Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Policies) |
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2017 | |
| Significant Accounting Policies And Estimates Policies | |
| Basis of Presentation |
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. |
| Liquidity |
The Company has experienced significant losses and negative cash flows from operations in the past. Management has implemented a strategy which included cost reduction efforts, consolidation of certain back office activities to gain efficiencies as well as identifying strategic acquisitions, financed primarily through the issuance of preferred and common stock and convertible debt, to improve the overall profitability and cash flows of the Company.
After the close of business on March 31, 2017, the Company and its subsidiaries, as borrowers, entered into a Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”), and certain investment funds managed by MGG Investment Group LP (“MGG”). All funds were distributed on April 3, 2017 (the “Closing Date”).
Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Company may borrow up to $73,750,000 consisting of a four-year term loan in the principal amount of $48,750,000 and revolving loans in a maximum amount up to the lesser of (i) $25,000,000 or (ii) an amount determined pursuant to a borrowing base that is calculated based on the outstanding amount of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable, as described in the Credit Agreement. The loans under the Credit Agreement mature on March 31, 2021.
On October 2, 2017, the Company, the other borrower entities and guarantor entities named therein (collectively, the “Loan Parties”), PNC, and certain investment funds managed by MGG (collectively the (“Lenders”) entered into a First Amendment and Waiver (the “Amendment”) to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March 31, 2017 (the “Credit Agreement”) by and among the Loan Parties, and the Lenders.
The Amendment, which was effective as of October 2, 2017, modified the required principal repayment schedule with respect to the Term Loans. The Amendment also modified the ability of the Loan Parties to repay or make other payments with respect to certain other loans that are subordinated in right of payment to the indebtedness under the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to the Amendment the Lenders also waived any Event of Default arising out of the Loan Parties’ failure to deliver, on or before October 3, 2017, the materials satisfying the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 5 of the Waiver to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2017, as amended.
On November 14, 2017, the Company and its subsidiaries, as Borrowers, each subsidiary of the Company listed as a “Guarantor” on the signature pages thereto (together with each other Person joined thereto as a guarantor from time to time, collectively, the “Guarantors”, and each a “Guarantor”, and together with the Borrowers, collectively, the “Loan Parties” and each a “Loan Party”), certain lenders which now are or which thereafter become a party thereto that make Revolving Advances thereunder (together with their respective successors and assigns, collectively, the “Revolving Lenders” and each a “Revolving Lender”), the lenders which now are or which thereafter become a party thereto that made or acquire an interest in the Term Loans (together with their respective successors and assigns, collectively, the “Term Loan Lenders” and each a “Term Loan Lender”, and together with the Revolving Lenders, collectively, the “Lenders” and each a “Lender”), MGG, as administrative agent for the Lenders (together with its successors and assigns, in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), as collateral agent for the Lenders (together with its successors and assigns, in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”), and as term loan agent (together with its successors and assigns, in such capacity, the “Term Loan Agent” and together with the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, each an “Agent” and, collectively, the “Agents”), entered into a second amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2017 (the “Credit Agreement”).
Pursuant to the Second Amendment the Borrowers agreed, among other things, to use commercially reasonable efforts to prepay, or cause to be prepaid, $10,000,000 in principal amount of Advances (as defined in the Credit Agreement) outstanding, which amount shall be applied to prepay the Term Loans in accordance with the applicable terms of the Credit Agreement. Any prepayment to the term loan is contingent upon a future financing, non-operational cash flow or excess cash flow as defined in the agreement. The Borrowers also agreed to amend (i) the applicable minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratios required to be maintained by the Company as set forth in the Second Amendment, (ii) the minimum EBITDA required to be maintained by the Company, as set forth in the Second Amendment and (iii) the maximum senior leverage ratios required to be maintained by the Company, as set forth in the Second Amendment. The Borrowers agreed to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Revolving Lenders, an amendment fee of $364,140, in connection with their execution and delivery of the Second Amendment. Such fee is payable on the earlier of (a) June 30, 2018 and (b) the first date on which all of the Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement) are paid in full in cash and the Total Commitment (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of the Lenders is terminated.
