Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Policies  
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Form 10-K and Regulation S-X, and reflect the accounts and operations of the Company and those of our subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial interest. In accordance with the provisions of FASB or ASC 810, “Consolidation”, we consolidate any variable interest entity (“VIE”), of which we are the primary beneficiary. The typical condition for a controlling financial interest ownership is holding a majority of the voting interests of an entity; however, a controlling financial interest may also exist in entities, such as VIEs, through arrangements that do not involve controlling voting interests. ASC 810 requires a variable interest holder to consolidate a VIE if that party has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We do not consolidate a VIE in which we have a majority ownership interest when we are not considered the primary beneficiary. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of a number of VIEs. We evaluate our relationships with all the VIEs on an ongoing basis to reassess if we continue to be the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 have been included.

Non-Controlling Interest

Non-controlling interest is shown as a component of stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets and the share of income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest is shown as a component of income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of total net revenue and expenses in the reporting periods. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, sales returns, inventory valuation, stock-based compensation expense, goodwill and purchased intangible asset valuations, derivative liabilities, deferred income tax asset valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, tax contingencies, and litigation and other loss contingencies. These estimates and assumptions are based on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the recording of revenue, costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results the Company experiences may differ materially and adversely from these estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and actual results, the Company’s future results of operations will be affected.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect net loss and stockholders’ equity.

Revisions

Certain immaterial revisions were made to the notes to the December 31, 2016 consolidated financial statements related to the treatment of certain deferred tax items. As presented in “Note 14 - Tax Expense”, approximately $8,300,000 previously disclosed as temporary differences in the components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities table for the year ended December 31, 2016 have been revised to be treated as permanent differences in the reconciliation of the Company’s effective tax rate and statutory rate table. These revisions had no effect on financial position operating results or cash flows.

Accounts Receivable

The Company reviews all outstanding accounts receivable for collectability on a quarterly basis. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for any amounts deemed uncollectable. The Company does not accrue interest receivable on past due accounts receivable. There was no allowance at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Notes Receivable

The Company reviews all outstanding notes receivable for collectability as information becomes available pertaining to the Company’s inability to collect. An allowance for notes receivable is recorded for the likelihood of non-collectability. The Company accrues interest on notes receivable based net realizable value. There was no allowance at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of accounting. The Company periodically reviews physical inventory for excess, obsolete, and potentially impaired items and reserves. The reserve estimate for excess and obsolete inventory is based on expected future use. The reserve estimates have historically been consistent with actual experience as evidenced by actual sale or disposal of the goods.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses consist of various payments that the Company has made in advance for goods or services to be received in the future. These prepaid expenses include advertising, insurance, and service or other contracts requiring up-front payments.

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The approximate useful lives for depreciation of our property, equipment and leasehold improvements are as follows: thirty-two years for buildings; three to eight years for furniture and equipment; three to five years for computer and software; five years for vehicles and the shorter of the estimated useful life or the underlying lease term for leasehold improvements. Repairs and maintenance expenditures that do not extend the useful lives of related assets are expensed as incurred.

 

Expenditures for major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while minor replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not extend the asset lives, are charged to operations as incurred. Upon sale or disposition, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in operations. The Company continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying balances of its property, equipment and leasehold improvements may not be recoverable in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” When such events or changes in circumstances are present, the Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the total of the future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, the Company recognizes an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. See “Note 8 – Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net” for further information.

Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as the excess of consideration transferred and the net of the acquisition date fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business acquisition. In accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other,” goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer subject to amortization but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

 

The Company reviews the goodwill allocated to each of our reporting units for possible impairment annually as of August 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When assessing goodwill for impairment, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the Company performs a two-step impairment test. If the Company concludes otherwise, then no further action is taken. The Company also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment and only perform a quantitative assessment, which is the first step of the two-step impairment test. In the two-step impairment test, the Company measures the recoverability of goodwill by comparing a reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. There were no events or changes in circumstances that indicated potential impairment of intangible assets during 2017, as such the Company determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required.

   

In assessing the qualitative factors, the Company assesses relevant events and circumstances that may impact the fair value and the carrying amount of the reporting unit. The identification of relevant events and circumstances, and how these may impact a reporting unit’s fair value or carrying amount involve significant judgments and assumptions. The judgment and assumptions include the identification of macroeconomic conditions, industry, and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and share price trends, and making the assessment as to whether each relevant factor will impact the impairment test positively or negatively and the magnitude of any such impact.

