XML 23 R12.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.25.1
Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions.

On an ongoing basis, our management evaluates these estimates and assumptions, including those related to determination of standalone selling prices of our products and services, allowance for credit losses and sales reserves, income tax valuations, stock-based compensation, goodwill, intangible assets and inventory valuations and recoverability. We base our estimates on historical data and experience, as well as various other factors that our management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities.

Due to geopolitical conflicts, inflationary pressures, other macroeconomic factors, there has been uncertainty and disruption in the global economy, financial markets, and our ongoing operations. We are not aware of any specific event or circumstance that would require an update to our estimates or assumptions or a revision of the carrying value of our assets or liabilities that has not been properly reflected in the consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained. As a result, actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.

 

Concentration Risks

At times, deposits held with financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”), of which both provide basic deposit coverage with limits up to $250,000 per owner. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $2,815,399 of cash in our accounts that exceeded the insurance limits. The Company has not experienced any such losses in these accounts, and believes that the financial institutions at which such amounts are held are stable; however, no assurances can be provided. In Germany, the deposit insurance is €100,000 per bank, per customer. Bressner has funds on deposit in both Euro and U.S. dollar denominations of €2,215,188 ($2,292,831) with banks in excess of the insurance limits as of December 31, 2024.

In the year ended December 31, 2024, we did not have any customers which comprised greater than 10% of our consolidated revenue. In the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 13%, representing one customer, of net sales came from customers which comprised greater than 10% of our consolidated revenue.

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, approximately 35% and 22%, respectively, were attributed to three and one customer, each of whom accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated accounts receivable.

 

The Company made purchases from two suppliers which each represented greater than 10% of the Company’s vendor purchases in the year ended December 31, 2024. In the year ended December 31, 2023, the company made purchase from one supplier which represented greater than 10% of the Company's vendor purchases. Vendors which represented greater than 10% of the Company's vendor purchases represented a combined 37% of purchases in both the year ended December 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit and money market accounts. The Company considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. Management believes that the carrying amounts of cash equivalents approximate their fair value because of the short maturity period.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments consist predominantly of commercial paper, corporate debt securities, U.S. Treasury securities, and asset-backed securities. The Company classifies short-term investments based on the facts and

circumstances surrounding the investments at the time of purchase and evaluates such classification as of each balance sheet date. On December 31, 2024, all short-term investments were classified as available-for-sale.

Short-term investments are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income - a component of stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method and are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company evaluates its investments to determine whether those with unrealized loss positions are other than temporarily impaired. Impairments are considered to be other than temporary if they are related to deterioration in credit risk or if it is likely that the Company will sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivables are presented at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for credit losses to reflect any loss anticipated on the trade accounts receivable and unbilled receivables. Unbilled receivables include cost and gross profit earned in excess of billings. The allowance for credit losses is an estimate to cover the losses resulting from the inability of customers to make payments on their outstanding balances and unbilled receivables. In estimating the required allowance, management considers the overall collectability, customer creditworthiness, historical levels of credit losses and future expectations and aging of the accounts receivable, specific customer circumstances, current economic trends, and historical experience with collections. On December 31, 2024 and 2023, the allowance for credit losses is $132,807 and $50,032, respectively.

 

Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, which sets out the principles for the recognition of measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. This standard provides guidance on the impairment of financial instruments that is based on expected losses rather than probable or incurred losses. Under this new guidance, the Company recognizes, as an allowance, our estimate of expected credit losses based upon historical and current information, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future events and circumstances, as well as estimates of prepayments. Under this model, we are required to estimate the lifetime expected credit loss on such instruments and record an allowance to offset the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, resulting in a net presentation of the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset.

Accounts receivable have been reduced for credit by an allowance for credit losses. The allowance represents the current estimate of lifetime expected credit losses over the remaining duration of existing accounts receivable after considering current market conditions and supportable forecasts when appropriate. This estimate is a result of management's evaluation of collectability, customer creditworthiness, historical levels of credit losses, and future expectations.

The Company shall recognize an allowance for credit losses rather than a reduction to the carrying value of the asset for debt securities. To determine credit losses, we employ a systematic methodology that considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence. In addition, we consider specific adverse conditions related to the financial health of, and business outlook for, the investee.

Upon adoption of this standard on January 1, 2023, there was no immediate material impact to the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. On an ongoing basis, the Company will contemplate

forward-looking economic conditions in recording lifetime expected credit losses for the Company’s financial assets measured at cost, such as the Company’s trade receivables and certain short-term investments.

 

The following table represents the changes in the allowance for credit losses associated with our trade receivables for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

Allowance for Credit Losses

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Balance on January 1,

 

$

50,032

 

 

$

45,354

 

Provision charged to expense

 

 

85,447

 

 

 

4,160

 

Receivables written-off

 

 

-

 

 

 

(2,943

)

Recoveries of receivables previously written-off

 

 

-

 

 

 

3,155

 

Effects of change in exchange rates

 

 

(2,672

)

 

 

306

 

 

 

$

132,807

 

 

$

50,032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The Company uses the average cost method for purposes of determining cost, which approximates the first-in, first-out method.

The Company establishes reserves on its inventories to write-down the carrying value of its estimated obsolete or excess inventories to estimated net realizable value based upon observations of historical usage and assumptions about future demand and market conditions. In addition, the Company considers changes in the market value of components in determining the net realizable value of its inventory. Inventory reserves are not typically reversed until the specific inventories are sold or otherwise disposed.

 

Actual demand, product mix and alternative usage may be lower than those that we project, and this difference could have a material adverse effect on our gross margin if inventory write-downs beyond those initially recorded become necessary. Alternatively, if actual demand, product mix and alternative usage are more favorable than those we estimated at the time of such a write-down, our gross margin could be favorably impacted in future periods.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, other than leasehold improvements, are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally from two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are recorded at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset. Tooling and test equipment includes capitalized labor costs associated with the development of the related tooling and test equipment. Costs incurred for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, and expenditures for major replacements and improvements are capitalized. Upon retirement or sale, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization of disposed assets are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in other (expense) income, net.

 

Leases

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases. A lease must be classified as a finance lease if any of the following criteria are met: the lease transfers ownership of the asset by the end of the lease term, the lease contains an option to purchase the asset that is reasonably certain to be exercised, the lease term is for a major part of the remaining useful life of the asset or the present value of the lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the asset. A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not meet any of these criteria. The Company determines if a contract is or contains a lease at inception or modification of a contract. A contract is or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period in exchange for consideration. Control over the use of the identified asset means the lessee has both (a) the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and (b) the right to direct the use of the asset. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

 

Right-of-use assets and liabilities are initially measured at cost, which primarily comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, plus any initial direct costs incurred, consisting mainly of brokerage commissions, less any lease incentives received. All right of use assets are reviewed for impairment. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of future minimum lease payments over the expected lease term at the commencement date of each lease. The Company measures and records a right-of-use asset and lease liability based on the discount rate implicit in the lease, if known. Generally, the Company cannot determine the interest rate implicit in the lease because it does not have access to the lessor's estimated residual value or the amount of the lessor's deferred initial direct costs.

 

In these cases where the discount rate implicit in the lease is not known, the Company measures the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities using a discount rate equal to the Company's incremental borrowing rate it pays on current debt instruments or would have to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms.

 

The Company and its subsidiary have no leases classified as finance leases. The Company and its subsidiary currently lease plant, office facilities and equipment under operating leases expiring through August 2030.

 

The Company’s lease agreements may include options to extend the lease following the initial term. On a case-by-case basis, the Company’s management determines if it is reasonably certain to exercise the renewal option; such renewal options were included in determining the initial lease term.

 

We elected the package of practical expedients in transition for leases that commenced prior to January 1, 2022, and therefore did not reassess (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are, or contain, leases, (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. We elected to use hindsight for transition when considering judgments and estimates such as assessments of lease options to extend, or terminate, a lease, or to purchase the underlying asset. As result of the adoption of ASC 842, the Company recognized an accumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings for the 2022 fiscal year of $44,533.

 

For all asset classes, we elected to (i) not recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less and (ii) not separate non-lease components from lease components, and we have accounted for combined lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Variable lease payments associated with the Company’s leases are recognized upon occurrence of the event, activity, or circumstance in the lease agreement on which those payments are assessed. For those leases that are subsequently modified for terms, such changes may require a remeasurement of the lease liability.

 

Lease expense for operating leases consists of the lease payments plus any initial direct costs, primarily brokerage commissions, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Included in lease expense are any variable lease payments incurred in the period that were not included in the initial lease liability. Lease expense for finance leases consists of the amortization of the right-of-use asset on a straight-line basis over the lease term and interest expense determined on an amortized cost basis. The lease payments are allocated between a reduction of the lease liability and interest expense.

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually and when we deem that a triggering event has occurred. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually on December 31st. The Company completed its annual assessments for goodwill impairment and determined that goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2024, and no adjustments were required.

 

In June and September of 2023, the Company performed an interim impairment test of goodwill, as a result of the overall financial performance of OSS as compared to plan, the transition of and focus on our product strategy on edge computing and the defense industry, along with the deferment of certain orders. As a result of these interim evaluations, the Company recorded an adjustment of $2,700,000 in June 2023 and an additional impairment loss to goodwill of $2,930,788, which was charged to operating expenses in September 2023. Total goodwill impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $5,630,788. No further impairments of goodwill were required in the year ended December 31, 2024.

Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets

 

We evaluate our intangible and long-lived assets for impairment when events or circumstances arise that indicate our intangible and long-lived assets may be impaired. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, a significant

deterioration in overall economic conditions, a decline in our market capitalization, the loss of significant business, significant decreases in funding for our contracts, or other significant adverse changes in industry or market conditions. The Company has fully amortized recorded intangible assets and as such there is no impairment as of December 31, 2024.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. These tiers include:

Level 1, defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and
Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The carrying value of financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued expenses, and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amounts of the Company’s short-term investments, notes payable, and Bressner’s existing lines of credit and notes payable approximate their fair values at the stated interest rates and are reflective of the prevailing market rates.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company’s revenues are recognized in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers for which the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied over time as work is performed or at a point in time. The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized at a point in time when products ship and control is transferred to the customer. The Company determines revenue recognition through the following steps: (i) identification of the contract with a customer; (ii) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determination of the transaction price; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognition of revenue when, or as, a performance obligation is satisfied.

 

The Company’s contracts are executed through a combination of written agreements along with purchase orders with all customers including certain general terms and conditions. Generally, purchase orders entail products, quantities and prices, which define the performance obligations of each party and are approved and accepted by the Company. The Company’s contracts with customers typically do not include extended payment terms. Payment terms vary by contract type and type of customer and generally range from 30 to 60 days from invoice. Additionally, taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by the Company from a customer and deposited with the relevant government authority, are excluded from revenue.

 

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to the customer adjusted for estimated variable consideration, if any. Variable consideration may include discounts, rights of return, refunds, and other similar obligations. The Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct product and service based on its relative standalone selling price. The standalone selling price for products primarily involves the cost to produce the deliverable plus the anticipated margin and for services is estimated based on the Company’s approved list price.

In the normal course of business, the Company does not accept product returns unless the items are defective as manufactured. The Company establishes provisions for estimated returns and warranties. In addition, the Company does not typically provide customers with the right to a refund and does not transact for noncash consideration.

 

Customer agreements include one vendor managed inventory program, which was discontinued in 2023. The Company recognizes revenue under this arrangement when all of the following criteria are met: (i) the goods have been identified separately as belonging to the customer; (ii) the goods are ready for physical shipment to the customer; (iii) the Company does not have the ability to direct the goods to another customer; and (iv) the arrangement was requested by the customer and that the customer has sufficiently explained a substantial business purpose for the arrangement. Management also considers whether the customer's custodial risks are insured and whether modifications to the Company's normal billing and credit terms were required.

 

The Company recorded revenue from product sales that are held in vendor managed inventory under this agreement of $0 and $4,858,660 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, $0 of products sold through those dates were held by the Company in the vendor management program.

Revenues on certain fixed-price contracts where we provide engineering services, prototypes and completed products are recognized over time based upon the output method as milestones are met and value is delivered to the customer, which depicts the Company’s progress toward fulfilling its performance obligations. These services require that we perform significant, extensive, and complex design, development, modification or implementation of our customers’ systems. Performance will often extend over long periods of time, and our right to receive future payment depends on our future performance in accordance with the agreement. If changes occur in delivery, productivity or other factors used in developing the estimates of costs or revenues, we revise our cost and revenue estimates, which may result in increases or decreases in revenues and costs, and such revisions are reflected in earnings in the period in which the revision becomes known.

 

The Company’s operating segment revenues, disaggregated by primary geographic market, which is determined based on a customer’s geographic location, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2024

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

Entity:

 

Domestic

 

 

International

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Domestic

 

 

International

 

 

Total

 

Customized computers and flash arrays

 

 

22,806,167

 

 

 

1,752,642

 

 

 

24,558,809

 

 

 

 

21,221,868

 

 

 

7,588,020

 

 

 

28,809,888

 

Value-added integrator

 

 

81,268

 

 

 

30,054,282

 

 

 

30,135,550

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

32,086,909

 

 

 

32,086,909

 

 

 

 

22,887,434

 

 

 

31,806,924

 

 

 

54,694,358

 

 

 

 

21,221,868

 

 

 

39,674,930

 

 

 

60,896,797

 

 

Gross versus net revenue

ASC 606 provides guidance on proper recognition of principal versus agent considerations which is used to determine gross versus net revenue recognition. Under ASC 606, the core objective of the guidance on gross versus net revenue recognition is to help determine whether the Company is a principal or an agent in a transaction. In general, the primary difference between these two is the performance obligation being satisfied by the company recognizing revenue. The principal has a performance obligation to provide the desired goods or services to the end customer, whereas the agent arranges for the principal to provide the desired goods or services. Additionally, a fundamental characteristic of a principal in a transaction is control. A principal substantively controls the goods and services before they are transferred to the customer as well as controls the price of the good or service being provided.

The Company is an agent if the Company's performance obligation is to arrange for the delivery of the specified good or service by another party. An entity that is an agent does not control the specified good or service provided by another party before that good or service is transferred to the customer. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded net agent consideration as revenue of $412,411 and $0, respectively.

Warranty Reserve

The Company offers product warranties that extend for one or two years from the date of sale. Such warranties are considered assurance-type warranties; therefore, they would not be deemed to be a separate performance obligation under ASC 606. Such warranties require the Company to repair or replace defective product returned to the Company during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. The Company records an estimate for warranty‑related costs based on its historical and estimated future product return rates and expected repair or replacement costs (Note 8).

While such costs have historically been within management’s expectations and the provisions established, unexpected changes in failure rates could have a material adverse impact on the Company, requiring additional warranty reserves and could adversely affect the Company’s gross profit and gross margins.

 

The Company offers customers extended warranties beyond the standard one-year warranty on the product. The extended warranties are considered service-type warranties and would be considered as a separate performance obligation under ASC 606. The Company is the primary obligor and revenue is recognized on a gross basis ratably over the term of the extended warranty. The customer can purchase extended warranties from one to five years, in the bronze, silver or gold categories. This entails hardware repair or replacement, shipping methods on how the warranties will be returned/delivered,

response times and hours of operations to receive support. The value of warranties sold for years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were $82,597 and $108,265, respectively.

The revenue that was recognized for the warranties sold for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were $158,313 and $189,171, respectively. The Company does have recourse with some of its suppliers that offer more than a one-year guarantee on parts, but this is not standard. For the few that offer greater than a year warranty, the Company may be able to recover the cost of the part from the manufacturer for the failed part. The amounts of these costs vary in a wide range, but are not material, due to the infrequency of failure.

Shipping and Handling Costs

The Company's shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold for all periods presented.

Foreign Currency

 

We operate primarily in the United States. Foreign sales of products and services are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. We also conduct business outside the United States through our foreign subsidiary in Germany, where business is largely transacted in non-U.S. dollar currencies particularly the Euro, which is subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Accordingly, we are subject to exposure from changes in the exchange rates of local currencies. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations.

OSS GmbH operates as an extension of OSS’ domestic operations. The functional currency of OSS GmbH is the Euro. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are remeasured to the functional currency at the average exchange rate in effect during the period. At the end of each reporting period, monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Consequently, changes in the exchange rates of the currencies may impact the translation of the foreign subsidiaries’ statements of operations into U.S. dollars, which may in turn affect our consolidated statement of operations. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

We may employ derivatives to manage certain currency market risks through the use of foreign exchange forward contracts. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Our derivatives are designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). We may hedge a portion of the exchange risk involved in anticipation of highly probable foreign currency-denominated transactions. In anticipation of these transactions, may we enter into foreign exchange contracts to provide currency at a fixed rate. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Bressner had no foreign exchange contract outstanding.

 

Unrealized gains on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as assets, and unrealized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as liabilities. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion is reported as a component of accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) until reclassified into interest expense in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings. The gain or loss on the ineffective portion is recognized as “Other (expense) income, net” in the consolidated statements of operations in each period.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for employee and director share-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation”. Under ASC 718, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant).

All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments to non-employees are accounted for based on the equivalent fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable on the grant date. The measurement date used to determine the estimated fair value of the equity instrument issued is the earlier of the date on which the third-party performance is complete or the date on which it is probable that performance will occur.

Employee and director stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Given that stock-based compensation expense recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The Company’s estimated average forfeiture rates are based on historical forfeiture experience and estimated future forfeitures.

 

Compensation cost for stock awards, which include restricted stock units (“RSUs”), is measured at the fair value on the grant date and recognized as expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the related service period. The fair value of stock awards is based on the quoted price of our common stock on the grant date.

The estimated fair value of common stock option awards is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes model requires subjective assumptions regarding future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, along with assumptions about the risk-free interest rate and expected dividends, all of which affect the estimated fair values of the Company’s common stock option awards. Given a lack of historical stock option exercises, the expected term of options granted is calculated as the average of the weighted vesting period and the contractual expiration date of the option. This calculation is based on a method permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission in instances where the vesting and exercise terms of options granted meet certain conditions and where limited historical exercise data is available. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the common stock of comparable public companies that operate in similar industries as the Company.

The risk-free rate selected to value any particular grant is based on the U.S. Treasury rate that corresponds to the expected term of the grant effective as of the date of the grant. The expected dividend assumption is based on the Company’s history and management’s expectation regarding dividend payouts. Compensation expense for common stock option awards with graded vesting schedules is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the last separately vesting portion of the award, provided that the accumulated cost recognized as of any date at least equals the value of the vested portion of the award.

If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying vested or unvested stock-based awards, the Company may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned stock-based compensation expense, or record additional expense for vested stock-based awards. Future stock-based compensation expense and unearned stock- based compensation may increase to the extent that the Company grants additional common stock options or other stock-based awards.

Business Combinations

 

We utilize the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations and allocate the purchase price of an acquisition to the various tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. We primarily establish fair value using the income approach based upon a discounted cash flow model. The income approach requires the use of many assumptions and estimates including future revenues and expenses, as well as discount factors and income tax rates. Other estimates include:

 

estimated step-ups or write-downs for fixed assets and inventory;
estimated fair values of intangible assets; and
estimated income tax assets and liabilities assumed from the target.

While we use our best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the business acquisition date, our estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the purchase price allocation period, which is generally one year from the business acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill.

For changes in the valuation of intangible assets between preliminary and final purchase price allocation, the related amortization is adjusted in the period it occurs. Subsequent to the purchase price allocation period any adjustment to assets acquired or liabilities assumed is included in operating results in the period in which the adjustment is determined. Should we issue shares of our common stock in an acquisition, we will be required to estimate the fair value of the shares issued. See Note 7.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included in marketing and selling expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were $617,221 and $547,132, respectively.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenditures are expensed in the period incurred. Research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation, as well as consulting expenses and allocated facilities and other overhead costs. Research and development activities include the development of new technologies, features and functionality in support of the Company’s products and customer needs.

