Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dynasil Corporation of America and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Optometrics Corporation (“Optometrics”), Evaporated Metal Films Corporation (“EMF”), Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. (“RMD”), Hilger Crystals, Ltd (“Hilger”) and Dynasil Biomedical Corp (“Dynasil Biomedical”). Xcede Technologies, Inc. (“Xcede”) is a joint venture between Dynasil Biomedical and Mayo Clinic to spin out and separately fund the development of a tissue sealant technology. As of September 30, 2019, Dynasil Biomedical owned 63% of Xcede’s stock and, as a result, Xcede is included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, results of operations and cash flows. The 63% ownership includes preferred stock with a liquidation preference, and as a result, for reporting purposes only, common stock ownership is used in the allocation of noncontrolling interest. Dynasil’s common stock ownership is 83% and the remaining 17% of Xcede’s common stock is owned by others and accounted for under the rules applicable to non-controlling interest. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Revenue Recognition

Effective October 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and all the related amendments using the modified retrospective transition method. Under the modified retrospective approach, the Company applied the standards to new contracts and those that were not completed as of October 1, 2018 which resulted in a cumulative adjustment to increase the retained earnings in the amount of $22,000. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted, but the Company maintained dual reporting for the year of initial application in order to maintain comparability of the periods presented. The cumulative effect of the changes made to the October 1, 2018 unaudited consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of Topic 606 was as follows:


	Balance at	Adjustment for	Adjusted balance at
	September 30, 2018	Topic 606	October 1, 2018
Assets:
Unbilled receivables	1,214,000	40,000	1,254,000
Inventories, net of reserves	4,106,000	(18,000)	4,088,000

Liabilities:

Contract liabilities	253,000	—	253,000

Stockholders' equity:
Retained earnings	841,000	22,000	863,000

Contract assets were formerly reported within costs in excess of billings and unbilled receivables. Contract liabilities were formerly reported as deferred revenue. The titles have been changed in the table below, as well as in the accompanying September 30, 2019 balance sheet, to be consistent with accounts currently used under the new standard.


	September 30, 2018
	As Reported	As Adopted
Unbilled receivables	1,215,000	1,214,000
Contract assets	—	1,000
Security and other deposits	65,000	58,000
Long term contract assets	—	7,000
Deferred revenue	253,000	—
Contract liabilities	—	253,000

The Company receives payments from customers based on a billing schedule as established in our contracts. Contract asset relates to our conditional right to consideration for our completed performance under the contract. Accounts receivable are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional. Contract liability relates to payments received in advance of performance under the contract. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue as (or when) we perform under the contract. The Company recognized revenue in the amount of $253,000 during the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 for amounts included in the contract liability balance at September 30, 2018.

Under the new standard, most contracts in the Innovation and Development (formerly Contract Research) segment, which primarily provide contract research services, were not materially impacted upon the adoption of Topic 606 as revenue will continue to be recognized over time. Contracts in the Optics segment generally provide for the following revenue sources: standard product sales, custom product development and sales, and non-recurring engineering contracts. Revenues for this segment are recognized using either the “point in time” or “over time” methods of Topic 606, depending upon the revenue source. The change in revenue recognition for the Optics segment related to certain custom optics products and the related non-recurring engineering costs which changed from “point in time” to “over time” upon the adoption of Topic 606. This change will result in the recognition of revenue over time when compared to existing standards with the cumulative adjustment relating to contracts that are not complete as of September 30, 2018 recognized as an adjustment of $22,000 to opening retained earnings on October 1, 2018. The revenue for the standard products will be recognized using the "point in time" model of Topic 606, and the timing of such revenue recognition is not expected to differ materially from the historical revenue recognition. Other immaterial adjustments related to the Optics segment that are sometimes offered to customers include customer rights of return and volume discounts. The Company has elected the practical expedient that the Company will not be required to adjust promised amounts of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the transfer of promised goods or services will occur in one year or less.

The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 was a cumulative adjustment to increase the retained earnings in the amount of $22,000.

Innovation and Development Segment Revenues

The Company performs research and development for U.S. Federal government agencies, educational institutions and commercial organizations. The Company accounts for a research contract when a contract has been executed, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability of the contract price is considered probable. Revenue is earned under reimbursement of costs plus fees, fixed price, or time and material type contracts.

The Company’s contracts with agencies of the U.S. government are subject to periodic funding by the respective contracting agency. Funding for a contract may be provided in full at inception of the contract or ratably throughout the contract as the services are provided. In evaluating the probability of funding for purposes of assessing collectability of the contract price, the Company considers previous experience with the customers, communication with the customers regarding funding status, and knowledge of available funding for the contract or program. If funding is not assessed as probable, revenue recognition is deferred until realization is reasonably assured.

Under the typical payment terms of the Company’s U.S. government contracts, the customer pays either performance-based payments or progress payments. Performance-based payments, which are typically used in the firm fixed price contracts, are interim payments based on quantifiable measures of performance or on the achievement of specified events or milestones. Progress payments, which are typically used in the Company’s cost-plus type contracts, are interim payments based on costs incurred as the work progresses. For the Company’s U.S. government cost-plus contracts, the customer generally pays during the performance period for 80%-90% of the actual costs incurred. Because the customer retains a small portion of the contract price until completion of the contract and audit of allowable costs, cost-plus type contracts generally result in revenue recognized in excess of billings which the Company presents as contract assets on the balance sheet. Amounts billed and due from customers are classified as receivables on the balance sheet, whereas amounts earned, but not yet billed to the Company’s customers due to timing, are classified as unbilled receivables on the balance sheet. The Company recognizes a liability for performance-based payments paid in advance which are in excess of the revenue recognized and presents these amounts as contract liabilities on the balance sheet.

To determine the proper revenue recognition method for research and development contracts, the Company evaluates whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single modified contract and whether the combined or single contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. For instances where a contract has options that were bid with the initial contract and awarded at a later date, the Company combines the options with the original contract when options are awarded. For most contracts, the customer contracts for research with multiple milestones that are interdependent, thus, the entire contract is accounted for as one performance obligation. The effect of the combined or modified contract on the transaction price and measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates, is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) on a cumulative catch-up basis.

Contract revenue recognition is measured over time as the Company performs the work because of continuous transfer of knowledge and control to the customer. For U.S. government contracts which are typically subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation ("FAR"), this continuous transfer of knowledge and control to the customer is supported by clauses in the contract that allow the customer to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay for cost incurred plus a reasonable profit, and take control of any work in process. From time to time, as part of normal management processes, facts may change, causing revisions to estimated total costs or revenues expected. The cumulative impact of any revisions to estimates and the full impact of anticipated losses on any type of contract are recognized in the period in which they become known.

Because of knowledge and control transferring over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the services to be provided. The Company generally uses the input method, more specifically the cost-to-cost measure of progress for the contracts because it best depicts the transfer of knowledge and control to the customer which occurs as the Company incur costs on these contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. The underlying bases for estimating contract research revenues are measurable expenses, such as labor, subcontractor costs and materials, and data that are updated on a regular basis for purposes of preparing cost estimates. The Company’s research contracts generally have a period of performance of nine months to three years, and estimates of contract costs have historically been consistent with actual results. Revisions in these estimates between accounting periods to reflect changing facts and circumstances have not had a material impact on operating results, and the Company does not expect future changes in these estimates to be material. The cumulative impact of any revisions to estimates and the full impact of anticipated losses on any type of contract are recognized in the period in which they become known.

Under cost-plus contracts, the Company is reimbursed for costs that are determined to be reasonable, allowable and allocable to the contract and paid a fixed fee representing the profit negotiated between the Company and the contracting agency. Revenue from cost-plus contracts is recognized as costs are incurred plus an estimate of applicable fees earned. The Company considers fixed fees under cost-plus contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs incurred in performance of the contract.

Revenue from time and materials contracts is recognized based on direct labor hours expended at contract billing rates plus other billable direct costs. The Company has elected the practical expedient to recognize revenue in the amount for which it has the right to invoice the customer, provided that invoiced amount corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company’s performance to date.

Fixed price contracts may include either a product delivery or specific service performance throughout a period. For fixed price contracts that are based on the proportional performance method and involve a specified number of deliverables, the Company recognizes revenue based on the proportion of the cost of the deliverables compared to the cost of all deliverables included in the contract as this method more accurately measures performance under these arrangements. For fixed price contracts that provide for the development and delivery of a specific prototype or product, revenue is recognized based upon the performance completed to date, using an output method of revenue recognition based on milestones reached.

Whether certain costs under government contracts are allowable is subject to audit by the government. Certain indirect costs are charged to contracts using provisional or estimated indirect rates, which are subject to later revision based on government audits of those costs. Management is of the opinion that costs subsequently disallowed, if any, would not likely have a significant impact on revenues recognized for those contracts.

Optics Segment Revenues

The Company produces standard and customized products for commercial organizations, educational institutions, and U.S. Federal government agencies. In addition, the Company also offers services which include non-recurring engineering services. To determine the proper revenue recognition method for Optics contracts, the Company evaluates whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined or single contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. The Company recognizes revenue when the performance obligation has been satisfied by transferring the control of the product or service to the customer. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. In such circumstances, the Company uses the observable price of goods or services which are sold separately in similar circumstances to similar customers. If these prices are not observable, then the Company will estimate the stand-alone selling price using information that is reasonably available. For the majority of the Company’s standard products and services, price list, and discount structures related to customer type are available. For products and services that do not have price list and discount structures, the Company may use one or more of the following: (i) adjusted market assessment approach or (ii) expected cost plus a margin approach. The adjusted market approach requires evaluation of the market in which the Company sells goods or services and estimates the price that a customer in that market would be willing to pay for those goods or services. The expected cost plus margin approach requires the Company to forecast expected costs of satisfying the performance obligation and then add a reasonable margin for that good or service. Shipping and handling activities primarily occur after a customer obtains control and are considered fulfillment cost rather than separate performance obligations. Similarly, sales and similar taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by the entity from a customer are excluded from the measurement of the transaction price.

Unfulfilled Performance Obligations

For standard products, the Company recognizes revenue at a point in time when control passes to the customer. Absent substantial product acceptance clauses, this is based on the shipping terms.

For custom products that require engineering and development based on customer requirements and provide for cost plus reasonable margin throughout the contract, the Company recognizes revenue over time using the output method for any items shipped and any finished goods or work in process that is produced for balances of open sales orders. For any finished goods or work in process that has been produced for the balance of open sales orders the Company recognizes revenue by applying the average selling price for such open order to the lesser of the on hand balance in finished goods or open sales order quantity which the Company presents as a contract asset on the balance sheet. Cost of sales is recognized based on the standard cost of the finished goods and work in process associated with this revenue and inventory balances are reduced accordingly.

Unfulfilled performance obligations represent amounts expected to be earned on executed contracts. Indefinite delivery and quantity contracts and unexercised options are not reported in total unfulfilled performance obligations. Unfulfilled performance obligations include funded obligations, which is the amount for which money has been directly authorized by the U.S. government and by a commercial customer for which a purchase order has been received, and unfunded obligations, representing firm orders for which funding has not yet been appropriated. The approximate value of our Innovation and Development segment unfulfilled performance obligations was $37.5 million at September 30, 2019. The Company expects to satisfy 39% of the performance obligations in fiscal year 2020, 35% in fiscal year 2021, and the remaining amount by fiscal year 2022. The approximate value of our Optics segment unfulfilled performance obligations was $7.2 million at September 30, 2019. The Company expects to satisfy 82% of the performance obligations in fiscal year 2020 and 18% in fiscal year 2021.

The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by geographic locations, customer-type, contract type, timing of recognition, and major categories for each segments, as the Company believes it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. See details of revenue for fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 in the tables below.


			Innovation &
	Optics		Development		Total
Total Revenue by Geographic Location
United States	$	14,916,000	$	19,505,000	$	34,421,000
Asia		3,172,000		34,000		3,206,000
Europe		4,916,000		251,000		5,167,000
Other		246,000		661,000		907,000
Total	$	23,250,000	$	20,451,000	$	43,701,000


Total Revenue by Contract Type
Firm-fixed price	$	23,250,000	$	2,266,000	$	25,516,000
Non-Firm Fixed price		—		18,185,000		18,185,000
Total	$	23,250,000	$	20,451,000	$	43,701,000


Total Revenue by Major Customer Type
U.S. government revenue	$	114,000	$	18,937,000	$	19,051,000
U.S. commercial revenue		14,873,000		568,000		15,441,000
Foreign commercial and other revenue		8,263,000		946,000		9,209,000
Total	$	23,250,000	$	20,451,000	$	43,701,000


Total Revenue by Major Products/Services
Optical components	$	23,057,000	$	—	$	23,057,000
Contract research		—		19,785,000		19,785,000
Other products and services		193,000		666,000		859,000
Total	$	23,250,000	$	20,451,000	$	43,701,000


Total Revenue by Timing of Recognition
Goods/services transferred over time	$	2,326,000	$	19,840,000	$	22,166,000
Goods transferred at a point in time		20,924,000		611,000		21,535,000
Total	$	23,250,000	$	20,451,000	$	43,701,000

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current credit worthiness, as determined by a review of their current credit information. The Company continuously monitors collections and payments from its customers and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that have been identified. While such credit losses have historically been minimal, within expectations and the provisions established, the Company cannot guarantee that it will continue to experience the same credit loss rates as in the past. A significant change in the liquidity or financial position of any significant customers could have a material adverse effect on the collectability of accounts receivable and future operating results. When all collection efforts have failed and it is deemed probable that a customer account is uncollectible, that balance is written off against the existing allowance.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in the cost of sales. The amounts billed for shipping and included in net revenue were approximately $31,000 and $40,000 for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Research and Development

The Company expenses research and development costs as incurred. Research and development costs include salaries, employee benefit costs, direct project costs, supplies and other related costs. Substantially all the Innovation and Development segment’s cost of revenue relates to research contracts performed by RMD which are in turn billed to the contracting party. Amounts of research and development included within cost of revenue for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $12.4 million and $9.9 million, respectively. Research and development for the Company’s other businesses totaled $0.6 million and $0.8 million in fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Unbilled Receivables

Unbilled receivables relate to research and development contracts and consists of actual costs incurred plus fees in excess of billings at contractual rates.

Patent Costs

Costs incurred in filing, prosecuting and maintaining patents (principally legal fees) are expensed as incurred and recorded within general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Such costs aggregated approximately $0.3 and $0.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Xcede capitalizes its patents which totaled $0 and $0.1 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. In fiscal year 2018, Xcede recorded an impairment of $0.2 million.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method and includes material, labor and overhead. Inventories consist primarily of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods.

A significant decrease in demand for the Company’s products could result in a short-term increase in the cost of inventory and an increase of excess inventory quantities on hand. In addition, as technologies change or new products are developed, product obsolescence could result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on hand. The Company records, as a charge to cost of revenue, any amounts required to reduce the carrying value to net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost or at fair market value for assets acquired in a business combination. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. The estimated useful lives of assets for financial reporting purposes are as follows: building and improvements, 8 to 25 years; machinery and equipment, 5 to 20 years; office furniture and fixtures, 5 to 10 years; transportation equipment, 5 years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred; major renewals and betterments are capitalized. When items of property, plant and equipment are sold or retired, the related costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in income.

Goodwill

The Company annually assesses goodwill impairment at the end of the fourth quarter of the fiscal year by applying a fair value test. In the first step of testing for goodwill impairment, the Company estimates the fair value of each reporting unit. The reporting units with goodwill have been determined to be RMD, which is the Innovation and Development reportable segment, and Hilger, which is a component of the Optics reportable segment. The Company compares the fair value with the carrying value of the net assets assigned to each reporting unit. If the fair value is less than its carrying value, then the Company performs a second step and determines the fair value of the goodwill. In this second step, the fair value of goodwill is determined by deducting the fair value of a reporting unit’s identifiable assets and liabilities from the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole, as if that reporting unit had just been acquired and the purchase price were being initially allocated. If the fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying value for a reporting unit, an impairment charge is recorded to earnings.

To determine the fair value of each of the reporting units as a whole, the Company uses a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires significant assumptions and estimates about the future operations of each reporting unit. Significant judgments inherent in this analysis include the determination of appropriate discount rates, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows and growth rates. The cash flows employed in the discounted cash flow analyses are based on financial forecasts developed internally by management. The discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the Company’s risk adjusted discount rate applicable for each reporting unit. In assessing the reasonableness of the determined fair values of the reporting units, the Company evaluates its results against its current market capitalization.

In addition, the Company evaluates a reporting unit for impairment if events or circumstances change between annual tests indicating a possible impairment. Examples of such events or circumstances include the following:

a significant adverse change in legal status or in the business climate,

an adverse action or assessment by a regulator,

a more likely than not expectation that a segment or a significant portion thereof will be sold, or

the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within the segment.

Intangible Assets

The Company’s intangible assets consist of acquired customer relationships, trade names, acquired backlog, know-how and provisionally patented technologies. The Company amortizes its intangible assets with definitive lives over their useful lives, which range from 5 to 20 years, based on the time period the Company expects to receive the economic benefit from these assets.

The Company has a trade name related to its subsidiary located in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) that has been determined to have an indefinite life and is therefore not subject to amortization and is reviewed at least annually for potential impairment. The fair value of the Company’s trade name is estimated and compared to its carrying value to determine if impairment exists. The Company estimates the fair value of this intangible asset based on an income approach using the relief-from-royalty method. This methodology assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of this asset. This approach is dependent on a number of factors, including estimates of future sales, royalty rates in the category of intellectual property, discount rates and other variables. Significant differences between these estimates and actual results could materially affect the Company’s future financial results.

Recovery of Long-Lived Assets

The Company continually assesses whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that may warrant revision of the estimated useful lives of its long-lived assets (other than goodwill and any indefinite lived assets) or whether the remaining balances of those assets should be evaluated for possible impairment. Long-lived assets include, for example, customer relationships, trade names, backlog, know-how and provisionally patented technologies. Events or changes in circumstances that may indicate that an asset may be impaired include the following:

a significant decrease in the market price of an asset or asset group,

a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset or asset group is being used or in its physical condition,

a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of an asset or asset group, including an adverse action or assessment by a regulator,

an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of a long-lived asset,

a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group,

a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life, or

an impairment of goodwill at a reporting unit.

If an impairment indicator occurs, the Company performs a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows, including proceeds from the disposition of the asset. The Company groups its long-lived assets for this purpose at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets or asset groups. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, the Company measures any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value.

To determine fair value the Company uses discounted cash flow analyses and estimates about the future cash flows of the asset or asset group. This analysis includes a determination of an appropriate discount rate, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows and growth rates. The cash flows employed in the discounted cash flow analyses are typically based on financial forecasts developed internally by management. The discount rate used is commensurate with the risks involved. The Company may also rely on third party valuations and or information available regarding the market value for similar assets.

If the fair value of an asset or asset group is determined to be less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, impairment in the amount of the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment occurs. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized.

Advertising

The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $143,000 and $145,000, respectively.

Retirement Plans

The Company has retirement savings plans available to substantially all full time employees which are intended to qualify as deferred compensation plans under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and similar laws in the United Kingdom. Pursuant to these plans, employees contribute amounts as required or allowed by the plans or by law. The Company also makes matching contributions in accordance with the terms of the plans.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability approach to account for deferred income taxes. Under this approach, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. The amount of deferred taxes on these temporary differences is determined using the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, as applicable, based on tax rates, and tax laws, in the respective tax jurisdiction then in effect.

Dynasil Corporation of America and its wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and various state returns. The Company’s U.K. subsidiary files tax returns in the U.K. Prior to November 18, 2016, the Company’s subsidiary, Xcede was included in the federal and state tax returns filed by Dynasil. On November 18, 2016, Dynasil’s ownership in Xcede was reduced to less than 80%. As a result, Xcede is no longer included in Dynasil’s federal consolidated tax return and files a separate federal return. Xcede continues to be included in the Dynasil consolidated state tax filings pursuant to the respective state tax requirements.

The Company applies the authoritative provisions related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. As required by these provisions, the Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being reached upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“2017 Tax Act”) that was signed into law on December 22, 2017, the Company estimated and accounted for the tax implications of the 2017 Tax Act and the resultant changes are reflected in the current financial statements. The Company re-measured certain U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21%, and recorded an income tax expense of $0.7 million related to such re-measurement in 2018. The 2017 Tax Act provided for a one-time transition tax is based on the total unremitted earnings of a company’s foreign subsidiaries which has previously been deferred from U.S. income taxes. The Company recorded an estimated provision for its one-time transition liability of its foreign subsidiary resulting in additional income tax expense of $0.2 million in 2018 and an income tax benefit of $0.07 million in 2019. As of September 30, 2018, the Company has completed its accounting for the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act. See Note 9 – Income Taxes.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income or loss attributable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per common share adjusts basic earnings per share for the effects of common stock options, common stock warrants, convertible preferred stock and other potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the periods.

For purposes of computing diluted earnings per share for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, no common stock options were included in the calculation of dilutive shares as all of the 95,602 and 160,537 common stock options outstanding, respectively, had exercise prices above the current quarterly average market price per share and their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

The computations of the weighted shares outstanding for the years ended September 30 are as follows:


	2019	2018
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	17,053,085	17,161,825
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock Options	—	—
Restricted Stock	—	9,698
Dilutive Average Shares Outstanding	17,053,085	17,171,523

Stock Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation cost is measured using the fair value recognition provisions of the FASB authoritative guidance, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, based on estimated fair values. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the requisite service period of the award.

Foreign Currency Translation

The operations of Hilger, the Company’s foreign subsidiary, use their local currency as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations, denominated in their local currency, Great Britain Pounds (GBP), are translated at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rates during the period. Adjustments resulting from translating foreign functional currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses generated by transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in the accompanying statement of operations in the period in which they occur.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Other comprehensive income (loss) represents cumulative translation adjustments related to Hilger, the Company’s foreign subsidiary. The Company presents comprehensive income and losses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Financial Instruments

The carrying amount reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying amounts for fixed rate long-term debt and variable rate long-term debt approximate fair value because the underlying instruments are primarily at current market rates available to the Company for similar borrowings.

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable. In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit to certain customers. Management performs initial and ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses and has not experienced any significant losses related to the collection of its accounts receivable. As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, approximately $1,145,000 and $1,724,000 or 26% and 40% of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from foreign sales.

The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents at various financial institutions in New Jersey, Massachusetts and New York. Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. Hilger also maintains cash and cash equivalents at a financial institution in the U.K. Accounts at this institution are insured by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the U.K.’s deposit guarantee scheme, up to £75,000. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s uninsured bank balances totaled approximately $0.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The Company has not experienced any significant losses on its cash and cash equivalents.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Service Concession Arrangements (Topic 853): Determining the Customer of the Operation Services. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-10 which provides guidance for operating entities when they enter into a service concession arrangement with a public-sector grantor. This update was effective for the Company in the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018, at the time the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The Company implemented this ASU on October 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16 which eliminates the exception, other than for inventory transfers, under current U.S. GAAP under which the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers (intercompany sales) are deferred until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through use. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-16, the Company will recognize the tax expense from the sale of that asset in the seller’s tax jurisdiction when the transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of that transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Any deferred tax asset that arises in the buyer’s jurisdiction would also be recognized at the time of the transfer. Modified retrospective adoption is required with any cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The cumulative-effect adjustment, if any, would consist of the net impact from (1) the write-off of any unamortized tax expense previously deferred and (2) recognition of any previously unrecognized deferred tax assets, net of any necessary valuation allowances. The impact of the adoption of this standard on future periods will be dependent on future asset transfers, which generally occur in connection with acquisitions and other business structuring activities. The Company implemented this ASU on October 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01 which clarifies the definition of a business for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company implemented this guidance in the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09 which was issued to clarify and reduce both (i) diversity in practice and (ii) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” to changes in the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award. This update is effective for the Company in the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Leases (Topic 842). In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (as subsequently amended by ASU 2018-01, ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11 and ASU 2018-20) which requires that a lessee recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. As with previous guidance, there continues to be a differentiation between finance leases and operating leases, however this distinction now primarily relates to differences in the manner of expense recognition over time and in the classification of lease payments in the statement of cash flows. Lease assets and liabilities arising from both finance and operating leases will be recognized in the statement of financial position. ASU 2016-02 leaves the accounting for leases by lessors largely unchanged from previous GAAP. The transitional guidance for adopting the requirements of ASU 2016-02 calls for a modified retrospective approach that includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. In addition, ASU 2018-11 provides for an additional (and optional) transition method by which entities may elect to initially apply the transition requirements in Topic 842 at that Topic’s effective date with the effects of initially applying Topic 842 recognized as a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption and without retrospective application to any comparative prior periods presented. Also, ASU 2018-20 provides certain narrow-scope improvements to Topic 842 as it relates to lessors. The guidance in ASU 2016-02 will become effective for the Company as of the beginning of the 2020 fiscal year. The Company is reviewing vendor relationships and assessing the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements with the intention to adopt this ASU in fiscal year 2020.

Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the Goodwill impairment test. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2021. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Reclassifications

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not affect previously reported net income or stockholders’ equity.