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2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation and Liquidity

The accompanying audited financial statements of the Company have been prepared by the Management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and have been filed with the SEC on December 14, 2021 (“Form 10-K”).

 

As shown in the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements, the Company incurred a net loss of $21,812,010 and $23,346,143 during the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively. While the Company has experienced negative cash flows from operations, the Company has sufficient capital to support its ongoing operations from cash flows provided from operational activities, including potential sale of digital currency, and has access to additional capital through the registered sale of equity securities pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3. In addition, the Company is continuing to grow its business segments through which it expects to grow its working capital base. As of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, the Company had working capital of $47,663,299 and $2,869,329, respectively.

 

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying audited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CleanSpark, Inc., and its wholly owned operating subsidiaries, CleanSpark, LLC, CleanSpark II, LLC, CleanSpark Critical Power Systems Inc., p2kLabs, Inc, GridFabric, LLC, ATL Data Centers LLC, CleanBlok, Inc., CSRE Properties, LLC, Solar Watt Solutions, Inc, CSRE Properties Norcross, LLC and CSRE Property Management Company, LLC. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation of these entities.

 

Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The going concern basis of presentation assumes that the Company will continue in operation one year after the date these financial statements are issued and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The evaluation of going concern under the accounting guidance requires significant judgment which involves the Company to consider that it has historically incurred losses in recent years as it has prepared to grow its business through acquisition opportunities. The Company must also consider its current liquidity as well as future market and economic conditions that may be deemed outside the control of the Company as it relates to obtaining financing and generating future profits. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had approximately $18 million of available cash on-hand and Bitcoin with a fair market value of $27.5 million. In determining whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, the Company may consider the effects of any mitigating plans for additional sources of financing. The Company identified additional financing sources it believes are currently available to fund its operations and drive future growth that include (i) the ability to access capital using the at-the-market (“ATM”) equity offering program available to the Company whereby the Company may sell additional shares of its common stock (discussed in Note 11 – Stockholders’ Equity), and (ii) the ability to raise additional financing from other sources. (Refer to Note 11 for further details)

 

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated 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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include estimates used to review the Company’s goodwill and digital currency impairment, intangible assets acquired, impairments and estimations of long-lived assets, revenue recognition on percentage of completion type contracts, revenue recognition from digital currency mining, valuation of derivative assets and liabilities, available-for-sale investments, allowances for uncollectible accounts, valuation of digital currencies, valuation of contingent consideration, warranty, and the valuations of share based awards.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions including, but not limited to, the ultimate impact that COVID-19 may have on the Company’s operations.

 

 

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as outlined in the Financial Accounting Standard Board's (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers, which requires that five steps be followed in evaluating revenue recognition: (i) identify the contract with the customer; (ii) identity the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price; and (v) recognize revenue when or as the entity satisfied a performance obligation.

 

Our accounting policy on revenue recognition by type of revenue is provided below.

 

Revenues from digital currency mining

 

The Company has entered in digital asset mining pools to provide computing power to the mining pools. The contracts are terminable at any time by either party and the Company’s enforceable right to compensation only begins when the Company starts providing computing power to the mining pool operator. In exchange for providing computing power, the Company is entitled to a fractional share of the fixed cryptocurrency award the mining pool operator receives (less net digital asset transaction fees to the mining pool operator), for successfully adding a block to the blockchain, , plus a fractional share of the transaction fees attached to that block.. The Company’s fractional share is based on the proportion of computing power the Company contributed to the mining pool operator to the total computing power contributed by all mining pool participants in solving the current algorithm. The transaction consideration the Company receives is noncash consideration, in the form of digital currency, which the Company measures at fair value on the date received which is not materially different than the fair value at contract inception or time the Company has earned the award from the mining pools. The consideration is dependent on the number of digital assets mined on any given day. Fair value of the digital currency award received is determined using the spot price of the related digital currency on the date earned.

 

There is currently no definitive guidance under GAAP or alternative accounting framework for the accounting for digital currencies recognized as revenue or held, and management has exercised significant judgment in determining the appropriate accounting treatment. In the event authoritative guidance is enacted by the FASB, the Company may be required to change its policies, which could have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results from operations. The total revenue recognized from digital currency mining for the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 is $38,846,633 and $0, respectively.

 

Engineering & Construction Contracts and Service Contracts

 

The Company recognizes engineering and construction contract revenue over time, as performance obligations are satisfied, due to the continuous transfer of control to the customer. Engineering and construction contracts are generally accounted for as a single unit of account (a single performance obligation) and are not segmented between types of services. The Company recognizes revenue based primarily on contract cost incurred to date compared to total estimated contract cost (an input method). The input method is the most faithful depiction of the Company’s performance because it directly measures the value of the services transferred to the customer. Customer-furnished materials, labor and equipment and, in certain cases, subcontractor materials, labor and equipment, are included in revenue and cost of revenue when management believes that the company is acting as a principal rather than as an agent (i.e., the company integrates the materials, labor and equipment into the deliverables promised to the customer). Customer-furnished materials are only included in revenue and cost when the contract includes construction activity and the Company has visibility into the amount the customer is paying for the materials or there is a reasonable basis for estimating the amount. The Company recognizes revenue, but not profit, on certain uninstalled materials that are not specifically produced, fabricated, or constructed for a project. Revenue on these uninstalled materials is recognized when the cost is incurred (when control is transferred). Changes to total estimated contract cost or losses, if any, are recognized in the period in which they are determined as assessed at the contract level. Pre-contract costs are expensed as incurred unless they are expected to be recovered from the client. Project mobilization costs are generally charged to project costs as incurred when they are an integrated part of the performance obligation being transferred to the client. Customer payments on engineering and construction contracts are typically due within 30 to 45 days of billing, depending on the contract.

 

The Company recognizes energy (solar panel and battery) installation contract revenue for residential customers at a point in time upon completion of the installation. The revenues associated with energy installations for commercial customers are recognized over a period of time as noted in the engineering and construction contract revenue disclosure above.

 

 

For service contracts (including maintenance contracts) in which the Company has the right to consideration from the customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company’s performance completed to date, revenue is recognized when services are performed and contractually billable. Service contracts that include multiple performance obligations are segmented between types of services.

 

For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation using an estimate of the stand-alone selling price of each distinct service in the contract. Revenue recognized on service contracts that have not been billed to clients is classified as a current asset under contract assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts billed to clients in excess of revenue recognized on service contracts to date are classified as a current liability under contract liabilities. Customer payments on service contracts are typically due within 30 days of billing, depending on the contract.

 

The total revenue recognized from sale of residential battery, residential solar and commercial solar for the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 is $3,727,335 and $0, respectively.

 

Revenues from Sale of Equipment

 

Performance Obligations Satisfied at a point in time.

 

We recognize revenue on agreements for equipment we sell on a standardized basis to the market at a point in time. We recognize revenue at the point in time that the customer obtains control of the good, which is generally upon shipment or when the customer has physical possession of the product depending on contract terms. We use proof of delivery for certain large equipment with more complex logistics, whereas the delivery of other equipment is estimated based on historical averages of in-transit periods (i.e., time between shipment and delivery). Generally, shipping costs are included in the price of equipment unless the customer requests a non-standard shipment. In situations where an alternative shipment arrangement has been made, the Company recognizes the shipping revenue upon customer receipt of the shipment.

 

In situations where arrangements include customer acceptance provisions based on seller or customer-specified objective criteria, we recognize revenue when we have concluded that the customer has control of the goods and that acceptance is likely to occur. We generally do not provide for anticipated losses on point in time transactions prior to transferring control of the equipment to the customer.

 

Our billing terms for these point in time equipment contracts vary and generally coincide with shipment to the customer; however, within certain businesses, we receive progress payments from customers for large equipment purchases, which is generally to reserve production slots with our manufacturing partners, which are recorded as contract liabilities.

 

Due to the customized nature of the equipment, the Company does not allow for customer returns.

  

Service Performance obligations satisfied over time.

 

We enter into long-term product service agreements with our customers primarily within our microgrid segment. These agreements require us to provide preventative maintenance, and standby support services that include certain levels of assurance regarding system performance throughout the contract periods, these contracts will generally range from 1 to 10 years. We account for items that are integral to the maintenance of the equipment as part of our service-related performance obligation, unless the customer has a substantive right to make a separate purchasing decision (e.g., equipment upgrade). Contract modifications that extend or revise contract terms are not uncommon and generally result in our recognizing the impact of the revised terms prospectively over the remaining life of the modified contract (i.e., effectively like a new contract). Revenues are recognized for these arrangements on a straight-line basis consistent with the nature, timing and extent of our services, which primarily relate to routine maintenance and as needed product repairs. Our billing terms for these contracts vary, but we generally invoice periodically as services are provided.

 

 

Contract assets represent revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed and include unbilled receivables (typically for cost reimbursable contracts) of $0 and contract work in progress (typically for fixed-price contracts) of $0 and $4,103 as of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively. Unbilled receivables, which represent an unconditional right to payment subject only to the passage of time, are reclassified to accounts receivable when they are billed under the terms of the contract. There are no advances that are payments on account of contract assets that have been deducted from contract assets as of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020. Contract liabilities mostly represent customer deposits. The Company recorded $296,964 and $64,198 in contract liabilities as of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively.

 

The total revenue recognized from sale of switchgear for the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 is $4,448,726 and $7,505,761 respectively.

 

Revenues from software 

 

The Company derives its software revenue from both subscription fees from customers for access to its energy software offerings and software license sales and support services. Revenues from software licenses are generally recognized upfront when the software is made available to the customer and revenues from the related support is generally recognized ratably over the contract term. The Company’s policy is to exclude sales and other indirect taxes when measuring the transaction price of its subscription agreements.

 

The Company’s subscription agreements generally have monthly or annual contractual terms. Revenue is recognized ratably over the related contractual term beginning on the date that the platform is made available to a customer. Access to the platform represents a series of distinct services as the Company continually provides access to, and fulfills its obligation to the end customer over the subscription term. The series of distinct services represents a single performance obligation that is satisfied over time.

 

The total revenue recognized from design, software development and other technology-based consulting services for the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 is $1,676,505 and $2,431,419, respectively.

 

Revenues from design, software development and other technology-based consulting services

 

For service contracts performed under Master Services Agreements (“MSA”) and accompanying Statement(s) of Work (“SOW”), revenue is recognized based on the performance obligation(s) outlined in the SOW which is typically hours worked or specific deliverable milestones. In the case of a milestone-based SOW, the Company recognizes revenues as each deliverable is signed off by the customer.

 

The total revenue recognized from design, software development and other technology-based consulting services for the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 is $1,676,505 and $2,431,419, respectively.

 

Revenues from data center services

 

The Company provides data services such as providing its customers with rack space, power and equipment, and cloud services such as virtual services, virtual storage, and data backup services, generally based on monthly services provided at a defined price included in the contracts. The performance obligations are the services provided to a customer for the month based on the contract. The transaction price is the price agreed with the customer for the monthly services provided and the revenues are recognized monthly based on the services rendered for the month.

 

The total revenue recognized from data center services for the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 is $554,345 and $0, respectively.

 

Variable Consideration

 

The nature of the Company’s contracts gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including claims and unpriced change orders; awards and incentive fees; and liquidated damages and penalties. The Company recognizes revenue for

 

 

variable consideration when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. The Company estimates the amount of revenue to be recognized on variable consideration using the expected value (i.e., the sum of a probability-weighted amount) or the most likely amount method, whichever is expected to better predict the amount. Factors considered in determining whether revenue associated with claims (including change orders in dispute and unapproved change orders in regard to both scope and price) should be recognized include the following: (a) the contract or other evidence provides a legal basis for the claim, (b) additional costs were caused by circumstances that were unforeseen at the contract date and not the result of deficiencies in the company’s performance, (c) claim-related costs are identifiable and considered reasonable in view of the work performed, and (d) evidence supporting the claim is objective and verifiable. If the requirements for recognizing revenue for claims or unapproved change orders are met, revenue is recorded only when the costs associated with the claims or unapproved change orders have been incurred. Back charges to suppliers or subcontractors are recognized as a reduction of cost when it is determined that recovery of such cost is probable and the amounts can be reliably estimated. Disputed back charges are recognized when the same requirements described above for claims accounting have been satisfied.

 

The Company generally provides limited warranties for work performed under its engineering and construction contracts. The warranty periods typically extend for a limited duration following substantial completion of the Company’s work on a project. Historically, warranty claims have not resulted in material costs incurred.

 

Practical Expedients

 

If the Company has a right to consideration from a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value of the Company’s performance completed to date (a service contract in which the company bills a fixed amount for each hour of service provided), the Company recognizes revenue in the amount to which it has a right to invoice for services performed.

 

The Company does not adjust the contract price for the effects of a significant financing component if the Company expects, at contract inception, that the period between when the company transfers a service to a customer and when the customer pays for that service will be one year or less.

 

The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are collected by the Company from its customers (use taxes, value added taxes, some excise taxes).

 

For the year ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company reported revenues of $49,438,115 and $10,028,701, respectively.

 

Cost of Revenues

The Company includes the following in cost of revenues: energy costs, materials costs, manufacturing and logistics costs, freight costs, inventory write-downs, hosting services costs. The recognition of cost of revenue for our energy segment is dependent upon the revenue stream that it pertains to, refer below:

 

1.Products Delivered at a Point in Time. Cost of revenue from these products is recognized when the Company transfers control of the product to the customer, which is generally upon shipment.
2.Products Delivered Over Time. Cost of revenue from these products is recognized over the related service period.

 

Cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks and restricted cash. The Company’s restricted cash represents amounts held in trust for certain construction projects. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported in the consolidated balance sheets that agrees to the total of those amounts as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

   September 30, 2021  September 30, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash  $14,571,198   $3,126,202
Restricted cash – construction escrow account   3,469,129      
Cash and cash equivalents per consolidated Balance Sheet  $18,040,327   $3,126,202

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable is comprised of uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms. They are initially recorded at the invoiced amount upon the sale of goods or services to customers, and do not bear interest. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluation of its customers and management closely monitors outstanding receivables based on factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends, and other information. The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reviewed periodically for collectability. If management determines that collection is unlikely, an allowance that reflects management’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected is recorded.

 

Accounts receivable, net consists of the following:

 

   September 30, 2021  September 30, 2020
Accounts Receivable, gross $  2,891,784    $902,146
Other receivables   421,681      
Retainage receivable         615
Provision for doubtful allowances   (693,508)   (42,970)
Total Accounts Receivable, net $  2,619,957    $859,791

 

Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower cost or net realizable value with cost being measured on a first-in, first-out basis. For solar panel and battery installations, the Company transfers component parts from inventories to cost of goods sold once installation is complete. The Company periodically reviews inventories for unusable and obsolete items based on assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Based on this evaluation, provisions are made to write inventories down to their net realizable value. There were no write-downs of inventory as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The composition of inventory for the years ended as of September 30, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:

 

   September 30, 2021  September 30, 2020
Batteries and solar panels  $1,819,398   $  
Supplies and other   853,346    247,500
Total inventory  $2,672,744   $247,500

  

The Company has presented inventory amounting to $247,500 separate from Prepaid and other current assets to Inventory as of September 30, 2020.

 

Prepaid expense and other current assets

The Company records a prepaid expense for costs paid but not yet incurred. Those expected to be incurred within one year are recognized and shown as a short-term pre-paid expense. Any costs expected to be incurred outside of one year would be considered other long term assets.

 

Other current assets are assets that consist of deposits and interest receivable. Deposits and interest we expect to receive within one year are shown as short-term. Those we expect to receive outside of one year are shown as other long term assets.

 

Investment securities

Investment securities include debt securities and equity securities. Debt securities are classified as available for sale (“AFS”) and are reported as an asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their estimated fair value. As the fair values of AFS debt securities change, the changes are reported net of income tax as an element of OCI, except for other-than-temporarily-impaired securities. When AFS debt securities are sold, the unrealized gains or losses are reclassified from OCI to non-interest income. Securities classified as AFS are securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as AFS would be based on various factors, including significant movements in interest rates, changes in the maturity mix of the Company’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, decline in credit quality, and regulatory capital considerations.

 

Interest income is recognized based on the coupon rate and increased by accretion of discounts earned or decreased by the amortization of premiums paid over the contractual life of the security.

 

 

For individual debt securities where the Company either intends to sell the security or more likely than not will not recover all of its amortized cost, OTTI (other than temporary impairment) is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security's cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For individual debt securities for which a credit loss has been recognized in earnings, interest accruals and amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are suspended when the credit loss is recognized. Interest received after accruals have been suspended is recognized in income on a cash basis.

 

The Company holds investments in both publicly held and privately held equity securities. However, as described in Note 1, the Company is primarily doing business of in the digital currency mining sector and alternative energy sector, and not in the business of investing in securities.

 

Privately held equity securities are recorded at cost and adjusted for observable transactions for same or similar investments of the issuer (referred to as the measurement alternative) or impairment. All gains and losses on privately held equity securities, realized or unrealized, are recorded through gains or losses on equity securities on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

Publicly held equity securities are based on fair value accounting with unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as unrealized gains or losses on equity securities in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

Concentration Risk

At times throughout the year, the Company may maintain cash balances in certain bank accounts in excess of FDIC limits. The cash balance, in excess of the FDIC limits was $17,790,327 and $2,876,202 for periods ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively. The accounts offered by custodians of the Company’s bitcoin are not insured by the FDIC. The fair market value of bitcoin held in accounts covered by FDIC limits was $27,554,031 and $0 for the periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk in these accounts.

 

The Company has certain customers and vendors who individually represented 10% or more of the Company’s revenue or capital expenditures. (see Note 16 for details) 

 

Leases

In accordance with ASC 842, the Company assesses whether an arrangement contains a lease at contract inception. When an arrangement contains a lease, the Company categorize leases with contractual terms longer than twelve months as either operating or finance. Finance leases are generally those leases that allow us to substantially utilize or pay for the entire asset over its estimated life. Assets acquired under finance leases are recorded in “Fixed Assets, net.” All other leases are categorized as operating leases.

 

The Company records right-of use ("ROU") assets and lease obligations for its finance and operating leases, which are initially recognized based on the discounted future lease payments over the term of the lease. As the rate implicit in the Company's leases is not easily determinable, the Company’s applicable incremental borrowing rate is used in calculating the present value of the sum of the lease payments.

 

Lease term is defined as the non-cancelable period of the lease plus any options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. The Company has elected not to recognize ROU asset and lease obligations for its short-term leases, which are defined as leases with an initial term of 12 months or less.

 

Some leases include multiple year renewal options. The Company’s decision to exercise these renewal options is based on an assessment of its current business needs and market factors at the time of the renewal. Currently, the Company has no leases for which the option to renew is reasonably certain and therefore, options to renew were not factored into the calculation of its right of use asset and lease liability as of September 30, 2021.

 

For all classes of underlying assets, the Company has elected to not separate lease from non-lease components.

 

 

Warranty Liability

The Company establishes warranty liability reserves to provide for estimated future expenses as a result of installation and product defects, product recalls and litigation incidental to the Company’s business. Liability estimates are determined based on management’s judgment, considering such factors as historical experience, the likely current cost of corrective action, manufacturers and subcontractors participation in sharing the cost of corrective action, consultations with third party experts such as engineers, and discussions with the Company’s general counsel and outside counsel retained to handle specific product liability cases. The Company’s manufacturers and service providers currently provide substantial warranties between ten to twenty-five years with full reimbursement to replace and install replacement parts. While it is probable that the Company will incur costs associated with future warranty claims, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the loss of future warranty claims. Thus, the loss on warranty claims will be charged to the income of the period in which the loss can be reasonably estimated and shall not be charged retroactively to an earlier period, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 450. There were no warranty costs and associated liabilities as of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.

 

Stock -based compensation

The Company follows the guidelines in FASB Codification Topic ASC 718-10 Compensation-Stock Compensation, which requires companies to measure the cost of employee and non-employee services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Stock-based compensation expense for stock options is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Company may issue compensatory shares for services including, but not limited to, executive, management, accounting, operations, corporate communication, financial and administrative consulting services. The Company determines the grant date fair value of the options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. For discussion of accounting for RSUs, please refer Note 13 – Stock-Based Compensation.

 

Earnings (loss) per share

The Company reports earnings (loss) per share in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10 “Earnings Per Share,” which provides for calculation of “basic” and “diluted” earnings per share. Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity. The calculation of diluted net loss per share gives effect to common stock equivalents; however, potential common shares are excluded if their effect is anti-dilutive. As of September 30, 2021 and 2020, there were 2,173,578 shares and 1,577,013 shares, respectively, issuable upon exercise of outstanding options warrants and restricted stock units, as well as 5,250,000 shares issuable upon preferred stock conversions, that were excluded from the current and prior period calculations of diluted net loss per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive to the Company’s net loss.

 

Property and equipment

In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC 360-10, "Property, Plant and Equipment” the carrying value of property and equipment, and other long-lived assets is reviewed on a regular basis for the existence of facts or circumstances that may suggest impairment. The Company recognizes impairment when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Impairment losses, if any, are measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its estimated fair value. During the year ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 the Company did not record an impairment expense. Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Construction in progress is the construction or development of assets that has not yet been placed in service for its intended use. Depreciation for machinery and equipment, mining equipment, buildings, furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements commences once they are ready for its intended use. Land is not depreciated.

 

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows: 

 

   Useful life (years)
Building  30
Machinery and equipment  1 - 10
Mining equipment  3 15
Leasehold improvements  Shorter of estimated lease term or 5 years
Furniture and fixtures  1 - 5

 

 

Business combinations, Intangible Assets and Goodwill

The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, where the total purchase price is allocated to the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The purchase price is allocated using the information currently available, and may be adjusted, up to one year from acquisition date, after obtaining more information regarding, among other things, asset valuations, liabilities assumed and revisions to preliminary estimates. The difference between the purchase price, including any contingent consideration, and the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Contingent consideration transferred is initially recognized at fair value. Contingent consideration classified as a liability or an asset is remeasured to fair value each period until settlement, with changes recognized in profit or loss. Contingent consideration classified as equity is not remeasured. Acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and are expensed as incurred.

The Company reviews its indefinite lived intangibles and goodwill for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value and may not be recoverable. In accordance with its policies, the Company performed an assessment of indefinite lived intangibles and goodwill as of the year end September 30, 2021. (See Note 6 for impairment related to indefinite lived intangibles and goodwill).

 

2021 Goodwill Impairment analysis

In completing the 2021 annual goodwill impairment analysis, the Company elected to perform both qualitative and quantitative assessments for our goodwill. The assessments involve comparing the carrying value of the entity, including goodwill, to its estimated fair value. In accordance with ASU 2017-04, a goodwill impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. In determining the fair value for which the quantitative assessment was performed, the Company obtained an independent evaluation of goodwill. The independent evaluation agency has utilized the income approach to test for goodwill impairment. The income approach is a valuation technique under which we estimate future cash flows using the financial forecast from the perspective of an unrelated market participant. Using historical trending and internal forecasting techniques, revenue is projected and applied to fixed and variable cost experience rates to arrive at the future cash flows. A terminal value was then applied to the projected cash flow stream. Future estimated cash flows were discounted to their present value to calculate the estimated fair value. The discount rate used was the value-weighted average of our estimated cost of capital derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics. In determining the estimated fair value, several factors were estimated, including projected operating results, growth rates, economic conditions, anticipated future cash flows and the discount rate.

 

The assessment indicated that impairment of goodwill was necessary. Based on the assessment for impairment, the Company reported an impairment expense of goodwill of $5,723,388 for the year ended September 30, 2021. There was no impairment expense for the year ended September 30, 2020.

 

The following table reflects segment wise goodwill activity for the years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively:

                             
   Digital  Energy  Others  Total
Goodwill- October 1, 2019  $     $4,919,858   $     $4,919,858
New Acquisitions         6,395    977,388    983,783
Impairment                       
Goodwill- September 30, 2020         4,926,253    977,388    5,903,641
New Acquisitions   12,048,419    6,820,526          18,868,945
Impairment         (4,746,000)   (977,388)   

(5,723,388)

Goodwill- September 30, 2021  $12,048,419   $7,000,779   $     $19,049,198

 

 

The Company amortizes intangible assets with finite lives over their estimated useful lives, which range between two and twenty years as follows:

 

   Useful life (years)
Patents   13-20
Websites   3
Customer list and non-compete agreement   2-4
Design assets   2
Trademarks   14
Engineering trade secrets   1-7
Software   4-7
Strategic contract   5
Infrastructure asset   15
Capitalized software   7

 

Digital Currency

Digital currencies are included in current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Digital currencies are classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, and are accounted for in connection with the Company’s revenue recognition policy detailed above and in Footnote 2 – Significant Accounting Policies. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortized but assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently, when events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived asset is impaired. Quantitative impairment exists when the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, which is measured using the quoted price of the digital currency at the time its fair value is being measured in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. Quoted prices are obtained from the principal market. To the extent an impairment loss is recognized, the loss establishes the new cost basis of the asset. Subsequent reversal of impairment losses is not permitted as per ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.

 

Digital currencies earned by the Company through its mining activities are included within operating activities on the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The sales of digital currencies are included within investing activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows and any realized gains or losses from such sales are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company accounts for its gains or losses in accordance with the first in first out (“FIFO”) method of accounting.

 

The following table presents the activities of the digital currencies for the year ended September 30, 2021:

 

   Amount ($)
Balance as on September 30, 2019    
Additions to digital currencies    
Sale of digital currencies    
Balance as on September 30, 2020     
Additions of digital currencies   38,846,633
Sale of digital currencies   (11,443,132)
Realized gain on sale of digital currencies   3,104,378
Digital currencies issued for services   (296,593)
Impairment loss   (6,608,076)
Balance as on September 30, 2021   23,603,210

 

Software Development Costs

The Company capitalizes software development costs under guidance of ASC 985-20 Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed for our mPulse, Canvas & Plaid platforms and under ASC 350-40 Internal Use Software. Software development costs include payments made to independent software developers under development agreements, as well as direct costs incurred for internally developed products. Software development costs are capitalized once the technological feasibility of a product is established and such costs are determined to be recoverable. Technological feasibility of a product requires both technical

 

 

design documentation and infrastructure design documentation, or the completed and tested product design and a working model. Significant management judgments and estimates are utilized in the assessment of when technological feasibility is established, and the evaluation is performed on a product-by-product basis. For products where proven technology exists, this may occur early in the development cycle. Prior to a product's release, if and when we believe capitalized costs are not recoverable, we expense the amounts as part of "Product development." Capitalized costs for products that are cancelled or are expected to be abandoned are charged to "Product development" in the period of cancellation.

 

Commencing upon a product's release, capitalized software development costs are amortized to "Cost of revenues software amortization" based on the ratio of current revenues to total projected revenues for the specific product, generally resulting in an amortization period of seven years for our current product offerings. In recognition of the uncertainties involved in estimating future revenue, amortization will never be less than straight-line amortization of the products remaining estimated economic life.

 

We evaluate the future recoverability of capitalized software development costs on a quarterly basis. For products that have been released in prior periods, the primary evaluation criterion is the actual performance of the software platform to which the costs relate. For products that are scheduled to be released in future periods, recoverability is evaluated based on the expected performance of the specific products to which the costs relate. Criteria used to evaluate expected product performance include: historical performance of comparable products developed with comparable technology; market performance of comparable software; orders for the product prior to its release; pending contracts and general market conditions.

 

Significant management judgments and estimates are utilized in assessing the recoverability of capitalized costs. In evaluating the recoverability of capitalized costs, the assessment of expected product performance utilizes forecasted sales amounts and estimates of additional costs to be incurred. If revised forecasted or actual product sales are less than the originally forecasted amounts utilized in the initial recoverability analysis, the net realizable value may be lower than originally estimated in any given quarter, which could result in an impairment charge. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of expenses for any period if matters resolve in a manner that is inconsistent with management's expectations. If an impairment occurs the reduced amount of the capitalized software costs that have been written down to the net realizable value at the close of each annual fiscal period will be considered the cost for subsequent accounting purposes.

 

Fair Value Measurement of financial instruments, derivative asset and contingent consideration

The carrying value of cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and debt approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Management believes the Company is not exposed to significant interest or credit risks arising from these financial instruments.

 

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable.

 

    Level 1

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These are typically obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets.

 

    Level 2

Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices included for identical or similar assets and liabilities that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. These are typically obtained from readily-available pricing sources for comparable instruments.

 

    Level 3 Unobservable inputs, where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability. These inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own beliefs about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments that are measured and recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheets on a recurring basis, and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020:

 

September 30, 2021:

Amount ($) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Derivative asset 4,905,656       4,905,656
Investment in equity security 10,772 10,772      
Investment in debt security 494,608       494,608
Contingent cash consideration 820,802       820,802
Total 6,231,838 10,772    6,221,066

 

September 30, 2020:

Amount ($) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Derivative asset 2,115,269       2,115,269
Investment in equity security 210,000 210,000      
Investment in debt security 500,000       500,000
Contingent cash consideration 750,000       750,000
Total 3,575,269 210,000    3,365,269

 

Income taxes

The Company’s calculation of its tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in various taxing jurisdictions. The Company recognizes tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on management’s estimate of whether it is more likely than not that additional taxes will be required. The Company had no uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

Deferred income taxes are recognized in the consolidated financial statements for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates. Temporary differences arise from net operating losses, differences in depreciation methods of archived images, and property and equipment, stock-based and other compensation, and other accrued expenses. A valuation allowance is established when it is determined that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

The application of tax laws and regulations is subject to legal and factual interpretation, judgment and uncertainty. Tax laws and regulations themselves are subject to change as a result of changes in fiscal policy, changes in legislation, the evolution of regulations and court rulings. Therefore, the actual liability for U.S., or the various state jurisdictions, may be materially different from managements estimates, which could result in the need to record additional tax liabilities or potentially reverse previously recorded tax liabilities. Interest and penalties are included in tax expense.

 

The Company includes interest and penalties arising from the underpayment of income taxes in the statements of operation in the provision for income taxes. As of September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

 

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations or net assets of the Company and are as follows:

 

The Company has reclassified interest receivable on investment in debt securities from Accounts Receivable to Prepaid expense and other current assets amounting to $399,863 and $187,562 as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The revenue presentation is updated to remain consistent with the business segments of the Company. In 2020, revenues were categorized into hardware and software related sales. In 2021, the Company has realigned its focus and accordingly revenue is reported based upon business segments of digital currency mining, energy and others.
Product development expense for the year ended September 30, 2020 has been reclassified to be included in depreciation and amortization expense.

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

The Company is subject to the possibility of various loss contingencies and loss recoveries, such as legal proceedings and claims arising out of its business. The Company considers the likelihood of loss or impairment of an asset, or the incurrence of a liability, as well as the Company’s ability to reasonably estimate the amount of loss, in determining loss contingencies. An estimated loss contingency is accrued when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company regularly evaluates current information available with its external and internal counsel to determine whether an accrual is required, an accrual should be adjusted or a range of possible loss should be disclosed.

 

Segment Reporting

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding the method to allocate resources and assess performance. To better align with the Company’s strategic objectives, the Company optimized its reportable segments down to two, (1) Digital Currency Mining Segment and (2) Energy Segment; by eliminating the digital agency segment. Results associated with that component are now being reported under other revenue and eliminations.

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which requires contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as if it had originated the contracts. Under the current business combinations guidance, such assets and liabilities are recognized by the acquirer at fair value on the acquisition date. This new guidance is effective for the Company for its fiscal year beginning February 1, 2023 and interim periods within that fiscal year, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating its potential impact but does not expect the new standard to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

 

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance (collectively, “Topic 848”). Topic 848 became effective immediately and expires on December 21, 2022. Topic 848 allows eligible contracts that are modified to be accounted for as a continuation of those contracts, permits companies to preserve their hedging accounting during the transition period and enables companies to make a one-time election to transfer or sell held-to-maturity debt securities that are affected by rate reform. Topic 848 provides optional expedients and exceptions for contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The adoption of ASU 2020-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures.

 

The Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments on October 1, 2020 (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that reflects expected credit losses, including credit losses related to trade receivables, and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates, which generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. As the Company was a Smaller Reporting Company at the time of issuance of the ASU, the Company expects to adopt the ASU effective October 1, 2023, including the interim periods within the fiscal year. In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU2020-06, “Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (subtopic 815-40),” which reduces the number of accounting models in ASC 470-20 that require separate accounting for embedded conversion features. As a result, a convertible debt instrument will be accounted for as a single liability measured at its amortized cost as long as no other features require bifurcation and recognition as derivatives. By removing those separation models, the effective interest rate of convertible debt instruments will be closer to the coupon interest rate. Further, the diluted net income per share calculation for convertible instruments will require the Company to use the if-converted method. The treasury stock method should no longer be used to calculate diluted net income per share for convertible instruments. The amendment will be effective for the Company with annual periods beginning January 1, 2022 and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2020-06 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures.

 

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued Account Standard Update (“ASU”) 2020-06, “Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (subtopic 815-40),” which reduces the number of accounting models in ASC 470-20 that require separate accounting for embedded conversion features. As a result, a convertible debt instrument will be accounted for as a single liability measured at its amortized cost as long as no other features require bifurcation and recognition as derivatives. By removing those separation models, the effective interest rate of convertible debt instruments will be closer to the coupon interest rate. Further, the diluted net income per share calculation for convertible instruments will require the Company to use the if-converted method. The treasury stock method should no longer be used to calculate diluted net income per share for convertible instruments. The amendment will be effective for the Company with annual periods beginning January 1, 2022 and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2020-06 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures.