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Summary of significant accounting policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Summary of significant accounting policies  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Description of Business

 

BK Technologies Corporation (collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a holding company. The primary business of its wholly owned operating subsidiary, BK Technologies, Inc., is the designing, manufacturing and marketing of wireless communications equipment primarily consisting of two-way land mobile radios and related products, which are sold in two primary markets: (1) the government and public safety market, and (2) the business and industrial market. The Company has only one reportable business segment.

 

On March 28, 2019, BK Technologies, Inc., the predecessor of BK Technologies Corporation, implemented a holding company reorganization, which resulted in BK Technologies Corporation becoming the direct parent company of, and the successor issuer to, BK Technologies, Inc. For the purpose of this report, references to the “Company” or its management or business at any period prior to the holding company reorganization (March 28, 2019) refer to those of BK Technologies, Inc. as the predecessor company and its subsidiaries and thereafter to those of BK Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries, except as otherwise specified or to the extent the context otherwise indicates.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accounts of the Company have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The Company consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) or a voting interest entity.

 

VIEs are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities independently, or (ii) the at-risk equity holders do not have the normal characteristics of a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when an enterprise has one or more variable interests that have both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The enterprise with a controlling financial interest is the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE.

 

Voting interest entities lack one or more of the characteristics of a VIE. The usual condition for a controlling financial interest is ownership of a majority voting interest for a corporation or a majority of kick-out or participating rights for a limited partnership.

 

When the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in an entity but exerts significant influence over the entity’s operating and financial policies (generally defined as owning a voting or economic interest of between 20% to 50%), the Company’s investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. If the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in, or exert significant influence over, an entity, the Company accounts for its investment at fair value, if the fair value option was elected, or at cost.

 

Through September 30, 2022, the Company was the sole limited partner in FGI 1347 Holdings, LP (“1347 LP”), a consolidated VIE. As disclosed in Note 6, the Company ceased to be the limited partner of 1347 LP as of September 30, 2022.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the average cost method) or net realizable value. Freight costs are classified as a component of the cost of products in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

The allowance for slow-moving, excess and obsolete inventory is used to state the Company’s inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Because the amount of inventory that will actually be recouped through sales cannot be known with certainty at any particular time, the Company relies on past sales experience, future sales forecasts, and its strategic business plans.  Generally, in analyzing inventory levels, inventory is classified as having been used or unused during the past year.  The Company then establishes an allowance based upon several factors, including, but not limited to, business forecasts, inventory quantities and historic usage profile.

Supplemental to the aforementioned analysis, specific inventory items are reviewed individually by management.  Based on the review, considering business levels, future prospects, new products and technology changes, management, using its business judgment, may adjust the valuation of specific inventory items to reflect an accurate valuation estimate.  Management also performs a determination of the net realizable value for all finished goods with a selling price below cost.  For all such items, the inventory is valued at not more than the selling price less cost, if any, to sell.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred.  When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations for the period.

 

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed on the straight-line method using lives of 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment and 5 to 8 years for leasehold improvements.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

Management regularly reviews long-lived assets and intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value, which considers the discounted future net cash flows.  No long-lived assets were considered impaired at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses

 

The Company records an allowance for credit losses based on specifically identified amounts that the Company believes to be uncollectible.  The Company records an allowance for credit losses for its financial instruments, which are primarily composed of trade accounts receivable.  The measurement and recognition of credit losses involves the use of judgment and represents management’s estimate of expected lifetime credit losses based on historical experience and trends, current conditions, and forecasts. The Company’s assessment of expected credit losses includes consideration of historical credit loss experience, the aging of account balances, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current and expected economic, market and industry factors affecting the Company’s customers, including their financial condition.  The Company evaluates its experience with historical losses and then applies this historical loss ratio to financial assets with similar characteristics.  The Company may also establish an allowance for credit losses for specific receivables when it is probable that the receivable will not be collected and the loss can be reasonably estimated. If the Company’s actual collections experience changes, revisions to the allowance may be required.  Amounts are written off against the allowance when all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, and reversals of previously reserved amounts are recognized if a specifically reserved item is settled for an amount exceeding the previous estimate.  Based on information available, management believes the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is adequate. 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)  Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and the additional related ASUs (“ASC 606”), which replaced previous revenue guidance and outlines a single set of comprehensive principles for recognizing revenue under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). These standards provide guidance on recognizing revenue, including a five-step method to determine when revenue recognition is appropriate:

 

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; and

 

Step 5: Recognize revenue as the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

 

ASC 606 provides that sales revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company generally satisfies performance obligations upon shipment of the product or service to the customer. This is consistent with the time in which the customer obtains control of the product or service. For extended warranties, sales revenue associated with the warranty is deferred at the time of sale and later recognized on a straight-line basis over the extended warranty period. Some contracts include installation services, which are completed in a short period of time and the revenue is recognized when the installation is complete. Customary payment terms are granted to customers, based on credit evaluations. Currently, the Company does not have any contracts where revenue is recognized, but the customer payment is contingent on a future event.

 

The Company periodically reviews its revenue recognition procedures to assure that such procedures are in accordance with GAAP. Surcharges collected on certain sales to government customers and remitted to governmental agencies are not included in revenues or in costs and expenses.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method specified by GAAP. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the period in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized. The effect of changes in net deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the change is recognized. Valuation allowances are provided to the extent that impairment of tax assets is more likely than not. In determining whether a tax asset is realizable, the Company considers, among other things, estimates of future earnings based on information currently available, current and anticipated customers, contracts and new product introductions, as well as recent operating results and certain tax planning strategies. If the Company fails to achieve the future results anticipated in the calculation and valuation of net deferred tax assets, the Company may be required to increase the valuation allowance related to its deferred tax assets in the future.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, accounts receivable from governmental customers were approximately $1,445 and $3,772, respectively.  Generally, receivables are due within 30 days.  Credit losses relating to customers have been consistently within management’s expectations.

The Company primarily maintains cash balances at one financial institution.  Accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250.  From time to time, the Company has had cash in financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits.  As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents in excess of FDIC limits of $3,200.

 

Manufacturing and Raw Materials

 

The Company relies upon a limited number of manufacturers to produce its products and on a limited number of component suppliers. Some of these manufacturers and suppliers are in other countries. Approximately 16.0% of the Company’s material, subassembly and product procurements in 2023 were sourced internationally, of which approximately 94.8% were sourced from twelve suppliers. For 2022, approximately 17.0% of the Company’s material, subassembly and product procurements were sourced internationally, of which approximately 80.6% were sourced from five suppliers. Purchase orders denominated in U.S. dollars are placed with these suppliers from time to time and there are no guaranteed supply arrangements or commitments.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include accounts receivable allowances, inventory obsolescence allowance, warranty allowance, and income tax accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, investments, accounts payable, accrued expenses, notes payable, and other liabilities. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, notes payable, and other liabilities approximated their respective fair value due to the short-term nature and maturity of these instruments.

 

Prior to September 14, 2022, the Company held an investment in the common stock of FG Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FGF) (“FGF”), which investment was held by the Company through 1347 LP.  The Company used observable market data assumptions (Level 1 inputs, as defined in accounting guidance) that it believes market participants would use in pricing its investment in FGF. 

 

Effective September 14, 2022, the Company made an investment in Series B common membership interests of FG Financial Holdings, LLC (“FG Holdings LLC”). As further discussed in Note 6, the Company records the investment according to guidance provided by ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurement”, as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in, nor exerts significant influence over the activities of FG Holdings LLC. The investment in Series B common membership interests of FG Holdings LLC is reported using net asset value (“NAV”) of interests held by the Company at period-end.  The NAV is calculated using the observable fair value of the underlying stock of FGF held by FG Holdings LLC, plus uninvested cash, less liabilities, further adjusted through allocations based on distribution preferences, as defined in operating agreement of FG Holdings LLC.  The NAV is used as a practical expedient and has not been classified within the fair value hierarchy.

Liquidity

 

The Company incurred operating losses during 2023 and 2022 and reported negative cash flows from operations during 2022.  The Company’s operating results have been negatively impacted by the worldwide shortages of materials, in particular semiconductors and integrated circuits, extended lead times, and increased costs and inventory levels for certain components. 

 

On November 22, 2022, the Company’s subsidiaries, BK Technologies, Inc. and RELM Communications, Inc. (the “Subsidiaries”), entered into an Invoice Purchase and Security Agreement (“IPSA”) with Alterna Capital Solutions, LLC (“Alterna”), for a one-year Line of Credit with total maximum funding up to $15 million. The Company used funds obtained from the Line of Credit to replace the existing JPMC Credit Agreement which expired on January 31, 2023 (see Note 5).  On November 22, 2023, the IPSA was renewed for one more year.

 

Management believes that cash and cash equivalents currently available, combined with anticipated cash to be generated from operations, and borrowing ability are sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital requirements in the foreseeable future. The Company generally relies on cash from operations, commercial debt, and equity offerings, to the extent available, to satisfy its liquidity needs and to meet its payment obligations The Company may engage in public or private offerings of equity or debt securities to maintain or increase its liquidity and capital resources. However, financial and economic conditions, including those resulting from the current inflationary environment and current geopolitical tension, could impact our ability to raise capital or debt financing, if needed, on acceptable terms or at all.

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

On March 23, 2023, the Board of Directors approved a one (1)-for-five (5) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, and on April 4, 2023, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada a Certificate of Change to its Articles of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split.

 

The Company executed the Reverse Stock Split, which became effective at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 21, 2023. Shares of Common Stock underlying outstanding stock options and restricted stock units were proportionately reduced, and the respective exercise prices were proportionately increased in accordance with the terms of the agreements governing such securities. Accordingly, all shares and per share amounts for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted, where applicable, to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.

 

Advertising and Promotion Costs

 

The cost for advertising and promotion is expensed as incurred. Advertising and promotion expenses are classified as part of selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, such expenses totaled $478 and $145, respectively.

 

Engineering, Research and Development Costs

 

Included in SG&A expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are engineering, research and development costs of $9,334 and $9,604, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for share-based arrangements in accordance with GAAP, which requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award requisite service period (usually the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

The Company recorded non-cash restricted stock unit compensation expense of $1,143 and $404 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Earnings (loss) per share amounts are computed and presented for all periods in accordance with ASC 260 “Earnings per Share”. 

 

Comprehensive Income (loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) was equal to net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Product Warranty

 

The Company offers two-year and five-year standard warranties to its customers, depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. The Company’s typical warranties require it to repair and replace defective products during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. At the time the product revenue is recognized, the Company records a liability for estimated costs under its warranties. The costs are estimated based on historical experience. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded liability for product warranties and adjusts the amount as necessary.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The Company does not discuss recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an impact on or are unrelated to its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 introduced an expected credit loss methodology for the measurement and recognition of credit losses on most financial assets, including financial assets arising from revenue transactions, such as accounts receivable. The new expected credit loss methodology, which is based on a combination of historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, replaced the incurred loss model for measuring and recognizing expected credit losses. This ASU is effective for the Company for 2023, and management incorporated this guidance into its methodology for estimating its accounts receivable allowances. Based on historical trends, the financial condition of the Company’s customers and management’s expectations of economic and industry factors affecting the Company’s customers, the adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.