| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Hydrogenics and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All i ntercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains or losses on transactions between group companies have been eliminated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed, where necessary, to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Company. Subsidiaries include all entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company is exposed or has rights to variable returns from the Company’s involvement, and has the ability to affect those returns through the Company’s power over the subsidiary. The existence and potential voting rights presently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Company controls another entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control was obtained by the Company and are deconsolidated from the date on which control ceased. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of certain financial assets and financial liabilities to fair value.
Investments in joint ventures
Investments in joint ventures, over which the Company has joint control, are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are initially recorded at cost, and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognize the Company’s share of the investee’s net profit or loss, including net profit or loss recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), subsequent to the date of acquisition.
Foreign currency translation
Items included in the financial statements of each consolidated entity in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars, which is the functional currency of Hydrogenics Corporation (“the parent company”).
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of foreign currency transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than an operation’s functional currency are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries located in Belgium and Germany are the euro, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the subsidiary operates. The financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated into US dollars as follows: assets and liabilities, at the closing exchange rate at the dates of the consolidated balance sheets; and the income and expenses and other comprehensive income (loss), at the average exchange rate during the year as this is considered a reasonable approximation to the actual rates. All resulting foreign exchange changes are recognized in other comprehensive loss as cumulative translation adjustments.
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash. Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash held as partial security for standby letters of credit and letters of guarantee, include cash on hand deposits held with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized on the trade date – the date on which the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Financial liabilities are derecognized when they are extinguished, which occurs when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled, or expired. Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realize the financial asset and settle the financial liability simultaneously.
At initial recognition, the Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories depending on the purpose for which the instruments were acquired, as follows:
(i)
Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss . A financial asset or financial liability is classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the short term. Derivatives are also included in this category, unless designated as hedges. Financial instruments in this category are recognized initially and subsequently at fair value. Transaction costs are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are presented in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss within other gains and losses in the period in which they arise. Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are classified as current, except for the portion expected to be realized or paid beyond 12 months of the consolidated balance sheet dates, which is classified as non-current. The measurement of the fair value of an asset or liability is based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability under current market conditions.
The Company also periodically enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to limit its exposure to foreign currency rate fluctuations. These derivatives are recognized initially at fair value and are recorded as either assets or liabilities based on their fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, these derivatives are measured at fair value and changes to their value are recorded through net loss, unless these financial instruments are designated as hedges.
(ii)
Loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. The Company’s loans and receivables comprise trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, and are classified as current, except for the portion expected to be realized or paid beyond 12 months (or within the normal operating cycle of the business if longer) of the consolidated balance sheet dates, which is classified as non-current. Loans and receivables are initially recognized at fair value. The measurement of the fair value of an asset is based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset under current market conditions. Subsequently, loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method less a provision for impairment.
(iii)
Financial liabilities at amortized cost . Financial liabilities at amortized cost include trade and other payables, repayable government contributions and long-term debt. All financial liabilities at amortized cost are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. At the end of each reporting period, interest accretion related to repayable government contributions and long-term debt is included in interest expense and changes in value attributable to changes in the timing and amount of estimated future cash flows are included in other finance gains or losses, net. Financial liabilities are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within 12 months (or within the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). Otherwise, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
(iv)
Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting. The Company periodically holds derivative financial instruments to hedge its foreign currency risk exposures that are designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge relationship. On initial designation of the hedge, the Company formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged item, including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge transaction, together with the methods that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship. The Company makes an assessment, both at the inception of the hedge relationship as well as on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging instruments are expected to be “highly effective” in offsetting the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the respective hedged items during the period for which the hedge is designated, and whether the actual results of each hedge are within a range of 80 - 125% . For a cash flow hedge of a forecast transaction, the transaction should be highly probable to occur and should present an exposure to variations in cash flows that could ultimately affect reported net income. Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value; attributable transaction costs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value, and changes therein are accounted for as described below.
(v)
Cash flow hedges. When a derivative is designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge of the variability in cash flows attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction that could affect profit or loss, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized in other comprehensive income and presented in unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges in equity. The amount recognized in other comprehensive income is removed and included in profit or loss in the same period as the hedged cash flows affect profit or loss under the same line item in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as the hedged item. Any ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated, exercised, or the designation is revoked, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income and presented in unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges in equity remains there until the forecast transaction affects profit or loss.
