1.	Description of Business and Accounting Policies

Description of Business

BSQUARE Corporation (“BSQUARE”) was incorporated in Washington State in July 1994. Since our inception, our business has largely been focused on providing software solutions (historically including reselling software from Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”)) and related engineering services to businesses that develop, market and sell dedicated purpose standalone intelligent systems. Examples of dedicated purpose standalone intelligent systems include smart, connected computing devices such as smart phones, set-top boxes, point-of-sale terminals, kiosks, tablets and handheld data collection devices, as well as smart vending machines, ATM machines, digital signs and in-vehicle telematics and entertainment devices. We focus on systems that utilize various Microsoft Windows Embedded operating systems as well as devices running other popular operating systems such as Android, Linux, and QNX, and that are usually connected to a network or data cloud via a wired or wireless connection. Our customers include world-class original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), original design manufacturers (“ODMs”), corporate enterprises (“Enterprises”), silicon vendors (“SVs”) and peripheral vendors. A significant portion of our business historically has also been focused on reselling software from Microsoft, from which a majority of our revenue currently continues to be derived.

Beginning in 2014, we initiated development efforts focused on new proprietary software products addressing the Internet of Things (“IoT”) market, which is the interconnection of uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices within the existing internet infrastructure. These software development efforts have driven a new business initiative for BSQUARE, which refer to as DataV^TM. Our DataV solution includes software products, applications and services that are designed to render raw IoT device data into meaningful and actionable data for our customers. We launched DataV in early 2016 and announced our first three major bookings during 2016.

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of BSQUARE and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Examples include provisions for bad debts and income taxes, estimates of progress on professional engineering service arrangements, bonus accruals, fair value of intangible assets and property and equipment, fair values of stock-based awards and the fair values of acquired assets and liabilities, among other estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic income or loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, and excludes any dilutive effects of common stock equivalent shares, such as options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and warrants. Restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) are considered outstanding and included in the computation of basic income or loss per share when underlying restrictions expire and the awards are no longer forfeitable. Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are considered outstanding and included in the computation of basic income or loss per share only when vested. Diluted income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and common stock equivalent shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Common stock equivalent shares are excluded from the computation if their effect is anti-dilutive. Unvested but outstanding RSUs and RSAs (which are forfeitable) are included in the diluted income per share calculation. In a period where we are in a net loss position, the diluted loss per share is computed using the basic share count.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share (in thousands):

	Year Ended
	December 31,
	2016		2015
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic income (loss) per share		12,260		11,938
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalent shares		—		481
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted income (loss) per share		12,260		12,419

Common stock equivalent shares of 691,243 and 213,820 were excluded from the computations of basic and diluted income per share for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because their effect was anti-dilutive.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

We invest our excess cash primarily in highly liquid debt instruments of U.S. government agencies and municipalities, debt instruments issued by foreign governments, corporate commercial paper, money market funds, and corporate debt securities. We classify all highly liquid investments with stated maturities of three months or less from date of purchase as cash equivalents and all highly liquid investments with stated maturities of greater than three months as short-term investments.

Short-term investments consist entirely of marketable securities, which are all classified as available-for-sale securities and are recorded at their estimated fair value. We determine the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of purchase and reevaluate such designation at each balance sheet date. We may or may not hold securities with stated maturities greater than 12 months until maturity. As we view these securities as available to support current operations, we classify securities with maturities less than 12 months as short-term investments. We carry these securities at fair value, and report the unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, as a component of shareholders’ equity, except for unrealized losses determined to be other than temporary, which are recorded in other expense.

Restricted Cash

Our restricted cash equivalents balance at December 31, 2015 represented funds held at a financial institution as security for an outstanding letter of credit related to our corporate headquarters lease obligation. The full balance of restricted cash equivalents was released in September 2016 when we entered into a new letter of credit agreement secured by our credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Financial Instruments and Concentrations of Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and accounts receivable.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We record accounts receivable at the invoiced amount net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. We review customers that have past due invoices to identify specific customers with known disputes or collectability issues. In determining the amount of the allowance, we make judgments about the creditworthiness of significant customers based on ongoing credit evaluations.

Equipment, Furniture and Leasehold Improvements

We account for equipment, furniture and leasehold improvements at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We compute depreciation of equipment and furniture using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful lives, ranging from two to ten years. We expense maintenance and repairs costs as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, gains or losses are included in the consolidated statements of income. When facts and circumstances indicate that the value of long-lived assets may be impaired, we perform an evaluation of recoverability comparing the carrying value of the asset to projected undiscounted future cash flows. Upon indication that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss as a charge against current operations based on the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its fair value.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets were recorded as a result of business acquisitions and are stated at estimated fair value at the time of acquisition less accumulated amortization. We amortize our acquired intangible assets using the straight-line method using lives ranging from one to ten years. We review intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of these assets by comparing the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If intangible assets are considered impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair market value.

Goodwill

We evaluate goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter annually, or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for impairment by performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely greater than its carrying amount, we do not conduct further impairment testing. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit is not more likely greater than the carrying amount, we perform a quantitative two-step impairment test. The first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, we then perform the second step of the impairment test to measure the amount of any impairment loss.

Third-Party Software Fees Payable

We record all fees payable and accrued liabilities related to the sale of third-party software, such as Microsoft Windows Embedded and Windows Mobile operating systems, as third-party software fees payable.

Research and Development

Costs incurred internally in researching and developing a computer software product are charged to expense until technological feasibility has been established for the product. Once technological feasibility is established, all software costs would be capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. Judgment is required in determining when technological feasibility of a product is established. Generally, this would be reached after all high-risk development issues have been resolved through coding and testing, and would occur shortly before the product is released. Amortization of costs incurred after this point would be included in cost of revenue over the estimated life of the products. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had not recorded any such capitalized costs.

Advertising Costs

All costs of advertising, including cooperative marketing arrangements, are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $45,000 in 2016 and $23,000 in 2015.

Stock-Based Compensation

The estimated fair value of stock based awards is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the award, net of estimated forfeitures. We estimate forfeitures of stock based awards based on historical experience and expected future activity. The fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock option awards are estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of each vesting tranche as calculated by the Black-Scholes-Merton (“BSM”) option-pricing model. The BSM model requires various highly judgmental assumptions including expected volatility and option life. If any of the assumptions used in the BSM model change significantly, stock-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) refers to net income (loss) and other revenue, expenses, gains and losses that, under generally accepted accounting principles, are recorded as an element of shareholders’ equity but are excluded from the calculation of net income (loss).

Income Taxes

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes. We compute income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred income taxes are provided for on the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. Our deferred tax amounts are measured using currently enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

We apply the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes, which requires us to use judgment as to the appropriate weighting of all available evidence when assessing the need for the establishment or the release of valuation allowances. As part of this analysis, we examine all available evidence on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis and weigh the positive and negative information when determining the need for full or partial valuation allowances. The evidence considered for each jurisdiction includes, among other items, (i) the historical levels of income or loss over a range of time periods that extends beyond the two years presented, (ii) the historical sources of income and losses, (iii) the expectations and risk associated with underlying estimates of future taxable income, (iv) the expectations and risk associated with new product offerings and uncertainties with the timing of future taxable income, and (v) prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Based on the analysis conducted as of December 31, 2016, we determined that we would not release, in full or in part, the valuation allowance against our U.S. gross deferred tax assets.

We recognize tax benefits from an uncertain position only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable, based on its technical merits. The tax benefit of a qualifying position is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are classified in the consolidated financial statements as income tax expense.

Foreign Currency

The functional currency of foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. Accordingly, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The net gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are recorded in the period incurred and were not significant for any of the periods presented.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue from software and engineering service sales when the following four revenue recognition criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the selling price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. Contracts and customer purchase orders are generally used to determine the existence of an arrangement. Shipping documents and time records are generally used to verify delivery. We assess whether the selling price is fixed or determinable based on the contract and/or customer purchase order and payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment. We assess collectability based primarily on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and analysis, as well as the customer’s payment history. Periodically, we will begin work on engineering service engagements prior to having a signed contract and, in some cases, the contract is signed in a quarter after which service delivery costs are incurred. We do not defer costs associated with such engagements before we have received a signed contract.

In certain rare circumstances, we will grant extended terms to highly credit-worthy customers. The terms we offer are fixed and determinable; they are for sales of perpetual software licenses, they do not exceed twelve months in duration, they do not include multiple element arrangements requiring post-contract support, they do not permit returns or exchanges past thirty days and they do not require any additional services be provided by us.

We recognize software revenue upon delivery provided that no significant obligations remain on our part, substantive acceptance conditions, if any, have been met and other revenue recognition criteria have been met. We recognize service revenue from time and materials contracts, and training service agreements, as we perform the services. Fixed-price service agreements, and certain time and materials service agreements with capped fee structures, are accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method assuming we can make reasonable estimates of completion. We use the percentage-of-completion method of accounting because we believe it is the most accurate method to recognize revenue based on the nature and scope of these engineering service contracts and provides the best match of revenue recognized with costs incurred. We measure the percentage of completion based primarily on input measures such as hours incurred to date compared to total estimated hours to complete, with consideration given to output measures, such as contract milestones, when applicable. We use significant judgment when estimating total hours and progress to completion on these arrangements, which we use to determine the amount of revenue we recognize as well as whether a loss is recognized, if one is expected to be incurred for the remainder of the project. We incorporate revisions to hour and cost estimates during the period in which the causal facts become known.

In certain situations, when it is impractical for us to reliably estimate either specific amounts or ranges of contract revenues and costs, and where we anticipate that we will not incur a loss, a zero profit model is used for revenue recognition. Equal amounts of revenue and cost are recognized during the contract period, and profit is recognized when the project is completed and accepted. If the contract includes post-contract customer support and/or maintenance (“PCS”), profit is recognized over the PCS term.

We also enter into arrangements in which a customer purchases a combination of software licenses, engineering services and PCS. As a result, judgment is often required to determine the appropriate accounting, including how to allocate the price among the deliverable elements if there are multiple elements. PCS may include rights to upgrades, when and if available, telephone support, updates and enhancements. We allocate revenue to each element based on the relative fair value of each of the elements in a multiple element arrangement, when vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value exists for all elements. When the same element is sold separately, VSOE is established; when VSOE does not exist, judgments are required to assess the fair values of various elements of an agreement, which can impact the recognition of revenue in each period. While changes in the allocation of the sales price between contract elements may affect the timing of revenue recognition, the total revenue recognized on the contract would not change. When elements such as software and engineering services are contained in a single arrangement, or in related arrangements with the same customer, we allocate revenue to each element based on its relative fair value if such element meets the criteria for treatment as a separate unit of accounting. In the absence of fair value for a delivered element, we allocate revenue first to the fair value of the undelivered elements and then to the residual delivered elements. In the absence of fair value for an undelivered element, we account for the arrangement as a single unit of accounting, which delays revenue recognition until all elements are fulfilled.

There are two items involving revenue recognition that require us to make more difficult and subjective judgments: the determination of VSOE of fair value in multiple element arrangements and the estimation of percentage of completion on fixed-price service contracts. While we have entered into very few multiple-element arrangements for proprietary software historically, our initial DataV contracts each included multiple elements, including software licenses, installation, training services and PCS, and we anticipate this will continue to be the case for many future DataV contracts. We have been unable to establish VSOE for DataV contracts to date.

When engineering services and royalties are contained in a single arrangement, we recognize revenue from professional engineering services as earned in accordance with the criteria above even though the effective rate per hour may be lower than typical because the customer is contractually obligated to pay royalties on their device shipments. We recognize royalty revenue, classified as software revenue, when we receive the royalty report from the customer, or when such royalties are contractually guaranteed and the other revenue recognition criteria are met, when collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenue is recognized net of any applicable sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. Shipping and handling costs are generally billed to customers and are included in cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” amending revenue recognition guidance and requiring more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The guidance, as amended, is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for public companies effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, and are currently planning to implement this ASU effective January 1, 2017. We believe the adoption will not have a material impact on our traditional third-party software or professional engineering services business, but that it will have a significant impact on the revenue recognition timing for our new DataV software products and services. While we are continuing to assess all potential impacts of the new standard, we currently believe the most significant impact relates to our accounting for DataV arrangements that include term-based software licenses bundled with professional engineering services, and maintenance and support. Under current GAAP, the revenue attributable to these software licenses is recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement because VSOE does not exist for the undelivered maintenance and support element as it is not sold separately. The requirement to have VSOE for undelivered elements to enable the separation of revenue for the delivered software licenses is eliminated under the new standard. Accordingly, under the new standard there will be more performance obligations under the new standard as compared with the deliverables and units of account previously identified for DataV in which revenue was recognized over time. As a result, this may yield earlier recognition of DataV revenue than under current accounting rules and may result in greater quarterly revenue recognition variability.

While we currently expect revenue recognition related to our traditional third-party software and professional engineering services business to remain unchanged, we are still in the process of evaluating the impact of the new standard on these arrangements. Due to the complexity of certain of our contracts, the actual revenue recognition treatment required under the new standard for these arrangements may be dependent on contract-specific terms and therefore may vary in some instances.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The amendments in this ASU require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this ASU apply to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this ASU. We adopted the new guidance retrospectively beginning with the year ended December 31, 2014.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-2, “Leases,” to make leasing activities more transparent and comparable, requiring most leases be recognized by lessees on their balance sheets as right-of-use assets, along with corresponding lease liabilities. ASU 2016-2 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 31, 2018 and interim periods within that year, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this ASU may have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for stock-based compensation, ASU 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The amendments impact several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, forfeitures, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. We are required to adopt the amendments in the first quarter of 2017, with early adoption permitted. If early adoption is elected, all amendments must be adopted in the same period. The manner of application varies by the various provisions of the guidance, with certain provisions applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective approach, while others are applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact this ASU may have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” adding or clarifying guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The standard addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this ASU may have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.