Significant Accounting Policies |
9 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sep. 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments and the elimination of intercompany accounts) considered necessary for a fair statement of all periods presented. The results of operations of the Company for any interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for any other interim periods or for a full fiscal year. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Basis of consolidation
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Versus Systems Inc. and its subsidiaries, from the date control was acquired. Control exists when the Company possesses power over an investee, has exposure to variable returns from the investee and has the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns. All inter-company balances and transactions, and any unrealized income and expenses arising from inter-company transactions, are eliminated on consolidation.
Non-controlling interest
Non-controlling interest in the Company’s less than wholly owned subsidiaries are classified as a separate component of equity. On initial recognition, non-controlling interest is measured at the fair value of the non-controlling entity’s contribution into the related subsidiary. Subsequent to the original transaction date, adjustments are made to the carrying amount of non-controlling interest for the non-controlling interest’s share of changes to the subsidiary’s equity.
Changes in the Company’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are recorded as equity transactions. The carrying amount of non-controlling interest is adjusted to reflect the change in the non-controlling interest’s relative interest in the subsidiary, and the difference between the adjustment to the carrying amount of non-controlling interests and the Company’s share of proceeds received and/or consideration paid is recognized directly in equity and attributed to owners of the Company.
Use of estimates
The preparation of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and management’s assessment of current events and other facts and circumstances that are considered to be relevant. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of estimation uncertainty that management has made at the end of the reporting period, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following:
Basic and diluted loss per share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the reporting periods. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed similar to basic earnings (loss) per share, except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares for the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that outstanding stock options and warrants were exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire common stock at the average market price during the reporting periods. Potentially dilutive options and warrants excluded from diluted loss per share as of September 30, 2024 totaled 911,775 (September 30, 2023 – 127,041).
Property and equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated amortization and any impairments. Depreciation is calculated based on the estimated residual value and estimated economic life of the specific assets using the straight-line method over the period indicated below:
Fair Value Measurements and Financial instruments
The Company applies Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires disclosures to be provided for fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
ASC 820 recommends three main approaches for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: the market approach, the income approach, and the cost approach. The Company uses the appropriate approach based on the nature of the asset or liability being measured. Financial instruments include cash, receivables, restricted deposit, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The carrying values of the financial instruments included in current assets and liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities.
Deferred financing costs
Deferred financing costs consist primarily of direct incremental costs related to the Company’s public offering of its common stock. Upon completion of the Company’s financings any deferred costs were offset against the proceeds in the condensed consolidated statement changes in shareholders’ equity.
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes utilizing the assets and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards, using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse.
A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets in these cases then management does not believe that the realization is more likely than not. While management believes that its judgements and estimates regarding deferred tax assets and liabilities are appropriate, significant differences in actual results may materially affect the Company’s future financial results.
The Company recognizes any uncertain income tax positions at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not record any accruals for interest and penalties. The Company does not foresee material changes to its uncertain tax positions within its next twelve months. The Company’s tax years are subject to examination for 2020 and forward for U.S. Federal tax purposes and for 2019 and forward for state tax purposes.
Leases
The Company assesses at contract inception whether a contract is or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The lease term corresponds to the non-cancellable period of each contract.
All leases are accounted for as operating leases wherein rental payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the periods of their respective leases. Operating leases (with an initial term of more than 12 months) are included in operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets, operating lease liabilities (current), and operating lease liabilities (non-current) in the condensed interim consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company utilizes a market-based approach to estimate the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease prepayments, reduced by lease incentives and accrued rent. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option.
Loss contingencies
A loss contingency is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Loss contingencies are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.
Valuation of Equity Units Issued in Private Placements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, particularly ASC 505-10 and ASC 815, the Company has adopted the fair value method for the valuation of equity units issued in private placements, which typically comprise common shares and warrants. For each private placement, the Company separately estimates the fair value of both the common shares and the warrants at the date of issuance. The determination of fair value is based on market conditions, volatility, and other relevant factors at the time of issuance.
The total proceeds from the issuance of equity units are allocated between the common shares and the warrants based on their relative fair values at the date of issuance. This allocation is reflected in the equity section of the condensed interim consolidated balance sheet, with the fair value of the warrants recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital in the equity section. If the warrants expire unexercised, the amount remains in additional paid-in capital.
This method of valuation and allocation ensures compliance with the fair value measurement and equity classification requirements of U.S. GAAP.
Share-based compensation
The Company grants stock options to acquire common shares of the Company to directors, officers, employees and consultants. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes, or provides services similar to those performed by an employee.
The fair value of stock options is measured on the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and is recognized over the vesting period. Consideration paid for the shares on the exercise of stock options is credited to capital stock.
In situations where equity instruments are issued to non-employees and some or all of the goods or services received by the Company as consideration cannot be specifically identified, they are measured at fair value of the share-based payment. Otherwise, share-based payments are measured at the fair value of goods or services received.
Revenue recognition
In general, the Company recognizes revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Company, where there is evidence of an arrangement, when the selling price is fixed or determinable, and when specific criteria have been met or there are no significant remaining performance obligations for each of the Company’s activities as described below. Foreseeable losses, if any, are recognized in the year or period in which the loss is determined.
The Company earns revenue in two primary ways: 1) the sales of software-as-a-service (SAAS) from its interactive production software platform or 2) development and maintenance of custom-built software or other professional services.
The Company recognizes SAAS revenues from its interactive production sales over the life of the contract as its performance obligations are satisfied. Payment terms vary by contract and can be periodic or one-time payments.
The Company recognizes revenues received from the development and maintenance of custom-built software and other professional services provided upon the satisfaction of its performance obligation in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. Performance obligations can be satisfied either at a single point in time or over time. For those performance obligations that are satisfied at a single point in time, the revenue is recognized at that time. For each performance obligation satisfied over time, the Company recognizes revenue by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of that performance obligation.
For revenues received from the sales of advertising, the Company is deemed the agent in its revenue agreements. The Company does not own or obtain control of the digital advertising inventory. The Company recognizes revenues upon the achievement of agreed-upon performance criteria for the advertising inventory, such as a number of views, or clicks. As the Company is acting as an agent in the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue from sales of advertising on a net basis, which excludes amounts payable to partners under the Company’s revenue sharing agreements.
The Company’s contracts with customers may include promises to transfer multiple products and services. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately if they are capable of being distinct and distinct within the context of the contract. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations may require significant judgment. Judgment is also required to determine the stand-alone selling price, for each distinct performance obligation.
Deferred revenue
Revenue recognition of sales is recorded on a monthly basis upon delivery or as the services are provided. Cash received in advance for services are recorded as deferred revenue based on the proportion of time remaining under the service arrangement as of the reporting date.
Foreign exchange
The functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates and has been determined for each entity within the Company. The functional currency for the Company and its subsidiaries is the United States dollar. The functional currency determinations were conducted through an analysis of the consideration factors identified in ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters.
Foreign currency transactions in currencies other than the United States dollar are recorded at exchange rates prevailing on the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are generally recognized in profit or loss and presented within gain (loss) on foreign exchange.
At the end of each reporting period, the monetary assets and liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange at the date of the condensed interim consolidated balance sheets. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at historical rates. Revenues and expenses that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates approximating those in effect on the date of the transactions. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity on the condensed interim consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) and represents the change in shareholders’ equity (deficit) which results from transactions and events from sources other than the Company’s shareholders. Comprehensive loss differs from net loss for the periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, due to the effects of foreign translation gains and losses.
Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
New accounting pronouncements
In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, Business Combinations—Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement. This ASU addresses accounting for assets and liabilities contributed to a joint venture. It requires entities to recognize and measure these contributions at fair value as of the joint venture formation date. This ASU is applicable to all entities involved in forming joint ventures and is effective for joint ventures formed on or after January 1, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU enhances the disclosures related to segment reporting for public entities. It requires entities to disclose significant segment expenses for each reportable segment, providing greater transparency in segment performance. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its condensed interim consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. It is designed to provide more detailed information about an entity’s income tax expenses, liabilities, and deferred tax items, potentially affecting how companies report and disclose their income tax-related information. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Recent adopted accounting pronouncements
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements. This ASU clarifies leasing transactions among entities under common control, emphasizing the use of written terms for lease existence and classification. It is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the amendments in this update during the current year and the adoption did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. This ASU expands the proportional amortization method to additional types of tax equity investments. It allows entities to apply this method to a broader range of investments that generate tax credits, providing greater flexibility in accounting for these investments. ASU 2023-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the amendments in this update during the current year and the adoption did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-03, which amends various SEC paragraphs in the Accounting Standards Codification. This includes amendments to Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The amendments are in response to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120 and other SEC staff announcements and guidance. This ASU does not introduce new guidance and therefore does not have a specified transition or effective date. However, for smaller reporting companies, the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company adopted the amendments in this update during the current year and the adoption did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. This ASU introduces changes to the disclosure requirements, aligning them more closely with the SEC’s initiatives for simplification and update. It specifically addresses various amendments in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification in response to the SEC’s drive for clearer and more streamlined disclosures. This ASU is effective for public business entities classified as smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company adopted the amendments in this update during the current year and the adoption did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Management does not believe any other recently issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncement, if adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements. |