Note 1. Description of the Business

Avalon Holdings Corporation (“Avalon” or the “Company”) was formed on April 30, 1998 as a subsidiary of American Waste Services, Inc. (“AWS”). On June 17, 1998, AWS distributed, as a special dividend, all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Avalon to the holders of AWS common stock on a pro rata and corresponding basis.

Avalon provides waste management services to industrial, commercial, municipal and governmental customers in selected northeastern and midwestern U.S. markets, captive landfill management services and salt water injection well operations. In addition, Avalon owns Avalon Resorts and Clubs, Inc. (“ARCI”), which includes the operation and management of four golf courses and associated clubhouses, athletic and fitness centers, tennis courts, salon and spa services, dining and banquet facilities and a travel agency. ARCI also owns and operates a hotel and its related resort amenities including dining, banquet and conference facilities, fitness center, outdoor resort pool, Roman Bath, indoor junior Olympic size swimming pool and tennis courts.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies of Avalon, which are summarized below, are consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and reflect practices appropriate to the businesses in which they operate. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

The coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic (collectively referred to herein as "COVID-19") adversely impacted our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2020. The Consolidated Financial Statements presented herein reflect our current estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods presented. Due to the ongoing uncertainty, we cannot predict the future impact that COVID-19 may have on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Avalon, its wholly owned subsidiaries and those companies in which Avalon has managerial control.

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Subsequent Events

Avalon evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and did not identify any events that require recognition or disclosure other than the forgiveness of $1.1 million of loans received through the Paycheck Protection Program as described in Note 9.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents for purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Balance Sheets. Avalon maintains its cash balances in various financial institutions. These balances may, at times, exceed federal insured limits. Avalon has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk relating to its cash and cash equivalents (See Note 4).

Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted as to withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements are recorded in restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted cash of $3.9 million and $7.2 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, consists of loan proceeds deposited into a project fund account to fund costs associated with the renovation and expansion of The Grand Resort and Avalon Field Club at New Castle in accordance with the provisions of the loan and security agreement (See Notes 4 and 9).

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of inventories is determined by the average cost method. If necessary, a provision for potentially obsolete or slow-moving inventory is made based on management’s analysis of inventory levels and future sales forecasts.

Financial Instruments

The Company follows the guidance included in the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for its financial assets and liabilities. The fair value of financial instruments consisting of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable at December 31, 2020 and 2019 approximates carrying value due to the relative short maturity of these financial instruments.

The fair value of the Company’s term loan approximates carrying value at December 31, 2020 and 2019, as neither the Company’s credit rating nor credit conditions have changed substantially since the debt was refinanced.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset which varies from 10 to 30 years for land improvements; 5 to 50 years in the case of buildings and improvements; and from 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, vehicles and office furniture and equipment (See Note 6).

Major additions and improvements are charged to the property and equipment accounts while replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the life of the respective asset, are expensed as incurred. The cost of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation is eliminated from the accounts in the year of disposal. Gains or losses resulting from disposals of property and equipment is recorded in “Other income, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related debt. Amortization of deferred financing costs is included in interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Debt issuance costs incurred related to the loan and security agreement is presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt. Debt issuance costs incurred related to the line of credit agreement is presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Other current assets.”

Income Taxes

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 to operating 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. A valuation allowance is recorded against net deferred tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized. Avalon recognizes any interest and penalty assessed by taxing authorities as a component of interest expense and other expense, respectively.

The provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements and prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. ASC 740 also requires that interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits be recognized in the financial statements. Avalon does not have any unrecognized tax benefits that would affect its financial position.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with FASB ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). In accordance with ASC 606, Avalon identifies a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of the contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control of the good or service to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services (See Note 5).

Accounts Receivable

Receivables, net, include amounts billed and currently due from customers. The majority of Avalon’s accounts receivable is due from industrial and commercial customers. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. The amounts due are stated at their net realizable value. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that will not be collected. Customer accounts that are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. Avalon determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, Avalon’s previous accounts receivable loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to Avalon and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. Avalon writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. Payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for credit losses, or to income, as appropriate under the circumstances (See Note 5).

Leases

Avalon applies FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases. The standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement as either rental expense for operating leases and depreciation and interest expense for finance leases (See Note 7).

Non-controlling Interest

Under FASB ASC 810-10, Consolidations – Overall (“ASC 810-10”), a company must determine whether it has a variable interest in a legal entity being evaluated for consolidation. A variable interest entity (“VIE”) is consolidated in the financial statements if the company has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

As a result of a private placement offering, Avalon is not the majority owner of AWMS Holdings, LLC. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, Avalon owns approximately 47% of AWMS Holdings, LLC. In accordance ASC 810-10, due to the managerial control of AWMS Water Solutions, LLC, AWMS Holdings, LLC is a VIE, and the financial statements of AWMS Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries are included in Avalon’s consolidated financial statements. ASC 810-10 requires non-controlling interests to be reported as a separate component of equity. The amount of net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest is recorded in “net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (See Note 16).

Share-Based Compensation

Avalon recognizes share-based compensation expense related to stock options issued to employees and directors. Avalon estimates the fair value of the stock options granted using a Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo Simulation was selected to determine the fair value because it incorporates six minimum considerations; 1) the exercise price of the option, 2) the expected term of the option, taking into account both the contractual term of the option, the effects of employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior, as well as the possibility of change in control events during the contractual term of the option agreements, 3) the current fair value of the underlying equity, 4) the expected volatility of the value of the underlying share for the expected term of the option, 5) the expected dividends on the underlying share for the expected term of the option and 6) the risk-free interest rate(s) for the expected term of the option.

Avalon amortizes the grant date fair value of the stock options over the expected term which approximates the requisite service period. If accelerated vesting occurs based on the market performance of Avalon’s common stock, the compensation costs related to the vested stock options that have not previously been amortized are recognized upon vesting.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Asset Retirement Obligation

Avalon recorded an estimated asset retirement obligation of $0.1 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, to plug and abandon the two salt water injection wells based upon an estimate from an experienced and qualified third party.

Asset Impairments

Avalon reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment exist, Avalon would determine whether the estimated undiscounted sum of the future cash flows of such assets and their eventual disposition is less than its carrying amount. If less, an impairment loss would be recognized if, and to the extent that the carrying amount of such assets exceeds their respective fair value. Avalon would determine the fair value by using quoted market prices, if available, for such assets; or if quoted market prices are not available, Avalon would discount the expected estimated future cash flows.

Avalon reviewed the carrying value of its long-lived assets in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-35, Property, Plant and Equipment – Overall – Subsequent Measurement. Avalon does not believe there was a triggering event in 2020 or 2019 as future cash flows have not changed significantly and asset values have remained relatively stable.

Environmental Liabilities

When Avalon concludes that it is probable that a liability has been incurred with respect to a site, a provision is made in Avalon’s financial statements for Avalon’s best estimate of the liability based on management’s judgment and experience, information available from regulatory agencies, and the number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other potentially responsible parties who are jointly and severally liable for remediation of that site, as well as, the typical allocation of costs among such parties. If a range of possible outcomes is estimated and no amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other, Avalon provides for the minimum amount within the range, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The liability is recognized on an undiscounted basis. Avalon’s estimates are revised, as deemed necessary, as additional information becomes known. Although Avalon is not currently aware of any environmental liability, there can be no assurance that in the future an environmental liability will not occur.

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Avalon Holdings Corporation common shareholders is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Avalon Holdings Corporation common shareholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus any weighted common equivalent shares determined to be outstanding during the period using the treasury method. The weighted common equivalent shares included in the calculation are related to stock options granted by Avalon where the weighted average market price of Avalon’s common stock for the period presented is greater than the option exercise price of the stock option For periods in which Avalon is in a net loss position, the diluted per share amount reported is equal to the basic per share amount because such dilution would be considered anti-dilutive (See Note 8).

Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement as either rental expense for operating leases and depreciation and interest expense for finance leases. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 under the modified retrospective method with the available practical expedients. As a result of adoption, on January 1, 2019, the Company recorded a ROU asset and related lease liability of approximately $1.7 million for its existing golf carts, machinery and equipment for the landfill operations, furniture and fixtures for The Grand Resort and office copiers under operating leases (See Note 7).

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which introduced an approach to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables, based on expected losses. ASU 2016-13, which is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, required companies to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2020. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations (See Note 5).

Note 4. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents for purposes of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Avalon maintains its cash balances in various financial institutions. These balances may, at times, exceed federal insured limits. Avalon has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk relating to its cash and cash equivalents.

Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted as to withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements are recorded in restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted cash consists of loan proceeds deposited into a project fund account to fund costs associated with the renovation and expansion of The Grand Resort and Avalon Field Club at New Castle in accordance with the provisions of the loan and security agreement (See Note 9).

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash consist of the following at December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

Note 5. Revenues

Revenue Recognition

The Company identifies a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of the contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control of the good or service to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Sales and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. The Company does not incur incremental costs to obtain contracts or costs to fulfill contracts that meet the criteria for capitalization. In addition, the Company does not have material significant payment terms as payment is received at or shortly after the point of sale.

Waste Management Services

Avalon’s waste management services provide hazardous and nonhazardous waste brokerage and management services, captive landfill management services and salt water injection well operations. Waste management services are provided to industrial, commercial, municipal and governmental customers primarily in selected northeastern and midwestern United States markets.

Avalon’s waste brokerage and management business assists customers with managing and disposing of wastes at approved treatment and disposal sites based upon a customer’s needs. Avalon provides a service to its customers whereby Avalon, arranges for, and accepts responsibility for the removal, transportation and disposal of waste on behalf of the customer.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Avalon’s landfill management business provides technical and operational services to customers owning captive disposal facilities. A captive disposal facility only disposes of waste generated by the owner of such facility. The Company provides turnkey services, including daily operations, facilities management and management reporting for its customers. Currently, Avalon manages one captive disposal facility located in Ohio. The net operating revenues of the captive landfill operations are almost entirely dependent upon the volume of waste generated by the owner of the landfill for whom Avalon manages the facility.

Avalon is a minority owner with managerial control over two salt water injection wells and its associated facility. Operations of the salt water injection wells have been suspended in accordance with the Chief of the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management order (See Note 17). Due to the suspension of the salt water injection wells, there were no operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the net operating revenues related to waste management services represented approximately 69% and 71%, respectively, of Avalon’s total consolidated net operating revenues. For both the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, no one customer individually accounted for 10% or more of Avalon’s waste management services segment revenues.

For our waste management services contracts, the customer contracts with us to provide a series of distinct waste management services over time which integrates a set of tasks (i.e. removal, transportation and disposal of waste) into a single project. Avalon provides substantially the same service over time and the same method is used to measure the Company’s progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation to transfer each distinct service in the series to the customer. The series of distinct waste management services, which are the same over time, meets the series provision criteria, and as such, the Company treats that series as a single performance obligation. The Company allocates the transaction price to the single performance obligation and recognizes revenue by applying a single measure of progress to that performance obligation. Avalon transfers control of the service over time and, therefore, satisfies the performance obligation and recognizes the revenue over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by Avalon’s performance as we perform.

In addition, as the promise to provide services qualifies as a series accounted for as a single performance obligation, the Company applied the practical expedient guidance that allows an entity that is recognizing revenue over time by using an output method to recognize revenue equal to the amount that the entity has the right to invoice if the invoiced amount corresponds directly to the value transferred to the customer. The Company applied the standard's practical expedient that permits the omission of disclosures relating to unsatisfied performance obligations as most of the Company’s waste management service contracts (i) have an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) the Company recognizes revenue at the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice for services performed.

Avalon evaluated whether we are the principal (i.e. report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e. report revenues on a net basis). Avalon reports waste management services on a gross basis, that is, amounts billed to our customers are recorded as revenues, and amounts paid to vendors for providing those services are recorded as operating costs. As principal, Avalon is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide waste management services for the customer. Avalon accepts credit risk in the event of nonpayment by the customer and is obligated to pay vendors who provide the service regardless of whether the customer pays the Company. Avalon does have a level of discretion in establishing the pricing for its service.

Our payment terms vary by the type and location of our customer and the service offered. Avalon does not have any financing arrangements with its customers. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant.

The Company assesses each contract amendment individually. Typically, amendments made to our contracts do not materially change the terms of the agreement or performance obligation of the Company. The Company accounts for such contract amendments as if it were part of the existing contract as the material terms contained in the contract do not change. In cases where Avalon views there is a material change in the terms of the agreement, the Company will reevaluate and determine if the contract should be viewed as an entirely new contract, replacement contract or a continuation of the existing contract.

Consideration promised in our waste management contracts do not typically include material variable amounts such as discounts, rebates, refunds, credits, price concessions, incentives, penalties or other such items, and, as such, no estimate is made by the Company for such items.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Golf and Related Operations

Avalon’s golf and related operations include the operation and management of four golf courses and associated clubhouses, recreation and fitness centers, tennis courts, salon and spa services, dining and banquet facilities and a travel agency. The golf and related operations also include the operation of a hotel and its related amenities including dining, banquet and conference facilities, fitness center, indoor junior Olympic size swimming pool and tennis courts. Revenues for the golf and related operations consists primarily of food, beverage and merchandise sales, membership dues, greens fees and associated cart rentals, room rentals, fitness activities, salon and spa services. Due to adverse weather conditions, net operating revenues relating to the golf courses, which are located in northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania, were minimal during the first three months of 2020 and 2019.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the net operating revenues related to the golf and related operations represented approximately 31% and 29%, respectively, of Avalon’s total consolidated net operating revenues. For both the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, no one customer individually accounted for 10% or more of Avalon’s golf and related operations segment revenues.

For Avalon’s golf and related operations, the Avalon Golf and Country Club offers membership packages for use of the country club facilities and its related amenities. Membership agreements are a one year noncancellable commitment and pricing varies based on the membership type selected by the customer. Based on the terms and conditions of the membership contract, resignations received within the membership period do not relieve the member of their annual commitment. Memberships automatically renew on the member’s anniversary date unless the member resigns for the upcoming membership period prior to the renewal date.

Membership for the Avalon Golf and Country Club does not contain up-front initiation fees or require monthly minimum spending at the facilities. Annual membership dues do not cover the cost of food, beverage or any other ancillary paid services which are made available to the member nor do they typically provide for discounts on these goods or services. Members have no obligation to purchase or utilize any of these additional goods or services. Avalon is not required to provide such goods or services unless requested and paid for at the point of sale by the member.

Under the terms of the contract, Avalon will provide unlimited use and access to the country club facilities. Avalon’s performance obligation in the contract is the “stand ready obligation” to provide access to these facilities for the member for the entire membership term. Avalon providing the “stand ready obligation” for use of the facilities to the member over the entire term of the membership agreement represents a single performance obligation of which Avalon expects the member to receive and consume the benefits of its obligation throughout the membership term, and as such, the Company recognizes membership dues on a straight line basis over the term of the contract. The Company applied the standard's practical expedient that permits the omission of disclosures relating to unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less as Avalon Golf and Country Club membership agreements are one year in length.

For our hotel operations, Avalon’s performance obligation is to provide lodging facilities. The separate components of providing these services (hotel room, toiletry items, housekeeping, and amenities) are not distinct within the context of the contract as they are all highly dependent and interrelated as part of the obligation to provide the lodging facility. Room sales are driven by a fixed fee charged to a hotel guest to stay at The Grand Resort for an agreed upon period. The Company agrees to provide a room to the hotel guest for a specified time period for that agreed-upon rate. Our hotel room reservations are performance obligations satisfied over time as the hotel guest simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the hotel. For performance obligations satisfied over time, our hotel operations measure the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation and recognize revenue proportionately over the course of the customer’s stay.

For food, beverage, and merchandise sales, greens fees and associated cart rental, fitness activities, salon and spa services and other ancillary services, the transaction price is the set price charged by the Company for those goods or services. Upon purchase of the good or service, the Company transfers control of the good or service to the customer and the customer immediately consumes the benefits of the Company’s performance and, as such, we recognize revenue at the point of sale. Amounts paid in advance, such as deposits on overnight lodging or for banquet or conferences facilities, are recorded as a liability until the goods or services are provided to the customer (see Contract Liabilities below).

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

The following table presents our net operating revenues disaggregated by revenue source for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands). Sales and other taxes are excluded from revenues.

Avalon does not have operations located outside the United States and, accordingly, geographical revenue information is not presented.

Receivables, Net

Receivables, net, include amounts billed and currently due from customers. The amounts due are stated at their net realizable value. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, accounts receivable, net, related to our waste management services segment were approximately $7.9 million and $11.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020 no one customer accounted for 10% or more of Avalon’s waste management services segment or consolidated net receivables. At December 31, 2019 one customer accounted for approximately 14% of the waste management services segment’s receivables and 13% of the consolidated receivables. Accounts receivable, net, related to our golf and related operations segment were approximately $0.8 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. No one customer of the golf and related operations segment accounted for 10% or more of Avalon’s golf and related operations segment or consolidated net receivables at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that will not be collected. Customer accounts that are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. Avalon determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, Avalon’s previous accounts receivable loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to Avalon and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. Avalon writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. Payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for credit losses, or to income, as appropriate under the circumstances. Allowance for credit losses was approximately $0.3 million at both December 31, 2020 and 2019.

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted the guidance under ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 introduced a methodology for measuring estimated credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables, based on expected losses and the timing of when such losses are recorded. The adoption, which was applied on a modified retrospective basis, did not have an impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations and therefore did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2020.

The following table presents changes in our allowance for credit losses during the years ended at December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Contract Assets

Contract assets include unbilled membership dues receivables related to the Avalon Golf and Country Club for the customers membership commitment which are billed on a monthly basis over the course of the annual agreement. Such amounts are stated at their net realizable value. Contract assets related to unbilled membership dues are classified as current as revenue related to such agreements is recognized within the annual membership period. Unbilled membership receivables in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were approximately $0.6 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The following table presents changes in our contract assets during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

Contract Liabilities

Contract liabilities include unrecognized or deferred revenues relating to membership dues and customer advance deposits. We record deferred revenue when cash payments are received in advance of satisfying our performance obligation. We classify deferred membership dues revenue as current based on the timing of when we expect to recognize revenue for the membership commitment based on the Company satisfying the stand ready performance obligation throughout the annual membership period. The unrecognized or deferred revenues related to membership dues in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were approximately $3.2 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Customer advance deposits are recorded as a liability until the goods or services are provided to the customer. Generally, customer advances, and corresponding performance obligation are satisfied within 12 months of the date of receipt of advance payment. The unrecognized revenues related to customer advance deposits are recorded in “Other liabilities and accrued expenses” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Customer advance deposits were approximately $0.7 million at December 31, 2020 and $0.6 million at December 31, 2019.