 

The carrying amount of each reporting unit is determined based upon the assignment of our assets and liabilities, including existing goodwill and other intangible assets, to the identified reporting units. Where an acquisition benefits only one reporting unit, the Company allocates, as of the acquisition date, all goodwill for that acquisition to the reporting unit that will benefit. Where the Company has had an acquisition that benefited more than one reporting unit, The Company has assigned the goodwill to our reporting units as of the acquisition date such that the goodwill assigned to a reporting unit is the excess of the fair value of the acquired business, or portion thereof, to be included in that reporting unit over the fair value of the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed that are assigned to the reporting unit.

 

The estimated fair value of the reporting units is determined using the income approach. The income approach focuses on the income-producing capability of an asset, measuring the current value of the asset by calculating the present value of its future economic benefits such as cash earnings, cost savings, tax deductions, and proceeds from disposition. Value indications are developed by discounting expected cash flows to their present value at a rate of return that incorporates the risk-free rate for the use of funds, the expected rate of inflation, and risks associated with the particular investment. Cash flow projections are based on management’s estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the business’s ability to execute on the projected cash flows.

 

If the carrying amount of a reporting unit is in excess of its fair value, an impairment may exist, and the Company must perform the second step of the impairment analysis to measure the amount of the impairment loss, by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to its assets and liabilities other than goodwill, comparing the carrying amount of the goodwill to the resulting implied fair value of the goodwill, and recording an impairment charge for any excess.

Intangibles

Intangible assets continue to be subject to amortization, and any impairment is determined in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” intangible assets are stated at historical cost and amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company uses a straight-line method of amortization, unless a method that better reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up can be reliably determined. The approximate useful lives for amortization of our intangible assets are as follows:

 

Customer Relationships   5 to 12 Years  
Trademarks   2 to 8 Years  
Dispensary Licenses   14 Years  
Patent   2 Years  
Management Service Agreement   15 Years  

  

The Company reviews intangible assets subject to amortization quarterly to determine if any adverse conditions exist or a change in circumstances has occurred that would indicate impairment or a change in the remaining useful life. Conditions that may indicate impairment include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate that could affect the value of an asset, a product recall, or an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. If an impairment indicator exists, we test the intangible asset for recoverability. For purposes of the recoverability test, we group our amortizable intangible assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows if the intangible asset does not generate cash flows independent of other assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of the intangible asset (asset group) exceeds the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the intangible asset (asset group), the Company will write the carrying value down to the fair value in the period identified.

 

The Company calculates fair value of our intangible assets as the present value of estimated future cash flows the Company expects to generate from the asset using a risk-adjusted discount rate. In determining our estimated future cash flows associated with our intangible assets, The Company uses estimates and assumptions about future revenue contributions, cost structures and remaining useful lives of the asset (asset group).

 

Intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment and are tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value.

Long-Lived Assets

Other long-lived assets are subject to amortization, and any impairment is determined in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” Our long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related long-lived asset or group of assets over their remaining estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. Fair value is generally determined using the assets expected future discounted cash flows or market value, if readily determinable. If long-lived assets are determined to be recoverable, but the newly determined remaining estimated useful lives are shorter than originally estimated, the net book values of the long-lived assets are depreciated over the newly determined remaining estimated useful lives. See “Note 8 – Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net” for further information.

 

The Company considers the following to be some examples of important indicators that may trigger an impairment review: (i) significant under-performance or losses of assets relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (ii) significant changes in the manner or use of assets or in our overall strategy with respect to the manner of use of the acquired assets or changes in our overall business strategy; (iii) significant negative industry or economic trends; (iv) increased competitive pressures; (v) a significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period of time; and (vi) regulatory changes. The Company evaluates acquired assets for potential impairment indicators at least annually and more frequently upon the occurrence of such events. The impairment charges, if any, are included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Based on the test results, no impairments have occurred.