If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, then the balance in other comprehensive income is recognized immediately in profit or loss. In other cases the amount recognized in other comprehensive income is transferred to profit or loss in the same period that the hedged item affects profit or loss.
Inventories
Raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, and net realizable value. Inventory costs include the cost of material, labour, variable overhead and an allocation of fixed manufacturing overhead including amortization based on normal production volumes. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price less estimated costs of completion and applicable selling expenses. If the carrying value exceeds the net realizable amount, a writedown is recognized. The writedown may be reversed in a subsequent period if the circumstances causing it no longer exist.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less government grants, accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying value or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost can be measured reliably. The cost and accumulated depreciation of replaced assets are derecognized when replaced. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss during the period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation is calculated on a diminishing balance method to depreciate the cost of the assets to their residual values over their estimated useful lives. The depreciation rates applicable to each category of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
Furniture and equipment
20% – 30% per annum
Computer hardware
30% per annum
Automobiles
30% per annum
Leasehold improvements
Straight-line over the term of the lease
Residual values, method of depreciation and useful lives of the assets are reviewed at least annually and adjusted if appropriate.
Construction-in-progress assets are not depreciated until such time they are available for use. Depreciation ceases at the earlier of the date the asset is classified as held-for-sale and the date the asset is derecognized.
Gains and losses on disposals of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying value of the asset and are included as part of other gains and losses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Intangible assets
The Company’s intangible assets consist of computer software with finite useful lives. These assets are capitalized and amortized over their useful lives using the diminishing balance method of 30% per annum. Costs associated with maintaining computer software programs are recognized as an expense as incurred. The method of amortization and useful lives of the assets are reviewed at least annually and adjusted if appropriate.
Goodwill
Goodwill is recognized as the fair value of the consideration transferred including the recognized amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, less the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition date. Subsequent to initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill acquired in business combinations is allocated to groups of cash generating units (“CGU”) that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. The goodwill recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements relates to the OnSite Generation CGU. Goodwill is not amortized.
Impairment
i)
Financial assets. At each reporting date, the Company assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired. If such evidence exists, the Company recognizes an impairment loss on the financial asset, which is carried at amortized cost. The loss is determined as the difference between the amortized cost of the financial asset and the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted using the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying value of the asset is reduced by this amount indirectly through the use of an allowance account. Impairment losses on financial assets carried at amortized cost are reversed in subsequent periods if the amount of the loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized.
ii)
Long-lived assets. Property, plant and equipment and definite life intangible assets are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life or intangible assets not yet available-for-use are subject to an annual impairment test. For the purpose of measuring recoverable values, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows being the CGU. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for impairment annually or at any time an indicator of impairment exists. Goodwill acquired through a business combination is allocated to each CGU or group of CGUs that is expected to benefit from the related business combination. A goodwill CGU represents the lowest level within an entity at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, which is not higher than an operating segment.
For the long-lived asset impairment test, the recoverable value is the higher of an asset or CGU’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. An impairment loss is recognized for the value by which the asset or CGU’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable value.
Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer. The Corporation has two segments which are OnSite Generation and Power Systems. OnSite Generation includes the design, development, manufacture and sale of hydrogen generation products. Power Systems includes the design, development, manufacture and sale of fuel cell products.
Provisions and product warranties
Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are measured based on management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the end of the reporting period, and are discounted to their present value where the effect is material. Additionally, the Company performs evaluations to identify onerous contracts and where applicable, records provisions for such contracts. Onerous contracts are those in which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it. The unavoidable costs under a contract reflect the least net cost of exiting from the contract, which is the lower of the cost of fulfilling it and any compensation or penalties arising from the failure to fulfill it.
The Company typically provides a warranty for parts and/or labour for up to two years or based on time or certain operating specifications, such as hours of operation. In establishing the warranty provision, the Company estimates the likelihood that products sold will experience warranty claims and the estimated cost to resolve claims received, taking into account the nature of the contract and past and projected experience with the products. Provisions are reviewed at each consolidated balance sheet date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate. If it is no longer probable that a payment to settle the obligation will be incurred, the provision is reversed.
