Note 2 - Summary of Accounting Policies |
3 Months Ended | ||||||
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Mar. 31, 2017 | |||||||
Notes to Financial Statements | |||||||
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] |
NOTE - 2 SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES 1. Basis of Consolidation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (
"GAAP") and include the accounts of Milestone Scientific and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries, including, Wand Dental, Milestone Advanced Cosmetic and Milestone Medical. Milestone Education is a variable interest entity of which Milestone Scientific is the primary beneficiary and is consolidated into Milestone Scientific's financial statements. All significant, intra-entity transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidation.
2. Basis of Presentation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Milestone Scientific have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information with the instructions for Form condensed 10Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring entries) necessary to fairly present such interim results. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which may be expected for a full year or any subsequent period. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended
December 31, 2016, included in Milestone Scientific's Annual Report on Form 10 -K.3. Variable Interest Entities A variable interest entity ("VIE") is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
If Milestone Scientific determines that it has operating power and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits, Milestone Scientific consolidates the VIE as the primary beneficiary. Milestone Scientific’s involvement constitutes power that is most significant to the entity when it has unconstrained decision making ability over key operational functions within the entity. Milestone Scientific is the primary beneficiary of Milestone Medical as of condensed c December 31, 2015 (see Note 4) and Milestone Education as of January 2016. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Milestone Medical and Milestone Education are included in the accompanying onsolidated financial statements.
Because Milestone Scientific had an increasing variable interest in Milestone China, it further considered the guidance in Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 810 as it relates to determining whether Milestone China is a VIE and, if so, identifying the primary beneficiary. As Milestone China’s equity at risk and voting rights were not proportional to their economic interest, Milestone China was determined to be a VIE. Milestone Scientific would be considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE if it has both of the following characteristics:
Milestone management does not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact Milestone China's economics and, therefore, the power criterion has not been met. Management placed the most weight on the relationship and significance of activities of Milestone China to the majority shareholder/CEO of Milestone China. As majority shareholder, majority holder of voting rights, and the active CEO, the 53% investor has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Milestone China. Management has concluded that Milestone Scientific is not the primary beneficiary under ASC 810. Accordingly, Milestone China has not been consolidated into the financial statements of Milestone Scientific and continues to be accounted for under the equity method (see Note 5).
4. Cash and Cash EquivalentsMilestone Scientific considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.5. Accounts Receivable Milestone Scientific sells a significant amount of its product on credit terms to its major distributors. Milestone Scientific estimates losses from the inability of its customers to make payments on amounts billed. A majority of credit sales are due within
ninety days from invoicing. There have not been any significant credit losses incurred to date.6. Product Return and Warranty Milestone Scientific generally does not accept non-defective returns from its customers. Product returns under warranty are accepted, evaluated and repaired or replaced in accordance with the Warranty Policy. Returns not within the Warranty Policy are evaluated and the customer is charged for the repair.
7. Inventories Inventories principally consist of finished goods and component parts stated at the lower of cost
(first -in, first -out method) or market. Inventory quantities on hand are reviewed on a quarterly basis and a provision for excess and obsolete inventory is recorded if required based on past and expected future sales, potential technological obsolescence and product expiration requirements.8. Equity Method Investments Investments in which Milestone Scientific has the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are included in the long term assets on the c ondensed consolidated balance sheets. Under this method of accounting, Milestone Scientific's share of the net earnings or losses of the investee is presented below the income tax line on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Milestone Scientific evaluates its equity method investments whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments
may be impaired. If a decline in the value of an equity method investment is determined to be other than temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period. 9. Furniture, Fixture and Equipment Equipment is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from
five to seven years. The costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.10.
Intangible Assets - Patents
Patents are recorded at cost to prepare and file the applicable documents with the US Patent Office, or internationally with the applicable governmental office in the respective country. Although certain patents have not yet been approved, the costs related to these patents are being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the patent. If the applicable patent application is ultimately rejected, the remaining unamortized balance will be expensed in the period in which Milestone Scientific receives notice of such rejection. Patent defense costs, to the extent applicable are expensed as incurred. Patent applications filed and patents obtained in foreign countries are subject to the laws and procedures that differ from those in the United States. Patent protection in foreign countries
may be different from patent protection under United States laws and may not be favorable to Milestone Scientific. Milestone Scientific also attempts to protect the proprietary information through the use of confidentiality agreements and by limiting access to its facilities. There can be no assurance that the program of patents, confidentiality agreements and restricted access to the facilities will be sufficient to protect the proprietary technology.11. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Milestone Scientific reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances (i.e. a triggering event) indicate that the carrying amounts
may not be recoverable. The carrying value of the assets is evaluated in relation to the operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying assets. Milestone Scientific adjusts the net book value of an underlying asset if its fair value is determined to be less than its net book value. There have been no impairment indicators or triggering events and therefore, no impairment reviews have been performed in the period ending March 31, 2017. 12. Revenue Recognition Revenue from product sales is recognized, net of discounts and allowances to domestic distributors, on the date of shipment for substantially all shipments, since the shipment terms are FOB warehouse. Milestone Scientific recognizes revenue on date of arrival of the goods at the customer's location, where shipments are FOB destination. In all cases the price to the buyer is fixed and the collectability is reasonably assured. Further, Milestone Scientific has no obligation on these sales for any post installation, set-up or maintenance, these being the responsibility of the buyer. Milestone Scientific's only obligation after sale is the normal commercial warranty against manufacturing defects if the alleged defective unit is returned within the warranty period. Instrument and hand pieces are not bundled but rather sold separately and, as such, there are no multiple element determinations in connection with the revenue recognition.
13. Shipping and Handling Costs Milestone Scientific includes shipping and handling costs in cost of goods sold. These costs are billed to customers at the time of shipment for domestic shipments. International shipments are FOB warehouse, therefore
no costs are incurred by Milestone Scientific.14. Research and Development Research and development costs, which consist principally of new product development costs payable to
third parties, are expensed as incurred. Advance payments for the research are amortized to expense either as services are performed or over the relevant service period using the straight line method.15. Income Taxes Milestone Scientific accounts for income taxes pursuant to the asset and liability method which requires deferred income tax assets and liabilities to be computed for temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
16. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates relate to the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory valuation, and cash flow assumptions regarding evaluations for impairment of long-lived assets and going concern considerations, and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates
.
17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements: Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market at the measurement date (exit price). We are required to classify fair value measurements in
one of the following categories:● Level
1 inputs which are defined as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.● Level
2 inputs which are defined as inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly.● Level
3 inputs are defined as unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities. Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and
may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.18. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In The new standard will result in enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue arising from contracts with customers. May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance for revenue recognition for contracts, superseding the previous revenue recognition requirements, along with most existing industry-specific guidance. The guidance requires an entity to review contracts in five steps: 1) identify the contract, 2) identify performance obligations, 3) determine the transaction price, 4) allocate the transaction price, and 5) recognize revenue. In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance approving a one -year deferral, making the standard effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted only for reporting periods beginning after
December 15, 2016. The FASB continues to release guidance clarifying certain aspects of the revenue guidance. We do not believe that this new accounting pronouncement will have a material impact on our financial statements.In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The new guidance requires that all deferred taxes be presented as noncurrent, rather than separated into current and noncurrent amounts. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after
December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. In addition, the adoption of guidance can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company has adopted this pronouncement as of January 1, 2017, and applied retrospectively, for its provision for income taxes disclosure. The adoption will not have an impact on the presentation of the balance sheet, as the Company assigns a full valuation allowance to its net deferred tax asset. In Accounting Standards Update (" February 2016, the FASB issued a new standard ASU ")
No.2016 -02, "Leases"(Topic 842). The new standard is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations to recognize lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. It will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Milestone Scientific is in the process of determining what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued a new standard ASU No.2016 -07, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures” (Topic
323): The new standard is intended to eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for the use of the equity method as a result of an in increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence, results of operations and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect all of the previous periods that the investment was held. It will be effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has adopted the standard, effective January 1, 2017, and has determined the adoption of this standard will not have an impact on its financial reporting. In
March 2016, the FASB issued a new standard ASU No.2016 -09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (Topic 718): The new standard is intended, under FASB’s Simplification Initiative, to address certain diversity of application within previous guidance. The new standard primarily addresses certain tax aspects in connection with the stock compensation held. It will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has adopted the standard, effective January 1, 2017, and has determined the adoption of this standard does not have an impact on its financial reporting.In June 2016, the FASB issued a new standard ASU No.2016 -13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses” (Topic
326).: The new standard is intended to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. It will be effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Milestone Scientific is in the process of determining what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In
August 2016, the FASB issued a new standard ASU No.2016 -15, "Statement Cash Flows “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Disbursements" Topic 230). The new standard provides guidance as to the conformity of presentation of certain cash receipts and disbursements. It will be effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Milestone Scientific is in the process of determining what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on its presentation within the statement of cash flows. In
October 2016, the FASB issued a new standard ASU No.2016 -16, "Income Taxes Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" (Topic 740). The new standard provides guidance as to address the deferred tax treatment on certain intra-entity transfer of assets, other than inventory. It will be effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Milestone Scientific is in the process of determining what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on its presentation within the statement of cash flows.In October 2016, the FASB issued a new standard ASU No.2016 -17, "Consolidation Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control"(Topic
810). The new standard provides guidance as to consideration of consolidation requirements of a primary beneficiary and variable interest entity that are part of related party group under common control. It will be effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. Milestone Scientific is in the process of determining what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on its presentation within the statement of cash flows.
In November 2016, the FASB issued a new standard ASU No.2016 -18, “Statement of Cash Flows – Restricted Cash” (Topic
230). The new standard provides guidance as to address the diversity of treatment of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. It will be effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods therein. Milestone Scientific is in the process of determining what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on its presentation within the statement of cash flows.In
January 2017, the FASB issued a new standard ASU No.2017 -04, “Intangibles Goodwill and Other – Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (Topic
350). The new standard provides guidance as to simplify the testing and, potential, measurement of impairment of goodwill. It will be effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2020. Milestone Scientific is in the process of determining what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on its presentation within the statement of cash flows. |