Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a)

Business and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

Axion International Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”) was formed in 1981. In November 2007, Holdings entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, among Holdings, Axion Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a newly created direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings (the “Merger Sub”), and Axion International, Inc., a Delaware corporation which incorporated on August 6, 2006 with operations commencing in November 2007 (“Axion”). On March 20, 2008 Holdings consummated the merger (the “Merger”) of Merger Sub into Axion, with Axion continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. Axion Recycled Plastics Incorporated, an Ohio corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axion, was established to purchase certain tangible and intangible assets of a plastics recycling company during November 2013.

The Company was founded in 2007 to exploit a proprietary technology that enabled the conversion of recycled plastics into a benchmark structural plastic material yielding components which demonstrated significant strength, durability and application versatility. We manufacture, market and sell ECOTRAX® rail ties and STRUXURE® building products, with significant focus on construction mats. Our ECOTRAX® and STRUXURE® products are fully derived from post-consumer and post-industrial recycled plastics, such as high-density polyethylene, polystyrene and polypropylene.

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and all intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

(b)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of our balance sheet and statement of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments, purchased as an investment, with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we maintained all of our cash in demand or interest-bearing accounts at commercial banks.

(c)

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We accrue a reserve on a receivable when, based upon the judgment of management, it is probable that a receivable will not be collected and the amount of any reserve may be reasonably estimated. Our allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2014 was approximately $10,800. We did not accrue a reserve for any receivables at December 31, 2013.

(d)

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated and amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of two to twenty years. Costs incurred that extend the useful life of the underlying asset are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life. Repairs and maintenance are charged directly to operations as incurred.

Our property and equipment is comprised of the following, at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

	2014		2013
Office furniture and equipment	$	110,173	$	33,299
Machinery and equipment		10,560,393		8,803,087
Purchased software		147,547		145,622
Subtotal – property and equipment, at cost		10,818,113		8,982,008
Less accumulated depreciation		(2,139,181)		(1,082,522)
Net property and equipment	$	8,678,932	$	7,899,486

Depreciation expense charged to production and operations during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $1.1 million and $319,200, respectively.

Our financial results for the reprocessed plastics business during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and our decision during the three months ended September 30, 2014 to transition the assets acquired of the reprocessing plastics business to a business extruding our proprietary products, represented a triggering event requiring an impairment test of tangible and intangible assets acquired. Based on our test, we determined there was no impairment of property and equipment.


	*(e)*	*Exclusive Agreement*

In February 2007, we acquired an exclusive, royalty-bearing license in specific but broad global territories to make, have made, use, sell, offer for sale, modify, develop, import, and export products made using patent applications owned by Rutgers University (Rutgers”). We are using these patented technologies in the production of our composite rail ties and structural boards of various sizes.

We are obligated to pay royalties on various product sales to Rutgers, and to reimburse Rutgers for certain patent defense costs. Royalties incurred and payable to Rutgers, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $200,000 for each year and represent the minimum royalties due under the license.

(f)

Definite Life Intangible Assets

During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired a plastic reprocessing business which gave rise to certain definite life intangible assets associated with the acquired customer list and trademark. In accordance with FASB ASC topic, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, acquired definite life intangibles, are subject to amortization over their useful lives. The method of amortization selected reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the specific intangible asset is consumed or otherwise used up. Since that pattern cannot be reliably determined, a straight-line amortization method has been used over the estimated useful life. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment at least annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we amortized to operating expenses approximately $64,300 of these intangible assets. There was no corresponding amortization for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Our financial results for the reprocessed plastics business during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and our decision during the three months ended September 30, 2014 to transition the assets acquired of the reprocessing plastics business to our business of extruding our proprietary products, represented a triggering event requiring intangible assets impairment tests. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we determined that our definite life intangible asset associated with our acquired customer list was impaired and of no further value and accordingly we recorded a charge to other expenses for the remaining unamortized balance of approximately $545,800. See note 3.

(g)

Indefinite Life Intangible Assets – Goodwill

In accordance with the FASB ASC topic, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, indefinite life assets, such as goodwill, acquired as a result of our acquisition of the plastic reprocessing business and which are not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value.

Our financial results for the reprocessed plastics business during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and our decision during the three months ended September 30, 2014 to transition the facility and equipment used for our reprocessing plastics business to a facility extruding our historical proprietary engineered products, represented a triggering event requiring a goodwill impairment test. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we tested the goodwill intangible asset associated with the acquisition in November 2013 of the reprocessed plastics business. The goodwill intangible asset was $1.5 million as of both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and based on our test for impairment done during the three months ended September 30, 2014, we determined there was no impairment at December 31, 2014. See note 3.

(h)

Revenue and Cost Recognition

In accordance with FASB ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition”, revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an agreement with the customer exists, products are shipped or title passes pursuant to the terms of the agreement with the customer, the amount due from the customer is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and there are no significant future performance obligations. In most cases, we receive a purchase order from our customer specifying the products requested and delivery instructions. We recognize revenue upon our delivery or shipment of the products as specified in the purchase order. In other cases where we have a contract which provides for a large number of products and few actual deliveries, the revenues are recorded each month as the products are produced and the risk of ownership passes to the customer upon pre-delivery acceptance. Prior to deliveries, our customer’s products are segregated from our inventory and not available for fulfilling other orders.

Our costs of sales are predominately comprised of the cost of raw materials and the costs and expenses associated with the production of the finished product. Prior to 2013, we utilized third-party manufacturers, where under one arrangement we purchased and supplied the raw materials to the third-party manufacturer and we paid them a per-pound cost to produce the finished product. Under another arrangement, the third-party manufacturer sourced and paid for the raw materials and we purchased the finished product from them at a cost per unit. Beginning in 2013, we initiated production of our finished products within a leased facility utilizing our own employees. Additionally, in late 2013 we acquired the assets of a plastics recycling company and began to reprocess recycled plastics for use in our own finished products and to sell to customers for use in their finished products. Our costs of sales may vary significantly as a result of the variability in the cost of our raw materials and the efficiency with which we plan and execute our manufacturing processes.

Historically, we have not had significant warranty replacements, but from time to time as a customer relationship effort, we agree to replace and install improperly installed replacement rail ties. As we view these situations on a case by case basis, and because our products have in the past and we anticipate will in the future, met all specifications for that product, we therefore do not provide for future warranty expenses.

(i)

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting of income taxes pursuant to the provisions of FASB ASC 740 “Income Taxes”, which establishes deferred tax assets and liabilities to be recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

FASB ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FASB ASC 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FASB ASC 740 requires a company to recognize the financial statement effect of a tax position when it is “more-likely-than-not” (defined as a substantiated likelihood of more than 50%), based on the technical merits of the position, that the position will be sustained upon examination. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements based upon the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Our inability to determine that a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold does not mean that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or any other taxing authority will disagree with the position that we have taken.

If a tax position does not meet the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold, despite our belief that our filing position is supportable, the benefit of that tax position is not recognized in the statements of operations and we are required to accrue potential interest and penalties until the uncertainty is resolved. Potential interest and penalties are recognized as a component of the provision for income taxes which is consistent with our historical accounting policy. Differences between amounts taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements are considered unrecognized tax benefits. We believe that we have a reasonable basis for each of our filing positions and intend to defend those positions if challenged by the IRS or another taxing jurisdiction. If the IRS or other taxing authorities do not disagree with our position, and after the statute of limitations expires, we will recognize the unrecognized tax benefit in the period that the uncertainty of the tax position is eliminated.

We believe that there are no uncertain tax positions that fail to meet the more likely than not recognition threshold to be sustained upon examination. As such, a tabular presentation of those tax benefits taken that do not qualify for recognition is not presented.

We are current with our filing of our federal and state income tax returns. Our income tax returns are open to examination by federal and state authorities, based on statute of limitations, which is three years.

(j)

Derivative Instruments

For derivative instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each reporting period as a charge or credit to other expenses. We use the Monte Carlo simulation, and other models, as appropriate to value the derivative instruments at inception and subsequent valuation dates and the value is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not the net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within twelve months of the balance sheet date.

(k)

Share-Based Compensation

We record share-based compensation for transactions in which we exchange our equity instruments (shares of common stock, options and warrants) for services of employees, consultants and others based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued measurement date. The fair value of common stock awards is based on the observed market value of our stock. We calculate the fair value of options and warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expense is recognized, net of expected forfeitures, over the period of performance. When the vesting of an award is subject to performance conditions, no expense is recognized until achievement of the performance condition is deemed to be probable. Awards to consultants are marked to market at each reporting period as they vest, and the resulting value is recognized as an adjustment against our earnings for the period.

(l)

Loss Per Share

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share, includes the effects of the potential dilution of outstanding options, warrants, and convertible debt on our common stock as determined using the treasury stock method. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no dilutive effects of such securities because we incurred a net loss in each period. As of December 31, 2014, we have approximately 70.2 million potential common shares issuable under our convertible instruments, warrant and stock option agreements.

(m)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as an exit price, which is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Financial assets and liabilities with readily available, actively quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and require less judgment in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial assets and liabilities that are rarely traded or not quoted have less price observability and are generally measured at fair value using valuation models that require more judgment. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency of the asset, liability or market and the nature of the asset or liability. We have categorized our financial assets and liabilities that are recurring at fair value into a three-level hierarchy in accordance with these provisions.

(n)

Concentration of Credit Risk

We maintain our cash with several major U.S. domestic banks. The amount held in the banks exceeds the insured limit of $250,000 from time to time. We have not incurred losses related to these deposits.

At December 31, 2014, two of our customers had unpaid accounts due us representing 35% and 28% of our accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, four of our customers had unpaid accounts due us representing 27%, 19%, 12% and 12% of our accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2013.

(o)

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, and the guidance defines a five step process to achieve this core principle. The ASU is effective for the Company's 2017 fiscal year and may be applied either (i) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented with an election for certain specified practical expedients, or (ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the ASU recognized at the date of initial application, with additional disclosure requirements. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this new guidance, but does not currently anticipate that the application of ASU No. 2014-09 will have a significant effect on its financial condition, results of operations or its cash flows. We have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard in 2017.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going-concern uncertainties in an entity's financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not currently anticipate that the application of ASU No. 2014-15 will have an effect on the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations or its cash flows.

(p)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.