The following table presents changes in our contract liabilities during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Note 6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment at December 31, 2020 and 2019 consists of the following (in thousands):

At December 31, 2020, the Company did not have any significant fixed contractual commitments for construction projects.

Note 7. Leases

Operating Leases

Avalon leases golf carts, machinery and equipment for the landfill operations, furniture and fixtures for The Grand Resort and office copiers under operating leases. On January 1, 2019, as a result of the adopted ASU 2016-02, the Company recorded a ROU asset and related lease liability of approximately $1.7 million. Our operating leases have remaining lease terms ranging from 1 to 5 years. The weighted average remaining lease term on operating leases was approximately 3.7 years at December 31, 2020.

In connection with the purchase of New Castle Country Club’s real property assets on May 13, 2019, the Company assumed the remaining term of New Castle Country Club’s golf cart operating lease. At acquisition, the Company recorded an operating lease right-of-use asset and corresponding obligation under operating leases of approximately $126,000. The golf cart operating lease had a remaining lease term of 3 years at the acquisition date (See Note 18). In addition, subsequent to the purchase, the Company also entered into new operating lease agreements for additional golf and maintenance carts. The Company recorded an operating lease right-of-use asset and corresponding obligation under operating leases of approximately $194,000.

During the 2020, the Company entered into new operating lease agreements for hotel furniture and golf carts. The Company recorded operating lease right-of-use assets and corresponding obligation under the operating leases of approximately $0.9 million.

Leased property and associated obligations under operating leases at December 31, 2020 and 2019 consists of the following (in thousands):

The weighted average discount rate on operating leases was 4.7% at December 31, 2020 and 5.0% at December 31, 2019.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Finance Leases

In November 2003, Avalon entered into a long-term agreement with Squaw Creek Country Club to lease and operate its golf course and related facilities. The lease has an initial term of ten (10) years with four (4) consecutive ten (10) year renewal term options unilaterally exercisable by Avalon. Under the lease, Avalon is obligated to pay $15,000 in annual rent and make leasehold improvements of $150,000 per year. Amounts expended by Avalon for leasehold improvements during a given year in excess of $150,000 will be carried forward and applied to future leasehold improvement obligations. Based upon the amount of leasehold improvements already made, Avalon expects to exercise all its remaining renewal options. At December 31, 2020 there were approximately 32.8 years remaining on the golf course and related facilities finance lease.

In addition, the golf and related operations also entered into lease agreements for vehicles, golf course maintenance and restaurant equipment and the captive landfill operations entered into lease agreements for equipment which were determined to be finance leases. At December 31, 2020, the vehicles, golf course maintenance and restaurant equipment and the landfill operations equipment have remaining lease terms ranging from 1 to 5 years. The weighted average remaining lease term on the vehicles and equipment leases was approximately 3.0 years at December 31, 2020.

Leased property and associated obligations under finance leases at December 31, 2020 and 2019 consists of the following (in thousands):

The weighted average discount rate on finance leases was 4.5% at December 31, 2020 and 5.2% at December 31, 2019.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands):

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Future commitments under long-term, operating and finance leases at December 31, 2020 are as follows (in thousands):

Future commitments under long-term, operating and finance leases at December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

Note 8. Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Avalon Holdings Corporation common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding which was 3,875,693 for 2020 and 3,875,431 for 2019.

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Avalon Holdings Corporation common shareholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus any weighted common equivalent shares determined to be outstanding during the period using the treasury method. The weighted common equivalent shares included in the calculation are related to stock options granted by Avalon where the weighted average market price of Avalon’s common stock for the period presented is greater than the option exercise price of the stock option.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding was 3,877,853. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the diluted per share amount reported is equal to the basic per share amount because Avalon was in a net loss position and as a result, such dilution would be considered anti-dilutive. Assuming dilution, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2019 was 3,903,430.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

The income (loss) per share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Note 9. Term Loans and Line of Credit Agreements

New Term Loan Agreement

On December 20, 2019, Avalon and certain direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries entered into a loan and security agreement (the “New Term Loan Agreement”) with Laurel Capital Corporation which provided for a $23.0 million term loan. The New Term Loan Agreement proceeds were utilized to pay off and refinance the Company’s existing term loan and commercial mortgage agreements, pay down the outstanding balance and associated interest on the Company’s line of credit agreement and pay related transaction costs. The remaining proceeds were deposited into a project fund account for which those proceeds are required to fund future costs of renovating and expanding both The Grand Resort and Avalon Field Club at New Castle.

At closing, $10.3 million of the proceeds were used to pay off and refinance amounts outstanding under our term loan agreement with Laurel Capital Corporation, dated December 20, 2016 (“2016 Term Loan Agreement”), $2.9 million of the proceeds were used to pay off and refinance amounts outstanding under our term loan agreement with Laurel Capital Corporation, dated March 29, 2019 (“2019 Term Loan Agreement”), $1.7 million of the proceeds were used to pay down the outstanding balance and associated interest on our existing line of credit agreement with Premier Bank (formerly Home Savings Bank), dated May 31, 2018, as amended, $0.6 million of the proceeds were used to pay off amounts outstanding under our commercial mortgage agreement with Mercer County State Bank, dated May 13, 2019 (“Commercial Mortgage”) and $0.3 million of the proceeds were utilized to pay transaction costs. The remaining proceeds of approximately $7.2 million were deposited into a project fund account. At December 30, 2020 and 2019, loan proceeds of $3.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively, are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Restricted cash.”

The 2016 Term Loan Agreement, 2019 Term Loan Agreement and the Commercial Mortgage Agreement were terminated in conjunction with the New Term Loan Agreement.

The New Term Loan Agreement is payable in 119 equal monthly installments of principal and interest, based on a fifteen (15) year maturity schedule which commenced January 20, 2020 followed by one final balloon payment of all remaining principal, interest and fees due on the maturity date of December 20, 2029. Borrowings under the New Term Loan Agreement bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.00% until the fifth anniversary date of the closing at which time the interest rate will be reset to a fixed rate equal to the greater of (a) 5.00% per annum or (b) the sum of the five year treasury rate on the date two (2) business days prior to the reset date plus 3.60%, provided that the applicable rate shall in no event exceed 7.35% per annum.

