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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
May 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION


The consolidated financial statements for the years ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 include the accounts of Biomerica, Inc. ("Biomerica") as well as its German subsidiary (BioEurope GmbH) and Mexican subsidiary (Biomerica de Mexico). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES


The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) 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 consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.


FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS


The Company has financial instruments whereby the fair market value of the financial instruments could be different than that recorded on a historical basis. The Company's financial instruments consist of its cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. The carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments approximate their fair values.


CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK


 The Company maintains cash balances at certain financial institutions in excess of amounts insured by federal agencies.  As of May 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $700,000 of uninsured cash. The Company does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risks.


The Company provides credit in the normal course of business to customers throughout the United States and foreign markets. For the years ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had one distributor which accounted for 45.2% and 30.3%, respectively, of consolidated sales.  The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and requires prepayment in some circumstances. At May 31, 2017, two customers accounted for 54.2% of gross accounts receivable. At May 31, 2016, two customers accounted for 60.3% of gross accounts receivable.


For the year ended May 31, 2017, two companies accounted for 23.0% of the purchases of raw materials. For the year ended May 31, 2016, one company accounted for 25.3 % of the purchases of raw materials. 


GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION


As of May 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately $467,000 and $659,000 of Biomerica's gross inventory and approximately $15,000 and $26,000, of Biomerica's property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, was located in Mexicali, Mexico, respectively.


 CASH EQUIVALENTS


Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market accounts with original maturities of less than three months.


ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE


The Company extends unsecured credit to its customers on a regular basis.  International accounts are required to prepay until they establish a history with the Company and at that time, they are extended credit at levels based on a number of criteria.  Credit levels are approved by designated upper level management.  Domestic customers are extended initial $500 credit limits until they establish a history with the Company or submit credit information.  All increases in credit limits are also approved by designated upper level management.  Management evaluates receivables on a quarterly basis and adjusts the allowance for doubtful accounts accordingly.  Balances over ninety days old are usually reserved for.  


Occasionally certain long-standing customers, who routinely place large orders, will have unusually large receivables balances relative to the total gross receivables.   Management monitors the payments for these large balances closely and very often requires payment of existing invoices before shipping new sales orders.


INVENTORIES


The Company values inventory at the lower of cost (determined using a combination of specific lot identification and the first-in, first-out methods) or market. Management periodically reviews inventory for excess quantities and obsolescence. Management evaluates quantities on hand, physical condition, and technical functionality as these characteristics may be impacted by anticipated customer demand for current products and new product introductions. The reserve is adjusted based on such evaluation, with a corresponding provision included in cost of sales. Abnormal amounts of idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs and wasted material are recognized as current period charges and the allocation of fixed production overhead is based on the normal capacity of the production facilities.


Inventories approximate the following at May 31:


 

2017

 

2016

Raw materials

$

830,000

 

$

942,000

Work in progress

728,000

690,000

Finished products

 

    171,000

 

 

231,000

Total

$

1,729,000

 

$

1,863,000


Reserves for inventory obsolescence are recorded as necessary to reduce obsolete inventory to estimated net realizable value or to specifically reserve for obsolete inventory that the Company intends to dispose of.  As of May 31, 2017 and 2016, inventory reserves were approximately $35,000 and $52,000, respectively.


PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT


Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for additions and major improvements are capitalized. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts, and gains or losses from retirements and dispositions are credited or charged to income.


Depreciation and amortization are provided over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, ranging from 5 to 10 years, using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment amounted to $144,887 and $156,283 for the years ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


INTANGIBLE ASSETS


Intangible assets include trademarks, product rights, technology rights and patents, and are accounted for based on Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), ASC 350 Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). In that regard, intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.


Intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over the useful life, not to exceed 18 years for marketing and distribution rights and purchased technology use rights, and 17 years for patents. Amortization amounted to $74,332 and $76,139  for the years ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively


The Company assesses the recoverability of these intangible assets by determining whether the amortization of the asset's balance over its remaining life can be recovered through projected undiscounted future cash flows. In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued another update to ASC 350 Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This update simplifies the guidance for testing impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill. During fiscal 2013, the Company adopted the updated guidance in ASC 350 and used the qualitative assessment to determine whether there was any impairment. No impairment adjustment was required as of May 31, 2017 or 2016.


INVESTMENTS


From time-to-time, the Company makes investments in privately-held companies.  The Company determines whether the fair values of any investments in privately-held entities have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable.  If the Company considers any such decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, and the overall health of the investee’s industry), a write-down to estimated fair value is recorded. The Company currently has not written down the investment and no events have occurred which could indicate the carrying value of the investment to be greater than the fair value. Investments represent the Company’s investment in a Polish distributor which is primarily engaged in distributing medical devices.  The Company owns approximately 6% of the investee, and accordingly, applies the cost method to account for the investment.  Under the cost method, investments are recorded at cost, with gains and losses recognized as of the sale date, and income recorded when received.


SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION


The Company follows the guidance of the accounting provisions of ASC 718 Share-based Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires the use of the fair-value based method to determine compensation for all arrangements under which employees and others receive shares of stock or equity instruments (warrants and options). The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model that uses assumptions for expected volatility, expected dividends, expected forfeiture rate, expected term, and the risk-free interest rate. The Company has not paid dividends historically and does not expect to pay them in the future. Expected volatilities are based on weighted averages of the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock estimated over the expected term of the options. The expected forfeiture rate is based on historical forfeitures experienced. The expected term of options granted is derived using the “simplified method” which computes expected term as the average of the sum of the vesting term plus the contract term as historically the Company had limited activity surrounding its options. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the period of the expected term.


In applying the Black-Scholes options-pricing model, assumptions used were as follows:  


2017

2016

Dividend yield

  

0%

 

 

0%

Expected volatility

  

53.64-54.73%

51.77-55.29%

Risk free interest rate

  

1.08-1.23%

 

 

1.55-1.75%

Expected life

  

3.75-6.25 years

3.75-6.25 years


REVENUE RECOGNITION


Revenues from product sales are recognized at the time the product is shipped, customarily FOB shipping point, at which point title passes. An allowance is established when necessary for estimated returns as revenue is recognized. As of May 31, 2017 and 2016, the allowance for returns is $0.


SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES AND COSTS


Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are required to be classified as net sales, and shipping and handling costs are required to be classified as either cost of sales or disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The Company included shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales. The Company included shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight and unreimbursed shipping to customers in cost of sales.


RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT


Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company expensed $1,130,635 and $780,333 of research and development expenses during the years ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


INCOME TAXES


The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. These temporary differences are measured using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the extent that management considers it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In determining the valuation allowance, the Company considers factors such as the reversal of deferred income tax assets, projected taxable income, and the character of income tax assets and tax planning strategies. A change to these factors could impact the estimated valuation allowance and income tax expense. At May 31, 2016, in accordance with ASC 740, the Company created a valuation allowance for substantially all of its deferred tax assets.  This resulted in a one-time charge to income tax expense of approximately $1,038,000 and a reduction in the short and long-term deferred tax assets.  During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017, this valuation allowance was increased to $1,435,000.


The Company accounts for its uncertain tax provisions by using a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not, based solely on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained in an audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the appropriate amount of the benefit to recognize. The amount of benefit to recognize is measured as the maximum amount which is more likely than not to be realized. The tax position is derecognized when it is no longer more likely than not capable of being sustained. On subsequent recognition and measurement the maximum amount which is more likely than not to be recognized at each reporting date will represent the Company’s best estimate, given the information available at the reporting date, although the outcome of the tax position is not absolute or final. Upon adopting the revisions in ASC 740, the Company elected to follow an accounting policy to classify accrued interest related to liabilities for income taxes within the “Interest expense” line and penalties related to liabilities for income taxes within the “Other expense” line of the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.


