3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation - The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of these unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Inter-Company items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company classifies highly liquid temporary investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased as cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances at various financial institutions. Balances at US banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant risk for cash on deposit.  

Accounts Receivable and Revenue

Accounts Receivable and Revenue - Revenue is recognized on the sale of a product when the product is shipped, which is when the risk of loss transfers to our customers, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collection of the sale is reasonably assured. A product is not shipped without an order from the customer and the completion of credit acceptance procedures. The majority of our sales are cash or credit card; however, we occasionally extend terms to our customers. Accounts receivable are reviewed periodically for collectability.

Inventories

Inventories - Inventories are recorded on a first in first out basis. Inventory consists of raw materials, purchased finished goods and components held for resale. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. The reserve for inventory was $20,000 and $40,215 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Assets acquired held under capital leases are initially recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments discounted at the implicit interest rate (35% for assets currently held under capital lease) or the fair value of the asset. Major improvements and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of five years. Assets acquired under capital lease are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life or the lease term. At the time of retirement or other disposition of property and equipment, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets 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, (3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, (4) continued losses from operations, (5) continued negative cash flows from operations, and (6) the suspension of trading of the Company’s securities. 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.

The Company amortizes the cost of other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which range up to ten 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.

Equity Investments

Equity Investments – The Company classifies all highly-liquid investments with stated maturities of greater than three months from the date of purchase and remaining maturities of less than one year as short-term investments. Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because such investments are viewed as being available to support current operations. The Company classifies and accounts for short-term investments as available-for-sale and reflect realized gains and losses using the specific identification method. Changes in market value, if any, excluding other-than-temporary impairments, are reflected under stockholders’ deficit as unrealized gain/loss on related party investment.

Long Lived Assets

Long Lived Assets – The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment annually or when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets under certain circumstances are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value. Assets to be disposed of and assets not expected to provide any future service potential to the Company are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value (less the projected cost associated with selling the asset). To the extent carrying values exceed fair values, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results.

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurement and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, investment in a related party, accounts payables, accrued expenses, due to related party, notes payable, and convertible notes approximates their fair values due to their short-term maturities.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments -The Company evaluates all of its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses a weighted average Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within twelve months of the balance sheet date.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had outstanding 7% convertible notes for $500,000 that the Company determined were a derivative liability due to the “reset” clause associated with the note’s conversion price. The Company valued the derivative liability of these notes at $105,515 and $1,278,878, respectively, using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had outstanding 6% convertible notes for $350,000 that the Company determined were a derivative liability due to the “reset” clause associated with the note’s conversion price. The Company valued the derivative liability of these notes at $54,377 and $822,037, respectively using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding 18% convertible notes for $1,150,000 that the Company determined were a derivative liability due to the “reset” clause associated with the note’s conversion price. The Company valued the derivative liability of these notes at $1,217,283 using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. 

Sales Returns

Sales Returns - We allow customers to return defective products when they meet certain established criteria as outlined in our sales terms and conditions. It is our practice to regularly review and revise, when deemed necessary, our estimates of sales returns, which are based primarily on actual historical return rates. We record estimated sales returns as reductions to sales, cost of goods sold, and accounts receivable and an increase to inventory. Returned products which are recorded as inventory are valued based upon the amount we expect to realize upon its subsequent disposition. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no reserve for sales returns, which are minimal based upon our historical experience.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Cost

Shipping and Handling Fees and Cost - For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, shipping and handling fees billed to customers totaled $95,455 and $128,351, respectively, and were included in revenue.

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Based Compensation - The Company has share-based compensation plans under which employees, consultants, suppliers and directors may be granted restricted stock, as well as options and warrants to purchase shares of Company common stock at the fair market value at the time of grant. Stock-based compensation cost to employees is measured by the Company at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, over the requisite service period under ASC 718. For options issued to employees, the Company recognizes stock compensation costs utilizing the fair value methodology over the related period of benefit.  Grants of stock to non-employees and other parties are accounted for in accordance with the ASC 505.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs - Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are recorded in general and administrative expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, advertising costs of $637 and $141,369, respectively, were included in general and administrative expenses.

Net (Loss) Per Share

Net (Loss) Per Share - Under the provisions of ASC 260, “Earnings per Share,” basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the periods presented. Diluted net loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would then share in the income of the Company, subject to anti-dilution limitations. The common stock equivalents have not been included as they are anti-dilutive. As of December 31, 2015, there are also (i) stock option grants outstanding for the purchase of 29.0 million common shares at a $0.028 average strike price; (ii) warrants for the purchase of 565.0 million common shares at a $0.032 average exercise price; (iii) 243.6 million shares related to convertible debt that can be converted at 0.007 per share; and (iv) 6.0 million shares that may be issued to a former executive related to a severance agreement. We issued $2 million in common stock or 115,141,048 shares of our common stock pursuant to the settlement of the Consolidated Class Action and Derivative Action lawsuits alleging violations of federal securities laws that were filed against the Company in United States District Court, Central District of California. In addition, we have an unknown number of common shares to be issued under the TCA financing agreements. As of December 31, 2014, there were stock options outstanding for the purchase of 40,720,000 common shares, warrants for the purchase of 565,000,000 common shares, 209,061,571 shares related to convertible debt and 6,000,000 of shares which we may have to issue under a settlement agreement which could potentially dilute future earnings per share.

Dividend Policy

Dividend Policy - The Company has never paid any cash dividends and intends, for the foreseeable future, to retain any future earnings for the development of our business. Our future dividend policy will be determined by the board of directors on the basis of various factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and investment opportunities.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates - In preparing these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions included in our consolidated financial statements relate to the valuation of long-lived assets, estimates of sales returns, inventory reserves and accruals for potential liabilities, and valuation assumptions related to derivative liability, equity instruments and share based compensation. 

Reclassifications

Reclassifications - Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements for 2014 have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on net income, earnings per share, or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently under study by standard setting organizations and various regulatory agencies. Due to the tentative and preliminary nature of those proposed standards, management has not determined whether implementation of such proposed standards would be material to our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-15—Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (ASC Subtopic 205-40): “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. The update requires management to assess a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. All entities are required to apply the new requirements in annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. As such, GrowLife, Inc. is required to adopt these provisions for the annual period ending December 31, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of FASB ASU 2014-15 but does not expect the adoption thereof to have a material effect on GrowLife’s financial statements.

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09—Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): “Section A—Summary and Amendments That Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40), Section B—Conforming Amendments to Other Topics and Subtopics in the Codification and Status Tables, Section C—Background Information and Basis for Conclusions”. The guidance in this update affects any entity that enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. As such, GrowLife, Inc. is required to adopt these provisions as of December 31, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of FASB ASU 2014-09 but does not expect the adoption thereof to have a material effect on GrowLife’s financial statements.

In July 2013, FASB issued ASU 2013-11—Income Taxes (ASC Topic 740): “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. The amendments in this update provide explicit guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. The update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013.  The adoption of FASB ASU 2013-11 did not have a material effect on GrowLife’s financial statements.

New Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for us on January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”).  The amendments in ASU 2015-03 require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-03 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the potential changes from this ASU to the Company’s future financial reporting and disclosures.