Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

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2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 include the accounts of Live Ventures Incorporated and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. In addition, on July 6, 2015, The Company acquired 80% of Marquis Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Marquis”). The results of Marquis have been included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company since that date. Effective November 30, 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 20% of Marquis. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Noncontrolling Interest

Non-Controlling Interest

 

On July 6, 2015, the Company, through Marquis Affiliated Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired 80% interest in Marquis. The transaction was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, with the purchase price allocated based on the fair value of the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

 

The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation,” which governs the accounting for and reporting of non-controlling interests (“NCI’s”) in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and the loss control of subsidiaries. Certain provisions of this standard indicate, among other things, that NCI’s be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability, that increases and decreases in the parent’s ownership interest that leave control intact be treated as an equity transaction rather than as step acquisitions or dilution gains or losses, and that losses of a partially owned consolidated subsidiary be allocated to the NCI even when such allocation might results in a deficit balance. This standard also required changes to certain presentation and disclosure requirements.

 

The net income (loss) attributed to the NCI is separately designated in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Losses attributable to the NCI in a subsidiary may exceed the NCI’s interests in the subsidiary’s equity. The excess attributable to the NCI is attributed to those interests. The NCI shall continue to attribute its share of losses, if applicable, even if that attribution results in a deficit NCI balance.

Use of Estimates

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 estimate of dilution and fees associated with Local Exchange Carrier (“LEC”) billings, the estimated reserve for doubtful current and long-term trade and other receivables, the estimated reserve for excess and obsolete inventory, estimated forfeiture rates for stock-based compensation, fair values in connection with the analysis of goodwill, other intangibles and long-lived assets for impairment, current portion of notes payable, valuation allowance against deferred tax assets and estimated useful lives for intangible assets and property and equipment.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments consist primarily of cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, advances to affiliates 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 notes payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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 and Other Receivables

Trade and Other Receivables

 

The Company grants trade credit to customers under credit terms that it believes are customary in the industry it operates and does not require collateral to support customer trade receivables. Some of the Company’s trade receivables are factored primarily through two factors. Factored trade receivables are sold without recourse for substantially all of the balance receivable for credit approved accounts. The factor purchases the trade receivable(s) for the gross amount of the respective invoice(s), less factoring commissions, trade and cash discounts. The factor charges the Company a factoring commission for each trade account, which is between 0.75-1.00% of the gross amount of the invoice(s) factored on the date of the purchase, plus interest calculated at 3.25%-6% per annum. The minimum annual commission due the factor is $75,000 per contract year. The total amount of trade receivables factored was $4,545,269 and $4,772,004 for fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, which includes allowances for accounts and factored trade and other receivables, customer refunds, dilution and fees from LEC billing aggregators and other uncollectible accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon historical bad debt experience and periodic evaluations of the aging and collectability of the trade and other receivables. This allowance is maintained at a level which the Company believes is sufficient to cover potential credit losses and trade and other receivables are only written off to bad debt expense as uncollectible after all reasonable collection efforts have been made. The Company has also purchased accounts receivable credit insurance to cover non-factored trade and other receivables which helps reduce potential losses due to doubtful accounts. At September 30, 2016 and 2015, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $1,161,434 and $1,107,707, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of the inventory’s cost (first in, first out basis) or the current market price of the inventory. Management compares the cost of inventory with its market value and an allowance is made to write down inventory to market value, if lower. Management also reviews inventory to determine if excess or obsolete inventory is present and an allowance is made to reduce the carrying value for inventory for such excess and or obsolete inventory. At September 30, 2016 and 2015, the allowance for obsolete inventory was $1,105,810 and $402,278, respectively.

Property and Equipment

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 ranging from three to forty years. Depreciation expense was $2,895,132 and $472,220 for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangibles

Goodwill and Intangibles

 

The Company accounts for purchased goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other. Under ASC 350, purchased goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized; rather, they are tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the underlying net assets of business acquired. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. 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.

 

The Company assesses whether goodwill impairment exists using both the qualitative and quantitative assessments. The qualitative assessment involves determining whether events or circumstances exist that indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If based on this qualitative assessment the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount or if the Company elects not to perform a qualitative assessment, a quantitative assessment is performed using a two-step approach required by ASC 350 to determine whether a goodwill impairment exists.

 

The first step of the quantitative test is to compare the carrying amount of the reporting unit's assets to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further evaluation is required and no impairment loss is recognized. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, then the second step is required to be completed, which involves allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to each asset and liability using the guidance in ASC 805 (“Business Combinations, Accounting for Identifiable Intangible Assets in a Business Combination”), with the excess being applied to goodwill. An impairment loss occurs if the amount of the recorded goodwill exceeds the implied goodwill. The determination of the fair value of our reporting units is based, among other things, on estimates of future operating performance of the reporting unit being valued. We are required to complete an impairment test for goodwill and record any resulting impairment losses at least annually. Changes in market conditions, among other factors, may have an impact on these estimates and require interim impairment assessments.

 

When performing the two-step quantitative impairment test, the Company's methodology includes the use of an income approach which discounts future net cash flows to their present value at a rate that reflects the Company's cost of capital, otherwise known as the discounted cash flow method ("DCF"). These estimated fair values are based on estimates of future cash flows of the businesses. Factors affecting these future cash flows include the continued market acceptance of the products and services offered by the businesses, the development of new products and services by the businesses and the underlying cost of development, the future cost structure of the businesses, and future technological changes. The Company also incorporates market multiples for comparable companies in determining the fair value of our reporting units. Any such impairment would be recognized in full in the reporting period in which it has been identified.

 

The Company recorded goodwill of $1,169,904 related to its acquisition of Modern Everyday, Inc. in fiscal year 2014 and a provisional $800,000 of goodwill related to its acquisition of Marquis in fiscal 2015. It has subsequently been determined that there will be no goodwill related to its acquisition of Marquis. The final purchase price allocation for Marquis and applicable adjustments to record purchased assets and assumed liabilities at fair value was completed in the fourth quarter of 2016. See Footnote 16. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company performed the required impairment review. During the impairment review at September 30, 2015, the Company determined that based upon the projected future discounted cash flows generated that its goodwill purchased associated with Modern Everyday, Inc. was impaired and took a charge to earnings of $1,169,904.

 

During the year ended September 30, 2015, the Company also determined that based upon the projected future cash flows generated that certain of its intangible assets were impaired and took a charge to earnings of $2,543,568. There were no impairment losses associated with goodwill or other intangibles for the year ended September 30, 2016.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

 

Manufacturing Segment

 

The Manufacturing Segment derives revenue primarily from the sale of carpet products; including shipping and handling amounts, which are recognized when the following criteria are met: there is persuasive evidence that a sales agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title to the goods and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership, which is generally on the date of shipment. At the time revenue is recognized, the Company records a provision for the estimated amount of future returns based primarily on historical experience and any known trends or conditions that exist at the time revenue is recognized. Revenues are recorded net of taxes collected from customers.

 

MarketPlace Platform Segment

 

The MarketPlace Platform Segment derives product revenue primarily from direct and fulfillment partner sales. Product revenue is recognized when the following revenue recognition criteria are met: there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Currently, all direct and fulfillment partner product revenue is recorded on a gross basis, as the Company is the primary obligor. Revenues are recorded net of taxes collected from customers.

 

In addition, the MarketPlace Platform Segment derives revenue from its sales through its strategic publishing partners of discounted goods and services offered by its merchant clients (“Deals”) when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria are met when the number of customers who purchase the daily deal exceeds the predetermined threshold, where, if applicable, the Deal has been electronically delivered to the purchaser and a listing of Deals sold has been made available to the merchant. At that time, the Company’s remaining obligations to the merchant, for which it is serving as an agent, are substantially complete. The Company’s remaining obligations, which are limited to remitting payment to the merchant, are inconsequential or perfunctory. The Company recognizes revenue in an amount equal to the net amount it retains from the sale of Deals after paying an agreed upon percentage of the purchase price to the featured merchant excluding any applicable taxes. Revenue is recorded on a net basis because the Company is acting as an agent of the merchant in the transaction.

 

The Company evaluates the criteria outlined in ASC Topic 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations, in determining whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs or the net amount earned as commissions. When the Company is the primary obligor in a transaction, is subject to inventory risk, has latitude in establishing prices and selecting suppliers, or has several but not all of these indicators, revenue is recorded gross. If the Company is not the primary obligor in the transaction and amounts earned are determined using a fixed percentage, revenue is recorded on a net basis.

 

For both Deals revenue and product revenue, at the time revenue is recognized, the Company records a provision for the estimated amount of future returns based primarily on historical experience and any known trends or conditions that exist at the time revenue is recognized.

 

Services Segment

 

The Services Segment recognizes revenue from directory subscription services as billed for and accepted by the customer. Directory services revenue is billed and recognized monthly for directory services subscribed. The Company has utilized outside billing companies to perform direct ACH withdrawals. For billings via ACH withdrawals, revenue is recognized when such billings are accepted by the customer. Customer refunds are recorded as an offset to gross Services Segment revenue.

 

Revenue for billings to certain customers that are billed directly by the Company and not through outside billing companies is recognized based on estimated future collections which are reasonably assured. The Company continuously reviews this estimate for reasonableness based on its collection experience.

Shipping and Handling

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

 

Advertising expense is charged to operations as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $1,247,383 and $177,249 for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Legal Expense

Legal Expense

 

The Company expenses legal costs associated with loss contingencies as incurred.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

 

ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires disclosure of the fiar 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.

 

The Company’s derivative instruments were reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs as discussed in Note 5. Also, the Company had a purchase price contingency that is discussed in Note 13.

 

The Company uses Level 2 inputs for its valuation methodology for the warrant derivative liabilities as their fair values were determined by using a probability weighted average Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model based on various assumptions. The Company’s derivative liability is adjusted to reflect fair value at each period end, with any increase or decrease in the fair value being recorded in results of operations as adjustments to fair value of derivatives.

Income Taxes

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 Operations.

 

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.

Stock-Based Compensation

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.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Earnings (Loss) per share is calculated in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings Per share”. Under ASC 260 basic net earnings (loss) 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 net Earnings (Loss) 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 (loss) per share by application of the treasury stock method. Convertible preferred stock is reflected on an if-converted basis.

Segment Reporting

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 three reportable segments (See Note 17).

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company evaluates all of its agreements to determine if such instruments have derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses a weighted average Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value stock-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses a weighted average Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date. There were no derivative financial instruments as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

 

Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net income or stockholders’ equity.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 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. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which it will adopt the standard.

 

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 ASI defers the effective date of ASI No. 2014-09 for all entities for one year. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans 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 January 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-01, Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual items (Subtopic 225-20), Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary items (ASU 2015-01). The amendment eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. This guidance is effective for the company in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early adoption is permitted and allows the company to apply the amendment prospectively or retrospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 provides guidance on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures (collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, and mortgage-backed security transactions). ASU 2015-02 is effective for periods beginning December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Early adoption is permitted.

 

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 is currently evaluating ASU 2015-16 and has not determined the impact it may have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires companies to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying value of that debt liability. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is allowed for financial statements that have not been previously issued. Entities would apply the new guidance retrospectively to all prior periods. The Company decided to early adopt ASU 2015-03 in June of 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 is not expected to have a material on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Subtopic 740-10): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. ASU 2015-17 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is allowed for financial statements that have not been previously issued. Entities may elect to adopt the guidance either prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods (i.e., the balance sheet for each period is adjusted). The Company has decided to early adopt ASU 2015-17. All deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet retrospectively to all prior periods.

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Full retrospective application is prohibited. ASU 2016-02's transition provision is applied using a modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2016-02 and has not determined the impact it may have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows nor decided on the method of adoption.

 

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future financial statements.