

 

 

9Adjusted net income attributable to stockholders is a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe that comparing adjusted net income attributable to stockholders for different financial periods provides useful information about the growth or decline of our net income attributable to stockholders for the relevant financial period, and eliminates the financial impact of adjusting items we do not consider to be part of our normal operating results. Adjusted net income attributable to stockholders represents net income attributable to stockholders excluding the effects of adjusting items and is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

   

Ritchie Bros.34

 

 

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.

 

 

 

10Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe provides useful information about the growth or decline of our net income when compared between different financial periods. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back depreciation and amortization expenses, interest expense, and current income tax expense, and subtracting interest income and deferred income tax recovery from net income excluding the pre-tax effects of adjusting items. Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

 

11Agency proceeds adjusted EBITDA rate is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe provides useful information about the growth or decline of our net income when compared between different financial periods. Agency proceeds adjusted EBITDA rate presents adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP measure) as a multiple of agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure). Agency proceeds adjusted EBITDA rate is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

 

12Adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe that comparing adjusted net debt/adjusted EBIDTA on a trailing 12-month basis for different financial periods provides useful information about the performance of our operations as an indicator of the amount of time it would take us to settle both our short and long-term debt. We do not consider this to be a measure of our liquidity, which is our ability to settle only short-term obligations, but rather a measure of how well we fund liquidity. Measures of liquidity are discussed further below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources”. We calculate adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA by dividing adjusted net debt (non-GAAP measure) by adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP measure). Adjusted net debt (non-GAAP measure) is calculated by subtracting cash and cash equivalents and long-term debt held in escrow from debt. Adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

 

13Diluted adjusted EPS attributable to stockholders is a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe that comparing diluted adjusted EPS attributable to stockholders for different financial periods provides useful information about the growth or decline of our diluted EPS attributable to stockholders for the relevant financial period, and eliminates the financial impact of adjusting items we do not consider to be part of our normal operating results. Diluted adjusted EPS attributable to stockholders is calculated by dividing adjusted net income attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure), net of the effect of dilutive securities, by the weighted average number of dilutive shares outstanding. Diluted adjusted EPS attributable to stockholders is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

  

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Segment Performance

 

Auctions and Marketplaces segment

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
           $ Change   % Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over
2017
   2018 over
2017
 
Service revenues  $148,405   $103,030   $45,375    44%
Revenue from inventory sales   84,162    76,048    8,114    11%
Total revenues   232,567    179,078    53,489    30%
Costs of services   21,448    12,587    8,861    70%
Cost of inventory sold   75,791    63,401    12,390    20%
SG&A expenses   93,002    67,111    25,891    39%
A&M profit  $42,326   $35,979   $6,347    18%

 

Gross Transaction Value

 

We believe that revenues are best understood by considering their relationship with GTV. The following table presents GTV by channel:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
   2018   2017   $ Change   % Change 
   Total GTV   % of
total
   Total GTV   % of
total
   2018 over
2017
   2018 over
2017
 
Live on site auctions  $974,026    84%  $860,806    96%  $113,220    13%
Online marketplaces including featured (1) and other (2)   186,686    16%   38,604    4%   148,082    384%
GTV  $1,160,712    100%  $899,410    100%  $261,302    29%

 

(1)This represents GTV from IronPlanet’s Weekly Featured Auction, which operates under an unreserved auction model.
(2)This includes GTV from Marketplace-E and, before that, EquipmentOne.

 

Overall, GTV increased $261.3 million, or 29%, in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to the Acquisition, the mix of equipment that came to market during the first quarter of 2018, and the strength of our Orlando auction in the first quarter of 2018 compared to first quarter of 2017. The increase was partially offset by the continuing equipment supply constraints, as well as the reduction in the number of live on site auctions and sale days over the comparative period.

 

The total number of industrial and agricultural lots sold at our live on site auctions decreased 7% to 83,300 lots in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 89,100 lots in first quarter of 2017. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in number of industrial and agricultural live on site auctions from 61 in the first quarter of 2017 to 52 in the first quarter of 2018, as well as three fewer sales days over the same comparative period.

 

GTV generated at our live on site auctions increased 19% on a per-lot basis to $11,500 in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $9,700 in the first quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to a change in the mix of equipment at our auctions.

 

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We saw strong price performance in construction assets in Canada, Europe, and Asia, as well as in vocational trucks in Canada. The effects of this price strengthening were partially offset by a softening of supply of various other types of equipment, including agricultural equipment in Canada and trailers and transport trucks in the United States.

 

We offer our customers the opportunity to use underwritten commission contracts to serve their disposition strategy needs, entering into such contracts where the risk/reward profile of the terms are agreeable. The volume of underwritten commission contracts decreased to 13% of our GTV in the first quarter of 2018 from 14% in the first quarter of 2017.

 

Seasonality

 

Our operations are both seasonal and event-driven. Total revenues and GTV generated by our A&M segment tend to be the highest during the second and fourth calendar quarters. We generally conduct 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.

 

Total revenues

 

A&M total revenues by geographical region are presented below:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
           $ Change   % Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over
2017
   2018 over
2017
 
United States  $122,704   $102,002   $20,702    20%
Canada   58,887    36,887    22,000    60%
International   50,976    40,189    10,787    27%
A&M total revenues  $232,567   $179,078   $53,489    30%

 

The increase in A&M total revenues in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 was primarily due to the regional differences discussed below, an increase in equipment pricing, and the partial harmonization of our fees:

 

·United States – 20% increase primarily due to the Acquisition, as well as the increase in GTV that was driven by an increase in our service revenues from the Orlando auction in the first quarter of 2018. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in the volume of inventory contracts over the same comparative period.
·Canada – 60% increase primarily due to an increase in the volume of our inventory contracts, as well as an increase GTV that drove an increase in our service revenues from our live on site auctions.
·International – 27% increase primarily due to an increase in the volume of our inventory contracts, as well as an increase in service revenues.

 

As A&M total revenues are generated from transactional asset disposition services, we believe that these revenues are best understood by considering their relationship to GTV. The metric we use to measure that performance is A&M revenue rate, which is calculated as A&M total revenues divided by GTV.

 

A&M revenue rate was 20.0% and 19.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This marginal increase was primarily due to the growth in A&M total revenues outpacing the growth in GTV over the comparative period. A&M agency proceeds rate (non-GAAP measure) was 13.5% and 12.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

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The following tables presents our agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure) and A&M agency proceeds rate (non-GAAP measure) results for the current quarter and each quarter over the last two years, as well as reconciles those metrics to A&M total revenues and A&M revenue rate, which are the most comparable GAAP measures in, or calculated from, our consolidated income statements:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Q1 2018   Q4 2017   Q3 2017   Q2 2017   Q1 2017 
A&M total revenues  $232,567   $262,628   $202,718   $226,372   $179,078 
Less: cost of inventory sold   (75,791)   (98,895)   (72,476)   (71,726)   (63,401)
A&M agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure)   156,776    163,733    130,242    154,646    115,677 
                          
GTV  $1,160,712   $1,294,932   $1,019,322   $1,254,318   $899,410 
                          
A&M revenue rate   20.0%   20.3%   19.9%   18.0%   19.9%
A&M agency proceeds rate (non-GAAP measure)   13.5%   12.6%   12.8%   12.3%   12.9%

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Q4 2016   Q3 2016   Q2 2016   Q1 2016 
A&M total revenues  $273,582   $280,961   $253,436   $237,195 
Less: cost of inventory sold   (136,984)   (159,850)   (104,978)   (111,536)
A&M agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure)   136,598    121,111    148,458    125,659 
                     
GTV  $1,040,352   $998,859   $1,275,682   $1,019,922 
                     
A&M revenue rate   26.3%   28.1%   19.9%   23.3%
A&M agency proceeds rate (non-GAAP measure)   13.1%   12.1%   11.6%   12.3%

 

Costs of services

 

Segment costs of services by nature are presented below:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
           $ Change   % Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017   2018 over
2017
 
Employee compensation  $8,941   $5,413   $3,528    65%
Buildings, facilities and technology   2,435    1,383    1,052    76%
Travel, advertising and promotion   6,505    4,656    1,849    40%
Other costs of services   3,567    1,135    2,432    214%
A&M costs of services  $21,448   $12,587   $8,861    70%

 

The increase in A&M costs of services in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 was primarily due to the Acquisition and the costs associated with the inspection activities that support our online channels. The increase is also due to the increase in our live on site auctions GTV over the comparative period.

 

Cost of inventory sold

 

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.

 

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SG&A expenses

 

Segment SG&A expenses, which include our corporate head office support costs, are presented by nature below:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
           $ Change   % Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over
2017
   2018 over
2017
 
Employee compensation  $60,233   $42,149   $18,084    43%
Buildings, facilities and technology   14,759    11,901    2,858    24%
Travel, advertising and promotion   9,238    6,125    3,113    51%
Professional fees   3,963    2,862    1,101    38%
Other SG&A expenses   4,809    4,074    735    18%
A&M SG&A expenses  $93,002   $67,111   $25,891    39%

 

The increase in A&M SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 was primarily due to the Acquisition, our investment in talent, and higher share unit expenses, as discussed above. Foreign exchange had a negative impact on A&M SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2018.

 

Productivity

 

The majority of our business continues to be generated by our A&M segment operations. Sales Force Productivity within this segment is an operational statistic that we believe provides a gauge of the effectiveness of our Revenue Producers in increasing our GTV. Revenue Producers14 is a term used to describe our revenue-producing sales personnel. This definition is comprised of Regional Sales Managers and Territorial Managers.

 

Historically, we measured Sales Force Productivity as trailing 12-month GTV divided by the number of Revenue Producers at the reporting date. As a result of the timing and impact of the Acquisition on both GTV and the number of Revenue Producers, we updated our Sales Force Productivity measure calculations as at and for the 12-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

 

Our updated Sales Force Productivity measure calculation as at and for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2018 is the sum of the following two amounts:

 

GTV for the two months, pre-Acquisition, ended May 31, 2017, divided by the average number of Revenue Producers over the same two-month period; and
GTV for the ten months, post-Acquisition, ended March 31, 2018, divided by the average number of Revenue Producers over the same ten-month period.

 

Under the revised calculation, our Sales Force Productivity as at and for the trailing 12-month period ended March 31, 2018 was $11.3 million per Revenue Producer, which was a decrease of $0.8 million per Revenue Producer compared to the 12-month period ended March 31, 2017. We believe the decrease is due to a combination of factors, including:

 

The acquisition of Revenue Producers from IronPlanet that had a lower Sales Force Productivity than Ritchie Bros. sales personnel, pre-Acquisition. IronPlanet’s Sales Force Productivity was $7.6 million per Revenue Producer for the 12-month trailing period ended May 31, 2017.
The constrained supply of used equipment in 2017. As discussed above, the mix of equipment negatively impacted GTV in the first quarter of 2018.

 

 
14In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, the number of Revenue Producers should have been 431 instead of 455 as 24 Mascus sales personnel (seven Regional Sales Managers and 17 Territory Managers) were inadvertently included in the figure reported. Consequently, the Sales Force Productivity reported for the year ended December 31, 2017 should have been $11.2 million per Revenue Producer instead of $11.0 million per Revenue Producer.

     

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The effect of the factors noted above in decreasing Sales Force Productivity were partially offset by strong price performance in construction assets in Canada, Europe, and Asia, as well as in vocational trucks in Canada.

 

Industrial live on site auction metrics

 

During the first quarter of 2018, we conducted 35 unreserved industrial live on site auctions at locations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia, compared to 41 during the first quarter of 2017.

 

Our key industrial live on site auction metrics15 are shown below:

 

   Three months ended March 31, 
           % Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
Bidder registrations   119,000    114,500    4%
Consignments   10,750    11,350    (5)%
Buyers   29,000    29,150    (1)%
Lots   81,000    84,000    (4)%

 

We saw decreases in all key industrial live on site auction metrics in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017, except for the number of bidder registrations. The decreases were primarily due to fewer auctions and sale days resulting from our North American site closures announced in 2017, auction calendar changes that shifted regularly scheduled first quarter auctions into the second quarter of 2018, and the effects of the continuing equipment supply shortage.

 

The increase in bidder registrations over the comparative period was the result of some new registration initiatives, which included providing certain IronPlanet customers with reciprocity for bidding at our live on site auctions through the creation of online bidding accounts, and providing ‘watchlist’ customers with weekly reminders of when items they are interested in are being sold through one of our channels.

 

Although our auctions vary in size, our average industrial live on site auction results on a trailing 12-month basis are described in the following table:

 

   12 months ended March 31, 
           Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
GTV  $15.9 million   $16.4 million   $-0.5 million 
Bidder registrations   2,405    2,319    4%
Consignors   233    231    1%
Lots   1,576    1,680    (6)%

 

 

15For a breakdown of these key industrial auction metrics by month, please refer to our website at www.rbauction.com. None of the information in our website is incorporated by reference into this document by this or any other reference.

  

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We saw a decrease in the average GTV per industrial auction for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 compared the 12 months ended March 31, 2017. We believe the decrease was primarily driven by constrained supply of used equipment, particularly in 2017, the impact on the mix and age of equipment that came to market, and our lower Sales Force Productivity over the comparative period.

 

Online bidding

 

Internet bidders comprised 69% of the total bidder registrations at our live on site auctions in the first three months of 2018 compared to 66% in the first three months of 2017. This increase in the level of internet bidders continues to demonstrate our ability to drive multi-channel participation at our auctions. Across all channels, 56% of total GTV was purchased by online bidders in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 50% in the first quarter of 2017.

 

Website metrics16

 

Our website at www.rbauction.com provides customers with the ability to bid electronically at our live on site auctions IronPlanet websites www.ironplanet.com, www.govplanet.com, and www.truckplanet.com, provide access to our online marketplaces. Traffic across all our websites increased 37% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 due to the Acquisition. Including the addition of IronPlanet, the number of average monthly users in the first quarter of 2018 increased 6% on a comparative basis.

 

Other services

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
           $ Change   % Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017   2018 over
2017
 
Service revenues  $27,611   $20,349   $7,262    36%
Costs of services   15,209    11,753    3,456    29%
SG&A expenses   4,468    3,464    1,004    29%
Other services profit  $7,934   $5,132   $2,802    55%

 

Service revenues from other services grew $7.3 million, or 36%, in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to:

 

·A $3.5 million, or 24%, increase in ancillary and logistical services revenue;
·An additional $1.7 million in Asset Appraisal Services revenue due to the Acquisition;
·A $1.4 million, or 43%, increase in RBFS revenue to $4.7 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2017; and
·A $0.7 million, or 30%, increase in Mascus revenue to $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2017.

 

Funded volume, which represents the amount of lending brokered by RBFS, increased 53% from $62.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 to $95.0 million in the first quarter of 2018. RBFS operating profit increased $0.7 million or 47% over the same comparative period to $2.2 million from $1.5 million.

 

 

16None of the information in our websites is incorporated by reference into this document by this or any other reference.

  

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Working capital

 

(in U.S. $000's)  March 31,   December 31,         
   2018   2017   $ Change   % Change 
Cash and cash equivalents  $278,944   $267,910   $11,034    4%
Current restricted cash  $62,414   $63,206   $(792)   (1)%
                     
Current assets  $606,288   $508,487   $97,801    19%
Current liabilities   491,339    388,455    102,884    26%
Working capital  $114,949   $120,032   $(5,083)   (4)%

 

We believe that working capital is a more meaningful measure of our liquidity than cash alone. Our working capital decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily due to the payment of dividends of $18.2 million and voluntary prepayments totalling $25.0 million on the term loan denominated in United States dollars. This decrease was partially offset by the increase in operating income over the comparative period.

 

Cash flows

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
           $ Change   % Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017   2018 over
2017
 
Cash provided by (used in):                    
Operating activities  $67,238   $134,542   $(67,304)   (50)%
Investing activities   (13,206)   (6,022)   (7,184)   119%
Financing activities   (45,417)   (15,065)   (30,352)   201%
Effect of changes in foreign currency rates   1,627    3,336    (1,709)   (51)%
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash  $10,242   $116,791   $(106,549)   (91)%

 

Operating activities

 

Cash provided by operating activities can fluctuate significantly from period to period due to factors such as differences in the timing, size, and number of auctions during the period, the volume of our underwritten contracts, the timing of the receipt of auction proceeds from buyers and of the payment of amounts due to consignors, as well as the location of the auction with respect to restrictions on the use of cash generated therein.

 

Cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2018 of $67.2 million was comprised of $17.2 million of net income, $24.8 million of non-cash expenses, and $25.3 million of cash generated by changes in operating assets and liabilities. Cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2017 of $134.5 million was comprised of $10.4 million in net income, $12.1 million in non-cash expenses, and $112.0 million of cash generated by changes in operating assets and liabilities. 

 

Net income in the first quarter of 2018 increased compared to the first quarter of 2017 due to stronger operating income, partially offset by a higher interest expense. Non-cash expenses increased over the comparative period primarily due to higher amortization expenses driven by the increase in intangible assets as a result of the Acquisition.

 

Ritchie Bros.42

 

 

The decrease in cash generated by changes in operating assets and liabilities over the comparative period was primarily due to more auction proceeds payable being settled in the United States in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017. This change was driven by increases in GTV, the number of auctions, and the number of sale days leading up to the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017.

 

Investing activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities increased $7.2 million during the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017. This increase is primarily due to our acquisition of Leake Auction Company, an Oklahoma-based collector car auctioneer, which was announced on January 16, 2018.

 

CAPEX intensity presents net capital spending, which excludes acquisition investments, as a percentage of total revenues. We believe that comparing CAPEX intensity on a trailing 12-month basis for different financial periods provides useful information as to the amount of capital expenditure that we require to generate revenues.

 

CAPEX intensity for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 increased 80 bps compared to CAPEX intensity for the 12 months of 2017, primarily due to the net capital spending increase of 22% exceeding the total revenues decrease of 4% over the comparative period. The net capital spending increase was primarily due to an increase in the capitalization of costs of intangible assets under development. Significant software development projects over the 12-month period ended March 31, 2018 included systems integration following the Acquisition and other acquisitions, as well as enhanced functionality for our online marketplace sales channel.

 

The following table presents CAPEX intensity and agency proceeds CAPEX rate17 (non-GAAP measure) results for the trailing 12-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, as well as reconciled those metrics to property, plant and equipment additions, intangible asset additions, proceeds on disposition of property, plant and equipment, and total revenues, which are the most directly comparable GAAP measures in, or calculated from, our consolidated financial statements.

 

(in U.S. $ millions)  12 months ended March 31, 
           Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
Property, plant and equipment additions  $11.5   $18.3    (37)%
Intangible asset additions   30.0    19.5    54%
Proceeds on disposition of property plant and equipment   (4.5)   (7.4)   (39)%
Net capital spending  $37.0   $30.4    22%
                
Total revenues   1,031.9    1,070.9    (4)%
Less: cost of inventory sold   (318.9)   (465.2)   (31)%
Less: ancillary and logistical service  expenses   (57.2)   (46.7)   22%
Agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure)  $655.8   $559.0    17%
                
CAPEX intensity   3.6%   2.8%   80 bps
Agency proceeds CAPEX rate (non-GAAP measure)   5.6%   5.4%   20 bps

 

 

17Agency proceeds CAPEX rate is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe, when compared on a trailing 12-month basis to different financial periods provides useful information as to the amount of capital expenditure that we require to generate revenues. It is not a measure of liquidity. We calculate agency proceeds CAPEX rate by dividing net capital spending by agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure).

  

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The decrease in cash provided by operating activities combined with the increase in net capital spending resulted in a decrease in operating free cash flow (“OFCF”)18 (non-GAAP measure) of $74.0 million, or 64%, to $42.0 million in the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 from $116.0 million in the 12 months ended March 31, 2017, as this now includes three full quarters post-Acquisition.

 

Financing activities

 

Net cash used by financing activities increased $30.4 million in the first three months of 2018 compared to the first three months of 2017. This increase was primarily due to voluntary prepayments totalling $25.0 million on the term loan, as well as higher scheduled long-term debt payments.

 

Dividend information

 

We declared and paid a regular cash dividend of $0.17 per common share for the quarters ended March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2017. We have declared, but not yet paid, a dividend of $0.17 per common share for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

 

Total dividend payments during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $18.2 million to stockholders. All dividends that we pay are “eligible dividends” for Canadian income tax purposes unless indicated otherwise.

 

Our dividend payout ratio, which we calculate as dividends paid to stockholders divided by net income attributable to stockholders, decreased to 89.0% for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 from 98.2% for the 12 months ended March 31, 2017. This decrease is primarily due to the increase in net income attributable to stockholders over the comparative period. Our adjusted dividend payout ratio19 (non-GAAP measure) increased to 79.0% for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 from 67.1% for the 12 months ended March 31, 2017.

 

Return on average invested capital

 

Our return on average invested capital is calculated as net income attributable to stockholders divided by our average invested capital. We calculate average invested capital over a trailing 12-month period by adding the average long-term debt over that period to the average stockholders’ equity over that period.

 

Return on average invested capital decreased 120 bps to 5.8% for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2018 from 7.0% for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2017. This decrease is primarily due to a $376.9 million, or 36%, increase in average invested capital over the comparative period, which was driven by the Acquisition and the associated debt, and partially offset by an increase in net income attributable to stockholders.

 

 

18OFCF is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe, when compared on a trailing 12-month basis to different financial periods provides an effective measure of the cash generated by our business and provides useful information regarding cash flows remaining for discretionary return to stockholders, mergers and acquisitions, or debt reduction. Our balance sheet scorecard includes the performance metric, OFCF. OFCF is also an element of the performance criteria for certain annual short-term incentive awards we grant to our employees and officers. We calculate OFCF by subtracting net capital spending from cash provided by operating activities. OFCF is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

 

19Adjusted dividend payout ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe that comparing the adjusted dividend payout ratio for different financial periods provides useful information about how well our net income supports our dividend payments. Adjusted dividend payout ratio is calculated by dividing dividends paid to stockholders by adjusted net income attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure). Adjusted dividend payout ratio is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

  

 

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Return on invested capital (“ROIC”) excluding escrowed debt20 (non-GAAP measure) decreased 710 bps to 6.5% during the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 13.6% for the 12 months period ending March 31, 2017.

 

Debt and credit facilities

 

At March 31, 2018, our short-term debt of $5.9 million consisted of borrowings under our committed revolving credit facilities and had a weighted average annual interest rate of 2.9%. This compares to current borrowings of $7.0 million at December 31, 2017 with a weighted average annual interest rate of 2.7%.

 

As at March 31, 2018, we had a total of $780.3 million long-term debt with a weighted average annual interest rate of 4.9%. This compares to long-term debt of $812.9 million as at December 31, 2017 with a weighted average annual interest rate of 4.8%.

 

Our five-year credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders (the “Credit Agreement”) allows prepayment of term loans in whole or in part at par. The Credit Agreement provided us with a term loan facility of up to $325.0 million (the “Term Loan Facility”). During the first quarter of 2018, we made voluntary prepayments of the term loan denominated in United States dollars totalling $25.0 million. These prepayments were applied to our next scheduled 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, we had available $646.8 million under our committed revolving credit facilities, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, which is available until October 27, 2021.

 

Future scheduled principal and interest payments (assuming no changes in short-term rates from current levels) over the next five years relating to our long-term debt outstanding at March 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Scheduled payments by due period 
   In 2018   In 2019   In 2020   In 2021   In 2022   Thereafter 
On long-term debt:                              
Principal  $6,948   $13,896   $25,032   $250,150   $-   $500,000 
Interest   22,608    38,745    38,024    35,107    26,875    67,188 

 

Other credit facilities

 

As at March 31, 2018, we also had $10.0 million in credit facilities in certain foreign jurisdictions. Of these, $5.0 million were in a committed, revolving credit facility that was renewed on May 2, 2018 and now expires on October 27, 2021. The remaining $5.0 million was a demand facility that has no maturity date. As at March 31, 2018, we had available $8.8 million pursuant to these facilities.

 

 

20ROIC excluding escrowed debt is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe, by comparing on a trailing 12-month basis for different financial periods provides useful information about the after-tax return generated by our investments by removing the impact of the issue of our senior secured notes (“Notes”), which were held in escrow at March 31, 2017. While the Notes were in escrow and not accessible by us, they were not contributing to the generation of net income. We believe that by adjusting debt to remove funds we do not have access to, we are providing more accurate information about the after-tax return generated by our investments. We calculate ROIC excluding escrowed debt as adjusted net income attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure) divided by adjusted average invested capital (non-GAAP measure). We calculate adjusted average invested capital (non-GAAP measure) as the adjusted average long-term debt (non-GAAP measure) and average stockholders’ equity over a trailing 12-month period. We calculate adjusted average long-term debt (non-GAAP measure) as the average of adjusted opening long-term debt (non-GAAP measure) and adjusted ending long-term debt (non-GAAP measure). Adjusted opening long-term debt (non-GAAP measure) and adjusted ending long-term debt (non-GAAP measure) are calculated as opening or ending long-term debt, as applicable, as reported in our consolidated financial statements reduced by long-term debt held in escrow. ROIC excluding escrowed debt is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated financial statements under “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

 

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Debt covenants

 

We were in compliance with all financial and other covenants applicable to our credit facilities at March 31, 2018.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, financial performance, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions

 

Aside from the adoption of Topic 606, discussed below, there were no material changes in our critical accounting policies, judgements, estimates and assumptions from those disclosed in the following our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, or in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in “Part I, Item 1: Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted Topic 606 using the full retrospective method. The primary impact of the adoption of Topic 606 is the change in the presentation of revenue earned from inventory sales and ancillary and logistical services. These revenues are presented gross of the related expenses rather than net. There was no impact on the timing of revenues recognized, amount of operating income or net income, or on the consolidated balance sheet or consolidated statements of cash flows due to the adoption of Topic 606.

 

The following table presents our first quarter 2018 results and illustrates the impact on our historical reported results of retrospectively adopting Topic 606:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Q1 2018   Q4 2017   Q3 2017   Q2 2017   Q1 2017 
Service revenues  $176,016   $182,351   $145,938   $172,749   $123,379 
Revenue from inventory sales   84,162    109,399    81,463    79,864    76,048 
Total revenues   260,178    291,750    227,401    252,613    199,427 
Costs of services   36,657    39,096    33,461    36,292    24,340 
Cost of inventory sold   75,791    98,895    72,476    71,726    63,401 

 

The following table reconciles revenues as previously reported to total revenues under Topic 606:

 

   Prior to January 1,
2018
   New Revenue Standard Adjustments   On and after January 1,
2018
 
(in U.S. $000's)  Revenues as previously
reported (a)
   Cost of inventory
sold1 (b)
   Ancillary and logistical
service expenses2 (c)
   Total revenues under
the new standard
(a)+(b)+(c)=(d)
 
Quarter ended:                    
December 31, 2017  $178,785   $98,895   $14,070   $291,750 
September 30, 2017   141,047    72,476    13,878    227,401 
June 30, 2017   166,186    71,726    14,701    252,613 
March 31, 2017   124,499    63,401    11,527    199,427 
Full year 2017  $610,517   $306,498   $54,176   $971,191 

 

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The following table reconciles costs of services as previously reported to costs of services under Topic 606:

 

   Prior to January 1, 2018   New Revenue Standard
Adjustments
   On and after January 1, 2018 
(in U.S. $000's)  Costs of services (a)   Ancillary and logistical service
expenses2 (b)
   Costs of services under the
new standard (a) + (b) = (c)
 
Quarter ended:               
December 31, 2017  $25,026   $14,070   $39,096 
September 30, 2017   19,583    13,878    33,461 
June 30, 2017   21,591    14,701    36,292 
March 31, 2017   12,813    11,527    24,340 
Full year 2017  $79,013   $54,176   $133,189 

 

1)These amounts were historically disclosed under the Consolidated Financial Statement note entitled "Revenue" and are now presented on the face of our consolidated income statements. Second and third quarter 2017 amounts were restated in the fourth quarter of 2017 to conform with current presentation of certain government contracts.

 

2)Ancillary and logistical service expenses are now reported within costs of services under the Consolidated Financial Statement note entitled "Operating Expenses".

 

As noted above, we introduced the new performance metric, agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure), in response to the adoption of Topic 606. The following table presents our agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure) results for the current quarter and each quarter in 2017, as well as reconciles this measure to total revenues, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure in our consolidated income statements:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Q1 2018   Q4 2017   Q3 2017   Q2 2017   Q1 2017 
Total revenues  $260,178   $291,750   $227,401   $252,613   $199,427 
Less: cost of inventory sold   (75,791)   (98,895)   (72,476)   (71,726)   (63,401)
Less: ancillary and logistical service expenses   (14,580)   (14,070)   (13,878)   (14,701)   (11,527)
Agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure)  $169,807   $178,785   $141,047   $166,186   $124,499 

 

Non-GAAP Measures

 

We reference various non-GAAP measures throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. These measures do not have a standardized meaning and are, therefore, unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The presentation of this financial information, which is not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles, is not intended to be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

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The following table presents our agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure) and agency proceeds adjusted operating income rate (non-GAAP measure) results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, as well as reconciles those metrics to total revenues and operating income margin, which are the most directly comparable GAAP measures in, or calculated from, our consolidated income statements:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
           Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
Operating income  $32,873   $23,597    39%
                
Total revenues   260,178    199,427    30%
Less: cost of inventory sold   (75,791)   (63,401)   20%
Less: ancillary and logistical service expenses   (14,580)   (11,527)   26%
Agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure)  $169,807   $124,499    36%
                
Operating income margin   12.6%   11.8%   80 bps
Agency proceeds adjusted operating income rate (non-GAAP measure)   19.4%   19.0%   40 bps

 

There were no adjusting items for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

The following table presents our adjusted net income attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure) and diluted adjusted EPS attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure) results for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, as well as reconciles those metrics to net income attributable to stockholders and diluted EPS attributable to stockholders, which are the most directly comparable GAAP measures in our consolidated income statements:

 

(in U.S. $000's, except share and  Three months ended March 31, 
per share data)          Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
Net income attributable to stockholders  $17,138   $10,377    65%
Current income tax adjusting item:               
Change in uncertain tax provision   -    2,290    (100)%
Adjusted net income attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure)  $17,138   $12,667    35%
Effect of dilutive securities  $-   $27    (100)%
Weighted average number of dilutive shares outstanding   108,643,897    107,788,949    1%
                
Diluted EPS attributable to stockholders  $0.16   $0.10    60%
Diluted adjusted EPS attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure)  $0.16   $0.12    33%

 

There were no adjusting items for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

 

The adjusting item for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was a $2.3 million (or $0.02 per diluted share) charge related to the change in uncertain tax provisions.

 

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The following table presents our adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP measure) and agency proceeds adjusted EBITDA rate (non-GAAP measure) results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, as well as reconciles those metrics to net income and net income margin, which are the most directly comparable GAAP measures in, or calculated from, our consolidated income statements:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
           Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
Net income  $17,207   $10,433    65%
Add: depreciation and               
amortization expenses   16,191    10,338    57%
Add: interest expense   11,310    8,133    39%
Less: interest income   (392)   (955)   (59)%
Add: income tax expense   5,269    7,315    (28)%
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)   49,585    35,264    41%
                
Total revenues   260,178    199,427    30%
Less: cost of inventory sold   (75,791)   (63,401)   20%
Less: ancillary and logistical service expenses   (14,580)   (11,527)   26%
Agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure)  $169,807   $124,499    36%
                
Net income margin   6.6%   5.2%   140 bps
Agency proceeds adjusted EBITDA rate (non-GAAP measure)   29.2%   28.3%   90 bps

 

There were no adjusting items for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

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The following table presents our adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP measures) results as at and for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, as well as reconciles that metric to debt, cash and cash equivalents, net income, and debt as a multiple of net income, which are the most directly comparable GAAP measures in, or calculated from, our consolidated financial statements.

 

(in U.S. $ millions)  As at and for the 12 months ended March 31, 
           Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
Short-term debt  $5.9   $24.6    (76)%
Long-term debt   780.3    596.4    31%
Debt   786.2    621.0    27%
Less: cash and cash equivalents   (278.9)   (236.9)   18%
Less: long-term debt in escrow   -    (495.9)   (100)%
Adjusted net debt (non-GAAP measure)   507.3    (111.8)   554%
                
Net income  $82.1   $74.0    11%
Add: depreciation and amortization expenses   58.6    41.1    43%
Add: interest expense   41.5    12.3    237%
Less: interest income   (2.6)   (2.3)   13%
Add: income tax expense   -    34.7    (100)%
Pre-tax adjusting items:               
Accelerated vesting of assumed options   4.8    -    100%
Acquisition and finance structure advisory   9.1    -    100%
Severance and retention   3.6    -    100%
Impairment loss   8.9    28.2    (68)%
Debt extinguishment costs   -    6.8    (100)%
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)  $206.0   $194.8    6%
                
Debt/net income   9.6x   8.4x   14%
Adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)   2.5x   -0.6x   517%

 

The adjusting items for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 were:

 

·$4.8 million ($4.8 million after tax, or $0.04 per diluted share) of stock option compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of certain IronPlanet stock options assumed as part of the Acquisition
·$9.1 million ($6.6 million after tax, or $0.06 per diluted share) of acquisition and finance structure advisory costs
·$3.6 million ($2.5 million after tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) of severance and retention costs in a corporate reorganization that followed the Acquisition
·$8.9 million ($6.6 million after tax, or $0.06 per diluted share) impairment loss recognized on various technology assets

 

The adjusting items for the 12 months ended March 31, 2017 were:

 

·$28.2 million ($26.4 million after tax, or $0.25 per diluted share) impairment loss on the EquipmentOne reporting unit goodwill and customer relationships
·$6.8 million ($5.0 million after tax, or $0.05 per diluted share) charge related to the early termination of pre-existing debt

 

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The following table presents our A&M agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure) and A&M agency proceeds rate (non-GAAP measure) results for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, as well as reconciles those metrics to A&M total revenues and A&M revenue rate, which are the most directly comparable GAAP measures in, or calculated from, our consolidated financial statements:

 

(in U.S. $000's)  Three months ended March 31, 
           Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
A&M total revenues  $232,567   $179,078    30%
Less: cost of inventory sold   (75,791)   (63,401)   20%
A&M agency proceeds (non-GAAP measure)  $156,776   $115,677    36%
                
GTV   1,160,712    899,410    29%
                
A&M revenue rate   20.0%   19.9%   10 bps
A&M agency proceeds rate (non-GAAP measure)   13.5%   12.9%   60 bps

 

The following table presents our OFCF (non-GAAP measure) results on a trailing 12-month basis ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, as well as reconciles that metric to cash provided by operating activities and net capital spending, which are the most directly comparable GAAP measures in, or calculated from, our consolidated statements of cash flows:

 

(in U.S. $ millions)  12 months ended March 31, 
           Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
Cash provided by operating activities  $79.0   $146.4    (46)%
Property, plant and equipment additions   11.5    18.3    (37)%
Intangible asset additions   30.0    19.5    54%
Proceeds on disposition of property plant and equipment   (4.5)   (7.4)   (39)%
Net capital spending  $37.0   $30.4    22%
OFCF (non-GAAP measure)  $42.0   $116.0    (64)%

 

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The following table presents our adjusted net income attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure) and adjusted dividend payout ratio (non-GAAP measure) on a trailing 12-month basis ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, and reconciles those metrics to net income attributable to stockholders, and dividend payout ratio, which are the most directly comparable GAAP measures in, or calculated from, our consolidated financial statements:

 

(in U.S. $ millions)  12 months ended March 31, 
           Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
Dividends paid to stockholders  $72.8   $71.5    2%
Net income attributable to stockholders  $81.8   $72.8    12%
Pre-tax adjusting items:               
Accelerated vesting of assumed options   4.8    -    100%
Acquisition and finance structure advisory   9.1    -    100%
Severance and retention   3.6    -    100%
Impairment loss   8.9    28.2    (68)%
Debt extinguishment costs   -    6.8    (100)%
Current income tax effect of adjusting items:               
Acquisition and finance structure advisory   (2.4)   -    100%
Severance and retention   (0.7)   -    100%
Debt extinguishment costs   -    (1.8)   (100)%
Deferred income tax effect of adjusting items:               
Severance and retention   (0.4)   -    100%
Impairment loss   (2.4)   (1.8)   33%
Current income tax adjusting item:               
Change in uncertain tax provision   -    2.3    (100)%
Deferred tax adjusting item:               
Remeasurement of deferred taxes   (10.1)   -    100%
Adjusted net income attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure)  $92.1   $106.5    (14)%
                
Dividend payout ratio   89.0%   98.2%   -920 bps
Adjusted dividend payout ratio (non-GAAP measure)   79.0%   67.1%   1190 bps

 

The adjusting items for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 were:

 

·$4.8 million ($4.8 million after tax, or $0.04 per diluted share) of stock option compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of certain IronPlanet stock options assumed as part of the Acquisition
·$9.1 million ($6.6 million after tax, or $0.06 per diluted share) of acquisition and finance structure advisory costs
·$3.6 million ($2.5 million after tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) of severance and retention costs in a corporate reorganization that followed the Acquisition
·$8.9 million ($6.6 million after tax, or $0.06 per diluted share) impairment loss recognized on various technology assets
·$10.1 million (or $0.10 per diluted share) benefit on remeasurement of deferred taxes due to the TCJA

 

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The adjusting items for the 12 months ended March 31, 2017 were:

 

·$28.2 million ($26.4 million after tax, or $0.25 per diluted share) impairment loss on the EquipmentOne reporting unit goodwill and customer relationships
·$6.8 million ($5.0 million after tax, or $0.05 per diluted share) charge related to the early termination of pre-existing debt
·$2.3 million (or $0.02 per diluted share) charge related to the change in uncertain tax provisions

 

The table on the following page presents our ROIC excluding escrowed debt (non-GAAP measure) results as at and for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and reconciles that metric to net income attributable to stockholders, long-term debt, stockholders’ equity, and return on average invested capital, which are the most directly comparable GAAP measures in, or calculated from, our consolidated financial statements:

 

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(in U.S. $ millions)  As at and for the 12 months ended March 31, 
           Change 
   2018   2017   2018 over 2017 
Net income attributable to stockholders  $81.8   $72.8    12%
Pre-tax adjusting items:               
Accelerated vesting of assumed options   4.8    -    100%
Acquisition and finance structure advisory   9.1    -    100%
Severance and retention   3.6    -    100%
Impairment loss   8.9    28.2    (68)%
Debt extinguishment costs   -    6.8    (100)%
Current income tax effect of adjusting items:               
Acquisition and finance structure advisory   (2.4)   -    100%
Severance and retention   (0.7)   -    100%
Debt extinguishment costs   -    (1.8)   (100)%
Deferred income tax effect of adjusting items:               
Severance and retention   (0.4)   -    100%
Impairment loss   (2.4)   (1.8)   33%
Current income tax adjusting item:               
Change in uncertain tax provision   -    2.3    (100)%
Deferred tax adjusting item:               
Remeasurement of deferred taxes   (10.1)   -    100%
Adjusted net income attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure)  $92.1   $106.5    (14)%
                
Opening long-term debt  $596.4   $102.3    483%
Ending long-term debt   780.3    596.4    31%
Less: long-term debt in escrow   -    (495.9)   (100)%
Adjusted ending long-term debt (non-GAAP measure)   780.3    100.5    676%
Average long-term debt  $688.4   $349.4    97%
Adjusted average long-term debt (non-GAAP measure)   688.4    101.4    579%
                
Opening stockholders' equity  $691.4   $676.5    2%
Ending stockholders' equity   752.3    691.4    9%
Average stockholders' equity   721.9    684.0    6%
                
Average invested capital  $1,410.3   $1,033.4    36%
Adjusted average invested capital (non-GAAP measure)   1,410.3    785.4    80%
                
Return on average invested capital(1)   5.8%   7.0%   -120 bps
ROIC excluding escrowed debt (non-GAAP measure)(2)   6.5%   13.6%   -710 bps

 

(1)Calculated as net income attributable to stockholders divided by average invested capital.
(2)Calculated as adjusted net income attributable to stockholders (non-GAAP measure) divided by adjusted average invested capital (non-GAAP measure).

 

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The adjusting items for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018 were:

 

·$4.8 million ($4.8 million after tax, or $0.04 per diluted share) of stock option compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of certain IronPlanet stock options assumed as part of the Acquisition
·$9.1 million ($6.6 million after tax, or $0.06 per diluted share) of acquisition and finance structure advisory costs
·$3.6 million ($2.5 million after tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) of severance and retention costs in a corporate reorganization that followed the Acquisition
·$8.9 million ($6.6 million after tax, or $0.06 per diluted share) impairment loss recognized on various technology assets
·$10.1 million (or $0.10 per diluted share) benefit on remeasurement of deferred taxes due to the TCJA

 

The adjusting items for the 12 months ended March 31, 2017 were:

 

·$6.8 million ($5.0 million after tax, or $0.05 per diluted share) charge related to the early termination of pre-existing debt
·$28.2 million ($26.4 million after tax, or $0.25 per diluted share) impairment loss on EquipmentOne reporting unit goodwill and customer relationships
·$2.3 million (or $0.02 per diluted share) charge related to the change in uncertain tax provisions

 

ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There have been no material changes to our market risk during the three months ended March 31, 2018 from those disclosed in 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.

 

ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as at March 31, 2018. The term “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures established by the Company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Based upon their evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, the CEO and the CFO concluded that the disclosure controls are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

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The Company closed the IronPlanet Acquisition on May 31, 2017, and IronPlanet’s total assets and total revenues constituted 40% and 13%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated total assets and revenues as shown on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended March 31, 2018. As the Acquisition occurred in the second quarter of 2017, we excluded the internal control over financial reporting of IronPlanet from the scope of our assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. This exclusion is in accordance with the general guidance issued by the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that an assessment of a recently-acquired business may be omitted from our scope in the year of acquisition, if specified conditions are satisfied.

 

The Company, including its CEO and CFO, does not expect that its internal controls and procedures will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management, with the participation of the CEO and CFO, concluded that there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We have no material legal proceedings pending, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, and we do not know of any material proceedings contemplated by governmental authorities.

 

ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS

 

Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and our past performance is no guarantee of our performance in future periods. In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties discussed 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, before purchasing our common shares. Our business could also be affected by additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could materially suffer. As a result, the trading price of our common shares could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

There were no material changes in risk factors during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

 

ITEM 2: UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3: DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5: OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

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ITEM 6: EXHIBITS

 

Exhibits

 

The exhibits listed in below are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Exhibit    
Number   Document
10.1   Amended Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan Adoption
10.2   Employment Agreement between Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (America) Inc. and Kieran Holm, dated March 29, 2017.
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  RITCHIE BROS. AUCTIONEERS INCORPORATED
   
Dated: May 10, 2018 By: /s/ Ravichandra K. Saligram
    Ravichandra K. Saligram
    Chief Executive Officer
   
Dated: May 10, 2018 By: /s/ Sharon R. Driscoll
    Sharon R. Driscoll
    Chief Financial Officer

 

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