Summary of significant accounting policies |
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| Summary of significant accounting policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB. The FASB sets generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, to ensure financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows are consistently reported. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC. We adopted the presentation requirements for noncontrolling interests required by ASC 810 Consolidation. Under ASC 810, earnings or losses attributed to the noncontrolling interests are reported as part of the consolidated earnings and not a separate component of income or expense.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of the entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. Those entities include our wholly-owned subsidiary, American DG Energy Inc. ("ADGE"), Tecogen CHP Solutions, Inc., and a joint venture, American DG New York, LLC, or ADGNY, in which ADGE holds a 51.0% interest. As the controlling partner, all major decisions in respect of ADGNY are made by ADGE in accordance with the joint venture agreement. The interests in the individual underlying energy system projects in ADGNY vary between ADGE and its joint venture partner. The noncontrolling interest and distributions are determined based on economic ownership. The economic ownership is calculated by the amount invested by us and the noncontrolling partner in each site. Each quarter, we calculate a year-to-date profit/loss for each site that is part of ADGNY and the noncontrolling interest percent of economic ownership in each site is applied to determine the noncontrolling interest share in the profit/loss. The same methodology is used to determine
quarterly distributions of available cash to the noncontrolling interest partner. On our balance sheet, noncontrolling interest represents the joint venture partner’s investment in ADGNY, plus its share of after-tax profits less any cash distributions. ADGE owned a controlling 51.0% legal and economic interest in ADGNY as of December 31, 2023.
Investments in partnerships and companies in which we do not have a controlling financial interest but where we have significant influence, if any, are accounted for under the equity method.
Noncontrolling interests in the net assets and operations of ADGNY are reflected in the caption “Noncontrolling interest” in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of 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 and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Employee Retention Credit
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law providing numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including an employee retention credit (“ERC”), which is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes. The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 extended and expanded the availability of the ERC.
We qualified for the ERC in the first, second and third quarters of 2021 because our gross receipts decreased by more than 20% from the first, second and third quarters of 2019. As a result of averaging 100 or fewer full-time employees in 2019, all wages paid to employees in the first, second and third quarters of 2021, excluding the wages that were applied to the Paycheck Protection Loan Second Draw, were eligible for the ERC. Wages used towards PPP loan forgiveness cannot be used as qualified wages for purposes of the ERC.
During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we recorded an ERC benefit for the first and second quarters of 2021 of $713,269 and, in the three months ended September 30, 2021 we recorded an ERC benefit for the third quarter of 2021 of $562,752, respectively, in other income (expense), net in the our condensed consolidated statements of operations. A current receivable in the amount of $46,148 is included in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. We have collected all of the other ERC benefits.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that expose us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We maintain our cash balances in bank accounts, which at times may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s general deposit insurance limits. The amount on deposit at December 31, 2023 and 2022 which exceeded the $250,000 federally insured limit were approximately $1,009,094 and $1,393,823, respectively. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and thus believe that we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.
There was no customer who represented 10% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. There was one customer who represented 14% of the accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2023, and one customers who represented 15% of the accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2022.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity date of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents. We have cash balances in certain financial institutions in amounts which occasionally exceed current federal deposit insurance limits. The financial stability of these institutions is continually reviewed by senior management. We believe that we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments, Credit Losses (Topic 326). Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. The allowance for credit losses is estimated based on historical experience, aging of the receivable, the counterparty’s ability to pay, condition of general economy and industry, and combined with management's estimate of current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future losses to determine estimated credit losses in our evaluation of outstanding accounts receivable at the end of the year. . The allowance for credit losses reflects managements evaluation of our outstanding accounts receivable at the end of the year and our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. Accounts receivable deemed uncollectible are charged against the allowance for credit losses when identified. Our bad debt expense increased to $902,432 in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a benefit of $70,987 in the year ended December 31, 2022, due to the write down of certain
install receivables which were deemed uncollectible in the year ended December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the allowance for credit losses was $149,922 and $361,197, respectively.
Inventory
Raw materials, work in process, and finished goods inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined by the average cost method, or net realizable value. We periodically review inventory quantities on hand for excess and/or obsolete inventory based primarily on historical usage, as well as based on estimated forecast of product demand and anticipated usage. Any reserves that result from this review are charged to cost of sales.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, which range from to fifteen years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the term of the related leases. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed, while renewals and betterments that materially extend the life of an asset are capitalized.
We review our property, plant and equipment for potential impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of the assets are no longer appropriate. We evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets when impairment is indicated by comparing the net book value of the asset group to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows attributable to such assets. If the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) is less than the carrying value of the assets, the assets will be written down to the estimated fair value and such loss is recognized in income from continuing operations in the period in which the determination is made. If impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets subject to amortization include costs incurred by us to acquire product certifications, certain patent costs, developed technologies, and customer contracts. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated economic life of the intangible asset. Indefinite life intangible assets such as trademarks are recorded at cost and not amortized.
The favorable contract asset which relates to existing ADGE customer contracts is more fully described in Note 8. "Intangible Assets and Liabilities other than Goodwill". Customer contracts are more fully described in Note 5. "Aegis Contract and Related Asset Acquisition".
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets, including intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances have indicated that an asset may not be recoverable and are grouped with other assets to the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. If the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) is less than the carrying value of the assets, the assets will be written down to the estimated fair value and such loss is recognized in income from continuing operations in the period in which the determination is made. Management determined that an impairment of $4,674 of long-lived assets existed as of December 31, 2022, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded impairment of long-lived assets as follows:
Business Combinations
In accordance with applicable accounting standards, we estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date of each business combination. Any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. We may make certain estimates and assumptions when determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including intangible assets. Critical estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include but are not limited to future expected cash flows from energy production sites or customer maintenance contracts, estimated operating costs, as well as discount rates. At the acquisition date, we will also record
acquisition related liabilities, if applicable, for any contingent consideration or deferred payments to the seller. Contingent consideration is recorded at fair value on the acquisition date based on our expectation of achieving the contractually defined revenue targets. The fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities is remeasured each reporting period after the acquisition date and any changes in the estimated fair value are reflected as gains or losses in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Contingent consideration liabilities and deferred payments to sellers are recorded as current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets based on the expected timing of settlement.
Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. Any changes to provisional amounts identified during the measurement period are recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the fair value of consideration paid for businesses over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Impairment testing for goodwill is performed annually, generally in the fourth fiscal quarter, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present.
To determine if goodwill is potentially impaired, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment. However, we may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform an impairment test even if no indications of a potential impairment exist. The impairment test for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level and compares the fair value of the reporting unit (calculated using a discounted cash flow method) to its carrying value, including goodwill. The discount rate represents our estimate of the weighted-average cost of capital, or expected return, that a marketplace participant would have required as of the valuation date. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess carrying value over fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill of that reporting unit. Our assessment in 2023 indicated that the carrying value of our energy production reporting unit and the Aegis maintenance contracts did not exceed their fair value and therefore goodwill was not impaired. (see Note 10."Goodwill").
We adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-04, during 2018, which simplified the impairment testing process by eliminating the requirement to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. We test goodwill for impairment on either a qualitative basis under certain conditions, or a quantitative basis. On a quantitative basis, fair value of the reporting units is primarily determined using a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis.
Leases
On January 1, 2019, we adopted the guidance under ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” ("ASC 842”). ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as a right-of-use ("ROU") asset with a corresponding lease liability. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. See Note 14."Leases".
Income (loss) per Common Share
We compute basic income (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) for the period by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. We compute our diluted earnings per common share using the treasury stock method. For purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, we consider our shares issuable in connection with the convertible debentures, stock options and warrants to be dilutive common stock equivalents when the exercise/conversion price is less than the average market price of our common stock for the period.
Segment Information
Our operations are comprised of three business segments. Our Products segment designs, manufactures and sells industrial and commercial cogeneration systems as described above. Our Services segment installs and maintains our cogeneration systems. Our Energy Production segment sells energy in the form of electricity, heat, hot water and cooling to our customers under long-term sales agreements.
Income Taxes
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. The current or deferred tax consequences of transactions are measured by applying the provisions of enacted tax laws to determine the amount of taxes payable currently or in future years. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Under this method, a valuation allowance is used to offset deferred taxes if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than
not that some or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Management evaluates the recoverability of deferred taxes and the adequacy of the valuation allowance annually.
We have adopted the provisions of the accounting standards relative to accounting for uncertainties in tax positions. These provisions provide guidance on the recognition, derecognition and measurement of potential tax benefits associated with tax positions. We elected to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense in the statements of operations. We have analyzed our current tax return compliance positions and determined that no uncertain tax positions have been taken that would require recognition.
With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to possible income tax examinations by federal, state or local taxing authorities for tax years before 2020, with the exception of loss carryforwards in the event they are utilized in future years. Our tax returns are open to adjustment from 2002 forward, as a result of the fact that the we have loss carryforwards from those years, which may be adjusted in the year those losses are utilized.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments are cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, available-for-sale securities and accounts payable. The recorded values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values based on their short-term nature. See Note 16. "Fair Value Measurements".
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of our products, services and energy production. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services or energy to customers.
Shipping and handling fees billed to customers in a sales transaction are recorded in revenue and shipping and handling costs incurred are recorded in general and administrative expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, $427,880 and $563,482 of shipping and handling costs were included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, respectively. We elected to exclude from revenue any value-add sales and other taxes which we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities. These accounting policy elections are consistent with the manner in which we have historically recorded shipping and handling fees and taxes. Incremental costs incurred by us in obtaining a contract with a customer are negligible, if any, and are expensed ratably in proportion to the related revenue recognized.
Advertising Costs
We expense the costs of advertising as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, advertising expense was approximately $79,000 and $51,000, respectively.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred. Our total research and development expenditures were approximately $840,000 and $733,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense in the statements of operations over the requisite service period.
The determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards is affected by our stock price. For the awards issued prior to our being publicly traded, we considered the sales price of the Common Stock in private placements to unrelated third parties as a measure of the fair value of its Common Stock.
We utilize actual forfeitures when calculating the expense for the period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest. We evaluate the assumptions used to value awards regularly and if factors change and different assumptions are employed, stock-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what has been recorded in the past. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested securities, we may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned stock-based compensation expense.
See Note 15."Stockholders' Equity" for a summary of the restricted stock and stock option activity under our stock-based employee compensation plan for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Disaggregated Revenue
In general, our business segmentation are aligned according to the nature and economic characteristics of our products and customer relationships and provides meaningful disaggregation of each business segment's results of operations.
The following table further disaggregates our revenue by major source by segment for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Products Segment
Products. Our Product revenues include cogeneration systems that supply electricity and hot water, chillers that provide air-conditioning and hot water and engineered accessories, which consist of ancillary products and parts necessary to install a cogeneration unit including integration into the customers’ existing electrical and mechanical systems. We refer to the package of engineered accessories and engineering and design services necessary for the customers' installation of a cogeneration unit as light installation services.
We transfer control and generally recognize a sale when we ship a product from our manufacturing facility at which point the customer takes ownership of the product. Payment terms on product sales are generally 30 days.
We recognize revenue in certain circumstances before delivery to the customer has occurred (commonly referred to as bill and hold transactions). We recognize revenue related to such transactions once, among other things, the customer has made a written fixed commitment to purchase the product(s) under normal billing and credit terms, the customer has requested the product(s) be held for future delivery as scheduled and designated by them, risk of ownership has been assumed by the customer, and the product(s) are tagged as sold and segregated for storage awaiting further direction from the customer. Due to the infrequent nature and duration of bill and hold arrangements, the value associated with custodial storage services is deemed immaterial in the context of the contract and in total, and accordingly, none of the transaction price is allocated to such service.
Depending on the product and terms of the arrangement, we may defer the recognition of a portion of the transaction price received because we have to satisfy a future obligation (e.g., product start-up service). Amounts allocated to product start-up services are recognized as revenue when the start-up service has been completed. We use an observable selling price to determine standalone selling prices where available and either a combination of an adjusted market assessment approach, an expected cost plus a margin approach, and/or a residual approach to determine the standalone selling prices for separate performance obligations as a basis for allocating contract consideration when an observable selling price is not available. Amounts received but not recognized pending completion of performance are recognized as contract liabilities and are recorded as deferred revenue along with deposits by customers.
Services Segment
Maintenance Services. Maintenance services are provided under either long-term maintenance contracts or time and material maintenance contracts. Revenue under time and material maintenance contracts is recognized when the maintenance service is completed. Revenue under long-term maintenance contracts is recognized either ratably over the term of the contract where the contract price is fixed or when the periodic maintenance activities are completed and the invoiced cost to the customer is based on run hours or kilowatts produced in a given period. We use an output method to measure progress towards completion of our performance obligation which results in the recognition of revenue on the basis of a direct measurement of the value to the customer of the services transferred to date relative to the remaining services promised under the contract. We use the practical expedient at ASC 606-10-55-18 of recognizing revenue in an amount equal to the amount we have the right to invoice the customer under the contract.
Our acquisition of the Aegis maintenance contracts and related business closed on March 15, 2023 and since April 1, 2023, revenues resulting from the Aegis acquisition have been included in our revenue from the Services segment.. Payment terms for maintenance services are generally 30 days.
Installation Services. Prior to January 1, 2023, we provided installation services which included all necessary engineering and design, labor, subcontract labor and service to install a cogeneration unit including integration into the
customers’ existing electrical and mechanical systems. Since January 1, 2023, we have not provided material installation services and do not expect to provide material installation services going forward.
Energy Production Segment
Energy Production. Revenue from energy contracts is recognized when electricity, heat, hot and/or chilled water is produced by our owned on-site cogeneration systems. Each month we bill the customer and recognize revenue for the various forms of energy delivered, based on meter readings which capture the quantity of the various forms of energy delivered in a given month, under a contractually defined formula which takes into account the current month's cost of energy from the local power utility.
As the various forms of energy delivered by us under energy production contracts are simultaneously delivered and consumed by the customer, our performance obligation under these contracts is considered to be satisfied over time. We use an output method to measure progress towards completion of our performance obligation which results in the recognition of revenue on the basis of a direct measurement of the value to the customer of the services transferred to date relative to the remaining services promised under the contract. We use the practical expedient at ASC 606-10-55-18 of recognizing revenue in an amount equal to that amount to which we have the right to invoice the customer under the contract. Payment terms on invoices under these contracts are generally 30 days.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections result in billed accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and deferred revenue, consisting of customer deposits and billings in excess of revenue recognized (contract liabilities) on the consolidated balance sheets.
We did not recognize any revenue during the year ended December 31, 2023 that was included in unbilled revenue as of December 31, 2023. Approximately $16,428 of revenue was billed in this period that had been recognized in previous periods.
Revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023 that was included in deferred revenue at the beginning of the period was $837,571.
Remaining Performance Obligations
Remaining performance obligations related to ASC 606 represent the aggregate transaction price allocated to performance obligations with an original contract term greater than one year, excluding certain maintenance contracts and all energy production contracts where a direct measurement of the value to the customer is used as a method of measuring progress towards completion of our performance obligation. Exclusion of these remaining performance obligations is due in part to the inability to quantify values based on unknown future levels of delivery and in some cases rates used to bill customers. Remaining performance obligations therefore consist of unsatisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations related to fixed price maintenance contracts and installation contracts.
As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining unsatisfied performance obligations was approximately $2,016,817. We expect to recognize revenue of approximately 95% of the remaining performance obligations over the next 24 months, 13% recognized in the first 12 months and 82% recognized over the subsequent 12 months, and the remainder recognized thereafter.
Significant New Accounting Standards Adopted this Period
New accounting standards adopted in the year ended December 31, 2023.
Financial Instruments, Credit Losses (Topic 326). In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments, Credit Losses (Topic 326), which was subsequently amended by ASUs 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-11, and 2020-03. Topic 326 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with a methodology that incorporates all expected credit loss estimates, resulting in more timely recognition of losses. Under Topic 326, we are required to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported financial assets. It also requires credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. We adopted Topic 326 on January 1, 2023 on a modified retrospective basis. The adoption did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
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