2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | ' |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | ' |
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation |
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The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) and are expressed in United States dollars. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company; its wholly-owned subsidiaries SunSi Energies Hong Kong Limited (“SunSi HK”), ForceField Energy USA Inc. (“FNRG USA”), and ForceField Energy SA (“FNRG SA”), formed in March 2013 and located in Costa Rica; the Company’s 50.3% owned subsidiary TransPacific Energy, Inc. (“TPE”); SunSi HK's 90% owned subsidiary Zibo Baokai Commerce and Trade Co. Ltd. (“Baokai”); SunSi HK's 60% owned subsidiary Wendeng He Xie Silicon Industry Co., Ltd. (“Wendeng”). All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. |
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Discontinued Operations |
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In December 2013, the Board of Directors authorized ForceField’s management to pursue the sale of its Baokai and Wendeng segments. These segments were each classified as discontinued operations and assets held for sale beginning with the Company’s December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements. In February 2014, the Company entered into two definitive agreements to sell and transfer its equity interests in Baokai and Wendeng. These transactions each closed on February 19, 2014. |
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ForceField’s results of operations related to its Baokai and Wendeng segments have been reclassified as discontinued operations on a retrospective basis for all years presented. See Note 14 — Discontinued Operations for additional information. |
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Reverse Stock Split |
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All preferred and common share amounts (except par value and par value per share amounts) have been retroactively restated to reflect the Company’s one-for-two reverse capital stock split effective October 9, 2012, as described in Note 17 — Stockholders’ Equity to these consolidated financial statements. |
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The significant accounting policies are as follows: |
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Use of Estimates |
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The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company continually evaluates its estimates, including but not limited to the allowance for doubtful accounts, the useful lives and impairment for property, plant and equipment, goodwill and acquired intangible assets, write-down in value of inventory and deferred income taxes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, known or expected trends and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable given the quality of information available as of the date of these financial statements. The results of these assumptions provide the basis for making estimates about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates. |
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The Company believes that the following critical accounting policies govern its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements: |
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Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost and consist solely of bank deposits held in the United States, Costa Rica, Hong Kong and China. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value. |
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Concentration of Credit Risk |
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Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash were held by major financial institutions located in the United States, Hong Kong and China, which management believes are of high credit quality. |
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With respect to accounts receivable, the Company extends credit based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. The Company generally does not require collateral for trade receivables and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable. |
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Allowance for doubtful accounts |
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The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on management’s assessment of the aging and collectability of its trade receivables. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the amount of the allowance. The underlying assumptions, estimates and assessments we use to provide for losses are updated periodically to reflect our view of current conditions. Generally, the Company records a provision for bad debts equivalent to ten percent of the balance of its trade receivables outstanding for more than ninety days from their date of invoice. Trade receivables outstanding for more than one year from their date of invoice are reserved in full, unless the customer is actively making payments or has entered into a payment agreement with the Company. In such cases, the Company maintains its provision for bad debts at the ten percent level. |
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Furthermore, the Company makes judgments about the creditworthiness of each customer based on ongoing credit evaluations and frequent communication, and monitors current economic trends that might impact the level of credit losses in the future. If the financial condition of the customers were to deteriorate, resulting in their inability to make payments, a specific allowance will be recorded. |
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Bad debts are written off when identified. The Company extends unsecured credit to substantially all of its customers in the normal course of business. In many cases, this is necessary to remain competitive in the marketplace in which the Company operates. Potential customers for the Company’s products are finite in nature, and typically are larger, well capitalized companies. The Company does not accrue interest on aged trade accounts receivable as it is not a customary practice in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Historically, losses from uncollectible accounts have not significantly deviated from the specific allowance estimated by management. This specific provisioning policy has not changed since establishment and the management considers that the aforementioned specific provisioning policy is adequate and does not expect to change this established policy in the near future. |
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Inventory |
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Inventories in the United States and Costa Rica are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. A reserve is recorded for any inventory deemed excessive or obsolete. |
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Inventories in the PRC are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined on weighted average basis and includes all expenditures incurred in bringing the goods in a saleable condition to the point of sale. The Company’s inventory reserve requirements generally fluctuate based on projected demands and market conditions. In determining the adequate level of inventories to have on hand, management makes judgments as to the projected inventory demands as compared to the current or committed inventory levels. Inventory quantities and condition are reviewed regularly and provisions for excess or obsolete inventory are recorded based on the condition of inventory and the Company’s forecast of future demand and market conditions. |
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Intangible assets – land use rights |
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All land in the PRC is owned by the PRC government. The government in the PRC, according to the relevant PRC law, may sell the right to use the land for a specified period of time. Land use rights are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the terms of 50 years. The lease term is obtained from the relevant Chinese land authority. |
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Property, plant and equipment |
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Property and equipment are stated at cost or fair value if acquired as part of a business combination. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method and is charged to operations over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The carrying amount and accumulated depreciation of assets sold or retired are removed from the accounts in the year of disposal and any resulting gain or loss is included in results of operations. The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows: |
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| Estimated Useful Lives |
Building | 20 years |
Machinery and equipment | 3 – 10 years |
Furniture and fixtures | 5 – 7 years |
Computers and software | 3 – 7 years |
Motor vehicles | 5 years |
Leasehold improvements | Lessor of lease term or estimated useful life |
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Construction in progress |
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The value of construction in progress comprises buildings and plants under construction, as well as machines and equipment being installed and commissioned, specifically comprises the costs of property, plant and equipment and other direct costs, relevant interest expenses accrued during the construction period and profits and losses from foreign exchange transactions. |
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Depreciation will not start until the construction in progress is completed and put into operation. |
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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets |
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The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles held and used for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In evaluating the fair value and future benefits of its long-lived assets, management performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the individual assets over the remaining depreciation or amortization period. The Company recognizes an impairment loss if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the expected future cash flows. |
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Goodwill and Intangible Assets |
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Under ASC 350, the Company is required to perform an annual impairment test of the Company’s goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles. Annually on each December 31, management assesses the composition of the Company’s assets and liabilities, as well as the events that have occurred and the circumstances that have changed since the most recent fair value determination. If events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles below their carrying amounts, they will be tested for impairment. The Company will recognize an impairment charge if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value determination. The impairment test that the Company has selected historically consisted of a ten year discounted cash flow analysis including the determination of a terminal value, and requires management to make various assumptions and estimates including revenue growth, future profitability, peer group comparisons, and a discount rate which management believes are reasonable. |
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The impairment test involves a two-step approach. Under the first step, the Company determines the fair value of each reporting subsidiary to which goodwill has been assigned. The Company then compares the fair value of each reporting subsidiary to its carrying value, including goodwill. The Company estimates the fair value of each reporting subsidiary by estimating the present value of the reporting subsidiaries' future cash flows. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no impairment loss is recognized. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered potentially impaired and the second step is completed in order to measure the impairment loss. |
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Under the second step, the Company calculates the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets, including any unrecognized intangible assets, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step. The Company then compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, the Company recognizes an impairment loss equal to the difference. |
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Stock Purchase Warrants |
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The Company has issued warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. Warrants have been accounted for as equity in accordance with FASB ASC 480, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity. |
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Income Taxes |
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The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Under FASB ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under FASB ASC 740, 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. FASB ASC 740-10-05, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. |
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The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We assess the validity of our conclusions regarding uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis to determine if facts or circumstances have arisen that might cause us to change our judgment regarding the likelihood of a tax position’s sustainability under audit. |
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Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share |
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The Company computes net income (loss) per share in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings per Share”. ASC 260 requires presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) on the face of the income statement. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders (numerator) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding (denominator) during the period. Diluted EPS gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method and convertible preferred stock using the if-converted method. In computing diluted EPS, the average stock price for the period is used in determining the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the exercise of stock options or warrants. Diluted EPS excludes all dilutive potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive. |
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For the periods presented, the computation of diluted loss per share equaled basic loss per share as the inclusion of any dilutive instruments would have had an antidilutive effect on the earnings per share calculation in the periods presented. |
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Assets held for sale |
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For the business where management has committed to a plan to divest, which is typically demonstrated by approval from the Board of Directors, the business is valued at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company ceased depreciation. The assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2012 related to Baokai and Wendeng segments have been reclassified as “assets and liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale” to conform to the presentation of the current period for the comparative purposes. |
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Fair Value |
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Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. |
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Authoritative literature provides a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement as follows: |
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Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
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Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. |
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Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. |
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
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The Company adopted FASB ASC 820 on June 1, 2010. The adoption of FASB ASC 820 did not materially impact the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. FASB ASC 820 requires the disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments including those financial instruments for which the fair value option was not elected. The carrying amounts of both the financial assets and liabilities approximate to their fair values due to short maturities or the applicable interest rates approximate the current market rates. |
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Revenue Recognition – Product Sales |
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Revenue from the sales of the Company’s products is recognized upon customer acceptance. This occurs at the time of delivery to the customer, provided persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, such as a signed sales contract. The significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customers at the time when the products are delivered and there is no significant post-delivery obligation to the Company. In addition, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. The Company does not provide customers with contractual rights of return for products. When there are significant post-delivery performance obligations, revenue is recognized only after such obligations are fulfilled. The Company evaluates the terms of the sales agreement with its customer in order to determine whether any significant post-delivery performance obligations exist. Currently, the sales do not include any terms which may impose any significant post-delivery performance obligations on the Company. |
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Revenue from the sales of the Company’s products represents the invoiced value of goods, net of the value-added tax (“VAT”). All of the Company’s products that are sold in China are subject to a Chinese VAT at a rate of 17% of the gross sales price. This VAT may be offset by the VAT paid by the Company on raw and other materials that are included in the cost of producing the Company’s finished products. |
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Revenue Recognition – ORC Equipment Construction Contracts |
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The Company’s ORC segment’s financial statements are prepared on the percentage-of-completion accrual method of accounting. Income on contracts is recognized based on the Company’s estimate of the percentage-of-completion on individual contracts (cost to cost method), commencing when progress reaches a point where cost analysis and other evidence of trend is sufficient to estimate final results with reasonable accuracy. That portion of the total contract which is allocable to contract expenditures incurred and work performed is accrued as earned income. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated ultimate loss is accrued. |
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Contract costs include all project engineering, components and materials, labor, equipment, and delivery and installation costs as well as assorted indirect costs related to contract performance. The majority of these costs are outsourced to subcontractors and suppliers, Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job conditions, and estimated profitability may result in revisions to costs and income, which are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. |
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Costs and Billings on ORC Equipment Construction Contracts |
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Costs and earned income on construction contracts – unbilled represent the amount by costs of contracts in process plus any estimated earned income exceeding related progress billings. Billings in excess of costs and earned income on construction contracts represent the amount by which progress billings on contracts in process exceed related costs and estimated earned income. Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability may result in revisions to costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. |
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Advertising expenses |
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Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $118,794 and $13,445 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. |
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Shipping and handling costs |
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All shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold. |
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Foreign Currency Translation |
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The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the United States dollar. Transactions may occur in Chinese Yuan or Renminbi (“RMB”) and Costa Rican Colones (“CRC”) and management has adopted ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. Monetary assets denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Average monthly rates are used to translate revenues and expenses. The Company has not, to the date of these financial statements, entered into derivative instruments to offset the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. |
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Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transaction. Exchange gains or losses arising from foreign currency transactions are included in the determination of net income for the respective periods. |
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Assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations are translated into the reporting currency, United States dollars, at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet dates. Revenue and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the reporting periods. Equity transactions are recorded at the historical rate when the transaction occurred. The resulting translation adjustment is reflected as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders' equity in the statement of stockholders' equity. |
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Comprehensive Gain or Loss |
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ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income”, establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has items that represent comprehensive income and, therefore, has included a schedule of comprehensive income (loss) in the financial statements. |
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Reclassifications |
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Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings and financial position. |
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