Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements provides a summary of our significant accounting policies. The following are areas requiring significant judgments and estimates due to uncertainties as of the reporting date: revenue recognition, trade accounts receivable and the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventories, deferred tax assets, long-lived assets and commitments and contingencies.

Application of the critical accounting policies discussed in the section that follows requires management’s significant judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. If actual results were to differ materially from the estimates made, the reported results could be materially affected. We are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different results.

Revenue Recognition

Management views revenue recognition as a critical accounting estimate since we must estimate an allowance for sales returns for the reporting period. This allowance reduces net sales for the period and is based on our analysis and judgment of historical trends, identified returns and the potential for additional returns. The estimates for sales returns did not materially differ from actual results for the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Management views trade accounts receivable net of the related allowance for doubtful accounts as a critical accounting estimate since the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on judgments and estimates concerning the likelihood that individual customers will pay the amounts included as receivable from them. In determining the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts to be recorded for individual customers, we consider the age of the receivable, the financial stability of the customer, discussions that may have occurred with the customer and our judgment as to the overall collectibility of the receivable from that customer. In addition, we establish an allowance for all other receivables for which no specific allowances are deemed necessary. This general allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a percentage of total trade accounts receivable with different percentages used based on different age categories of receivables. The percentages used are based on our historical experience and our current judgment regarding the state of the economy and the industry.

Inventories

Management views the determination of the net realizable value of inventories as a critical accounting estimate since it is based on judgments and estimates regarding the salability of individual items in inventory and an estimate of the ultimate selling prices for those items. Individual inventory items are reviewed and adjustments are made based on the age of the inventory and our judgment as to the salability of that inventory in order for our inventories to be valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value.

Deferred Tax Assets

Management views the valuation of deferred tax assets as a critical accounting estimate since we must assess whether it is “more likely than not” that we will realize the benefits of our gross deferred tax assets and determine an appropriate valuation allowance if we conclude such an allowance is appropriate. This determination requires that we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, in making this assessment. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified.

Generally, a cumulative loss in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is quite difficult to overcome under U.S. GAAP. Since the amount of our loss before income taxes in fiscal year 2015 exceeded our income before taxes during the previous two fiscal years, we believed that U.S. GAAP required us to treat as significant negative evidence that it was “more likely than not” that we would be unable to realize the future benefits of our deferred tax assets in the coming years—significant negative evidence that was quite difficult to overcome under U.S. GAAP and which we were not able to overcome with sufficient objectively verifiable positive evidence.

While we believed that ultimately we will utilize the benefit of our net deferred tax assets in the future (prior to any expiration of the usability of such deferred tax assets for income tax purposes), we concluded as a result of our cumulative loss position and insufficient objectively verifiable positive evidence, it was appropriate under U.S. GAAP for us to establish a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets as of October 31, 2015.

The valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets does not in any way impact our ability to use future tax deductions such as our net operating loss carryforwards; rather, the valuation allowance indicates, according to the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes, it is “more likely than not” that our deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The valuation allowance that was established will be maintained until there is sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it is “more likely than not” that our net deferred tax assets will be realized. Our income tax expense for future periods will be reduced to the extent of corresponding decreases in our valuation allowance. There can be no assurance regarding any future realization of the benefit by us of all or part of our net deferred tax assets. 

Long-lived Assets

Management views the determination of the carrying value of long-lived assets as a critical accounting estimate since we must determine an estimated economic useful life in order to properly amortize or depreciate our long-lived assets and because we must consider if the value of any of our long-lived assets have been impaired, requiring adjustment to the carrying value.

Economic useful life is the duration of time the asset is expected to be productively employed by us, which may be less than its physical life. Management’s assumptions on wear and tear, obsolescence, technological advances and other factors affect the determination of estimated economic useful life. The estimated economic useful life of an asset is monitored to determine if it continues to be appropriate in light of changes in business circumstances. For example, technological advances or excessive wear and tear may result in a shorter estimated useful life than originally anticipated. In such a case, we would depreciate the remaining net book value of an asset over the new estimated remaining life, thereby increasing depreciation expense per year on a prospective basis. We must also consider similar issues when determining whether or not an asset has been impaired to the extent that we must recognize a loss on such impairment.

The Company amortizes intangible assets over their respective finite lives up to their estimated residual values.