ADVERTISING COSTS


The Company reports the cost of all advertising as expense in the period in which those costs are incurred. Advertising costs were approximately $7,000 and $2,000 for the years ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION


The subsidiary located in Germany operates primarily using local functional currency. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of this subsidiary are translated using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, and revenues and costs are translated using average exchange rates for the period. The balance in the subsidiary in Mexico’s pesos bank account needs to be adjusted for the fluctuation in exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. The resulting adjustments are presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.


DEFERRED RENT


Incentive payments received from landlords are recorded as deferred lease incentives and are amortized over the underlying lease term on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense. When the terms of an operating lease provide for periods of free rent, rent concessions, and/or rent escalations, the Company establishes a deferred rent liability for the difference between the scheduled rent payment and the straight-line rent expense recognized. This deferred rent liability is amortized over the underlying lease term on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense. 


NET LOSS PER SHARE


Basic loss per share is computed as net loss divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options, warrants and other convertible securities using the treasury stock method. The total amount of anti-dilutive options not included in the loss per share calculation for the years ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 were 897,000 and 1,199,000, respectively.


The following table illustrates the reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:


For the Years Ended May 31

2017

 

2016

Numerator for basic and diluted net loss per common share

$

(908,561)

 

$

(1,499,787)

Denominator for basic net loss per common share

 

8,329,769

7,626,078

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

--

 

 

-- 

Denominator for diluted net loss per common share   

 

8,329,769

 

 

7,626,078

Basic net loss per common share                                          

$

(0.11)

 

$

(0.20)

Diluted net loss per common share         

$

(0.11)

 

$

(0.20)


SEGMENT REPORTING


ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), establishes standards for reporting, by public business enterprises, information about operating segments, products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. The Company’s operations are analyzed by management and its chief operating decision maker as being part of a single industry segment: the design, development, marketing and sales of diagnostic kits.


REPORTING COMPREHENSIVE LOSS


Comprehensive loss represents net loss and any revenues, expenses, gains and losses that, under GAAP, are excluded from net loss and recognized directly as a component of shareholders’ equity. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists solely of foreign currency translation adjustments.


RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS


In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), which addresses “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”.  In connection with preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period, an entity’s management should evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable). Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued (or at the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable).  The amendments in this update are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter.  Early application is permitted. Management adopted the provisions of this statement and is taking them into account in the preparation of the financial statements for the period ended May 31, 2017.


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”).  ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services.  In adopting, ASU 2014-09, companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach.  ASU 2014-09 is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted.  During August 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of the above mentioned revenue recognition guidance by one year to December 15, 2017 for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after that date and permitted early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.


In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU-2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost.  An entity should measure inventory within the scope of ASU 2015-11 at the lower of cost and net realizable value.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.  The amendments in ASU 2015-11 more closely align the measurement of inventory in accounting principles generally accepted of the United States of America with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).  ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2016.  Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU 2015-11 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.


On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU-2016-01”).  The release affects public and private companies that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities.  ASU-2016-01 will take effect for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU- 2016-01 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.


On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU-2016-02”).  ASU-2016-02 defines whether a contract is a lease. If it is a lease, the Company is required to recognize the lease assets and liabilities. ASU-2016-02 is effective for public companies for the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU-2016-02 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.


On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  The update includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects of accounting for share-based compensation. ASU-2016-09 will take effect for public companies for the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU-2016-09 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.


On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This Update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice.  ASU-2016-15 will take effect for public companies for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU-2016-15 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.


On November 27, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.  This update addresses the fact that diversity exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows. ASU-2016-18 will take effect for public companies for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU-2016-18 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.


In January 2017 the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the test for Goodwill Impairment.  This update addresses how an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. ASU 2017-04 will take effect for public companies for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU-2017-04 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.


Other recent ASU's issued by the FASB and guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission did not, or are not believed by management to, have a material effect on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements.