Annual report [Section 13 and 15(d), not S-K Item 405]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

v3.26.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

 

Functional and presentation currency

 

These consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars, unless otherwise noted, which is the functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries. The functional currency of our operating subsidiaries is generally the currency of the economic environment in which the subsidiary primarily does business. Our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements are translated into U.S. dollars using the foreign exchange rates applicable to the dates of the financial statements. Assets and liabilities are translated using the end-of-period spot foreign exchange rates. Income, expenses, and cash flows are translated at the average foreign exchange rates for each period. Equity accounts are translated at historical foreign exchange rates. The effects of these translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity.

 

Basis of consolidation

 

These 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.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents at insured financial institutions, the balances of which may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand, and the Company believes there is minimal risk of losses on such balances.

 

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 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 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. These estimates and assumptions include valuing equity securities in share-based payments and warrants; and the impairment of intangible assets.

 

Cash

 

The Company considers all highly liquid marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from revenue earned from customers. They are stated at invoice value less estimated allowances for credit losses. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers to determine allowances for potential credit losses and doubtful accounts. The company has confidence in its ability to collect on all contracted revenues earned from customers. As of December 31, 2025, accounts receivable related to ASPIS totaled $836,000, representing the unpaid amount because only the passage of time remains.

 

Basic and diluted loss per share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (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 which totaled 401,557 (December 31, 2024 – 2,555) and warrants excluded from diluted loss per share as of December 31, 2025 totaled 1,733,741 (December 31, 2024 – 1,733,741).

Fair Value Measurements and Financial instruments

 

The Company applies Accounting Standards Codification 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:

 

  - Level 1-Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

  - Level 2-Includes other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.

 

  - Level 3-Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

 

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, 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.

 

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 December 31, 2025 and 2024, 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 2022 and forward for U.S. Federal tax purposes and for 2021 and forward for state tax purposes.

Loss contingencies

 

A loss contingency is recognized when it is probable that a liability has been incurred as of the balance sheet date and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If a range of loss exists, the Company records the best estimate within the range, or the minimum amount if no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other. If a loss is reasonably possible but not probable, or the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the contingency is disclosed but not accrued.

 

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.

 

  1. Common Shares: The fair value of the common shares issued is measured based on observable market prices, if available, or estimated using appropriate valuation techniques considering the terms of the shares and market conditions.

 

  2. Warrants: Warrants are valued using an appropriate option-pricing model, such as the Black-Scholes or a binomial model. The model incorporates various inputs, including the share price, expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate, and any dividends.

 

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 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

 

The Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), the entity performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only recognizes revenue from contracts when it is probable that the entity will collect substantially all the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer.

 

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 determines that the customer receives and consumes the benefits of the service simultaneously as the service is provided. The transaction price is allocated to the contractual performance obligations and recognized ratably over the contract term.

 

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. The Company generally measures progress comparing hours incurred to total estimated hours.

 

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.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2025 the Company recognized $176,000 attributed to professional services. No revenue was recognized attributed to professional services for the year ended December 31, 2024.  

 

License Revenue – Related party

 

On April 30, 2025, pursuant to the Technology License and Software Development Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with ASPIS Cyber Technologies, Inc. (“ASPIS”), the Company delivered a functional license for its gamification, engagement, and QR code technology. ASPIS is an affiliate of Cronus Equity Capital Group, LLC (“CECG”), a significant shareholder of the Company. As of December 31, 2025, CECG beneficially owned approximately 20.20% of the Company’s outstanding common shares, and ASPIS beneficially owned approximately 43.97% of the Company’s outstanding common shares.

 

Under the License Agreement, as amended by a side letter executed on August 11, 2025 and supported by a legal opinion and confirmation, the Initial Term is non-cancellable for twelve (12) months commencing April 30, 2025, with monthly license fees of $165,000 payable regardless of use. ASPIS will pay for any required technology modifications, improvements, and developments to Versus’ technology in addition to the license fee. The Company retains ownership of the technology, and ASPIS holds an exclusive license to use it in the cybersecurity industry so long as ASPIS continues to pay the monthly license fee.

Since the license is a functional license and the performance obligation was satisfied upon delivery on April 30, 2025, the Company recognized the entire transaction price of $1,980,000 as revenue in the quarter ended June 30, 2025. Any required technology modifications, improvements, and developments are separately payable by ASPIS and are not included in the fixed monthly license fee. The remaining fixed consideration is billed monthly over the remaining term in accordance with the contract’s billing schedule and, because only the passage of time is required before payment is due, unpaid amounts are presented as receivables rather than contract assets. The Company invoices ASPIS with 30 day payment terms.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2025 the Company has collected $1,320,000 from ASPIS.

 

The Company has elected the practical expedient under ASC 606-10-32-18 and does not adjust the consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the Company expects that the period between when the Company transfers a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.

 

Capitalized Software Development Costs

 

The Company capitalizes the costs of software developed or obtained for internal use in accordance with FASB ASC 350-40, Internal Use Software. Capitalized software development costs consist of costs incurred during the application development stage and include consulting costs for projects that qualify for capitalization. These costs relate to major new functionality. All other costs, primarily related to maintenance and minor software fixes, are expensed as incurred.

 

The Company will amortize the capitalized software development costs on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally three years, beginning when the asset is substantially ready for use. The amortization of capitalized software development costs will be reflected in cost of revenue. 

 

Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets consist of internally developed software. The Company amortizes such assets using the straight-line method over the expected useful life of the asset once. The Company evaluates the useful lives of these assets on an annual basis. If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life is changed, the Company amortizes the remaining carrying value of the intangible asset prospectively over the revised remaining useful life.

 

Impairment

 

The Company evaluates its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. If these circumstances exist, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

 

Research and development

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company incurred approximately $48,065 and $246,019, respectively, on research and development activities.

 

Foreign exchange

 

The Company uses US dollars as the reporting currency. The Company’s Canadian subsidiary functional currency is the Canadian dollar. The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been translated into US$. Assets and liabilities accounts are translated using the exchange rate at each reporting period end date. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange during the reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses resulting from the translations of foreign currency transactions and balances are reflected in the results of operations. 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. An aggregate gain of $0.1 million and loss of $0.1 million arising from foreign exchange transactions is included in other (expense) income, net for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

 

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 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 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 December 31, 2025 and 2024, due to the effects of foreign translation gains and losses.

 

New accounting pronouncements

 

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

 

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 adoption of the guidance in the first quarter of 2025 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

 

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (“Subtopic 220-40”). This ASU improves financial reporting by requiring that public business entities disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements at interim and annual reporting periods. This ASU will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, for interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software (“ASU 2025-06”). ASU 2025-06 was issued to modernize the accounting for software costs that are accounted for under Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (referred to as “internal-use software”). ASU 2025-06 removes all references to prescriptive and sequential software development stages (referred to as “project stages”) throughout Subtopic 350-40. Therefore, an entity is required to start capitalizing software costs when both of the following occur: 1. Management has authorized and committed to funding the software project. 2. It is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended (referred to as the “probable-to-complete recognition threshold”). ASU 2025-06 is effective for the Company January 1, 2028. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

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.