1. Organization and summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization

a) Organization

Lattice Incorporated (the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware May 1973 and commenced operations in July 1977. The Company began as a provider of specialized solutions to the telecom industry. Throughout its history, Lattice has adapted to the changes in this industry by reinventing itself to be more responsive and open to the dynamic pace of change experienced in the broader converged communications industry of today. Currently, Lattice provides advanced solutions for several vertical markets. The greatest change in operations is in the shift from being a component manufacturer to a solution provider focused on developing applications through software on its core platform technology. To further its strategy of becoming a solutions provider, the Company acquired a majority interest in “SMEI” in February 2005. In September 2006, the Company purchased all of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock of Lattice Government Services, Inc., (“LGS”) (formerly Ricciardi Technologies Inc. (“RTI”)). LGS was founded in 1992 and provides software consulting and development services for the command and control of biological sensors and other Department of Defense requirements to United States federal governmental agencies either directly or through prime contractors of such governmental agencies. LGS’s proprietary products include SensorView, which provides clients with the capability to command, control and monitor multiple distributed chemical, biological, nuclear, explosive and hazardous material sensors. In December 2009, we changed RTI’s name to Lattice Government Services Inc. In January 2007, we changed our name from Science Dynamics Corporation to Lattice Incorporated. On May 16, 2011, we acquired 100% of the shares of Cummings Creek Capital, a holding company which owned 100% of the shares of CLR Group Limited. (“CLR”), a government contractor. Together, the SMEI, RTI and CLR acquisitions formed our federal government services business unit, Lattice Government Services (“LGS”). Through 2012 we operated in two segments, our federal government services unit and our telecommunication services business.

As part of the Company’s strategy to focus on its higher growth potential communications business, the Company decided during the first quarter of 2013 to exit the Government services segment, which derived its revenues mainly from contracts with federal government Department of Defense agencies either as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor to another prime contractor. On April 2, 2013, we entered an Asset Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with Blackwatch International, Inc. (“Blackwatch”), a Virginia corporation, pursuant to which we sold the assets of LGS for approximately $1.2 million. These assets essentially comprised our federal government services segment operations. The Company retained certain assets and liabilities of LGS. The residual assets included approximately $1.2 million in incurred cost claims relative to cost recoverable type contract vehicles.

On November 1, 2013, the Company purchased certain assets of Innovisit, LLC. The acquired assets mainly included: awarded contracts, customer lists, and its intellectual property rights to video visitation software assets. Under the agreement, the workforce and operating infrastructure supporting Innovisit’s business operations have been transferred to Lattice, including but not limited to certain employees, and leases. This acquisition complemented the product offering of our telecom services business.

In 2013, the Company established a wholly owned subsidiary, Lattice Communications Inc., to enable us to operate in Canada. During 2014, we started operating a call center and collecting fee income for processing prepaid deposits for a large Canadian telecom provider which operates Lattice technology systems to provide call provisioning services to correctional facilities located in Canada.

Basis of Presentation going concern

b) Basis of Presentation Going Concern

At September 30, 2015, our working capital deficiency was approximately $3,997,000 compared to a working capital deficiency of approximately $3,099,000 at December 31, 2014. Cash from operations and available capacity on current credit facilities are insufficient to cover liabilities currently due and the liabilities which will mature over the next twelve months. Additionally, we are extended on payables with trade creditors. We have several payment arrangements in place but face continuing pressures with trade creditors regarding overdue payables. These conditions raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is highly dependent upon our ability to improve our operating cash flow, maintain our credit lines and secure additional capital. Management is currently engaged in raising capital with a goal of raising approximately $4,000,000, the proceeds of which will be used to improve working capital and strengthen our balance sheet. During May 2015, we secured a portion of the financing sought totaling $908,000 with net cash proceeds to the Company of $454,000 (see our 8K filing on May 20, 2015 for details). Securing the additional capital needed to support our liquidity needs may also reduce doubts about our ability to operate as a going concern. There is no assurance, however, that we will succeed in raising the additional financing needed to provide for all of our liquidity needs. In the event we fail to obtain the additional capital needed and/or restructure our existing debts with current creditors, we may be required to curtail our operations significantly.