 

Employee Retention Credit

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") to provide certain relief as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act provides tax relief, along with other stimulus measures, including a provision for an Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) The ERC was designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. As there is no authoritative guidance under U.S. GAAP on accounting for government assistance to for-profit business entities, we accounted for the ERC funding consistent with our accounting treatment and reporting of the forgiveness of our Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") Loan.

The credit is based upon the number of employees in specific quarters in years 2020 and 2021. For the year 2020, the maximum credit is based upon the lesser of 50% of eligible wages or $5,000 for the year. For the first three quarters only of the year 2021, the maximum quarterly credit is based upon the lesser of 70% of eligible wages or $7,000 per quarter. The total maximum program credit per employee is $26,000.

The Company applied for the ERC program and as of December 31, 2023, has received a total of $2,004,382 in credits, including interest, and paid commissions of $287,656 to a vendor who assisted with the calculations and filing of the application. The net proceeds of $1,716,727 have been reported as other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Income is recognized when reasonably assured of receipt based upon notice.

Income Taxes

The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the consolidated financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.

Under ASC Topic 740, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Additionally, ASC Topic 740 provides requirements for derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, California and various other state jurisdictions, and Germany. The Company has elected to treat the tax effect of Global Intangible Low Tax Income (“GILTI”) as a current-period expense when occurred. The Company does not foresee material changes to its gross liability of uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months.

 

On March 11, 2021, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (the “ARP”), which includes certain business tax provisions. At this point, we do not believe that these changes will have a material impact on our income tax provision for 2024. We will continue to evaluate the impact of new legislation on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. Guidance continues to be issued clarifying the application of this legislation and recent proposed legislation known as Build Back Better is under consideration within both houses of U.S. Congress. Significant business and international provisions have been proposed in various versions of the framework of the bill that could increase our total tax expense. We cannot predict the overall impact that the additional guidance and proposed changes may have on our business. Some jurisdictions have raised tax rates, and it is reasonable to expect that other global taxing authorities will be reviewing current legislation for potential modifications in reaction to the implementation of U.S. tax legislation, current economic conditions, and COVID-19 response costs.

Due to economic uncertainty, inflation, increases in interest rates, capital markets disruption, which has been significantly impacted by geopolitical instability due to the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and supply chain issues, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any negative impact from these events. We are not aware of any specific event or circumstance that would require an update to our estimates or assumptions or a revision of the carrying value of our assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2024. These estimates and assumptions may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained. As a result, actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.

 

Interest Expense

Interest expense consists primarily of interest associated with the Company’s issued debt including the amortization of debt discounts. The Company recognizes the amortization of debt discounts and the amortization of interest costs using a straight-line method which approximates the effective interest method.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted-average shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares consist of dilutive shares issuable and the exercise or vesting of outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and warrants, respectively, computed using the treasury stock method. During a period where a net loss is incurred, dilutive potential shares are excluded from the computation of dilutive net loss per share, as inclusion is anti-dilutive.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvement to Income Tax Disclosure (Topic 740) which establishes new income tax disclosure requirements in addition to modifying and eliminating certain existing requirements. Under the new guidance, entities must consistently categorize and provide greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation. The Company must also further disaggregate income taxes paid. The objective of these disclosure requirements is for an entity, particularly an entity operating in multiple jurisdictions, to disclose sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature and magnitude of factors contributing to the difference between the effective tax rate and the statutory tax rate. The standard is intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that would be useful in making capital allocation decisions. This guidance applies to annual period beginning after December 15, 2024.

 

On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to reportable segment disclosures." This amendment enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses.” In addition, the amendments enhance interim disclosure requirements, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment, and

contain other disclosure requirements. Additionally, the amendments require the disclosure of the title and position of the chief operating decision maker (CODM) and an explanation of the segment profit or loss measures used to evaluate segment performance. We updated our segment disclosures to comply with the requirements. See "Note 17: Segment and Geographic Information." The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.