JanOne Inc. - Quarter Report: 2020 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended September 26, 2020

or

Commission File No. 0-19621

JANONE INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

702-997-5968

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  ☒ Yes  ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  ☒ Yes  ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  ☐ Yes  ☒ No

As of October 30, 2020, there were 1,829,982 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, with a par value of $0.001.

JANONE INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

JANONE INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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JANONE INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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JANONE INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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JANONE INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Note 1: Background

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of JanOne Inc., a Nevada corporation, and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company” or “JanOne”). On September 10, 2019, Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. changed its name to JanOne Inc.

The Company has three operating segments – Biotechnology, Recycling, and Technology.

During September 2019, JanOne, through its biotechnology segment, broadened its business perspectives to become a pharmaceutical company focused on finding treatments for conditions that cause severe pain and bringing to market drugs with non-addictive pain-relieving properties.

ARCA Recycling, Inc. (“ARCA Recycling”) provides turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs in the United States. ARCA Canada Inc. (“ARCA Canada”) provides turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs in Canada. Customer Connexx, LLC (“Connexx”) provides call center services for ARCA Recycling and ARCA Canada.

GeoTraq Inc. (“GeoTraq”) is engaged in the development, design and, ultimately, we expect the sale, of cellular transceiver modules, also known as Mobile IoT modules, and associated wireless services.

The Company reports on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year. The 2020 fiscal year (“2020”) will end on December 26, 2020, and the fiscal year (“2019”) ended on December 28, 2019, each fiscal year is 52 weeks in length.

Going concern

The Company currently faces a challenging competitive environment and is focused on improving its overall profitability, which includes managing expenses. The Company reported a net loss of $810 and $1,958 for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively, and net loss of $5,535 and $5,357 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively. In addition, as of September 26, 2020, the Company had total current assets of $7,989 and total current liabilities $19,253 resulting in a net negative working capital of $11,264.

The Company has available cash balances and funds available under an accounts receivable factoring program with Prestige Capital Finance, LLC (“Prestige Capital”) to provide sufficient liquidity to fund the entity’s operations, the entity’s continued investments in center openings, and remodeling activities for at least the next twelve months. The Company expects to generate cash from operations for the remainder of fiscal year 2020 given its cost cutting measures in response to the revenue reductions resulting from the Coronavirus. However, depending on the U.S.’ continued restrictions related to the coronavirus public health crisis, the Company cannot be certain its efforts will suffice. The agreement with Prestige Capital allows the Company to get advance funding of 80% of an unpaid customer’s invoice amount within 2 days and the balance less a mutually agreed upon fee upon ultimate collection in cash of the invoice. The Company expects that it will be able to utilize the available funds under the accounts receivable factoring agreement to provide liquidity and to pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions to expand and grow the business to enhance shareholder value. Management also regularly monitors capital market conditions to ensure no other conditions or events exist that may materially affect the Company’s financial conditions and liquidity and the Company may raise additional funds through borrowings or public or private sales of debt or equity securities, if necessary.

In March 2020, there was a global outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) that resulted in changes in global supply of certain products and an economic downturn.  Beginning in March 2020, the outbreak started to have a material adverse impact on our operations and financial condition. For example, several customers in our appliance recycling and appliance replacement business suspended our ability to pick up and or replace their customers’ appliances, resulting in decreased revenues for both recycling and replacement business. During April 2020, and in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 virus and public health crisis, in an effort to manage its financial position and further preserve financial flexibility and longevity, the Company temporarily closed its corporate office in Minnesota and call center in Las Vegas, and idled all of its recycling processing centers in the United States and Canada. During the latter half of the second quarter, the Minnesota corporate office, Las Vegas call center, and the recycling processing centers reopened and the majority of our customers resumed their operating activities.  Although our operations have recovered, the future impact of the outbreak is highly uncertain and cannot be predicted and there is no assurance that the outbreak will not have a material adverse impact on the future results of the Company. The extent of the impact, if any, will depend on future developments, including actions taken to contain the coronavirus.  

During April 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company entered into an amendment to its contract services agreement with certain customers, whereby those customers agreed to advance the Company $1,168 against the provision of future services.  The advanced payment may only be utilized for the costs associated with labor and sustaining ARCA Recycling’s workforce.   The advance agreement provides for partial loan forgiveness if certain conditions are met. See Note 14 for a complete discussion of these advances.

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On May 1, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note with Texas Capital Bank, N.A. for $1,872 under the Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). See Note 14 for a complete discussion about this loan.

Additionally, the Company has $1,500 of availability under its Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 21).

Based on the above, management has concluded that as of the filing date on this quarterly report, the Company is not aware and did not identify any other conditions or events that would cause the Company to not be able to continue business as a going concern for the next twelve months.  

Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. However, our results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior year consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net loss or stockholders’ equity.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumption 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 reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates made in connection with the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the estimated reserve for doubtful current and long-term trade and other receivables, the estimated reserve for excess and obsolete inventory, estimated fair value and forfeiture rates for stock-based compensation, fair values in connection with the analysis of other intangibles and long-lived assets for impairment, valuation allowance against deferred tax assets and estimated useful lives for intangible assets and property and equipment.

Financial Instruments

Financial instruments consist primarily of cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, notes receivables, and obligations under accounts payable, accrued expenses and notes payable. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, trade receivables and other receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and short-term notes payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of the long-term debt is calculated based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the Company’s existing debt arrangements, unless quoted market prices were available (Level 2 inputs). The carrying amounts of short-term debt at September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 approximate fair value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. Fair value of cash equivalents approximates carrying value.

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Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We carry unsecured trade receivables at the original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. We write off trade receivables when we deem them uncollectible. We record recoveries of trade receivables previously written off when we receive them. We consider a trade receivable to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding for more than ninety days. We do not charge interest on past due receivables.  Our management considers the allowance for doubtful accounts of $29 and $29 to be adequate to cover any exposure to loss as of September 26, 2020, and December 28, 2019, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories, consisting primarily of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or net realizable value. We provide estimated provisions for the obsolescence of our appliance inventories, including adjustment to market, based on various factors, including the age of such inventory and our management’s assessment of the need for such provisions. We look at historical inventory aging reports and margin analyses in determining our provision estimate. A revised cost basis is used once a provision for obsolescence is recorded. The Company does not have a reserve for excess or obsolete inventory at September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred and additions and improvements that significantly extend the lives of assets are capitalized. Upon sale or other retirement of depreciable property, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the related accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in operations. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The useful life of building and improvements is 3 to 30 years, transportation equipment is 3 to 15 years, machinery and equipment is 5 to 10 years, furnishings and fixtures is 3 to 5 years and office and computer equipment is 3 to 5 years.

We periodically review our property and equipment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable or their depreciation or amortization periods should be accelerated. We assess recoverability based on several factors, including our intention with respect to maintaining our facilities and projected discounted cash flows from operations. An impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value, as approximated by the present value of their projected discounted cash flows.

Intangible Assets

The Company accounts for intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other. Under ASC 350, intangible assets subject to amortization, shall be reviewed for impairment in accordance with the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets in ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment.

Under ASC 360, long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances (‘triggering event’) indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In making this determination, triggering events that were considered included:

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If a triggering event has occurred, for purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets shall be grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. After the asset group determination is completed, a two-step testing is performed. If after identifying a triggering event it is determined that the asset group’s carrying value may not be recoverable, a recoverability test must then be performed. The recoverability test is performed by forecasting the expected cash flows to be derived from the asset group for the remaining useful life of the asset group’s primary asset compared to their carrying value. The recoverability test relies upon the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest and taxes) which are derived from the company’s specific use of those assets (not how a market participant would use those assets); and, are based upon the existing service potential of the current assets (excluding any improvements that would materially enhance the assets). If the expected undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, the assets are considered recoverable. If the recoverability test is failed a second fair market value test is required to calculate the amount of the impairment (if any). This second test calculates the fair value of the asset or asset group, with the impairment being the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the asset or asset group’s fair value. Under this test, the financial projections have been created using market participant assumptions and fair value concepts.

There was no impairment of intangibles as of September 26, 2020 or December 28, 2019 based on the intangible asset impairment review performed as of those dates.

The Company’s intangible assets consist of customer relationship intangibles, trade names, licenses for the use of internet domain names, Universal Resource Locators, or URL’s, software, patent USPTO reference No. 10,182,402, and historical know-how, designs and related manufacturing procedures. Upon acquisition, critical estimates are made in valuing acquired intangible assets, which include but are not limited to: future expected cash flows from customer contracts, customer lists, and estimating cash flows from projects when completed; tradename and market position, as well as assumptions about the period of time that customer relationships will continue; and discount rates. Management's estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from the assumptions used in determining the fair values. All intangible assets are capitalized at their original cost and amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows: domain name and marketing – 3 to 20 years; software – 3 to 5 years, technology intangibles – 7 years, customer relationships – 7 to 15 years.

Revenue Recognition

We provide replacement appliances and provide appliance pickup and recycling services for consumers (“end users”) of public utilities, our customers. As part of our de-manufacturing and recycling process, we receive revenue from scrap dealers for refrigerant, steel, plastic, glass, copper and other residual items.

We account for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and related ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-12 and ASU No. 2016-20, which provide supplementary guidance, and clarifications.

Under the revenue standard we determine revenue recognition through the following steps:

As part of its assessment of each contract, the Company evaluates certain factors including the customer’s ability to pay, or credit risk. For each contract, the Company considers the promise to transfer products or services, each of which is distinct, to be the identified performance obligations. In determining the transaction price, the price stated on the contract is typically fixed and represents the net consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled per order, and therefore there is no variable consideration. As the Company’s standard payment terms are less than 90 days, the Company has elected, as a practical expedient, to not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component. The Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct product or service based on its relative standalone selling price. The product or service price as specified on the contract is considered the standalone selling price as it is an observable source that depicts the price as if sold to a similar customer in similar circumstances.

Replacement Product Revenue

We generate revenue by providing replacement appliances. We recognize revenue at the point in time when control over the replacement product is transferred to the end user, when our performance obligations are satisfied, which typically occur upon delivery from our center facility and installation at the end user’s home.

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Recycling Services Revenue

We generate revenue by providing pickup and recycling services. We recognize revenue at the point in time when we have picked up a to be recycled appliance and transfer of ownership has occurred, and therefore our performance obligations are satisfied, which typically occur upon pickup from our end user’s home.

Byproduct Revenue

We generate other recycling byproduct revenue (the sale of refrigerant gas and copper, steel, aluminum, and other recoverable non-refrigerant byproducts) as part of our de-manufacturing process. We recognize byproduct revenue upon delivery and transfer of control of byproduct to a third-party recycling customer, having a mutually agreed upon price per pound and collection reasonably assured. Transfer of control occurs at the time the customer is in possession of the byproduct material. Revenue recognized is a function of byproduct weight, type and in some cases volume of the byproduct delivered multiplied by the market rate as quoted.

Biotechnology Revenue

We currently are not generating any revenue from our Biotechnology segment.

Technology Revenue

We currently are not generating any revenue from our Technology segment.

Contract Liability

Receivables are recognized in the period we ship the product or provide the service. Payment terms on invoiced amounts are based on contractual terms with each customer. When we receive consideration, or such consideration is unconditionally due, prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of a sales contract, we record deferred revenue, which represents a contract liability. We recognize a contract liability as net sales once control of goods and/or services have been transferred to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met and any constraints have been resolved. We defer the product costs until recognition of the related revenue occurs.

Assets Recognized from Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer

We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if it expects the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We have concluded that no material costs have been incurred to meet the capitalization criteria, and as such, there are no material costs deferred and recognized as assets on the consolidated balance sheet at June 27, 2020 or December 28, 2019 under FASB Accounting Standards Codification ASC 606.

Other:

Revenue recognized for Company contracts was $11,562 and $8,891 for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively. Revenue recognized for Company contracts was $23,239 and $21,397 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively. Byproduct revenue is non-contract revenue and amounts for Byproduct revenue have been excluded from Revenue recognized for Company contracts for all periods presented.

Shipping and Handling

The Company classifies shipping and handling charged to customers as revenues and classifies costs relating to shipping and handling as cost of revenues.

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Advertising Expense

Advertising expense is charged to operations as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $162 and $168 for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively and $284 and $623 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company. ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” defines fair value, and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement that enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows: Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 – to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between tax bases and financial reporting bases of the Company's assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these 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. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred taxes if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. The Company recognizes penalties and interest accrued related to income tax liabilities in the provision for income taxes in its Consolidated Statements of Income.

Significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in relation to an uncertain tax position. The Company uses a two-step process to evaluate tax positions. The first step requires an entity to determine whether it is more likely than not (greater than 50% chance) that the tax position will be sustained. The second step requires an entity to recognize in the financial statements the benefit of a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition criterion. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of issues raised by taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued and may materially impact the financial statements of the Company in future periods.

Lease Accounting

We account for leases in accordance with Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This accounting standard requires all lessees to record the impact of leasing contracts on the balance sheet as a right to use asset and corresponding liability. This is measured by taking the present value of the remaining lease payments over the lease term and recording a right to use asset (“ROU”) and corresponding lease obligation for lease payments. Rent expense is realized on a straight-line basis and the lease obligation is amortized based on the effective interest method.  The amounts recognized reflect the present value of remaining lease payments for all leases that have a lease term greater than 12 months. The discount rate used is an estimate of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate based on information available at lease commencement. In considering the lease asset value, the Company considers fixed and variable payment terms, prepayments and options to extend, terminate or purchase. Renewal, termination or purchase options affect the lease term used for determining lease asset value only if the option is reasonably certain to be exercised

In considering the lease asset value, the Company considers fixed or variable payment terms, prepayments and options to extend, terminate or purchase. Renewal, termination or purchase options affect the lease term used for determining lease asset value only if the option is reasonably certain to be exercised. The Company uses an estimate of its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at lease commencement in determining present value of lease payments.

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We lease warehouse facilities and office space. These assets and properties are generally leased under noncancelable agreements that expire at various dates through 2024 with various renewal options for additional periods. The agreements, which have and continue to be classified as operating leases, generally provide for base rent and require us to pay all insurance, taxes and other maintenance costs. The Company’s operating leases are exclusively for building space in the different cities we have operations. The lease terms typically last from 2-4 years with some being longer or shorter depending on needs of the business and the lease partners. Our lease agreements do not include variable lease payments. Our lessors do offer options to extend lease terms as leases expire and management evaluates against current rental markets and other strategic factors in making the decision to renew. When leases are within 6 months of being renewed, management will estimate probabilities of renewing for an additional term based on market and strategic factors and if the probability is more likely than not that the lease will be renewed, the financials will assume the lease is renewed under the lease renewal option.

The operating leases we have do not contain residual value guarantees and do not contain restrictive covenants. The Company currently has one sublease in Ontario, Canada.

Leases accounted under ASC 842 were determined based on analysis of the lease contracts using lease payments and timing as documented in the contract. Non lease contracts were also evaluated to understand if the contract terms provided for an asset that we controlled and provided us with substantially all the economic benefits. We did not observe any contracts with embedded leases. Lease contracts were reviewed, and distinctions made between non lease and lease payments. Only payments related to the lease of the asset were included in lease payment calculations. Management uses an estimation of its incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement over similar terms as the lease contracts in determining the present value of its lease obligations.

The weighted average lease term for operating leases is 31 months and the weighted average discount rate is 8%.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company from time to time grants restricted stock awards and options to employees (including executives), non-employees, and members of the Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board. Such awards are valued based on the grant date fair-value of the instruments, net of estimated forfeitures. The value of each award is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Foreign Currency

The financial statements of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters. Under ASC 830, if the assets and liabilities of the Company are recorded in certain non-U.S. functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar, they are translated at rates of exchange at year end. Revenue and expense items are translated at the average monthly exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly into accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share is calculated in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Under ASC 260 basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period except that it does not include unvested restricted stock subject to cancellation. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants, options, restricted shares and convertible preferred stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding restricted shares, options and warrants is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Convertible preferred stock is reflected on an if-converted basis.

Segment Reporting

ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” requires use of the “management approach” model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a Company’s management organizes segments within the Company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company determined it has three reportable segments.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company maintains cash balances at several banks in several states including, Minnesota, California, and Nevada. Accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250 per institution as of September 26, 2020. At times, balances may exceed federally insured limits.

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Note 3: Trade and other receivables

Note 4: Inventory

Appliances held for resale are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or net realizable value. Inventory raw material - chips, are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Total inventory consists of the following as of September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019:

We provide estimated provisions for the obsolescence of inventories, including adjustments to net realizable value, based on various factors, including the age of such inventory and our management’s assessment of the need for such provisions. We review historical inventory aging reports and margin analyses in determining our provision estimate. A revised cost basis is used once a provision for obsolescence is recorded. At September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, we do not have an inventory reserve.

Note 5: Prepaids and other current assets

Prepaids and other current assets as of September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 consist of the following:

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Note 6: Note receivable

On December 30, 2017, we sold our retail appliance segment, ApplianceSmart, Inc. (“ApplianceSmart”), to ApplianceSmart Holdings LLC (the “Purchaser”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Live Ventures Incorporated, pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Purchaser purchased from the Company all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock (the “Stock”) of ApplianceSmart in exchange for $6,500 (the “Purchase Price”). Per the Agreement, the Purchase Price was due and payable on or before March 31, 2018.

Between March 31, 2018 and April 24, 2018, the Purchaser and the Company negotiated in good faith the method of payment of the remaining outstanding balance of the Purchase Price. On April 25, 2018, the Purchaser delivered to the Company a promissory note (the “ApplianceSmart Note”) in the original principal amount of $3,919 (the “Original Principal Amount”), as such amount may be adjusted per the terms of the ApplianceSmart Note. The ApplianceSmart Note is effective as of April 1, 2018 and matures on April 1, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”). The ApplianceSmart Note bears interest at 5% per annum with interest and principal payable at the Maturity Date. ApplianceSmart provided the Company a guaranty of repayment of the ApplianceSmart Note. The remaining $2,581 of the Purchase Price was paid in cash by the Purchaser to the Company. The Purchaser may reborrow funds, and pay interest on such re-borrowings, from the Company up to the Original Principal Amount.

On December 26, 2018, the ApplianceSmart Note was amended and restated to grant the Company a security interest in the assets of the Purchaser, ApplianceSmart, and ApplianceSmart Contracting Inc. in exchange for modifying the repayments terms to provide for the payment in full of all accrued interest and principal on April 1, 2021, the maturity date of the ApplianceSmart Note.

On March 15, 2019, the Company entered into agreements with third parties pursuant to which it agreed to subordinate the payment of indebtedness under the ApplianceSmart Note and the Company’s security interest in the assets of ApplianceSmart in exchange for a prepayment of up to $1,200.

On December 9, 2019, ApplianceSmart filed a voluntary petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code.  As a result, the Company has recorded an impairment charge of $2,992 for the amount owed by ApplianceSmart to the Company as of December 28, 2019.  The Company continues to record interest income on the ApplianceSmart Note and a corresponding impairment charge. Interest income and impairment charges were $105 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020. The outstanding balance of the ApplianceSmart Note at September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 was $3,097 and $2,992, respectively, exclusive of the impairment charges.

Note 7: Property and Equipment

Property and equipment as of September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 consist of the following:

Depreciation expense was $27 and $87 for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively. Depreciation expense was $68 and $250 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively.

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Note 8: Intangible Assets

Intangible assets as of September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 consist of the following:

The useful life and amortization period of the GeoTraq intangible acquired is seven years from the acquisition date of August 18, 2017. Intangible amortization expense was $1,033 and $934 for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively. Intangible amortization expense was $3,036 and $2,796 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively.

Note 9: Deposits and other assets

Deposits and other assets as of September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 consist of the following:

Deposits are primarily refundable security deposits with landlords the Company leases property from.

Note 10: Leases

We account for leases in accordance with ASC 842. The amount recorded is the present value of all remaining lease payments for leases with terms greater than 12 months. The right of use asset is offset by a corresponding liability. The discount rate is based on an estimate of our incremental borrowing rate for terms similar to our lease terms at the time of lease commencement. The asset will be amortized over remaining lease terms. See Lease Accounting in Note 2.

Total present value of lease payments as of September 26, 2020:

During the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, $965 and $913, respectively, was included in operating cash flow for amounts paid for operating leases.

Additionally, we obtained right-of-use assets in exchange for lease liabilities of approximately $1,271 upon commencement of operating leases during the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020. Additionally, we exercised an early termination clause in one our leases which reduces our right of use assets by $234.

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Note 11: Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities as of September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 consist of the following:

*Accrued transportation costs are related to delayed billing from certain vendors.  

Note 12: Accrued Liability – California Sales Tax

We operate in fourteen states in the U.S. and in various provinces in Canada. From time to time, we are subject to sales and use tax audits that could result in additional taxes, penalties and interest owed to various taxing authorities.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (formerly known as the California Board of Equalization) (“CDTFA”) conducted a sales and use tax examination covering ARCA Recycling’s California operations for years 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Company believed it was exempt from collecting sales taxes under service agreements with utility customers that included appliance replacement programs. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company received communication from the CDTFA indicating they were not in agreement with the Company’s interpretation of the law. As a result, the Company applied for and, as of February 9, 2015, received approval to participate in the CDTFA’s Managed Audit Program. The period covered under this program included years 2011, 2012, 2013 and extended through the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014.

On April 13, 2017 the Company received the formal CDTFA assessment for sales tax for tax years 2011, 2012 and 2013 in the amount of $4,132 plus applicable interest of $500 related to the appliance replacement programs that the Company administered on behalf of its customers on which it did not assess, collect or remit sales tax. The Company has appealed this assessment to the CDTFA Appeals Bureau.  The appeal remains in process. Interest continues to accrue until the matter is settled.

As of September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, our accrued liability for California sales tax was $5,686 and $5,438, respectively.

Note 13: Income Taxes

Our overall effective tax rate was 7.5% for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020, and we recorded a tax benefit of $448 against a pre-provision loss of $5,983. Our overall effective tax rate was 25.4% for the 39 weeks ended September 28, 2019, and we had a tax benefit of $1,825 against a pre-provision loss of $7,182. The effective tax rates and related provisional tax amounts vary from the U.S. federal statutory rate due to state taxes, foreign taxes, share-based compensation, valuation allowance, and certain non-deductible expenses.

We regularly evaluate both positive and negative evidence related to retaining a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets. The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon sufficient future taxable income during the periods when deductible temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be available to reduce taxable income. We have concluded based on the weight of evidence that a valuation allowance should be maintained against certain deferred tax assets that we do not expect to utilize in the near future. The Company continues to have a full valuation allowance against its Canadian operations. The Company recorded a full valuation allowance against its U.S. deferred tax assets except for $203, the portion of NOL that will be carried back due to prior years under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which was signed into law on March 27, 2020.

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Note 14: Short Term Debt

Short term debt and other financing obligations as of September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, consist of the following:

AFCO Finance

Annually, we enter into a financing agreement with AFCO Credit Corporation (“AFCO”) purchased through Marsh Insurance to fund the annual premiums on insurance policies due June 1 of each year. These policies are related to workers’ compensation and various liability policies including, but not limited to, General, Auto, Umbrella, Property, and Directors’ and Officers’ insurance. The total amount of the premiums financed during June 2020 was $429 with an interest rate of 3.3%. An initial down payment of $143 was due before July 1, 2020 with additional monthly payments of $48 made beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 1, 2021.

The outstanding principal due AFCO at September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 was $287 and $155, respectively.

GE

On August 14, 2017 as a part of the sale of the Company’s equity interest in AAP, Recleim LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Recleim”), agreed to undertake, pay or assume the Company’s GE obligations consisting of a promissory note (GE 8% loan agreement) and other payables which were incurred after the issuance of such promissory note. Recleim has agreed to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any action to be taken by GE relating to such obligations. The Company had an offsetting receivable due from Recleim. Recleim has paid into an escrow account the money to pay the GE 8% loan agreement in full. The funds were remitted to GE upon settlement of the arbitration of the legal matter as described in Note 15.

Payroll Protection Program

On May 1, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note (the “Promissory Note”) with Texas Capital Bank, N.A. that provides for a loan in the amount of $1,872 (the “PPP Loan”) pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The PPP Loan matures on April 27, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.0% per annum. Monthly amortized principal and interest payments are deferred for six months after the date of disbursement. The Promissory Note contains events of default and other provisions customary for a loan of this type. The Paycheck Protection Program provides that the use of the PPP Loan amount shall be limited to certain qualifying expenses and may be partially or wholly forgiven in accordance with the requirements set forth in the CARES Act. The Company intends to apply for forgiveness of a portion of the loan in accordance with the terms of the CARES Act to the extent applicable.

Customer Advance Payments

As of the period ending June 27, 2020, the Company received advance payments authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission and processed through two California utilities for the purposes of sustaining the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. The use of these funds was limited to labor and labor benefits for impacted employees. Portions of these advances are forgivable if certain conditions are met the specifics which have not been finalized.  Advance payments that are not forgiven will need to be paid back in full by December 31, 2021. Total funding received under this program as of September 26, 2020 amounted to $1,168. As of this same date, no amounts have been forgiven.

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Note 15: Commitments and Contingencies  

Litigation

On December 29, 2016, the Company served a Minnesota state court complaint for breach of contract on Skybridge Americas, Inc. (“SA”), the Company’s primary call center vendor throughout 2015 and most of 2016. The Company seeks damages in the millions of dollars as a result of alleged overcharging by SA and lost client contracts. On January 25, 2017, SA served a counterclaim for unpaid invoices in the amount of approximately $460 plus interest and attorneys’ fees. On March 29, 2017, the Hennepin County district court (the “District Court”) dismissed the Company’s breach of contract claim based on SA’s overuse of its Canadian call center but permitted the Company’s remaining claims to proceed. Following motion practice, on January 8, 2018 the District Court entered judgment in SA’s favor, which was amended as of February 28, 2018, for a total amount of $614, including interest and attorneys’ fees. On March 4, 2019, the Minnesota Court of Appeals (the “Court of Appeals”) ruled and (i) reversed the District Court’s judgment in favor of Skybridge on the call center location claim and remanded the issue back to the District Court for further proceedings, (ii) reversed the District Court’s judgment in favor of Skybridge on the net payment issue and remanded the issue to the District Court for further proceedings, and (iii) affirmed the District Court’s judgment in Skybridge’s favor against the Company’s claim that Skybridge breached the contract when it failed to meet the service level agreements. As a result of the decision by the Court of Appeals, the District Court’s award of interest and attorneys’ fees, etc. was reversed.  The Company and SA held a mediation session in July 2020.  Trial was held in August 2020 and the parties are awaiting the judge’s ruling.

On November 15, 2016, the Company served an arbitration demand on Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc., dba GE Appliances (“GEA”), alleging breach of contract and interference with prospective business advantage. The Company seeks over $2,000 in damages. On April 18, 2017, GEA served a counterclaim for approximately $337 in alleged obligations under the parties’ recycling agreement. Simultaneously with serving its counterclaim in the arbitration, which is venued in Chicago, GEA filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky seeking damages of approximately $530 plus interest and attorneys’ fees allegedly owed under a previous agreement between the parties. On December 12, 2017, the court stayed GEA’s complaint in favor of the arbitration. Under the terms of the Company’s transaction with Recleim LLC (“Recleim”), Recleim is obligated to pay GEA on the Company’s behalf the amounts claimed by GEA in the arbitration and in the lawsuit pending in Kentucky. Those amounts were paid into escrow pending the outcome of the arbitration. On March 5, 2020, the arbitrator ruled in part in favor of the Company and in part in favor of GEA, and, as a result, GEA was awarded approximately $125 in damages.

AMTIM Capital, Inc. (“AMTIM”) acts as our representative to market our recycling services in Canada under an arrangement that pays AMTIM for revenues generated by recycling services in Canada as set forth in the agreement between the parties. A dispute has arisen between AMTIM and us with respect to the calculation of amounts due to AMTIM pursuant to the agreement. In a lawsuit filed in the province of Ontario, AMTIM claims a discrepancy in the calculation of fees due to AMTIM by us of approximately $2,000. Although the outcome of this claim is uncertain, we believe that no further amounts are due under the terms of the agreement and that we will continue to defend our position relative to this lawsuit.  

Other Commitments

As previously disclosed and as discussed in Note 6: Note receivable, on December 30, 2017, the Company disposed of its retail appliance segment and sold ApplianceSmart to the Purchaser. In connection with that sale, as of December 28, 2019 the Company has an aggregate amount of future real property lease payments of $767, which represents amounts guaranteed or which may be owed under certain lease agreements to third party landlords in which the Company either remains the counterparty, is a guarantor, or has agreed to remain contractually liable under the lease (“ApplianceSmart Leases”).

The Company evaluated the fair value of its potential obligation under the guidance of ASC 450: Contingencies and ASC 460: Guarantees. As a result, the Company accrued the amount of liability associated with these future guaranteed lease payments. The fair value was calculated based on the amounts reported as part of the bankruptcy proceedings as ApplianceSmart terminated the leases prior to the lease termination date.

The ApplianceSmart Leases either have the Company as the contract tenant only, or in the contract reflects a joint tenancy with ApplianceSmart. ApplianceSmart is the occupant of the ApplianceSmart Leases. The Company does not have the right to use the ApplianceSmart lease assets nor is the Company the primary obligor of the lease payments, hence capitalization under ASC 840 is not required. The ApplianceSmart Leases have historically been used by ApplianceSmart for their operations and the consideration has and is being paid by ApplianceSmart historically and in the future.

Any potential amounts paid out for the Company obligations and or guarantees under ApplianceSmart Leases would be recoverable to the extent there are assets available from ApplianceSmart. ApplianceSmart Leases are related party transactions. The Company divested itself of the ApplianceSmart Leases and leaseholds with the sale to Purchaser on December 30, 2017.

The Company is party from time to time to other ordinary course disputes that we do not believe to be material to our financial condition as of September 26, 2020.

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Other litigation

On October 4, 2018, the Company initiated litigation against a former professional services provider (“PSP”), in Illinois state court, as well as a private arbitration proceeding that was scheduled to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, arising from PSP’s rendering of certain professional services to the Company during the period from 2011 through 2014. PSP filed a counterclaim in the arbitration seeking an award of its legal fees and costs arising from that proceeding.  The parties subsequently agreed to consolidate their respective claims into the arbitration.  The Company’s arbitration demand, as amended, sought an award of more than $50 and other relief.  On March 23, 2020, the parties entered into a settlement agreement, whereby, without any admission of liability, they exchanged mutual releases, agreed to dismiss their respective claims with prejudice, and PSP agreed to pay $800 to the Company to, among other things, assist it with certain of its costs and obligations that related to various issues underlying the arbitration proceeding.

Contract liabilities rollforward

The following table summarizes the contract liability activity for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020:

Note 16: Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock: Our Articles of Incorporation authorize 10,000,000 shares of common stock that may be issued from time to time having such rights, powers, preferences and designations as the Board of Directors may determine.  During the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, 104,798 and 223,214 shares of common stock were granted and issued in lieu of professional services at a fair value of $351 and 1,000, respectively. Additionally, the Company was amortizing the fair value of 223,214 common shares granted during September 2019, but not vested, in lieu of professional services at a fair value of $1,000.  This agreement terminated during August 2020.  As such, 71,607 common shares were returned to the Company and the related stock-based compensation was reversed.

On November 5, 2020, the Company increased the total number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 10,000,000 shares to 200,000,000 shares.  See Note 22 for a complete discussion.  

On November 8, 2016, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with Energy Efficiency Investments, LLC (“EEI”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue up to $7,732 principal amount of 3% Original Issue Discount Senior Convertible Promissory Notes of the Company and related common stock purchase warrants. On December 31, 2019, the Company terminated its agreement with EEI, as a result, EEI returned 122,257 common shares.

As of September 26, 2020, and December 28, 2019, there were 1,829,982 and 1,919,048 shares, respectively, of common stock issued and outstanding.

See Note 22 for additional information regarding the Company’s common shares.

Stock options: The 2016 Plan, which replaces the 2011 Plan, authorizes the granting of awards in any of the following forms: (i) incentive stock options, (ii) nonqualified stock options, (iii) restricted stock awards, and (iv) restricted stock units, and expires on the earlier of October 28, 2026, or the date that all shares reserved under the 2016 Plan are issued or no longer available. The 2016 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 400,000 shares of common stock pursuant to awards granted under the 2016 Plan. On November 4, 2020, the Company amended the 2016 Plan to increase the issuance of common shares from 400,000 to 800,000.  See Note 22 for a complete discussion. Options granted to employees typically vest over two years, while grants to non-employee directors vest in six months. As of September 26, 2020, and December 28, 2019, 66,000 and  4,000 options were outstanding under the 2016 Plan, respectively.

Our 2011 Plan authorizes the granting of awards in any of the following forms: (i) stock options, (ii) stock appreciation rights, and (iii) other share-based awards, including but not limited to, restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance shares, and expires on the earlier of May 12, 2021, or the date that all shares reserved under the 2011 Plan are issued or no longer available. As of September 26, 2020, and December 28, 2019, 35,900 and 40,400 options, respectively, were outstanding under the 2011 Plan. No additional awards will be granted under the 2011 Plan.

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We issue shares of new common stock when stock options are exercised. The Company periodically grants stock options that vest based upon the achievement of performance targets. For performance-based options, the Company evaluates the likelihood of the targets being met and records the expense over the probable vesting period.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the 62,000 options granted during the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020.

Additional information relating to all outstanding options is as follows:

As of September 26, 2020, 56,900 stock options are exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $12.04.

We recognized $46 and $91 share-based compensation expense related to option grants for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively.  We recognized $118 and $212 share-based compensation expense related to option grants for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively.

There is estimated future share-based compensation expense as of September 26, 2020 of $76 to be amortized until July 2021.  

Warrants:

As of September 26, 2020, and December 28, 2019, we had fully vested warrants outstanding to purchase 33,363 shares of common stock at a price of $3.40 per share and expire in November 2021.

Note 17: Loss Per Share

Net loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Basic weighted average common shares outstanding do not include shares of restricted stock that have not yet vested, although such shares are included as outstanding shares in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Diluted net earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the additional common shares issuable in respect of restricted share awards, stock options and convertible preferred stock.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share:

Potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share. The number of dilutive securities excluded were 135,263 and 134,363 respectively, during the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, because the effects were anti-dilutive based on the application of the treasury stock method.  

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Note 18: Major Customers and Suppliers

For the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020, one customer represented 30% of our total revenues. For the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020, two customers represented a combined 32% of our total revenue.  As of September 26, 2020, two customers represented 38% of our total trade receivables.

For the 13 weeks ended September 28, 2019, one customer represented 16% of our total revenues. For the 39 weeks ended September 28, 2019, one customer represented 11% of our total revenue. As of December 28, 2019, three customers represented more than 10% of our total trade receivables, for a total of 49% of our total trade receivables.

During the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, we purchased appliances for resale from four suppliers. We have and are continuing to secure other vendors from which to purchase appliances. However, the curtailment or loss of one of these suppliers or any appliance supplier could adversely affect our operations.

Note 19: Defined Contribution Plan

We have a defined contribution salary deferral plan covering substantially all employees under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. We contribute an amount equal to 10 cents for each dollar contributed by each employee up to a maximum of 5% of each employee’s compensation. We recognized expense for contributions to the plans of $8 and $3 for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively, and $20 and $20 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively.

Note 20: Segment Information

We operate within targeted markets through three reportable segments for continuing operations: biotechnology, recycling, and technology. The biotechnology segment started in September 2019 as the Company broadened its business perspectives to being a pharmaceutical company focused on finding treatments for conditions that cause severe pain and bringing to market drugs with non-addictive pain-relieving properties. The recycling segment includes all fees charged and costs incurred for collecting, recycling and installing appliances for utilities and other customers. The recycling segment also includes byproduct revenue, which is primarily generated through the recycling of appliances. The nature of products, services and customers for both segments varies significantly. Our technology segment is comprised of GeoTraq, which is in the process of developing technology to enable low cost, location-based products and services. As such, the segments are managed separately. Our Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). The CODM evaluates performance and allocates resources based on sales and income from operations of each segment. Income (loss) from operations represents revenues less cost of revenues and operating expenses, including certain allocated selling, general and administrative costs. There are no intersegment sales or transfers.

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The following tables present our segment information for the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019: