XML 18 R9.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2023

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 3 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Significant accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.

Business Combination

Business acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805 “Business Combinations”. FASB ASC 805 requires the reporting entity to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date, recognize and measure the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity, and recognize and measure goodwill or a gain from the purchase. The acquiree’s results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned is recorded as goodwill. Adjustments to fair value assessments are recorded to goodwill over the measurement period (not longer than twelve months). The acquisition method also requires that acquisition-related transaction and post-acquisition restructuring costs be charged to expense.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of total expenses in the reporting periods. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, cash flow projections and discount rate for calculation of goodwill impairment, fair value and impairment of long-lived assets, fair value of financial instruments, depreciable lives of property and equipment, income taxes, contingencies, valuation of preferred stock and warrants. Additionally, the rates of interest on several debt agreements have been imputed where there was no stated interest rate within the original agreement. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for carrying

values of assets and liabilities and the recording of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

Risks and Uncertainties

The Company operates within an industry that is subject to rapid technological change, intense competition, and serves an industry that has significant government regulations. It is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including competitive, financial, developmental, operational, technological, required knowledge of industry governmental regulations, and other risks associated with an emerging business. Any one or combination of these or other risks could have a substantial influence on our future operations and prospects for commercial success. Please see further Risk Factors discussed in detail in our 2022 10-K.

Reclassification from Other Noncurrent Assets to Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, net

Certain prior period amounts related to Show Room Assets in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income or stockholders' equity. In the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2022, $2,982,986, the net Show Room asset ($4,418,724 Show Room and $1,435,738 of accumulated depreciation) previously reported under Other Noncurrent Assets, has been reclassified to Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, net. This reclassification is reflected in all periods presented and all comparative references in the notes to the consolidated financial statements are to the reclassified amounts (See Note 14 and Note 15).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Company management considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. There were no cash equivalents at June 30, 2023 or September 30, 2022.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash is funds that are not available for immediate use and must be used for a specific purpose. On June 30, 2023, the restricted cash balance was $13,419,872 includes approximately $419,872 for the refundable deposits for individuals and businesses who have made deposits for Mullen and Bollinger vehicles. Customer deposits are accounted for within other liabilities. Refundable deposits were $289,000 for the year ended September 30, 2022.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses consist of various advance payments made for goods or services to be received in the future. These prepaid expenses include insurance and other contracted services requiring up-front payments.

Inventory

Cost of inventories is determined using the standard cost method, which approximates actual cost on a first-in first-out basis. This method includes direct materials, direct labor, and a proportionate share of manufacturing overhead costs based on normal capacity. Regular reviews are performed to identify and account for variances between the standard costs and actual costs. Any variances identified are recognized in the cost of goods sold during the period in which they occur.

On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews its inventory for excess quantities and obsolescence. This analysis takes into account factors such as demand forecasts, product life cycles, product development plans, and current market conditions. Provisions are made to reduce the carrying value of the inventories to their net realizable value.

Once inventory is written down, a new, lower-cost basis is established, and the inventory is not subsequently written up if market conditions improve. All such inventory write-downs are included as a component of cost of goods sold in the period in which the write-down occurs. Adjustments to these estimates and assumptions could impact our financial position and results of operations.

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net

Property, equipment, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful lives of the assets. Repairs and maintenance expenditures that do not extend the useful lives of related assets are expensed as incurred.

Estimated Useful Lives

Description		Life
Buildings		30 Years
Furniture and Equipment		3 to 7 Years
Computer and Software		1 to 5 Years
Machinery and Equipment		3 to 7 Years
Leasehold Improvements		Shorter of the estimated useful life or the underlying lease term
Vehicles		5 Years
Intangibles		5 Years to indefinite

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

Income Taxes

Income taxes are recorded in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, which provides for deferred taxes using an asset and liability approach. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. 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 reverse. Valuation allowances are provided, if based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

There are transactions that occur during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination may be uncertain. At June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, there were no material changes to either the nature or the amounts of the uncertain tax positions.

The Company’s income tax provision consists of an estimate for U.S. federal and state income taxes based on enacted rates, as adjusted for allowable credits, deductions, uncertain tax positions, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in the tax law. We maintain a full valuation allowance against the value of our U.S. and state net deferred tax assets because management does not believe the recoverability of the tax assets meets the “more likely than not” likelihood at June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.

Intangible Assets, net

Intangible assets consist of acquired and developed intellectual property. In accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Others,” goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer subject to amortization but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be

impaired. Intangible assets with determinate lives are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Amortizable intangible assets generally are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to 120 months. The costs to periodically renew our intangible assets are expensed as incurred.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a potential impairment may have occurred. If such events or changes in circumstances arise, the Company compares the carrying amount of the long-lived assets to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the long-lived assets. If the estimated aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, an impairment charge, calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets, is recorded. The fair value of the long-lived assets is determined based on the estimated discounted cash flows expected to be generated from the long-lived assets.

Other Assets

Other assets are comprised primarily of prepayments and security deposits for property leases.

Extinguishment of Liabilities

The Company derecognizes financial liabilities when the Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled, or expired.

Leases

The Company follows the provisions of ASC 842, “Leases”, which requires a lessee to recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset for the lease term.

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses are expenses that have been incurred but not yet paid and are classified within current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses include all other expenses incurred by us in any given period. This includes expenses such as professional fees, salaries, rent, repairs and maintenance, utilities and office expense, employee benefits, depreciation and amortization, advertising and marketing, settlements and penalties, taxes, and licenses. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in G&A expenses- other than trade show expenses which are deferred until occurrence of the future event, we expense advertising costs as incurred in accordance with ASC 720-35, “Other Expenses – Advertising Cost.”

Research and Development Costs

Per the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 730 "Research and Development," the Company recognizes in the statement of operations all associated costs as they occur. These include expenses related to the design, development, testing, and improvement of our electric vehicles and corresponding technologies. Assets with alternative future uses are capitalized and depreciated over their useful lives, with the depreciation expense reported under research and development (R&D) costs.

Share-Based Compensation

We account for share-based awards issued by the Company in accordance with ASC Subtopic 718-10, “Compensation – Share Compensation”, which requires fair value measurement on the grant date and recognition of compensation expense for all common shares of the Company issued to employees, non-employees and directors. Main part of share-based awards to employees and a part of contracts with non-employees (consultants) is classified as equity with costs and additional paid-in capital recognized ratably over the vesting period. Another part of the Company’s share-based awards to consultants is classified as liabilities: e.g. when a number of shares consultant is entitled to depends on a certain monetary value fixed in the contract. A vested part of liability in this case is revaluated each period based on market price of the common shares of the Company, until sufficient number of shares is issued.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded at fair value, Company management considers the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as risks inherent in valuation techniques, transfer restrictions and credit risk. Fair value is estimated by applying the hierarchy as per requirements of ASC 820, “Fair value measurements”.

Concentrations of Business and Credit Risk

We maintain cash balances in several financial institutions that are insured by either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Association up to certain federal limitations, generally $250,000. At times, our cash balance may exceed these federal limitations and maintains significant cash on hand at certain of its locations. However, we have not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on these accounts. The amounts in excess of insured limits as of June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 are $226.4 million and $83.4 million, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Accounting standard updates issued but not yet applied were assessed and are not expected to have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.