The loans under the credit agreement for the period commencing on the Amendment No. 2 Effective Date up to and including May 31, 2018, (i) so long as the Senior Leverage Ratio is equal to or greater than 3.75 to 1.00, an amount equal to 9.75% for Advances consisting of Domestic Rate Loans and 10.75% for Advances consisting of LIBOR Rate Loans and (ii) so long as the Senior Leverage Ratio is less than 3.75 to 1.00, an amount equal to 9.00% for Advances consisting of Domestic Rate Loans and 10.00% for Advances consisting of LIBOR Rate Loans.
The loans under the credit agreement for the period commencing on June 1, 2018 up to and including August 31, 2018, (i) so long as the Senior Leverage Ratio is equal to or greater than 4.00 to 1.00, an amount equal to 14.00% for Advances consisting of Domestic Rate Loans and 15.00% for Advances consisting of LIBOR Rate Loans and (ii) so long as the Senior Leverage Ratio is less than 4.00 to 1.00, an amount equal to 9.75% for Advances consisting of Domestic Rate Loans and 10.75% for Advances consisting of LIBOR Rate Loans. For the period ended September 30, 2017 there were no financial covenants required under the new amendment.
The loans under the credit agreement for the period commencing on September 1, 2018 through the remainder of the Term, (i) so long as the Senior Leverage Ratio is equal to or greater than 3.50 to 1.00, an amount equal to 14.00% for Advances consisting of Domestic Rate Loans and 15.00% for Advances consisting of LIBOR Rate Loans and (ii) so long as the Senior Leverage Ratio is less than 3.50 to 1.00, an amount equal to 9.00% for Advances consisting of Domestic Rate Loans and 10.00% for Advances consisting of LIBOR Rate Loans.
At September 30, 2017, approximately $6,000,000 of the Revolving Credit facility was fixed for a three-month period at an interest of approximately 11.3%.
Although the Company did not have financial covenants for the period ended September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with non-financial covenants of this loan and management expects to be in compliance with the newly amended financial covenants for December 31, 2017, the first measurement date under the Amendment.
Management believes that the future cash flow from operations and the availability under the Revolving Credit Facility will have sufficient liquidity for the next 12 months. |
| Principles of Consolidation |
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. |
| Estimates and Assumptions |
Management makes estimates and assumptions that can affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the amounts of reported revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Those estimates and assumptions typically involve expectations about events to occur subsequent to the balance sheet date, and it is possible that actual results could ultimately differ from the estimates. If differences were to occur in a subsequent period, the Company would recognize those differences when they became known. Significant matters requiring the use of estimates and assumptions include, but may not be limited to, deferred income tax valuation allowances, accounts receivable allowances, accounting for acquisitions, accounting for derivatives and evaluation of impairment. Management believes that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, based on information that is available at the time they are made. |
| Revenue Recognition |
Direct hire placement service revenues are recognized when applicants accept offers of employment, less a provision for estimated losses due to applicants not remaining employed for the Company’s guarantee period. Contract staffing service revenues are recognized when services are rendered.
Falloffs and refunds during the period are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as a reduction of placement service revenues and were approximately $1,495,000 in fiscal 2017 and $470,000 in fiscal 2016. Expected future falloffs and refunds are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as a reduction of accounts receivable and were approximately $997,000 and $60,000 as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. |
| Cost of Contract Staffing Services |
The cost of contract services includes the wages and the related payroll taxes and employee benefits of the Company’s employees while they work on contract assignments. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents |
Highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents. At September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, there were no cash equivalents. The Company maintains deposits in financial institutions in excess of amounts guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained at financial institutions and, at times, balances may exceed federally insured limits. We have never experienced any losses related to these balances. |
| Accounts Receivable |
The Company extends credit to its various customers based on evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and ability to pay the Company in accordance with the payment terms. An allowance for placement fall-offs is recorded, as a reduction of revenues, for estimated losses due to applicants not remaining employed for the Company’s guarantee period. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded, as a charge to bad debt expense, where collection is considered to be doubtful due to credit issues. These allowances together reflect management’s estimate of the potential losses inherent in the accounts receivable balances, based on historical loss statistics and known factors impacting its customers. The nature of the contract service business, where companies are dependent on employees for the production cycle allows for a small accounts receivable allowance. Based on management’s review of accounts receivable, an allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $1,712,000 and $191,000 is considered necessary as of September 30, 2017, and September 30, 2016, respectively. The Company charges uncollectible accounts against the allowance once the invoices are deemed unlikely to be collectible. The reserve includes the $997,000 and $60,000 reserve for permanent placement falloffs considered necessary as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. |
| Property and Equipment |
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is calculated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of five years for computer equipment and two to ten years for office equipment, furniture and fixtures. The Company capitalizes computer software purchased or developed for internal use and amortizes it over an estimated useful life of five years. The carrying value of property and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of an asset group is greater than its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value. There was no impairment of property and equipment for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. |
| Goodwill |
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired in the various acquisitions. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment at least annually. Testing goodwill for impairment allows the Company to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the entity determines that this threshold is not met, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. |
| Fair Value Measurement |
The Company follows the provisions of the accounting standard which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances fair value measurement disclosure. Under these provisions, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
The standard establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use on unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is described below:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.
The fair value of the Company’s current assets and current liabilities approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of the Company’s long-term liabilities represents their fair value based on level 3 inputs. The Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis using level 3 inputs, as discussed in Note 5. |
| Earnings and Loss per Share |
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares may consist of incremental shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants and the conversion of notes payable to common stock. In periods in which a net loss has been incurred, all potentially dilutive common shares are considered anti-dilutive and thus are excluded from the calculation. Common share equivalents of approximately 577,000 was included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended September 30, 2016. There were approximately 10,120,958 and 413,000 of common stock equivalents excluded for the year ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively because their effect is anti-dilutive. |
| Advertising Expenses |
Most of the Company’s advertising expense budget is used to support the Company’s business. Most of the advertisements are in print or internet media, with expenses recorded as they are incurred. For the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, included in selling, general and administrative expenses was advertising expense totaling approximately $1,710,000 and $834,000, respectively. |
| Intangible Assets |
Customer lists, non-compete agreements, customer relationships and trade names were recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition and are amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from two to ten years using both accelerated and straight-line methods. |
| Impairment of Long-lived Assets |
The Company records an impairment of long-lived assets used in operations, other than goodwill, when events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired and the estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated by those assets over their remaining lives are less than the carrying amount of those items. The net carrying value of assets not recoverable is reduced to fair value, which is typically calculated using the discounted cash flow method. The Company did not record any impairment during the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. |
| Stock-Based Compensation |
The Company accounts for stock-based awards to employees in accordance with applicable accounting principles, which requires compensation expense related to share-based transactions, including employee stock options, to be measured and recognized in the financial statements based on a determination of the fair value of the stock options. The grant date fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) pricing model. For all employee stock options, we recognize expense over the requisite service period on an accelerated basis over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant). The Company’s option pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility, expected term, and forfeiture rate. Any changes in these highly subjective assumptions significantly impact stock-based compensation expense.
Options awarded to purchase shares of common stock issued to non-employees in exchange for services are accounted for as variable awards in accordance with applicable accounting principles. Such options are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
See Note 11 for the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock-based employee and non-employee compensation. Upon the exercise of options, it is the Company’s policy to issue new shares rather than utilizing treasury shares. |
| Income Taxes |
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits on the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. As of September 30, 2017, no accrued interest or penalties are included on the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet. |
| Reclassification |
Certain reclassifications have been made to the financial statements as of and for the years ended September 30, 2016 to conform to the current year presentation. There is no effect on assets, liabilities, equity or net income. |
| Segment Data |
The Company provides the following distinctive services: (a) direct hire placement services, (b) temporary professional services staffing in the fields of information technology, engineering, medical, and accounting, and (c) temporary light industrial staffing. These distinct services can be divided into two reportable segments, Industrial Staffing Services and Professional Staffing Services. Selling, general and administrative expenses are not completely separately allocated among light industrial services and professional staffing services. Operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. Other factors, including type of business, type of employee, length of employment and revenue recognition are considered in determining these operating segments. |