Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Luna Innovations Incorporated (“we” or the "Company”), headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1990 and reincorporated in the State of Delaware in April 2003.

We are a leader in advanced optical technology, providing high performance fiber optic test, measurement and control products for the telecommunications and photonics industries and distributed fiber optic sensing products for industries utilizing composite and other advanced materials, such as the automotive, aerospace, energy and infrastructure industries.

Consolidation Policy

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") and include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We eliminate from our financial results all intercompany transactions.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.

Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from such estimates and assumptions.

Products, Licensing Revenues and Technology Development Revenues

Revenue Recognition

Products and Licensing Revenues

Revenues from product sales are generated by the sale of commercial products and services under various sales programs to the end user and through distribution channels. We sell fiber optic test and sensing systems to end users for use in numerous fiber optic-based measurement applications. Revenues are recorded net of applicable sales taxes collected from customers and payable to state or local governmental entities.

For Products and Licensing contracts, we evaluate whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined or single contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. We recognize revenue when the performance obligation has been satisfied by transferring the control of the product or service to the customer. For tangible products that contain software that is essential to the tangible product’s functionality, we consider the product and software to be a single performance obligation. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. In such circumstances, we use the observable price of goods or services which are sold separately in similar circumstances to similar customers. If these prices are not observable, then we will estimate the stand-alone selling price using information that is reasonably available. For the majority of our standard products and services, price list and discount structures related to customer type are available. For products and services that do not have price list and discount structures, we may use one or more of the following: (i) adjusted market assessment approach, (ii) expected cost-plus a margin approach, and (iii) residual approach. The adjusted market approach requires us to evaluate the market in which we sell goods or services and estimate the price that a customer in that market would be willing to pay for those goods or services. The expected cost plus margin approach requires us to forecast our expected costs of satisfying the performance obligation and then add a reasonable margin for that good or service. The residual approach decreases the total transaction price by the sum of the observable standalone selling prices if either the company sells the same good or services to different customers for a broad range of amounts or the company has not established a price for the good or service and that good or service has not been sold on a standalone basis. Shipping and handling activities primarily occur after a customer obtains control and are considered fulfillment cost rather than separate performance obligations. Similarly, sales and similar taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by the entity from a customer are excluded from the measurement of the transaction price.

For standard products, we recognize revenue at a point in time when control passes to the customer. Absent substantial product acceptance clauses, this is based on the shipping terms. For custom products that require engineering and development based on customer requirements, we will recognize revenue over time using the output method for any items shipped and any finished goods or work in process that is produced for balances of open sales orders. For any finished goods or work in process that has been produced for the balance of open sales orders we recognize revenue by applying the average selling price for such open order to the lesser of the on-hand balance in finished goods or open sales order quantity which we present as a contract asset on the balance sheet. Cost of sales is recognized based on the standard cost of the finished goods and work in process associated with this revenue and inventory balances are reduced accordingly. For extended warranties and product rentals, revenue is recognized over time using the output method based on the time elapsed for the warranty or service period. In the case of warranties, we record a contract liability for amounts billed but that are not recognized until subsequent periods. A separate contract liability is recorded for the cost associated with warranty repairs based on our estimate of future expense. For testing services where we are performing testing on an asset the customer controls, revenue is recognized over time by the output method using the performance to date. For training where the customer is receiving the benefit of training as it is occurring and for repairs to a customer-controlled asset, revenue is recognized over time by the output method using the performance to date. For royalty revenue, we apply the practical expedient “royalty exception” recognizing revenue based on the royalty agreement which specifies an amount based on sales or minimum amount, whichever is greater.

In some product rental contracts, a customer may be offered a discount on the purchase of an item that would provide for a material right. When a material right has been provided to a customer, a separate performance obligation is established, and a portion of the rental revenue will be deferred until the future product is purchased or the option expires. This deferred revenue is recognized as a contract liability on the balance sheet.

Technology Development Revenues

We perform research and development for U.S. Federal government agencies, educational institutions and commercial organizations. We account for a research contract when a contract has been executed, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability of the contract price is considered probable. Revenue is earned under cost reimbursable, time and materials and fixed price contracts. Direct contract costs are expensed as incurred.

Our contracts with agencies of the U.S. government are subject to periodic funding by the respective contracting agency. Funding for a contract may be provided in full at inception of the contract or ratably throughout the contract as the services are provided. In evaluating the probability of funding for purposes of assessing collectability of the contract price, we consider our previous experience with our customers, communication with our customers regarding funding status and our knowledge of available funding for the contract or program. If funding is not assessed as probable, revenue recognition is deferred until realization is reasonably assured.

Under the typical payment terms of our U.S. government contracts, the customer pays us either performance-based payments ("PBPs") or progress payments. PBPs, which are typically used in the firm fixed price contracts, are interim payments based on quantifiable measures of performance or on the achievement of specified events or milestones. Progress payments, which are typically used in our cost type contracts, are interim payments based on costs incurred as the work progresses. For our U.S. government cost-type contracts, the customer generally pays us during the performance period for 80% to 90% of our actual costs incurred. Because the customer retains a small portion of the contract price until completion of the contract and audit of allowable costs, cost type contracts generally result in revenue recognized in excess of billings which we present as contract assets on the balance sheet. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as receivables on the balance sheet. For non-U.S. government contracts, we typically receive interim payments as work progresses, although for some contracts, we may be entitled to receive an advance payment. We recognize a liability for these advance payments and PBPs paid in advance which are in excess of the revenue recognized and present these amounts as contract liabilities on the balance sheet.

To determine the proper revenue recognition method for research and development contracts, we evaluate whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single modified contract and whether the combined or single contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. For instances where a contract has options that were bid with the initial contract and awarded at a later date, we combine the options with the original contract when options are awarded. For most of our contracts, the customer contracts for research with multiple milestones that are interdependent. Consequently, the entire contract is accounted for as one performance obligation. The effect of the combined or modified contract on the transaction price and measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates, is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) on a cumulative catch-up basis.

Contract revenue recognition is measured over time as we perform because of continuous transfer of control to the customer. For U.S. government contracts which are typically subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, this continuous transfer of control to the customer is supported by clauses in the contract that allow the customer to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay us for cost incurred plus a reasonable profit and take control of any work in process. From time to time, as part of normal management processes, facts may change, causing revisions to estimated total costs or revenues expected. The cumulative impact of any revisions to estimates and the full impact of anticipated losses on any type of contract are recognized in the period in which they become known.

Because of control transferring over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the services to be provided. We generally use the input method, more specifically the cost-to-cost measure of progress for our contracts because it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer, which occurs as we incur costs on our contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. The underlying bases for estimating our contract research revenues are measurable expenses, such as labor, subcontractor costs and materials, and data that are updated on a regular basis for purposes of preparing our cost estimates. Our research contracts generally have a period of performance of six months to three years, and our estimates of contract costs have historically been consistent with actual results. Revisions in these estimates between accounting periods to reflect changing facts and circumstances have not had a material impact on our operating results, and we do not expect future changes in these estimates to be material. The cumulative impact of any revisions to estimates and the full impact of anticipated losses on any type of contract are recognized in the period in which they become known.

Under cost reimbursable contracts, we are reimbursed for costs that are determined to be reasonable, allowable and allocable to the contract and paid a fixed fee representing the profit negotiated between us and the contracting agency. Revenue from cost reimbursable contracts is recognized as costs are incurred plus an estimate of applicable fees earned. We consider fixed fees under cost reimbursable contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs incurred in performance of the contract.

Revenue from time and materials contracts is recognized based on direct labor hours expended at contract billing rates plus other billable direct costs.

Fixed price contracts may include either a product delivery or specific service performance throughout a period. For fixed price contracts that are based on the proportional performance method and involve a specified number of deliverables, we recognize revenue based on the proportion of the cost of the deliverables compared to the cost of all deliverables included in the contract as this method more accurately measures performance under these arrangements. For fixed price contracts that provide for the development and delivery of a specific prototype or product, revenue is recognized based upon the percentage of completion method.

Whether certain costs under government contracts are allowable is subject to audit by the government. Certain indirect costs are charged to contracts using provisional or estimated indirect rates, which are subject to later revision based on government audits of those costs. Management is of the opinion that costs subsequently disallowed, if any, would not likely have a significant impact on revenues recognized for those contracts.

Allowance for Uncollectible Receivables

Accounts receivable are recorded at their face amount, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. We review the status of our uncollected receivables on a regular basis. In determining the need for an allowance for uncollectible receivables, we consider our customers’ financial stability, past payment history and other factors that bare on the ultimate collection of such amounts.

Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. To date, we have not incurred losses related to cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents at December 31, 2019 and 2018 included $19.8 million and $38.3 million, respectively, invested in U.S. Treasury obligations through a sweep account with our bank. The full value of amounts invested through the sweep account are convertible to cash on a daily basis. Our cash transactions are processed through reputable commercial banks. We regularly maintain cash balances with financial institutions which exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits.

Fair Value Measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value, which 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. Valuation techniques are based on observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:


•	Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.


•	Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant value drivers are observable.


•	Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which significant value drivers are unobservable.

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amount of lease liabilities approximate fair value because these financial instruments bear interest at rates that approximate current market rates for similar agreements with similar maturities and credit. We consider the terms of the Silicon Valley Bank ("SVB") debt facility including its interest rate of prime plus 1%, to be at market based upon similar instruments that would be available to us.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. We record depreciation using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:



Equipment	3 – 7 years
Furniture and fixtures	7 years
Software	3 years
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or life of improvements

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of patents related to certain intellectual property that we have developed or acquired, and identifiable intangible assets recognized in connection with our merger with Advanced Photonix, Inc. ("API"), Micron Optics, Inc. ("MOI"), and General Photonics, Inc. ("GP"). We amortize our identified intangible assets over their estimated useful lives ranging between one and fifteen years and analyze the reasonableness of the remaining useful life whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable to determine whether their carrying value has been impaired.

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment in the fourth quarter (October 1st) and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. A qualitative assessment can be performed to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the reporting unit does not pass the qualitative assessment, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value using a quantitative assessment. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is considered not impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.

For the quantitative assessment, we estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using a combination of an income approach using a discounted cash flow ("DCF") analysis and a market-based valuation approach based on comparable public company trading values. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires the exercise of significant management judgments, including the amount and timing of projected future revenues, earnings and cash flows after considering factors such as recent operating performance, general market and industry conditions, existing and expected future contracts, changes in working capital and long-term business plans and growth initiatives. The carrying value of each reporting unit includes the assets and liabilities employed in its operations and goodwill. There are no significant allocations of amounts held at the corporate level to the reporting units.

Based on our annual goodwill impairment analysis we performed in the fourth quarter of 2019, the fair value of our reporting units more likely than not exceed the carrying values.

Research, Development and Engineering

Research, development and engineering expense not related to contract performance are expensed as incurred.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We review our 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 is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Assets to be disposed of by sale are reflected at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

Inventory

Inventory consists of finished goods, work in process and raw materials valued at the lower of cost (determined on the first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value.

Net Income per Share

Basic per share data is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted per share data is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period increased to include, if dilutive, the number of additional common share equivalents that would have been outstanding if potential common shares had been issued using the treasury stock method. Diluted per share data would also include the potential common share equivalents relating to convertible securities by application of the if-converted method.

The effect of 3.2 million and 4.9 million common stock equivalents are included for the diluted per share data for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

We have two stock-based compensation plans, which are described further in Note 11. We recognize compensation expense based upon the fair value of the underlying equity award as of the date of grant. We have elected to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value any stock options granted. Restricted stock and restricted stock units awarded are valued at the closing price of our common stock on the date of the award. We recognize stock-based compensation for such awards on a straight-line method over the requisite service period of the awards taking into account the effects of the expected exercise. We reduce stock-based compensation expense for the value of any forfeitures of unvested awards as such forfeitures occur.

Advertising

We expense the cost of advertising as incurred.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the liability method. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates, which will be in effect when the differences reverse. A valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets is provided unless we conclude it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We evaluate our ability to benefit from all deferred tax assets and establish valuation allowances for amounts we believe are not more-likely-than-not to be realizable. For uncertain tax positions, we use a more-likely-than-not threshold, 51% or greater, based on the technical merits of the income tax position taken. Income tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured in order to determine the tax benefit recognized in the financial statements. Penalties, if probable and reasonably estimable, and interest expense related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as a component of the tax provision.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new standard related to Leases, Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and subsequent amendments, based on previously defined GAAP, and requires lessees to recognize right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases for greater transparency. We, using a modified retrospective adoption approach, are required to recognize and measure leases existing at the beginning of the adoption period, with certain practical expedients available.

We adopted the standard effective January 1, 2019. The standard allows a number of optional practical expedients to use for transition. We chose the certain practical expedients allowed under the transition guidance which permitted us to not to reassess any existing or expired contracts to determine if they contain embedded leases, to not reassess our lease classification on existing leases, to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for equipment leases, and whether initial direct costs previously capitalized would qualify for capitalization under FASB ASC 842. The new standard also provides practical expedients and recognition exemptions for an entity's ongoing accounting policy elections. We have elected the short-term lease recognition for all leases that qualify, which means that we do not recognize a ROU asset and lease liability for any lease with a term of twelve months or less.

The most significant impact of adopting the standard was the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases on our consolidated balance sheet but it did not have an impact on our consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon the adoption of the new lease standard on January 1, 2019, we recorded the following adjustments:



	Balance at		Adjustment for			Adjusted balance at
	December 31, 2018		ASC 842			January 1, 2019
Assets:
Property and equipment, net	$	3,627,886	$	(90,494	)	$	3,537,392
Other assets, net	1,995		3,536,133			3,538,128

Liabilities:
Accrued liabilities	6,597,458		1,242,669			7,840,127
Current portion of capital lease obligations	40,586		(40,586		)	—
Long-term deferred rent	1,035,974		(1,035,974		)	—
Long-term operating lease liability	—		3,271,705			3,271,705
Long-term capital lease obligations	68,978		(68,978		)	—
Long-term finance lease liability	—		76,803			76,803

Recently Issued Pronouncements not yet adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13: Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU requires companies to measure credit losses by using a methodology that reflects the expected credit losses based on historical information current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable information. This standard was amended under ASU 2019-10 to allow an extension on the adoption date for entities that qualify as a small reporting company. We have elected this extension and the effective date for us to adopt this standard will be for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-13 to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. The guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairments tests after January 1, 2017. We have assessed the impact of adopting ASU 2017-04 and the adoption on January 1, 2020 should not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which amends the disclosure requirements in ASC 820 by adding, changing, or removing certain disclosures. The ASU applies to all entities that are required under this guidance to provide disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements. These amendments are effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We have assessed the impact of adopting ASU 2018-13 and the adoption on January 1, 2020 should not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract, which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We have assessed the impact of adopting ASU 2018-15 and the adoption on January 1, 2020 should not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which removes certain exceptions to the general principles of the accounting for income taxes and also improves consistent application of and simplification of other areas when accounting for income taxes. The guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2019-12 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.