XML 38 R30.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.22.2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the results of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company accounts for investments in businesses in which it owns between 20% and 50% of the voting interest using the equity method, if the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee company. All other investments in privately held businesses over which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, or for which there is not a readily determinable market value, are accounted for under the cost method of accounting.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates including those related to: (1) revenue recognition; (2) valuation allowances for trade and other receivables; (3) the valuation of goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets; (4) contingencies, including litigation reserves; (5) restructuring charges and related severance expenses; (6) going concern assumptions, and (7) accrued pricing and tax related liabilities. Accounting estimates are based on historical experience and various assumptions that are considered reasonable under the circumstances. However, because these estimates inherently involve judgments and uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from those estimated.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue from its contracts with customers primarily from the sale of supply chain management services. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to a customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. For ModusLink's supply chain management services arrangements, the goods and services are considered to be transferred over time as they are performed. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by the Company from a customer, are excluded from revenue.

Supply chain management services

ModusLink's revenue primarily comes from the sale of supply chain management services to its clients. Amounts billed to customers under these arrangements include revenue attributable to the services performed as well as for materials procured on the customer's behalf as part of its service to them. The majority of these arrangements consist of two distinct performance obligations (i.e., warehousing/inventory management service and a separate kitting/packaging/assembly service), revenue related to each of which is recognized over time as services are performed using an input method based on the level of efforts expended.

Other

Other revenue consists of cloud-based software subscriptions, software maintenance and support service contracts, fees for professional services and fees for the sale of perpetual software licenses in ModusLink's e-Business operations. Except for perpetual software licenses, revenue related to these arrangements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement or over the term of the agreement in proportion to the costs incurred in satisfying the obligations under the contract. Revenue from the sale of perpetual licenses is recognized at a point in time upon execution of the relevant license agreement and when delivery has taken place.

Significant Judgments

The Company's contracts with customers may include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. For arrangements with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Judgment is required to determine the standalone selling price for each distinct performance obligation. The Company generally determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers and uses a range of amounts to estimate standalone selling prices when we sell each of the products and services separately and need to determine whether there is a discount that needs to be allocated based on the relative standalone selling prices of the various products and services. The Company typically has more than one range of standalone selling prices for individual products and services due to the stratification of those products and services by customers and circumstances. In these instances, the Company may use
information such as the type of customer and geographic region in determining the range of standalone selling prices.

The Company may provide credits or incentives to customers, which are accounted for as variable consideration when estimating the transaction price of the contract and amounts of revenue to recognize. The amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price is estimated at contract inception using either the estimated value method or the most likely amount method based on the nature of the variable consideration. These estimates are updated at the end of each reporting period as additional information becomes available and revenue is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of any amounts of variable consideration included in the transaction price will not occur.

Principal Versus Agent Revenue Recognition

For revenue generated from contracts with customers involving another party, the Company considers whether it maintains control of the specified goods or services before they are transferred to the customer, as well as other indicators such as the party primarily responsible for fulfillment and discretion in establishing price. Revenues are recognized on a gross basis if the Company is acting in the capacity of a principal and on a net basis if its acting in the capacity of an agent.

Contract Balances

Timing of revenue recognition may differ from timing of invoicing to customers. The Company records contract assets and liabilities related to its contracts with customers as follows:

Accounts receivable when revenue is recognized prior to receipt of cash payments and if the right to such amounts is unconditional and solely based on the passage of time.
Contract assets when the Company recognizes revenue based on efforts expended but the right to such amount is conditional upon satisfaction of another performance obligation. Contract assets are primarily comprised of fees related to supply chain management services. The Company's contract assets are all short-term in nature and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance. Deferred revenue is primarily comprised of fees related to supply chain management services, cloud-based software subscriptions and software maintenance and support service contracts, which are generally billed in advance. Deferred revenue also includes other offerings for which we have been paid in advance and earn the revenue when we transfer control of the product or service. The deferred revenue balance is classified as a component of other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company's unsecured accounts receivable are stated at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering each customer's financial condition, credit history, current economic conditions, whether any amounts are currently past due and the length of time accounts may be past due. The Company writes off accounts receivable when management deems them uncollectible and records recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off when received. When accounts receivable are considered past due, the Company generally does not charge interest on past due balances.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Translation

All assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries, whose functional currency is the local currency, are translated to U.S. dollars at the rates in effect at the balance sheet date. All amounts in the consolidated statements of operations are translated using the average exchange rates in effect during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component of stockholders' equity. Settlement of receivables and payables in a foreign currency that is not the functional currency result in foreign currency transaction gains and losses. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in "Other gains (losses), net" in the consolidated statements of operations.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term InvestmentsCash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. Investments with maturities greater than three months to twelve months at the time of purchase are considered short-term investments.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value (see Note 20 - "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 at the measurement date. Fair values of assets and liabilities are determined based on a three-level measurement input hierarchy. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are other than quoted market prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for an asset or liability. Level 2 inputs can include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in a market that is not active for identical assets or liabilities, or other inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability when there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are based on the best information available and may include data developed by the Company.
Funds Held for Clients
Funds Held for Clients

Funds held for clients represent cash that is restricted for use solely for the purposes of satisfying the obligations to remit clients' customer funds to the Company's clients. These funds are classified as a current asset and a corresponding current liability on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Inventories
Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by both moving averages and the first-in, first-out methods. A provision for excess or obsolete inventory is recorded based upon an analysis that considers current inventory levels, historical usage patterns and future sales expectations.
Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived AssetsThe Company tests long-lived assets or group of assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the Company may not be able to recover the asset's carrying amount. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The Company evaluates recoverability generally by determining whether the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of that asset or group cover the carrying value at the evaluation date. If the undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value, the Company measures an impairment loss as the excess of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or group over its fair value. Management may use third-party valuation experts to assist in its determination of fair value.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The costs of additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation and amortization is computed by applying the straight-line method to the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Changes in estimated useful lives and salvage values of the Company’s assets and the related depreciation and amortization expense are accounted for prospectively. The Company capitalizes certain computer software development costs when incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for internal use.
Leases
Leases

The Company leases office space, warehouse facilities, equipment and automobiles under operating leases. These leases may also include rent escalation clauses or lease incentives in the form of construction allowances and rent reduction. In determining the lease term used in the lease right-of-use ("ROU") asset and lease liability calculations, the Company considers various factors such as market conditions and the terms of any renewal or termination options that may exist. When deemed reasonably certain, the renewal and termination options are included in the determination of the lease term and calculation of the lease ROU asset and lease liability. The Company is typically required to make fixed minimum rent payments, variable rent payments primarily based on performance, or a combination thereof, directly related to its ROU asset. The Company is also often required, by the lease, to pay for certain other costs including real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance fees and/or certain other costs, which may be fixed or variable, depending upon the terms of the respective lease agreement. To the extent these payments are fixed, the Company has included them in calculating the lease ROU assets and lease liabilities.

The Company calculates lease ROU assets and lease liabilities as the present value of fixed lease payments over the reasonably certain lease term beginning at the commencement date. When discount rates implicit in leases cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments.

For operating leases, fixed lease payments are recognized as operating lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, the ROU asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term, along with recognition of interest expense associated with accretion of the lease liability. For leases with a lease term of 12 months or less ("short-term lease"), any fixed lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over such term and are not recognized on the consolidated balance sheets. Variable lease cost for both operating and finance leases, if any, is recognized as incurred.
Restructuring Costs
Restructuring Costs

Restructuring and other exit costs may include employee separation costs, asset impairment charges, contract exit costs and costs of facility consolidation and closure. The Company records restructuring and other exit costs at their fair value when incurred. In accordance with existing benefit arrangements, employee termination costs are accrued when the restructuring actions are probable and estimable. Employee separation costs may also include one-time termination benefits recognized as a
liability at estimated fair value, at the time of communication to employees, unless future service is required beyond the minimum retention period, in which case the costs are recognized ratably over the future service period.
Income Taxes Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method whereby 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 in effect for the year in which those 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 in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. This methodology is subjective and requires significant estimates and judgments in the determination of the recoverability of deferred tax assets and in the calculation of certain tax liabilities.

Income tax accounting standards prescribe: (1) a minimum recognition threshold that an income tax benefit arising from an uncertain income tax position taken, or expected to be taken, on an income tax return is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements and (2) the measurement of the income tax benefits recognized from such positions. The Company's accounting policy is to classify uncertain income tax positions that are not expected to be resolved in one year as non-current income tax liabilities and to classify potential interest and penalties on uncertain income tax positions as elements of the provision for income taxes in its financial statements. See Note 15 - "Income Taxes," for additional information.
Pension Plans
Pension Plans

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans covering certain of its employees in the Netherlands and Japan. In accordance with accounting standards for employee pension benefits, the Company recognizes on a plan-by-plan basis the unfunded status of its pension plans in the consolidated financial statements and measures its pension plan assets and benefit obligations as of July 31. The obligation for the Company's pension plans and the related annual costs of employee benefits are calculated based on several long-term assumptions, including discount rates and expected mortality for employee benefit liabilities, rates of return on plan assets and expected annual rates for salary increases for employee participants.
Share-Based Compensation Plans
Share-Based Compensation Plans

All share-based payment awards to employees and directors are measured based upon their grant date fair values and expensed over the period during with the employee or director is required to provide service in exchange for the award (the vesting period). The Company accounts for forfeitures in the period in which they occur.
Deferred Debt Issue Costs Deferred Debt Issue CostsCosts to issue debt are capitalized and deferred when incurred and subsequently amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest rate method. Deferred debt issuance costs are presented in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability.
Major Clients and Concentration of Credit Risk Major Clients and Concentration of Credit RiskFinancial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company's cash equivalent portfolio is diversified and consists primarily of short-term investment grade securities placed with high credit quality financial institutions. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained at accredited financial institutions, and the balances associated with funds held for clients are at times without and in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances and does not believe that it is subject to unusual credit risk beyond the normal credit risk associated with financial institutions.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Issued and Not Yet Implemented
Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The amendments in ASU 2018-13 were effective in the first quarter of the Company's fiscal year ending July 31, 2021 (Fiscal Year 2021). The adoption of the accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. ASU 2018-14 modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans. The amendments in ASU 2018-14 became effective in the first quarter of the Company's Fiscal Year 2021. The adoption of the accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The amendments in ASU 2018-15 became effective for the Company's first quarter of Fiscal Year 2021. The adoption of the accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Issued and Not Yet Implemented

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Loses on Financial Instruments, an ASU that requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial instruments, including trade receivables, based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending July 31, 2024 on a modified retrospective basis, which requires a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which amends the existing guidance relating to the accounting for income taxes. This ASU is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles of accounting for income taxes and to improve the consistent application of U.S. GAAP for other areas of accounting for income taxes by clarifying and amending existing guidance. The new guidance is effective for the Company's first quarter of the fiscal year ending July 31, 2022. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate, known as LIBOR, or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued. This optional guidance is effective beginning on March 12, 2020, and the Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The amendment in this update simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models available for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. This update also amends the guidance for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity's own equity to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions and requires the application of the if-converted method for calculating diluted earnings per share. The update also requires entities to provide expanded disclosures about the
terms and features of convertible instruments, how the instruments have been reported in the entity's financial statements and information about events, conditions and circumstances that can affect how to assess the amount or timing of an entity's future cash flows related to those instruments. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning in our fiscal year ending July 31, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.
Reclassification
Reclassification

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year balances to conform with current reporting. On the statement of cash flows for the year ended July 31, 2020, the Company reclassified the non-cash portion of lease expense which totaled $10.2 million from Other Assets and Liabilities to Non-cash Lease Expense. These reclassifications had no impact on net loss or stockholder’s equity.