Avalon has the right to prepay the amount outstanding under the New Term Loan Agreement, in whole or in part, at any time upon payment of the principal amount of the loan to be prepaid plus accrued unpaid interest thereon to the prepayment date, plus an applicable prepayment penalty. The prepayment penalty, expressed as a percentage of the principal of the loan being prepaid, is five percent (5%) on any prepayment in the first five years; four percent (4%) on any prepayment in the sixth and seventh year; three percent (3%) on any prepayment in the eighth and ninth year; and two percent (2%) on any prepayment in the tenth year.

Borrowings under the New Term Loan Agreement are secured by certain real property and related business assets as defined in the agreement. The New Term Loan Agreement contains a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio requirement of at least 1.20 tested on an annual basis on December 31 of each year commencing December 31, 2020. The New Term Loan also contains other nonfinancial covenants, customary representations, warranties and events of default. Avalon was in compliance with the New Term Loan Agreement covenants at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

The Company capitalized approximately $0.4 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the New Term Loan Agreement. The Company will amortize these costs over the life of the New Term Loan Agreement. In accordance with ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, these costs are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the term loan liability.

Line of Credit Agreement

On May 31, 2018, Avalon entered into a business loan agreement with Premier Bank (formerly Home Savings Bank), (the “Line of Credit Agreement”) which provides for a line of credit of up to $5.0 million. On August 5, 2020, the Company amended the Line of Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date to July 31, 2022. Under the Line of Credit Agreement, borrowings in excess of $1.0 million are subject to a borrowing base which is calculated based off a specific level of eligible accounts receivable of the waste management business as defined in the agreement.

At December 20, 2019, the outstanding balance of $1.7 million under the Line of Credit Agreement was paid down with a portion of the proceeds from the New Term Loan Agreement. No amounts were drawn under the Line of Credit Agreement at December 31, 2020 and 2019.   Outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit Agreement bear interest at Prime Rate plus .25%. At December 31, 2020, the interest rate on the Line of Credit Agreement was 3.50%.

Borrowings under the Line of Credit Agreement are secured by certain business assets of the Company including accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. The Line of Credit Agreement contains a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio requirement of at least 1.20 tested on an annual basis on December 31 of each year. The Line of Credit Agreement also contains other nonfinancial covenants, customary representations, warranties and events of default. Avalon was in compliance with the Line of Credit Agreements covenants at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Paycheck Protection Program Loan

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or (“CARES”) Act, was signed into law on March 27, 2020, and provides over $2.0 trillion in emergency economic relief to individuals and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration to temporarily guarantee loans under a new loan program called the Paycheck Protection Program (the “Program”). The Program provides for 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses to allow employers to keep workers employed and maintain payroll during the pandemic and economic downturn. Under the Program, qualified companies are eligible for a loan in an amount equal to the lesser of $10 million or 2.5 times the business’s average monthly payroll. Collateral or guarantor support is not required for the loan.

Under the Program, the borrower is eligible for loan forgiveness up to the amount the borrower spends on certain eligible costs during, at the borrowers election, either an 8 or 24 week covered period beginning on the date the proceeds were received on the loan. Eligible costs under the Program include payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations incurred before the covered period, rent on leasing agreements and utility services. The amount of loan forgiveness is reduced if there is a reduction in the number of employees or a reduction of greater than 25% in wages paid to employees. Under the Program, proceeds that are not forgiven convert to a loan bearing interest at a fixed rate of 1% payable, at the borrowers election, in either 18 or 54 equal monthly installments commencing 10 months after the end of their covered period.

In the second quarter of 2020, certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Avalon entered into agreements and received a total of approximately $2.8 million in loans under the Program. The Company utilized the entire balance of the loan proceeds under the 24 week loan forgiveness period and subsequently applied for forgiveness with the Small Business Administration in accordance with the Program’s guidelines.

The Company is accounting for the loans in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 470 – Debt. Under ASC 470, the debt will be derecognized when the debt is extinguished in accordance with the guidance in ASC 405-20, Liabilities: Extinguishments of Liabilities. Debt forgiven in accordance with the Program is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a gain on debt extinguishment.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, approximately $0.8 million of the loans and $4,000 of associated interest were forgiven by the Small Business Administration. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, approximately $1.1 million of the loans and $8,000 of associated interest were forgiven by the Small Business Administration. The Company anticipates the remaining loans, and associated interest, will be forgiven in the first or second quarter of 2021. In the event that the Small Business Administration does not forgive any or a portion of the loan, the Company will repay amounts that are not forgiven using an 18 month repayment schedule with payments scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2021.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings was 4.73% and 5.46%, respectively.

Obligations under the Company’s debt agreements at December 31, 2020 and 2019 consist of the following (in thousands):

At December 31, 2020, future maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

Note 10. Income Taxes

Income (loss) before income taxes for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020 was subject to taxation under United States jurisdictions only. The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, permits net operating loss carryforwards generated in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, to offset 100% of taxable income for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2021, and 80% of taxable income in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020. In addition, the CARES Act allows net operating losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2021, to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes. The adoption of these provisions did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “Appropriations Act”) was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Appropriations Act, among other things, temporarily extends through December 31, 2025, certain expiring tax provisions, including look-through treatment of payments of dividends, interest, rents, and royalties received or accrued from related controlled foreign corporations. Additionally, the Appropriations Act enacts new provisions and extends certain provisions originated within the CARES Act, including an extension of time for repayment of the deferred portion of employees’ payroll tax through December 31, 2021, and a temporary allowance for full deduction of certain business meals. Avalon has elected not to defer the employees’ portion of payroll tax. Management is currently evaluating the other provisions of the Appropriations Act, but at present time does not expect that the other provisions of the Appropriations Act would result in a material tax or cash benefit.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

The $2,050,000 of deferred tax liabilities will reverse in the same period and jurisdiction and is of the same character as the temporary differences giving rise to the $2,058,000 of deferred tax assets. Avalon has not provided a valuation allowance on the amount of deferred tax assets that it estimates will be utilized. If future taxable income is less than the amount that has been assumed in assessing the recoverability of the deferred tax assets, then an increase in the valuation allowance will be required, with a corresponding increase to income tax expense. Likewise, should Avalon ascertain in the future that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realized in excess of the net deferred tax assets, all or a portion of the $2,269,000 valuation allowance as of December 31, 2020, would be reversed as a benefit to the provision for income taxes in the period such determination was made.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to the income (loss) before income taxes as a result of the following differences (in thousands):

Avalon is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal and various states jurisdictions. With few exceptions, Avalon is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by taxing authorities for the years before 2016. Avalon recognizes any interest and penalty assessed by taxing authorities as a component of interest expense and other expense, respectively. There were no accruals for the payment of interest and penalties for 2020 and 2019.

Avalon made net income tax payments of approximately $148,000 and $151,000 in 2020 and 2019, respectively. At December 31, 2020, Avalon has taxable loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes aggregating approximately $10,305,000 which are available to offset future federal taxable income. Legislation under the Tax Act allows for corporations to carryforward net operating losses generated beginning in 2018 indefinitely.  Net operating losses generated in 2018 may offset 80% of future taxable income.  Of the $10,305,000 taxable loss carryforwards, $2,076,000 is carryforward indefinitely to offset 80% of future taxable income. Net operating losses generated prior to 2018 expire in 2023 through 2037. In addition, at December 31, 2020, certain subsidiaries of Avalon have net operating loss carryforwards for state purposes of approximately $10,281,000 which are available to offset future state taxable income. These carryforwards expire at various dates through 2039. A valuation allowance has been provided because it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets relating to certain of the federal and state loss carryforwards will not be realized.

Note 11. Retirement Benefits

Avalon sponsors a defined contribution profit sharing plan that is a qualified tax deferred benefit plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Plan”). Substantially all employees are eligible to participate in the Plan. The Plan provides for employer discretionary cash contributions as determined by Avalon’s Board of Directors. Discretionary contributions vest on a graduated basis and become 100% vested after five years of service. Plan participants may also contribute a portion of their annual compensation to the Plan, subject to maximums imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. The Board decided not to make a discretionary employer contribution for 2020 or 2019.

Note 12. Long-Term Incentive Plan

On March 14, 2019, the Board of Directors of Avalon approved the renewal of the expired 2009 Long-term Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”), which was set to expire in October of 2019. The 2009 Plan provides for the granting of options which are intended to be non-qualified stock options (“NQSO’s”) for federal income tax purposes except for those options designated as incentive stock options (“ISO’s”) which qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The name of the plan was changed to the 2019 Long-term Incentive Plan (“the Option Plan”) to reflect the year of approval. The Option Plan represents the renewal of the 2009 Plan which had 1,300,000 shares of Class A Common Stock available for stock options to employees and non-employee directors. The Option Plan has 1,300,000 shares available for stock options, less any shares of stock issued pursuant to options exercised under the 2009 Plan. The total number of shares under the Option Plan and the 2009 Plan will not exceed 1,300,000. Shares of stock covered by options granted pursuant to the 2009 Plan which terminate or expire prior to exercise or have been surrendered or canceled shall be available for further option grants under the Option Plan. On April 25, 2019, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the shareholders approved the Option Plan.

The purpose of the Avalon Holdings Corporation 2019 Long-term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is (a) to improve individual employee performance by providing long-term incentives and rewards to employees of Avalon, (b) to assist Avalon in attracting, retaining and motivating employees and non-employee directors with experience and ability, and (c) to associate the interests of such employees and directors with those of the Avalon shareholders.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

NQSO’s may be granted with an exercise price which is not less than 100% of the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Options designated as ISO’s shall not be less than 110% of fair market value for employees who are ten percent shareholders and not less than 100% of fair market value for other employees. The Board of Directors may, from time to time in its discretion, grant options to one or more outside directors, subject to such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors may determine, provided that such terms and conditions are not inconsistent with other applicable provisions of the Option Plan. Options shall have a term of no longer than ten years from the date of grant; except that for an option designated as an ISO which is granted to a ten percent shareholder, the option shall have a term no longer than five years.

No option shall be exercisable prior to one year after its grant, unless otherwise provided by the Option Committee of the Board of Directors (but in no event before 6 months after its grant), and thereafter options shall become exercisable in installments, if any, as provided by the Option Committee. Options must be exercised for full shares of common stock. To the extent that options are not exercised when they become initially exercisable, they shall be carried forward and be exercisable until the expiration of the term of such options. No option may be exercised by an optionee after his or her termination of employment for any reason with Avalon or an affiliate, except in certain situations provided by the Option Plan.

The stock options, vest ratably over a five year period and have a contractual term of ten years from the date of grant. At the end of each contractual vesting period, the share price of the Avalon common stock, traded on a public stock exchange (NYSE Amex), must reach a predetermined price within three years following such contractual vesting period before the stock options are exercisable (See table below). If the Avalon common stock price does not reach the predetermined price, the stock options will either be cancelled or the period will be extended at the discretion of the Board of Directors. In 2018, the Board of Directors extended the period of time for certain vested options that were not exercisable due to those options not meeting the predetermined stock price within the three years following the contractual vesting period.

The grant-date fair values of the stock option awards were estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation. The Monte Carlo Simulation was selected to determine the fair value because it incorporates six minimum considerations; 1) the exercise price of the option, 2) the expected term of the option, taking into account both the contractual term of the option, the effects of employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior, as well as the possibility of change in control events during the contractual term of the option agreements, 3) the current fair value of the underlying equity, 4) the expected volatility of the value of the underlying share for the expected term of the option, 5) the expected dividends on the underlying share for the expected term of the option and 6) the risk-free interest rate(s) for the expected term of the option.

The grant date fair value of the underlying equity was determined to be equal to Avalon’s publicly traded stock price as of the grant dates times the sum of the Class A and Class B common shares outstanding.

The expected term, or time until the option is exercised, is typically based on historical exercising behavior of previous option holders of a company’s stock.  Due to the fact that the Company has had no historical exercising activity, prior to 2018, the simplified method was applied.  Because of the nature of the vesting described above, the options are separated into five blocks, with each block having its own vesting period and expected term. 

For stock option awards, the expected volatility was based on the observed historical volatility of Avalon common stock. There were no expected dividends and the risk-free interest rate was based on yield data for U. S. Treasury securities over a period consistent with the expected term.

In March 2020, unexercised options to purchase 420,000 shares previously granted under the 2009 Plan expired as the options were not exercised within ten years after the grant date. In December 2020, 24,000 of options granted under 2009 Plan were exercised.

At December 31, 2020, options to purchase 280,000 shares have been granted under the 2009 Plan. Of these, 36,000 shares have been exercised, and options for 244,000 shares remain outstanding.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

The following table is a summary of the stock option activity during 2020 and 2019:                     

  The stock options vest and become exercisable based upon achieving two critical metrics as follows:

The table below represents the period and predetermined stock price needed for vesting.

The total intrinsic value of the 24,000 option exercised during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $64,000.

Compensation costs were approximately $6,000 for both the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 based upon the estimated grant date fair value calculations. As of December 31, 2020, there was approximately $12,000 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.42 years.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Note 13. Shareholders’ Equity

Each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote and each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to ten votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders. Except for the election of Avalon’s Board of Directors, the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented for a vote to the shareholders. However, with regard to the election of directors, for as long as the outstanding Class B Common Stock has more than 50% of the total outstanding voting power of all common stock, the holders of the Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate class, will elect the number of directors equal to at least 25% of the total Board of Directors and the holders of the Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class, will elect the remaining directors. Thereafter, the holders of the Class A Common Stock (one vote per share) and Class B Common Stock (ten votes per share) will vote together as a single class for the election of directors. The holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, voting as separate classes, must also approve amendments to the Articles of Incorporation that adversely affect the shares of their class. Shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights.

Each share of Class B Common Stock is convertible, at any time, at the option of the shareholder, into one share of Class A Common Stock. Shares of Class B Common Stock are also automatically converted into shares of Class A Common Stock on the transfer of such shares to any person other than Avalon, another holder of Class B Common Stock or a Permitted Transferee, as defined in Avalon’s Articles of Incorporation. The Class A Common Stock is not convertible.

Note 14. Legal Matters

In the ordinary course of conducting its business, Avalon becomes involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including those related to environmental matters. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against Avalon which, from time to time, may have an impact on its business and financial condition. Although the outcome of such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, Avalon does not believe that any uninsured ultimate liabilities, fines or penalties resulting from such pending proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on its liquidity, financial position or results of operations (See Note 17).

Note 15. Business Segment Information

In determining the segment information, Avalon considered its operating and management structure and the types of information subject to regular review by its “chief operating decision maker.” Using the criteria of FASB ASC 280 Segment Reporting, Avalon’s reportable segments include waste management services and golf and related operations. Avalon accounts for intersegment net operating revenues as if the transactions were to third parties. The segment disclosures are presented on this basis for all years presented.

Avalon’s primary business segment, the waste management services segment, provides hazardous and nonhazardous brokerage and management services to industrial, commercial, municipal and governmental customers, captive landfill management for an industrial customer and salt water injection well operations.

Avalon’s golf and related operations segment consists of four golf courses and associated clubhouses which provide dining and banquet facilities, a hotel which provides lodging and resort related amenities including dining, banquet and conference facilities, a multipurpose recreation center and a travel agency. Revenue for the golf and related operations segment consists primarily of membership dues, greens fees, cart rentals, room rentals, merchandise sales, tennis and fitness activities, salon and spa services and food and beverage sales.

Avalon does not have significant operations located outside the United States and, accordingly, geographical segment information is not presented. In 2020 and 2019, no customer individually accounted for 10% or more of Avalon’s business segment or consolidated net operating revenues.

The accounting policies of the segments are consistent with those described for the consolidated financial statements in the summary of significant accounting policies (See Note 2). Avalon measures segment profit for internal reporting purposes as income (loss) before taxes.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Business segment information including the reconciliation of segment income (loss) to consolidated income (loss) before taxes is as follows (in thousands):

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

In comparing the total assets at December 31, 2020 with those at December 31, 2019, the increase in the total assets of the waste management services segment of $0.3 million is primarily a result of an increase in intersegment transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable. The increase in total assets of the golf and related operations segment of $2.5 million was primarily due to capital expenditures related to the expansion of The Grand Resort partially offset by current year depreciation on property and equipment and a decrease in accounts receivable. The increase in corporate total assets of approximately $0.8 million is primarily due to an increase in operating cash and cash equivalents and intersegment transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation, partially offset by a decrease in restricted cash utilized for the expansion of The Grand Resort.

Note 16. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

In August 2013, Avalon created a new Ohio limited liability company, AWMS Holdings, LLC, to act as a holding company to form and own a series of wholly owned subsidiaries that will own and operate Class II salt water injection wells and facilities (together the “facilities”). AWMS Holdings, LLC, offers investment opportunities to accredited investors by selling membership units of AWMS Holdings, LLC through private placement offerings. The monies received from these offerings, along with internally contributed capital, are used to construct the facilities necessary for the operation of salt water injection wells. AWMS Water Solutions, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Avalon, manages all the salt water injection well operations, including the marketing and sales function and all decisions regarding the well operations for a percentage of the gross revenues.

In 2014 and 2013, Avalon, through a wholly owned subsidiary made capital contributions totaling approximately $3.4 million, which included cash and certain well assets, including the permits, in exchange for membership units of AWMS Holdings, LLC. Through a private placement offering for the purchase of membership units, AWMS Holdings, LLC raised approximately $3.8 million from accredited investors in 2014 and 2013. Management and outside directors of Avalon, who qualified as accredited investors, invested approximately $1.0 million in AWMS Holdings, LLC.

As a result of a private placement offering, Avalon is not the majority owner of AWMS Holdings, LLC. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, Avalon owns approximately 47% of AWMS Holdings, LLC. In accordance ASC 810-10, due to the managerial control of AWMS Water Solutions, LLC, AWMS Holdings, LLC is a VIE, and the financial statements of AWMS Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries are included in Avalon’s consolidated financial statements. ASC 810-10 requires non-controlling interests to be reported as a separate component of equity. The amount of net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest is recorded in “net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Note 17. Injection Wells Suspension

As a result of a seismic event with a magnitude of 2.1 occurring on August 31, 2014, the Chief of the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management (“Chief” or “Division”) issued Orders on September 3, 2014 to immediately suspend all operations of Avalon’s two saltwater injection wells until the Division could further evaluate the wells.  The Orders were based on the findings that the two saltwater injection wells were located in close proximity to an area of known seismic activity and that the saltwater injection wells pose a risk of increasing or creating seismic activity.

On September 5, 2014, Avalon submitted the information required by the Chief’s Order in regards to its AWMS #1 injection well, and the Chief lifted the suspension for that well on September 18, 2014. On September 19, 2014, Avalon submitted information and a written plan required by the Chief’s Order proposing the establishment of certain operations and management controls on injections for the AWMS #2 injection well. To date, the Division has not responded to that plan despite Avalon’s request for feedback.

On October 2, 2014, Avalon filed an appeal with the Ohio Oil and Gas Commission (the “Commission”) disputing the basis for suspending operations of AWMS #2 and also the authority of the Chief to immediately suspend such operations. On March 11, 2015, an appeal hearing was held. The Chief stated during the hearing that the suspension order is temporary, and he expects that AWMS #2 will be allowed to resume operations once the state’s final policymaking is complete. 

On August 12, 2015, the Commission upheld the temporary suspension of injection operations of AWMS #2 stating that the temporary suspension would allow the Chief more time to fully evaluate the facts in anticipation of the Division’s implementation of a comprehensive regulatory plan that will specifically address injection-induced seismicity. 

Avalon appealed that decision to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas (the “Court”), and on November 1, 2016 an appeal hearing was held in that Court.  On December 23, 2016, the Court issued its Decision and Order in Avalon’s favor, and vacated the Commission’s decision.  The Court found that the Division’s suspension and refusal to work with the Company over the 26 month period was arbitrary and not in accordance with reason.  Subsequent to the ruling, and in accordance with the Court’s Decision and Order, both Avalon and the Division submitted their proposed restart plans to the Court.  Avalon’s plan sets forth both the initial volumes and pressures and increases in volume and pressure while continuously monitoring seismicity and addressing the concerns of public health and safety. 

On February 21, 2017, the Court issued its Final Decision and Order.  The Court’s Final Decision and Order set forth conditions for restarting the AWMS #2 salt water injection well in accordance with the proposed restart plans filed by Avalon with minor revisions.  On February 22, 2017, the Division appealed the Final Decision and Order and filed a Motion to Stay the Court Order.  The Motion to Stay was granted by the Ohio 10^th District Court of Appeals on March 21, 2017.

On September 14, 2017, an appeal hearing was held in the Ohio 10^th District Court of Appeals and on July 31, 2018 a decision was issued on the appeal. The decision reinstated the previous Ohio Oil and Gas Commission decision in this matter. 

On September 12, 2018, the Company appealed the Ohio 10^th District Court of Appeals decision to the Supreme Court of Ohio. On November 21, 2018, the Company received notice from the Supreme Court of Ohio that the court would not accept for review the Company’s appeal of the Ohio 10^th District Court of Appeals decision on the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management’s appeal of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas February 21, 2017 entry allowing restart of the Company’s AWMS Water Solutions, LLC #2 salt water injection well.    

On April 5, 2019, Avalon filed with the Oil and Gas Commission a motion to vacate its prior decisions in this matter.  There can be no guarantee that the salt water injection wells will resume operations, but the Company will continue to pursue all available avenues to allow the restart of the Company’s salt water injection well under reasonable conditions. Currently, there is no implemented state-wide policy on induced seismicity and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (“ODNR”) has refused to communicate with the Company regarding the status and requirements of any policymaking. The operations of Company’s injection wells will remain suspended until that time. The Oil and Gas Commission scheduled a hearing on this motion for August 13, 2019.  Before the hearing began, and in response to the Division’s motion to dismiss the Company’s motion to vacate, the Commission dismissed the matter.  The Company appealed that decision to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.  In April 2020, the Division’s motion to dismiss and the Company’s opposition were reviewed by the Court.  The Company is currently awaiting judgment from the Court.

Avalon Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Concurrently with the filing of the appeal with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, the Company filed a writ of mandamus in the 10^th District Court of Appeals on August 30, 2019 to compel the chief of the Division to issue restart orders, or alternative orders that would allow the Company to either restart the AWMS #2 well, or appeal said orders to the Oil and Gas Commission in accordance with Ohio Law.  On October 6, 2020 and in response to a motion from the Division, the Court dismissed this complaint for writ of mandamus.

In addition, on August 26, 2016, Avalon filed a complaint in the 11^th Appellate District Court in Trumbull County, Ohio for a Peremptory Writ of Mandamus to compel the Director of the ODNR to initiate appropriations procedures to determine damages from the illegal regulatory taking of the Company’s property, or issue an alternative remedy at law. The Company believes that the actions, and lack of responsible actions, by the ODNR is a clear violation of the Company’s property rights and a violation of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution; Article I, Section 19 of the Ohio Constitution; and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 163. 

On March 18, 2019, Avalon received notice that the 11^th Appellate District Court in Trumbull County, Ohio issued summary judgment in favor of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in the writ of mandamus action that resulted from the suspension order of the Company’s salt water injection well.  The decision was appealed to the Supreme Court of Ohio on April 5, 2019.  Oral arguments in the case occurred on April 7, 2020.  On September 23, 2020, the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled in favor of the Company.  The Supreme Court of Ohio reversed the decision of the 11^th Appellate District Court and remanded the case back to that court for a trial on the merits. The Company is currently preparing for that trial.

Note 18. Asset Acquisition

On May 13, 2019, Havana Cigar Shop, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Avalon, entered into an asset Purchase and Sale Agreement with New Castle Country Club (“the Club”) for the purchase of the real property assets associated with the Club. Havana Cigar Shop, Inc. concurrently entered into an Assignment and Assumption and Commercial Loan Modification Agreement with Mercer County State Bank for the outstanding debt under the Club’s Commercial Mortgage and Demand Line of Credit, as amended, (collectively the “Agreements”) at closing as consideration for the purchase of the real property of the Club. The total amount of outstanding debt under the Agreements assumed by Havana Cigar Shop, Inc., at closing was approximately $0.8 million which consisted of approximately $0.1 million under the Demand Line of Credit and $0.7 million under the Commercial Mortgage agreement.