Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Financial Statement Presentation.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of IRIDEX and our wholly owned non-operating subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Our fiscal year always ends on the Saturday closest to December 31. Fiscal 2016 ended on December 31, 2016 (“FY 2016”), Fiscal 2015 ended on January 2, 2016 (“FY 2015”) and fiscal 2014 ended on January 3, 2015 (“FY 2014”). Consequently, fiscal years 2016 and 2015 included only 52 weeks of operations while fiscal year 2014 included 53 weeks.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In addition, any change in these estimates or their related assumptions could have an adverse effect on our operating results.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents.

We consider all highly liquid debt instruments with insignificant interest rate risk and an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of cash deposits in money market funds that are available for withdrawal without restriction.

Sales Returns Allowance and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Sales Returns Allowance and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.

We estimate future product returns related to current period product revenue. We analyze historical returns, and changes in customer demand and acceptance of our products when evaluating the adequacy of the sales returns allowance. Significant management judgment and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing the sales returns allowance in any accounting period. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of our revenue for any period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates. Our provision for sales returns is recorded net of the associated costs. The balance for the provision of sales returns was $44 thousand and $60 thousand as of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively, and is recorded within the deferred revenue accounts in the consolidated balance sheets.

Similarly management must make estimates regarding the uncollectibility of accounts receivable. We are exposed to credit risk in the event of non-payment by customers to the extent of amounts recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. As sales levels change, the level of accounts receivable would likely also change. In addition, in the event that customers were to delay their payments to us, the levels of accounts receivable would likely increase. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on past payment history with the customer, analysis of the customer’s current financial condition, the aging of the accounts receivable balance, customer concentration and other known factors.

Inventories

Inventories.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and include on-hand inventory physically held at our facility, sales demo inventory and service loaner inventory. Cost is determined on a standard cost basis which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Lower of cost or market is evaluated by considering obsolescence, excessive levels of inventory, deterioration and other factors. Adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value, if required, are made for estimated excess, obsolescence or impaired inventory and are charged to cost of revenues. Once the cost of the inventory is reduced, a new lower-cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis. Factors influencing these adjustments include changes in demand, product life cycle and development plans, component cost trends, product pricing, physical deterioration and quality issues. Revisions to these adjustments would be required if these factors differ from our estimates.

As part of our normal business, we generally utilize various finished goods inventory as either sales demos to facilitate the sale of our products to prospective customers, or as loaners that we allow our existing customers to use while we repair their products. We are amortizing these demos and loaners over an estimated useful life of four years. The amortization of the demos is charged to sales expense while the amortization on the loaners is charged to cost of revenues. The gross value of demos and loaners was $1.6 million and $1.6 million and the accumulated amortization was $490 thousand and $575 thousand as of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively. The net book value of demos and loaners is charged to cost of revenues when such demos or loaners are sold.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment.

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated on a straight–line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which is generally three years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. We review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. If, after assessing the totality of circumstances, an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then it is required to perform the two-step impairment test. It does not require an entity to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying value. However, an entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. We have determined that we have a single reporting unit for purposes of performing our goodwill impairment test. As we use the market approach to assess impairment, our common stock price is an important component of the fair value calculation. If our stock price continues to experience significant price and volume fluctuations, this will impact the fair value of the reporting unit and can lead to potential impairment in future periods. We performed our annual impairment test during the second quarter of 2016 and determined that our goodwill was not impaired. As of December 31, 2016, we had not identified any factors that indicated there was an impairment of our goodwill and determined that no additional impairment analysis was then required.

Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over the useful life of the asset. We review our amortizing intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. An asset is considered impaired if its carrying amount exceeds the future non-discounted net cash flow the asset is expected to generate. If an asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. In such circumstances, we conduct an impairment analysis in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”).

During the fourth quarter of 2016, we reviewed our long-lived assets for indicators of impairment. Based on reduced estimates of future revenues and future negative cash flow, we identified potential indicators of impairment. As a result, we compared the fair value of our long-lived assets to their carrying value. Based on our discounted future cash flow and revenue projections, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $120 thousand for the Ocunetics patent. The impairment charge represents the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value.

The impairment charge is not expected to result in any future cash expenditures.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition.

Our revenues arise from the sale of laser consoles, delivery devices, consumables and service and support activities. Revenue from product sales is recognized upon receipt of a purchase order and product shipment provided that no significant obligations remain and collection of the receivables is reasonably assured. Shipments are generally made with Free-On-Board (“FOB”) shipping point terms, whereby title passes upon shipment from our dock. Any shipments with FOB receiving point terms are recorded as revenue when the shipment arrives at the receiving point. Cost is recognized as product sales revenue is recognized. Our sales may include post-sales obligations for training or other deliverables. For revenue arrangements such as these, we recognize revenue in accordance with ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition, Multiple-Element Arrangements”. We allocate revenue among deliverables in multiple-element arrangements using the relative selling price method. Revenue allocated to each element is recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria is met for each element. We are required to apply a hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating revenue to deliverables: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (“VSOE”), (ii) third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”) and (iii) best estimate of the selling price (“ESP”). In general, we are unable to establish VSOE or TPE for all of the elements in the arrangement; therefore, revenue is allocated to these elements based on our ESP, which we determine after considering multiple factors such as management approved pricing guidelines, geographic differences, market conditions, competitor pricing strategies, internal costs and gross margin objectives. These factors may vary over time depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. As a result, our ESP for products and services could change. Revenues for post-sales obligations are recognized as the obligations are fulfilled.

In international regions, we utilize distributors to market and sell our products. We recognize revenue upon shipment for sales to these independent, third-party distributors as we have no continuing obligations subsequent to shipment. Generally our distributors are responsible for all marketing, sales, installation, training and warranty labor coverage for our products. Our standard terms and conditions do not provide price protection or stock return rights to any of our distributors.

Royalty revenues are typically based on licensees’ net sales of products that utilize our technology and are recognized as earned in accordance with the contract terms when royalties from licensees can be reliably measured and collectibility is reasonably assured, such as upon the earlier of the receipt of a royalty statement from the licensee or upon payment by the licensee.

Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities.

Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are recognized on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as well as accrued expenses to the degree which is appropriate.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred Revenue.

Revenue related to service contracts is deferred and recognized on a straight line basis over the period of the applicable service period. Costs associated with these service arrangements are recognized as incurred. A reconciliation of the changes in our deferred revenue balances for the years ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 are as follows (in thousands):


FY 2014: Balance as of January 3, 2015	$	1,179
Additions to deferral		1,495
Revenue recognized		(1,363	)
FY 2015: Balance as of January 2, 2016		1,311
Additions to deferral		1,430
Revenue recognized		(1,358	)
FY 2016: Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	1,383

Warranty

Warranty.

We provide reserves for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized based on historical experience of known product failure rates and expected material and labor costs to provide warranty services. We generally provide a two-year warranty on our products. Additionally, from time to time, specific warranty accruals may be made if unforeseen technical problems arise. Alternatively, if estimates are determined to be greater than the actual amounts necessary, we may reverse a portion of such provisions in future periods. Warranty costs are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as costs of revenues. A reconciliation of the changes in our warranty liability for the years ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 are as follows (in thousands):


FY 2014: Balance as of January 3, 2015	$	469
Accruals for product warranties		401
Cost of warranty claims		(267	)
FY 2015: Balance as of January 2, 2016		603
Accruals for product warranties		469
Cost of warranty claims		(469	)
FY 2016: Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	603

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs.

Our shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in revenues and the associated expense is recorded in cost of revenues for all periods presented. Shipping and handling costs amounted to $0.3 million for each of the fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Research and Development

Research and Development.

Research and development expenditures are charged to operations as incurred.

Advertising

Advertising.

Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as they are incurred; such costs were approximately $0.1 million in 2016, $0.1 million in 2015, and $0.2 million in 2014 and are included in sales and marketing expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes.

We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Under ASC 740, the liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. ASC 740 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We annually evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets by assessing our valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include our forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. In 2014, we released valuation allowance against most of our deferred tax assets except that we retained a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets associated with our California research and development credit (“CA R&D credit”). In 2016, based on our recent history of losses and forecasted losses, management believes on a “more-likely-than-not” basis that a full valuation allowance is required. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017, we provided a full valuation allowance on our federal and state deferred tax assets.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.

We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740. ASC 740 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of measurement and recognition in accounting for income taxes. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax provision that an entity takes or expects to take in a tax return. Additionally, ASC 740 provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures, and transition. Under ASC 740, an entity may only recognize or continue to recognize tax positions that meet a "more-likely-than-not" threshold. In accordance with our accounting policy, we recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. There were no accrued interest and penalties during the year ended December 31, 2016.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.

We account for stock-based compensation granted to employees and directors, including employees stock option awards, restricted stock and restricted stock units at grant date, based on the fair value of the award. Stock-based compensation is recognized as expense on a ratable basis over the requisite service period of the award.

We value options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Restricted stock and time-based restricted stock units are valued at the grant date fair value of the underlying common shares. Performance-based restricted stock units are valued using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the use of highly subjective and complex assumptions which determine the fair value of share-based awards, including the option’s expected term and the price volatility of the underlying stock. The Monte Carlo simulation model incorporates assumptions for the holding period, risk-free interest rate, stock price volatility and dividend yield.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties.

Our cash and cash equivalents are deposited in demand and money market accounts. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and therefore, bear minimal risk.

We market our products to distributors and end-users throughout the world. Sales to international distributors are generally made on open credit terms and letters of credit. Management performs ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and maintains an allowance for potential credit losses. Historically, we have not experienced any significant losses related to individual customers or a group of customers in any particular geographic area. For the years ended December 31, 2016, January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, no single customer accounted for greater than 10% of total revenues. As of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, no customer accounted for more than 10% of accounts receivable balance.

Our products require approvals from the Food and Drug Administration and international regulatory agencies prior to commercialized sales. Our future products may not receive required approvals. If we were denied such approvals, or if such approvals were delayed, it would have a materially adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Reliance on Certain Suppliers

Reliance on Certain Suppliers.

Certain components and services used to manufacture and develop our products are presently available from only one or a limited number of suppliers or vendors. The loss of any of these suppliers or vendors would potentially require a significant level of hardware and/or software development efforts to incorporate the products or services into our products.

Net Income per Share

Net Income per Share.

Basic net income per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents consist of incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, release (vesting) of restricted stock units and awards, and the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock into common stock and are calculated under the treasury stock method. Common stock equivalent shares from unexercised stock options and unvested restricted stock units are excluded from the computation for periods in which we incur a net loss or if the exercise price of such options is greater than the average market price of our common stock for the period as their effect would be anti-dilutive. See Note 14 - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards.

In May 2014, as part of its ongoing efforts to assist in the convergence of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The new guidance sets forth a new five-step revenue recognition model which replaces the prior revenue recognition guidance in its entirety and is intended to eliminate numerous industry-specific pieces of revenue recognition guidance that have historically existed in U.S. GAAP. The underlying principle of the new standard is that a business or other organization will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not addressed completely in the prior accounting guidance. The ASU provides alternative methods of initial adoption and is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The FASB has issued several updates to the standard which i) defer the original effective date from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2018, while allowing for early adoption as of January 1, 2017 (ASU 2015-14); ii) clarify the application of the principal versus agent guidance (ASU 2016-08); iii) clarify the guidance on inconsequential and perfunctory promises and licensing (ASU 2016-10); and clarify the guidance on certain sections of the guidance providing technical corrections and improvements (ASU 2016-10). In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients”, to address certain narrow aspects of the guidance including collectability criterion, collection of sales taxes from customers, noncash consideration, contract modifications and completed contracts. This issuance does not change the core principle of the guidance in the initial topic issued in May 2014. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. The ASU clarifies that entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award as performance conditions that affect vesting. Therefore, an entity would not record compensation expense (measured as of the grant date without taking into account the effect of the performance target) related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the entity’s satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. The ASU does not contain any new disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after

December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard in fiscal year 2016 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” Under this ASU, inventory will be measured at the “lower of cost and net realizable value” and options that currently exist for “market value” will be eliminated. The ASU defines net realizable value as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. ASU 2015-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted and should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases," amending ASC 842. This ASU requires us to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with terms of more than twelve months. This ASU also requires disclosures enabling the users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This new standard will become effective for us for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (including interim reporting periods within those periods). Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This ASU affects entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The ASU is designed to simplify several aspects of accounting for share-based payment award transactions, which include the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows and forfeiture rate calculations. This ASU will become effective for us on December 15, 2016 (including interim reporting periods within those periods). Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of

the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments". The amendment gives guidance and reduces diversity in practice with respect to certain types of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16 to ASC 740 "Income Taxes," which simplifies the recording of an inter-entity transfer of assets other than inventory. The new guidance requires that a company recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The new guidance becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and must be applied using a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the adoption period. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements and the timing of adoption.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows, Restricted Cash (Topic 230)”. This guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the total change during the period of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period to total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB has issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle should be disclosed upon transition. A public business entity that is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer should adopt the amendments for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.