UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended November 30, 2019
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number 0-08814


PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Colorado

84-0705083
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)



34501 E. Quincy Avenue, Bldg. 34, Watkins, CO

80137
(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(303) 292 – 3456
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock 1/3 of $.01 par value PCYO The NASDAQ Stock Market
(Title of each class)
(Trading Symbol(s))
(Name of each exchange on which registered)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of January 3, 2020:

Common stock, 1/3 of $.01 par value

23,836,598
(Class)

(Number of Shares)



PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
INDEX TO NOVEMBER 30, 2019 FORM 10-Q

   
Page
     
1
     
 
1
     
 
1
     
 
2
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
22
     
 
34
     
 
34
     
35
     
 
35
     
36


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS:
 
November 30, 2019
   
August 31, 2019
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
22,072,442
   
$
4,478,020
 
Short-term investments
   
     
5,188,813
 
Trade accounts receivable, net
   
878,302
     
1,099,631
 
Prepaid expenses and deposits
   
1,124,013
     
1,016,751
 
Inventories
   
3,861,564
     
11,613,112
 
Taxes receivable
   
     
141,410
 
Total current assets
   
27,936,321
     
23,537,737
 
                 
Investments in water and water systems, net
   
51,502,028
     
50,270,310
 
Land and mineral interests
   
5,175,363
     
5,104,477
 
Notes receivable - related parties, including accrued interest
   
999,889
     
988,381
 
Other assets
   
1,911,738
     
1,945,202
 
Long-term land investment
   
450,641
     
450,641
 
Operating leases - right of use assets
   
247,682
     
 
Deferred tax asset
   
564,436
     
1,283,246
 
Taxes receivable
   
141,410
     
141,410
 
Total assets
 
$
88,929,509
   
$
83,721,404
 
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
 
$
275,354
   
$
170,822
 
Accrued liabilities
   
560,894
     
1,097,922
 
Accrued liabilities (related parties)
   
2,958,545
     
2,330,496
 
Income taxes payable
   
1,026,899
     
 
Deferred revenues, current
   
1,143,771
     
3,991,535
 
Deferred oil and gas lease payment and water sales payment
   
1,548,063
     
706,464
 
Total current liabilities
   
7,513,526
     
8,297,239
 
                 
Deferred oil and gas lease payment and water sales payment, less current portion
   
313,433
     
360,884
 
Lease obligations - operating leases, less current portion
   
177,721
     
 
Participating Interests in Export Water Supply
   
329,762
     
332,140
 
Total liabilities
   
8,334,442
     
8,990,264
 
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock:
               
Series B - par value $0.001 per share, 25 million shares authorized; 432,513 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation preference of $432,513)
   
433
     
433
 
Common stock:
               
Par value 1/3 of $.01 per share, 40 million shares authorized; 23,826,598 and 23,826,598 shares outstanding, respectively
   
79,427
     
79,427
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
172,465,766
     
172,360,413
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
     
3,891
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(91,950,558
)
   
(97,713,023
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
80,595,068
     
74,731,141
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
88,929,509
   
$
83,721,404
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1

PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended November 30,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Revenues:
           
Metered water usage
 
$
140,724
   
$
1,367,851
 
Wastewater treatment fees
   
20,497
     
8,893
 
Water tap fees recognized
   
1,672,115
     
254,826
 
Lot sales
   
8,541,643
     
1,381,196
 
Other
   
86,050
     
59,783
 
Total revenues
   
10,461,029
     
3,072,549
 
                 
Expenses:
               
Water service operations
   
(253,788
)
   
(335,164
)
Wastewater service operations
   
(26,071
)
   
(2,722
)
Land development construction costs
   
(8,063,333
)
   
(1,298,324
)
Other
   
(23,778
)
   
(39,133
)
Depletion and depreciation
   
(219,302
)
   
(151,261
)
Total cost of revenues
   
(8,586,272
)
   
(1,826,604
)
Gross profit
   
1,874,757
     
1,245,945
 
                 
General and administrative expenses
   
(801,371
)
   
(638,833
)
Depreciation
   
(84,782
)
   
(88,013
)
Operating income
   
988,604
     
519,099
 
                 
Other income (expense):
               
Income from reimbursement of construction costs (related party)
   
6,275,500
     
 
Oil and gas lease income, net
   
61,740
     
13,933
 
Oil and gas royalty income, net
   
269,549
     
31,425
 
Interest income
   
54,191
     
71,162
 
Other
   
     
(1,647
)
Net Income before taxes
   
7,649,584
     
633,972
 
Income tax expense
   
1,887,119
     
 
Net income
 
$
5,762,465
   
$
633,972
 
Unrealized holding (losses) gains
   
(3,891
)
   
11,796
 
Total comprehensive income
 
$
5,758,574
   
$
645,768
 
                 
Basic and diluted net income per common share
 
$
0.24
   
$
0.03
 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding–basic
   
23,826,598
     
23,772,431
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding–diluted
   
24,050,695
     
23,996,393
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2

PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Three Months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018
(unaudited)

   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock


Additional
Paid-in


Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive


Accumulated
 
 

  
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
Capital
Income (Loss)
Deficit
Total
August 31, 2019 balance:
   
432,513
   
$
433
     
23,826,598
   
$
79,427
   
$
172,360,413
   
$
3,891
   
$
(97,713,023
)
 
$
74,731,141
 
Share-based compensation
   
     
     
     
     
105,353
     
     
     
105,353
 
Net income
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
5,762,465
     
5,762,465
 
Unrealized holding loss on investments
   
     
     
     
     
     
(3,891
)
   
     
(3,891
)
November 30, 2019 balance:
   
432,513
   
$
433
     
23,826,598
   
$
79,427
   
$
172,465,766
   
$
   
$
(91,950,558
)
 
$
80,595,068
 

   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock


Additional
Paid-in


Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive


Accumulated


 

  
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
Capital
Income (Loss)
Deficit
Total
August 31, 2018 balance:
   
432,513
   
$
433
     
23,764,098
   
$
79,218
   
$
171,831,293
   
$
66,446
   
$
(102,524,171
)
 
$
69,453,219
 
Stock option exercises
                   
25,000
   
$
84
   
$
78,167
     
     
     
78,251
 
Share-based compensation
   
     
     
     
     
103,476
     
     
     
103,476
 
Net income
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
633,972
     
633,972
 
Unrealized holding gain on investments
   
     
     
     
     
     
11,796
     
     
11,796
 
November 30, 2018 balance:
   
432,513
   
$
433
     
23,789,098
   
$
79,302
   
$
172,012,936
   
$
78,242
   
$
(101,890,199
)
 
$
70,280,714
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended November 30,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
 
$
5,762,465
   
$
633,972
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Share-based compensation expense
   
105,353
     
103,476
 
Depreciation and depletion
   
304,084
     
239,274
 
Bad debt (recovery) expense
   
     
(31,233
)
Investment in Well Enhancement and Recovery Systems LLC
   
     
2,615
 
Interest income and other non-cash items
   
(105
)
   
(105
)
Interest added to receivable from related parties
   
(10,913
)
   
(9,822
)
Deferred income taxes
   
718,810
     
 
Proceeds from CAB reimbursement applied to inventories
   
4,229,501
     
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Inventories
   
4,777,212
     
(3,356,718
)
Trade accounts receivable
   
221,329
     
(469,800
)
Prepaid expenses
   
(107,262
)
   
(138,395
)
Notes receivable - related parties
   
(595
)
   
(7,100
)
Other assets
   
     
(90,097
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
(386,891
)
   
(1,209,985
)
Income taxes
   
1,168,309
     
 
Deferred revenues
   
(2,847,764
)
   
(361,050
)
Deferred income - oil and gas lease and water sales payment
   
794,148
     
(13,934
)
Lease obligations - operating leases
   
(5,647
)
   
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
14,722,034
     
(5,729,048
)
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Investments in water, water systems and land
   
(2,273,010
)
   
(2,488,788
)
Sale and maturities of short-term investments
   
5,184,923
     
3,705,101
 
Purchase of short-term investments
   
     
(5,968,800
)
Purchase of property and equipment
   
(37,147
)
   
(42,923
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
2,874,766
     
(4,795,410
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from exercise of options
   
     
78,251
 
Payments to contingent liability holders
   
(2,378
)
   
(3,722
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(2,378
)
   
74,529
 
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
17,594,422
     
(10,449,929
)
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period
   
4,478,020
     
11,565,038
 
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period
 
$
22,072,442
   
$
1,115,109
 
   

   

 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Changes in Inventories included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $
1,255,164
    $
1,399,602
 
Changes in Investments in water, water systems and land included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $
(737,038
)
  $
930,895
 
Transfer of income taxes to income taxes receivable
  $
    $
282,820
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
November 30, 2019

NOTE 1 – PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION

The November 30, 2019 consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 have been prepared by Pure Cycle Corporation (the “Company”) and have not been audited. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at November 30, 2019, and for all periods presented.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019 (the “2019 Annual Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 12, 2019. The results of operations for interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year. The August 31, 2019 balance sheet was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) 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. Estimates are used to account for certain items such as revenue recognition, reimbursable costs and expenses, costs of revenue for lot sales, share-based compensation, deferred tax asset valuation, and the recoverability of long lived  assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company’s cash equivalents are comprised entirely of money market funds maintained at a reputable financial institution and U.S. Treasury debt securities. At various times during the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company’s main operating account exceeded federally insured limits. To date, the Company has not suffered a loss due to such excess balance.

Land Development Inventories

Inventories primarily include land held for development and sale. Inventories are stated at cost. Capitalized lot development costs at Sky Ranch are costs incurred to construct lots at Sky Ranch that meet the Company’s capitalization criteria for improvements to a lot and are capitalized as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain legal, engineering, design, permitting, land acquisition, and construction costs related to the development of lots at Sky Ranch. The Company accumulates land development costs and allocates costs to each lot to determine the cost basis for each lot sale. The Company records all land cost of sales over time based on inputs of costs incurred to date to total estimated costs to complete.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), the Company values land held for sale at the lower of the carrying value or net realizable value. In determining net realizable value, the Company primarily relies upon the most recent negotiated price that is a Level 2 input (see Note 3 – Fair Value Measurements for definitions of fair value inputs). If a negotiated price is not available, the Company will consider several factors, including, but not limited to, current market conditions, recent comparable sales transactions and market analysis studies. If the net realizable value is lower than the current carrying value, the land is written down to its estimated net realizable value.

Contract Asset

Contract receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Credit is extended based on the evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and collateral is not required. Contract asset is revenue which has been earned but not yet invoiced. The contract assets are transferred to the receivables when the Company has the right to bill such amounts and they are invoiced.

5

Investments

Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in U.S. Treasury debt securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such determinations each reporting period.

Securities that the Company does not have the positive intent or ability to hold to maturity, including U.S. Treasury debt securities, are reported at their fair value. Changes in value of such securities are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. As of November 30, 2019, the Company’s U.S. Treasury debt securities had no maturity dates greater than 90 days and were classified as cash and cash equivalents in the Balance Sheet.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Fair Value

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and investments. From time to time, the Company places its cash in money market instruments, certificates of deposit and U.S. Treasury obligations. To date, the Company has not experienced significant losses on any of these investments.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are reported using the values as reported by the financial institution where the funds are held. These securities primarily include balances in the Company’s operating and savings accounts. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value.

Trade Accounts Receivable – The Company records accounts receivable net of allowances for uncollectible accounts and the carrying value approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the receivables.

Investments – The carrying amounts of investments are recorded at fair value. Investments are described further in Note 2 – Fair Value Measurements.

Accounts Payable – The carrying amounts of accounts payable approximate fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity for these instruments.

Long-Term Financial Liabilities The Comprehensive Amendment Agreement No. 1 (the “CAA”) is comprised of a recorded balance sheet and an off-balance sheet or “contingent” obligation associated with the Company’s acquisition of its “Rangeview Water Supply” (as defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report). The amount payable is a fixed amount but is repayable only upon the sale of “Export Water” (as defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report). Because of the uncertainty of the sale of Export Water, the Company has determined that the contingent portion of the CAA does not have a determinable fair value. The CAA is described further in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease – Participating Interests in Export Water Supply.

Notes Receivable – Related PartiesThe carrying amounts of the Notes receivable – related parties (including with the Rangeview Metropolitan District (the “Rangeview District”) and the Sky Ranch Community Authority Board (the “CAB”)) approximate their fair value because the interest rates on the notes approximate market rates.

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments – The Company’s off-balance sheet instruments consist entirely of the contingent portion of the CAA. Because repayment of this portion of the CAA is contingent on the sale of Export Water, which is not reasonably estimable, the Company has determined that the contingent portion of the CAA does not have a determinable fair value. See further discussion in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease – Participating Interests in Export Water Supply.

Revenue Recognition

The Company disaggregates revenue by major product line as reported on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Wholesale Water and Wastewater Fees

The Company generates revenues through two lines of business. Revenues are derived through its wholesale water and wastewater business and through the sale of developed land primarily for residential lots, both of which businesses are described below.

6

The Company generates revenues through its wholesale water and wastewater business predominantly from three sources: (i) monthly wholesale water usage fees and wastewater service fees, (ii) one-time water and wastewater tap fees and construction fees/Special Facility funding, and (iii) consulting fees. Because these items are separately delivered and distinct, the Company accounts for each of the items separately, as described below.


(i)
Monthly water usage and wastewater treatment fees  Monthly wholesale water usage charges are assessed to the Company’s customers based on actual metered usage each month plus a base monthly service fee assessed per single family equivalent (“SFE”) unit served. One SFE is a customer, whether residential, commercial or industrial, that imparts a demand on the Company’s water or wastewater systems similar to the demand of a family of four persons living in a single-family house on a standard-sized lot. Water usage pricing uses a tiered pricing structure. The Company recognizes wholesale water usage revenues at a point in time upon delivering water to its customers or its governmental customers’ end-use customers, as applicable. Revenues recognized by the Company from the sale of “Export Water” and other portions of its “Rangeview Water Supply” off the Lowry Range are shown gross of royalties to the State of Colorado Board of Land Commissioners (the “Land Board”). The Company is the primary distributor of the “Export Water” and sets pricing for the sale of Export Water. Revenues recognized by the Company from the sale of water on the Lowry Range are shown net of royalties paid to the Land Board and amounts retained by the Rangeview District. For water sales on the Lowry Range, the Rangeview District is directly selling the water and deemed the primary distributor of the water. The Rangeview District sets the price for the water sales on the Lowry Range. See further description of Export Water, the Lowry Range, and the Rangeview Water Supply in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets under “Rangeview Water Supply and Water System” in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report.

In addition to providing domestic water, the Company provides raw water for hydraulic fracturing to industrial customers in the oil and gas industry that are located in and adjacent to its service areas. Frack water revenues are recognized at a point in time upon delivering water to a customer.

The Company delivered 748,000 and 114.5 million gallons of water to customers during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, of which 6% and 86% was used for oil and gas exploration.

The Company recognizes wastewater treatment revenues monthly based on a flat monthly fee and actual usage charges. The monthly wastewater treatment fees are shown net of amounts retained by the Rangeview District. Costs of delivering water and providing wastewater service to customers are recognized as incurred.


(ii)
Water and wastewater tap fees/Special Facility funding – The Company recognizes water and wastewater tap fees as revenue at the time the Company grants a right for the customer to tap into the water or wastewater service line to obtain service. The Company recognized $1,401,900 and $226,900 of water tap fee revenues during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The water tap fees recognized are based on the amounts billed by the Rangeview District and any amounts paid to third parties pursuant to the CAA as further described in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating LeaseParticipating Interests in Export Water Supply below. The Company recognized $270,200 and $28,000 of wastewater tap fee revenues during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company recognizes construction fees, including fees received to construct “Special Facilities,” over time as the construction is completed because the customer is generally able to use the property improvement to enhance the value of other assets during the construction period. Special Facilities are facilities that enable water to be delivered to a single customer and are not otherwise classified as a typical wholesale facility or retail facility. Temporary infrastructure required prior to construction of permanent water and wastewater systems or transmission pipelines to transfer water from one location to another are examples of Special Facilities. Management has determined that Special Facilities are separate and distinct performance obligations because these projects are contracted to construct a specific water and wastewater system or transmission pipeline and typically do not include multiple performance obligations in a contract with a customer. No Special Facilities revenue has been recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2019 or 2018.


(iii)
Consulting fees – Consulting fees are fees that the Company receives, typically on a monthly basis, from municipalities and area water providers along the I-70 corridor, for contract operations services over time as services are consumed. Consulting fees are recognized monthly based on a flat monthly fee plus charges for additional work performed. The Company recognized $12,700 and $47,800 of consulting fees during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company is reducing its consulting services in order to focus its resources on the water systems at Sky Ranch. The Company expects consulting fees to be minimal in future periods.

7

Land Development Activities

The Company generates revenues through the sale of finished lots at its Sky Ranch development primarily from several sources of revenues: (i) the sale of finished lots, (ii) construction support activities, (iii) project management services, and (iv) reimbursable expenses incurred to develop certain public improvements.


(i)
Land development through the sale of finished lots – The Company acquired approximately 930 acres of land zoned as a Master Planned Community known as Sky Ranch along the I-70 corridor east of Denver, Colorado. The Company has entered into purchase and sale agreements with three separate home builders pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell, and each builder agreed to purchase, residential lots at the property. The Company began construction of lots in March 2018 and segments its reporting of the activity relating to the costs and revenues from the construction and sale of lots at Sky Ranch.
 
The Company sells lots at Sky Ranch pursuant to distinct agreements with each builder. These agreements follow one of two formats. One format is the sale of a finished lot, whereby the purchaser pays for a ready-to-build finished lot and payment is a lump-sum payment upon completion of the finished lot that is permit ready. The Company will recognize revenues at the point in time of the closing of the sale of a finished lot in which control transfers to the builder as the transaction cycle will be complete and the Company will have no further obligations for the lot. During the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company received payment and recognized revenue of $1,430,600 from one home builder in exchange for the delivery of 21 finished lots. No revenue was recognized for lot sales at a point in time for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

The Company’s second format is the sale of finished lots pursuant to a development agreement with builders, whereby the Company receives payments in stages that include (i) payment upon the delivery of platted lots (which requires the Company to deliver deeded title to individual lots), (ii) a second payment upon the completion of certain infrastructure milestones, and (iii) final payment upon the delivery of the finished lot. Ownership and control of the platted lots pass to the builders once the Company closes the sale of the platted lots. Because the builder (i.e., the customer) takes control of the lot at the first closing and subsequent improvements made by the Company improve the builder’s lot as construction progresses, the Company accounts for revenue over time with progress measured based upon costs incurred to date compared to total expected costs.  Any revenue in excess of amounts entitled to be billed is reflected on the balance sheet as a contract asset, and amounts received in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue. As of November 30, 2019, the Company had received cumulative payments of approximately $18 million under development agreements relating to 293 lots from two home builders, of which approximately $17.0 million of revenue was recognized over time based on the costs incurred to date compared to total expected costs for full completion of the 293 lots. For the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $7,111,000 and $1,381,200 of lot sales over time, respectively. The Company had deferred revenue related to lot sales of $1,143,800 as of November 30, 2019. The Company had a contract asset of $1,020,100 as of November 30, 2018. The Company does not have any material significant payment terms as all payments are expected to be received within 12 months after the delivery of each platted lot.  The Company adopted the practical expedient for financing components and does not need to account for a financing component of these lot sales as the delivery of lot sales is expected to occur within one year or less.


(ii)
Construction support activities – The Company performs certain construction activities at Sky Ranch. The activities performed include construction and maintenance of the grading erosion and sediment control best management practices and other construction-related services. These activities are invoiced upon completion and are included in Inventories and subsequently expensed through Land development construction costs until bonds are issued by the Sky Ranch Districts (as defined in Note 6 – Related Party Transactions) and/or the CAB and the CAB reimburses the Company for public improvements. Refer to section (iv) Reimbursable Costs for Public Improvements for details on repayment of reimbursable costs. To date, the Company has invoiced the CAB $533,500 for construction support activities, which amount is included in Inventories.


(iii)
Project management services – The Company entered into two Service Agreements for Project Management Services with the CAB beginning on May 2, 2018. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company acts as the project manager and provides any and all services required to deliver the CAB-eligible improvements, including but not limited to CAB compliance; planning design and approvals; project administration; contractor agreements; and construction management and administration. The Company must submit to the CAB a monthly invoice, in a form acceptable to the CAB, detailing all project management activities during the period. The Company is responsible for all expenses it incurs in the performance of the agreements and is not entitled to any reimbursement or compensation except as defined in the agreements, unless otherwise approved in advance by the CAB in writing. The CAB is subject to annual budget and appropriation procedures and does not intend to create a multiple-fiscal year direct or indirect debt or other financial obligation. The Company receives a project management fee of five percent (5%) of actual construction costs of CAB-eligible improvements. The project management fee qualifies as a reimbursable cost to the Company. The project management fee is based only on the actual costs of the improvements; thus, items such as fees, permits, review fees, consultant or other soft costs, and land acquisition or any other costs that are not directly related to the cost of construction of CAB-eligible improvements are not included in the calculation of the project management fee. Soft costs and other costs that are not directly related to the construction of CAB-eligible improvements are included in Inventories and accounted for in the same manner as construction support activities as described above. The Company and the CAB have agreed that no payment is required by the CAB with respect to project management fees unless and until the CAB and/or the Sky Ranch Districts issue municipal bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of advances provided or expenses incurred for reimbursables. Due to this contingency, the project management fees are being accrued to revenue with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued by the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB and the CAB reimburses the Company for the public improvements. At that point, the portion of the project management fees repaid will be recognized as revenue. To date, the Company has accrued $869,900 in project management services to the CAB.

8


(iv)
Reimbursable Costs for Public Improvements – The CAB is required to construct certain public improvements, such as water distribution systems, sewer collection systems, storm water systems, drainage improvements, roads, curb, sidewalks, landscaping and parks, the costs of which may qualify as reimbursable costs. The Company is obligated to finance this infrastructure pursuant to its agreements with the CAB (see Note 6 – Related Party Transactions). These public improvements are constructed pursuant to design standards specified by the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB, and, after inspection and acceptance, are turned over to the applicable governmental entity to operate and maintain. As these public improvements are owned and operated on behalf of a governmental entity, they may qualify for reimbursement.

The Company and the CAB have agreed that no payment is required with respect to advances made by the Company or expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements unless and until the CAB and/or the Sky Ranch Districts issue bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of the advances made and expenses incurred. Due to this contingency, the reimbursable costs for the construction of public improvements, including reimbursable costs for construction support activities, are included in Inventories and subsequently expensed through Land development construction costs until the point in time when the CAB reimburses the Company for such public improvements. The Company submits specific costs for reimbursement to the CAB.  Based on the specific costs being reimbursed by the CAB, the Company records those costs that have been previously expensed in cost of sales as other income and those costs that remain capitalized as inventory costs as a reduction of the related inventory costs held in Inventories. Any reimbursable costs repaid after all capitalized expenses and lot revenues have been fully recognized will be recorded as other income.

All amounts owed under the 2018 FFAA (as defined in Note 6 – Related Party Transactions) bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum. No payment is required of the CAB for advances made to the CAB or expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements unless and until the CAB and/or Sky Ranch Districts issue bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of advances or other expenses incurred. Due to this contingency, interest is accrued to Interest Income with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued. At that point, the allowance will be reversed for the portion of the accrued interest repaid and the accrued interest will be recognized. To date, the Company has accrued $1,031,700 for accrued interest for advances made to the CAB.

On November 19, 2019, the CAB sold tax-exempt, fixed rate senior bonds in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11,435,000 and tax-exempt, fixed-rate subordinate bonds in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,765,000 (collectively, the “Bonds”). Upon the sale of the Bonds approximately $10.5 million of the net proceeds from the Bonds were used to partially reimburse the Company for advances it made to the CAB pursuant to the 2018 FFAA to fund the construction of public improvements to the Sky Ranch property. Approximately $2.7 million of the bond proceeds were retained by the CAB in cash in order to repay debt service through 2021, when the CAB expects to generate enough revenue through mill levies, to repay bond holders.

The Company applied approximately $4.2 million of the net proceeds to partially reduce the remaining capitalized expenses in Inventories and the excess of the capitalized public improvement expenses of approximately $6.3 million was recognized as Income from reimbursement of construction costs (related party) in other income. As a result of the reimbursed costs, the margin from land development revenues is expected to increase to approximately 27%.

The Company records all reimbursable costs to Inventories and subsequently expenses these costs through Land development construction costs. All unpaid reimbursable costs, that the Company believes are recoverable from the CAB are accrued to a Note Receivable from the CAB pursuant to the 2018 FFAA. Each period, the Company performs an impairment analysis on the recoverability of the outstanding reimbursable costs. The following table summarizes all reimbursable costs incurred to date, payments made from the CAB and any outstanding reimbursable amounts.

   
As of November 30, 2019
 
   
Costs incurred to date
   
Payments repaid by
CAB
   
Net costs incurred to date
 
Construction support activities
 
$
533,500
   
$
   
$
533,500
 
Project management services
   
869,900
     
     
869,900
 
Public Improvements
   
22,966,400
     
10,505,000
     
12,461,400
 
Accrued interest
   
1,031,700
     
     
1,031,700
 
Total reimbursable costs
 
$
25,401,500
   
$
10,505,000
   
$
14,896,500
 

The Company expects to incur approximately an additional $6.0 million of construction costs related to public improvements and expects to be reimbursed approximately an additional $18.5 million.

9

The Company evaluated disaggregation of revenue and has determined that no additional disaggregation of revenue is necessary.

Contract asset by segment is as follows:

The Company did not have a contract asset at November 30, 2019 or August 30, 2019.  The contract asset at November 30, 2018, related solely to the Company’s land development activities.

Changes in contract asset were as follows:

   
November 30, 2019
   
August 31, 2019
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
   
$
 
Recognition of revenue contract asset
   
     
1,020,146
 
Contract asset invoiced
   
     
(1,020,146
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
   
$
 

Deferred revenue by segment is as follows:

   
November 30, 2019
   
August 31, 2019
 
Land development activities
 
$
1,143,771
   
$
3,991,535
 
Oil and gas leases and water sales payment
   
1,861,496
     
1,067,348
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
3,005,267
   
$
5,058,883
 

The current portion of deferred revenue for oil and gas leases and water sales payment as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019,  is $1,548,063 and $706,464, respectively. There were no water segment deferred revenues as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019.

Changes in deferred revenue were as follows:

   
November 30, 2019
   
August 31, 2019
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
5,058,883
   
$
1,846,630
 
Deferral of revenue
   
8,469,154
     
12,700,065
 
Recognition of unearned revenue
   
(10,522,770
)
   
(9,487,812
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
3,005,267
   
$
5,058,883
 

The recognition of unearned revenue was $8,541,643 and $5,920,319 from land development activities and $1,981,127 and $3,567,493 from oil and gas leases and water sales payments for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively.

Revenue allocated to remaining performance obligations represents contracted revenue that has not yet been recognized (“contracted not recognized revenue”), which includes unearned revenue and amounts that will be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods. At November 30, 2019, the Company had outstanding open contracts for $13,739,100, which primarily related to the sale of 506 lots at Sky Ranch. The Company expects to recognize approximately 84% of such revenue over the next 12 months.

Inventories

Inventories primarily include land held for development and sale, which the Company has begun developing and are stated at cost. Capitalized lot development costs at Sky Ranch are costs incurred to construct finished lots at Sky Ranch that meet the Company’s capitalization criteria for improvements to a lot and are capitalized as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain legal, engineering, design, permitting, land acquisition, and construction costs related to the development of lots at Sky Ranch. The Company uses the specific identification method for purposes of accumulating land development costs and allocates costs to each lot to determine the cost basis for each lot sale. The Company records all land cost of sales when a lot is completed and sold on a lot-by-lot basis. Costs included in Inventories include common area costs that the Company funded through the CAB. The Company expects that such costs will be reimbursable by the CAB. The Company will record future reimbursements as a reduction of reimbursable capitalized costs remaining in Inventories once the CAB has the ability to reimburse the costs (i.e., once the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB has issued bonds).

10

In accordance with ASC 360, the Company measures land held for sale at the lower of the carrying value or net realizable value. In determining net realizable value, the Company primarily relies upon the most recent negotiated price. If a negotiated price is not available, the Company will consider several factors, including, but not limited to, current market conditions, recent comparable sales transactions and market analysis studies. If the net realizable value is lower than the current carrying value, the land is written down to its net realizable value.

Royalty and Other Obligations

Revenues from the sale of Export Water are shown gross of royalties payable to the Land Board. Revenues from the sale of water on the Lowry Range are invoiced directly by the Rangeview District, and a percentage of such collections are then paid to the Company by the Rangeview District. Water revenue from such sales are shown net of royalties paid to the Land Board and amounts retained by the Rangeview District.

Oil and Gas Lease Payments

As described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report, the Company entered into a Paid-Up Oil and Gas Lease (the “Sky Ranch O&G Lease”) and a Surface Use and Damage Agreement that were subsequently purchased by a wholly owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Company. Six wells have been drilled within the Company’s mineral interest and placed into service (four new wells beginning in fiscal 2020) and are producing oil and gas and accruing royalties to the Company. During the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company received $269,500 and $31,400 net of taxes, respectively, in royalties attributable to these wells. The Company classifies income from oil and gas lease and royalty payments as Other income in the statement of operations and comprehensive income as the Company does not consider these arrangements to be a primary operating business activity.

Deferred Revenue

In July 2019, the Company received an up-front payment of $573,700 from an Agreement on Locations of Oil and Gas Operations for a pad site covering approximately 16 acres with the operator of the Sky Ranch O&G Lease (the “OGOA”), which will be recognized as income on a straight-line basis over three years. If after three years the operator has not spud at least one well on the OGOA, the operator may extend the right to the OGOA one additional year by paying $75,000 to the Company. The operator may only extend the OGOA for two additional years for a total of five years. The Company recognizes the up-front payments on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective agreements. During the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company recognized $47,800 of income related to the up-front payments received pursuant to the OGOA. No revenue was recognized for the three months ended November 30, 2018 related to the up-front payments received pursuant to the OGOA. As of November 30, 2019, and August 31, 2019 the Company had deferred revenue of $499,700 and $547,500, respectively, related to the OGOA.

In September 2017, the Company entered into a Paid-Up Oil and Gas Lease with Bison Oil and Gas, LLP (the “Bison Lease”). Pursuant to the Bison Lease, the Company received an up-front payment of $167,200 in October 2017, which will be recognized as income on a straight-line basis over the three year term of the lease. The Company recognized lease income of $13,900 during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 related to the up-front payment received pursuant to the Bison Lease. As of November 30, 2019, and August 31, 2019, the Company had deferred revenue of $46,500 and $60,400, respectively, related to the Bison Lease that will be recognized as income ratably through September 2020.

The Company also received a payment of $425,800 in fiscal 2019 from one of its industrial water customers and $822,500 in the quarter ended November 30, 2019, to reserve first priority water for its oil and gas fracking needs for defined periods during 2020. As the Customer uses the forecasted volumes each month, the Company will recognize revenue based on the volumes used. The Customer may take such volumes up to one year from invoice date. If the Customer does not take the forecasted volumes in the anticipated period, such volumes are forfeited by the Customer. At that time, any payments received for unused volumes will be recognized as revenue. As of November 30, 2019, the Company had deferred revenue of $1.2 million as a result of these advanced water purchase payments.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the eventual use of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

11

Capitalized Costs of Water and Wastewater Systems and Depletion and Depreciation of Water Assets

Costs to construct water and wastewater systems that meet the Company’s capitalization criteria are capitalized as incurred, including any interest, and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of up to 30 years. The Company capitalizes design and construction costs related to construction activities, and it capitalizes certain legal, engineering and permitting costs relating to the adjudication and improvement of its water assets. The Company depletes its groundwater assets that are being utilized on the basis of units produced (i.e., thousands of gallons sold) divided by the total volume of water adjudicated in the water decrees.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company maintains a stock option plan for the benefit of its employees and non-employee directors. The Company records share-based compensation costs as expense over the applicable vesting period of the stock award using the straight-line method. The compensation costs to be expensed are measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. The Company has adopted the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation, which allows for a simplified method of calculating the tax effects of employee share-based compensation. The impact on the income tax provision for the granting and exercise of stock options during the three months ended November 30, 2019 was a tax expense of approximately $26,000. Because the Company had a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets as of November 30, 2018 there was no effect on the tax provision during the period. The Company recognized $105,400 and $103,500 of share-based compensation expense during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company uses a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for the recognition and de-recognition of tax positions, including any potential interest and penalties relating to tax positions taken by the Company. The Company did not have any significant unrecognized tax benefits as of November 30, 2019.

As a result of H.R.1, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), signed into law on December 22, 2017, the Company has a $282,000 alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) deferred tax asset for which it did not have a valuation allowance as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019.  The Company expects to receive the AMT as a refund in future years.  Most, if not all, of this credit will be refundable starting with the filing of the 2018 (fiscal year ending 2019) through 2021 (fiscal year ending 2022) tax returns, subject to limitations of Internal Revenue Code Section 382 (arises with ownership changes) and the sequestration limitation of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 24.7% for the three months ended November 30, 2019. The effective tax rate was 0% for the three months ended November 30, 2018 due to the valuation allowance the Company maintained on its net deferred tax asset.

The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

The Company maintained a valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset other than AMT credits as of November 30, 2018, as the Company had determined it was more likely than not that the Company would not realize its deferred tax assets as of November 30, 2018. Such assets primarily consisted of operating loss carryforwards. The Company assessed the realizability of its deferred tax asset using all available evidence. In particular, the Company considered both historical results and projections of profitability for the reasonably foreseeable future periods. The Company is required to reassess its conclusions regarding the realization of its deferred tax assets at each financial reporting date. As a result of the evaluation, the Company concluded that all of the valuation allowance was no longer necessary as of August 31, 2019 and released the valuation allowance.

The Company files income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and the State of Colorado. The tax years that remain subject to examination are fiscal year 2015 through fiscal year 2018.

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. At November 30, 2019, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2019 or 2018.

12

Income per Common Share

Income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Common stock options of 224,097 and 223,962 common share equivalents as of the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were included in the calculation of income per common share as dilutive common stock equivalents using the treasury stock method. Common stock options aggregating 50,000 common share equivalents as of the three months ended November 30, 2018, have been excluded from the calculation of income per common share as their effect is anti-dilutive.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The Company continually assesses any new accounting pronouncements to determine their applicability. When it is determined that a new accounting pronouncement affects the Company’s financial reporting, the Company undertakes a study to determine the consequence of the change to its consolidated financial statements and to ensure that there are proper controls in place to ascertain that the Company’s consolidated financial statements properly reflect the change. New pronouncements assessed by the Company recently are discussed below:

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. The new standard supersedes the present GAAP standard on leases and requires substantially all leases to be reported on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease obligations. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted the standard effective September 1, 2019, and recorded a right-of-use asset of approximately $258,900 and a lease obligation liability of approximately $252,300.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Among other things, these amendments require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Companies will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the provisions of the standard and the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220); Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in ASU 2018-02 allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance of the standard. The Company believes the impact of this standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements is immaterial.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-07 is intended to reduce cost and complexity and to improve financial reporting for share-based payments issued to nonemployees. This standard expands the scope of ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which currently only includes share-based payments issued to employees, to include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods and services. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees and employees will be substantially aligned. ASU 2018-07 supersedes ASC Subtopic 505-50, Equity — Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within these fiscal years. The Company believes that the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements is immaterial.

NOTE 2 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or most advantageous market. The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that has three levels of inputs, both observable and unobservable, with use of the lowest possible level of significant input to determine where within the fair value hierarchy the measurement falls.

Level 1 — Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Company had no Level 1 assets or liabilities as of November 30, 2019 or August 31, 2019.

Level 2 — Valuations for assets and liabilities obtained from readily available pricing sources via independent providers for market transactions involving similar assets or liabilities. The Company had zero and one Level 2 assets as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively, which consisted of U.S. Treasury debt securities.

13

Level 3 — Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker-traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities. The Company had one Level 3 liability, the contingent portion of the CAA, as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019. The Company has determined that the contingent portion of the CAA does not have a determinable fair value (see Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease).

The Company maintains policies and procedures to value instruments using what management believes to be the best and most relevant data available.

Level 2 Asset – Investments. The Company’s debt securities are the Company’s only financial asset measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of investment securities is based on the values reported by the financial institutions where the funds are held. Investment securities include U.S. Treasury debt securities.

The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis when assessing recoverability consist entirely of its investments in water and water systems and other long-lived assets. See Note 3 – Water and Land Assets below.

The following table provides information on the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 30, 2019:

               
Fair Value Measurement Using:
       
   
Fair Value
   
Cost /
Other Value
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Accumulated
Unrealized
Gains and
(Losses)
 
U.S. Treasury debt securities
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
 
Total
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
 

The following table provides information on the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2019:

               
Fair Value Measurement Using:
       
   
Fair Value
   
Cost /
Other Value
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Accumulated
Unrealized
Gains and
(Losses)
 
U.S. Treasury debt securities
 
$
4,996,000
   
$
4,992,100
   
$
   
$
4,996,000
   
$
   
$
3,900
 
Total
 
$
4,996,000
   
$
4,992,100
   
$
   
$
4,996,000
   
$
   
$
3,900
 

The Company also held a certificate of deposit that is not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets and is classified as a held-to-maturity security. As of November 30, 2019, the carrying amount of held-to-maturity securities was $0. As of August 31, 2019, the carrying amount of held-to-maturity securities was $192,800 and is recorded as short-term investments in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3 – WATER AND LAND ASSETS

The Company’s water rights and current water and wastewater service agreements are more fully described in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report. There have been no significant changes to the Company’s water rights or water and wastewater service agreements during the three months ended November 30, 2019.

Investment in Water and Water Systems

The Company’s Investments in Water and Water Systems consist of the following costs and accumulated depreciation and depletion at November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019:

14

   
November 30, 2019
   
August 31, 2019
 
   
Costs
   
Accumulated
Depreciation
and Depletion
   
Costs
   
Accumulated
Depreciation
and Depletion
 
Rangeview Water Supply
 
$
14,827,000
   
$
(15,000
)
 
$
14,823,800
   
$
(14,700
)
Sky Ranch water rights and other costs
   
7,452,100
     
(811,500
)
   
7,371,500
     
(757,400
)
Fairgrounds water and water system
   
2,899,800
     
(1,173,000
)
   
2,899,800
     
(1,151,000
)
Rangeview water system
   
5,644,200
     
(425,900
)
   
5,617,800
     
(372,300
)
Water Supply – Other
   
4,761,200
     
(916,400
)
   
4,758,200
     
(860,100
)
Wild Pointe service rights
   
1,631,800
     
(489,800
)
   
1,631,800
     
(489,800
)
Sky Ranch pipeline
   
5,727,200
     
(459,300
)
   
5,723,700
     
(411,600
)
Lost Creek water supply
   
3,342,600
     
     
3,324,000
     
 
Construction in progress
   
9,507,000
     
     
8,176,600
     
 
Totals
   
55,792,900
     
(4,290,900
)
   
54,327,200
     
(4,056,900
)
Net investments in water and water systems
 
$
51,502,000
           
$
50,270,300
         

Capitalized terms in this section not defined herein are defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report.

Construction in progress primarily consists of the Sky Ranch water reclamation facility. The Company anticipates the facility will be placed in service during the second quarter of 2020.
 
Depletion and Depreciation

The Company recorded depletion charges of $300 and $600 during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The depletion was related entirely to the Rangeview Water Supply.

The Company recorded $303,800 and $238,700 of depreciation expense during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These figures include $84,800 and $88,000 of depreciation expense for other equipment not included in the table above in the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
                                                           
NOTE 4 – LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE

The Participating Interests in Export Water Supply is an obligation of the Company that has no scheduled maturity date. Therefore, maturity of this liability is not disclosed in tabular format but is described below.

Participating Interests in Export Water Supply

The Company acquired its Rangeview Water Supply through various amended agreements entered into in the early 1990s. The acquisition was finalized with the signing of the CAA in 1996. Upon entering into the CAA, the Company recorded an initial liability of $11.1 million, which represented the cash that the Company received from the participating interest holders that was used to purchase the Company’s Export Water (described in greater detail in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2018 Annual Report). The Company agreed to remit a total of $31.8 million of proceeds received from the sale of Export Water to the participating interest holders in return for their initial $11.1 million investment. The obligation for the $11.1 million was recorded as debt, and the remaining $20.7 million contingent liability was not reflected on the Company’s balance sheet because the obligation to pay this is contingent on the sale of Export Water, the amounts and timing of which are not reasonably determinable.

The CAA obligation is non-interest bearing, and if the Export Water is not sold, the parties to the CAA have no recourse against the Company. If the Company does not sell the Export Water, the holders of the Series B preferred stock of the Company are also not entitled to payment of any dividend and have no contractual recourse against the Company.

As the proceeds from the sale of Export Water are received and the amounts are remitted to the external CAA holders, the Company allocates a ratable percentage of this payment to the principal portion (the Participating Interests in Export Water Supply liability account), with the balance of the payment being charged to the contingent obligation portion. Because the original recorded liability, which was $11.1 million, was 35% of the original total liability of $31.8 million, approximately 35% of each payment remitted to the CAA holders is allocated to the recorded liability account. The remaining portion of each payment, or approximately 65%, is allocated to the contingent obligation, which is recorded on a net revenue basis.

From time to time, the Company reacquired various portions of the CAA obligations, which retained their original priority, including the Land Board’s CAA interest which was assigned and relinquished to the Company in 2014. The Company did not make any CAA acquisitions during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018.

15

The Company is currently allocated approximately 88% of the total proceeds from the sale of Export Water after payment of the Land Board royalty. As a result of the acquisitions and consideration from cumulative sales of Export Water as detailed in the table below, the remaining potential third-party obligation at November 30, 2019, is approximately $1 million.

   
Export
Water
Proceeds
Received
   
Initial Export
Water
Proceeds to
Pure Cycle
   
Total
Potential
Third-Party
Obligation
   
Participating
Interests
Liability
   
Contingency
 
Original balances
 
$
   
$
218,500
   
$
31,807,700
   
$
11,090,600
   
$
20,717,100
 
Activity from inception until August 31, 2019:
                                       
Acquisitions
   
     
28,042,500
     
(28,042,500
)
   
(9,790,000
)
   
(18,252,500
)
Relinquishment
   
     
2,386,400
     
(2,386,400
)
   
(832,100
)
   
(1,554,300
)
Option payments - Sky Ranch and The Hills at Sky Ranch
   
110,400
     
(42,300
)
   
(68,100
)
   
(23,800
)
   
(44,300
)
Arapahoe County tap fees
   
533,000
     
(373,100
)
   
(159,900
)
   
(55,800
)
   
(104,100
)
Export Water sale payments
   
903,600
     
(740,400
)
   
(163,200
)
   
(56,700
)
   
(106,500
)
Balance at August 31, 2019
   
1,547,000
     
29,491,600
     
987,600
     
332,200
     
655,400
 
Fiscal 2019 activity:
                                       
Export Water sale payments
   
57,300
     
(50,500
)
   
(6,800
)
   
(2,400
)
   
(4,400
)
Balance at November 30, 2019
 
$
1,604,300
   
$
29,441,100
   
$
980,800
   
$
329,800
   
$
651,000
 

The CAA includes contractually established priorities which call for payments to CAA holders in order of their priority. This means that the first payees receive their full payment before the next priority level receives any payment and so on until full repayment. Of the next approximately $6.4 million of Export Water payouts, which based on current payout levels would occur over several years, the Company will receive approximately $5.6 million of revenue. Thereafter, the Company will be entitled to all but approximately $220,000 of the proceeds from the sale of Export Water after deduction of the Land Board royalty.

WISE Partnership

The Company, through the Rangeview District, entered into the Amended and Restated WISE Partnership – Water Delivery Agreement, dated December 31, 2013 (the “WISE Partnership Agreement”), among the City and County of Denver acting through its Board of Water Commissioners (“Denver Water”), the City of Aurora acting by and through its Utility Enterprise (“Aurora Water”), and the South Metro WISE Authority (“SMWA”). The SMWA was formed by the Rangeview District and nine other governmental or quasi-governmental water providers pursuant to the South Metro WISE Authority Formation and Organizational Intergovernmental Agreement, dated December 31, 2013 (the “SM IGA”), to enable the members of SMWA to participate in the regional water supply project known as the Water Infrastructure Supply Efficiency partnership (“WISE”) created by the WISE Partnership Agreement. The SM IGA specifies each member’s pro rata share of WISE and the members’ rights and obligations with respect to WISE. The WISE Partnership Agreement provides for the purchase of certain infrastructure (i.e., pipelines, water storage facilities, water treatment facilities, and other appurtenant facilities) to deliver water to and among the 10 members of the SMWA, Denver Water and Aurora Water.

Pursuant to the terms of the Rangeview/Pure Cycle WISE Project Financing Agreement (the “WISE Financing Agreement”) between the Company and the Rangeview District, the Company has an agreement to fund the Rangeview District’s participation in WISE effective as of December 22, 2014. The Company’s cost of funding the Rangeview District’s purchase of its share of existing infrastructure and future infrastructure for WISE and funding operations and water deliveries related to WISE is projected to be approximately $7 million over the next five years. See further discussion in Note 6 Related Party Transactions.

Lease Commitments

Under Topic 842, operating lease expense is generally recognized evenly over the term of the lease. Effective as of February 2018, the Company entered into an operating lease for approximately 11,393 square feet of office and warehouse space. The lease has a three-year term with payments of $6,600 per month and an option to extend the primary lease term for a two-year period at a rate equal to a 12.5% increase over the primary base payments. The change in the lease costs is not material to the Company’s operations.

The Company did not enter into any new leases in the three months ended November 30, 2019. Rent expense consisted of operating lease expense of $21,300 for the three months ended November 30, 2019. There was no sublease rental income for the three months ended November 30, 2019. We paid $19,800 against Lease obligations — operating leases in the three months ended November 30, 2019.

16

Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. For lease agreements entered into or reassessed after the adoption of Topic 842, the Company combines the lease and non-lease components in determining the lease liabilities and right-of-use (“ROU’) assets.

The Company’s lease agreements generally do not provide an implicit borrowing rate; therefore, an internal incremental borrowing rate is determined based on information available at lease commencement date for purposes of determining the present value of lease payments. The Company used the incremental borrowing rate of 6% on August 31, 2019, for all leases that commenced prior to that date. We also elected the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases. Our election of the hindsight practical expedient resulted in the lengthening of the lease term related to our lease.

ROU lease assets and lease liabilities for the Company’s operating leases were recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:

   
As of November 30, 2019
 
Operating leases - right of use assets
 
$
247,682
 
         
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
64,315
 
Lease obligations - operating leases, net of current portion
   
177,721
 
Total lease liability
 
$
242,036
 
         
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
   
3.2
 
Weighted average discount rate
   
6.0
%

NOTE 5 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Company maintains the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Equity Plan”), which was approved by shareholders in January 2014 and became effective on April 12, 2014. Executives, eligible employees, consultants and non-employee directors are eligible to receive options and stock grants pursuant to the 2014 Equity Plan. Pursuant to the 2014 Equity Plan, options to purchase shares of stock and restricted stock awards can be granted with exercise prices, vesting conditions and other performance criteria determined by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors. The Company has reserved 1.6 million shares of common stock for issuance under the 2014 Equity Plan. The Company began awarding options under the 2014 Equity Plan in January 2015. Prior to the effective date of the 2014 Equity Plan, the Company granted stock awards to eligible participants under its 2004 Incentive Plan (the “2004 Incentive Plan”), which expired on April 11, 2014. No additional awards may be granted pursuant to the 2004 Incentive Plan; however, awards outstanding as of April 11, 2014, will continue to vest and expire and may be exercised in accordance with the terms of the 2004 Incentive Plan.

The following table summarizes the combined stock option activity for the 2004 Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Plan for the three months ended November 30, 2019:

   
Number
of Options
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
   
Approximate
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at August 31, 2019
   
555,500
   
$
6.33
     
6.27
   
$
2,527,590
 
Granted (1)
   
130,000
   
$
10.41
                 
Exercised
   
   
$
                 
Forfeited or expired
   
   
$
                 
Outstanding at November 30, 2019
   
685,500
   
$
7.10
     
6.99
   
$
3,645,825
 
                                 
Options exercisable at November 30, 2019
   
473,000
   
$
5.73
     
5.82
   
$
3,165,212
 

(1)
Includes 50,000 shares granted to Mr. Harding on September 27, 2019 and 80,000 total shares granted to employees on September 25, 2019.

The following table summarizes the combined activity and value of non-vested options under the 2004 Equity Plan and 2014 Incentive Plan as of and for the three months ended November 30, 2019:

   
Number
of Options
   
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Non-vested options outstanding at August 31, 2019
   
152,500
   
$
4.03
 
Granted
   
130,000
     
4.60
 
Vested
   
(70,000
)
   
3.68
 
Forfeited
   
     
 
Non-vested options outstanding at November 30, 2019
   
212,500
   
$
4.20
 

17

All non-vested options are expected to vest.

Stock-based compensation expense was $105,400 and $103,500 for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

At November 30, 2019, the Company had unrecognized compensation expenses totaling $713,500 relating to non-vested options that are expected to vest. The weighted-average period over which these options are expected to vest is approximately two years.

NOTE 6 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Rangeview District is a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of Colorado formed in 1986 for the purpose of providing water and wastewater service to the Lowry Range and other approved areas. The Rangeview District is governed by an elected board of directors. Eligible voters and persons eligible to serve as a director of the Rangeview District must own an interest in property within the boundaries of the Rangeview District. The Company owns certain rights and real property interests which encompass the current boundaries of the Rangeview District. Sky Ranch Metropolitan District Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 5 (collectively, the “Sky Ranch Districts”) and the CAB are quasi-municipal corporations and political subdivisions of Colorado formed for the purpose of providing service to the Company’s Sky Ranch property. The current members of the board of directors of each of the Rangeview District, the Sky Ranch Districts and the CAB consist of three employees of the Company and one independent board member.

The Rangeview District

On December 16, 2009, the Company entered into a Participation Agreement with the Rangeview District, whereby the Company agreed to provide funding to the Rangeview District in connection with the Rangeview District joining the South Metro Water Supply Authority (“SMWSA”). The Company provides funding pursuant to the Participation Agreement annually with $17,400 and $22,200 being provided during fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Through the WISE Financing Agreement, the Company agreed to fund the Rangeview District’s cost of participating in the regional water supply project known as the WISE partnership. The Company anticipates spending approximately $7 million over the next five fiscal years to fund the Rangeview District’s purchase of its share of the water transmission line and additional facilities, water and related assets for WISE and to fund operations and water deliveries related to WISE. To date, the Company has capitalized the funding provided pursuant to the WISE Financing Agreement because the funding has been provided to purchase capacity in the WISE infrastructure. The Company’s total investment in the WISE assets as of November 30, 2019, is approximately $3.5 million.

In 1995, the Company extended a loan to the Rangeview District. The loan provided for borrowings of up to $250,000, is unsecured, and bears interest based on the prevailing prime rate plus 2% (7.50% at November 30, 2019). The maturity date of the loan is December 31, 2020. In January 2014, the Rangeview District and the Company entered into a funding agreement that allows the Company to continue to provide funding to the Rangeview District for day-to-day operations and accrue the funding into a note that bears interest at a rate of 8% per annum and remains in full force and effect for so long as the 2014 Amended and Restated Lease Agreement remains in effect. Of the November 30, 2019 balance in Notes receivable - related parties, $972,500 includes borrowings by the Rangeview District of $553,400 and accrued interest of $419,100.

Sky Ranch Community Authority Board

Pursuant to that certain Community Authority Board Establishment Agreement, as the same may be amended from time to time, Sky Ranch Metropolitan District Nos. 1 and 5 formed the CAB to, among other things, design, construct, finance, operate and maintain certain public improvements for the benefit of the property within the boundaries and/or service area of the Sky Ranch Districts. In order for the public improvements to be constructed and/or acquired, it is necessary for each Sky Ranch District, directly or through the CAB, to be able to fund the improvements and pay its ongoing operations and maintenance expenses related to the provision of services that benefit the property.

On September 18, 2018, the parties entered into a series of agreements, including a Facilities Funding and Acquisition Agreement with an effective date of November 13, 2017 (the “2018 FFAA”), which supersedes and consolidates the previous funding agreements between the Company and the CAB and the Company and Sky Ranch Metropolitan District No. 5 pursuant to which

18


the CAB agreed to repay the amounts owed by Sky Ranch Metropolitan District No. 5 to the Company, and the previous Facilities Funding and Acquisition Agreement entered into between the Company and Sky Ranch Metropolitan District No. 5 in 2014 was terminated;

a Project Funding and Reimbursement Agreement and a June 2018 Funding Acquisition Agreement between the CAB and the Company were terminated;

the CAB acknowledged all amounts owed to the Company under the terminated agreements, as well as amounts the Company incurred to finance the formation of the CAB; and

the Company agreed to fund an agreed upon list of improvements to be constructed by the CAB with an estimated cost of $30,000,000 (including improvements already funded) on an as-needed basis for calendar years 2018–2023.

All amounts owed under the 2018 FFAA bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum. No payment is required of the CAB for advances made to the CAB or expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements unless and until the CAB and/or Sky Ranch Districts issue bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of advances or other expenses incurred. Due to this contingency, interest is accrued to Interest Income with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued. At that point, the allowance will be reversed for the portion of the accrued interest repaid and the accrued interest will be recognized. The CAB agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to issue bonds to reimburse the Company subject to certain limitations. In addition, the CAB agrees to utilize any available moneys not otherwise pledged to payment of debt, used for operation and maintenance expenses, or otherwise encumbered, to reimburse the Company. Any advances not paid or reimbursed by the CAB by December 31, 2058, shall be deemed forever discharged and satisfied in full.

As of November 30, 2019, the balance of the Company’s advances, net of reimbursed costs in November 2019, to the CAB totaled $12.5 million, of which $2.9 million is included in Inventories and $9.6 million was expensed through Land development construction costs of revenues. The advances have been used by the CAB to pay for construction of public improvements. The Company submits specific costs for reimbursement to the CAB.  Based on the specific costs being reimbursed by the CAB, the Company records those costs that have been previously expensed in cost of sales as other income and those costs that remain capitalized as inventory costs as a reduction of the related inventory costs held in Inventories. Any reimbursable costs repaid after all capitalized expenses and lot revenues have been fully recognized will be recorded as other income.

Refer to Note 1 – Presentation of Interim Information - Revenue Recognition - Land Development Activities for a summary of reimbursable costs incurred to date, payments made from the CAB and any outstanding reimbursable amounts.

In September 2018, effective as of November 13, 2017, the Company entered into an Operation Funding Agreement with the CAB obligating the Company to advance funding to the CAB for operation and maintenance expenses for the 2018 and 2019 calendar years. All payments are subject to annual appropriations by the CAB in its absolute discretion.  The advances by the Company accrue interest at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of the advance. $27,400 of the balance of the Notes receivable – related parties at November 30, 2019, includes borrowings by the CAB of $25,500 and accrued interest of $1,900.

NOTE 7 – SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

Water and Wastewater

Pursuant to the Rangeview Water Agreements (defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report) and an Export Service Agreement entered into with the Rangeview District dated June 16, 2017, the Company provides water and wastewater services on the Rangeview District’s behalf to the Rangeview District’s customers. Sales to the Rangeview District accounted for 51% and 5% of the Company’s total water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Rangeview District has one significant customer, the Ridgeview Youth Services Center. The Rangeview District’s significant customer accounted for 38% and 3% of the Company’s total water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Revenues related to the provision of water for the oil and gas industry to one customer accounted for approximately 30% of the Company’s water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2019. Revenues related to the provision of water for the oil and gas industry to two customers represented approximately 52% and 42%, respectively, of the Company’s water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

Land Development

Revenues from three customers represented 100% of the Company’s land development revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2019. The three customers represented 74%, 17% and 9%, respectively, of the Company’s land development revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2019. Revenues from two customers represented 100% of the Company’s land development revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2018. The two customers represented 66% and 34%, respectively, of the Company’s land development revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

19

Accounts Receivable

The Company had accounts receivable from the Rangeview District which accounted for 74% and 40% of the Company’s trade receivables balances at November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively. The Company had accounts receivable from one other customer which accounted for approximately 15% and 57% of its trade receivable balances at November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively. Accounts receivable from the Rangeview District’s largest customer accounted for 6% and 5% of the Company’s water and wastewater trade receivables as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively.

NOTE 8 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES

At November 30, 2019, the Company had accrued liabilities of $3,519,400, of which $64,300 was for current operating lease obligations, $98,100 was for estimated property taxes, $33,500 was for professional fees, and $3,323,500 was for operating payables, of which $2,654,700 is payable to the CAB for the development of Sky Ranch. These costs are also included in Inventories or expensed through Land development construction costs.

At August 31, 2019, the Company had accrued liabilities of $3,428,400, of which $460,500 was for accrued compensation, $94,000 was for estimated property taxes, $70,000 was for professional fees and the remaining $2,803,900 was related to operating payables, of which $1,399,600 is payable to the CAB for the development of Sky Ranch. These costs were also included in Inventories or expensed through Land development construction costs.

NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company has historically been involved in various claims, litigation and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. The Company records an accrual for a material loss contingency when its occurrence is probable and damages can be reasonably estimated based on the anticipated most likely outcome or the minimum amount within a range of possible outcomes. The Company makes such estimates based on information known about the claims and experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar claims. Disclosures are also provided for reasonably possible losses that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company was not involved in litigation or other legal proceedings and had no contingencies where the risk of material loss was reasonably possible as of November 30, 2019, or August 31, 2019.

NOTE 10 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and is reviewed regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (the “CODM”), or decision-making group, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. The Company has identified its CODM as the Chief Executive Officer.

During the year 2018, the Company began construction of lots at Sky Ranch, which the Company has identified as a segment. Currently, the Company operates its wholesale water and wastewater services segment and land development activities at Sky Ranch as its two lines of business.

The wholesale water and wastewater services business includes selling water service to customers, which water is provided by the Company using water rights owned or controlled by the Company, and developing infrastructure to divert, treat and distribute that water and collect, treat and reuse wastewater.

As part of the Company’s land development activities at Sky Ranch, the Company entered into contracts for the sale of lots (see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report). The Company identified land development and lot sales as a separate segment beginning in the fiscal year 2018.

Oil and gas royalties and licenses are a passive activity and not an operating business activity and, therefore, are not classified as a segment.

The following table summarizes wholesale water and wastewater services and land development revenue information by segment:

   
Three Months Ended November 30,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Wholesale water and wastewater services
 
$
1,919,386
   
$
1,691,353
 
Land development activities
   
8,541,643
     
1,381,196
 
Total revenues
 
$
10,461,029
   
$
3,072,549
 

20

The following table summarizes wholesale water and wastewater services and land development pretax income by segment:

   
Three Months Ended November 30,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Wholesale water and wastewater services
 
$
1,396,447
   
$
1,163,073
 
Land development activities
   
6,753,810
     
82,872
 
Depreciation, general and administrative expenses
   
(500,673
)
   
(611,973
)
Total pretax income
 
$
7,649,584
   
$
633,972
 

The following table summarizes total assets for the Company’s wholesale water and wastewater services business and land development business by segment.  The assets consist of water rights and water and wastewater systems in the Company’s wholesale water and wastewater services segment and land, inventories and deposits in the Company’s land development segment. The Company’s other assets (“Corporate”) primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, equipment, mineral rights, related party notes receivables and a deferred tax asset.

   
November 30, 2019
   
August 31, 2019
 
Wholesale water and wastewater services
 
$
52,547,240
   
$
51,588,079
 
Land development activities
   
9,193,174
     
16,866,542
 
Corporate
   
27,189,095
     
15,266,783
 
Total assets
 
$
88,929,509
   
$
83,721,404
 

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES

The Company recorded income tax expense of $1,887,100 and $0 for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The net expense during the three months ended November 30, 2019 consisted of current income tax expense of $1,168,300 and deferred income tax expense of $718,800. The current tax expense consists of income tax primarily from our Gain from reimbursement of construction costs (related party). The deferred tax expense consists of the usage of the Company’s remaining $2.5 million net operating loss carryforwards and payment of deferred compensation in the current period.

The income tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of the annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items. At November 30, 2019 the Company is currently estimating an annual effective tax rate of approximately 25%. Each quarter, the estimate of the annual effective tax rate is updated, and if the estimated effective tax rate changes, a cumulative adjustment is made. There is a potential for volatility of the effective tax rate due to various factors.

The provision for income taxes is recorded at the end of each interim period based on the Company’s best estimate of its effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. The Company’s effective income tax rate was 24.7% for the three months ended November 30, 2019. The company did not record income tax expense for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

No taxes were paid during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of net operating loss carryforwards and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019 are as follows:

   
For the Periods Ended:
 
   
November 30, 2019
   
August 31, 2019
 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
           
Net operating loss carryforwards
 
$
   
$
609,439
 
Accrued compensation
   
     
113,559
 
Deferred revenues
   
134,670
     
149,895
 
Depreciation and depletion
   
(52,976
)
   
(46,408
)
Non-qualified stock options
   
436,614
     
410,633
 
Other
   
46,128
     
46,128
 
Net deferred tax asset
 
$
564,436
   
$
1,283,246
 

21

The Company maintained a valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset other than AMT credit carryforwards as of August 31, 2018. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, the Company has determined it is more likely than not that the Company will realize its deferred tax assets, which consist primarily of net operating loss carryforwards. The Company assessed the realizability of its deferred tax assets using all available evidence; considering both historical results and projections of profitability for the reasonably foreseeable future periods. As a result of the Company’s annual reassessment of its conclusions regarding the realization of its deferred tax assets at each financial reporting date, the Company concluded that its deferred tax assets are realizable, and therefore, the valuation allowance is no longer necessary.

At August 31, 2019, the Company had $2.5 million of net operating loss carryforwards available for income tax purposes. The net operating loss carryforwards expire at various times beginning in 2036 and ending in 2038 for federal income tax purposes and expire at various times beginning in 2035 and ending in 2036 for state income tax purposes. As of November 31, 2019, the Company used the remaining balance of its net operating loss carryforwards.

22

Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

The discussion and analysis below includes certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, as described in “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, that could cause our actual growth, results of operations, performance, financial position and business prospects and opportunities for this fiscal year and periods that follow to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by those forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our disclosure under the heading “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand our results of operations and financial condition and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and the financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019 (the “2019 Annual Report”). This section focuses on the key indicators reviewed by management in evaluating our financial condition and operating performance, including the following:


Revenue generated from providing water and wastewater services;

Revenue from lot sales at Sky Ranch;

Expenses associated with developing our water and land assets; and

Cash available to continue development of our land, water rights and service agreements.

Our MD&A section includes the following items:

Our Businessa general description of our business, our services and our business strategy.

Results of Operations – an analysis of our results of operations for the periods presented in our consolidated financial statements. We present our discussion in the MD&A in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Positionan analysis of our cash position and cash flows, as well as a discussion of our financial obligations.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimatesa discussion of our critical accounting policies that require critical judgments, assumptions and estimates.

Our Business

Pure Cycle Corporation (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a Colorado corporation that operates in two business segments. We develop wholesale water and wastewater systems in the water-short Denver metropolitan area and are developing a Master Planned Community on approximately 930 acres of land located along the Interstate 70 corridor (“I-70”), approximately four miles south of Denver International Airport (“DIA”). The Company has accumulated valuable water and land interests over the past 30 years and has developed an extensive network of wholesale water production, storage, treatment and distribution systems, and wastewater collection and treatment systems which serve domestic, commercial and industrial customers in the Denver metropolitan region. Our land assets are located in one of the most active development areas in the Denver metropolitan region along I-70.

Our operations are focused in two business segments: (i) providing wholesale water and wastewater services, and (ii) land development activities in which we serve as the master plan developer for approximately 930 acres of land known as Sky Ranch. The master plan includes a mix of 3,200 single-family and multifamily residential units and over 2 million square feet of commercial, retail, and industrial space.

Wholesale Water and Wastewater Utilities

Water resources throughout the western United States and more prominently in Colorado are a scarce and valuable resource. Our Company owns or controls a portfolio of approximately 29,200 acre feet of groundwater and surface water supplies, approximately 26,000 acre feet of adjudicated reservoir sites, two wastewater reclamation facilities, water treatment facilities, potable and raw water storage facilities, wells and water production facilities, and nearly 50 miles of water distribution and wastewater collection lines. Our water supplies and wholesale facilities are located in southeast Denver, in Arapahoe County, an area which is limited in both water availability and infrastructure to produce, treat, store, and distribute water and wastewater, which we believe provides us with a unique competitive advantage offering these services.

23

We provide wholesale water and wastewater service to local governments, including the Rangeview Metropolitan District (“Rangeview District”), Arapahoe County, the Sky Ranch Community Authority Board (the “CAB”), and the Elbert & Highway 86 Commercial District (“Wild Pointe”). Our mission is to provide reliable, high quality water to our customers and collect and treat wastewater using advanced water treatment systems that produce high quality reclaimed water that we can reuse for outdoor irrigation and industrial demands. By using and reusing our water supplies, we seek to demonstrate good stewardship over our valuable water rights in the water-scarce Denver, Colorado region. We design, permit, construct, operate and maintain wholesale water and wastewater systems that we own or operate on behalf of governmental entities. We also design, permit, construct, operate and maintain retail distribution and collection systems that we own or operate on behalf of our governmental customers. Additionally, we handle administrative functions, including meter reading, billing and collection of monthly water and wastewater revenues, regulatory water quality monitoring, sampling, testing, and reporting requirements to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Our utility segment generates revenues from three sources: (i) tap fees, which are a one-time charge to home builders or businesses to connect to our water and wastewater systems, (ii) usage charges, which are monthly metered water and wastewater fees, and (iii) construction or special facility fees, which are specifically contracted for when necessary. We estimate that our water portfolio can provide service to approximately 60,000 single family equivalent connections (“SFEs”). Our current water tap fee is $26,675 per SFE, and our wastewater tap fee is $4,659 per SFE. On average, we generate annual revenue of approximately $1,000 per SFE water connection and $500 per SFE wastewater connection. We provide potable water to nearly 497 SFE connections and domestic wastewater services to approximately 240 SFEs.

Industrial Frack Water Deliveries

In addition to our domestic customers, we provide raw water to industrial customers in the oil and gas industry for hydraulic fracturing.  The region has experienced significant oil and gas activity over the past seven years with multiple operators leasing more than 135,000 acres in and adjacent to our service area with more than 100 wells and miles of oil and gas collection lines.

The Company believes that its water resources, land and infrastructure, located in southeastern Denver, are located in one of the most attractive areas of the Denver metropolitan region, because this region well positioned for substantial growth over the next 30 years. Growth in the Denver area has trended east with significant activity occurring along the I-70 corridor, which enjoys excellent transportation infrastructure with I-70, rail access, and DIA. The region has significant employment centers, including DIA, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, an Amazon fulfillment center, the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, and more, creating demand for residential, retail, and commercial development opportunities.

Land Development Activities

We are developing an approximately 930-acre Master Planned Community along the I-70 corridor that is planned to include 3,200 single family and multifamily homes, parks, open spaces, trails, recreational centers, schools, and over 2 million square feet of retail, commercial and light industrial space just four miles south of DIA. Our land development activities include the design, permitting, and construction of all of the horizontal infrastructure, including, storm water, drainage, roads, curb, sidewalks, parks, open space, trails and other infrastructure to deliver “ready to build” finished lots to home builders and commercial customers. We generate revenue from the sale of finished lots to our home builder customers as well as from the construction of public improvements on behalf of local governmental entities that reimburse us for such improvements upon the issuance of municipal bonds to fund such reimbursements.

Our land development activities provide a strategic complement to our water utility segment as a significant component of any master planned community is providing high quality domestic water, irrigation water, and wastewater service to the community. Having control over land and utility development enables us to build infrastructure for water, irrigation, wastewater, distribution, collection, storm water, roads, parks, open spaces and other investments efficiently, and to manage delivery of these investments to match take-down commitments from our home builder customers without significant excess capacity in any of these investments.

In June 2017, we entered into contracts with three separate home builders (Richmond American Homes, Taylor Morrison, and KB Home) pursuant to which we agreed to sell, and the builders agreed to purchase, 506 total single-family, detached residential lots at the Sky Ranch property (the “Builder Contracts”). We are obligated, pursuant to the Builder Contracts, to construct infrastructure and other improvements, such as roads, curbs and gutters, park amenities, sidewalks, street and traffic signs, water and sanitary sewer mains and stubs, storm water management facilities, and lot grading improvements for delivery of finished lots to each builder. Pursuant to the Builder Contracts, we must cause the Rangeview District to install and construct off-site infrastructure improvements (i.e., a wastewater reclamation facility and wholesale water facilities) for the provision of water and wastewater service to the property. In conjunction with approvals from Arapahoe County for the Sky Ranch project, we together with the Rangeview District and/or Sky Ranch Metropolitan District Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 5 (collectively, the “Sky Ranch Districts”) and/or the CAB are obligated to maintain a deposit account with Arapahoe County to ensure completion of the off-site infrastructure improvements. Approximately $1,000,000 remains on deposit. We have substantially completed all of the off-site infrastructure improvements for the initial 506 residential lots. We have financed the obligations of the Rangeview District and the Sky Ranch Districts (through the CAB) as described in Note 6 – Related Party Transactions to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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We estimate that the development of the finished lots for the first phase (506 lots) of Sky Ranch will require total capital of approximately $36 million, which includes estimated reimbursable costs of approximately $29 million that will be reimbursable to us by the CAB from the anticipated sale of the municipal bonds. Lot sales to home builders will generate approximately $37 million in revenues, providing a margin on lots of approximately $1 million prior to receipt of reimbursable costs, as discussed above. The Company and the CAB have agreed that no payment is required by the CAB with respect to reimbursable costs unless and until the CAB and/or the Sky Ranch Districts issue municipal bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse us for all or a portion of advances provided or expenses incurred for reimbursables. Due to this contingency, reimbursable costs are currently included in Inventories and subsequently expensed through Land development construction costs until the point in time when bonds are issued and the CAB reimburses us for the public improvements. We submit specific costs for reimbursement to the CAB.  Based on the specific costs being reimbursed by the CAB, we record those costs that have been previously expensed in cost of sales as other income and those costs that remain capitalized as inventory costs as a reduction of the related inventory costs held in Inventories. Any reimbursable costs repaid after all capitalized expenses and lot revenues have been fully recognized will be recorded as other income. The costs of developing lots and revenues from the sales of finished lots are expected to be incurred over several quarters, and the timing of cash flows will include certain milestone deliveries, including, but not limited to, completion of governmental approvals, installation of improvements, and completion of lot deliveries.

Results of Operations

Executive Summary

The results of our operations for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

Table 1 - Summary of Results of Operations

   
Three Months Ended November 30,
             
   
2019
   
2018
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Millions of gallons of water delivered
   
16.0
     
114.5
     
(98.5
)
   
(86
)%
Oil and gas water usage revenues
 
$
37,300
   
$
1,285,000
   
$
(1,247,700
)
   
(97
)%
Municipal water usage revenues
   
103,400
     
82,900
     
20,500
     
25
%
Total metered water usage revenues
 
$
140,700
   
$
1,367,900
   
$
(1,227,200
)
   
(90
)%
Operating costs to deliver water (excluding depreciation and depletion)
 
$
253,800
   
$
335,200
   
$
(81,400
)
   
(24
)%
Water delivery gross margin %
   
(80
)%
   
75
%
               
                                 
Wastewater treatment revenues
 
$
20,500
   
$
8,900
   
$
11,600
     
130
%
Operating costs to treat wastewater
 
$
26,100
   
$
2,700
   
$
23,400
     
867
%
Wastewater treatment gross margin %
   
(27
)%
   
70
%
               
                                 
Lot sales revenue
 
$
8,541,600
   
$
1,381,200
   
$
7,160,400
     
518
%
Land development construction costs incurred
 
$
8,063,300
   
$
1,298,300
   
$
6,765,000
     
521
%
Lot sales gross margin %
   
6
%
   
6
%
               
Other income
 
$
86,000
   
$
59,800
   
$
26,200
     
44
%
Other income costs incurred
 
$
23,900
   
$
39,100
   
$
(15,200
)
   
(39
)%
Other income gross margin %
   
72
%
   
35
%
               
                                 
Tap and Special Facility revenues
 
$
1,672,100
   
$
254,800
   
$
1,417,300
     
556
%
                                 
General and administrative expenses
 
$
801,400
   
$
638,800
   
$
162,600
     
25
%
Net income
 
$
5,762,500
   
$
634,000
   
$
5,128,500
     
809
%

Changes in Revenues

Metered Water Usage Revenues – Our water service charges, which are used to defray the costs to operate and maintain the systems, include a fixed monthly fee and a fee based on actual amounts of metered water delivered, which is based on a tiered pricing structure that provides for higher prices as customers use greater amounts of water. We typically negotiate the terms of our rates and charges with our wholesale customers as a component of our service agreements prior to commencement of service. Our rates and charges for service on the Lowry Range are based on the average rates and charges of three surrounding water providers.

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Water deliveries decreased 86% and water revenues decreased 90% during the three months ended November 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2018. The decreases in water deliveries and revenues are the result of a decrease in demand from our industrial customers for water for hydraulic fracturing. The demand decreased in part due to changes to the oil and gas regulatory environment in the state of Colorado and primarily due to the decision of our largest customer of industrial water to shut down operations in the later months of calendar 2019. As a result of the difference in metered rates for fracking water compared to rates for tap customers, revenues received for fracking water have a greater margin. Increases and decreases in water deliveries charged at different rates will result in disproportionate increases and decreases in revenues and margins. The following tables detail the sources of our sales, the number of kgal (1,000 gallons) sold, and the average price per kgal for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Table 2 - Water Revenue Summary

   
Three Months Ended November 30,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Customer Type
 
Sales
   
kgal
   
Average
price per
kgal
   
Sales
   
kgal
   
Average
price per
kgal
 
On Site
 
$
40,800
     
5,460.1
   
$
7.47
   
$
64,700
     
6,988.1
   
$
9.26
 
Export – Commercial
   
14,200
     
1,644.2
     
8.64
     
15,500
     
1,830.7
     
8.47
 
Sky Ranch
   
8,900
     
372.6
     
23.89
     
     
     
 
Wild Pointe
   
39,400
     
7,776.0
     
5.07
     
2,600
     
7,581.8
     
0.34
 
Fracking
   
37,400
     
748.4
     
49.97
     
1,285,100
     
98,129.3
     
13.10
 
   
$
140,700
     
16,001.3
   
$
8.79
   
$
1,367,900
     
114,529.9
   
$
11.94
 

The gross margin on delivering water decreased to (80%) during the three months ended November 30, 2019, compared to a gross margin of 72% during the three months ended November 30, 2018. The change in our gross margin was due to a decline in industrial water sold in the period for fracking.

Wastewater Treatment Revenues – Our wastewater customer is charged based on the estimated amount of wastewater treated. Wastewater treatment revenues increased 130% during the three months ended November 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2018. The increase for the three months ended November 30, 2019, was due to increased wastewater treatment revenues from the development at Sky Ranch. The wastewater gross margin decreased to (27%) compared to 70% during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, due to an increase in staff required to maintain the water reclamation facility at Sky Ranch development.

Tap and Special Facility/Construction Revenues – We have various water and wastewater service agreements, a component of which may include tap fee and “Special Facility” (as defined under “Critical Accounting Policies – Revenue Recognition – Wholesale Water and Wastewater Fees” below) or construction fee revenues. For the three months ended November 30, 2019, we sold 58 water and wastewater taps, recognizing revenues of $1,672,100. We sold eight water taps during the three months ended November 30, 2018, recognizing revenues of $254,800. The increase in the sale of water and wastewater taps in the three months ended November 30, 2019, was due to the increase in sales of homes by our home builder customers at Sky Ranch. The water and wastewater taps sold in the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, were sold to the builders at Sky Ranch and were exempt from royalty payments to the Land Board.

We did not recognize Special Facility fees for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018.

Other Income – Other income of $86,000 and $59,800 for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, consisted principally of consulting fees. Consulting fees fluctuate from one period to the next based on our customers’ needs. The Company is reducing its consulting services in order to focus its resources on the water systems at Sky Ranch. The Company expects consulting fees to be minimal in future periods.

Land Development Revenues  We broke ground on our first phase of Sky Ranch in March of 2018 and through the three months ended November 30, 2019, we completed and sold to our home builder customers 371 finished lots, receiving total payments of $23.7 million. We sold 116 and 0 finished lots in the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and recognized revenues of $8.5 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Additionally, we have completed improvements (including over lot grading, water, sewer, storm water), off-site improvements (including drainage), and our entry roadway (Monahan Road), for the remaining 135 lots, and carry those investments, totaling $3.9 million in Inventories in our financial statements. We are working with each of our home builder customers to deliver the remaining finished lots in advance of their original contract delivery deadlines by the end of fiscal year 2020.

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As we make advances to the CAB for expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements, all amounts owed under the 2018 FFAA (as defined in Note 6 – Related Party Transactions)  bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum. No payment is required of the CAB for advances made to the CAB or expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements unless and until the CAB and/or Sky Ranch Districts issue bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of advances or other expenses incurred. Due to this contingency, interest is accrued to Interest Income with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued. At that point, the allowance will be reversed for the portion of the accrued interest repaid and the accrued interest will be recognized. We have accrued approximately $1.0 million to Interest Income as of November 30, 2019.

We act as the project manager and provide any and all services required to deliver eligible improvements for the CAB. The project management fee is five percent (5%) of actual construction costs of CAB-eligible improvements. The Company and the CAB have agreed that no payment is required by the CAB with respect to project management fees unless and until the CAB and/or the Sky Ranch Districts issue municipal bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse us for all or a portion of advances provided or expenses incurred for reimbursables. Due to this contingency, the project management fees are being accrued to revenue, with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued and the CAB reimburses us for the public improvements. At that point, the portion of the project management fees repaid will be recorded as a note receivable and will be recognized as revenue. We have accrued approximately $869,900 million in project management services as of November 30, 2019.

General and Administrative Expenses

Significant general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were:

Table 3 - Significant G&A Expenses

   
Three Months Ended November 30,
       
   
2019
   
2018
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Salary and salary-related expenses:
                       
Including share-based compensation
 
$
411,600
   
$
335,800
   
$
75,800
     
23
%
Excluding share-based compensation
 
$
306,300
   
$
232,400
   
$
73,900
     
32
%
Professional fees
 
$
144,800
   
$
100,100
   
$
44,700
     
45
%
Fees paid to directors (including insurance)
 
$
49,000
   
$
59,300
   
$
(10,300
)
   
(17
)%
Public entity related expenses
 
$
27,800
   
$
26,800
   
$
1,000
     
4
%

Salary and salary-related expenses – Salary and salary-related expenses including share-based compensation expense increased 23% for the three months ended November 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of Company employees by eight. The salary and salary-related expenses noted above include $105,400 and $103,500 of share-based compensation expenses during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Professional fees (predominately accounting and legal) – Legal and accounting fees increased 45% during the three months ended November 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2018. The increase for the three months ended November 30, 2019 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2018 is due to higher legal fees of approximately $39,700 related to the review of the CAB’s bond sale documents and land development agreements and higher accounting fees of $5,000.

Fees paid to directors (including insurance)  Directors’ fees, including D&O insurance, decreased 17% for the three months ended November 30, 2019 as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2018. The decrease is primarily due to the timing and quantity of board meetings.

Public entity expenses Costs associated with corporate governance and costs associated with being a publicly traded entity increased 4% for the three months ended November 30, 2019 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2018. The fluctuations are due to the timing and number of filings and compliance costs for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Other Income and Expense Items

Table 4 - Other Items

   
Three Months Ended November 30,
       
   
2019
   
2018
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Other income items:
                       
Income from reimbursement of construction costs (related party)
 
$
6,275,500
   
$
   
$
6,275,500
     
 
Oil and gas lease income, net
 
$
61,700
   
$
13,900
   
$
47,800
     
344
%
Oil and gas royalty income, net
 
$
269,500
   
$
31,400
   
$
238,100
     
758
%
Interest income
 
$
54,200
   
$
71,200
   
$
(17,000
)
   
(24
)%

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Income from reimbursement of construction costs (related party) – On November 19, 2019, the CAB sold tax-exempt, fixed rate senior bonds in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11,435,000 and tax-exempt, fixed-rate subordinate bonds in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,765,000 (collectively, the “Bonds”). Upon the sale of the Bonds approximately $10.5 million of the net proceeds from the Bonds were used to partially reimburse us for advances we made to the CAB pursuant to the 2018 FFAA to fund the construction of public improvements to the Sky Ranch property. Approximately $2.7 million of the bond proceeds were retained by the CAB in cash in order to repay debt service through 2021, when the CAB expects to generate enough revenue through mill levies to repay bond holders.

We applied approximately $4.2 million of the net proceeds to partially reduce the remaining capitalized expenses in Inventories and the excess of the capitalized public improvement expenses of approximately $6.3 million was recognized as Income from reimbursement of construction costs (related party) in other income. As a result of the reimbursed costs, the margin from land development revenues is expected to increase to approximately 27%.

Oil and gas lease income – Of the $61,700 of oil and gas lease payments recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2019 $13,900 represents the deferred recognition of the up-front payment of $167,200 that we received in September 2017 in connection with entering into a Paid-Up Oil and Gas Lease with Bison Oil and Gas, LLP (the “Bison Lease”), which payment is being recognized in income over the three year term of the Bison Lease and $47,800 represents the deferred recognition of the up-front payment of $573,700 that we received in July 2019 for an Agreement on Locations of Oil and Gas Operation (the “OGOA”) giving the operator of the Sky Ranch O&G Lease (defined below) a right to access 16 acres for an oil and gas pad site for three years through July 2022. The $13,900 of oil and gas lease income recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2018, related to the up-front payment received pursuant to the Bison Lease.

Oil and gas royalty income – In 2011, we entered into a Paid-Up Oil and Gas Lease, which was subsequently purchased by a wholly-owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Company, for the purpose of exploring for, developing, producing and marketing oil and gas on 634 acres of mineral estate we own at our Sky Ranch property (the “Sky Ranch O&G Lease”). The Sky Ranch O&G Lease is held by production through two wells drilled in our mineral estate. The oil and gas royalty income represents amounts received pursuant to the Sky Ranch O&G Lease as royalties from oil and gas production from wells in our mineral estate at Sky Ranch. The royalties for the three months ended November 30, 2019, were $269,500, as compared to $31,400 for the same period in 2018. The increase in oil and gas royalties is a result of the addition of four wells during the current period resulting in higher production of oil and gas from wells in our mineral estate at Sky Ranch.

Interest Income – Interest income represents interest earned on the temporary investment of capital in cash and cash equivalents, investments, finance charges, and interest accrued on the notes receivable from the Rangeview District and the Sky Ranch Districts. The decrease was primarily attributable to interest rates on investments and timing of the maturity of the investments.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position

At November 30, 2019, our working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, was $20.4 million, which included $22.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with a maturity of less than 90 days. We believe that as of November 30, 2019, and as of the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have sufficient working capital to fund our operations for the next 12 months.

Sky Ranch Development

In the spring of fiscal year 2018, we began construction of off-site improvements at Sky Ranch, including drainage improvements, access roads and other improvements. We seek to manage our capital investments in the construction of finished lots for our home builder customers to match purchases required by each Builder Contract, for example, by authorizing specific contracts in phases. By way of further example, we have invested approximately $29.3 million into constructing the first 371 finished lots at Sky Ranch. We have received approximately $23.7 million from the sale of the finished lots. In addition, on November 19, 2019, the CAB sold the Bonds and used approximately $10.5 million of the net proceeds to partially reimburse us for advances we made to the CAB pursuant to the 2018 FFAA to fund the construction of public improvements to the Sky Ranch property. As of November 30, 2019, we have advanced the CAB approximately $13.5 million (including interest) that has not been reimbursed but that we expect will be reimbursable by the CAB. We anticipate funding our working capital needs from cash receipts from the sale of lots and water and wastewater taps as well as the bond proceeds in fiscal 2020.

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ECCV Capacity Operating System

Pursuant to a 1982 contractual right, the Rangeview District may purchase water produced from East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District’s (“ECCV”) Land Board system. ECCV’s Land Board system is comprised of eight wells and more than 10 miles of buried water pipeline located on the Lowry Range. In May 2012, we entered into an agreement to operate and maintain the ECCV facilities, allowing us to utilize the system to provide water to commercial and industrial customers, including customers providing water for drilling and hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells. Our costs associated with the use of the ECCV system are a flat fee of $8,000 per month from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2020, and will decrease to $3,000 per month from January 1, 2021 through April 2032. Additionally, we pay a fee per 1,000 gallons of water produced from the ECCV’s system, which is included in the water usage fees charged to customers. In addition, the ECCV system cost us $9,600 and $8,200 per month to maintain in 2019 and 2018, respectively, and is anticipated to continue to cost us approximately $10,000 per month to maintain.

South Metropolitan Water Supply Authority (“SMWSA”) and the Water Infrastructure Supply Efficiency Partnership (“WISE”)

SMWSA is a municipal water authority in the State of Colorado organized to pursue the acquisition and development of new water supplies on behalf of its members, including the Rangeview District. Pursuant to certain agreements with the Rangeview District, we agreed to provide funding to the Rangeview District in connection with its membership in the SMWSA. In July 2013, the Rangeview District, together with nine other SMWSA members, formed an entity to enable its members to participle in a cooperative water project known as WISE and entered into an agreement that specifies each member’s pro rata share of WISE and the members’ rights and obligations with respect to WISE. On December 31, 2013, the South Metro WISE Authority (“SMWA”), the City and County of Denver acting through its Board of Water Commissioners (“Denver Water”) and the City of Aurora acting by and through its Utility Enterprise (“Aurora Water”) entered into the Amended and Restated WISE Partnership – Water Delivery Agreement (the “WISE Partnership Agreement”), which provides for the purchase of certain infrastructure (pipelines, water storage facilities, water treatment facilities, and other appurtenant facilities) to deliver water to and among Rangeview District and the other nine members of the SMWA, Denver Water and Aurora Water. We have entered into a financing agreement that obligates us to fund the Rangeview District’s cost of participating in WISE. We anticipate that we will be investing approximately $3.0 million in 2020 and $4 million in total for the fiscal years 2021 through 2024 to fund the Rangeview District’s obligation to purchase infrastructure for WISE, its obligations related to SMWSA, and the construction of a connection to the WISE system. In exchange for funding the Rangeview District’s obligations in WISE, we will have the sole right to use and reuse the Rangeview District’s 7% share of the WISE water and infrastructure to provide water service to the Rangeview District’s customers and to receive the revenue from such service. Our current WISE subscription entitles us to approximately three million gallons per day of transmission pipeline capacity and 500 acre feet per year of water.

Summary Cash Flows Table

Table 5 - Summary Cash Flows Table

   
Three Months Ended November 30,
       
   
2019
   
2018
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Cash (used in) provided by:
                       
Operating activities
 
$
14,722,000
   
$
(5,729,000
)
 
$
20,451,000
     
357
%
Investing activities
 
$
2,874,800
   
$
(4,795,400
)
 
$
7,670,200
     
160
%
Financing activities
 
$
(2,400
)
 
$
74,500
   
$
(76,900
)
   
(103
)%

Changes in Operating Activities – Operating activities include revenues we receive from the sale of wholesale water, wastewater services and lot sales and costs incurred in the delivery of those services, G&A expenses, and depletion/depreciation expenses.

Cash provided by operations in the three months ended November 30, 2019, increased by approximately $20.5 million compared to the three months ended November 30, 2018, which is primarily due to the partial reimbursement of capitalized costs of $10.5 million recorded in Inventories to develop lots at Sky Ranch, the collection of trade account receivables and contract assets of $1.7 million, an increase of taxes payable and deferred taxes of $1.9 million, coupled with an increase of net income of $5.7 million offset by the recognition of deferred revenues net of advance payments for industrial water of $1.7 million and payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $0.8 million.

29

Changes in Investing ActivitiesCash provided by investing activities of $2.9 million during the three months ended November 30, 2019, consisted of the maturity of debt securities and investments of $5.2 million offset by the investment in our water system of $2.3 million and the purchase of equipment of $37,100. Cash used in investing activities of $4.8 million in the three months ended November 30, 2018 consisted of the purchase of short-term investments of $6.0 million, the investment in our water system of $2.5 million, the purchase of equipment of $42,900 offset by the cash provided from the maturity of debt securities of $3.7 million.

Changes in Financing ActivitiesCash used in financing activities during the three months ended November 30, 2019 of $2,400, related to a payment to contingent liability holders. Cash provided in financing activities of $74,500 during the three months ended November 30, 2018 consisted of a receipt of $78,300 for the exercise of stock options and a payment to contingent liability holders of $3,700.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our off-balance sheet arrangements consist entirely of the contingent portion of the CAA as described in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease – Participating Interests in Export Water Supply to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The contingent liability is not reflected on our balance sheet because the obligation to pay the CAA is contingent on sales of Export Water, the amounts and timing of which are not reasonably determinable.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements include estimates associated with the timing of revenue recognition, the impairment of water assets and other long-lived assets, fair value estimates and share-based compensation. Below is a summary of these critical accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition

We generate revenues through two lines of business. Revenues are derived through our wholesale water and wastewater business and through the sale of developed land primarily for residential lots, both of which businesses are described below.

Wholesale Water and Wastewater Fees

We generate revenues through our wholesale water and wastewater business predominantly from three sources: (i) monthly wholesale water usage fees and wastewater service fees, (ii) one-time water and wastewater tap fees and construction fees/Special Facility funding, and (iii) consulting fees. Because these items are separately delivered and distinct, we account for each of the items separately, as described below.


(i)
Monthly water usage and wastewater treatment fees  Monthly wholesale water usage charges are assessed to our customers based on actual metered usage each month plus a base monthly service fee assessed per SFE unit served. One SFE is a customer, whether residential, commercial or industrial, that imparts a demand on the Company’s water or wastewater systems similar to the demand of a family of four persons living in a single-family house on a standard-sized lot. Water usage pricing uses a tiered pricing structure. We recognize wholesale water usage revenues upon delivering water to our customers or our governmental customers’ end-use customers, as applicable. Revenues recognized by us from the sale of Export Water and other portions of our Rangeview Water Supply off the Lowry Range are shown gross of royalties to the Land Board. Revenues recognized by us from the sale of water on the Lowry Range are shown net of royalties paid to the Land Board and amounts retained by the Rangeview District. For water sales on the Lowry Range, the Rangeview District is directly selling the water and deemed the primary distributor of the water. The Rangeview District sets the price for the water sales on the Lowry Range.

In addition to providing domestic water, we provide raw water to industrial customers in the oil and gas industry located in our service areas and adjacent to our service areas for hydraulic fracturing. Frack water deliveries are recognized at a point in time upon delivering water to a customer.

We recognize wastewater treatment revenue monthly based on a flat monthly fee and actual usage charges. The monthly wastewater treatment fees are shown net of amounts retained by the Rangeview District.

30


(ii)
Water and wastewater tap fees/Special Facility funding – A tap fee constitutes a right to connect to our wholesale water and wastewater systems through a service line to a residential or commercial building or property, and once granted, the customer may make a physical tap into the wholesale line(s) to connect its property for water and/or wastewater service. Once connected to the water and/or wastewater systems, the customer has live service to receive metered water deliveries from our system and send wastewater into our system. We recognize water and wastewater tap fees as revenue at the time we grant a right for the customer to tap into the water or wastewater service line to obtain service.

We recognize construction fees, including fees received to construct “Special Facilities,” over time as the construction is completed.


(iii)
Consulting fees – Consulting fees are fees we receive, typically on a monthly basis, from municipalities and area water providers, for contract operations services. Consulting fees are recognized monthly over time as the services are consumed based on a flat monthly fee plus charges for additional work performed.

Land Development Activities

We generate revenues through the sale of finished lots at our Sky Ranch development primarily from several sources of revenues (i) the sale of finished lots, (ii) construction support activities, (iii) project management services, and (iv) reimbursable expenses incurred to develop certain public improvements.


(i)
Sale of finished lots – We acquired approximately 930 acres of land zoned as a Master Planned Community known as Sky Ranch along the I-70 corridor east of Denver, Colorado. We have entered into purchase and sale agreements with three separate home builders pursuant to which we agreed to sell, and each builder agreed to purchase, residential lots at the property. We began construction of lots on March 1, 2018 and segment our reporting of the activity relating to the costs and revenues from the construction and sale of lots at Sky Ranch.

We sell lots at Sky Ranch pursuant to distinct agreements with each builder. These agreements follow one of two formats. One format is the sale of a finished lot, whereby the purchaser pays for a ready-to-build finished lot and payment is a lump-sum payment upon completion of the finished lot that is permit ready. We will recognize revenues at the point in time of the closing of the sale of a finished lot in which control transfers to the builder as the transaction cycle will be complete, and we will have no further obligations for the lot.

Our second format is the sale of finished lots pursuant to a development agreement with builders, whereby we receive payments in stages that include (i) payment upon the delivery of platted lots (which requires us to deliver deeded title to individual lots), (ii) a second payment upon the completion of certain infrastructure milestones, and (iii) final payment upon the delivery of the finished lot. Ownership and control of the platted lots pass to the builders once we close the sale of the platted lots. Because the builder (i.e., the customer) takes control of the lot at the first closing and subsequent improvements made by us improve the builder’s lot as construction progresses, we account for revenue over time with progress measured based upon costs incurred to date compared to total expected costs. Any revenue in excess of amounts entitled to be billed is reflected on the balance sheet as a contract asset, and amounts received in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue. We do not have any material significant payment terms as all payments are expected to be received within 12 months after the delivery of the platted lot. We adopted the practical expedient for financing components and do not need to account for a financing component of these lot sales as the delivery of lot sales is expected to occur within one year.


(ii)
Construction support activities – We perform certain construction activities at Sky Ranch. The activities performed include construction and maintenance of the grading, erosion and sediment control best management practices and other construction-related services. These activities are invoiced upon completion and are included in Inventories and subsequently expensed through Land development construction costs until bonds are issued by the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB and the CAB reimburses the Company for public improvements. Refer to section (iv) Reimbursable Costs for Public Improvements for details on repayment of reimbursable costs.


(iii)
Project management services – We entered into two Service Agreements for Project Management Services with the CAB on May 2, 2018. Pursuant to these agreements, we act as the project manager and provide any and all services required to deliver the CAB-eligible improvements, including but not limited to CAB compliance, planning design and approvals, project administration, contractor agreements, and construction management and administration. We submit a monthly invoice to the CAB. We are responsible for all expenses we incur in the performance of the agreements and are not entitled to any reimbursement or compensation except as defined in the agreements, unless otherwise approved in advance by the CAB in writing. The CAB is subject to annual budget and appropriation procedures and does not intend to create a multiple-fiscal year direct or indirect debt or other financial obligation. The project management fee is five percent (5%) of actual construction costs of CAB-eligible improvements. The project management fee is based only on the actual costs of the improvements; thus, items such as fees, permits, review fees, consultant or other soft costs, and land acquisition or any other costs that are not directly related to the cost of construction of CAB-eligible improvements are not included in the calculation of the project management fee. Soft costs and other costs that are not directly related to the construction of CAB-eligible improvements are included in Inventories and accounted for in the same manner as construction support activities as described above. We and the CAB have agreed that no payment is required by the CAB with respect to project management fees unless and until the CAB and/or the Sky Ranch Districts issue municipal bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse us for all or a portion of advances provided or expenses incurred for reimbursables. Due to this contingency, the project management fees are being accrued to revenue with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued by the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB and the CAB reimburses us for the public improvements. At that point, the portion of the project management fees repaid will be recorded as a note receivable and will be recognized as revenue.

31


(iv)
Reimbursable expenses – The CAB is required to construct certain public improvements, such as water distribution systems, sewer collection systems, storm water systems, drainage improvements, roads, curb, sidewalks, landscaping, and parks, the costs of which may qualify as reimbursable costs. We are obligated to finance this infrastructure pursuant to our agreements with the CAB (see Note 6 in Related Parties Transactions to the accompanying consolidated financial statements). We and the CAB have agreed that no payment is required with respect to advances made by us or expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements unless and until the CAB and/or the Sky Ranch Districts issue bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse us for all or a portion of the advances made and expenses incurred. Due to this contingency, the reimbursable costs for the construction of public improvements, including reimbursable costs for construction support activities, are included in Inventories and subsequently expensed through Land development construction costs until the point in time when the CAB reimburses us for such public improvements. We submit specific costs for reimbursement to the CAB. Based on the specific costs being reimbursed by the CAB, we record those costs that have been previously expensed in cost of sales as other income and those costs that remain capitalized as inventory costs as a reduction of the related inventory costs held in Inventories. Any reimbursable costs repaid after all capitalized expenses and lot revenues have been fully recognized will be recorded as other income.

Leases

Revenues received pursuant to the Bison Lease and the OGOA consisting of up-front payments are recognized as other income on a straight-line basis over the initial term or extension of term, as applicable, of the leases.

Impairment of Water Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever management believes events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows we expect to be generated by the eventual use of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired and, therefore, the costs of the assets deemed to be unrecoverable, the impairment to be recognized would be the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.

Our water assets will be utilized in the provision of water services that inevitably will encompass many housing and economic cycles. Our water supplies are legally decreed to us through the water court. The water court decree allocates a specific amount of water (subject to continued beneficial use), which historically has not changed. Thus, individual housing and economic cycles typically do not have an impact on the number of connections we can serve with our supplies or the amount of water legally decreed to us relating to these supplies.

Our Water Rights – We determine the undiscounted cash flows for our Denver-based assets by estimating tap sales to potential new developments in our service area and along the Front Range, using estimated future tap fees less estimated costs to provide water services, over an estimated development period. Actual new home development in our service area and the Front Range, actual future tap fees, and actual future operating costs inevitably will vary significantly from our estimates, which could have a material impact on our financial statements as well as our results of operations. We performed an impairment analysis as of August 31, 2019, and determined that there were no material changes and that our Denver-based assets are not impaired and their costs are deemed recoverable. Our impairment analysis is based on development occurring within areas in which we have service agreements (e.g., Sky Ranch and the Lowry Range) as well as in surrounding areas, including the Front Range and the I-70 corridor. Our combined Rangeview Water Supply and Sky Ranch water assets have a carrying value of $49.2 million as of August 31, 2019 . Based on the carrying value of our water rights, the long-term and uncertain nature of any development plans, current tap fees of $26,675 and estimated gross margins, we estimate that we would need to add 1,850 new water connections (requiring 7% of our portfolio) to generate net revenues sufficient to recover the costs of our Rangeview Water Supply and Sky Ranch water assets. If tap fees increase 5%, we would need to add 1,750 new water taps (requiring 7% of our portfolio) to recover the costs of our Rangeview Water Supply and Sky Ranch water assets. If tap fees decrease 5%, we would need to add 1,940 new water taps (requiring 7% of our portfolio) to recover the costs of our Rangeview Water Supply and Sky Ranch water assets.

Although the timing of actual new home development throughout the Front Range will impact our estimated tap sale projections, it will not alter our water ownership, our service obligations to existing properties or the number of SFEs we can service.

32

Our Land Development Assets – We determine the undiscounted cash flows from lot sales, defined under our Builder Contracts, using the costs incurred to date and estimated costs to build the remaining infrastructure for delivery of finished lots over an estimated development period. Our impairment analysis is based on comparing the lot sale price under our Builder Contracts, together with qualified reimbursables, with the cost to deliver the finished lots. Our Sky Ranch land assets under development, shown as Inventories on our balance sheet, have a carrying value of $11.6 million as of August 31, 2019. Based on the carrying value of our land inventories and the estimated costs to complete finished lots, compared to revenue generated from lot sales and reimbursables, we estimate that we generate net revenues sufficient to recover the costs of our land development activities. If our costs increase 5% and our lot sale revenues remain the same pursuant to our agreements, we estimate that our recoverable reimbursable costs would increase 2.5% and that we would generate net revenues sufficient to recover the costs of our land development activities.

Share-Based Compensation

We estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards made to key employees and directors on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We then expense the fair value over the vesting period of the grant using a straight-line expense model. The fair value of share-based payments requires management to estimate or calculate various inputs such as the volatility of the underlying stock, the expected dividend rate, the estimated forfeiture rate and an estimated life of each option. We do not expect any forfeiture of option grants; therefore, the compensation expense has not been reduced for estimated forfeitures. These assumptions are based on historical trends and estimated future actions of option holders and may not be indicative of actual events, which may have a material impact on our financial statements. For further details on share-based compensation expense, see Note 5 – Shareholders’ Equity to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 – Presentation of Interim Information to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for recently adopted and issued accounting pronouncements.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements that are not historical facts contained in or incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from projected results. The words “anticipate,” “goal,” “seek,” “project,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend” and similar expressions and references to future periods, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations will be realized. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding:


the reimbursements of certain costs by the CAB and the estimated amount of such reimbursable costs;

material changes to unrecognized tax positions;

the impact of new accounting pronouncements;

the policies and procedures to value certain financial instruments;

estimated revenues under the CAA;

the timing and impact on our financial statements of new home construction and other development in the areas where we may sell our water;

utilization of our water assets;

growth in our targeted service area;

anticipated AMT refund in future years;

projected capital spending and projected gross proceeds and margin on lot sales for the first phase of Sky Ranch;

timing of delivery of finished lots at Sky Ranch;

expected payments to be received from builders;

sufficiency of our working capital to fund our operations for the next 12 months;

our ability to fund improvements needed to deliver finished lots to home builders at Sky Ranch by phasing construction and delivery of lots and utilizing progress payments from builders;

consistency of director compensation;

costs associated with the use of the ECCV system;

infrastructure to be constructed over the next several years, including the expected costs thereof;

timing and availability of water from, and projected costs related to, WISE;

33


estimates associated with revenue recognition, asset impairments, and cash flows from our water and land assets;

variance in our estimates of future tap fees and future operating costs;

estimated number of SFE connections that can be served by our water systems;

number of new water connections necessary to recover costs;

expected vesting and forfeitures of stock options;

objectives of our investment activities;

timing of the recognition of income related to the Bison Lease and the OGOA;

the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and our internal control over financial reporting; and

our plans to remediate material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.

Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation:


the timing of new home construction and other development in the areas where we may sell our water, which in turn may be impacted by credit availability;

population growth;

changes in employment levels, job and personal income growth and household debt-to-income levels;

changes in consumer confidence generally and confidence of potential homebuyers in particular;

the ability of existing homeowners to sell their existing homes at prices that are acceptable to them;

changes in the supply of available new or existing homes and other housing alternatives, such as apartments and other residential rental property;

timing of oil and gas development in the areas where we sell our water;

general economic conditions;

the market price of water;

the market price of oil and gas;

changes in customer consumption patterns;

changes in applicable statutory and regulatory requirements;

changes in governmental policies and procedures, including with respect to land use and environmental and tax matters;

changes in interest rates;

private and federal mortgage financing programs and lending practices;

uncertainties in the estimation of water available under decrees;

uncertainties in the estimation of costs of delivery of water and treatment of wastewater;

uncertainties in the estimation of the service life of our systems;

uncertainties in the estimation of costs of construction projects;

the strength and financial resources of our competitors;

our ability to find and retain skilled personnel;

climatic and weather conditions, including floods, droughts and freezing conditions;

labor relations;

turnover of elected and appointed officials and delays caused by political concerns and government procedures;

availability and cost of labor, material and equipment;

delays in anticipated permit and construction dates;

engineering and geological problems;

environmental risks and regulations;

our ability to raise capital;

our ability to negotiate contracts with new customers;

uncertainties in water court rulings;

unauthorized access to confidential information and data on our information technology systems and security and data breaches; and

factors described under “Risk Factors” in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

34

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not applicable.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and that information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The President and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of November 30, 2019, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. A system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system of controls are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (the “2013 COSO Framework”). Based on that evaluation, our management identified deficiencies related to our identification of expense accruals of costs incurred from related parties and the preparation of our income tax provision that constitute material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2019.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in our internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Management is dedicated to remediating the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. The following steps are among the measures that have been implemented or that we intend to implement in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 to address our material weaknesses as of August 31, 2019:


We have initiated compensating controls, including designating an additional person to confirm expense accruals;

We are enhancing and revising the design of existing controls and procedures to improve our identification of expense accruals of costs; and

We have initiated compensating controls, including designating an external tax consulting firm to review and confirm our quarterly income tax provisions are correct and complete.

We have begun the remediation of these material weaknesses and anticipate they will be completed prior to the end of our fiscal 2020. We cannot assure that the measures we take will remediate the identified material weaknesses or that any additional material weaknesses will not arise in the future.

Except as noted above, no changes were made to our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

35

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.
Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
     
 
Articles of Incorporation of the Company. Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on December 14, 2007.
     
 
Bylaws of the Company. Incorporated by reference to Appendix C to the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on December 14, 2007.
     
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
     
 
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. **
     
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document. *
     
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. *
     
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. *
     
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. *
     
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. *
     
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. *

*
Filed herewith.

**
Furnished herewith.

36

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

PURE CYCLE CORPORATION

/s/ Mark W. Harding
 
Mark W. Harding
 
President and Chief Financial Officer
 
January 7, 2020
 


37


Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Mark W. Harding, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Pure Cycle Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the consolidated financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: January 7, 2020
 
   
/s/ Mark W. Harding
 
Mark W. Harding
 
Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer




EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Pure Cycle Corporation (the “Company”) for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2019, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mark W. Harding, President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:


1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Mark W. Harding

Mark W. Harding

Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer

January 7, 2020




v3.19.3.a.u2
SEGMENT INFORMATION
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]  
SEGMENT INFORMATION

NOTE 10 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and is reviewed regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (the “CODM”), or decision-making group, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. The Company has identified its CODM as the Chief Executive Officer.

During the year 2018, the Company began construction of lots at Sky Ranch, which the Company has identified as a segment. Currently, the Company operates its wholesale water and wastewater services segment and land development activities at Sky Ranch as its two lines of business.

The wholesale water and wastewater services business includes selling water service to customers, which water is provided by the Company using water rights owned or controlled by the Company, and developing infrastructure to divert, treat and distribute that water and collect, treat and reuse wastewater.

As part of the Company’s land development activities at Sky Ranch, the Company entered into contracts for the sale of lots (see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report). The Company identified land development and lot sales as a separate segment beginning in the fiscal year 2018.

Oil and gas royalties and licenses are a passive activity and not an operating business activity and, therefore, are not classified as a segment.

The following table summarizes wholesale water and wastewater services and land development revenue information by segment:

  
Three Months Ended November 30,
 
  
2019
  
2018
 
Wholesale water and wastewater services
 
$
1,919,386
  
$
1,691,353
 
Land development activities
  
8,541,643
   
1,381,196
 
Total revenues
 
$
10,461,029
  
$
3,072,549
 

The following table summarizes wholesale water and wastewater services and land development pretax income by segment:

  
Three Months Ended November 30,
 
  
2019
  
2018
 
Wholesale water and wastewater services
 
$
1,396,447
  
$
1,163,073
 
Land development activities
  
6,753,810
   
82,872
 
Depreciation, general and administrative expenses
  
(500,673
)
  
(611,973
)
Total pretax income
 
$
7,649,584
  
$
633,972
 

The following table summarizes total assets for the Company’s wholesale water and wastewater services business and land development business by segment.  The assets consist of water rights and water and wastewater systems in the Company’s wholesale water and wastewater services segment and land, inventories and deposits in the Company’s land development segment. The Company’s other assets (“Corporate”) primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, equipment, mineral rights, related party notes receivables and a deferred tax asset.

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Wholesale water and wastewater services
 
$
52,547,240
  
$
51,588,079
 
Land development activities
  
9,193,174
   
16,866,542
 
Corporate
  
27,189,095
   
15,266,783
 
Total assets
 
$
88,929,509
  
$
83,721,404
 
v3.19.3.a.u2
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS [Abstract]  
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
NOTE 6 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Rangeview District is a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of Colorado formed in 1986 for the purpose of providing water and wastewater service to the Lowry Range and other approved areas. The Rangeview District is governed by an elected board of directors. Eligible voters and persons eligible to serve as a director of the Rangeview District must own an interest in property within the boundaries of the Rangeview District. The Company owns certain rights and real property interests which encompass the current boundaries of the Rangeview District. Sky Ranch Metropolitan District Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 5 (collectively, the “Sky Ranch Districts”) and the CAB are quasi-municipal corporations and political subdivisions of Colorado formed for the purpose of providing service to the Company’s Sky Ranch property. The current members of the board of directors of each of the Rangeview District, the Sky Ranch Districts and the CAB consist of three employees of the Company and one independent board member.

The Rangeview District

On December 16, 2009, the Company entered into a Participation Agreement with the Rangeview District, whereby the Company agreed to provide funding to the Rangeview District in connection with the Rangeview District joining the South Metro Water Supply Authority (“SMWSA”). The Company provides funding pursuant to the Participation Agreement annually with $17,400 and $22,200 being provided during fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Through the WISE Financing Agreement, the Company agreed to fund the Rangeview District’s cost of participating in the regional water supply project known as the WISE partnership. The Company anticipates spending approximately $7 million over the next five fiscal years to fund the Rangeview District’s purchase of its share of the water transmission line and additional facilities, water and related assets for WISE and to fund operations and water deliveries related to WISE. To date, the Company has capitalized the funding provided pursuant to the WISE Financing Agreement because the funding has been provided to purchase capacity in the WISE infrastructure. The Company’s total investment in the WISE assets as of November 30, 2019, is approximately $3.5 million.

In 1995, the Company extended a loan to the Rangeview District. The loan provided for borrowings of up to $250,000, is unsecured, and bears interest based on the prevailing prime rate plus 2% (7.50% at November 30, 2019). The maturity date of the loan is December 31, 2020. In January 2014, the Rangeview District and the Company entered into a funding agreement that allows the Company to continue to provide funding to the Rangeview District for day-to-day operations and accrue the funding into a note that bears interest at a rate of 8% per annum and remains in full force and effect for so long as the 2014 Amended and Restated Lease Agreement remains in effect. Of the November 30, 2019 balance in Notes receivable - related parties, $972,500 includes borrowings by the Rangeview District of $553,400 and accrued interest of $419,100.

Sky Ranch Community Authority Board

Pursuant to that certain Community Authority Board Establishment Agreement, as the same may be amended from time to time, Sky Ranch Metropolitan District Nos. 1 and 5 formed the CAB to, among other things, design, construct, finance, operate and maintain certain public improvements for the benefit of the property within the boundaries and/or service area of the Sky Ranch Districts. In order for the public improvements to be constructed and/or acquired, it is necessary for each Sky Ranch District, directly or through the CAB, to be able to fund the improvements and pay its ongoing operations and maintenance expenses related to the provision of services that benefit the property.

On September 18, 2018, the parties entered into a series of agreements, including a Facilities Funding and Acquisition Agreement with an effective date of November 13, 2017 (the “2018 FFAA”), which supersedes and consolidates the previous funding agreements between the Company and the CAB and the Company and Sky Ranch Metropolitan District No. 5 pursuant to which


the CAB agreed to repay the amounts owed by Sky Ranch Metropolitan District No. 5 to the Company, and the previous Facilities Funding and Acquisition Agreement entered into between the Company and Sky Ranch Metropolitan District No. 5 in 2014 was terminated;

a Project Funding and Reimbursement Agreement and a June 2018 Funding Acquisition Agreement between the CAB and the Company were terminated;

the CAB acknowledged all amounts owed to the Company under the terminated agreements, as well as amounts the Company incurred to finance the formation of the CAB; and

the Company agreed to fund an agreed upon list of improvements to be constructed by the CAB with an estimated cost of $30,000,000 (including improvements already funded) on an as-needed basis for calendar years 2018–2023.

All amounts owed under the 2018 FFAA bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum. No payment is required of the CAB for advances made to the CAB or expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements unless and until the CAB and/or Sky Ranch Districts issue bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of advances or other expenses incurred. Due to this contingency, interest is accrued to Interest Income with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued. At that point, the allowance will be reversed for the portion of the accrued interest repaid and the accrued interest will be recognized. The CAB agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to issue bonds to reimburse the Company subject to certain limitations. In addition, the CAB agrees to utilize any available moneys not otherwise pledged to payment of debt, used for operation and maintenance expenses, or otherwise encumbered, to reimburse the Company. Any advances not paid or reimbursed by the CAB by December 31, 2058, shall be deemed forever discharged and satisfied in full.

As of November 30, 2019, the balance of the Company’s advances, net of reimbursed costs in November 2019, to the CAB totaled $12.5 million, of which $2.9 million is included in Inventories and $9.6 million was expensed through Land development construction costs of revenues. The advances have been used by the CAB to pay for construction of public improvements. The Company submits specific costs for reimbursement to the CAB.  Based on the specific costs being reimbursed by the CAB, the Company records those costs that have been previously expensed in cost of sales as other income and those costs that remain capitalized as inventory costs as a reduction of the related inventory costs held in Inventories. Any reimbursable costs repaid after all capitalized expenses and lot revenues have been fully recognized will be recorded as other income.
 
Refer to Note 1 – Presentation of Interim Information - Revenue Recognition - Land Development Activities for a summary of reimbursable costs incurred to date, payments made from the CAB and any outstanding reimbursable amounts.

In September 2018, effective as of November 13, 2017, the Company entered into an Operation Funding Agreement with the CAB obligating the Company to advance funding to the CAB for operation and maintenance expenses for the 2018 and 2019 calendar years. All payments are subject to annual appropriations by the CAB in its absolute discretion.  The advances by the Company accrue interest at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of the advance. $27,400 of the balance of the Notes receivable – related parties at November 30, 2019, includes borrowings by the CAB of $25,500 and accrued interest of $1,900.
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION, Capitalized Costs of Water and Wastewater Systems and Depletion and Depreciation of Water Assets (Details)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Maximum [Member]  
Capitalized Costs of Water and Wastewater Systems and Depletion and Depreciation of Water Assets [Abstract]  
Estimated useful lives 30 years
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION, Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2019
Aug. 31, 2019
Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract]    
Right-to use assets $ 247,682 $ 0
Lease liability $ 242,036  
ASU 2016-02 [Member]    
Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract]    
Right-to use assets   258,900
Lease liability   $ 252,300
v3.19.3.a.u2
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE, Lease Commitments (Details)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
ft²
Aug. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Lease Commitments [Abstract]    
Area of office and warehouse | ft² 11,393  
Operating lease term 3 years  
Monthly base rent of operating lease $ 6,600  
Operating lease extension term 2 years  
Percentage of increase in primary base payment for operating lease 12.50%  
Operating lease expense $ 21,300  
Sublease rental income 0  
Payment against lease obligation, operating lease 19,800  
ROU Lease Assets and Lease Liabilities [Abstract]    
Operating leases - right of use assets 247,682 $ 0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 64,315  
Lease obligations - operating leases, net of current portion 177,721 $ 0
Total lease liability $ 242,036  
Weighted average remaining lease term 3 years 2 months 12 days  
Weighted average discount rate 6.00%  
v3.19.3.a.u2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (unaudited) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2019
Aug. 31, 2019
Common stock:    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.003 $ 0.003
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 40,000,000 40,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 23,826,598 23,826,598
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]    
Preferred stock:    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) 25,000,000 25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) 432,513 432,513
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 432,513 432,513
Liquidation preference $ 432,513 $ 432,513
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION [Abstract]  
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION
NOTE 1 – PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION

The November 30, 2019 consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 have been prepared by Pure Cycle Corporation (the “Company”) and have not been audited. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at November 30, 2019, and for all periods presented.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019 (the “2019 Annual Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 12, 2019. The results of operations for interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year. The August 31, 2019 balance sheet was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) 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. Estimates are used to account for certain items such as revenue recognition, reimbursable costs and expenses, costs of revenue for lot sales, share-based compensation, deferred tax asset valuation, and the recoverability of long lived  assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company’s cash equivalents are comprised entirely of money market funds maintained at a reputable financial institution and U.S. Treasury debt securities. At various times during the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company’s main operating account exceeded federally insured limits. To date, the Company has not suffered a loss due to such excess balance.

Land Development Inventories

Inventories primarily include land held for development and sale. Inventories are stated at cost. Capitalized lot development costs at Sky Ranch are costs incurred to construct lots at Sky Ranch that meet the Company’s capitalization criteria for improvements to a lot and are capitalized as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain legal, engineering, design, permitting, land acquisition, and construction costs related to the development of lots at Sky Ranch. The Company accumulates land development costs and allocates costs to each lot to determine the cost basis for each lot sale. The Company records all land cost of sales over time based on inputs of costs incurred to date to total estimated costs to complete.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), the Company values land held for sale at the lower of the carrying value or net realizable value. In determining net realizable value, the Company primarily relies upon the most recent negotiated price that is a Level 2 input (see Note 3 – Fair Value Measurements for definitions of fair value inputs). If a negotiated price is not available, the Company will consider several factors, including, but not limited to, current market conditions, recent comparable sales transactions and market analysis studies. If the net realizable value is lower than the current carrying value, the land is written down to its estimated net realizable value.

Contract Asset

Contract receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Credit is extended based on the evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and collateral is not required. Contract asset is revenue which has been earned but not yet invoiced. The contract assets are transferred to the receivables when the Company has the right to bill such amounts and they are invoiced.

Investments

Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in U.S. Treasury debt securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such determinations each reporting period.

Securities that the Company does not have the positive intent or ability to hold to maturity, including U.S. Treasury debt securities, are reported at their fair value. Changes in value of such securities are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. As of November 30, 2019, the Company’s U.S. Treasury debt securities had no maturity dates greater than 90 days and were classified as cash and cash equivalents in the Balance Sheet.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Fair Value

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and investments. From time to time, the Company places its cash in money market instruments, certificates of deposit and U.S. Treasury obligations. To date, the Company has not experienced significant losses on any of these investments.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are reported using the values as reported by the financial institution where the funds are held. These securities primarily include balances in the Company’s operating and savings accounts. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value.

Trade Accounts Receivable – The Company records accounts receivable net of allowances for uncollectible accounts and the carrying value approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the receivables.

Investments – The carrying amounts of investments are recorded at fair value. Investments are described further in Note 2 – Fair Value Measurements.

Accounts Payable – The carrying amounts of accounts payable approximate fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity for these instruments.

Long-Term Financial Liabilities The Comprehensive Amendment Agreement No. 1 (the “CAA”) is comprised of a recorded balance sheet and an off-balance sheet or “contingent” obligation associated with the Company’s acquisition of its “Rangeview Water Supply” (as defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report). The amount payable is a fixed amount but is repayable only upon the sale of “Export Water” (as defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report). Because of the uncertainty of the sale of Export Water, the Company has determined that the contingent portion of the CAA does not have a determinable fair value. The CAA is described further in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease – Participating Interests in Export Water Supply.

Notes Receivable – Related PartiesThe carrying amounts of the Notes receivable – related parties (including with the Rangeview Metropolitan District (the “Rangeview District”) and the Sky Ranch Community Authority Board (the “CAB”)) approximate their fair value because the interest rates on the notes approximate market rates.

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments – The Company’s off-balance sheet instruments consist entirely of the contingent portion of the CAA. Because repayment of this portion of the CAA is contingent on the sale of Export Water, which is not reasonably estimable, the Company has determined that the contingent portion of the CAA does not have a determinable fair value. See further discussion in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease – Participating Interests in Export Water Supply.

Revenue Recognition

The Company disaggregates revenue by major product line as reported on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Wholesale Water and Wastewater Fees

The Company generates revenues through two lines of business. Revenues are derived through its wholesale water and wastewater business and through the sale of developed land primarily for residential lots, both of which businesses are described below.

The Company generates revenues through its wholesale water and wastewater business predominantly from three sources: (i) monthly wholesale water usage fees and wastewater service fees, (ii) one-time water and wastewater tap fees and construction fees/Special Facility funding, and (iii) consulting fees. Because these items are separately delivered and distinct, the Company accounts for each of the items separately, as described below.


(i)
Monthly water usage and wastewater treatment fees  Monthly wholesale water usage charges are assessed to the Company’s customers based on actual metered usage each month plus a base monthly service fee assessed per single family equivalent (“SFE”) unit served. One SFE is a customer, whether residential, commercial or industrial, that imparts a demand on the Company’s water or wastewater systems similar to the demand of a family of four persons living in a single-family house on a standard-sized lot. Water usage pricing uses a tiered pricing structure. The Company recognizes wholesale water usage revenues at a point in time upon delivering water to its customers or its governmental customers’ end-use customers, as applicable. Revenues recognized by the Company from the sale of “Export Water” and other portions of its “Rangeview Water Supply” off the Lowry Range are shown gross of royalties to the State of Colorado Board of Land Commissioners (the “Land Board”). The Company is the primary distributor of the “Export Water” and sets pricing for the sale of Export Water. Revenues recognized by the Company from the sale of water on the Lowry Range are shown net of royalties paid to the Land Board and amounts retained by the Rangeview District. For water sales on the Lowry Range, the Rangeview District is directly selling the water and deemed the primary distributor of the water. The Rangeview District sets the price for the water sales on the Lowry Range. See further description of Export Water, the Lowry Range, and the Rangeview Water Supply in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets under “Rangeview Water Supply and Water System” in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report.

In addition to providing domestic water, the Company provides raw water for hydraulic fracturing to industrial customers in the oil and gas industry that are located in and adjacent to its service areas. Frack water revenues are recognized at a point in time upon delivering water to a customer.

The Company delivered 748,000 and 114.5 million gallons of water to customers during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, of which 6% and 86% was used for oil and gas exploration.

The Company recognizes wastewater treatment revenues monthly based on a flat monthly fee and actual usage charges. The monthly wastewater treatment fees are shown net of amounts retained by the Rangeview District. Costs of delivering water and providing wastewater service to customers are recognized as incurred.


(ii)
Water and wastewater tap fees/Special Facility funding – The Company recognizes water and wastewater tap fees as revenue at the time the Company grants a right for the customer to tap into the water or wastewater service line to obtain service. The Company recognized $1,401,900 and $226,900 of water tap fee revenues during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The water tap fees recognized are based on the amounts billed by the Rangeview District and any amounts paid to third parties pursuant to the CAA as further described in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating LeaseParticipating Interests in Export Water Supply below. The Company recognized $270,200 and $28,000 of wastewater tap fee revenues during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company recognizes construction fees, including fees received to construct “Special Facilities,” over time as the construction is completed because the customer is generally able to use the property improvement to enhance the value of other assets during the construction period. Special Facilities are facilities that enable water to be delivered to a single customer and are not otherwise classified as a typical wholesale facility or retail facility. Temporary infrastructure required prior to construction of permanent water and wastewater systems or transmission pipelines to transfer water from one location to another are examples of Special Facilities. Management has determined that Special Facilities are separate and distinct performance obligations because these projects are contracted to construct a specific water and wastewater system or transmission pipeline and typically do not include multiple performance obligations in a contract with a customer. No Special Facilities revenue has been recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2019 or 2018.


(iii)
Consulting fees – Consulting fees are fees that the Company receives, typically on a monthly basis, from municipalities and area water providers along the I-70 corridor, for contract operations services over time as services are consumed. Consulting fees are recognized monthly based on a flat monthly fee plus charges for additional work performed. The Company recognized $12,700 and $47,800 of consulting fees during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company is reducing its consulting services in order to focus its resources on the water systems at Sky Ranch. The Company expects consulting fees to be minimal in future periods.

Land Development Activities

The Company generates revenues through the sale of finished lots at its Sky Ranch development primarily from several sources of revenues: (i) the sale of finished lots, (ii) construction support activities, (iii) project management services, and (iv) reimbursable expenses incurred to develop certain public improvements.


(i)
Land development through the sale of finished lots – The Company acquired approximately 930 acres of land zoned as a Master Planned Community known as Sky Ranch along the I-70 corridor east of Denver, Colorado. The Company has entered into purchase and sale agreements with three separate home builders pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell, and each builder agreed to purchase, residential lots at the property. The Company began construction of lots in March 2018 and segments its reporting of the activity relating to the costs and revenues from the construction and sale of lots at Sky Ranch.
 

The Company sells lots at Sky Ranch pursuant to distinct agreements with each builder. These agreements follow one of two formats. One format is the sale of a finished lot, whereby the purchaser pays for a ready-to-build finished lot and payment is a lump-sum payment upon completion of the finished lot that is permit ready. The Company will recognize revenues at the point in time of the closing of the sale of a finished lot in which control transfers to the builder as the transaction cycle will be complete and the Company will have no further obligations for the lot. During the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company received payment and recognized revenue of $1,430,600 from one home builder in exchange for the delivery of 21 finished lots. No revenue was recognized for lot sales at a point in time for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

The Company’s second format is the sale of finished lots pursuant to a development agreement with builders, whereby the Company receives payments in stages that include (i) payment upon the delivery of platted lots (which requires the Company to deliver deeded title to individual lots), (ii) a second payment upon the completion of certain infrastructure milestones, and (iii) final payment upon the delivery of the finished lot. Ownership and control of the platted lots pass to the builders once the Company closes the sale of the platted lots. Because the builder (i.e., the customer) takes control of the lot at the first closing and subsequent improvements made by the Company improve the builder’s lot as construction progresses, the Company accounts for revenue over time with progress measured based upon costs incurred to date compared to total expected costs.  Any revenue in excess of amounts entitled to be billed is reflected on the balance sheet as a contract asset, and amounts received in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue. As of November 30, 2019, the Company had received cumulative payments of approximately $18 million under development agreements relating to 293 lots from two home builders, of which approximately $17.0 million of revenue was recognized over time based on the costs incurred to date compared to total expected costs for full completion of the 293 lots. For the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $7,111,000 and $1,381,200 of lot sales over time, respectively. The Company had deferred revenue related to lot sales of $1,143,800 as of November 30, 2019. The Company had a contract asset of $1,020,100 as of November 30, 2018. The Company does not have any material significant payment terms as all payments are expected to be received within 12 months after the delivery of each platted lot.  The Company adopted the practical expedient for financing components and does not need to account for a financing component of these lot sales as the delivery of lot sales is expected to occur within one year or less.


(ii)
Construction support activities – The Company performs certain construction activities at Sky Ranch. The activities performed include construction and maintenance of the grading erosion and sediment control best management practices and other construction-related services. These activities are invoiced upon completion and are included in Inventories and subsequently expensed through Land development construction costs until bonds are issued by the Sky Ranch Districts (as defined in Note 6 – Related Party Transactions) and/or the CAB and the CAB reimburses the Company for public improvements. Refer to section (iv) Reimbursable Costs for Public Improvements for details on repayment of reimbursable costs. To date, the Company has invoiced the CAB $533,500 for construction support activities, which amount is included in Inventories.


(iii)
Project management services – The Company entered into two Service Agreements for Project Management Services with the CAB beginning on May 2, 2018. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company acts as the project manager and provides any and all services required to deliver the CAB-eligible improvements, including but not limited to CAB compliance; planning design and approvals; project administration; contractor agreements; and construction management and administration. The Company must submit to the CAB a monthly invoice, in a form acceptable to the CAB, detailing all project management activities during the period. The Company is responsible for all expenses it incurs in the performance of the agreements and is not entitled to any reimbursement or compensation except as defined in the agreements, unless otherwise approved in advance by the CAB in writing. The CAB is subject to annual budget and appropriation procedures and does not intend to create a multiple-fiscal year direct or indirect debt or other financial obligation. The Company receives a project management fee of five percent (5%) of actual construction costs of CAB-eligible improvements. The project management fee qualifies as a reimbursable cost to the Company. The project management fee is based only on the actual costs of the improvements; thus, items such as fees, permits, review fees, consultant or other soft costs, and land acquisition or any other costs that are not directly related to the cost of construction of CAB-eligible improvements are not included in the calculation of the project management fee. Soft costs and other costs that are not directly related to the construction of CAB-eligible improvements are included in Inventories and accounted for in the same manner as construction support activities as described above. The Company and the CAB have agreed that no payment is required by the CAB with respect to project management fees unless and until the CAB and/or the Sky Ranch Districts issue municipal bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of advances provided or expenses incurred for reimbursables. Due to this contingency, the project management fees are being accrued to revenue with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued by the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB and the CAB reimburses the Company for the public improvements. At that point, the portion of the project management fees repaid will be recognized as revenue. To date, the Company has accrued $869,900 in project management services to the CAB.


(iv)
Reimbursable Costs for Public Improvements – The CAB is required to construct certain public improvements, such as water distribution systems, sewer collection systems, storm water systems, drainage improvements, roads, curb, sidewalks, landscaping and parks, the costs of which may qualify as reimbursable costs. The Company is obligated to finance this infrastructure pursuant to its agreements with the CAB (see Note 6 – Related Party Transactions). These public improvements are constructed pursuant to design standards specified by the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB, and, after inspection and acceptance, are turned over to the applicable governmental entity to operate and maintain. As these public improvements are owned and operated on behalf of a governmental entity, they may qualify for reimbursement.

The Company and the CAB have agreed that no payment is required with respect to advances made by the Company or expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements unless and until the CAB and/or the Sky Ranch Districts issue bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of the advances made and expenses incurred. Due to this contingency, the reimbursable costs for the construction of public improvements, including reimbursable costs for construction support activities, are included in Inventories and subsequently expensed through Land development construction costs until the point in time when the CAB reimburses the Company for such public improvements. The Company submits specific costs for reimbursement to the CAB.  Based on the specific costs being reimbursed by the CAB, the Company records those costs that have been previously expensed in cost of sales as other income and those costs that remain capitalized as inventory costs as a reduction of the related inventory costs held in Inventories. Any reimbursable costs repaid after all capitalized expenses and lot revenues have been fully recognized will be recorded as other income.

All amounts owed under the 2018 FFAA (as defined in Note 6 – Related Party Transactions) bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum. No payment is required of the CAB for advances made to the CAB or expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements unless and until the CAB and/or Sky Ranch Districts issue bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of advances or other expenses incurred. Due to this contingency, interest is accrued to Interest Income with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued. At that point, the allowance will be reversed for the portion of the accrued interest repaid and the accrued interest will be recognized. To date, the Company has accrued $1,031,700 for accrued interest for advances made to the CAB.

On November 19, 2019, the CAB sold tax-exempt, fixed rate senior bonds in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11,435,000 and tax-exempt, fixed-rate subordinate bonds in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,765,000 (collectively, the “Bonds”). Upon the sale of the Bonds approximately $10.5 million of the net proceeds from the Bonds were used to partially reimburse the Company for advances it made to the CAB pursuant to the 2018 FFAA to fund the construction of public improvements to the Sky Ranch property. Approximately $2.7 million of the bond proceeds were retained by the CAB in cash in order to repay debt service through 2021, when the CAB expects to generate enough revenue through mill levies, to repay bond holders.

The Company applied approximately $4.2 million of the net proceeds to partially reduce the remaining capitalized expenses in Inventories and the excess of the capitalized public improvement expenses of approximately $6.3 million was recognized as Income from reimbursement of construction costs (related party) in other income. As a result of the reimbursed costs, the margin from land development revenues is expected to increase to approximately 27%.

The Company records all reimbursable costs to Inventories and subsequently expenses these costs through Land development construction costs. All unpaid reimbursable costs, that the Company believes are recoverable from the CAB are accrued to a Note Receivable from the CAB pursuant to the 2018 FFAA. Each period, the Company performs an impairment analysis on the recoverability of the outstanding reimbursable costs. The following table summarizes all reimbursable costs incurred to date, payments made from the CAB and any outstanding reimbursable amounts.

  
As of November 30, 2019
 
  
Costs incurred to date
  
Payments repaid by
CAB
  
Net costs incurred to date
 
Construction support activities
 
$
533,500
  
$
  
$
533,500
 
Project management services
  
869,900
   
   
869,900
 
Public Improvements
  
22,966,400
   
10,505,000
   
12,461,400
 
Accrued interest
  
1,031,700
   
   
1,031,700
 
Total reimbursable costs
 
$
25,401,500
  
$
10,505,000
  
$
14,896,500
 

The Company expects to incur approximately an additional $6.0 million of construction costs related to public improvements and expects to be reimbursed approximately an additional $18.5 million.
 
The Company evaluated disaggregation of revenue and has determined that no additional disaggregation of revenue is necessary.

Contract asset by segment is as follows:

The Company did not have a contract asset at November 30, 2019 or August 30, 2019.  The contract asset at November 30, 2018, related solely to the Company’s land development activities.

Changes in contract asset were as follows:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
  
$
 
Recognition of revenue contract asset
  
   
1,020,146
 
Contract asset invoiced
  
   
(1,020,146
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
  
$
 

Deferred revenue by segment is as follows:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Land development activities
 
$
1,143,771
  
$
3,991,535
 
Oil and gas leases and water sales payment
  
1,861,496
   
1,067,348
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
3,005,267
  
$
5,058,883
 

The current portion of deferred revenue for oil and gas leases and water sales payment as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019,  is $1,548,063 and $706,464, respectively. There were no water segment deferred revenues as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019.

Changes in deferred revenue were as follows:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
5,058,883
  
$
1,846,630
 
Deferral of revenue
  
8,469,154
   
12,700,065
 
Recognition of unearned revenue
  
(10,522,770
)
  
(9,487,812
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
3,005,267
  
$
5,058,883
 

The recognition of unearned revenue was $8,541,643 and $5,920,319 from land development activities and $1,981,127 and $3,567,493 from oil and gas leases and water sales payments for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively.

Revenue allocated to remaining performance obligations represents contracted revenue that has not yet been recognized (“contracted not recognized revenue”), which includes unearned revenue and amounts that will be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods. At November 30, 2019, the Company had outstanding open contracts for $13,739,100, which primarily related to the sale of 506 lots at Sky Ranch. The Company expects to recognize approximately 84% of such revenue over the next 12 months.

Inventories

Inventories primarily include land held for development and sale, which the Company has begun developing and are stated at cost. Capitalized lot development costs at Sky Ranch are costs incurred to construct finished lots at Sky Ranch that meet the Company’s capitalization criteria for improvements to a lot and are capitalized as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain legal, engineering, design, permitting, land acquisition, and construction costs related to the development of lots at Sky Ranch. The Company uses the specific identification method for purposes of accumulating land development costs and allocates costs to each lot to determine the cost basis for each lot sale. The Company records all land cost of sales when a lot is completed and sold on a lot-by-lot basis. Costs included in Inventories include common area costs that the Company funded through the CAB. The Company expects that such costs will be reimbursable by the CAB. The Company will record future reimbursements as a reduction of reimbursable capitalized costs remaining in Inventories once the CAB has the ability to reimburse the costs (i.e., once the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB has issued bonds).

In accordance with ASC 360, the Company measures land held for sale at the lower of the carrying value or net realizable value. In determining net realizable value, the Company primarily relies upon the most recent negotiated price. If a negotiated price is not available, the Company will consider several factors, including, but not limited to, current market conditions, recent comparable sales transactions and market analysis studies. If the net realizable value is lower than the current carrying value, the land is written down to its net realizable value.

Royalty and Other Obligations

Revenues from the sale of Export Water are shown gross of royalties payable to the Land Board. Revenues from the sale of water on the Lowry Range are invoiced directly by the Rangeview District, and a percentage of such collections are then paid to the Company by the Rangeview District. Water revenue from such sales are shown net of royalties paid to the Land Board and amounts retained by the Rangeview District.

Oil and Gas Lease Payments

As described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report, the Company entered into a Paid-Up Oil and Gas Lease (the “Sky Ranch O&G Lease”) and a Surface Use and Damage Agreement that were subsequently purchased by a wholly owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Company. Six wells have been drilled within the Company’s mineral interest and placed into service (four new wells beginning in fiscal 2020) and are producing oil and gas and accruing royalties to the Company. During the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company received $269,500 and $31,400 net of taxes, respectively, in royalties attributable to these wells. The Company classifies income from oil and gas lease and royalty payments as Other income in the statement of operations and comprehensive income as the Company does not consider these arrangements to be a primary operating business activity.

Deferred Revenue

In July 2019, the Company received an up-front payment of $573,700 from an Agreement on Locations of Oil and Gas Operations for a pad site covering approximately 16 acres with the operator of the Sky Ranch O&G Lease (the “OGOA”), which will be recognized as income on a straight-line basis over three years. If after three years the operator has not spud at least one well on the OGOA, the operator may extend the right to the OGOA one additional year by paying $75,000 to the Company. The operator may only extend the OGOA for two additional years for a total of five years. The Company recognizes the up-front payments on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective agreements. During the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company recognized $47,800 of income related to the up-front payments received pursuant to the OGOA. No revenue was recognized for the three months ended November 30, 2018 related to the up-front payments received pursuant to the OGOA. As of November 30, 2019, and August 31, 2019 the Company had deferred revenue of $499,700 and $547,500, respectively, related to the OGOA.

In September 2017, the Company entered into a Paid-Up Oil and Gas Lease with Bison Oil and Gas, LLP (the “Bison Lease”). Pursuant to the Bison Lease, the Company received an up-front payment of $167,200 in October 2017, which will be recognized as income on a straight-line basis over the three year term of the lease. The Company recognized lease income of $13,900 during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 related to the up-front payment received pursuant to the Bison Lease. As of November 30, 2019, and August 31, 2019, the Company had deferred revenue of $46,500 and $60,400, respectively, related to the Bison Lease that will be recognized as income ratably through September 2020.

The Company also received a payment of $425,800 in fiscal 2019 from one of its industrial water customers and $822,500 in the quarter ended November 30, 2019, to reserve first priority water for its oil and gas fracking needs for defined periods during 2020. As the Customer uses the forecasted volumes each month, the Company will recognize revenue based on the volumes used. The Customer may take such volumes up to one year from invoice date. If the Customer does not take the forecasted volumes in the anticipated period, such volumes are forfeited by the Customer. At that time, any payments received for unused volumes will be recognized as revenue. As of November 30, 2019, the Company had deferred revenue of $1.2 million as a result of these advanced water purchase payments.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the eventual use of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Capitalized Costs of Water and Wastewater Systems and Depletion and Depreciation of Water Assets

Costs to construct water and wastewater systems that meet the Company’s capitalization criteria are capitalized as incurred, including any interest, and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of up to 30 years. The Company capitalizes design and construction costs related to construction activities, and it capitalizes certain legal, engineering and permitting costs relating to the adjudication and improvement of its water assets. The Company depletes its groundwater assets that are being utilized on the basis of units produced (i.e., thousands of gallons sold) divided by the total volume of water adjudicated in the water decrees.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company maintains a stock option plan for the benefit of its employees and non-employee directors. The Company records share-based compensation costs as expense over the applicable vesting period of the stock award using the straight-line method. The compensation costs to be expensed are measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. The Company has adopted the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation, which allows for a simplified method of calculating the tax effects of employee share-based compensation. The impact on the income tax provision for the granting and exercise of stock options during the three months ended November 30, 2019 was a tax expense of approximately $26,000. Because the Company had a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets as of November 30, 2018 there was no effect on the tax provision during the period. The Company recognized $105,400 and $103,500 of share-based compensation expense during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company uses a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for the recognition and de-recognition of tax positions, including any potential interest and penalties relating to tax positions taken by the Company. The Company did not have any significant unrecognized tax benefits as of November 30, 2019.

As a result of H.R.1, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), signed into law on December 22, 2017, the Company has a $282,000 alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) deferred tax asset for which it did not have a valuation allowance as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019.  The Company expects to receive the AMT as a refund in future years.  Most, if not all, of this credit will be refundable starting with the filing of the 2018 (fiscal year ending 2019) through 2021 (fiscal year ending 2022) tax returns, subject to limitations of Internal Revenue Code Section 382 (arises with ownership changes) and the sequestration limitation of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 24.7% for the three months ended November 30, 2019. The effective tax rate was 0% for the three months ended November 30, 2018 due to the valuation allowance the Company maintained on its net deferred tax asset.

The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

The Company maintained a valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset other than AMT credits as of November 30, 2018, as the Company had determined it was more likely than not that the Company would not realize its deferred tax assets as of November 30, 2018. Such assets primarily consisted of operating loss carryforwards. The Company assessed the realizability of its deferred tax asset using all available evidence. In particular, the Company considered both historical results and projections of profitability for the reasonably foreseeable future periods. The Company is required to reassess its conclusions regarding the realization of its deferred tax assets at each financial reporting date. As a result of the evaluation, the Company concluded that all of the valuation allowance was no longer necessary as of August 31, 2019 and released the valuation allowance.

The Company files income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and the State of Colorado. The tax years that remain subject to examination are fiscal year 2015 through fiscal year 2018.

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. At November 30, 2019, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2019 or 2018.

Income per Common Share

Income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Common stock options of 224,097 and 223,962 common share equivalents as of the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were included in the calculation of income per common share as dilutive common stock equivalents using the treasury stock method. Common stock options aggregating 50,000 common share equivalents as of the three months ended November 30, 2018, have been excluded from the calculation of income per common share as their effect is anti-dilutive.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The Company continually assesses any new accounting pronouncements to determine their applicability. When it is determined that a new accounting pronouncement affects the Company’s financial reporting, the Company undertakes a study to determine the consequence of the change to its consolidated financial statements and to ensure that there are proper controls in place to ascertain that the Company’s consolidated financial statements properly reflect the change. New pronouncements assessed by the Company recently are discussed below:

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. The new standard supersedes the present GAAP standard on leases and requires substantially all leases to be reported on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease obligations. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted the standard effective September 1, 2019, and recorded a right-of-use asset of approximately $258,900 and a lease obligation liability of approximately $252,300.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Among other things, these amendments require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Companies will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the provisions of the standard and the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220); Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in ASU 2018-02 allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance of the standard. The Company believes the impact of this standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements is immaterial.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-07 is intended to reduce cost and complexity and to improve financial reporting for share-based payments issued to nonemployees. This standard expands the scope of ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which currently only includes share-based payments issued to employees, to include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods and services. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees and employees will be substantially aligned. ASU 2018-07 supersedes ASC Subtopic 505-50, Equity — Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within these fiscal years. The Company believes that the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements is immaterial.
v3.19.3.a.u2
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, Combined Activity and Value of Non-vested Options (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Nov. 30, 2018
Stock Options, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]    
Share-based compensation expense $ 105,353 $ 103,476
2004 Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Plan [Member]    
Number of Options [Roll Forward]    
Non-vested options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) 152,500  
Granted (in shares) [1] 130,000  
Vested (in shares) (70,000)  
Forfeited (in shares) 0  
Non-vested options outstanding, end of period (in shares) 212,500  
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]    
Non-vested options outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) $ 4.03  
Granted (in dollars per share) 4.60  
Vested (in dollars per share) 3.68  
Forfeited (in dollars per share) 0  
Non-vested options outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) $ 4.20  
Stock Options, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]    
Share-based compensation expense $ 105,353 $ 103,476
Unrecognized compensation expenses $ 713,500  
Weighted-average period for options expected to vest 2 years  
[1] Includes 50,000 shares granted to Mr. Harding on September 27, 2019 and 80,000 total shares granted to employees on September 25, 2019.
v3.19.3.a.u2
SEGMENT INFORMATION, Revenue by Segments (Details)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
BusinessLine
Nov. 30, 2018
USD ($)
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]    
Number of business lines | BusinessLine 2  
Revenues [Abstract]    
Total revenues $ 10,461,029 $ 3,072,549
Wholesale Water and Wastewater Services [Member]    
Revenues [Abstract]    
Total revenues 1,919,386 1,691,353
Land Development Activities [Member]    
Revenues [Abstract]    
Total revenues $ 8,541,643 $ 1,381,196
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION, Disaggregation of Revenue (Details)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Lot
Aug. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Aug. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Changes in Contract Asset [Abstract]      
Balance, beginning of period $ 0   $ 0
Recognition of revenue contract asset 0   1,020,146
Contract asset invoiced 0   (1,020,146)
Balance, end of period 0 $ 0 0
Changes in Deferred Revenue [Abstract]      
Balance, beginning of period 5,058,883   1,846,630
Deferral of revenue 8,469,154   12,700,065
Recognition of unearned revenue (10,522,770)   (9,487,812)
Balance, end of period 3,005,267 5,058,883 5,058,883
Current portion of deferred revenue 1,548,063 706,464 706,464
Sky Ranch [Member]      
Changes in Deferred Revenue [Abstract]      
Balance, end of period 1,200,000    
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]      
Remaining performance obligation $ 13,739,100    
Number of lots sold | Lot 506    
Remaining performance obligation expected to be recognized in the next 12 months 84.00%    
Wholesale Water and Wastewater Services [Member]      
Changes in Contract Asset [Abstract]      
Balance, beginning of period $ 0    
Balance, end of period 0 0 0
Land Development Activities [Member]      
Changes in Deferred Revenue [Abstract]      
Balance, beginning of period 3,991,535    
Recognition of unearned revenue (8,541,643) (5,920,319)  
Balance, end of period 1,143,771 3,991,535 3,991,535
Oil and Gas Leases and Water Sales Payment [Member]      
Changes in Deferred Revenue [Abstract]      
Balance, beginning of period 1,067,348    
Recognition of unearned revenue (1,981,127) (3,567,493)  
Balance, end of period 1,861,496 1,067,348 1,067,348
Current portion of deferred revenue $ 1,548,063 $ 706,464 $ 706,464
v3.19.3.a.u2
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]  
Information by Segments
The following table summarizes wholesale water and wastewater services and land development revenue information by segment:

  
Three Months Ended November 30,
 
  
2019
  
2018
 
Wholesale water and wastewater services
 
$
1,919,386
  
$
1,691,353
 
Land development activities
  
8,541,643
   
1,381,196
 
Total revenues
 
$
10,461,029
  
$
3,072,549
 

The following table summarizes wholesale water and wastewater services and land development pretax income by segment:

  
Three Months Ended November 30,
 
  
2019
  
2018
 
Wholesale water and wastewater services
 
$
1,396,447
  
$
1,163,073
 
Land development activities
  
6,753,810
   
82,872
 
Depreciation, general and administrative expenses
  
(500,673
)
  
(611,973
)
Total pretax income
 
$
7,649,584
  
$
633,972
 

The following table summarizes total assets for the Company’s wholesale water and wastewater services business and land development business by segment.  The assets consist of water rights and water and wastewater systems in the Company’s wholesale water and wastewater services segment and land, inventories and deposits in the Company’s land development segment. The Company’s other assets (“Corporate”) primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, equipment, mineral rights, related party notes receivables and a deferred tax asset.

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Wholesale water and wastewater services
 
$
52,547,240
  
$
51,588,079
 
Land development activities
  
9,193,174
   
16,866,542
 
Corporate
  
27,189,095
   
15,266,783
 
Total assets
 
$
88,929,509
  
$
83,721,404
 
v3.19.3.a.u2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]  
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table provides information on the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 30, 2019:

        
Fair Value Measurement Using:
    
  
Fair Value
  
Cost /
Other Value
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Accumulated
Unrealized
Gains and
(Losses)
 
U.S. Treasury debt securities
 
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
 
Total
 
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
 

The following table provides information on the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2019:

        
Fair Value Measurement Using:
    
  
Fair Value
  
Cost /
Other Value
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Accumulated
Unrealized
Gains and
(Losses)
 
U.S. Treasury debt securities
 
$
4,996,000
  
$
4,992,100
  
$
  
$
4,996,000
  
$
  
$
3,900
 
Total
 
$
4,996,000
  
$
4,992,100
  
$
  
$
4,996,000
  
$
  
$
3,900
 
v3.19.3.a.u2
INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Nov. 30, 2018
Aug. 31, 2019
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]      
Income tax expense $ 1,887,119 $ 0  
Current income tax expense 1,168,300    
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) $ 718,810 0  
Estimated annual effective tax rate 25.00%    
Effective tax rate 24.70%    
Income taxes paid $ 0 $ 0  
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) [Abstract]      
Net operating loss carryforwards 0   $ 609,439
Accrued compensation 0   113,559
Deferred revenues 134,670   149,895
Depreciation and depletion (52,976)   (46,408)
Non-qualified stock options 436,614   410,633
Other 46,128   46,128
Net deferred tax asset $ 564,436   1,283,246
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Abstract]      
Net operating loss carryforwards     $ 2,500,000
Federal [Member] | Minimum [Member]      
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Abstract]      
Operating loss carryforwards, expiry period Aug. 31, 2036    
Federal [Member] | Maximum [Member]      
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Abstract]      
Operating loss carryforwards, expiry period Aug. 31, 2038    
State [Member] | Minimum [Member]      
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Abstract]      
Operating loss carryforwards, expiry period Aug. 31, 2035    
State [Member] | Maximum [Member]      
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Abstract]      
Operating loss carryforwards, expiry period Aug. 31, 2036    
v3.19.3.a.u2
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, Equity Compensation Plan (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 27, 2019
Sep. 25, 2019
Nov. 30, 2019
Aug. 31, 2019
2014 Equity Plan [Member]        
Stock Option Activity [Abstract]        
Reserved shares of common stock for issuance (in shares)     1,600,000  
2004 Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Plan [Member]        
Number of Options [Roll Forward]        
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)     555,500  
Granted (in shares) [1]     130,000  
Exercised (in shares)     0  
Forfeited or expired (in shares)     0  
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)     685,500 555,500
Options exercisable (in shares)     473,000  
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]        
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)     $ 6.33  
Granted (in dollars per share)     10.41  
Exercised (in dollars per share)     0  
Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share)     0  
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)     7.10 $ 6.33
Options exercisable (in dollars per share)     $ 5.73  
Stock Options, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]        
Weighted average remaining contractual term     6 years 11 months 26 days 6 years 3 months 7 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, options exercisable     5 years 9 months 25 days  
Approximate aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding     $ 3,645,825 $ 2,527,590
Approximate aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable     $ 3,165,212  
2004 Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Plan [Member] | Mr. Harding [Member]        
Number of Options [Roll Forward]        
Granted (in shares) 50,000      
2004 Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Plan [Member] | Employee [Member]        
Number of Options [Roll Forward]        
Granted (in shares)   80,000    
[1] Includes 50,000 shares granted to Mr. Harding on September 27, 2019 and 80,000 total shares granted to employees on September 25, 2019.
v3.19.3.a.u2
ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2019
Aug. 31, 2019
ACCRUED LIABILITIES [Abstract]    
Accrued liabilities $ 3,519,439 $ 3,428,418
Current operating lease obligations 64,315  
Accrued compensation   460,500
Estimated property taxes 98,100 94,000
Professional fees 33,500 70,000
Operating payables 3,323,500 2,803,900
Operating payables to CAB $ 2,654,700 $ 1,399,600
v3.19.3.a.u2
INCOME TAXES (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]  
Deferred Tax Assets
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019 are as follows:

  
For the Periods Ended:
 
  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
      
Net operating loss carryforwards
 
$
  
$
609,439
 
Accrued compensation
  
   
113,559
 
Deferred revenues
  
134,670
   
149,895
 
Depreciation and depletion
  
(52,976
)
  
(46,408
)
Non-qualified stock options
  
436,614
   
410,633
 
Other
  
46,128
   
46,128
 
Net deferred tax asset
 
$
564,436
  
$
1,283,246
 
v3.19.3.a.u2
WATER AND LAND ASSETS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
WATER AND LAND ASSETS [Abstract]  
Investments in Water and Water Systems
The Company’s Investments in Water and Water Systems consist of the following costs and accumulated depreciation and depletion at November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
  
Costs
  
Accumulated
Depreciation
and Depletion
  
Costs
  
Accumulated
Depreciation
and Depletion
 
Rangeview Water Supply
 
$
14,827,000
  
$
(15,000
)
 
$
14,823,800
  
$
(14,700
)
Sky Ranch water rights and other costs
  
7,452,100
   
(811,500
)
  
7,371,500
   
(757,400
)
Fairgrounds water and water system
  
2,899,800
   
(1,173,000
)
  
2,899,800
   
(1,151,000
)
Rangeview water system
  
5,644,200
   
(425,900
)
  
5,617,800
   
(372,300
)
Water Supply – Other
  
4,761,200
   
(916,400
)
  
4,758,200
   
(860,100
)
Wild Pointe service rights
  
1,631,800
   
(489,800
)
  
1,631,800
   
(489,800
)
Sky Ranch pipeline
  
5,727,200
   
(459,300
)
  
5,723,700
   
(411,600
)
Lost Creek water supply
  
3,342,600
   
   
3,324,000
   
 
Construction in progress
  
9,507,000
   
   
8,176,600
   
 
Totals
  
55,792,900
   
(4,290,900
)
  
54,327,200
   
(4,056,900
)
Net investments in water and water systems
 
$
51,502,000
      
$
50,270,300
     
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION, Oil and Gas Lease Payments (Details)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Well
Nov. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Oil and Gas Lease Payments [Abstract]    
Number of drilling wells 6  
Productive oil wells number of wells expected to be placed in service 4  
Oil and gas royalty income, net | $ $ 269,549 $ 31,425
v3.19.3.a.u2
INCOME TAXES
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES
NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES

The Company recorded income tax expense of $1,887,100 and $0 for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The net expense during the three months ended November 30, 2019 consisted of current income tax expense of $1,168,300 and deferred income tax expense of $718,800. The current tax expense consists of income tax primarily from our Gain from reimbursement of construction costs (related party). The deferred tax expense consists of the usage of the Company’s remaining $2.5 million net operating loss carryforwards and payment of deferred compensation in the current period.

The income tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of the annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items. At November 30, 2019 the Company is currently estimating an annual effective tax rate of approximately 25%. Each quarter, the estimate of the annual effective tax rate is updated, and if the estimated effective tax rate changes, a cumulative adjustment is made. There is a potential for volatility of the effective tax rate due to various factors.

The provision for income taxes is recorded at the end of each interim period based on the Company’s best estimate of its effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. The Company’s effective income tax rate was 24.7% for the three months ended November 30, 2019. The company did not record income tax expense for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

No taxes were paid during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of net operating loss carryforwards and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019 are as follows:

  
For the Periods Ended:
 
  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
      
Net operating loss carryforwards
 
$
  
$
609,439
 
Accrued compensation
  
   
113,559
 
Deferred revenues
  
134,670
   
149,895
 
Depreciation and depletion
  
(52,976
)
  
(46,408
)
Non-qualified stock options
  
436,614
   
410,633
 
Other
  
46,128
   
46,128
 
Net deferred tax asset
 
$
564,436
  
$
1,283,246
 

The Company maintained a valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset other than AMT credit carryforwards as of August 31, 2018. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, the Company has determined it is more likely than not that the Company will realize its deferred tax assets, which consist primarily of net operating loss carryforwards. The Company assessed the realizability of its deferred tax assets using all available evidence; considering both historical results and projections of profitability for the reasonably foreseeable future periods. As a result of the Company’s annual reassessment of its conclusions regarding the realization of its deferred tax assets at each financial reporting date, the Company concluded that its deferred tax assets are realizable, and therefore, the valuation allowance is no longer necessary.

At August 31, 2019, the Company had $2.5 million of net operating loss carryforwards available for income tax purposes. The net operating loss carryforwards expire at various times beginning in 2036 and ending in 2038 for federal income tax purposes and expire at various times beginning in 2035 and ending in 2036 for state income tax purposes. As of November 31, 2019, the Company used the remaining balance of its net operating loss carryforwards.
v3.19.3.a.u2
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS [Abstract]  
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
NOTE 7 – SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

Water and Wastewater

Pursuant to the Rangeview Water Agreements (defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report) and an Export Service Agreement entered into with the Rangeview District dated June 16, 2017, the Company provides water and wastewater services on the Rangeview District’s behalf to the Rangeview District’s customers. Sales to the Rangeview District accounted for 51% and 5% of the Company’s total water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Rangeview District has one significant customer, the Ridgeview Youth Services Center. The Rangeview District’s significant customer accounted for 38% and 3% of the Company’s total water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Revenues related to the provision of water for the oil and gas industry to one customer accounted for approximately 30% of the Company’s water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2019. Revenues related to the provision of water for the oil and gas industry to two customers represented approximately 52% and 42%, respectively, of the Company’s water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

Land Development

Revenues from three customers represented 100% of the Company’s land development revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2019. The three customers represented 74%, 17% and 9%, respectively, of the Company’s land development revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2019. Revenues from two customers represented 100% of the Company’s land development revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2018. The two customers represented 66% and 34%, respectively, of the Company’s land development revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

Accounts Receivable

The Company had accounts receivable from the Rangeview District which accounted for 74% and 40% of the Company’s trade receivables balances at November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively. The Company had accounts receivable from one other customer which accounted for approximately 15% and 57% of its trade receivable balances at November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively. Accounts receivable from the Rangeview District’s largest customer accounted for 6% and 5% of the Company’s water and wastewater trade receivables as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively.
v3.19.3.a.u2
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE, Long-Term Obligations (Details)
3 Months Ended 281 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Member
Aug. 31, 2019
USD ($)
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE [Abstract]    
Percentage of original recorded liability compared to original total liability 35.00%  
Percentage of payment remitted to CAA holders allocated to recorded liability account 35.00%  
Percentage of payment remitted to CAA holders allocated to contingent obligation 65.00%  
Percentage of net proceeds from sale of export water allocated 88.00%  
Export Water Proceeds Received [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period $ 1,547,000 $ 0
Acquisitions   0
Relinquishment   0
Option payments - Sky Ranch and The Hills at Sky Ranch   110,400
Arapahoe County tap fees   533,000
Export water sale payments 57,300 903,600
Balance at end of period 1,604,300 1,547,000
Initial Export Water Proceeds to Pure Cycle [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period 29,491,600 218,500
Acquisitions   28,042,500
Relinquishment   2,386,400
Option payments - Sky Ranch and The Hills at Sky Ranch   (42,300)
Arapahoe County tap fees   (373,100)
Export water sale payments (50,500) (740,400)
Balance at end of period 29,441,100 29,491,600
Total Potential Third-Party Obligation [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period 987,600 31,807,700
Acquisitions   (28,042,500)
Relinquishment   (2,386,400)
Option payments   (68,100)
Arapahoe County tap fees   (159,900)
Export water sale payments (6,800) (163,200)
Balance at end of period 980,800 987,600
Participating Interests Liability [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period 332,140 11,090,600
Acquisitions   (9,790,000)
Relinquishment   (832,100)
Option payments - Sky Ranch and The Hills at Sky Ranch   (23,800)
Arapahoe County tap fees   (55,800)
Export water sale payments (2,400) (56,700)
Balance at end of period 329,762 332,140
Contingency [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period 655,400 20,717,100
Acquisitions   (18,252,500)
Relinquishment   (1,554,300)
Option payments - Sky Ranch and The Hills at Sky Ranch   (44,300)
Arapahoe County tap fees   (104,100)
Export water sale payments (4,400) (106,500)
Balance at end of period 651,000 $ 655,400
Export Water [Abstract]    
Expected future export water payouts 6,400,000  
Revenue receivables from sale of export water 5,600,000  
Expected proceeds from sale of export water after deduction of Land Board royalty $ 220,000  
SMWA [Member]    
WISE Partnership [Abstract]    
Number of other governmental or quasi-governmental water providers | Member 9  
Number of members | Member 10  
Rangeview District [Member] | WISE Partnership [Member]    
WISE Partnership [Abstract]    
Projected cost $ 7,000,000  
Projected financing period 5 years  
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION, Deferred Revenue (Details)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
a
Customer
Nov. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Aug. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Aug. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Land [Abstract]            
Contract revenues recognized $ (10,522,770)   $ (9,487,812)      
Deferred revenue 3,005,267   5,058,883   $ 1,846,630  
Sky Ranch [Member]            
Land [Abstract]            
Deferred revenue $ 1,200,000          
Number of industrial water customers | Customer 1          
Oil and Gas Leases [Member]            
Land [Abstract]            
Deferred revenue $ 822,500   425,800      
Bison Oil and Gas, LLP [Member]            
Land [Abstract]            
Contract revenues recognized (13,900) $ (13,900)        
Deferred revenue $ 46,500   60,400 $ 573,700   $ 167,200
OGOA [Member]            
Land [Abstract]            
Mineral estate area owned (in acres) | a 16          
Term period of lease 3 years          
Term for which operator may extend right 1 year          
Required payment from operator for extending right for one year $ 75,000          
Number of additional years for which operator may extend lease 2 years          
Maximum term of lease 5 years          
Contract revenues recognized $ (47,800) $ 0        
Deferred revenue $ 499,700   $ 547,500      
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION, Income per Common Share (Details) - shares
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Nov. 30, 2018
Income per Common Share [Abstract]    
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive effect of share-based payment arrangements (in shares) 224,097 223,962
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from calculation of income per common share (in shares)   50,000
v3.19.3.a.u2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2019
Aug. 31, 2019
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 22,072,442 $ 4,478,020
Short-term investments 0 5,188,813
Trade accounts receivable, net 878,302 1,099,631
Prepaid expenses and deposits 1,124,013 1,016,751
Inventories 3,861,564 11,613,112
Taxes receivable 0 141,410
Total current assets 27,936,321 23,537,737
Investments in water and water systems, net 51,502,028 50,270,310
Land and mineral interests 5,175,363 5,104,477
Notes receivable - related parties, including accrued interest 999,889 988,381
Other assets 1,911,738 1,945,202
Long-term land investment 450,641 450,641
Operating leases - right of use assets 247,682 0
Deferred tax asset 564,436 1,283,246
Taxes receivable 141,410 141,410
Total assets 88,929,509 83,721,404
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 275,354 170,822
Accrued liabilities 560,894 1,097,922
Accrued liabilities (related parties) 2,958,545 2,330,496
Income taxes payable 1,026,899 0
Deferred revenues, current 1,143,771 3,991,535
Deferred oil and gas lease payment and water sales payment 1,548,063 706,464
Total current liabilities 7,513,526 8,297,239
Deferred oil and gas lease payment and water sales payment, less current portion 313,433 360,884
Lease obligations - operating leases, less current portion 177,721 0
Participating interests in Export Water Supply 329,762 332,140
Total liabilities 8,334,442 8,990,264
Preferred stock:    
Series B - par value $0.001 per share, 25 million shares authorized; 432,513 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation preference of $432,513) 433 433
Common stock:    
Par value 1/3 of $.01 per share, 40 million shares authorized; 23,826,598 and 23,826,598 shares outstanding, respectively 79,427 79,427
Additional paid-in capital 172,465,766 172,360,413
Accumulated other comprehensive income 0 3,891
Accumulated deficit (91,950,558) (97,713,023)
Total shareholders' equity 80,595,068 74,731,141
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 88,929,509 $ 83,721,404
v3.19.3.a.u2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Nov. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $ 5,762,465 $ 633,972
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:    
Share-based compensation expense 105,353 103,476
Depreciation and depletion 304,084 239,274
Bad debt (recovery) expense 0 (31,233)
Investment in Well Enhancement and Recovery Systems LLC 0 2,615
Interest income and other non-cash items (105) (105)
Interest added to receivable from related parties (10,913) (9,822)
Deferred income taxes 718,810 0
Proceeds from CAB reimbursement applied to inventories 4,229,501 0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Inventories 4,777,212 (3,356,718)
Trade accounts receivable 221,329 (469,800)
Prepaid expenses (107,262) (138,395)
Notes receivable - related parties (595) (7,100)
Other assets 0 (90,097)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (386,891) (1,209,985)
Income taxes 1,168,309 0
Deferred revenues (2,847,764) (361,050)
Deferred income - oil and gas lease and water sales payment 794,148 (13,934)
Lease obligations - operating leases (5,647) 0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 14,722,034 (5,729,048)
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Investments in water, water systems and land (2,273,010) (2,488,788)
Sale and maturities of short-term investments 5,184,923 3,705,101
Purchase of short-term investments 0 (5,968,800)
Purchase of property and equipment (37,147) (42,923)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 2,874,766 (4,795,410)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from exercise of options 0 78,251
Payments to contingent liability holders (2,378) (3,722)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (2,378) 74,529
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 17,594,422 (10,449,929)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period 4,478,020 11,565,038
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period 22,072,442 1,115,109
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES    
Changes in Inventories included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,255,164 1,399,602
Changes in Investments in water, water systems and land included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (737,038) 930,895
Transfer of income taxes to income taxes receivable $ 0 $ 282,820
v3.19.3.a.u2
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Employee
BoardMember
Aug. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
Interest rate 6.00%  
Notes receivable $ 27,400  
Notes receivable, principal 25,500  
Notes receivable, accrued interest $ 1,900  
Rangeview District [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member]    
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
Number of employee board of directors | Employee 3  
Number of independent board of directors | BoardMember 1  
Rangeview District [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Loans Receivable [Member]    
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
Interest rate 7.50%  
Debt instrument maturity date Dec. 31, 2020  
Rangeview District [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Loans Receivable [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
Loan extended, maximum capacity $ 250,000  
Rangeview District [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Loans Receivable [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]    
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
Basis spread on variable rate 2.00%  
Rangeview District [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Notes Receivable [Member]    
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
Interest rate 8.00%  
Notes receivable $ 972,500  
Notes receivable, principal 553,400  
Notes receivable, accrued interest 419,100  
Rangeview District [Member] | WISE Partnership [Member]    
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
Funding pursuant to participation agreement 17,400 $ 22,200
Projected cost $ 7,000,000  
Projected financing period 5 years  
Investments in the WISE assets $ 3,500,000  
Sky Ranch District [Member] | Sky Ranch Community Authority Board [Member]    
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
Interest rate 6.00%  
Estimated cost $ 30,000,000  
Advances, net of reimbursed costs 12,500,000  
Advances included in inventories 2,900,000  
Advances expensed through land development construction costs $ 9,600,000  
v3.19.3.a.u2
SEGMENT REPORTING, Wholesale Water and Wastewater Services and Land Development Pretax Income (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Nov. 30, 2018
Pretax income (loss) [Abstract]    
Depreciation, general and administrative expenses $ (500,673) $ (611,973)
Net Income before taxes 7,649,584 633,972
Wholesale Water and Wastewater Services [Member]    
Pretax income (loss) [Abstract]    
Net Income before taxes 1,396,447 1,163,073
Land Development Activities [Member]    
Pretax income (loss) [Abstract]    
Net Income before taxes $ 6,753,810 $ 82,872
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION, Reimbursable Costs Incurred to Date (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2020
Nov. 30, 2019
Reimbursable Costs, Net [Abstract]    
Costs incurred to date   $ 25,401,500
Payments repaid by CAB   10,505,000
Net costs incurred to date   14,896,500
Forecast [Member]    
Reimbursable Costs, Net [Abstract]    
Costs incurred to date $ 18,500,000  
Construction Support Activities [Member]    
Reimbursable Costs, Net [Abstract]    
Costs incurred to date   533,500
Payments repaid by CAB   0
Net costs incurred to date   533,500
Project Management Services [Member]    
Reimbursable Costs, Net [Abstract]    
Costs incurred to date   869,900
Payments repaid by CAB   0
Net costs incurred to date   869,900
Public Improvements [Member]    
Reimbursable Costs, Net [Abstract]    
Costs incurred to date   22,966,400
Payments repaid by CAB   10,505,000
Net costs incurred to date   12,461,400
Public Improvements [Member] | Forecast [Member]    
Reimbursable Costs, Net [Abstract]    
Costs incurred to date $ 6,000,000  
Accrued Interest [Member]    
Reimbursable Costs, Net [Abstract]    
Costs incurred to date   1,031,700
Payments repaid by CAB   0
Net costs incurred to date   $ 1,031,700
v3.19.3.a.u2
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]  
Stock Option Activity
The following table summarizes the combined stock option activity for the 2004 Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Plan for the three months ended November 30, 2019:

  
Number
of Options
  
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
  
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
  
Approximate
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at August 31, 2019
  
555,500
  
$
6.33
   
6.27
  
$
2,527,590
 
Granted (1)
  
130,000
  
$
10.41
         
Exercised
  
  
$
         
Forfeited or expired
  
  
$
         
Outstanding at November 30, 2019
  
685,500
  
$
7.10
   
6.99
  
$
3,645,825
 
                 
Options exercisable at November 30, 2019
  
473,000
  
$
5.73
   
5.82
  
$
3,165,212
 

(1)
Includes 50,000 shares granted to Mr. Harding on September 27, 2019 and 80,000 total shares granted to employees on September 25, 2019.
Value of Non-vested Options
The following table summarizes the combined activity and value of non-vested options under the 2004 Equity Plan and 2014 Incentive Plan as of and for the three months ended November 30, 2019:

  
Number
of Options
  
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Non-vested options outstanding at August 31, 2019
  
152,500
  
$
4.03
 
Granted
  
130,000
   
4.60
 
Vested
  
(70,000
)
  
3.68
 
Forfeited
  
   
 
Non-vested options outstanding at November 30, 2019
  
212,500
  
$
4.20
 
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION, Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Nov. 30, 2018
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]    
Tax expense for granting and exercise of stock options $ 26,000  
Deferred tax impact   $ 0
Share-based compensation expense $ 105,353 $ 103,476
v3.19.3.a.u2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details)
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Assets
Liabilities
Aug. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Assets
Liabilities
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Held-to-maturity securities $ 0 $ 192,800
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Number of assets or liabilities [Abstract]    
Number of assets | Assets 0 0
Number of liabilities | Liabilities 0 0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Number of assets or liabilities [Abstract]    
Number of assets | Assets 0 1
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Number of assets or liabilities [Abstract]    
Number of liabilities | Liabilities 1 1
Recurring [Member]    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Accumulated unrealized gains and (losses) $ 0 $ 3,900
Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury Debt Securities [Member]    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Accumulated unrealized gains and (losses) 0 3,900
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities 0 0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | U.S. Treasury Debt Securities [Member]    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities 0 0
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities 0 4,996,000
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. Treasury Debt Securities [Member]    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities 0 4,996,000
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities 0 0
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | U.S. Treasury Debt Securities [Member]    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities 0 0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities 0 4,996,000
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | U.S. Treasury Debt Securities [Member]    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities 0 4,996,000
Recurring [Member] | Cost / Other Value [Member]    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities 0 4,992,100
Recurring [Member] | Cost / Other Value [Member] | U.S. Treasury Debt Securities [Member]    
Information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities $ 0 $ 4,992,100
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION [Abstract]  
Reimbursable Costs
The following table summarizes all reimbursable costs incurred to date, payments made from the CAB and any outstanding reimbursable amounts.

  
As of November 30, 2019
 
  
Costs incurred to date
  
Payments repaid by
CAB
  
Net costs incurred to date
 
Construction support activities
 
$
533,500
  
$
  
$
533,500
 
Project management services
  
869,900
   
   
869,900
 
Public Improvements
  
22,966,400
   
10,505,000
   
12,461,400
 
Accrued interest
  
1,031,700
   
   
1,031,700
 
Total reimbursable costs
 
$
25,401,500
  
$
10,505,000
  
$
14,896,500
 
Changes in Contract Asset and Deferred Revenue
The Company did not have a contract asset at November 30, 2019 or August 30, 2019.  The contract asset at November 30, 2018, related solely to the Company’s land development activities.

Changes in contract asset were as follows:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
  
$
 
Recognition of revenue contract asset
  
   
1,020,146
 
Contract asset invoiced
  
   
(1,020,146
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
  
$
 

Deferred revenue by segment is as follows:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Land development activities
 
$
1,143,771
  
$
3,991,535
 
Oil and gas leases and water sales payment
  
1,861,496
   
1,067,348
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
3,005,267
  
$
5,058,883
 

The current portion of deferred revenue for oil and gas leases and water sales payment as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019,  is $1,548,063 and $706,464, respectively. There were no water segment deferred revenues as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019.

Changes in deferred revenue were as follows:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
5,058,883
  
$
1,846,630
 
Deferral of revenue
  
8,469,154
   
12,700,065
 
Recognition of unearned revenue
  
(10,522,770
)
  
(9,487,812
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
3,005,267
  
$
5,058,883
 
v3.19.3.a.u2
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company has historically been involved in various claims, litigation and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. The Company records an accrual for a material loss contingency when its occurrence is probable and damages can be reasonably estimated based on the anticipated most likely outcome or the minimum amount within a range of possible outcomes. The Company makes such estimates based on information known about the claims and experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar claims. Disclosures are also provided for reasonably possible losses that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company was not involved in litigation or other legal proceedings and had no contingencies where the risk of material loss was reasonably possible as of November 30, 2019, or August 31, 2019.
v3.19.3.a.u2
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]  
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

NOTE 5 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Company maintains the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Equity Plan”), which was approved by shareholders in January 2014 and became effective on April 12, 2014. Executives, eligible employees, consultants and non-employee directors are eligible to receive options and stock grants pursuant to the 2014 Equity Plan. Pursuant to the 2014 Equity Plan, options to purchase shares of stock and restricted stock awards can be granted with exercise prices, vesting conditions and other performance criteria determined by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors. The Company has reserved 1.6 million shares of common stock for issuance under the 2014 Equity Plan. The Company began awarding options under the 2014 Equity Plan in January 2015. Prior to the effective date of the 2014 Equity Plan, the Company granted stock awards to eligible participants under its 2004 Incentive Plan (the “2004 Incentive Plan”), which expired on April 11, 2014. No additional awards may be granted pursuant to the 2004 Incentive Plan; however, awards outstanding as of April 11, 2014, will continue to vest and expire and may be exercised in accordance with the terms of the 2004 Incentive Plan.

The following table summarizes the combined stock option activity for the 2004 Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Plan for the three months ended November 30, 2019:

  
Number
of Options
  
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
  
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
  
Approximate
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at August 31, 2019
  
555,500
  
$
6.33
   
6.27
  
$
2,527,590
 
Granted (1)
  
130,000
  
$
10.41
         
Exercised
  
  
$
         
Forfeited or expired
  
  
$
         
Outstanding at November 30, 2019
  
685,500
  
$
7.10
   
6.99
  
$
3,645,825
 
                 
Options exercisable at November 30, 2019
  
473,000
  
$
5.73
   
5.82
  
$
3,165,212
 

(1)
Includes 50,000 shares granted to Mr. Harding on September 27, 2019 and 80,000 total shares granted to employees on September 25, 2019.

The following table summarizes the combined activity and value of non-vested options under the 2004 Equity Plan and 2014 Incentive Plan as of and for the three months ended November 30, 2019:

  
Number
of Options
  
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Non-vested options outstanding at August 31, 2019
  
152,500
  
$
4.03
 
Granted
  
130,000
   
4.60
 
Vested
  
(70,000
)
  
3.68
 
Forfeited
  
   
 
Non-vested options outstanding at November 30, 2019
  
212,500
  
$
4.20
 

All non-vested options are expected to vest.

Stock-based compensation expense was $105,400 and $103,500 for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

At November 30, 2019, the Company had unrecognized compensation expenses totaling $713,500 relating to non-vested options that are expected to vest. The weighted-average period over which these options are expected to vest is approximately two years.
v3.19.3.a.u2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Nov. 30, 2018
Revenues:    
Total revenues $ 10,461,029 $ 3,072,549
Expenses:    
Water service operations (253,788) (335,164)
Wastewater service operations (26,071) (2,722)
Land development construction costs (8,063,333) (1,298,324)
Other (23,778) (39,133)
Depletion and depreciation (219,302) (151,261)
Total cost of revenues (8,586,272) (1,826,604)
Gross profit 1,874,757 1,245,945
General and administrative expenses (801,371) (638,833)
Depreciation (84,782) (88,013)
Operating income 988,604 519,099
Other income (expense):    
Income from reimbursement of construction costs (related party) 6,275,500 0
Oil and gas lease income, net 61,740 13,933
Oil and gas royalty income, net 269,549 31,425
Interest income 54,191 71,162
Other 0 (1,647)
Net Income before taxes 7,649,584 633,972
Income tax expense 1,887,119 0
Net income 5,762,465 633,972
Unrealized holding (losses) gains (3,891) 11,796
Total comprehensive income $ 5,758,574 $ 645,768
Basic and diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share) $ 0.24 $ 0.03
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic (in shares) 23,826,598 23,772,431
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted (in shares) 24,050,695 23,996,393
Metered Water Usage [Member]    
Revenues:    
Total revenues $ 140,724 $ 1,367,851
Wastewater Treatment Fees [Member]    
Revenues:    
Total revenues 20,497 8,893
Water Tap Fees Recognized [Member]    
Revenues:    
Total revenues 1,672,115 254,826
Lot Sales [Member]    
Revenues:    
Total revenues 8,541,643 1,381,196
Other [Member]    
Revenues:    
Total revenues $ 86,050 $ 59,783
v3.19.3.a.u2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
NOTE 2 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or most advantageous market. The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that has three levels of inputs, both observable and unobservable, with use of the lowest possible level of significant input to determine where within the fair value hierarchy the measurement falls.

Level 1 — Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Company had no Level 1 assets or liabilities as of November 30, 2019 or August 31, 2019.

Level 2 — Valuations for assets and liabilities obtained from readily available pricing sources via independent providers for market transactions involving similar assets or liabilities. The Company had zero and one Level 2 assets as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively, which consisted of U.S. Treasury debt securities.

Level 3 — Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker-traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities. The Company had one Level 3 liability, the contingent portion of the CAA, as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019. The Company has determined that the contingent portion of the CAA does not have a determinable fair value (see Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease).

The Company maintains policies and procedures to value instruments using what management believes to be the best and most relevant data available.

Level 2 Asset – Investments. The Company’s debt securities are the Company’s only financial asset measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of investment securities is based on the values reported by the financial institutions where the funds are held. Investment securities include U.S. Treasury debt securities.

The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis when assessing recoverability consist entirely of its investments in water and water systems and other long-lived assets. See Note 3 – Water and Land Assets below.

The following table provides information on the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 30, 2019:

        
Fair Value Measurement Using:
    
  
Fair Value
  
Cost /
Other Value
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Accumulated
Unrealized
Gains and
(Losses)
 
U.S. Treasury debt securities
 
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
 
Total
 
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
  
$
 

The following table provides information on the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2019:

        
Fair Value Measurement Using:
    
  
Fair Value
  
Cost /
Other Value
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Accumulated
Unrealized
Gains and
(Losses)
 
U.S. Treasury debt securities
 
$
4,996,000
  
$
4,992,100
  
$
  
$
4,996,000
  
$
  
$
3,900
 
Total
 
$
4,996,000
  
$
4,992,100
  
$
  
$
4,996,000
  
$
  
$
3,900
 

The Company also held a certificate of deposit that is not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets and is classified as a held-to-maturity security. As of November 30, 2019, the carrying amount of held-to-maturity securities was $0. As of August 31, 2019, the carrying amount of held-to-maturity securities was $192,800 and is recorded as short-term investments in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION, Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Nov. 30, 2018
Aug. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]      
Deferred tax assets (AMT) $ 282,000   $ 282,000
Accrued interest of unrecognized tax benefits 0    
Accrued penalties of unrecognized tax benefits 0    
Interest expense on unrecognized tax benefits $ 0 $ 0  
Effective tax rate 24.70% 0.00%  
v3.19.3.a.u2
WATER AND LAND ASSETS (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Nov. 30, 2018
Aug. 31, 2019
Investment in Water and Water Systems [Abstract]      
Costs $ 55,792,900   $ 54,327,200
Accumulated depreciation and depletion (4,290,900)   (4,056,900)
Net investments in water and water systems 51,502,028   50,270,310
Depletion and Depreciation [Abstract]      
Depreciation 303,800 $ 238,700  
Rangeview Water Supply [Member]      
Investment in Water and Water Systems [Abstract]      
Costs 14,827,000   14,823,800
Accumulated depreciation and depletion (15,000)   (14,700)
Depletion and Depreciation [Abstract]      
Depletion 300 600  
Sky Ranch Water Rights and Other Costs [Member]      
Investment in Water and Water Systems [Abstract]      
Costs 7,452,100   7,371,500
Accumulated depreciation and depletion (811,500)   (757,400)
Fairgrounds Water And Water System [Member]      
Investment in Water and Water Systems [Abstract]      
Costs 2,899,800   2,899,800
Accumulated depreciation and depletion (1,173,000)   (1,151,000)
Rangeview Water System [Member]      
Investment in Water and Water Systems [Abstract]      
Costs 5,644,200   5,617,800
Accumulated depreciation and depletion (425,900)   (372,300)
Water Supply - Other [Member]      
Investment in Water and Water Systems [Abstract]      
Costs 4,761,200   4,758,200
Accumulated depreciation and depletion (916,400)   (860,100)
Wild Pointe Service Rights [Member]      
Investment in Water and Water Systems [Abstract]      
Costs 1,631,800   1,631,800
Accumulated depreciation and depletion (489,800)   (489,800)
Sky Ranch Pipeline [Member]      
Investment in Water and Water Systems [Abstract]      
Costs 5,727,200   5,723,700
Accumulated depreciation and depletion (459,300)   (411,600)
Lost Creek water supply [Member]      
Investment in Water and Water Systems [Abstract]      
Costs 3,342,600   3,324,000
Accumulated depreciation and depletion 0   0
Construction in Progress [Member]      
Investment in Water and Water Systems [Abstract]      
Costs 9,507,000   8,176,600
Accumulated depreciation and depletion 0   $ 0
Other Equipment [Member]      
Depletion and Depreciation [Abstract]      
Depreciation $ 84,800 $ 88,000  
v3.19.3.a.u2
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
ACCRUED LIABILITIES [Abstract]  
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
NOTE 8 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES

At November 30, 2019, the Company had accrued liabilities of $3,519,400, of which $64,300 was for current operating lease obligations, $98,100 was for estimated property taxes, $33,500 was for professional fees, and $3,323,500 was for operating payables, of which $2,654,700 is payable to the CAB for the development of Sky Ranch. These costs are also included in Inventories or expensed through Land development construction costs.

At August 31, 2019, the Company had accrued liabilities of $3,428,400, of which $460,500 was for accrued compensation, $94,000 was for estimated property taxes, $70,000 was for professional fees and the remaining $2,803,900 was related to operating payables, of which $1,399,600 is payable to the CAB for the development of Sky Ranch. These costs were also included in Inventories or expensed through Land development construction costs.
v3.19.3.a.u2
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE [Abstract]  
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE
NOTE 4 – LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE

The Participating Interests in Export Water Supply is an obligation of the Company that has no scheduled maturity date. Therefore, maturity of this liability is not disclosed in tabular format but is described below.

Participating Interests in Export Water Supply

The Company acquired its Rangeview Water Supply through various amended agreements entered into in the early 1990s. The acquisition was finalized with the signing of the CAA in 1996. Upon entering into the CAA, the Company recorded an initial liability of $11.1 million, which represented the cash that the Company received from the participating interest holders that was used to purchase the Company’s Export Water (described in greater detail in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2018 Annual Report). The Company agreed to remit a total of $31.8 million of proceeds received from the sale of Export Water to the participating interest holders in return for their initial $11.1 million investment. The obligation for the $11.1 million was recorded as debt, and the remaining $20.7 million contingent liability was not reflected on the Company’s balance sheet because the obligation to pay this is contingent on the sale of Export Water, the amounts and timing of which are not reasonably determinable.

The CAA obligation is non-interest bearing, and if the Export Water is not sold, the parties to the CAA have no recourse against the Company. If the Company does not sell the Export Water, the holders of the Series B preferred stock of the Company are also not entitled to payment of any dividend and have no contractual recourse against the Company.

As the proceeds from the sale of Export Water are received and the amounts are remitted to the external CAA holders, the Company allocates a ratable percentage of this payment to the principal portion (the Participating Interests in Export Water Supply liability account), with the balance of the payment being charged to the contingent obligation portion. Because the original recorded liability, which was $11.1 million, was 35% of the original total liability of $31.8 million, approximately 35% of each payment remitted to the CAA holders is allocated to the recorded liability account. The remaining portion of each payment, or approximately 65%, is allocated to the contingent obligation, which is recorded on a net revenue basis.

From time to time, the Company reacquired various portions of the CAA obligations, which retained their original priority, including the Land Board’s CAA interest which was assigned and relinquished to the Company in 2014. The Company did not make any CAA acquisitions during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018.

The Company is currently allocated approximately 88% of the total proceeds from the sale of Export Water after payment of the Land Board royalty. As a result of the acquisitions and consideration from cumulative sales of Export Water as detailed in the table below, the remaining potential third-party obligation at November 30, 2019, is approximately $1 million.

  
Export
Water
Proceeds
Received
  
Initial Export
Water
Proceeds to
Pure Cycle
  
Total
Potential
Third-Party
Obligation
  
Participating
Interests
Liability
  
Contingency
 
Original balances
 
$
  
$
218,500
  
$
31,807,700
  
$
11,090,600
  
$
20,717,100
 
Activity from inception until August 31, 2019:
                    
Acquisitions
  
   
28,042,500
   
(28,042,500
)
  
(9,790,000
)
  
(18,252,500
)
Relinquishment
  
   
2,386,400
   
(2,386,400
)
  
(832,100
)
  
(1,554,300
)
Option payments - Sky Ranch and The Hills at Sky Ranch
  
110,400
   
(42,300
)
  
(68,100
)
  
(23,800
)
  
(44,300
)
Arapahoe County tap fees
  
533,000
   
(373,100
)
  
(159,900
)
  
(55,800
)
  
(104,100
)
Export Water sale payments
  
903,600
   
(740,400
)
  
(163,200
)
  
(56,700
)
  
(106,500
)
Balance at August 31, 2019
  
1,547,000
   
29,491,600
   
987,600
   
332,200
   
655,400
 
Fiscal 2019 activity:
                    
Export Water sale payments
  
57,300
   
(50,500
)
  
(6,800
)
  
(2,400
)
  
(4,400
)
Balance at November 30, 2019
 
$
1,604,300
  
$
29,441,100
  
$
980,800
  
$
329,800
  
$
651,000
 

The CAA includes contractually established priorities which call for payments to CAA holders in order of their priority. This means that the first payees receive their full payment before the next priority level receives any payment and so on until full repayment. Of the next approximately $6.4 million of Export Water payouts, which based on current payout levels would occur over several years, the Company will receive approximately $5.6 million of revenue. Thereafter, the Company will be entitled to all but approximately $220,000 of the proceeds from the sale of Export Water after deduction of the Land Board royalty.

WISE Partnership

The Company, through the Rangeview District, entered into the Amended and Restated WISE Partnership – Water Delivery Agreement, dated December 31, 2013 (the “WISE Partnership Agreement”), among the City and County of Denver acting through its Board of Water Commissioners (“Denver Water”), the City of Aurora acting by and through its Utility Enterprise (“Aurora Water”), and the South Metro WISE Authority (“SMWA”). The SMWA was formed by the Rangeview District and nine other governmental or quasi-governmental water providers pursuant to the South Metro WISE Authority Formation and Organizational Intergovernmental Agreement, dated December 31, 2013 (the “SM IGA”), to enable the members of SMWA to participate in the regional water supply project known as the Water Infrastructure Supply Efficiency partnership (“WISE”) created by the WISE Partnership Agreement. The SM IGA specifies each member’s pro rata share of WISE and the members’ rights and obligations with respect to WISE. The WISE Partnership Agreement provides for the purchase of certain infrastructure (i.e., pipelines, water storage facilities, water treatment facilities, and other appurtenant facilities) to deliver water to and among the 10 members of the SMWA, Denver Water and Aurora Water.

Pursuant to the terms of the Rangeview/Pure Cycle WISE Project Financing Agreement (the “WISE Financing Agreement”) between the Company and the Rangeview District, the Company has an agreement to fund the Rangeview District’s participation in WISE effective as of December 22, 2014. The Company’s cost of funding the Rangeview District’s purchase of its share of existing infrastructure and future infrastructure for WISE and funding operations and water deliveries related to WISE is projected to be approximately $7 million over the next five years. See further discussion in Note 6 Related Party Transactions.

Lease Commitments

Under Topic 842, operating lease expense is generally recognized evenly over the term of the lease. Effective as of February 2018, the Company entered into an operating lease for approximately 11,393 square feet of office and warehouse space. The lease has a three-year term with payments of $6,600 per month and an option to extend the primary lease term for a two-year period at a rate equal to a 12.5% increase over the primary base payments. The change in the lease costs is not material to the Company’s operations.

The Company did not enter into any new leases in the three months ended November 30, 2019. Rent expense consisted of operating lease expense of $21,300 for the three months ended November 30, 2019. There was no sublease rental income for the three months ended November 30, 2019. We paid $19,800 against Lease obligations — operating leases in the three months ended November 30, 2019.

Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. For lease agreements entered into or reassessed after the adoption of Topic 842, the Company combines the lease and non-lease components in determining the lease liabilities and right-of-use (“ROU’) assets.

The Company’s lease agreements generally do not provide an implicit borrowing rate; therefore, an internal incremental borrowing rate is determined based on information available at lease commencement date for purposes of determining the present value of lease payments. The Company used the incremental borrowing rate of 6% on August 31, 2019, for all leases that commenced prior to that date. We also elected the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases. Our election of the hindsight practical expedient resulted in the lengthening of the lease term related to our lease.

ROU lease assets and lease liabilities for the Company’s operating leases were recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:

  
As of November 30, 2019
 
Operating leases - right of use assets
 
$
247,682
 
     
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
64,315
 
Lease obligations - operating leases, net of current portion
  
177,721
 
Total lease liability
 
$
242,036
 
     
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
  
3.2
 
Weighted average discount rate
  
6.0
%
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION [Abstract]  
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) 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. Estimates are used to account for certain items such as revenue recognition, reimbursable costs and expenses, costs of revenue for lot sales, share-based compensation, deferred tax asset valuation, and the recoverability of long lived  assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company’s cash equivalents are comprised entirely of money market funds maintained at a reputable financial institution and U.S. Treasury debt securities. At various times during the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company’s main operating account exceeded federally insured limits. To date, the Company has not suffered a loss due to such excess balance.
Land Development Inventories
Land Development Inventories

Inventories primarily include land held for development and sale. Inventories are stated at cost. Capitalized lot development costs at Sky Ranch are costs incurred to construct lots at Sky Ranch that meet the Company’s capitalization criteria for improvements to a lot and are capitalized as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain legal, engineering, design, permitting, land acquisition, and construction costs related to the development of lots at Sky Ranch. The Company accumulates land development costs and allocates costs to each lot to determine the cost basis for each lot sale. The Company records all land cost of sales over time based on inputs of costs incurred to date to total estimated costs to complete.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), the Company values land held for sale at the lower of the carrying value or net realizable value. In determining net realizable value, the Company primarily relies upon the most recent negotiated price that is a Level 2 input (see Note 3 – Fair Value Measurements for definitions of fair value inputs). If a negotiated price is not available, the Company will consider several factors, including, but not limited to, current market conditions, recent comparable sales transactions and market analysis studies. If the net realizable value is lower than the current carrying value, the land is written down to its estimated net realizable value.
Contract Asset
Contract Asset

Contract receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Credit is extended based on the evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and collateral is not required. Contract asset is revenue which has been earned but not yet invoiced. The contract assets are transferred to the receivables when the Company has the right to bill such amounts and they are invoiced.
Investments
Investments

Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in U.S. Treasury debt securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such determinations each reporting period.

Securities that the Company does not have the positive intent or ability to hold to maturity, including U.S. Treasury debt securities, are reported at their fair value. Changes in value of such securities are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. As of November 30, 2019, the Company’s U.S. Treasury debt securities had no maturity dates greater than 90 days and were classified as cash and cash equivalents in the Balance Sheet.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Fair Value
Concentration of Credit Risk and Fair Value

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and investments. From time to time, the Company places its cash in money market instruments, certificates of deposit and U.S. Treasury obligations. To date, the Company has not experienced significant losses on any of these investments.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are reported using the values as reported by the financial institution where the funds are held. These securities primarily include balances in the Company’s operating and savings accounts. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value.

Trade Accounts Receivable – The Company records accounts receivable net of allowances for uncollectible accounts and the carrying value approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the receivables.

Investments – The carrying amounts of investments are recorded at fair value. Investments are described further in Note 2 – Fair Value Measurements.

Accounts Payable – The carrying amounts of accounts payable approximate fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity for these instruments.

Long-Term Financial Liabilities The Comprehensive Amendment Agreement No. 1 (the “CAA”) is comprised of a recorded balance sheet and an off-balance sheet or “contingent” obligation associated with the Company’s acquisition of its “Rangeview Water Supply” (as defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report). The amount payable is a fixed amount but is repayable only upon the sale of “Export Water” (as defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report). Because of the uncertainty of the sale of Export Water, the Company has determined that the contingent portion of the CAA does not have a determinable fair value. The CAA is described further in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease – Participating Interests in Export Water Supply.

Notes Receivable – Related PartiesThe carrying amounts of the Notes receivable – related parties (including with the Rangeview Metropolitan District (the “Rangeview District”) and the Sky Ranch Community Authority Board (the “CAB”)) approximate their fair value because the interest rates on the notes approximate market rates.

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments – The Company’s off-balance sheet instruments consist entirely of the contingent portion of the CAA. Because repayment of this portion of the CAA is contingent on the sale of Export Water, which is not reasonably estimable, the Company has determined that the contingent portion of the CAA does not have a determinable fair value. See further discussion in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease – Participating Interests in Export Water Supply.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition

The Company disaggregates revenue by major product line as reported on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Wholesale Water and Wastewater Fees

The Company generates revenues through two lines of business. Revenues are derived through its wholesale water and wastewater business and through the sale of developed land primarily for residential lots, both of which businesses are described below.

The Company generates revenues through its wholesale water and wastewater business predominantly from three sources: (i) monthly wholesale water usage fees and wastewater service fees, (ii) one-time water and wastewater tap fees and construction fees/Special Facility funding, and (iii) consulting fees. Because these items are separately delivered and distinct, the Company accounts for each of the items separately, as described below.


(i)
Monthly water usage and wastewater treatment fees  Monthly wholesale water usage charges are assessed to the Company’s customers based on actual metered usage each month plus a base monthly service fee assessed per single family equivalent (“SFE”) unit served. One SFE is a customer, whether residential, commercial or industrial, that imparts a demand on the Company’s water or wastewater systems similar to the demand of a family of four persons living in a single-family house on a standard-sized lot. Water usage pricing uses a tiered pricing structure. The Company recognizes wholesale water usage revenues at a point in time upon delivering water to its customers or its governmental customers’ end-use customers, as applicable. Revenues recognized by the Company from the sale of “Export Water” and other portions of its “Rangeview Water Supply” off the Lowry Range are shown gross of royalties to the State of Colorado Board of Land Commissioners (the “Land Board”). The Company is the primary distributor of the “Export Water” and sets pricing for the sale of Export Water. Revenues recognized by the Company from the sale of water on the Lowry Range are shown net of royalties paid to the Land Board and amounts retained by the Rangeview District. For water sales on the Lowry Range, the Rangeview District is directly selling the water and deemed the primary distributor of the water. The Rangeview District sets the price for the water sales on the Lowry Range. See further description of Export Water, the Lowry Range, and the Rangeview Water Supply in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets under “Rangeview Water Supply and Water System” in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report.

In addition to providing domestic water, the Company provides raw water for hydraulic fracturing to industrial customers in the oil and gas industry that are located in and adjacent to its service areas. Frack water revenues are recognized at a point in time upon delivering water to a customer.

The Company delivered 748,000 and 114.5 million gallons of water to customers during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, of which 6% and 86% was used for oil and gas exploration.

The Company recognizes wastewater treatment revenues monthly based on a flat monthly fee and actual usage charges. The monthly wastewater treatment fees are shown net of amounts retained by the Rangeview District. Costs of delivering water and providing wastewater service to customers are recognized as incurred.


(ii)
Water and wastewater tap fees/Special Facility funding – The Company recognizes water and wastewater tap fees as revenue at the time the Company grants a right for the customer to tap into the water or wastewater service line to obtain service. The Company recognized $1,401,900 and $226,900 of water tap fee revenues during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The water tap fees recognized are based on the amounts billed by the Rangeview District and any amounts paid to third parties pursuant to the CAA as further described in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating LeaseParticipating Interests in Export Water Supply below. The Company recognized $270,200 and $28,000 of wastewater tap fee revenues during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company recognizes construction fees, including fees received to construct “Special Facilities,” over time as the construction is completed because the customer is generally able to use the property improvement to enhance the value of other assets during the construction period. Special Facilities are facilities that enable water to be delivered to a single customer and are not otherwise classified as a typical wholesale facility or retail facility. Temporary infrastructure required prior to construction of permanent water and wastewater systems or transmission pipelines to transfer water from one location to another are examples of Special Facilities. Management has determined that Special Facilities are separate and distinct performance obligations because these projects are contracted to construct a specific water and wastewater system or transmission pipeline and typically do not include multiple performance obligations in a contract with a customer. No Special Facilities revenue has been recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2019 or 2018.


(iii)
Consulting fees – Consulting fees are fees that the Company receives, typically on a monthly basis, from municipalities and area water providers along the I-70 corridor, for contract operations services over time as services are consumed. Consulting fees are recognized monthly based on a flat monthly fee plus charges for additional work performed. The Company recognized $12,700 and $47,800 of consulting fees during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company is reducing its consulting services in order to focus its resources on the water systems at Sky Ranch. The Company expects consulting fees to be minimal in future periods.

Land Development Activities

The Company generates revenues through the sale of finished lots at its Sky Ranch development primarily from several sources of revenues: (i) the sale of finished lots, (ii) construction support activities, (iii) project management services, and (iv) reimbursable expenses incurred to develop certain public improvements.


(i)
Land development through the sale of finished lots – The Company acquired approximately 930 acres of land zoned as a Master Planned Community known as Sky Ranch along the I-70 corridor east of Denver, Colorado. The Company has entered into purchase and sale agreements with three separate home builders pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell, and each builder agreed to purchase, residential lots at the property. The Company began construction of lots in March 2018 and segments its reporting of the activity relating to the costs and revenues from the construction and sale of lots at Sky Ranch.
 

The Company sells lots at Sky Ranch pursuant to distinct agreements with each builder. These agreements follow one of two formats. One format is the sale of a finished lot, whereby the purchaser pays for a ready-to-build finished lot and payment is a lump-sum payment upon completion of the finished lot that is permit ready. The Company will recognize revenues at the point in time of the closing of the sale of a finished lot in which control transfers to the builder as the transaction cycle will be complete and the Company will have no further obligations for the lot. During the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company received payment and recognized revenue of $1,430,600 from one home builder in exchange for the delivery of 21 finished lots. No revenue was recognized for lot sales at a point in time for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

The Company’s second format is the sale of finished lots pursuant to a development agreement with builders, whereby the Company receives payments in stages that include (i) payment upon the delivery of platted lots (which requires the Company to deliver deeded title to individual lots), (ii) a second payment upon the completion of certain infrastructure milestones, and (iii) final payment upon the delivery of the finished lot. Ownership and control of the platted lots pass to the builders once the Company closes the sale of the platted lots. Because the builder (i.e., the customer) takes control of the lot at the first closing and subsequent improvements made by the Company improve the builder’s lot as construction progresses, the Company accounts for revenue over time with progress measured based upon costs incurred to date compared to total expected costs.  Any revenue in excess of amounts entitled to be billed is reflected on the balance sheet as a contract asset, and amounts received in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue. As of November 30, 2019, the Company had received cumulative payments of approximately $18 million under development agreements relating to 293 lots from two home builders, of which approximately $17.0 million of revenue was recognized over time based on the costs incurred to date compared to total expected costs for full completion of the 293 lots. For the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $7,111,000 and $1,381,200 of lot sales over time, respectively. The Company had deferred revenue related to lot sales of $1,143,800 as of November 30, 2019. The Company had a contract asset of $1,020,100 as of November 30, 2018. The Company does not have any material significant payment terms as all payments are expected to be received within 12 months after the delivery of each platted lot.  The Company adopted the practical expedient for financing components and does not need to account for a financing component of these lot sales as the delivery of lot sales is expected to occur within one year or less.


(ii)
Construction support activities – The Company performs certain construction activities at Sky Ranch. The activities performed include construction and maintenance of the grading erosion and sediment control best management practices and other construction-related services. These activities are invoiced upon completion and are included in Inventories and subsequently expensed through Land development construction costs until bonds are issued by the Sky Ranch Districts (as defined in Note 6 – Related Party Transactions) and/or the CAB and the CAB reimburses the Company for public improvements. Refer to section (iv) Reimbursable Costs for Public Improvements for details on repayment of reimbursable costs. To date, the Company has invoiced the CAB $533,500 for construction support activities, which amount is included in Inventories.


(iii)
Project management services – The Company entered into two Service Agreements for Project Management Services with the CAB beginning on May 2, 2018. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company acts as the project manager and provides any and all services required to deliver the CAB-eligible improvements, including but not limited to CAB compliance; planning design and approvals; project administration; contractor agreements; and construction management and administration. The Company must submit to the CAB a monthly invoice, in a form acceptable to the CAB, detailing all project management activities during the period. The Company is responsible for all expenses it incurs in the performance of the agreements and is not entitled to any reimbursement or compensation except as defined in the agreements, unless otherwise approved in advance by the CAB in writing. The CAB is subject to annual budget and appropriation procedures and does not intend to create a multiple-fiscal year direct or indirect debt or other financial obligation. The Company receives a project management fee of five percent (5%) of actual construction costs of CAB-eligible improvements. The project management fee qualifies as a reimbursable cost to the Company. The project management fee is based only on the actual costs of the improvements; thus, items such as fees, permits, review fees, consultant or other soft costs, and land acquisition or any other costs that are not directly related to the cost of construction of CAB-eligible improvements are not included in the calculation of the project management fee. Soft costs and other costs that are not directly related to the construction of CAB-eligible improvements are included in Inventories and accounted for in the same manner as construction support activities as described above. The Company and the CAB have agreed that no payment is required by the CAB with respect to project management fees unless and until the CAB and/or the Sky Ranch Districts issue municipal bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of advances provided or expenses incurred for reimbursables. Due to this contingency, the project management fees are being accrued to revenue with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued by the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB and the CAB reimburses the Company for the public improvements. At that point, the portion of the project management fees repaid will be recognized as revenue. To date, the Company has accrued $869,900 in project management services to the CAB.


(iv)
Reimbursable Costs for Public Improvements – The CAB is required to construct certain public improvements, such as water distribution systems, sewer collection systems, storm water systems, drainage improvements, roads, curb, sidewalks, landscaping and parks, the costs of which may qualify as reimbursable costs. The Company is obligated to finance this infrastructure pursuant to its agreements with the CAB (see Note 6 – Related Party Transactions). These public improvements are constructed pursuant to design standards specified by the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB, and, after inspection and acceptance, are turned over to the applicable governmental entity to operate and maintain. As these public improvements are owned and operated on behalf of a governmental entity, they may qualify for reimbursement.

The Company and the CAB have agreed that no payment is required with respect to advances made by the Company or expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements unless and until the CAB and/or the Sky Ranch Districts issue bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of the advances made and expenses incurred. Due to this contingency, the reimbursable costs for the construction of public improvements, including reimbursable costs for construction support activities, are included in Inventories and subsequently expensed through Land development construction costs until the point in time when the CAB reimburses the Company for such public improvements. The Company submits specific costs for reimbursement to the CAB.  Based on the specific costs being reimbursed by the CAB, the Company records those costs that have been previously expensed in cost of sales as other income and those costs that remain capitalized as inventory costs as a reduction of the related inventory costs held in Inventories. Any reimbursable costs repaid after all capitalized expenses and lot revenues have been fully recognized will be recorded as other income.

All amounts owed under the 2018 FFAA (as defined in Note 6 – Related Party Transactions) bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum. No payment is required of the CAB for advances made to the CAB or expenses incurred related to construction of public improvements unless and until the CAB and/or Sky Ranch Districts issue bonds in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of advances or other expenses incurred. Due to this contingency, interest is accrued to Interest Income with a corresponding allowance until the point in time when bonds are issued. At that point, the allowance will be reversed for the portion of the accrued interest repaid and the accrued interest will be recognized. To date, the Company has accrued $1,031,700 for accrued interest for advances made to the CAB.

On November 19, 2019, the CAB sold tax-exempt, fixed rate senior bonds in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11,435,000 and tax-exempt, fixed-rate subordinate bonds in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,765,000 (collectively, the “Bonds”). Upon the sale of the Bonds approximately $10.5 million of the net proceeds from the Bonds were used to partially reimburse the Company for advances it made to the CAB pursuant to the 2018 FFAA to fund the construction of public improvements to the Sky Ranch property. Approximately $2.7 million of the bond proceeds were retained by the CAB in cash in order to repay debt service through 2021, when the CAB expects to generate enough revenue through mill levies, to repay bond holders.

The Company applied approximately $4.2 million of the net proceeds to partially reduce the remaining capitalized expenses in Inventories and the excess of the capitalized public improvement expenses of approximately $6.3 million was recognized as Income from reimbursement of construction costs (related party) in other income. As a result of the reimbursed costs, the margin from land development revenues is expected to increase to approximately 27%.

The Company records all reimbursable costs to Inventories and subsequently expenses these costs through Land development construction costs. All unpaid reimbursable costs, that the Company believes are recoverable from the CAB are accrued to a Note Receivable from the CAB pursuant to the 2018 FFAA. Each period, the Company performs an impairment analysis on the recoverability of the outstanding reimbursable costs. The following table summarizes all reimbursable costs incurred to date, payments made from the CAB and any outstanding reimbursable amounts.

  
As of November 30, 2019
 
  
Costs incurred to date
  
Payments repaid by
CAB
  
Net costs incurred to date
 
Construction support activities
 
$
533,500
  
$
  
$
533,500
 
Project management services
  
869,900
   
   
869,900
 
Public Improvements
  
22,966,400
   
10,505,000
   
12,461,400
 
Accrued interest
  
1,031,700
   
   
1,031,700
 
Total reimbursable costs
 
$
25,401,500
  
$
10,505,000
  
$
14,896,500
 

The Company expects to incur approximately an additional $6.0 million of construction costs related to public improvements and expects to be reimbursed approximately an additional $18.5 million.
 
The Company evaluated disaggregation of revenue and has determined that no additional disaggregation of revenue is necessary.

Contract asset by segment is as follows:

The Company did not have a contract asset at November 30, 2019 or August 30, 2019.  The contract asset at November 30, 2018, related solely to the Company’s land development activities.

Changes in contract asset were as follows:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
  
$
 
Recognition of revenue contract asset
  
   
1,020,146
 
Contract asset invoiced
  
   
(1,020,146
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
  
$
 

Deferred revenue by segment is as follows:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Land development activities
 
$
1,143,771
  
$
3,991,535
 
Oil and gas leases and water sales payment
  
1,861,496
   
1,067,348
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
3,005,267
  
$
5,058,883
 

The current portion of deferred revenue for oil and gas leases and water sales payment as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019,  is $1,548,063 and $706,464, respectively. There were no water segment deferred revenues as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019.

Changes in deferred revenue were as follows:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
5,058,883
  
$
1,846,630
 
Deferral of revenue
  
8,469,154
   
12,700,065
 
Recognition of unearned revenue
  
(10,522,770
)
  
(9,487,812
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
3,005,267
  
$
5,058,883
 

The recognition of unearned revenue was $8,541,643 and $5,920,319 from land development activities and $1,981,127 and $3,567,493 from oil and gas leases and water sales payments for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively.

Revenue allocated to remaining performance obligations represents contracted revenue that has not yet been recognized (“contracted not recognized revenue”), which includes unearned revenue and amounts that will be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods. At November 30, 2019, the Company had outstanding open contracts for $13,739,100, which primarily related to the sale of 506 lots at Sky Ranch. The Company expects to recognize approximately 84% of such revenue over the next 12 months.
Inventories
Inventories

Inventories primarily include land held for development and sale, which the Company has begun developing and are stated at cost. Capitalized lot development costs at Sky Ranch are costs incurred to construct finished lots at Sky Ranch that meet the Company’s capitalization criteria for improvements to a lot and are capitalized as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain legal, engineering, design, permitting, land acquisition, and construction costs related to the development of lots at Sky Ranch. The Company uses the specific identification method for purposes of accumulating land development costs and allocates costs to each lot to determine the cost basis for each lot sale. The Company records all land cost of sales when a lot is completed and sold on a lot-by-lot basis. Costs included in Inventories include common area costs that the Company funded through the CAB. The Company expects that such costs will be reimbursable by the CAB. The Company will record future reimbursements as a reduction of reimbursable capitalized costs remaining in Inventories once the CAB has the ability to reimburse the costs (i.e., once the Sky Ranch Districts and/or the CAB has issued bonds).

In accordance with ASC 360, the Company measures land held for sale at the lower of the carrying value or net realizable value. In determining net realizable value, the Company primarily relies upon the most recent negotiated price. If a negotiated price is not available, the Company will consider several factors, including, but not limited to, current market conditions, recent comparable sales transactions and market analysis studies. If the net realizable value is lower than the current carrying value, the land is written down to its net realizable value.
Royalty and Other Obligations
Royalty and Other Obligations

Revenues from the sale of Export Water are shown gross of royalties payable to the Land Board. Revenues from the sale of water on the Lowry Range are invoiced directly by the Rangeview District, and a percentage of such collections are then paid to the Company by the Rangeview District. Water revenue from such sales are shown net of royalties paid to the Land Board and amounts retained by the Rangeview District.
Oil and Gas Lease Payments
Oil and Gas Lease Payments

As described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report, the Company entered into a Paid-Up Oil and Gas Lease (the “Sky Ranch O&G Lease”) and a Surface Use and Damage Agreement that were subsequently purchased by a wholly owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Company. Six wells have been drilled within the Company’s mineral interest and placed into service (four new wells beginning in fiscal 2020) and are producing oil and gas and accruing royalties to the Company. During the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company received $269,500 and $31,400 net of taxes, respectively, in royalties attributable to these wells. The Company classifies income from oil and gas lease and royalty payments as Other income in the statement of operations and comprehensive income as the Company does not consider these arrangements to be a primary operating business activity.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred Revenue

In July 2019, the Company received an up-front payment of $573,700 from an Agreement on Locations of Oil and Gas Operations for a pad site covering approximately 16 acres with the operator of the Sky Ranch O&G Lease (the “OGOA”), which will be recognized as income on a straight-line basis over three years. If after three years the operator has not spud at least one well on the OGOA, the operator may extend the right to the OGOA one additional year by paying $75,000 to the Company. The operator may only extend the OGOA for two additional years for a total of five years. The Company recognizes the up-front payments on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective agreements. During the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company recognized $47,800 of income related to the up-front payments received pursuant to the OGOA. No revenue was recognized for the three months ended November 30, 2018 related to the up-front payments received pursuant to the OGOA. As of November 30, 2019, and August 31, 2019 the Company had deferred revenue of $499,700 and $547,500, respectively, related to the OGOA.

In September 2017, the Company entered into a Paid-Up Oil and Gas Lease with Bison Oil and Gas, LLP (the “Bison Lease”). Pursuant to the Bison Lease, the Company received an up-front payment of $167,200 in October 2017, which will be recognized as income on a straight-line basis over the three year term of the lease. The Company recognized lease income of $13,900 during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 related to the up-front payment received pursuant to the Bison Lease. As of November 30, 2019, and August 31, 2019, the Company had deferred revenue of $46,500 and $60,400, respectively, related to the Bison Lease that will be recognized as income ratably through September 2020.

The Company also received a payment of $425,800 in fiscal 2019 from one of its industrial water customers and $822,500 in the quarter ended November 30, 2019, to reserve first priority water for its oil and gas fracking needs for defined periods during 2020. As the Customer uses the forecasted volumes each month, the Company will recognize revenue based on the volumes used. The Customer may take such volumes up to one year from invoice date. If the Customer does not take the forecasted volumes in the anticipated period, such volumes are forfeited by the Customer. At that time, any payments received for unused volumes will be recognized as revenue. As of November 30, 2019, the Company had deferred revenue of $1.2 million as a result of these advanced water purchase payments.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the eventual use of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Capitalized Costs of Water and Wastewater Systems and Depletion and Depreciation of Water Assets
Capitalized Costs of Water and Wastewater Systems and Depletion and Depreciation of Water Assets

Costs to construct water and wastewater systems that meet the Company’s capitalization criteria are capitalized as incurred, including any interest, and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of up to 30 years. The Company capitalizes design and construction costs related to construction activities, and it capitalizes certain legal, engineering and permitting costs relating to the adjudication and improvement of its water assets. The Company depletes its groundwater assets that are being utilized on the basis of units produced (i.e., thousands of gallons sold) divided by the total volume of water adjudicated in the water decrees.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation

The Company maintains a stock option plan for the benefit of its employees and non-employee directors. The Company records share-based compensation costs as expense over the applicable vesting period of the stock award using the straight-line method. The compensation costs to be expensed are measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. The Company has adopted the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation, which allows for a simplified method of calculating the tax effects of employee share-based compensation. The impact on the income tax provision for the granting and exercise of stock options during the three months ended November 30, 2019 was a tax expense of approximately $26,000. Because the Company had a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets as of November 30, 2018 there was no effect on the tax provision during the period. The Company recognized $105,400 and $103,500 of share-based compensation expense during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

The Company uses a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for the recognition and de-recognition of tax positions, including any potential interest and penalties relating to tax positions taken by the Company. The Company did not have any significant unrecognized tax benefits as of November 30, 2019.

As a result of H.R.1, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), signed into law on December 22, 2017, the Company has a $282,000 alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) deferred tax asset for which it did not have a valuation allowance as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019.  The Company expects to receive the AMT as a refund in future years.  Most, if not all, of this credit will be refundable starting with the filing of the 2018 (fiscal year ending 2019) through 2021 (fiscal year ending 2022) tax returns, subject to limitations of Internal Revenue Code Section 382 (arises with ownership changes) and the sequestration limitation of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 24.7% for the three months ended November 30, 2019. The effective tax rate was 0% for the three months ended November 30, 2018 due to the valuation allowance the Company maintained on its net deferred tax asset.

The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

The Company maintained a valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset other than AMT credits as of November 30, 2018, as the Company had determined it was more likely than not that the Company would not realize its deferred tax assets as of November 30, 2018. Such assets primarily consisted of operating loss carryforwards. The Company assessed the realizability of its deferred tax asset using all available evidence. In particular, the Company considered both historical results and projections of profitability for the reasonably foreseeable future periods. The Company is required to reassess its conclusions regarding the realization of its deferred tax assets at each financial reporting date. As a result of the evaluation, the Company concluded that all of the valuation allowance was no longer necessary as of August 31, 2019 and released the valuation allowance.

The Company files income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and the State of Colorado. The tax years that remain subject to examination are fiscal year 2015 through fiscal year 2018.

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. At November 30, 2019, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2019 or 2018.
Income per Common Share
Income per Common Share

Income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Common stock options of 224,097 and 223,962 common share equivalents as of the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were included in the calculation of income per common share as dilutive common stock equivalents using the treasury stock method. Common stock options aggregating 50,000 common share equivalents as of the three months ended November 30, 2018, have been excluded from the calculation of income per common share as their effect is anti-dilutive.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The Company continually assesses any new accounting pronouncements to determine their applicability. When it is determined that a new accounting pronouncement affects the Company’s financial reporting, the Company undertakes a study to determine the consequence of the change to its consolidated financial statements and to ensure that there are proper controls in place to ascertain that the Company’s consolidated financial statements properly reflect the change. New pronouncements assessed by the Company recently are discussed below:

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. The new standard supersedes the present GAAP standard on leases and requires substantially all leases to be reported on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease obligations. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted the standard effective September 1, 2019, and recorded a right-of-use asset of approximately $258,900 and a lease obligation liability of approximately $252,300.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Among other things, these amendments require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Companies will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the provisions of the standard and the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220); Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in ASU 2018-02 allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance of the standard. The Company believes the impact of this standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements is immaterial.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-07 is intended to reduce cost and complexity and to improve financial reporting for share-based payments issued to nonemployees. This standard expands the scope of ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which currently only includes share-based payments issued to employees, to include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods and services. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees and employees will be substantially aligned. ASU 2018-07 supersedes ASC Subtopic 505-50, Equity — Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within these fiscal years. The Company believes that the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements is immaterial.
v3.19.3.a.u2
WATER AND LAND ASSETS
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
WATER AND LAND ASSETS [Abstract]  
WATER AND LAND ASSETS
NOTE 3 – WATER AND LAND ASSETS

The Company’s water rights and current water and wastewater service agreements are more fully described in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report. There have been no significant changes to the Company’s water rights or water and wastewater service agreements during the three months ended November 30, 2019.

Investment in Water and Water Systems

The Company’s Investments in Water and Water Systems consist of the following costs and accumulated depreciation and depletion at November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019:

  
November 30, 2019
  
August 31, 2019
 
  
Costs
  
Accumulated
Depreciation
and Depletion
  
Costs
  
Accumulated
Depreciation
and Depletion
 
Rangeview Water Supply
 
$
14,827,000
  
$
(15,000
)
 
$
14,823,800
  
$
(14,700
)
Sky Ranch water rights and other costs
  
7,452,100
   
(811,500
)
  
7,371,500
   
(757,400
)
Fairgrounds water and water system
  
2,899,800
   
(1,173,000
)
  
2,899,800
   
(1,151,000
)
Rangeview water system
  
5,644,200
   
(425,900
)
  
5,617,800
   
(372,300
)
Water Supply – Other
  
4,761,200
   
(916,400
)
  
4,758,200
   
(860,100
)
Wild Pointe service rights
  
1,631,800
   
(489,800
)
  
1,631,800
   
(489,800
)
Sky Ranch pipeline
  
5,727,200
   
(459,300
)
  
5,723,700
   
(411,600
)
Lost Creek water supply
  
3,342,600
   
   
3,324,000
   
 
Construction in progress
  
9,507,000
   
   
8,176,600
   
 
Totals
  
55,792,900
   
(4,290,900
)
  
54,327,200
   
(4,056,900
)
Net investments in water and water systems
 
$
51,502,000
      
$
50,270,300
     

Capitalized terms in this section not defined herein are defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2019 Annual Report.

Construction in progress primarily consists of the Sky Ranch water reclamation facility. The Company anticipates the facility will be placed in service during the second quarter of 2020.
 
Depletion and Depreciation

The Company recorded depletion charges of $300 and $600 during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The depletion was related entirely to the Rangeview Water Supply.

The Company recorded $303,800 and $238,700 of depreciation expense during the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These figures include $84,800 and $88,000 of depreciation expense for other equipment not included in the table above in the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Jan. 03, 2020
Cover [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name PURE CYCLE CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0000276720  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --08-31  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   23,836,598
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Nov. 30, 2019  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Entity Address, State or Province CO  
v3.19.3.a.u2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited) - USD ($)
Preferred Stock [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Deficit [Member]
Total
Balance at Aug. 31, 2018 $ 433 $ 79,218 $ 171,831,293 $ 66,446 $ (102,524,171) $ 69,453,219
Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2018 432,513 23,764,098        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]            
Stock option exercises   $ 84 78,167 0 0 78,251
Stock option exercises (in shares)   25,000        
Share-based compensation $ 0 $ 0 103,476 0 0 103,476
Net income 0 0 0 0 633,972 633,972
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on investments 0 0 0 11,796 0 11,796
Balance at Nov. 30, 2018 $ 433 $ 79,302 172,012,936 78,242 (101,890,199) 70,280,714
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2018 432,513 23,789,098        
Balance at Aug. 31, 2019 $ 433 $ 79,427 172,360,413 3,891 (97,713,023) 74,731,141
Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2019 432,513 23,826,598        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]            
Share-based compensation $ 0 $ 0 105,353 0 0 105,353
Net income 0 0 0 0 5,762,465 5,762,465
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on investments 0 0 0 (3,891) 0 (3,891)
Balance at Nov. 30, 2019 $ 433 $ 79,427 $ 172,465,766 $ 0 $ (91,950,558) $ 80,595,068
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2019 432,513 23,826,598        
v3.19.3.a.u2
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS (Details) - Customer
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Nov. 30, 2018
Aug. 31, 2019
Sales [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Rangeview District [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage 51.00% 5.00%  
Revenue [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Ridgeview Youth Services Center [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage 38.00% 3.00%  
Number of customers 1 1  
Revenue [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Customer One [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage 30.00%    
Revenue [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Customer Two [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage   52.00%  
Revenue [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Customer Three [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage   42.00%  
Revenue [Member] | Land Development [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage 100.00% 100.00%  
Number of customers 3 2  
Revenue [Member] | Land Development [Member] | Customer One [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage 74.00% 66.00%  
Revenue [Member] | Land Development [Member] | Customer Two [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage 17.00% 34.00%  
Revenue [Member] | Land Development [Member] | Customer Three [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage 9.00%    
Accounts Receivable [Member] | One Other Customer [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage 15.00%   57.00%
Number of customers 1   1
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Rangeview District [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage 74.00%   40.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Water and Wastewater Services [Member] | Ridgeview Youth Services Center [Member]      
Concentration Risk Percentage [Abstract]      
Concentration risk percentage 6.00%   5.00%
v3.19.3.a.u2
SEGMENT REPORTING, Corporate Assets (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2019
Aug. 31, 2019
Assets [Abstract]    
Total assets $ 88,929,509 $ 83,721,404
Corporate [Member]    
Assets [Abstract]    
Total assets 27,189,095 15,266,783
Wholesale Water and Wastewater Services [Member]    
Assets [Abstract]    
Total assets 52,547,240 51,588,079
Land Development Activities [Member]    
Assets [Abstract]    
Total assets $ 9,193,174 $ 16,866,542
v3.19.3.a.u2
PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION, Revenue Recognition (Details)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 19, 2019
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
a
BusinessLine
Source
HomeBuilders
Lot
Agreement
gal
Nov. 30, 2018
USD ($)
gal
Aug. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]        
Number of business lines | BusinessLine   2    
Number of revenue sources | Source   3    
Total revenues   $ 10,461,029 $ 3,072,549  
Deferred revenues, current   $ 1,143,771   $ 3,991,535
Land [Abstract]        
Area of land (in acres) | a   930    
Number of home builders | HomeBuilders   3    
Contract revenues recognized   $ 10,522,770   $ 9,487,812
Construction support amount invoiced   $ 533,500    
Interest rate   6.00%    
Costs incurred to date   $ 25,401,500    
Net proceeds from sale of bonds $ 10,500,000      
Net proceeds used to reduce remaining capital expenses in inventories   4,200,000    
Gain from reimbursement of construction costs   $ 6,275,500 $ 0  
Percentage of expected increase in revenues, reimbursed costs   27.00%    
Senior Bonds [Member]        
Land [Abstract]        
Aggregate principal amount of bonds 11,435,000      
Cash retained by CAB to repay debt service 2,700,000      
Subordinate Bonds [Member]        
Land [Abstract]        
Aggregate principal amount of bonds $ 1,765,000      
Facilities Funding and Acquisition Agreement [Member]        
Land [Abstract]        
Interest rate   6.00%    
Metered Water Usage [Member]        
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]        
Water delivered to customers | gal   748,000 114,500,000  
Percentage of water used for oil and gas exploration   6.00% 86.00%  
Total revenues   $ 140,724 $ 1,367,851  
Water Tap Fees Recognized [Member]        
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]        
Total revenues   1,672,115 254,826  
Water Tap Fees [Member]        
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]        
Total revenues   1,401,900 226,900  
Wastewater Tap Fees [Member]        
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]        
Total revenues   270,200 28,000  
Special Facility Funding Recognized [Member]        
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]        
Total revenues   0 0  
Consulting Fees [Member]        
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]        
Total revenues   12,700 47,800  
Lot Sales [Member]        
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]        
Total revenues   8,541,643 1,381,196  
Lot Sales - Agreement with Purchaser [Member]        
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]        
Total revenues   $ 1,430,600 0  
Land [Abstract]        
Number of home builders | HomeBuilders   1    
Number of finished lots sold | Lot   21    
Lot Sales - Agreement with Builders [Member]        
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]        
Total revenues   $ 7,111,000 1,381,200  
Deferred revenues, current   1,143,800 $ 1,020,100  
Land [Abstract]        
Proceeds from sale of lots   $ 18,000,000    
Number of home builders | HomeBuilders   2    
Number of platted lots sold | Lot   293    
Number of finished lots sold | Lot   293    
Contract revenues recognized   $ 17,000,000    
Lot Sales - Agreement with Builders [Member] | Maximum [Member]        
Land [Abstract]        
Expected delivery period for lots sold   1 year    
Project Management Services [Member]        
Land [Abstract]        
Number of service agreements | Agreement   2    
Project management fee percentage   5.00%    
Project management services - accrued reimbursable amount   $ 869,900    
Costs incurred to date   869,900    
Accrued Interest [Member]        
Land [Abstract]        
Costs incurred to date   $ 1,031,700    
v3.19.3.a.u2
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE [Abstract]  
Remaining Third Party Obligation
As a result of the acquisitions and consideration from cumulative sales of Export Water as detailed in the table below, the remaining potential third-party obligation at November 30, 2019, is approximately $1 million.

  
Export
Water
Proceeds
Received
  
Initial Export
Water
Proceeds to
Pure Cycle
  
Total
Potential
Third-Party
Obligation
  
Participating
Interests
Liability
  
Contingency
 
Original balances
 
$
  
$
218,500
  
$
31,807,700
  
$
11,090,600
  
$
20,717,100
 
Activity from inception until August 31, 2019:
                    
Acquisitions
  
   
28,042,500
   
(28,042,500
)
  
(9,790,000
)
  
(18,252,500
)
Relinquishment
  
   
2,386,400
   
(2,386,400
)
  
(832,100
)
  
(1,554,300
)
Option payments - Sky Ranch and The Hills at Sky Ranch
  
110,400
   
(42,300
)
  
(68,100
)
  
(23,800
)
  
(44,300
)
Arapahoe County tap fees
  
533,000
   
(373,100
)
  
(159,900
)
  
(55,800
)
  
(104,100
)
Export Water sale payments
  
903,600
   
(740,400
)
  
(163,200
)
  
(56,700
)
  
(106,500
)
Balance at August 31, 2019
  
1,547,000
   
29,491,600
   
987,600
   
332,200
   
655,400
 
Fiscal 2019 activity:
                    
Export Water sale payments
  
57,300
   
(50,500
)
  
(6,800
)
  
(2,400
)
  
(4,400
)
Balance at November 30, 2019
 
$
1,604,300
  
$
29,441,100
  
$
980,800
  
$
329,800
  
$
651,000
 
ROU Lease Assets and Lease Liabilities
ROU lease assets and lease liabilities for the Company’s operating leases were recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:

  
As of November 30, 2019
 
Operating leases - right of use assets
 
$
247,682
 
     
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
64,315
 
Lease obligations - operating leases, net of current portion
  
177,721
 
Total lease liability
 
$
242,036
 
     
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
  
3.2
 
Weighted average discount rate
  
6.0
%