Other Assets

Other assets are comprised primarily of deposits for the purchase of real property in California and security deposits for leased properties in California, Nevada and New Jersey. The deposits for the purchase of real property in California will be allocated once the purchase is final and the deposit for leased properties will be returned at the end of the lease term.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for its business acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805-10, “Business Combinations.” The Company allocates the total cost of the acquisition to the underlying net assets based on their respective estimated fair values. As part of this allocation process, the Company identifies and attributes values and estimated lives to the intangible assets acquired. These determinations involve significant estimates and assumptions regarding multiple, highly subjective variables, including those with respect to future cash flows, discount rates, asset lives, and the use of different valuation models, and therefore require considerable judgment. The Company’s estimates and assumptions are based, in part, on the availability of listed market prices or other transparent market data. These determinations affect the amount of amortization expense recognized in future periods. The Company bases its fair value estimates on assumptions it believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) the sales price is fixed or determinable, (3) collectability is reasonably assured, and (4) products have been shipped and the customer has taken ownership and assumed risk of loss.

 

Cannabis Dispensary, Cultivation and Production

 

The Company recognizes revenue from manufacturing and distribution product sales, upon transfer of title and risk to the customer, which occurs either at shipping (F.O.B. terms), or upon sell through, depending on the arrangement.

 

Revenue from our retail dispensaries is recognized net of discounts, rebates, promotional adjustments, price adjustments and returns, and net of taxes collected from customers that are remitted to governmental authorities, with the collected taxes recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority. Revenue is recorded upon transfer of title and risk to the customer, which occurs at the time customers take delivery of our products at our retail dispensaries. Upon purchase, the Company has no further performance obligations and collection is assured as sales are paid for at time of purchase.

 

Revenue related to the sale of consignment inventory is not recognized until the product is pulled from inventory and sold directly to end-customers. The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of consignment inventory on a gross basis, as the Company has determined that: 1) the Company is the primary obligor to the customer; 2) the Company has latitude in establishing the sales prices and profit margins of its products; 3) the Company has discretion in selecting its suppliers; 4) the Company is responsible for loss or damage to consigned inventory; and 5) the Company’s customer validation process performs an important part of the process of providing such products to authorized customers. The Company believes that these factors outweigh the fact that the Company does not have title to the consigned inventory prior to its sale.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, sales returns were not significant and, as such, no sales return allowance has been recorded as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

Herbs and Produce Products

 

The Company recognizes revenue from products grown in its greenhouses and sold net of discounts, rebates, promotional adjustments, price adjustments, and estimated returns and upon transfer of title and risk to the customer, which occurs at delivery (F.O.B. terms). Upon delivery, the Company has no further performance obligations, selling price is fixed, and collection is reasonably assured.

 

For sales for which the Company uses an outside grower, the Company evaluates whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs or the net amount earned as commissions. Depending on the terms of the arrangements, the Company determines some or all of the following: product specifications, cultivation, and packaging, while disclosing trade and operational secrets, greenhouse technologies, and nutrients used to grow. The Company is the primary obligor in the transaction because it is our brand that is sold into the retail channel. The Company is subject to inventory risk until the product is accepted by the retailer. The Company bears credit risk for the amount billed to the retailer and, thus, must pay the grower in the event the selling price is not collected. This revenue is recorded at the gross sale price once the retailer has accepted delivery, selling price is fixed, and collection is reasonably assured.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, the Company had one significant outside grower which had such sales of $7,649,125 and $6,166,927, respectively. There were no sales with this outside grower during the year ended December 31, 2017.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cannabis Dispensary, Cultivation and Production

 

Cost of goods sold includes the costs directly attributable to product sales and includes amounts paid for finished goods, such as flower, edibles, and concentrates, as well as packaging and other supplies, fees for services and processing, other expenses for services, and allocated overhead. It also includes the cost incurred in producing the oils, waxes, shatters, and clears sold by IVXX. Overhead expenses include allocations of rent, administrative salaries, utilities, and related costs.

 

Herbs and Produce Products

 

Cost of goods sold include cultivation costs, packaging, other supplies and purchased plants that are sold into the retail marketplace by Edible Garden. Other expenses included in cost of goods sold include freight, allocations of rent, repairs and maintenance, and utilities.

Advertising Expenses

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred in accordance with ASC 720-35, “Other Expenses – Advertising Cost.” Advertising expenses recognized totaled $1,207,480, $518,858 and $304,787 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Loyalty Rewards Program

The Company offers a customer loyalty rewards program that allows members to earn discounts on future purchases. Unused discounts earned by loyalty rewards program members are included in accrued liabilities and recorded as a reduction of revenue at the time a qualifying purchase is made. Revenue is recognized when points are redeemed by the loyalty rewards program member. The loyalty rewards program was part of the acquisition of Black Oak, who began offering customers the loyalty rewards program in April 2015. The value of points accrued as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $22,783 and $21,627, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based awards in accordance with ASC Subtopic 718-10, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, which requires fair value measurement on the grant date and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including restricted stock awards. For stock options, the Company estimates the fair value using a closed option valuation (Black-Scholes) model. The fair value of restricted stock awards is based upon the quoted market price of the common shares on the date of grant. The fair value is then expensed over the requisite service periods of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures, which is generally the performance period and the related amount is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the input of certain assumptions that require the Company’s judgment, including the expected term and the expected stock price volatility of the underlying stock. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change resulting in the use of different assumptions, stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, the Company is required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. If the actual forfeiture rate is materially different from management’s estimates, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what the Company has recorded in the current period.

Derivative Financial Instruments

ASC 815-40, “Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity”, requires freestanding contracts that are settled in a company’s own stock, including common stock warrants, to be designated as an equity instrument, asset or a liability. Under the provisions of ASC 815-40, a contract designated as an asset or a liability must be carried at fair value on a company’s balance sheet, with any changes in fair value recorded in the company’s results of operations. A contract designated as an equity instrument must be included within equity, and no fair value adjustments are required from period to period.

 

ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, requires all derivatives to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Furthermore, ASC 815 precludes contracts issued or held by a reporting entity that are both (1) indexed to its own stock and (2) classified as stockholders’ equity in its statement of financial position from being treated as derivative instruments.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is determined in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. The Company files a consolidated United States federal income tax return. The Company provides for income taxes based on enacted tax law and statutory tax rates at which items of income and expense are expected to be settled in our income tax return. Certain items of revenue and expense are reported for Federal income tax purposes in different periods than for financial reporting purposes, thereby resulting in deferred income taxes. Deferred taxes are also recognized for operating losses that are available to offset future taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Company has incurred net operating losses for financial-reporting and tax-reporting purposes. At December 31, 2017 and, 2016, such net operating losses were offset entirely by a valuation allowance.

 

The Company recognizes uncertain tax positions based on a benefit recognition model. Provided that the tax position is deemed more likely than not of being sustained, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. The tax position is derecognized when it is no longer more likely than not of being sustained. The Company classifies income tax related interest and penalties as interest expense and selling, general and administrative expense, respectively, on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TJCA or the Act) was enacted, which significantly changes U.S. tax law. In accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, the Company is required to account for the new requirements in the period that includes the date of enactment. The Act reduces the overall corporate income tax rate to 21%, creates a territorial tax system (with a one-time mandatory transition tax on previously deferred foreign earnings), broadens the tax base and allows for the immediate capital expensing of certain qualified property. Due to the complexities presented by the Act, particularly for those companies with multi-national operations, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (SAB 118) to provide guidance to companies who are not able to complete their accounting in the period of enactment prior to the reporting deadlines. Under the guidance in SAB 118, companies that have not completed their accounting for certain elements of the Act, but can determine a reasonable estimate of those effects, should include a provisional amount based on their reasonable estimate in their financial statements.

Loss Per Common Share

In accordance with the provisions of ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share”, net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. During a loss period, the effect of the potential exercise of stock options, warrants, convertible preferred stock, and convertible debt are not considered in the diluted loss per share calculation since the effect would be anti-dilutive. The results of operations were a net loss for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Therefore, the basic and diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding were the same for all years.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company applies fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as risks inherent in valuation techniques, transfer restrictions and credit risk. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3 – Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

In accordance with the fair value accounting requirements, companies may choose to measure eligible financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company has not elected the fair value option for any eligible financial instruments.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

FASB ASU 2017-12 (Topic 815), “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” – Issued in August 2017, ASU 2017-12 eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. For qualifying cash flow and net investment hedges, the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument will be recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI), and amounts deferred in OCI will be reclassified to earnings in the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item This guidance will be effective for the Company in the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this will have on our financial position, results of operations and related disclosures. The Company does not expect the standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

