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

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Policies

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.

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

As disclosed in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” during the first quarter of 2016. In accordance with the guidance, $115,000 of unamortized debt issuance costs, associated with the Company’s convertible notes payable, were reclassified from other current assets, as previously reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015, to convertible notes payable, net of debt discount.

At March 31, 2016, our working capital deficiency was approximately $7,089,000 compared to a working capital deficiency of approximately $7,059,000 at December 31, 2015. 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 to $5,000,000, the proceeds of which will be used to improve working capital and strengthen our balance sheet. To address this objective and to address short term liquidity needs, Lattice engaged in a private placement of restricted common stock bringing in gross proceeds of $382,800 in April 2016. Management is actively seeking additional funding opportunities. 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 consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2016 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 Financial Statements

c) Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2016 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, 2015 appearing in Form 10-K filed on April 14, 2016.

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 March 31, 2016, there was $162,510 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the derivative liabilities amounted to $37,716 and $30,154. 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

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 three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (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 39 million shares at March 31, 2016.

Recent accounting pronouncements

p) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11“). ASU 2015-11 requires that inventory within the scope of the guidance be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Inventory measured using last-in, first-out and retail inventory method  are excluded from this new guidance. This ASU replaces the concept of market with the single measurement of net realizable value and is intended to create efficiencies for preparers and more closely aligns U.S. GAAP with IFRS. This ASU is effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those years. Prospective application is required and early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standards.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest” (“ASU 2015-03”), 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. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. See Note 3 for the impact of this adoption.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In July 2015, the FASB voted to delay the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to the first quarter of 2018 to provide companies sufficient time to implement the standards.  Early adoption will be permitted, but not before the first quarter of 2017.  Adoption can occur using one of two prescribed transition methods.  In March and April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)” and ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” which provide supplemental adoption guidance and clarification to ASC 2014-09. ASU 2016-08 and ASU 2016-10 must be adopted concurrently with the adoption of ASU 2014-09. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these new standards.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”), which provides guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

During January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments — Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). The standard addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted with the exception of certain provisions related to the presentation of other comprehensive income. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

During February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). The standard requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a lease asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months on its balance sheet. The update also expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-06, “Contingent Put and Call Option in Debt Instruments” (“ASU 2016-06”).  ASU 2016-06 is intended to simplify the analysis of embedded derivatives for debt instruments that contain contingent put or call options. The amendments in ASU 2016-06 clarify that an entity is required to assess the embedded call or put options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence. Consequently, when a call (put) option is contingently exercisable, an entity does not have to initially assess whether the event that triggers the ability to exercise a call (put) option is related to interest rates or credit risks. The amendments in ASU 2016-06 take effect for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016–01 to have a significant impact on its financial statements.

In March 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”).  ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the standard and the impact on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

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