Note 1 - Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

Description of Business

Digimarc Corporation is a global leader in product digitization, delivering business value across industries through unique identities and cloud-based solutions. Digimarc's technology highlights a product’s journey to provide greater visibility into all relevant product data, allowing companies to make more intelligent business decisions.

The Digimarc Illuminate Platform is a distinctive software as a service that combines Digimarc’s digital watermarks and/or Quick Response (“QR”) codes with product cloud technologies. By digitizing products using Digimarc's unique digital watermarks, QR codes, and/or other digital tags, products can connect with the web and interact with consumers and digital devices. Interactions are powered by the product cloud, where data and instructions are provided based on context, and then capture a record of every interaction.

The Digimarc product suite is built on top of the Digimarc Illuminate Platform to address specific business needs. All of the Company's products are complementary to each other, providing exponential benefits when combined. By enabling customers to create digital identities for physical and digital media objects, Digimarc’s technologies provide many benefits, including:

• Digimarc Validate protects product authenticity to ensure real products are in the right place. Digimarc's technology delivers exclusive, covert digital watermarks and/or QR codes and a cloud-based record of product authentication information. In addition, consumer engagement capabilities provide a direct, digital communications channel with consumers.

• Digimarc Engage unlocks an interactive communications channel connecting brands and consumers. Digimarc's technology activates products and media through on-package QR codes, enabling consumers to scan for more information. Combined with cloud-based rules, brands can deliver contextually relevant content based on time, location, and more.

• Digimarc Recycle increases the recyclability of products and packaging through unique digital watermarks. Digimarc's technology activates products and packaging with unique digital watermarks to improve accuracy and performance in recycling facilities. In addition, consumer engagement capabilities deliver a direct, digital communications channel with consumers, and a cloud-based record of recycling information provides new insights.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Digimarc and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Digimarc acquired EVRYTHNG Limited and its subsidiaries (“EVRYTHNG”) on January 3, 2022. The financial results of EVRYTHNG are consolidated with Digimarc’s financial results for the post-acquisition period. See Note 8 for information related to the EVRYTHNG acquisition.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company’s accounting policies for revenue recognition and business combinations require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in 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 under different assumptions or conditions.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid marketable securities with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include money market securities, corporate notes, and commercial paper totaling $31,452 and $2,478 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Cash equivalents are carried at either cost or fair value depending on the type of security.

Marketable Securities

The Company considers all investments with original maturities over 90 days that mature in less than one-year from the balance sheet date to be short-term marketable securities. Short-term marketable securities primarily include commercial paper, federal agency notes, corporate notes, and pre-refunded municipals.

The Company’s marketable securities are now classified as available-for-sale, as the Company sold a marketable security during 2022, which was previously classified as held-to-maturity. The Company has reassessed classification of the remaining marketable securities and therefore adjusted them to be reported at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported net of tax in “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until realized. Realized gains and losses are included in “other income (loss), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of marketable securities sold.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

A decline in the market value of any security that is deemed to be other-than-temporary is charged to earnings. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, the Company considers whether it has the ability and intent to hold the investment until a market price recovery and considers whether evidence indicating that the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary. There have been no other-than-temporary impairments identified or recorded by the Company.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP, and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value.

The Company’s fair value hierarchy for its cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, was as follows:

December 31, 2022	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Money market securities	$	2,073	$	—	$	—	$	2,073
Commercial paper		—		35,468		—		35,468
Federal agency notes		—		8,432		—		8,432
Corporate notes		—		4,423		—		4,423
Pre-refunded municipals		—		—		—		—
Total	$	2,073	$	48,323	$	—	$	50,396

December 31, 2021	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Money market securities	$	2,478	$	—	$	—	$	2,478
Commercial paper		—		13,382		—		13,382
Corporate notes		—		9,585		—		9,585
Federal agency notes		—		3,799		—		3,799
Pre-refunded municipals		—		1,063		—		1,063
Total	$	2,478	$	27,829	$	—	$	30,307

The fair value maturities of the Company’s cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2022 are as follows:

	Maturities by Period
			Less than		1-5		5-10		More than
	Total		1 year		years		years		10 years
Cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	50,396	$	50,396	$	—	$	—	$	—

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which include accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Concentrations of Business and Credit Risk

A significant portion of the Company’s business depends on a limited number of large contracts. The loss of any large contract may result in loss of revenue and margin on a prospective basis. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and accounts receivable.

The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with major banks and financial institutions and at times deposits may exceed insured limits. Other than cash used for operating needs, which may include short-term marketable securities with the Company’s principal banks, the Company’s investment policy limits its credit exposure to any one financial institution or type of financial instrument by limiting the maximum of 5% of its cash equivalents and marketable securities or $1,000, whichever is greater, to be invested in any one issuer except for the U.S. government, U.S. federal agencies and U.S. backed securities, which have no limits, at the time of purchase. The Company’s investment policy also limits its credit exposure by limiting the maximum of 40% of its cash equivalents and marketable securities, or $15,000, whichever is greater, to be invested in any one industry category, (e.g., financial or energy industries), at the time of purchase. As a result, the Company’s credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities is believed to be minimal.

The Company manages credit risk on accounts receivable by evaluating a customer’s credit worthiness before extending any significant amount of credit. There is a significant concentration of accounts receivable at vary times from our two largest customers. Both customers have significant financial means and a history of paying their invoices timely. The Company does not have a history of significant bad debt write-offs. As a result, the Company’s credit risk associated with accounts receivable is believed to be low.

Contingencies

The Company evaluates all pending or threatened contingencies or commitments, if any, that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations or financial position. The Company assesses the probability of an adverse outcome and determines if it is remote, reasonably possible or probable as defined in accordance with ASC 450 “Contingencies.” If information available prior to the issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements, and the amount of the loss, or the range of probable loss can be reasonably estimated, then the loss is accrued and charged to operations. If no accrual is made for a loss contingency because one or both of the conditions pursuant to ASC 450 are not met, but the probability of an adverse outcome is at least reasonably possible, the Company will disclose the nature of the contingency and provide an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, or state that such an estimate cannot be made.

Goodwill

The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may exceed the fair value, in accordance with ASC 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” The Company operates as a single reporting unit. The Company estimates the fair value of its single reporting unit using a market approach, which takes into account the Company’s market capitalization plus an estimated control premium. In connection with the Company’s annual impairment test of goodwill as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, it was concluded that there was no impairment to goodwill as the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting unit exceeded the carrying value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, in accordance with ASC 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment.”

Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets over their remaining useful life. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment would be recognized in operating results at the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows, observable market values or appraised values, depending on the nature of the assets.

Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred in accordance with ASC 730 “Research and Development.”

Software Development Costs

Under ASC 985 “Software,” software development costs are to be capitalized beginning when a product’s technological feasibility has been established and ending when a product is made available for general release to customers. To date, the establishment of technological feasibility of the Company’s products has occurred shortly before general release and, therefore, software development costs qualifying for capitalization have been immaterial. Accordingly, the Company has not capitalized any software development costs and has charged all such costs to research and development expense.

Patent Costs

Costs associated with the application and award of patents in the U.S. and various other countries are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the patents as determined at award date, which varies depending on the pendency period of the application. Capitalized patent costs, also referred to as patent prosecution costs, include internal legal labor, professional legal fees, government filing fees and translation fees related to expanding the Company’s patent portfolio.

Costs associated with the maintenance and annuity fees of patents are accounted for as prepaid assets at the time of payment and amortized over the shorter of the maintenance period or remaining life of the related patent.

Revenue Recognition

See Note 2 for detailed disclosures of the Company’s revenue recognition policy.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 “Compensation—Stock Compensation,” which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units based on estimated fair values. The estimated fair value of stock-based awards is recognized over the vesting period of the award using the straight-line method.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 “Income Taxes” utilizing the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period of enactment.

The Company records valuation allowances on deferred tax assets if, based on available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that all or some portion of the assets will not be realized.

The Company is subject to income taxes within the U.S. and other countries, and, in the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company reports a liability (or contra asset) for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) on a tax return. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to the unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.

Business Combinations

The Company allocates the purchase price consideration to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The purchase price is determined based on the fair value of the assets transferred, liabilities assumed and equity interests issued, after considering any transactions that are separate from the business combination. The fair value of equity issued as part of a business combination is determined based on the closing price of the Company's stock on the date the acquisition closed. The excess of fair value of purchase price consideration over the fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such fair value calculations require the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets and contingent liabilities. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired customers, the cost to develop acquired technology, useful lives, discount rates, and customer attrition rate.

The estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to revision as additional information is obtained during the measurement period for an acquisition, which may last up to one year from the acquisition date. During the measurement period, the Company may record adjustments to the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with a corresponding offset to goodwill. After the conclusion of the measurement period or the final determination of the fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.

Liquidity

Under the rules of ASC Subtopic 205-40 “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern” (“ASC 205-40”), companies are required to evaluate whether conditions and/or events raise substantial doubt about their ability to meet their future financial obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. This evaluation takes into account a company’s current available cash and projected cash needs over the one year evaluation period but may not consider things beyond its control.  The Company has incurred operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities the last several years and depending on future results may continue to incur such losses and negative cash flows in the future. The Company believes its cash and marketable securities of $52,542 at December 31, 2022, will satisfy the Company’s projected working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months.

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

In October 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2021-08, “Business Combination (ASC 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Liabilities from Contracts with Customers,” which improves the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination. The amendments in this update primarily address the accounting for contract assets and liabilities from revenue contracts with customers in a business combination, and improves comparability for both the recognition and measurement of acquired revenue contracts with customers at the date of and after a business combination. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this new standard on January 1, 2022. The impact of adopting this standard was not material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and disclosures in relation to the recent acquisition of EVRYTHNG.

Accounting Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which amends the guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. The amendments in this update remove the thresholds that entities apply to measure credit losses on financial instruments measured at amortized cost, such as loans, trade receivables, reinsurance recoverables, off-balance-sheet credit exposures, and held-to-maturity securities. Under current U.S. GAAP, entities generally recognize credit losses when it is probable that the loss has been incurred. The guidance removes all current recognition thresholds and introduces the new current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model which will require entities to recognize an allowance for credit losses for the difference between the amortized cost basis of a financial instrument and the amount of amortized cost that an entity expects to collect over the instrument’s contractual life. The new CECL model is based upon expected losses rather than incurred losses. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the impact of the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.