Note 1 – History and Basis of Presentation

History

Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.(the “Company”) is a U.S.-based, multi-national, energy agri-business focused on the development of non-food based bio-feedstocks.

The Company was originally incorporated under the laws of the State of Utah on November 20, 1991. On July 19, 2010, the reincorporation of the company from a Utah corporation to a Delaware corporation was completed, as approved by shareholders.

Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc., its subsidiaries, and the variable interest entities of GCE Mexico I, LLC a Delaware limited liability company (“GCE Mexico”), and its Mexican subsidiaries (Asideros, Asideros 2 and Asideros 3). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Generally accepted accounting principles require that if an entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (VIE), the entity should consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements.  Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. considers itself to be the primary beneficiary of GCE Mexico, and it’s Mexican subsidiaries, and accordingly, has consolidated these entities since their formation beginning in April 2008, with the equity interests of the unaffiliated investors in GCE Mexico presented as Noncontrolling Interests in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Under ASC 810-10 the Primary Beneficiary is the party that has both of the following:

1. The power to make decisions regarding the activities that most significantly impact the success of the VIE, and

2. The obligation to absorb losses or rights to receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

When multiple parties make decisions over different activities of the entity, only the party with power to direct the activities that most significantly impacts the entity's economic performance will have satisfied the first condition. Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. has the power to direct the most significant activities of GCE Mexico and its subsidiaries, as these rights were specifically granted to Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. under the GCE Mexico’s Operating Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”).

Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. satisfies the second condition because as owner of a 50.5% profits interest, Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. is expected to receive the benefits or the largest amounts of profits allocated by GCE Mexico. The partners’ right to receive a preferred return on their investment does not qualify as a “right to receive residual returns” of GCE Mexico.

The guidance also states that “in a multi-tiered legal-entity structure, a reporting entity should generally begin its evaluation at the lowest-level entity. Each entity within the structure should then be evaluated on a consolidated basis. The attributes and variable interests of the underlying consolidated entities become those of the parent company upon consolidation”.

GCE Mexico holds, directly, 99% of the voting interest in the subsidiaries pursuant to the Agency Agreement. GCEH’s rights as Manager of GCE Mexico and as the sole Director of the subsidiaries enables GCEH to conclude that these powers, together with the 50% membership interest in GCE Mexico, gives Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. a controlling financial interest and therefore is the primary beneficiary.

(1)                   Includes cash of $86,979 and $363,358 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, but is used only for the operations of GCE Mexico.

In March 2013, the Company acquired 100% of all of the outstanding membership interests of Sustainable Oils, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.  Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements for periods after that acquisition include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of that entity.

Accounting for Agricultural Operations

All costs incurred until the actual planting of the Jatropha Curcas plant are capitalized as plantation development costs, and are included in “Property and Equipment” on the balance sheet. Plantation development costs are being accumulated in the balance sheet during the development period and are accounted for in accordance with accounting standards for Agricultural Producers and Agricultural Cooperatives. The direct costs associated with each farm and the production of the Jatropha revenue streams have been deferred and accumulated as a noncurrent asset, “Deferred Growing Costs”, on the balance sheet. These costs will be recognized as a Cost of Good Sold in the period the revenue is recognized.  In 2013, the balance of the Deferred Growing Costs related to our first Jatropha farm in Mexico and were written off.  The trees in certain areas were not expected to produce enough yield or generate enough future revenues to offset the capital expended in a reasonable period of time and, accordingly, an impairment charge was recorded. Other general costs without expected future benefits are expensed when incurred.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventory

The Company uses the FIFO valuation method for its inventories.   The Company records no inventories above their acquisition costs.   There was no losses related to the valuation of inventory during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Concentration of Credit Risk

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no cash and cash equivalents in the United States or Mexico in excess of federally-insured limits.  The Company has maintained its cash balances at what management considers to be high credit-quality financial institutions.

Accounts Receivable

The Company extends credit to its customers based on credit evaluations of such customers.  The Company does not obtain collateral to secure its accounts receivable.  The Company evaluates its accounts receivable on a regular basis for collectability and provides for an allowance for potential credit losses as deemed necessary.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company determined that no allowance for doubtful accounts was necessary. 

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, one customer accounted for approximately 99% and 84% of total revenues, respectively. 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, one customer accounted for approximately 98% and 100 % of total accounts receivable, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Substantially all property and equipment relate to plantation costs and related equipment to cultivate the Jatropha Curcas plant. Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of office equipment is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 3 to 5 years. Plantation equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 5 to 15 years. Depreciation of plantation equipment has been capitalized as part of plantation development costs through the date that the plantation becomes commercially productive. Plantation development costs have been accumulated in the balance sheet during the development period and are being accounted for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for agricultural producers and agricultural cooperatives. The initial plantations were deemed to be commercially productive on October 1, 2009, at which date the Company commenced the depreciation of plantation development costs over estimated useful lives of 10 to 35 years, depending on the nature of the development. Developments and other improvements with indefinite lives are capitalized and not depreciated. Other developments that have a limited life and intermediate-life plants that have growth and production cycles of more than one year are depreciated over their respective lives once they are placed in service. During 2014, the Company had land, plantation development costs, and plantation equipment located in Mexico and the Dominican Republic

Except for costs incurred during the development period of the plantation, normal maintenance and repair items are charged to costs and expensed as incurred. During the development period, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation of plantation equipment have been capitalized as part of the plantation development costs. The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment sold or otherwise retired are removed from the accounts and gain or loss on disposition is reflected in results of operations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Long-lived 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 comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount that the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. At December 31, 2014, the Company reviewed its long-lived assets and determined there was no related impairment.

Income Taxes

The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and the carryforward of operating losses and tax credits, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that such tax benefits will not be realized. Assets and liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions taken or positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions are judged to not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold based on the technical merits of the positions. Estimated interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of general and administrative expense.

Income/Loss per Common Share

Income/Loss per share amounts are computed by dividing income or loss applicable to the common shareholders of the Company by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted income or loss per share amounts are computed assuming the issuance of common stock for potentially dilutive common stock equivalents.  The number of dilutive warrants and options is computed using the treasury stock method, whereby the dilutive effect is reduced by the number of treasury shares the Company could purchase with the proceeds from exercises of warrants and options.

The following instruments are currently antidilutive and have been excluded from the calculations of diluted income or loss per share at December 31, 2014, as follows:

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; collectability is reasonably assured; and title and the risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer. Value added taxes collected on revenue transactions are excluded from revenue and are included in accounts payable until remittance to the taxation authority.

Jatropha and Camelina biofuel revenue - The Company’s long-term primary source of revenue currently is expected to be be the sale of seeds from elite lines of Jatropha and/or Camelina used for propagation and the sale of Jatropha oil and biomass in the form of charcoal and/or animal feed.  Revenue will be recognized net of sales or value added taxes and upon transfer of significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer. Revenue is not recognized when there are significant uncertainties regarding recovery of the consideration due, associated costs or the possible return of goods.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had no significant Jatropha or Camelina biofuel revenue.

Advisory services revenue -  The Company provides development and management services to other companies regarding their bio-fuels and/or feedstock-Jatropha development operations, on a fee for services basis.  The advisory services revenue is recognized upon completion of the work in accordance with each advisory contract.

Agricultural subsidies revenue - the Company receives agricultural subsidies from the Mexican government to supplement the farm development and planting of new trees.  Due to the uncertainty of these payments, the revenue is recognized when the payments are received.  We recognize these funds as revenue due to these payments being disbursed to supplement the Company’s income and not as direct payments for any specified farming expense.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for accounts receivable and payable approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying amounts reported for the various notes payable and the mortgage note payable approximate fair value because the underlying instruments are at interest rates which approximate current market rates.  See note 11 for additional information regarding assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

Estimates

Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing financial statements. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and reported revenues and expenses. Significant estimates used in preparing these financial statements include a) those assumed in determining the valuation of common stock, warrants, and stock options, b) estimated useful lives and recoverability of plantation equipment and plantation development costs, and c) undiscounted future cash flows for purpose of evaluating possible impairment of long lived assets. It is at least reasonably possible that the significant estimates used will change within the next year.

Foreign Currency

During 2014, the Company had operations located in the United States, Mexico and Dominican Republic. For these foreign operations, the functional currency is the local country’s currency. Consequently, revenues and expenses of operations outside the United States of America are translated into U.S. dollars using weighted average exchange rates, while assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States of America are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in equity (deficit) as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Foreign currency transaction adjustments are included in other income (expense) in the Company’s results of operations.

The Company has not entered into derivative instruments to offset the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.

Stock Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock-based awards expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award based on their grant date fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes option pricing model which requires management to make estimates for certain assumptions regarding risk-free interest rate, expected life of options, expected volatility of stock and expected dividend yield of stock.  The Company recorded stock based compensation expense related to equity instruments granted as general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring entities to report components of other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive statements of net income and other comprehensive income. The company has included consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

New Account Guidelines

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products are transferred to customers. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The new revenue standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new revenue standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern”. The amendments in this update provide guidance in U.S. GAAP about management's responsibilities to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The main provision of the amendments are for an entity's management, in connection with the preparation of financial statements, to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. Management's evaluation should be based on relevant conditions and events that are known or reasonably knowable at the date the consolidated financial statements are issued. When management identifies conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern, the entity should disclose information that enables users of the consolidated financial statements to understand all of the following: (1) principal conditions or events that raised substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern (before consideration of management's plans); (2) management's evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity's ability to meet its obligations; and (3) management's plans that alleviated substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern or management's plans that are intended to mitigate the conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods after December 15, 2016 and early application is permitted. The Company is currently assessing this guidance for future implementation.