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial position and operating results. The condensed balance sheet at December 31, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

c) Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, such condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for the fair representation of the consolidated financial position and the consolidated results of operations. The consolidated results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year end December 31, 2014 appearing in Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2015.

Principles of consolidation

d) Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates

e) Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates form the basis for judgments made about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Estimates and judgments are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. However, future events are subject to change and the best estimates and judgments routinely require adjustment. US GAAP requires estimates and judgments in several areas, including those related to impairment of goodwill and equity investments, revenue recognition, recoverability of inventory and receivables, the useful lives, long-lived assets such as property and equipment, the future realization of deferred income tax benefits and the recording of various accruals. The ultimate outcome and actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.

Fair value disclosures

f) Fair Value Disclosures

Management believes that the carrying values of financial instruments, including, cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value as a result of the short-term maturities of these instruments. As discussed in Note 1(m), derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value.

The carrying values of the Company’s long-term debts approximates their fair values based upon a comparison of the interest rates and terms of such debt to the rates and terms of debt currently available to the Company.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

g) Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company maintains its cash balances with various financial institutions. Balance at various times during the year may exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits.

Inventories

h) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis.

Revenue Recognition

i) Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when all significant contractual obligations have been satisfied and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Revenue from product sales is recognized when the goods are shipped and title passes to the customer.

Direct Call Provisioning Services:

Revenues related to collect and prepaid calling services generated by communication services are recognized during the period in which the calls are made. In addition, during the same period, the Company records the related telecommunication costs for validating, transmitting, billing and collection, and line and long distance charges, along with commissions payable to the facilities and allowances for uncollectible calls, based on historical experience.

Wholesaled Technology:

We sell telephony systems with embedded proprietary software to other service providers. We recognize revenue when the equipment is shipped to the customer.

Breakage:

In compliance with regulatory tariffs, we recognize as income prepaid deposits which have aged beyond six to nine months and the customer has not requested a refund of the unused deposit.

Prepaid Cards:

We also sell prepaid phone cards to end user facilities on a wholesale basis. We recognize revenue on prepaid phone cards when they are either shipped or emailed to customer end user facilities.

Software Maintenance:

We offer software maintenance and support contracts to customers who purchase our technology systems. These are unbundled and invoiced separately and revenue is recognized ratably over the life of the contract.

Revenue Recognition for Construction Projects:

Revenues from construction contracts are included in contract revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and are recognized under the percentage-of-completion accounting method. The percent complete is measured by the cost incurred to date compared to the estimated total cost of each project. This method is used as management considers expended cost to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts, the majority of which are completed within one year, but may occasionally extend beyond one year. Inherent uncertainties in estimating costs make it at least reasonably possible that the estimates used will change within the near term and over the life of the contracts.

Contract costs include all direct material and labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance and completion. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. General and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred.

Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to costs and income. Such revisions are recognized in the period in which they are determined. An amount equal to contract costs incurred that are attributable to claims is included in revenue when realization is probable and the amount can be reliably estimated.

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings are comprised principally of revenue recognized on contracts (on the percentage-of-completion method) for which billings had not been presented to customers because the amount were not billable under the contract terms at the balance sheet date. Amounts are billed based on contractual terms. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represent billings in excess of revenues recognized.

Software and Software License Sales

The Company recognizes revenue when a fixed fee order has been received and delivery has occurred to the customer. The Company assesses whether the fee is fixed or determinable and free of contingencies based upon signed agreements received from the customer confirming terms of the transaction. Software and licenses are delivered electronically to the customer. Revenue attributable to software licenses sold with extended payment terms in excess of twelve months are recognized ratably over the payment term.

Share-based payments

j) Share-Based Payments

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 718-10, Accounting for Share-based payment, to account for compensation costs under its stock option plans and other share-based arrangements. ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on their fair values.

For purposes of estimating fair value of stock options, we use the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation technique. At September 30, 2015, there was $291,873 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation awards granted under the equity compensation plans which do not include the effect of future grants of equity compensation, if any. This amount will be amortized over the remaining vesting periods of the grants.

Depreciation, amortization and long-lived assets

k) Depreciation, Amortization and Long-Lived Assets:

Long-lived assets include:

· Property, plant and equipment - These assets are recorded at original cost. The Company depreciates the cost evenly over the assets’ estimated useful lives. For tax purposes, accelerated depreciation methods are used as allowed by tax laws.

· Identifiable intangible assets - The Company amortizes the cost of other intangibles over their useful lives unless such lives are deemed indefinite. Amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized; however, they are tested annually for impairment and written down to fair value as required.

At least annually, The Company reviews all long-lived assets for impairment. When necessary, charges are recorded for impairments of long-lived assets for the amount by which the fair value is less than the carrying value of these assets.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

l) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In accordance with FASB ASC 820, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches. In accordance with GAAP, a fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data. Unobservable inputs reflect assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:

· Level 1 — inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

· Level 2 — inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.

· Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value.

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the derivative liabilities amounted to $241,400 and $840,963. In accordance with the accounting standards the Company determined that the carrying value of these derivatives approximated the fair value using the level 3 inputs.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Registration Payment Arrangements

m) Derivative Financial Instruments and Registration Payment Arrangements

Derivative financial instruments, as defined in Financial Accounting Standards, consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying variables (e.g. interest rate, security price or other variable), require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets. The Company generally does not use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to cash-flow, market or foreign-currency risks. However, the Company has entered into various types of financing arrangements to fund its business capital requirements, including convertible debt and other financial instruments indexed to the Company's own stock. These contracts require careful evaluation to determine whether derivative features embedded in host contracts require bifurcation and fair value measurement or, in the case of freestanding derivatives (principally warrants) whether certain conditions for equity classification have been achieved. In instances where derivative financial instruments require liability classification, the Company is required to initially and subsequently measure such instruments at fair value. Accordingly, the Company adjusts the fair value of these derivative components at each reporting period through a charge to income until such time as the instruments require classification in stockholders' equity (deficit). See Note 4 for additional information.

As previously stated, derivative financial instruments are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently adjusted to fair value at the close of each reporting period. The Company estimates fair values of derivative financial instruments using various techniques (and combinations thereof) that are considered to be consistent with the objective measuring fair values. In selecting the appropriate technique, management considers, among other factors, the nature of the instrument, the market risks that it embodies and the expected means of settlement. For less complex derivative instruments, such as free-standing warrants, the Company generally uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation technique because it embodies all of the requisite assumptions (including trading volatility, dividend yield, estimated terms and risk free rates) necessary to fair value these instruments. For complex derivative instruments, such as embedded conversion options, the Company generally uses the Flexible Monte Carlo valuation technique because it embodies all of the requisite assumptions (including credit risk, interest-rate risk and exercise/conversion behaviors) that are necessary to fair value these more complex instruments. Estimating fair values of derivative financial instruments requires the development of significant and subjective estimates that may, and are likely to, change over the duration of the instrument with related changes in internal and external market factors. In addition, option-based techniques are highly volatile and sensitive to changes in the trading market price of our common stock, which has a high-historical volatility. Since derivative financial instruments are initially and subsequently carried at fair values, our income (loss) will reflect the volatility in these estimate and assumption changes.

Segment Reporting

n) Segment Reporting

FASB ASC 280-10-50, “Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” requires use of the “management approach” model for segment reporting. The “management approach” model is based on the way a company’s management organizes segments within the company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company. The Company exited its government services business in April 2013 and is reporting the operating results of that unit as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial reports. Accordingly, the Company operated in one segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (Telecom services).

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share

o) Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share

The Company calculates income (loss) per common share in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Common share equivalents (which consist of convertible preferred stock, options and warrants) are excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share since the effect would be anti-dilutive. Common share equivalents which could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future, and which were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, totaled approximately 69 million shares at September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Recent accounting pronouncements

p) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). The amendments in this Update provide guidance in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The revenue recognition standard affects all entities that have contracts with customers, except for certain items. The new revenue recognition standard eliminates the transaction and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaces it with a principle-based approach for determining revenue recognition. On July 9th the effective date was delayed one year by a vote by the FASB. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans would apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application would be permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company has reviewed the applicable ASU and has not, at the current time, quantified the effects of this pronouncement, however it believes that there will be no material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 (ASU 2015-03), Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

We do not believe there would have been a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements had any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards been adopted in the current period.