Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

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2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CannaVest Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries US Hemp Oil, LLC, CannaVest Laboratories, LLC and Plus CBD, LLC (collectively, the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company commenced commercial operations on January 29, 2013.

Business Acquisition

Business Acquisition - We have accounted for the acquisition of the assets of PhytoSPHERE Systems, LLC in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC Topic 805”). ASC Topic 805 establishes principles and requirements for recognizing and measuring the total consideration transferred to and the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interests in the acquired target in an asset purchase. ASC Topic 805 also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring goodwill acquired and other tangible and intangible assets. (Note 6)

Investments

Investments - The Company had a 24.97% interest in KannaLife Sciences, Inc. (“KannaLife”), a phyto-medical company specializing in the research and development of pharmacological products derived from plants. This investment was accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates - The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates, including those related to contingencies, on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under 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. Significant estimates include the valuation of intangible assets, the amortization lives of intangible assets and the allowance for doubtful accounts. It is at least reasonably possible that a change in the estimates will occur in the near term.

Reportable Segment

Reportable Segment - The Company’s internal reporting is organized into three channels: CBD products, laboratory services and hemp farming activities. These channels qualify as individual operating segments and are aggregated and viewed as one reportable segment due to their similar economic characteristics, products, production, distribution processes and regulatory environment.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents - For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers amounts held by financial institutions and short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents. At each of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no cash equivalents.

Concentrations of credit risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk - As of December 31, 2014, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) provided insurance coverage of up to $250,000 per depositor per bank. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe that the Company is exposed to significant risks from excess deposits. The Company’s cash balance in excess of FDIC limits totaled $2,130,366 at December 31, 2014.

 

At December 31, 2014 the Company has a $1,200,000 note receivable related to a single customer, MediJane Holdings, Inc. In addition, one customer represented 62% of our accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2014. Sales from two customers accounted for 65% of total sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 (Note 8).

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable – Generally, the Company requires payment prior to shipment. However, in certain circumstances, the Company grants credit to companies located throughout the U.S. Accounts receivable consists of trade accounts arising in the normal course of business. Accounts receivable are unsecured and no interest is charged on past due accounts. Accounts for which no payments have been received after 30 days are considered delinquent and customary collection efforts are initiated. Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less a reserve made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a quarterly basis.

 

Management has determined the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition and credit history, and current economic conditions. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable in the amount of $100,000 and $400,000, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with the ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition which requires persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery of a product or service, a fixed or determinable price and assurance of collection within a reasonable period of time. The Company records revenue when goods are delivered to customers and the rights of ownership have transferred from the Company to the customer.

Shipping and Handling

Shipping and Handling – Shipping and handling costs totaled $57,885 and $19,301 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense.

Returns - Finished Products

Returns - Finished Products - Within ten (10) days of customer’s receipt of Company’s finished products, customers may return (i) finished products that do not conform to Company’s product specifications or (ii), finished products which are defective, provided that notice of condition is given within five (5) days of receiving the finished products. The failure to comply with the foregoing time requirements shall be deemed a waiver of customer’s claim for incorrect or defective shipments. In the event of the existence of one or more material defects in any finished product upon delivery to customer, the Company shall, at its sole option and cost, either (a) take such measures as are required to cure the defect(s) designated in the notice, or (b) replace such defective finished product(s). The Company may, at its sole option, require the return or destruction of the defective finished products. Customer shall afford the Company the opportunity to verify that such defects existed prior to shipment and were not, for purposes of example and not limitation, the result of improper transport, handling, storage, product rotation or misuse by customer.

 

Bulk Oil Products - All sales of bulk oil products are final, and the Company does not accept returns under any circumstances.

 

There is no allowance for customer returns at December 31, 2014 or 2013 due to insignificant return amounts experienced during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and Benefits - The Company records compensation and benefits expense for all cash and deferred compensation, benefits, and related taxes as earned by its employees. Compensation and benefits expense also includes compensation earned by temporary employees and contractors who perform similar services to those performed by the Company’s employees, primarily information technology and project management activities.

Stock Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation - Certain employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company participate in various long-term incentive plans that provide for granting stock options and restricted stock awards. Stock options generally vest in equal increments over a two- to four-year period and expire on the tenth anniversary following the date of grant. Restricted stock awards generally vest 100% at the grant date.

 

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation for equity awards granted to employees, officers, and directors as compensation and benefits expense on the consolidated statements of operation. The fair value of stock options is estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model on the date of grant. The fair value of restricted stock awards is equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation is recognized over the requisite service period of the individual awards, which generally equals the vesting period.