Warrants
The Company has issued warrants which have been classified as liabilities, which are recorded at their fair value with changes in fair value reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases when the lease arrangement transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases. The assets held under a finance lease are recognized as assets at the lower of the following two values: the present value of the minimum lease payments under the lease arrangement or their fair value determined at inception of the lease. The corresponding obligation to the lessor is accounted for as long-term debt. These assets are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the assets and the lease term when there is no reasonable certainty the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.
Research and product development
The Company incurs costs associated with the design and development of new products. Expenditures during the research phase are expensed as incurred. Expenditures during the development phase are capitalized if the Company can demonstrate each of the following criteria: (i) the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available-for-use or sale; (ii) its intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it; (iii) its ability to use or sell the intangible asset; (iv) how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits; (v) the availability of adequate technical, financial, and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset; and (vi) its ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development; otherwise, they are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
Funding for research and product development includes government and non-government research and product development support. Government research and product development funding is recognized when there is reasonable assurance the Company has complied with the conditions attached to the funding arrangement and is recognized as the applicable costs are incurred. Non-governmental funding is recognized when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the funding agreement and is recognized as the applicable costs are incurred. Research and product development funding is presented as a reduction in research and product development expenses unless it is for reimbursement of an asset, in which case, it is accounted for as a reduction in the carrying amount of the applicable asset. Where the Company receives government contributions that include fixed terms of repayment, a financial liability is recognized and measured as an amortized cost financial liability, as discussed above.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the gross inflow of economic benefits during the period, arising in the ordinary course of the Company’s activities, net of discounts and returns.
Revenue is recognized when the Company has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods to the buyer, it is probable the economic benefits will flow to the Company, delivery has occurred, and the amount of revenue and costs incurred or to be incurred can be measured reliably. For sales of equipment, these criteria are generally met at the time the product is shipped and delivered to the customer and depending on the delivery conditions, title and risk have passed to the customer and acceptance of the product, when contractually required, has been obtained, either via formal acceptance by the customer or lapse of rejection period. If all other revenue recognition criteria have been met but delivery has not occurred, the Company recognizes revenue, provided that the following criteria have been met: (i) the buyer must have assumed title to the goods and accepted billing; (ii) it must be probable delivery will take place; (iii) the goods must be on hand , identified and ready for delivery to the buyer at the time the sale is recognized; (iv) the buyer specifically acknowledges the deferred delivery instructions; and (v) the usual payment terms apply.
Site commissioning revenue is recognized when the installation has been completed. Revenue is measured based on the price specified in the sales contract, net of discounts and estimated returns.
Historical experience is used to estimate and provide for discounts and returns.
The Company also enters into transactions that represent multiple-element arrangements, which may include any combination of equipment and service. These multiple-element arrangements are assessed to determine whether they can be sold separately in order to determine whether they can be treated as more than one unit of accounting or element for the purpose of revenue recognition. When there are multiple elements or units of accounting in an arrangement, the arrangement consideration is allocated to the separate units of accounting or elements on a fair value basis. The revenue recognition policy described above is then applied to each unit of accounting.
Revenue from long-term contracts, such as customer specific product development contracts, is recognized when the outcome of a transaction involving the rendering of services can be estimated reliably, determined under the percentage-of-completion method based on the stage of completion. Under this method, the revenue recognized equals the latest estimate of the total selling price of the contract multiplied by the actual completion rate, determined by reference to the costs incurred for the transaction and the costs to complete the transaction. The outcome of a transaction can be estimated reliably when the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company, the stage of completion at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably, and the costs incurred for the transaction and the costs to complete the transaction can be measured reliably.
If circumstances arise that may change the estimates of revenue, the remaining costs or extent of progress toward completion, estimates of revenue are revised. These revisions may result in increases or decreases in estimated revenue or remaining costs to complete and are accounted for prospectively from the period in which the circumstances that give rise to the revision become known by management. If the outcome of a transaction cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognized only to the extent of the expenses recognized that are recoverable. When the outcome of a transaction cannot be estimated reliably and it is not probable the costs incurred will be recovered, revenue is not recognized and the costs incurred are recognized as an expense. Once the uncertainty surrounding the outcome no longer exists, revenue is recognized by reference to the state of completion of the transaction at the end of the reporting period.
Cash received in advance of revenue being recognized is classified as current deferred revenue, except for the portion expected to be settled beyond 12 months of the consolidated balance sheet dates, which is classified as non-current deferred revenue.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales for products includes the cost of finished goods inventory and the costs related to shipping and handling. Cost of sales for service includes direct labour and additional direct and indirect expenses.
Share capital
Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of shares are recognized as a deduction from equity.
Post-retirement benefit liabilities
The Company has a post-retirement benefit obligation with respect to the Belgium subsidiary related to a defined contribution plan. Under Belgian law, a guaranteed return on the contributions is required and as a result this is accounted for as a defined benefit plan. The Company has recorded a long-term liability associated with this plan for the present value of the obligation at the consolidated balance sheet dates. Changes in the fair value of this liability represent actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and are charged/credited to equity in other comprehensive income.
Stock-based compensation
The Company’s stock-based compensation plans are summarized below:
(i)
Stock options
The Company grants stock options to certain employees. Stock options vest 25% one year from the date of grant and annually thereafter over three more years and expire after ten years. Each tranche in an award is considered a separate award with its own vesting period and grant date fair value. The fair value of each tranche is measured at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense is recognized (with a corresponding adjustment to contributed surplus) over the tranche’s vesting period, and is based on the estimated number of instruments expected to vest, which are then reestimated at the reporting dates to the extent that subsequent information indicates the actual number of instruments expected to vest is likely to differ from previous estimates. When options are exercised the Company issues new shares and the proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital at market value and the difference is adjusted to contributed surplus.
(ii)
Restricted share units (“RSU”)
The Company grants RSUs to certain employees. The RSUs will be settled in the Company’s shares. The cost of the Company’s RSUs is charged to selling, general and administrative expenses using the graded vesting method. RSUs vest three years from grant date. The fair value of each grant of RSUs is the fair value of the Company’s share price on the date of grant. The resulting compensation expense, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, is based on the fair value of the awards granted is charged to income over the period the employees unconditionally become entitled to the award, with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus.
(iii)
Deferred share units (“DSU”)
The Company grants DSUs to directors as part of their compensation. The DSUs vest upon grant and are settled in cash. The vested DSUs are marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period based on the closing price of the Company’s shares with the change in fair value recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company has set up a liability in the consolidated balance sheets, included within financial liabilities, for the fair value of the vested DSUs.
(iv)
Performance share units (“PSU”)
The Company has granted PSUs to certain employees. The PSUs will be settled in the Company’s shares. The cost of the Company’s PSUs is charged to selling, general and administrative expenses using the graded vesting method. The fair value of the vested share units is the fair value of the Company’s share price on the date of grant. The resulting compensation expense, based on the fair value of the awards granted, excluding the impact of any non-market service and performance vesting conditions, is charged to income over the period the employees unconditionally become entitled to the award, with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. Non-market vesting conditions are considered in making assumptions about the number of awards that are expected to vest. At each reporting date, the Company reassesses its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to vest and recognizes the impact of any revision in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss with a corresponding adjustment to contributed surplus.
Income taxes
Income tax expense comprises current income tax expense and deferred income tax expense. Income tax expense is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case, income taxes are also recognized directly in equity. Current income taxes are the expected taxes payable on the taxable income for the year, using income tax rates enacted at the end of the reporting period, and any adjustment to income taxes payable in respect of previous years.
In general, deferred income taxes are the amount of income taxes expected to be paid or recoverable in future periods in respect of temporary differences, carry-forwards of unused tax losses and carry-forwards of unused tax credits. Deferred income taxes arise between the tax base and their carrying values in the consolidated financial statements as well as on unused tax losses and tax credits. Deferred income taxes are determined on a non-discounted basis using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the consolidated balance sheet dates and are expected to apply when the deferred income tax asset or liability is settled.
Deferred income taxes are provided on temporary diff |
