Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

2. Significant Accounting Policies

v3.19.1
2. Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 29, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies

Note 2:       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

ARCA Recycling, Inc., a California corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in November 1991 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs. ARCA Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in September 2006 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs. Customer Connexx, LLC, a Nevada Corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in formed in October 2016 to provide call center services for electric utility programs.

 

On August 15, 2017, ARCA sold its 50% interest in AAP and is no longer consolidating the results of AAP in its consolidated financial statements as of that date. AAP was a joint venture formed in October 2009 between ARCA and 4301 Operations, LLC (“4301”). ARCA and 4301 owned a 50% interest in AAP through August 15, 2017. The financial position and results of operations of AAP were consolidated in our financial statements through August 15, 2017, based on our conclusion that AAP was a variable interest entity due to our contribution in excess of 50% of the total equity, subordinated debt and other forms of financial support. See Note 6 – Sale and deconsolidation of variable interest entity AAP to these consolidated financial statements.

 

On August 18, 2017, we acquired GeoTraq. GeoTraq is engaged in the development, design, and, ultimately, we expect, sale of cellular transceiver modules, also known as Mobile IoT modules. GeoTraq has created a dedicated Mobile IoT transceiver module that we believe can enable the design of extremely small, inexpensive products that can operate for years on a single charge, powered by standardly available batteries of diminutive size without the need of recharge. Accordingly, and utilizing Mobile IoT technology exclusively, we believe that GeoTraq will provide an exclusive, low-cost solution and service life that will enable new global markets for location-based services (“LBS”). As a result of this transaction, GeoTraq became a wholly-owned subsidiary and, therefore, the results of GeoTraq are included in our consolidated results as of August 18, 2017.

 

On December 30, 2017, we sold our 100% interest in ApplianceSmart, Inc., a Minnesota corporation. ApplianceSmart, Inc. was formed through a corporate reorganization in July 2011 to hold our business of selling new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned retail stores.

 

Reincorporation in the State of Nevada

 

On March 12, 2018, we changed our state of incorporation from the State of Minnesota to the State of Nevada (the “Reincorporation”) pursuant to a plan of conversion, dated March 12, 2018 (the “Plan of Conversion”). The Reincorporation was accomplished by the filing of (i) articles of conversion (the “Minnesota Articles of Conversion”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota and (ii) articles of conversion (the “Nevada Articles of Conversion”) and articles of incorporation (the “Nevada Articles of Incorporation”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada. Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, the Company also adopted new bylaws (the “Nevada Bylaws”).

 

The Reincorporation was previously submitted to a vote of, and approved by, the Company’s stockholders at its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on November 21, 2017 (the “Annual Meeting”). Upon the effectiveness of the Reincorporation:

 

  the affairs of the Company ceased to be governed by the Minnesota Business Corporation Act, the Company’s existing Articles of Incorporation and the Company’s existing Bylaws, and the affairs of the Company became subject to the Nevada Revised Statutes, the Nevada Articles of Incorporation and the Nevada Bylaws;

 

  each outstanding share of the Minnesota corporation’s common stock and Series A Preferred Stock converted into an outstanding share of the Nevada corporation’s common stock and Series A Preferred Stock, respectively;

 

  each outstanding option to acquire shares of the Minnesota corporation’s common stock converted into an equivalent option to acquire, upon the same terms and conditions (including the vesting schedule and exercise price per share applicable to each such option), the same number of shares of the Nevada corporation’s common stock;

  

  each employee benefit, stock option or other similar plan of the Minnesota corporation continued to be an employee benefit, stock option or other similar plan of the Nevada corporation; and

 

  each director and officer of the Minnesota corporation continued to hold his or her respective position with the Nevada corporation.

 

Certain rights of the Company’s stockholders were also changed as a result of the Reincorporation, as described in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Annual Meeting filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 25, 2017, under the section entitled “Proposal 3 – Approval of the Reincorporation of the Company from the State of Minnesota to the State of Nevada – Significant Differences Related to State Law”, which description is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

 

The Reincorporation did not affect any of the Company’s material contracts with any third parties, and the Company’s rights and obligations under such material contractual arrangements continue to be rights and obligations of the Company after the Reincorporation. The Reincorporation did not result in any change in headquarters, business, jobs, management, location of any of the offices or facilities, number of employees, assets, liabilities or net worth (other than as a result of the costs incident to the Reincorporation) of the Company.

 

The Reincorporation changed the par value of the Company’s common shares from no par value to a par value of $.001 per common share.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumption that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Significant estimates made in connection with the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the estimated reserve for doubtful current and long-term trade and other receivables, the estimated reserve for excess and obsolete inventory, estimated fair value and forfeiture rates for stock-based compensation, fair values in connection with the analysis of other intangibles and long-lived assets for impairment, valuation allowance against deferred tax assets and estimated useful lives for intangible assets and property and equipment.

 

Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments consist primarily of cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, notes receivables, and obligations under accounts payable, accrued expenses and notes payable. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, trade receivables and other receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and short-term notes payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of the long-term debt is calculated based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the Company’s existing debt arrangements, unless quoted market prices were available (Level 2 inputs). The carrying amounts of long-term debt at December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 approximate fair value.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. Fair value of cash equivalents approximates carrying value.

 

Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

We carry unsecured trade receivables at the original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. We write off trade receivables when we deem them uncollectible. We record recoveries of trade receivables previously written off when we receive them. We consider a trade receivable to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding for more than ninety days. We do not charge interest on past due receivables. Our management considers the allowance for doubtful accounts of $29 and $61 to be adequate to cover any exposure to loss as of December 29, 2018, and December 30, 2017, respectively.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories, consisting primarily of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market. We provide estimated provisions for the obsolescence of our appliance inventories, including adjustment to market, based on various factors, including the age of such inventory and our management’s assessment of the need for such provisions. We look at historical inventory aging reports and margin analyses in determining our provision estimate. A revised cost basis is used once a provision for obsolescence is recorded. The Company does not have a reserve for obsolete inventory at December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and Equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred and additions and improvements that significantly extend the lives of assets are capitalized. Upon sale or other retirement of depreciable property, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the related accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in operations. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The useful lives of building and improvements are three to thirty years, transportation equipment is three to fifteen years, machinery and equipment are five to ten years, furnishings and fixtures are three to five years and office and computer equipment are three to five years. Depreciation expense was $270 and $750 for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.

 

We periodically review our property and equipment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable or their depreciation or amortization periods should be accelerated. We assess recoverability based on several factors, including our intention with respect to maintaining our facilities and projected discounted cash flows from operations. An impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value, as approximated by the present value of their projected discounted cash flows.

 

Intangible Assets

 

The Company accounts for intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other. Under ASC 350, intangible assets subject to amortization, shall be reviewed for impairment in accordance with the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets in ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment.

 

Under ASC 360, long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances (‘triggering event’) indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In making this determination, triggering events that were considered included:

 

  · A significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset (asset group);

 

  · A significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset (asset group) is being used or in its physical condition;

 

  · A significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of a long-lived asset (asset group), including an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;

 

  · An accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of a long-lived asset (asset group);

 

  · A current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset (asset group); and,

 

  · A current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset (asset group) will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. The term more likely than not refers to a level of likelihood that is more than 50 percent.

 

If a triggering event has occurred, for purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets shall be grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. After the asset group determination is completed, a two-step testing is performed. If after identifying a triggering event it is determined that the asset group’s carrying value may not be recoverable, a recoverability test must then be performed. The recoverability test is performed by forecasting the expected cash flows to be derived from the asset group for the remaining useful life of the asset group’s primary asset compared to their carrying value. The recoverability test relies upon the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest and taxes) which are derived from the company’s specific use of those assets (not how a market participant would use those assets); and, are based upon the existing service potential of the current assets (excluding any improvements that would materially enhance the assets). If the expected undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, the assets are considered recoverable. If the recoverability test is failed a second fair market value test is required to calculate the amount of the impairment (if any). This second test calculates the fair value of the asset or asset group, with the impairment being the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the asset or asset group’s fair value. Under this test, the financial projections have been created using market participant assumptions and fair value concepts.

 

We last performed intangible asset impairment testing as of December 29, 2018. Based on the testing, there was no impairment of intangibles as of December 29,2018.

 

The Company’s intangible assets consist of customer relationship intangibles, trade names, licenses for the use of internet domain names, Universal Resource Locators, or URL’s, software, patent USPTO reference No. 10,182,402, and historical know-how, designs and related manufacturing procedures. Upon acquisition, critical estimates are made in valuing acquired intangible assets, which include but are not limited to: future expected cash flows from customer contracts, customer lists, and estimating cash flows from projects when completed; tradename and market position, as well as assumptions about the period of time that customer relationships will continue; and discount rates. Management's estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from the assumptions used in determining the fair values. All intangible assets are capitalized at their original cost and amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows: domain name and marketing – 3 to 20 years; software – 3 to 5 years, technology intangibles – 7 years, customer relationships – 7 to 15 years. Intangible amortization expense is $3,730 and $1,397 for the years ended December 29, 2018, and December 30, 2017, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We provide replacement appliances and provide appliance pickup and recycling services for consumers (“end users”) of public utilities, our customers. We receive as part of our de-manufacturing and recycling process revenue from scrap dealers for refrigerant, steel, plastic, glass, cooper and other residual items.

 

We adopted Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and related ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-12 and ASU No. 2016-20, which provide supplementary guidance, and clarifications, effective December 30, 2017. We adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method. The results for the reporting period beginning after December 30, 2017, are presented in accordance with the new standard, although comparative information for the prior year has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards and policies in effect for those periods.

 

Adoption of the new standard did not have a significant impact on the current period revenues or on the prior year Consolidated Financial Statements. No transition adjustment was required to our retained earnings as of December 30, 2017. Under the new standard revenue is recognized as follows:

 

We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:

 

  a. Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer,

 

  b. Identification of the performance obligations in the contract,

 

  c. Determination of the transaction price,

 

  d. Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and

 

  e. Recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation.

 

As part of its assessment of each contract, the Company evaluates certain factors including the customer’s ability to pay, or credit risk. For each contract, the Company considers the promise to transfer products or services, each of which is distinct, to be the identified performance obligations. In determining the transaction price, the price stated on the contract is typically fixed and represents the net consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled per order, and therefore there is no variable consideration. As the Company’s standard payment terms are less than 90 days, the Company has elected, as a practical expedient, to not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component. The Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct product or service based on its relative standalone selling price. The product or service price as specified on the contract is considered the standalone selling price as it is an observable source that depicts the price as if sold to a similar customer in similar circumstances.

 

Replacement Product Revenue

 

We generate revenue by providing replacement appliances. We recognize revenue at the point in time when control over the replacement product is transferred to the end user, when our performance obligations are satisfied, which typically occur upon delivery from our center facility and installation at the end user’s home.

 

Recycling Services Revenue

 

We generate revenue by providing pickup and recycling services. We recognize revenue at the point in time when we have picked up a to be recycled appliance and transfer of ownership has occurred, and therefore our performance obligations are satisfied, which typically occur upon pickup from our end user’s home.

 

Byproduct Revenue

 

We generate other recycling byproduct revenue (the sale of copper, steel, plastic and other recoverable non-refrigerant byproducts) as part of our de-manufacturing process. We recognize byproduct revenue upon delivery and transfer of control of byproduct to a third-party recycling customer, having a mutually agreed upon price per pound and collection reasonably assured. Transfer of control occurs at the time the customer is in possession of the byproduct material. Revenue recognized is a function of byproduct weight, type and in some cases volume of the byproduct delivered multiplied by the market rate as quoted.

 

Technology Revenue

 

We currently are not generating any Technology revenue.

 

Assets Recognized from Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer

 

We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if it expects the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We have concluded that no material costs have been incurred to obtain and fulfill our FASB Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC 606 contracts, meet the capitalization criteria, and as such, there are no material costs deferred and recognized as assets on the consolidated balance sheet at December 29, 2018.

 

Practical Expedients and Exemptions:

 

  a. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities and that are related to sales of our products are excluded from revenues.

 

  b. Sales commissions are expensed when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded in Selling, General and Administrative expense.

 

  c. We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with original expected lengths of one year or less or (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for the services performed.

 

Revenue recognized for Company contracts - $32,459 and $36,351 for the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.

 

Shipping and Handling

 

The Company classifies shipping and handling charged to customers as revenues and classifies costs relating to shipping and handling as cost of revenues.

 

Advertising Expense

 

Advertising expense is charged to operations as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $1,101 and $1,667 for the years ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company. ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” defines fair value, and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement that enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows: Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 – to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between tax bases and financial reporting bases of the Company's assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred taxes if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. The Company recognizes penalties and interest accrued related to income tax liabilities in the provision for income taxes in its Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in relation to an uncertain tax position. The Company uses a two-step process to evaluate tax positions. The first step requires an entity to determine whether it is more likely than not (greater than 50% chance) that the tax position will be sustained. The second step requires an entity to recognize in the financial statements the benefit of a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition criterion. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of issues raised by taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued and may materially impact the financial statements of the Company in future periods.

 

Lease Accounting

 

We lease warehouse facilities and office space. These assets and properties are generally leased under noncancelable agreements that expire at various dates through 2022 with various renewal options for additional periods. The agreements, which have been classified as operating leases, generally provide for minimum and, in some cases percentage rent and require us to pay all insurance, taxes and other maintenance costs. Leases with step rent provisions, escalation clauses or other lease concessions are accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term and includes “rent holidays” (periods in which we are not obligated to pay rent). Cash or lease incentives received upon entering into certain store leases (“tenant improvement allowances”) are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense over the lease term. We record the unamortized portion of tenant improvement allowances as a part of deferred rent. We do not have leases with capital improvement funding.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company from time to time grants restricted stock awards and options to employees, non-employees and Company executives and directors. Such awards are valued based on the grant date fair-value of the instruments, net of estimated forfeitures. The value of each award is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

 

Foreign Currency

 

The financial statements of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters. Under ASC 830, if the assets and liabilities of the Company are recorded in certain non-U.S. functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar, they are translated at rates of exchange at year end. Revenue and expense items are translated at the average monthly exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly into accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share is calculated in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Under ASC 260 basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period except that it does not include unvested restricted stock subject to cancellation. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants, options, restricted shares and convertible preferred stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding restricted shares, options and warrants is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Convertible preferred stock is reflected on an if-converted basis.

 

Segment Reporting

 

ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” requires use of the “management approach” model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a Company’s management organizes segments within the Company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company determined it has two reportable segments (See Note 25).

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company maintains cash balances at several banks in several states including, Minnesota, California and Nevada. Accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000 per institution as of December 29, 2018. At times, balances may exceed federally insured limits.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ASU 2014-09, which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). Early adoption is not permitted. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. The amendment in this ASU defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities for one year. Public business entities should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.

 

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard addresses the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations in the new revenue recognition standard. The ASU clarifies how an entity should identify the unit of accounting (i.e. the specified good or service) for the principal versus agent evaluation and how it should apply the control principle to certain types of arrangements.

 

Subsequently, the FASB has issued the following standards related to ASU 2014-09 and ASU No. 2016-08: ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing (“ASU 2016-10”); ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients (“ASU 2016-12”); ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2016-20”); and, ASU 2017-05—Other Income—Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets (“ASU 2017-05). The Company must adopt ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12, ASU 2016-20 and ASU 2017-05 with ASU 2014-09 (collectively, the “new revenue standards”). The Company has evaluated the provisions of the new revenue standards. We transitioned to the new revenue standards using the modified retrospective method effective December 30, 2017 and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

  

In September 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The standard requires an entity’s management to determine whether substantial doubt exists regarding the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The amendments denote how and when companies are obligated to disclose going concern uncertainties, which are required to be evaluated every interim and annual period. If management determines that substantial doubt exists, particular disclosures are required. The extent of these disclosures is dependent upon management’s evaluation of mitigation of the going concern uncertainty. ASU 2014-15 applies prospectively to annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and to interim and annual periods thereafter. The Company has adopted this guidance during its 2017 fiscal year and it did not have a significant impact on the disclosures to the consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805). Topic 805 requires that an acquirer retrospectively adjust provisional amounts recognized in a business combination, during the measurement period. To simplify the accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts, the amendments in the update require that the acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amount is determined. The acquirer is required to also record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. In addition, an entity is required to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes to the financial statements the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning December 15, 2015. The Company has adopted this guidance during its 2017 fiscal year and it did not have a significant impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The standard requires a lessee to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing a right to use the underlying asset for the lease term on the balance sheet. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. Under the current implementation guidance in Topic 805, there are three elements of a business—inputs, processes, and outputs. While an integrated set of assets and activities (collectively referred to as a “set”) that is a business usually has outputs, outputs are not required to be present. In addition, all the inputs and processes that a seller uses in operating a set are not required if market participants can acquire the set and continue to produce outputs, for example, by integrating the acquired set with their own inputs and processes. The amendments in this Update provide a screen to determine when a set is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. This screen reduces the number of transactions that need to be further evaluated by public business entities applying the amendments in this Update to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods.

 

ASU 2017-09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, clarifies such that an entity must apply modification accounting to changes in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award unless all of the following criteria are met: (1) the fair value of the modified award is the same as the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. The ASU indicates that if the modification does not affect any of the inputs to the valuation technique used to value the award, the entity is not required to estimate the value immediately before and after the modification; (2) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the modification; and (3) the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the modification. The ASU is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We adopted ASU 2017-09 as of the beginning of fiscal year 2018 and it did not have a significant impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480) and Derivative and Hedging (Topic 815). The standard is intended to simplify the accounting for certain financial instruments with down round features. This ASU changes the classification analysis of particular equity-linked financial instruments (e.g. warrants, embedded conversion features) allowing the down round feature to be disregarded when determining whether the instrument is to be indexed to an entity’s own stock. Because of this, the inclusion of a down round feature by itself exempts an instrument from having to be remeasured at fair value each earnings period. The standard requires that entities recognize the effect of the down round feature on EPS when it is triggered (i.e., when the exercise price is adjusted downward due to the down round feature) equivalent to the change in the fair value of the instrument instantly before and after the strike price is modified. An adjustment to diluted EPS calculation may be required. The standard does not change the accounting for liability-classified instruments that occurred due to a different feature or term other than a down round feature. Additionally, entities must disclose the presence of down round features in financial instruments they issue, when the down round feature triggers a strike price adjustment, and the amount of the adjustment necessary. ASU 2017-11 is effective for all fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company decided to early adopt ASU 2017-11 and it did not have a significant impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.