Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation

[1] Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiaries, BioPharma Inc., and Nanotechnologies, the operational subsidiaries of Holdings. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and reflect the operations of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

These interim unaudited financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, which are included in the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2018. In the opinion of management, the interim unaudited financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data presented for comparative purposes was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.

 

Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future interim periods or for the year ending December 31, 2018. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Use of Estimates

[2] Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Certain accounting principles require subjective and complex judgments to be used in the preparation of financial statements. Accordingly, a different financial presentation could result depending on the judgments, estimates, or assumptions that are used. Such estimates and assumptions include, but are not specifically limited to, those required in the assessment of the impairment of intangible assets and goodwill and the valuation and assumptions of Level 3 fair value measurement of financial instruments and determination of stock-based compensation, contingent consideration and all acquired assets and liabilities.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

[3] Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents to the extent the funds are not being held for investment purposes. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, bank demand deposits and overnight sweep accounts used in the Company’s cash management program.

 

Restricted Cash

 

The Company presents restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as of September 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

(Dollars in thousands)   September 30, 2018     December 31,
2017
    September 30, 2017     December 31,
2016
 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 6,632     $ 7,307     $ 9,001     $ 4,105  
                                 
Restricted cash included in current/long term assets     636       691       691       692  
                                 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows   $ 7,268     $ 7,998     $ 9,692     $ 4,797  

Concentration of Credit Risk

[4] Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash. Cash balances are maintained principally at two major U.S. financial institutions and are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to regulatory limits. At all times throughout the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s cash balances exceeded the FDIC insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Leasehold Improvements and Equipment

[5] Leasehold Improvements and Equipment

 

Equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of the Company equipment range from three to ten years. Capitalized costs associated with leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the remaining life of the lease.

Income Taxes

[6] Income Taxes

 

Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates.

 

The Company adopted the provisions of Accounting Standard Codification 740-10 and has analyzed its filing positions in jurisdictions where it may be obligated to file returns. The Company believes that its income tax filing position and deductions will be sustained on audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material change to its financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had no accrual for interest or penalties as of September 30, 2018.

 

Since the Company incurred net operating losses in every tax year since inception, all income tax returns are subject to examination and adjustments by the IRS for at least three years following the year in which the tax attributes are utilized.

Stock-Based Compensation

[7] Stock-Based Compensation

 

Stock-based compensation to employees consist of stock option grants and restricted shares that are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations based on their fair values at the date of grant.

 

Restricted stock grants are valued at the date of grant using the market price of the stock. It is amortized over the applicable service period.

 

The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employees in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 505, subtopic 50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees based upon the fair-value of the underlying instrument. The equity instruments, consisting of stock options granted to consultants, are valued using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The measurement of stock-based compensation is subject to periodic adjustments as the underlying equity instruments vest and is recognized as an expense over the period which services are received. The Company calculates the fair value of employee option grants utilizing the Black-Scholes pricing model and estimates the fair value of restricted stock based upon the estimated fair value of the common stock. The amount of stock based compensation recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. The term “forfeitures” is distinct from “cancellations” or “expirations” and represents only the unvested portion of the surrendered stock option or warrant.

 

The resulting stock-based compensation expense for both employee and non-employee awards is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.

Fair Value Measurements

[8] Fair Value Measurements

 

ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 are described below:

 

  Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
     
  Level 2 - Directly or indirectly observable inputs as of the reporting date through correlation with market data, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and quoted prices in markets that are not active. Level 2 also includes assets and liabilities that are valued using models or other pricing methodologies that do not require significant judgment since the input assumptions used in the models, such as interest rates and volatility factors, are corroborated by readily observable data from actively quoted markets for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
     
  Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.

 

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.

 

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable, note payable, lease liability and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Basic Net Loss Per Common Share

[9] Basic Net Loss per Common Share

 

Basic and diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Net loss available to common shareholders represents our net loss plus Series A and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock accumulated dividends. Convertible Preferred Stock accumulated dividends include dividends accumulated for the period (regardless of whether or not the dividends have been declared). For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, $637,781 and $462,186 of dividends for the Convertible Preferred Stock are included in the Net loss attributable to common shareholders. Diluted earnings per common share is the same as basic earnings per common share because, as the Company incurred a net loss during each period presented, the potentially dilutive securities from the assumed exercise of all outstanding stock options and warrants and conversion of preferred stock, would have an anti-dilutive effect. The following schedule details the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, warrants and conversion of preferred stock, which have been excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation as the inclusion would be anti-dilutive for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

    Three month period
Ended September 30,
    Nine month period
Ended September 30,
 
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
Stock options     11,455       11,526       11,455       11,526  
                                 
Common stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock     28,685       15,078       28,685       15,078  
                                 
Warrants     5,802       5,961       5,802       5,961  
                                 
Total     45,942       32,565       45,942       32,565  

Revenue Recognition

[10] Revenue Recognition

 

The Company applies ASC 606 to its current research grant. The Company currently has a research grant with its customer, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (“CFF”). There are no contract assets or liabilities associated with this grant. The contract has a single performance obligation which is the provision of research and development services related to the Company’s Cystic Fibrosis development program (the “Program”). The Company provides CFF with progress reports for each study it performs, summarizing the progress toward achieving the goals of the Program, and is required to submit a final progress report within 30 days after the completion of the Program. Subject to the submission and acceptance of milestone progress reports, the Company may be entitled to an additional payments of $0.1 million in the aggregate. As this contract is currently the Company’s only contract with a customer, disaggregation of revenue is not required.

Research and Development

[11] Research and Development

 

Research and development costs are charged to operations as they are incurred. Legal fees and other direct costs incurred in obtaining and protecting patents are also expensed as incurred, due to the uncertainty with respect to future cash flows resulting from the patents and are included as part of general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

[12] Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases”. The new standard will require most leases to be recognized on the balance sheet which will increase reported assets and liabilities. Lessor accounting remains substantially similar to current guidance. The new standard is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which for us is the first quarter of 2019 and mandates a modified retrospective transition method. The Company is in the process of implementing changes to its systems and processes in conjunction with its review of lease agreements. The Company will adopt ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and expects to elect certain available transitional practical expedients.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”, which amended the existing accounting standards for the statement of cash flows. The amendments provide guidance on eight classification issues related to the statement of cash flows. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. For issues that are impracticable to apply retrospectively, the amendments may be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash” which requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. This amendment is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017 for public entities. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2018 on a retrospective basis and provided the required disclosure in Note D (3).

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”. The amendment simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead an entity should perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We are required to apply the amendments for the annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We have evaluated this standard and believe it will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

  

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09 “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting”, which provides clarity and reduces both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying guidance in Topic 718. This amendment provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The amendments are effective for all entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” These amendments expand the scope of Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (which currently only includes share-based payments to employees) to include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods or services. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees and employees will be substantially aligned. The ASU supersedes Subtopic 505-50, Equity - Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. This standard is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted as long as ASU 2014-09 has been adopted. We are currently considering the impact of adoption but preliminarily believes that it will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases”. The amendments provide additional clarification and implementation guidance on certain aspects of the previously issued ASU No. 2016-02 and have the same effective and transition requirements as ASU 2016-02. Upon the effective date, ASU 2016-02 will supersede the current lease guidance in ASC Topic 840, Leases. We do not intend to early adopt and are currently assessing the impact of this update, but preliminarily believe that its adoption will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Changes to Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements”, which will improve the effectiveness of disclosure requirements for recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The standard removes, modifies, and adds certain disclosure requirements, and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. We will be evaluating the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

[13] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill is assessed for impairment at least annually on a reporting unit basis, or more frequently when events and circumstances occur indicating that the recorded goodwill may be impaired. In accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine this is the case, we are required to perform further analysis to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized, if any. If we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amounts, further analysis is not required.

 

As defined in the authoritative guidance, a reporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment. Historically, we conducted our business in a single operating segment and reporting unit. In the quarter ended September 30, 2018, we assessed goodwill impairment by performing a qualitative test for our reporting unit. During our qualitative reviews, we considered the Company’s cash position and our ability to obtain additional financing in the near term to meet our operational and strategic goals and substantiate the value of our business. Based on the results of our assessments, it was determined that it is more-likely- than-not that the fair value of the reporting units is greater than their carrying amounts. There was no impairment of goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

We review other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of these assets are no longer appropriate. The authoritative accounting guidance allows a qualitative approach for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, similar to the impairment testing guidance for goodwill. It allows the option to first assess qualitative factors (events and circumstances) that could have affected the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The qualitative factors assist in determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An organization may choose to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to calculating its fair value. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets are IPR&D intangible assets. In all other instances, we used the qualitative test and concluded that it was more-likely-than-not that all other indefinite-lived assets were not impaired and therefore, there were no impairments during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Deferred Rent

[14] Deferred Rent

 

The Company records rent on a straight line basis. Differences between monthly rent expenses and rent payments are recorded as deferred rent. Deferred rent is recorded in either an asset account (e.g., other current or noncurrent assets) when the cumulative difference between rent expenses and rent payments as of a balance sheet date is negative or a liability account (e.g., other current or noncurrent liabilities) when the cumulative difference is positive. Due to our escalating rents, the Company is currently recording a deferred rent liability. Deferred rent balances are classified as long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets based upon the period when reversal of the liability is expected to occur.