Commitments and Contingencies

Management views accounting for contingencies as a critical accounting estimate since loss contingencies arising from product warranties and defects, claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources require judgment as to any probable liabilities incurred. For example, accrued product warranty costs recorded by us are based primarily on historical experience of actual warranty claims and costs as well as current information with respect to warranty claims and costs. Actual results could differ from the expected results determined based on such estimates of loss contingencies.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We do not engage in transactions in derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments. As of October 31, 2019 our financial instruments were not exposed to significant market risk due to interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk, commodity price risk or equity price risk.

New Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases. The FASB has subsequently issued amendments to the initial guidance under ASU 2017-13, ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11, ASU 2018-20 and ASU 2019-01 (collectively, “Topic 842”). Topic 842 requires the recognition of a separate lease liability representing the required lease payments over the lease term and a separate lease asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the same lease term. Additionally, Topic 842 provides clarification regarding the identification of certain components of contracts that would represent a lease as well as requires additional disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. Topic 842 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period with early adoption permitted. We expect the adoption of this guidance will result in an increase of approximately $1.1 million to both our long-term assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet due to the Company’s decision to extend one of our two existing real estate leases; however, we do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our results of operations, liquidity and our related financial statement disclosures.

In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”). ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. ASU 2018-07 also clarifies that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity or our related financial statement disclosures.

In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-08, Clarifying the Scope and the Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made (“ASU 2018-08”). ASU 2018-08 applies to entities that receive or make contributions, which primarily are not-for-profit entities but also affects business entities that make contributions. In the context of business entities that make contributions, the FASB clarified that a contribution is conditional if the arrangement includes both a barrier for the recipient to be entitled to the assets transferred and a right of return for the assets transferred (or a right of release of the business entity’s obligation to transfer assets). The recognition of contribution expense is deferred for conditional arrangements and is immediate for unconditional arrangements. ASU 2018-08 requires modified prospective transition to arrangements that have not been completed as of the effective date or that are entered into after the effective date, but full retrospective application to each period presented is permitted. ASU 2018-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-08 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity or our related financial statement disclosures.

In July 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-07, Codification Updates to SEC Sections - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization and Miscellaneous Updates (SEC Update) (“ASU 2019-07”). ASU 2019-07 clarifies or improves the disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of codification topics by aligning them with the SEC’s regulations, thereby eliminating redundancies and making the codification easier to apply. We do not expect the disclosure and presentation amendments included in ASU 2019-07, which are to be applied prospectively, to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity or our related financial statement disclosures.

There are no other new accounting standards issued, but not yet adopted by us, which are expected to be applicable to our financial position, operating results or financial statement disclosures.

Disagreements with Accountants

We did not have any disagreements with our accountants on any accounting matter or financial disclosure made during our fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Optical Cable Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “OCC^®”) is a leading manufacturer of a broad range of fiber optic and copper data communication cabling and connectivity solutions primarily for the enterprise market and various harsh environment and specialty markets (the non-carrier markets), offering integrated suites of high quality products which operate as a system solution or seamlessly integrate with other providers’ offerings. The Company’s product offerings include designs for uses ranging from enterprise network, data center, residential, campus and Passive Optical LAN (“POL”) installations to customized products for specialty applications and harsh environments, including military, industrial, mining, petrochemical and broadcast applications, and for the wireless carrier market.

Founded in 1983, OCC is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia with offices, manufacturing and warehouse facilities located in Roanoke, Virginia; near Asheville, North Carolina; and near Dallas, Texas.

The Company’s cabling and connectivity products are used for high bandwidth transmission of data, video and audio communications. The Company’s product offering includes products well-suited for use in various other short- to moderate-distance applications as well. The Company’s products are sold worldwide. Also see note 10.

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

All of the Company’s bank accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As of October 31, 2019, the Company had bank deposits in excess of the insured limit totaling $127,000. As of October 31, 2018 the Company did not have bank deposits in excess of the insured limit.

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of October 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had no cash equivalents.

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not typically bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company reviews outstanding trade accounts receivable at the end of each quarter and records allowances for doubtful accounts as deemed appropriate for (i) certain individual customers and (ii) for all other trade accounts receivable in total. In determining the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts to be recorded for individual customers, the Company considers the age of the receivable, the financial stability of the customer, discussions that may have occurred with the customer and management’s judgment as to the overall collectibility of the receivable from that customer. In addition, the Company establishes an allowance for all other receivables for which no specific allowances are deemed necessary. This portion of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a percentage of total trade accounts receivable with different percentages used based on different age categories of receivables. The percentages used are based on the Company’s historical experience and management’s current judgment regarding the state of the economy and the industry. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The determination of cost includes raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. The cost of optical fibers, included in raw materials, is determined using specific identification for optical fibers. The cost of other raw materials and production supplies is generally determined using the first-in, first-out basis. The cost of work in process and finished goods inventories is determined either as average cost or standard cost, depending upon the product type. A standard cost system is used to estimate the actual costs of inventory for certain product types. Actual costs and production cost levels may vary from the standards established and such variances are charged to cost of goods sold or capitalized to inventory. Also see note 3.

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for using both straight-line and declining balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are thirty to thirty-nine years for buildings and three to fifteen years for building improvements, machinery and equipment and furniture and fixtures. Also see note 4.

The Company records legal fees associated with patent and trademark applications as intangible assets. Such intangible assets are not amortized until such time that the patent and/or trademark is granted. The Company estimates the useful life of patents and trademarks based on the period over which the intangible asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows. If patents and/or trademarks are not granted, the capitalized legal fees are expensed during the period in which such notification is received. If the Company decides to abandon a patent or trademark application, the capitalized legal fees are expensed during the period in which the Company’s decision is made.

The Company recognizes revenue at the time product is transferred to the customer (including distributors) at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for the product. Customers generally do not have the right of return unless a product is defective or damaged and is within the parameters of the product warranty in effect for the sale. Also see note 11.

The Company recognizes royalty income (if any), net of related expenses, on an accrual basis and estimates royalty income earned based on historical experience.

Shipping and handling costs include the costs incurred to physically move finished goods from the Company’s warehouse to the customers’ designated location. All shipping and handling activities related to contracts with customers as a cost to fulfill its promise to transfer control of the related product are classified as sales revenue. Shipping and handling costs of approximately $2.1 million, $2.2 million and $1.9 million are included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled approximately $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 and approximately $1.3 million for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs totaled approximately $196,000, $250,000 and $313,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. 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 and operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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. 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.

The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Also see note 12.

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. When applicable, assets to be disposed of are reported separately in the consolidated balance sheet at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated.

The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based upon the grant-date fair value of those awards. Also see note 9.

Basic net income (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In the case of basic net income per share, the calculation includes common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements. In the case of basic net loss per share, the calculation excludes common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements, as these shares are considered dilutive.

Diluted net income (loss) per share also is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, and reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the net income (loss) of the Company. The diluted net income (loss) per share calculation includes all common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements in the calculation of diluted net income, but not in the calculation of diluted net loss. Also see note 14.

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from product warranties and defects, claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

A summary of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade accounts receivable for the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 follows:

Inventories as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 consist of the following:

Property and equipment, net as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 consists of the following:

Aggregate amortization expense for amortizing intangible assets was $38,598, $34,768 and $25,704 for the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Amortization of intangible assets is calculated using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the intangible assets. Amortization expense is estimated to be $40,000 for each of the next five years. The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization as of October 31, 2019 was $645,701 and $135,393, respectively. The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization as of October 31, 2018 was $596,457 and $96,795, respectively.

The Company generally warrants its products against certain manufacturing and other defects in material and workmanship. These product warranties are provided for specific periods of time and are applicable assuming the product has not been subjected to misuse, improper installation, negligent handling or shipping damage. As of October 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s accrual for estimated product warranty claims totaled $120,000 and $180,000, respectively, and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Warranty claims expense includes the costs to investigate claims and potential claims, and the costs to replace and/or repair product pursuant to claims, which can include claims not deemed valid by the Company. The accrued product warranty costs are based primarily on historical experience of actual warranty claims and costs as well as current information with respect to potential warranty claims and costs. Warranty claims expense for the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 totaled $158,426, $219,190 and $281,523, respectively.

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s accrual for product warranties during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018:

The Company has credit facilities consisting of a real estate term loan, as amended and restated (the “Virginia Real Estate Loan”), a supplemental real estate term loan, as amended and restated (the “North Carolina Real Estate Loan”) and a Revolving Credit Note and related agreements (collectively, the “Revolver”).

