XML 18 R9.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies to those previously disclosed in the 2022 Annual Report.

Basis of presentation

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in order to conform with the current period presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on the Company’s previously reported net income (loss).

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalent balances at financial institutions that are insured by the FDIC. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had approximately $753,000 and $2,147,000 in cash. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits. Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had approximately $102,000 and $1,682,000 in excess of the FDIC insured limit, respectively.

Stablecoins

The Company holds stablecoins, such as USDT (Tether) and USDC (USD Coin), which are crypto assets that are pegged to the value of one U.S. dollar and can be redeemed on demand for one U.S. dollar. Our stablecoins are typically held in secure digital wallets or on crypto asset exchanges. The Company acquires and holds stablecoins primarily to facilitate crypto asset transactions, including, but not limited to, payments to third-party vendors. While not accounted for as cash or cash equivalents, these stablecoins are considered a liquidity resource.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The core principle of the new revenue standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following five steps are applied to achieve that core principle:

	●	Step 1: Identify the contract with the customer
	●	Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract
	●	Step 3: Determine the transaction price
	●	Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
	●	Step 5: Recognize revenue when the Company satisfies a performance obligation

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company generates revenue through staking rewards.

The Company has entered into network-based smart contracts by running its own crypto asset validator nodes as well as by staking crypto assets on nodes run by third-party operators (either directly or through crypto exchanges). Through these contracts, the Company provides crypto assets to stake on a node for the purpose of validating transactions and adding blocks to a respective blockchain network. The term of a smart contract can vary based on the rules of the respective blockchain and typically last a few weeks to months after it is cancelled by the operator and requires that the crypto assets staked remain locked up during the duration of the smart contract. In exchange for staking the crypto assets and validating transactions on blockchain networks, the Company is entitled to all of the fixed crypto asset award for running the Company’s own node and is entitled to a fractional share of the fixed crypto asset award a third-party node operator receives (less crypto asset transaction fees payable to the node operator or exchanges, which are immaterial and are recorded as a deduction from revenue), for successfully validating or adding a block to the blockchain. The Company’s fractional share of awards received from delegating to a third-party validator node is based on the proportion of crypto assets the Company staked to the node to the total crypto assets staked by delegators to the node.

The provision of validating blockchain transactions is an output of the Company’s ordinary activities. Each separate block creation or validation under a smart contract with a network represents a performance obligation. The transaction consideration the Company receives - the crypto asset award - is a non-cash consideration, which the Company measures at fair value on the date received. The fair value of the crypto asset award received is determined using the quoted price of the related crypto assets on the date of receipt. The satisfaction of the performance obligation for processing and validating blockchain transactions occurs at a point in time when confirmation is received from the network indicating that the validation is complete, and the awards are available for transfer. At that point, revenue is recognized.

Cost of Revenues

The Company’s cost of revenue primarily includes direct production costs associated with transaction validation on the network, cloud-based server hosting expenses related to our validator nodes, and allocated employee salaries dedicated to node maintenance and support. Additionally, the cost of revenue encompasses fees, including equity compensation stock-based fees, paid to third parties for their assistance in software maintenance and node operations.

Crypto Assets Translations and Remeasurements

The Company accounts for its crypto assets as indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortized but assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently, when events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived asset is impaired. Impairment exists when the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. In testing for impairment, the Company has the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an impairment exists. If it is determined that it is not more likely than not that an impairment exists, a quantitative impairment test is not necessary. If the Company concludes otherwise, it is required to perform a quantitative impairment test. To the extent an impairment loss is recognized, the loss establishes the new cost basis of the asset. Subsequent reversal of impairment losses is not permitted.

Crypto assets held are included in the balance sheets as either current assets or other assets if they are staked and locked up for over one year. The Company’s crypto assets are initially recorded at fair value upon receipt (or “carrying value”). The fair value of crypto assets is determined using the U.S. dollar spot price of the related crypto asset. On a quarterly basis, crypto assets are measured at carrying value, net of any impairment losses incurred since receipt. The Company will record impairment losses as the fair value falls below the carrying value of the crypto assets at any time during the period, as determined using the lowest intraday U.S. dollar spot price of the related crypto asset subsequent to its acquisition. The crypto assets can only be marked down when impaired and not marked up when their value increases.

Such impairment in the value of crypto assets is recorded as a component of costs and expenses in our Statements of Operations. The Company recorded impairment losses related to crypto assets of approximately $1,252,000 and $12,347,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Impairment losses cannot be recovered for any subsequent increase in fair value until the sale or disposal of the asset. Realized gain (loss) on sale of crypto assets are included in other income (expense) in the Statements of Operations. The Company recorded realized gains (losses) on crypto assets of approximately $806,000 and $490,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The presentation of purchases and sales of crypto assets on the Statement of Cash Flows is determined by the nature of the crypto assets, which can be characterized as productive (i.e. purchased for purposes of staking) or non-productive. The purchase of non-productive crypto assets and currencies are included as an operating activity, whereas the purchase of productive crypto assets and currencies are included as investing activities in accordance with ASC 230-10-20 Investing activities. Productive crypto assets that are staked with a lock-up period of less than 12 months are presented on the Balance Sheet as current assets. Staked crypto assets with remaining lock-up periods of greater than 12 months are presented as long-term other assets on the Balance Sheet.

Internally Developed Software

Internally developed software consists of the core technology of the Company’s StakeSeeker platform, which is being designed to allow users to track, monitor and analyze their aggregate crypto asset portfolio holdings by connecting their crypto exchanges and digital wallets as well as providing a non-custodial delegation process to earn staking rewards on crypto asset holdings. For internally developed software, the Company uses both its own employees as well as the services of external vendors and independent contractors. The Company accounts for computer software used in the business in accordance with ASC 985-20 and ASC 350.

ASC 985-20, Software-Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed, requires that software development costs incurred in conjunction with product development be charged to research and development expense until technological feasibility is established. Thereafter, until the product is released for sale, software development costs must be capitalized and reported at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value of the related product. Some companies use a “tested working model” approach to establishing technological feasibility (i.e., beta version). Under this approach, software under development will pass the technological feasibility milestone when the Company has completed a version that contains essentially all the functionality and features of the final version and has tested the version to ensure that it works as expected.

ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, requires computer software costs associated with internal use software to be charged to operations as incurred until certain capitalization criteria are met. Costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and the post-implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Certain qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized as property, equipment and software. These costs generally consist of internal labor during configuration, coding, and testing activities. Capitalization begins when (i) the preliminary project stage is complete, (ii) management with the relevant authority authorizes and commits to the funding of the software project, and (iii) it is probable both that the project will be completed, and that the software will be used to perform the function intended.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of computer, equipment and office furniture and fixtures, all of which are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are recorded using the straight-line method over the respective useful lives of the assets ranging from three to five years. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable.

Use of Estimates

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. The Company’s significant estimates and assumptions include the recoverability and useful lives of indefinite life intangible assets, stock-based compensation, and the valuation allowance related to the Company’s deferred tax assets. Certain of the Company’s estimates, including the carrying amount of the indefinite life intangible assets, could be affected by external conditions, including those unique to the Company and general economic conditions. It is reasonably possible that these external factors could have an effect on the Company’s estimates and could cause actual results to differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes income taxes on an accrual basis based on tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns. A tax position is defined as a position in a previously filed tax return or a position expected to be taken in a future tax filing that is reflected in measuring current or deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not (i.e., likelihood of greater than 50%), based on technical merits, that the position would be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. Tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold are measured using a probability-weighted approach as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if all, or some portion, of such assets will more than likely not be realized. Should they occur, the Company’s policy is to classify interest and penalties related to tax positions as income tax expense. Since the Company’s inception, no such interest or penalties have been incurred.

Accounting for Warrants

The Company accounts for the issuance of Common Stock purchase warrants issued in connection with the equity offerings in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The Company classifies as equity any contracts that (i) require physical settlement or net-share settlement or (ii) gives the Company a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in its own shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). The Company classifies as assets or liabilities any contracts that (i) require net-cash settlement (including a requirement to net-cash settle the contract if an event occurs and if that event is outside the control of the Company) or (ii) gives the counterparty a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). In addition, Under ASC 815, registered Common Stock warrants that require the issuance of registered shares upon exercise and do not expressly preclude an implied right to cash settlement are accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company classifies these derivative warrant liabilities on the balance sheet as a current liability.

The Company assessed the classification of Common Stock purchase warrants as of the date of each offering and determined that such instruments originally met the criteria for equity classification; however, as a result of the Company no longer being in control of whether the warrants may be cash settled, the instruments no longer qualify for equity classification. Accordingly, the Company classified the warrants as a liability at their fair value and adjusts the instruments to fair value at each reporting period. This liability is subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until the warrants are exercised or expired, and any change in fair value is recognized as “change in the fair value of warrant liabilities” in the statements of operations. The fair value of the warrants has been estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model (see Note 4).

Stock-based compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 addresses all forms of share-based payment awards including shares issued under employee stock purchase plans and stock incentive shares. Under ASC 718 awards result in a cost that is measured at fair value on the awards’ grant date, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest and will result in a charge to operations.

Share-based payment awards exchanged for services are accounted for at the fair value of the award on the estimated grant date.

Options

Stock options issued under the Company’s long-term incentive plans are granted with an exercise price equal to no less than the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant and expire up to ten years from the date of grant. These options often vest over a one-year period.

The Company estimates the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based awards represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment.

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

For awards vesting upon the achievement of a service condition, compensation cost measured on the grant date will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense for the market-based restricted stock units with explicit service conditions is recognized on a straight-line basis over the longer of the derived service period or the explicit service period, regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied. However, in the event that the explicit service period is not met, previously recognized compensation cost would be reversed. Market-based restricted stock units subject to market-based performance targets require achievement of the performance target as well as a service condition in order for these RSUs to vest.

The Company estimates the fair value of market-based RSUs as of the grant date and expected derived term using a Monte Carlo simulation that incorporates pricing inputs covering the period from the grant date through the end of the derived service period.

Dividends

Effective January 27, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved the issuance of a newly designated Series V Preferred Stock (“Series V”) on a one-for-one basis to the Company’s shareholders (including restricted stock unit holders and warrant holders who were entitled to such distribution). The distribution of Series V shares was approved and completed on June 2, 2023 to shareholders as of the record date of May 12, 2023. The Series V: (i) is non-convertible, (ii) has a 20% liquidation preference over the shares of common stock, (iii) is non-voting and (iv) has certain rights to dividends and distributions (at the discretion of the Board). A total of 14,542,803 shares of Series V Preferred Stock were distributed to shareholders on June 2, 2023.

On January 5, 2022, the Board declared a non-recurring special dividend of $0.05 for each outstanding share of Common Stock of the Company, payable to holders of record as of the close of business on March 17, 2022. The dividend distributions were considered a return of capital as the distributions were in excess of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. The return of capital distribution reduces the Company’s additional paid in capital balance. Dividend distributions amounted to $0 and $635,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Company will evaluate the appropriateness of potential future dividends as the Company continues to grow its operations.

Advertising Expense

Advertisement costs are expensed as incurred and included in marketing expenses. Advertising and marketing expenses amounted to approximately $11,000 and $74,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Net Loss per Share

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing the net income or loss applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. 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 Company’s convertible preferred stock, convertible notes, restricted stock units, options and warrants. Diluted loss per share excludes the shares issuable upon the conversion of preferred stock, notes and warrants from the calculation of net loss per share if their effect would be anti-dilutive.

The following financial instruments were not included in the diluted loss per share calculation as of September 30, 2023 and 2022 because their effect was anti-dilutive:

	2023		2022
	As of September 30,
	2023		2022
Warrants to purchase common stock		712,500		945,837
Options		1,150,000		1,285,000
Non-vested restricted stock awards units		1,631,399		1,612,350
Total		3,493,899		3,843,187
Anti-dilutive securities		3,493,899		3,843,187

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

We have evaluated all recently issued accounting pronouncements and believe such pronouncements do not have a material effect on our financial statements.