  

FASB ASU 2017-04 (Topic 350), “Intangibles - Goodwill and Others” – Issued in January 2017, ASU 2017-04 simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 including interim periods within those periods. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2017-04 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

FASB ASU 2017-01 (Topic 805), “Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business” – Issued in January 2017, ASU 2017-01 revises the definition of a business and provides new guidance in evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the first fiscal quarter of 2018 on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

FASB ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)” – Issued in August 2016, the amendments in ASU 2016-15 address eight specific cash flow issues and apply to all entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under ASC Topic 230, “Statement of Cash Flows.” The amendments in ASU 2016-15 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption during an interim period. The Company does not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

FASB ASU No. 2016-02 (Topic 842), “Leases” – Issued in February 2016, ASU No. 2016-02 will require entities to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by all leases, including operating leases, with terms of more than 12 months. The new standard also requires additional disclosures on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative information. The new standard will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

FASB ASU No. 2014-09 (Topic 606), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” –In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The FASB also issued subsequent amendments to ASU 2014-09 to provide clarification on the guidance. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which for us will be in the period beginning January 1, 2018. We have performed our detailed evaluation, using a five-step model specified in the guidance, to assess the impacts of the new standard.

 

  · Under the new standard, revenue will be recognized when the Company satisfies its performance obligation by transferring promised products or services to its customer. The standard allows for application of the guidance to a portfolio of contracts or performance obligations with similar characteristics. The Company has identified three portfolios of contracts or obligations which consists of cannabis dispensary, cannabis cultivation and production and herbs and produce. Since the Company’s individual sales transactions in each portfolio are very similar in nature, the Company anticipates applying the guidance to all transactions in each portfolio. The Company expects that the effects of applying this guidance to the portfolios would not differ materially from applying the guidance to individual performance obligations within each portfolio.
     
  · The Company’s revenue recognition will be achieved upon delivery of products for the cannabis dispensary and herbs and produce portfolio as there are no other promised services as part of the Company’s contracts with customers. For the Company’s cannabis cultivation and production portfolio the Company’s revenue recognition will be achieved upon definitive ability to collect on the sale, which usually occurs upon ultimate sale to the end-customer. Because shipping and handling activities are performed before the customer obtains control of the goods, the Company does not consider these activities to be a promised service to the customer. Rather, shipping and handling are activities to fulfill our promise to transfer the goods.

  

  · To determine the amount of consideration which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods, the Company has considered if variable consideration exists. The Company has reviewed its standard terms and conditions and its customary business practices to determine the transaction price. The Company has reviewed its pricing policies and strategies including marketing, loyalty and incentive programs for determining whether the Company has any variable or non-cash consideration. No material items were noted. In addition, the Company reviewed its current accounting policies related to returns, price concessions and volume discounts and concluded such items not to be significant. The Company will continue its accounting policy election to exclude from revenue all amounts we collect and remit to governmental authorities.
     
  · The Company’s sales transactions do not require any additional performance obligation after delivery with respect to the cannabis dispensary portfolio and herbs and produce portfolio, therefore the Company does not have multiple performance obligations for which the Company will have to allocate the transaction price. With respect to the cannabis cultivation and production transactions, the additional performance obligation after delivery requires the Company retain risk of loss until the ultimate sale of the product, therefore the Company waits to allocate the transaction price upon the ultimate sale of the product to the end-customer.
     
  · The Company expects to recognize revenue upon delivery to the customer as its performance obligation will be satisfied at that point in time with regards to the cannabis dispensary and herbs and produce portfolio. With respect to the cannabis cultivation and production, the Company expects to recognize revenue upon the ultimate sale of the product to the end customer and when collectability is assured.

 

The Company expects to apply the guidance using the modified retrospective transition method. Based on the Company’s analysis performed to date, the Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations but will result in additional disclosures regarding its revenue recognition policies. The Company also does not expect the adoption will require material or significant changes to its internal controls over financial reporting. The Company has expanded its revenue recognition inquiries to additional departments and updated its questionnaires primarily to identify matters that would signal variable consideration implications and performance obligations under the new guidance.