Both the Virginia Real Estate Loan and the North Carolina Real Estate Loan are with Pinnacle Bank (“Pinnacle”), have a fixed interest rate of 3.95% and are secured by a first priority lien on all of the Company’s personal property and assets, all money, goods, machinery, equipment, fixtures, inventory, accounts, chattel paper, letter of credit rights, deposit accounts, commercial tort claims, documents, instruments, investment property and general intangibles now owned or hereafter acquired by the Company and wherever located, as well as a first lien deed of trust on the Company’s real property.

Long-term debt as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 consists of the following:

On April 30, 2019, the Company entered into a Sixth Loan Modification Agreement with Pinnacle to modify the Credit Agreement dated April 26, 2016 entered into between the Company and Pinnacle and the term loans dated April 26, 2016. The Sixth Loan Modification Agreement extended the maturity date of the Revolver to June 30, 2020.

On September 11, 2019, OCC entered into a Seventh Loan Modification Agreement with Pinnacle to modify the Credit Agreement dated April 26, 2016 entered into between the Company and Pinnacle and the term loans dated April 26, 2016. Pursuant to the Seventh Loan Modification Agreement, the Company agreed to (i) reduce the total aggregate amount of funds available for lending under the Credit Agreement from $7.0 million to $6.5 million; (ii) reduce the aggregate outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement by $500,000 on or before November 29, 2019 by reducing the outstanding principal balances on each of the term loans by $250,000; and (iii) an interest rate on advances under the Revolver of prime lending rate plus 0.25%, effective September 10, 2019. In exchange for this consideration, the current ratio financial covenant was suspended for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2019.

On January 22, 2020, subsequent to the Company’s fiscal year end, OCC entered into an Eighth Loan Modification Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Pinnacle to modify the Credit Agreement dated April 26, 2016 entered into between the Company and Pinnacle and the term loans dated April 26, 2016. The purpose of the Agreement was to (i) reduce the aggregate outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement by $200,000 on or before April 15, 2020 by reducing the outstanding principal balances on the term loans; (ii) provide that all outstanding and future advances under the Revolver accrue interest at an interest rate of prime lending rate plus 0.50%, effective January 22, 2020, (iii) suspend the current ratio financial covenant for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2019, (iv) suspend the fixed charge coverage ratio for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, and (v) provide that OCC engage in good faith to negotiate a letter of intent or similar expression of interest to refinance the Revolver by March 31, 2020 and enter into a financing commitment letter, similar equity commitment or combination thereof relating to the financing by May 1, 2020 with closing planned on or before June 30, 2020.

All other terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement remain unaltered and in effect.

The Revolver is secured by a perfected first lien security interest on all assets, including but not limited to, accounts, as-extracted collateral, chattel paper, commodity accounts, commodity contracts, deposit accounts, documents, equipment, fixtures, furniture, general intangibles, goods, instruments, inventory, investment property, letter of credit rights, payment intangibles, promissory notes, software and general tangible and intangible assets owned now or later acquired. The Revolver is also cross-collateralized with the Company’s real property.

The terms of OCC’s credit facilities with Pinnacle require the Company to comply, on an annual basis, with specific financial covenants including a fixed charge coverage ratio. The Company is required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1.0. The ratio is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the loan agreements, by the sum of annual debt service, as defined in the loan agreements, and income taxes paid. As of October 31, 2019, the Company had a fixed charge coverage ratio of negative 3.0 to 1.0 and was, therefore, not in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio.

Additionally, the terms of OCC’s credit facilities with Pinnacle require the Company to comply, on a quarterly basis, with two other financial covenants. Except as modified relative to the quarters ended July 31, 2019 and October 31, 2019, the Company is required to maintain a current ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. The ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. The Company’s Revolver is scheduled to mature on June 30, 2020, and therefore the $5.7 million of outstanding borrowings on the Revolver has been classified as a current liability as of October 31, 2019. As of October 31, 2019, the Company had a current ratio of 2.2 to 1.0 and was, therefore, not in compliance with the current ratio. Had the maturity date of the Revolver been greater than one year from October 31, 2019, the $5.7 million of outstanding borrowings on the Revolver would have been classified as note payable to bank – noncurrent, and the Company would have been in compliance with the current ratio.