 

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation for equity awards granted to consultants as selling, general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of stock options is estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model on the date of grant and unvested awards are revalued at each reporting period. The fair value of restricted stock awards is equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant multiplied by the number of shares awarded. Stock-based compensation is recognized over the requisite service period of the individual awards, which generally equals the vesting period.

Inventory

Inventory - Inventory is stated at lower of cost or market, with cost being determined on average cost basis. There was no reserve for obsolete inventory as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Amounts paid to suppliers in advance for inventory is classified as prepaid inventory. Once the Company has assumed ownership, the cost of prepaid inventory is reclassified to inventory. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $5,766,147 of inventory in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Property and Equipment

 

Property & Equipment - Equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost represents the purchase price of the asset and other costs incurred to bring the asset into its existing use. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Tenant improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the related lease. Maintenance or repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Upon sale or disposition, the historically-recorded asset cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount less proceeds from disposal is charged or credited to other income (expense).

 

Property and equipment, net, at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

    Useful Lives   2014     2013  
                     
Office furniture and equipment   3 years   $ 231,440     $ 5,159  
Tenant improvements   14 to 39 months     56,474        
Laboratory and other equipment   5 years     354,363       222,723  
          642,277       227,882  
Less: accumulated depreciation         (125,854 )     (13,754 )
        $ 516,423     $ 214,128  
Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - In accordance with ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, the Company calculates the fair value of its assets and liabilities which qualify as financial instruments and includes this additional information in the notes to its financial statements when the fair value is different than the carrying value of those financial instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s current assets and current liabilities approximates their carrying amount due to their readily available nature and short maturity.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to (1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, (2) unanticipated competition, or (3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. When evaluating whether goodwill is impaired, the Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using a combination of the income, or discounted cash flows, approach and the market approach, which utilizes comparable companies’ data. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the amount of the impairment loss must be measured. The impairment loss would be calculated by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill to its carrying amount. In calculating the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the other assets and liabilities of that unit based on their fair values. The excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amount assigned to its other assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.

 

We make critical assumptions and estimates in completing impairment assessments of goodwill and other intangible assets. Our cash flow projections look several years into the future and include assumptions on variables such as future sales and operating margin growth rates, economic conditions, market competition, inflation and discount rates. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no impairments.

 

We amortize the cost of other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which range up to five years, unless such lives are deemed indefinite. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year for impairment, or more often if indicators warrant. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 there were no impairments.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets - In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of property and equipment is measured by comparing its carrying value to the undiscounted projected future cash flows that the asset(s) are expected to generate. If the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset over its respective fair value, which is generally determined as the present value of estimated future cash flows or at the appraised value. The impairment analysis is based on significant assumptions of future results made by management, including revenue and cash flow projections. Circumstances that may lead to impairment of property and equipment include a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used or in its physical condition and a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of a long-lived asset including an adverse action or assessment by a regulator.

Loss per Share

Loss per Share - The Company calculates earning or loss per share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share, which requires the computation and disclosure of two EPS amounts, basic and diluted. Basic EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus all potentially dilutive shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The Company has 6,470,000 of stock options outstanding that are anti-dilutive at December 31, 2014. The Company has no dilutive shares outstanding at December 31, 2013. 

Research & Development Expense

Research and Development Expense - Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and include, but are not limited to, employee salaries and benefits, cost of inventory used in product development, consulting service fees, the cost of renting and maintaining our laboratory facility and depreciation of laboratory equipment.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the related temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized when the rate change is enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, the Company recognizes the effect of uncertain income tax positions only if the positions are more likely than not of being sustained in an audit, based on the technical merits of the position. Recognized uncertain income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which those changes in judgment occur. The Company recognizes both interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of the income tax provision. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company did not have a liability for unrecognized tax uncertainties. The Company is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions. Management believes the Company is no longer subject to tax examinations for the years prior to 2010.

Recent Issued and Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Issued and Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date (“ASU No. 2013-04”). The amendments in ASU No. 2013-04 provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of ASU No. 2013-04 is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in GAAP. The guidance requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance in ASU No. 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. The amendment in this standard is effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company elected to adopt ASU No. 2013-04 during the first fiscal quarter of 2014. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), which completes the joint effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to improve financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance for GAAP and the International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2014-09 will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2014-09 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued guidance requiring management to evaluate on a regular basis whether any conditions or events have arisen that could raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance (1) provides a definition for the term “substantial doubt,” (2) requires an evaluation every reporting period, interim periods included, (3) provides principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans to alleviate the substantial doubt, (4) requires certain disclosures if the substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of management’s plans, (5) requires an express statement, as well as other disclosures, if the substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) requires an assessment period of one year from the date the financial statements are issued. The standard is effective for the Company’s reporting year beginning January 1, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the extent and impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the SEC did not, or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future financial statements.