The Company is required to have a total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio of not more than 0.95 to 1.0, measured at the end of each quarter. The ratio is calculated by dividing total liabilities, as defined in the loan agreements, by tangible net worth, as defined in the loan agreements. As of October 31, 2019, the total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio was 0.92 to 1.0 and the Company was in compliance with this total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio covenant under the credit facilities.

As of October 31, 2019 the Company had $5.7 million of outstanding borrowings on its Revolving Loan and $850,000 in available credit. As of October 31, 2018, the Company had $3.0 million of outstanding borrowings on its Revolving Loan and $4.0 million in available credit.

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years subsequent to October 31, 2019 are: $6,388,954 in fiscal year 2020, $303,783 in fiscal year 2021, $316,175 in fiscal year 2022, $329,072 in fiscal year 2023 and $4,220,639 in fiscal year 2024.

The Company has an operating lease agreement for approximately 34,000 square feet of office, manufacturing and warehouse space in Plano, Texas (near Dallas). The lease term runs through November 30, 2019. Subsequent to the Company’s fiscal year end, the lease term was extended through November 30, 2024. The minimum rent payments, including rent holidays, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

The Company entered into an operating lease agreement in April 2015 for approximately 36,000 square feet of warehouse space in Roanoke, Virginia. The lease term was for twelve months and terminated on April 30, 2016. The Company exercised all four (4) one year options to renew the lease extending the lease term to April 30, 2020. The rent payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the extended term of the lease.

As of October 31, 2019, the Company does not have any future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year. However, based on the execution, subsequent to October 31, 2019, of an extension of the operating lease agreement for the Plano, Texas location, the Company expects to have future minimum lease payments as follows: $214,487 in fiscal year 2020, $239,884 in fiscal year 2021, $246,481 in fiscal year 2022, $253,259 in fiscal year 2023, $260,224 in fiscal year 2024, and $21,734 thereafter.

Total rent expense associated with the operating leases for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $403,097, $422,102 and $403,178, respectively.

Health Insurance Coverage

The Company contracts for health insurance coverage for employees and their dependents through third-party administrators. During the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, total expense of $3,549,189, $3,479,447 and $3,360,633, respectively, was incurred under the Company’s insured health care program.

401(k) Plan

The Company maintains a 401(k) retirement savings plan for the benefit of its eligible employees. Substantially all of the Company’s employees who meet certain service and age requirements are eligible to participate in the plan. The Company’s plan document provides that the Company’s matching contributions are discretionary. The Company made or accrued matching contributions to the plan of $68,467, $68,502 and $52,524 for the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Stock Incentives for Key Employees and Non-Employee Directors

Optical Cable Corporation uses stock incentives to increase the personal financial interest that key employees and non-employee Directors have in the future success of the Company, thereby aligning their interests with those of other shareholders and strengthening their desire to remain with the Company.

In March 2017, the Company’s shareholders approved the Optical Cable Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) that was recommended for approval by the Company’s Board of Directors. The 2017 Plan reserved 500,000 new common shares of the Company for issuance under the 2017 Plan and succeeds and replaces the Optical Cable Corporation Second Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). As of October 31, 2019, there were approximately 441,000 remaining shares available for grant under the 2017 Plan.

Share-based compensation expense for employees, a consultant and non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $980,549, $2,224,620 and $787,100, respectively.

The Company has granted, and anticipates granting, from time to time, restricted stock awards to employees, subject to approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The restricted stock awards granted under the 2017 Plan vest over time if certain operational performance-based criteria are met. Failure to meet the criteria required for vesting will result in a portion or all of the shares being forfeited. No restricted stock awards were granted to employees during fiscal year 2019.

The Company recognizes expense each quarter on service-based shares of employees based on the actual number of shares vested during the quarter multiplied by the closing price of the Company’s shares of common stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes expense each quarter on operational performance-based shares of employees using an estimate of the shares expected to vest multiplied by the closing price of the Company’s shares of common stock on the date of grant.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares granted to employees, a consultant and non-employee Directors under the 2017 Plan as of October 31, 2019, and changes during the year ended October 31, 2019, is as follows:

As of October 31, 2019, the estimated amount of compensation cost related to nonvested equity-based compensation awards in the form of service-based and operational performance-based shares that the Company will recognize over a 1.2 year weighted-average period is approximately $340,000.

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, stock awards to non-employee Directors under the 2017 Plan totaling 30,360 shares, 35,810 shares and 31,380 shares, respectively, were approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. The shares are part of the non-employee Directors’ annual compensation for service on the Board of Directors. The shares granted to non-employee Directors under the 2017 Plan are subject to a one-year vesting period. The Company recorded compensation expense for shares granted to non-employee Directors totaling $124,838, $96,407 and $53,084 during the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Company provides credit, in the normal course of business, to various commercial enterprises, governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the Company’s large number of customers. The Company also manages exposure to credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. Management believes that credit risks as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 have been adequately provided for in the consolidated financial statements.

For the year ended October 31, 2019, 14.9% and 12.2%, or approximately $10.6 million and $8.7 million, of consolidated net sales were attributable to two customers. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated net sales for the year ended October 31, 2019. As of October 31, 2019, the same two customers had outstanding balances payable to the Company totaling 9.6% and 5.7%, respectively, of total consolidated shareholders’ equity. No other customer had an outstanding balance payable to the Company in excess of 5% of total consolidated shareholders’ equity.

For the year ended October 31, 2018, 32.5% and 11.5%, or approximately $28.6 million and $10.1 million, of consolidated net sales were attributable to two customers. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated net sales for the year ended October 31, 2018. As of October 31, 2018, the same two customers had outstanding balances payable to the Company totaling 14.5% and 11.7%, respectively, of total consolidated shareholders’ equity. No other customer had an outstanding balance payable to the Company in excess of 5% of total consolidated shareholders’ equity.

For the year ended October 31, 2017, 16.4%, or approximately $10.5 million of consolidated net sales were attributable to one customer. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated net sales for the year ended October 31, 2017. As of October 31, 2017, the same customer had an outstanding balance payable to the Company totaling 8.9% of total consolidated shareholders’ equity. No other customer had an outstanding balance payable to the Company in excess of 5% of total consolidated shareholders’ equity.

For the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, approximately 82%, 85% and 80%, respectively, of net sales were from customers in the United States, while approximately 18%, 15% and 20%, respectively, were from customers outside of the United States.

The Company has a single reportable segment for purposes of segment reporting.

Effective November 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (“ASC 606”) using the modified retrospective transition method applied to contracts that were not completed as of November 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after November 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The results of adopting ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings which resulted in an increase of $61,763 due to the recognition of an asset for the right to recover the costs of products estimated to be returned as of November 1, 2018.

Under the new guidance, revenues consist of product sales that are recognized at a specific point in time under the core principle of recognizing revenue when control transfers to the customer. The Company considers customer purchase orders, governed by master sales agreements or the Company’s standard terms and conditions, to be the contract with the customer. For each contract, the promise to transfer the control of the products, each of which is individually distinct, is considered to be the identified performance obligation. The Company evaluates each customer’s credit risk when determining whether to accept a contract.

In determining transaction prices, the Company evaluates whether fixed order prices are subject to adjustment to determine the net consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. Contracts do not include financing components, as payment terms are generally due 30 to 90 days after shipment. Taxes assessed by governmental authorities and collected from the customer including, but not limited to, sales and use taxes and value-added taxes, are not included in the transaction price and are not included in net sales. 

The Company recognizes revenue at the point in time when products are shipped or delivered from its manufacturing facility to its customer, in accordance with the agreed upon shipping terms. Since the Company typically invoices the customer at the same time that performance obligations are satisfied, no contract assets are recognized. The Company’s contract liability represents advance consideration received from customers prior to transfer of the product. This liability was $19,850 as of October 31, 2019 and $123,979 as of November 1, 2018. 

Sales to certain customers are made pursuant to agreements that provide price adjustments and limited return rights with respect to the Company’s products. The Company maintains a reserve for estimated future price adjustment claims, rebates and returns as a refund liability. The Company’s refund liability was $273,512 as of October 31, 2019 and $298,577 as of November 1, 2018. 

The Company offers standard product warranty coverage which provides assurance that its products will conform to contractually agreed-upon specifications for a limited period from the date of shipment. Separately-priced warranty coverage is not offered. The warranty claim is generally limited to a credit equal to the purchase price or a promise to repair or replace the product for a specified period of time at no additional charge.

The Company incurs sales commissions to acquire customer contracts that are directly attributable to the contracts. The commissions are expensed as selling expenses during the period that the related products are transferred to customers.

No individual country outside of the United States accounted for more than 10% of total net sales in fiscal years 2019, 2018 or 2017.

Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 consists of:

Reported income tax expense for the years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 differs from the “expected” tax expense (benefit), computed by applying the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate of 21% in fiscal year 2019, 23.17% in fiscal year 2018 and 34% in fiscal year 2017 to income before income taxes as follows:

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), enacted on December 22, 2017, lowers the statutory federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The reduction of the statutory federal corporate tax rate to 21% became effective on January 1, 2018. Because the Company’s fiscal year 2018 commenced on November 1, 2017, the annual statutory federal corporate tax rate applicable to fiscal year 2018 was a blended rate of 23.17%. Beginning in fiscal year 2019, the annual statutory federal corporate tax rate is 21%.

The Tax Act also repealed the corporate AMT for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, and provides that existing AMT credit carryforwards are refundable in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The Company has recorded $50,007 of AMT credit carryforwards that are expected to be fully refunded between fiscal years 2019 and 2022. This amount is a deferred tax asset for which a valuation allowance is not necessary and is presented as income taxes refundable-current of $25,004 and income taxes refundable-noncurrent of $25,003 on the consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2019.

The Company continues to assess the impacts of the Tax Act on future fiscal years as well as analyze applicable information and data, and interpret any additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service and others.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the Company’s deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 are presented below:

As a result of the acquisition of AOS, the Company recorded certain deferred tax assets totaling $1,517,605 (after purchase accounting adjustments), related to gross net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $4,455,525, estimated to be available after considering Internal Revenue Code Section 382 limitations. As of October 31, 2019, $1,232,000 of these gross NOL carryforwards remain unused and may be used to reduce future taxable income. These remaining gross NOL carryforwards begin to expire in fiscal year ending October 31, 2028. Additionally, the Company has federal and state gross NOL carryforwards of $9,186,886 and $2,002,211, respectively, originating with certain fiscal years from 2015 through 2019, and will not begin to expire until fiscal year 2031.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company considered all positive and negative evidence available to assess whether it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. For each year, the Company concluded that in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes, the negative evidence outweighed the objectively verifiable positive evidence. As a result, the Company established a valuation allowance of $3,348,645 and $2,118,487, respectively, against net deferred tax assets existing as of October 31, 2019 and 2018.

The Company estimates a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The liability for uncertain tax positions is included in other noncurrent liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years 2019 and 2018 follows:

During fiscal year 2019, the Company reduced accrued interest and penalties by $15,847 and $2,225, respectively, related to unrecognized tax benefits. During fiscal year 2018, the Company accrued interest of $5,635 and reduced accrued penalties by $1,927 related to unrecognized tax benefits. As of October 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had approximately $22,397 and $40,469, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized is $36,530 and $41,520 as of October 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly in the next 12 months.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state jurisdictions. The statute of limitations remains open for U.S. and certain state income tax examinations for years ended October 31, 2016 through October 31, 2018.

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, trade accounts receivable, income taxes refundable-current, other receivables, and accounts payable and accrued expenses, including accrued compensation and payroll taxes approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying values of the Company’s note payable to bank and long-term debt approximate fair value based on similar long-term debt issues available to the Company as of October 31, 2019 and 2018. Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs for valuation methods used to measure fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

The Company utilizes the best available information in measuring fair value.

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the net income (loss) per share computations for the periods presented:

Nonvested shares which have been issued and are outstanding as of October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2017 totaling 127,750 and 743,865, respectively, were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the years ended October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2017 (because to include such shares would have been antidilutive, or in other words, to do so would have reduced the net loss per share for that period).

Share Repurchases

The Company, through plans approved by its Board of Directors and other programs, has repurchased and retired certain of its outstanding common stock. The following is a summary of the Company’s repurchase of shares and the costs associated with the repurchases, including brokerage and legal fees, for the periods presented.

After the Company’s purchase and retirement of the shares of its common stock as set forth in the table above, the Company had 7,458,981 shares of its common stock issued and outstanding at October 31, 2019.

The Company has a plan (the “Repurchase Plan”), approved by its Board of Directors on July 14, 2015, to purchase and retire up to 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, or approximately 6.0% of the shares then outstanding. When the Repurchase Plan was approved, the Company anticipated that the purchases would be made over a 24- to 36-month period, but there was no definite time period for repurchase, or plan expiration. As of October 31, 2019, the Company had 398,400 shares of its outstanding common stock remaining to purchase under the Repurchase Plan, and it has made no specific determination whether and over what period these shares may or may not be purchased.

The Company has repurchased outstanding common stock outside of the Repurchase Plan through an odd lot repurchase offer. During fiscal year 2019, OCC repurchased and retired a total of 351 shares for $1,573, outside of the Repurchase Plan.

Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement

On October 28, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”) and declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of Common Stock, no par value, of the Company (“Common Shares”), held of record at the close of business on November 2, 2011, or issued thereafter and prior to the Separation Time as defined in the Rights Agreement. Under the terms of the Rights Agreement, if a person or group who is deemed an Acquiring Person as defined in the Rights Agreement acquires 15% (or other applicable percentage, as provided in the Rights Agreement) or more of the outstanding common stock, each Right will entitle its holder (other than such person or members of such group) to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of shares of common stock having a market value of twice such price. In addition, if the Company is acquired in a merger or other business transaction after a person or group who is deemed an Acquiring Person has acquired such percentage of the outstanding common stock, each Right will entitle its holder (other than such person or members of such group) to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of the acquiring company’s common shares having a market value of twice such price.

Upon the occurrence of certain events, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a Series A Participating Preferred Share (“Preferred Share”), no par value, at an exercise price of $25, subject to adjustment. Each Preferred Share will entitle its holder to 1,000 votes and will have an aggregate dividend rate of 1,000 times the amount, if any, paid to holders of common stock. The Rights will expire on November 2, 2021, unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company for $0.0001 per Right. The adoption of the Rights Agreement has no impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

The Company has reserved 100,000 shares of its authorized preferred stock for issuance upon exercise of the Rights.

From time to time, the Company is involved in various claims, legal actions and regulatory reviews arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases. The FASB has subsequently issued amendments to the initial guidance under ASU 2017-13, ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11, ASU 2018-20 and ASU 2019-01 (collectively, “Topic 842”). Topic 842 requires the recognition of a separate lease liability representing the required lease payments over the lease term and a separate lease asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the same lease term. Additionally, Topic 842 provides clarification regarding the identification of certain components of contracts that would represent a lease as well as requires additional disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. Topic 842 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period with early adoption permitted. The Company expects the adoption of this guidance will result in an increase of $1,088,719 to both its long-term assets and liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet due to the Company’s decision to extend one of its two existing real estate leases; however, the Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its results of operations, liquidity and its related financial statement disclosures.

In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”). ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. ASU 2018-07 also clarifies that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity or its related financial statement disclosures.

In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-08, Clarifying the Scope and the Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made (“ASU 2018-08”). ASU 2018-08 applies to entities that receive or make contributions, which primarily are not-for-profit entities but also affects business entities that make contributions. In the context of business entities that make contributions, the FASB clarified that a contribution is conditional if the arrangement includes both a barrier for the recipient to be entitled to the assets transferred and a right of return for the assets transferred (or a right of release of the business entity’s obligation to transfer assets). The recognition of contribution expense is deferred for conditional arrangements and is immediate for unconditional arrangements. ASU 2018-08 requires modified prospective transition to arrangements that have not been completed as of the effective date or that are entered into after the effective date, but full retrospective application to each period presented is permitted. ASU 2018-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-08 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity or its related financial statement disclosures.

In July 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-07, Codification Updates to SEC Sections - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization and Miscellaneous Updates (SEC Update) (“ASU 2019-07”). ASU 2019-07 clarifies or improves the disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of codification topics by aligning them with the SEC’s regulations, thereby eliminating redundancies and making the codification easier to apply. The Company does not expect the disclosure and presentation amendments included in ASU 2019-07, which are to be applied prospectively, to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity or its related financial statement disclosures.

There are no other new accounting standards issued, but not yet adopted by the Company, which are expected to materially impact the Company’s financial position, operating results or financial statement disclosures.

The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018: