Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting

The accompanying financial statements for periods prior to the July 31, 2013 Spin-Off were prepared on a combined basis because the operations were under common control.

The combined and consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the entities included in the Company post-Spin-Off. The assets and liabilities in the accompanying financial statements are recorded at historical cost. Direct expenses historically incurred by IDT on behalf of the entities are reflected in these financial statements. The most significant expenses were as follows:

●	Straight Path IP Group’s legal and professional fees.

●	Salaries and employee benefits have been allocated based on specific identification.

●	Facility costs as well as certain salaries consisting of payroll, human resources, purchasing, accounts payable, treasury, network and telephone services, legal, travel, and consulting fees were allocated to these entities based on estimates of the incremental cost incurred by IDT.

●	Medical and dental benefits were allocated to these entities based on rates similar to COBRA health benefit provision rates charged to former IDT employees.

●	Stock-based compensation and retirement benefits under IDT’s defined contribution plan were allocated to these entities based on specific identification. Insurance was allocated to these entities based on a combination of headcount and specific policy identification.

Management believes that the assumptions and methods of allocation used were reasonable. However, the costs as allocated are not necessarily indicative of the costs that would have been incurred if these entities operated on a stand-alone basis. Therefore, the combined and consolidated financial statements included herein may not necessarily be indicative of the financial position, results of operations, changes in equity and cash flows of the Company to be expected in the future or what they would have been had the Company been a separate stand-alone entity during the periods presented.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Straight Path Spectrum lease revenues are recognized on a straight line basis over the contractual lease period, which generally range from one to three years. Revenues from sale of rights in FCC licenses are recognized upon execution of the agreement by both parties, provided that the amounts are fixed or determinable, there are no significant undelivered obligations and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues from sale of rights in FCC licenses less applicable costs of the sale are classified as “Gain on sale of rights in wireless spectrum” in the accompanying Combined and Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Straight Path Spectrum recorded the amounts that the Former Chief Executive Officer of Straight Path Spectrum (the “Former SPSI CEO”) was entitled to, related to leases, in “Selling, general and administrative” expense, in the same period the related revenues were recognized.

Straight Path IP Group licenses its portfolio of patents to companies who use these patents in the provision of their product(s) and/or service(s). The contractual terms of the license agreements generally provide for payments over an extended period of time. For the licensing agreements with fixed royalty payments, Straight Path IP Group generally recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the license, once collectability of the amounts is reasonably assured. For the licensing agreements with variable royalty payments which are based on a percentage of sales, Straight Path IP Group earns royalties at the time that the customers’ sales occur. Straight Path IP Group’s customers, however, do not report and pay royalties owed for sales in any given period until after the conclusion of that period. As Straight Path IP Group is unable to estimate the customers’ sales in any given period to determine the royalties due to Straight Path IP Group, it recognizes royalty revenues when sales and royalties are reported by customers and when other revenue recognition criteria are met.

In addition, Straight Path IP Group may enter into certain settlements of patent infringement disputes. The amount of consideration received upon any settlement (including but not limited to past royalty payments and future royalty payments) is allocated to each element of the settlement based on the fair value of each element. In addition, revenues related to past royalties are recognized upon execution of the agreement by both parties, provided that the amounts are fixed or determinable, there are no significant undelivered obligations and collectability is reasonably assured. Straight Path IP Group does not recognize any revenues prior to execution of the agreement since there is no reliable basis on which it can estimate the amounts for royalties related to previous periods or assess collectability.

Direct Cost of Revenues

Direct Cost of Revenues

Direct cost of revenues for Straight Path Spectrum consists primarily of network and connectivity costs and associated regulatory taxes and fees. Such costs are charged to expense as incurred. Direct cost of revenues for Straight Path IP Group consists of legal expenses directly related to revenues from litigation settlements. Expenses incurred for which revenue has not yet been recognized is classified as prepaid expenses – settlements in the consolidated balance sheet.

Cash Equivalents and Concentrations of Credit Risk

Cash Equivalents and Concentrations of Credit Risk

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of money market accounts. The Company maintains principally all cash and cash equivalent balances in various financial institutions which, at times may exceed the amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The exposure to the Company is solely dependent upon daily bank balances and the respective strength of the financial institutions. The Company has not incurred any losses on these accounts.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consists primarily of the cost of the wireless spectrum licenses that were transferred to the Company by an entity controlled by the Former SPSI CEO in connection with the June 2013 settlement of all outstanding claims and disputes with the Former SPSI CEO and parties related to the Former SPSI CEO (see Note 7). The wireless spectrum licenses are not amortized since they are deemed to have an indefinite life. These assets are reviewed annually or more frequently under certain conditions for impairment using a fair value approach. On August 1, 2013, the Company adopted the accounting standard update that reduced the complexity of performing an impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by simplifying how an entity tests those assets for impairment and improved consistency in impairment testing guidance among long-lived asset categories. The Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. Prior to the adoption of this update, the Company was required to test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. The adoption of this standard update did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

No impairment was recorded for the years ended July 31, 2015 and 2014.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Because of the way it is structured, Straight Path and its subsidiaries file the following income tax returns.

Straight Path Spectrum files its own tax returns. The operations of Straight Path IP Group are included in the consolidated tax return of Straight Path.

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends on the generation of future taxable income during the period in which related temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in its assessment of a valuation allowance. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the 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 income in the period that includes the enactment date of such change.

The Company uses a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured to determine the amount of tax benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements will generally result in one or more of the following: an increase in a liability for income taxes payable, a reduction of an income tax refund receivable, a reduction in a deferred tax asset, or an increase in a deferred tax liability.

The Company classifies interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

Contingencies

Contingencies

The Company accrues for loss contingencies when both (a) information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements and (b) the amount of loss can reasonably be estimated. When the Company accrues for loss contingencies and the reasonable estimate of the loss is within a range, the Company records its best estimate within the range. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company accrues the minimum amount in the range. The Company discloses an estimated possible loss or a range of loss when it is at least reasonably possible that a loss may have been incurred.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to all classes of common stockholders of the Company by the weighted average number of shares of all classes of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share, except that the number of shares is increased to include restricted stock still subject to risk of forfeiture and to assume exercise of potentially dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method, unless the effect of such increase is anti-dilutive.

	Years Ended
	July 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(in thousands)

Basic weighted-average number of shares		11,457		10,667		10,504
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		-		9		-
Non-vested restricted Class B common stock		-		591		-

Diluted weighted-average number of shares		11,457		11,267		10,504

The following shares were excluded from the diluted earnings (loss) per share computations because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

	Years Ended
	July 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(in thousands)

Stock options		4		-		-
Non-vested restricted Class B common stock		331		-		-

Shares excluded from the calculations of diluted earnings (loss) per share		335		-		-

For the year ended July 31, 2015, the diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share because the Company had a net loss and the impact of the assumed exercise of stock options and assumed vesting of restricted stock would have been anti-dilutive. At July 31, 2013, the Company did not have any dilutive securities.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation.” The Company recognizes compensation expense for all of its grants of stock-based awards based on the estimated fair value on the grant date. Compensation cost for awards is recognized using the straight-line method over the vesting period. Stock-based compensation is included in selling, general and administrative expense. See Note 6.

The Company accounts for equity instruments issued in exchange for the receipt of goods or services from other than employees in accordance with FASB ASC 505, “Equity.” Costs are measured at the estimated fair market value of the consideration received or the estimated fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The value of equity instruments issued for consideration other than employee services is determined on the earlier of a performance commitment or completion of performance by the provider of goods or services as defined by ASC 505.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities is defined as an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The three-tier hierarchy for inputs used to measure fair value, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value, is as follows:

Level 1 –	quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 –	quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 –	unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value.

A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. The allowance is determined based on known troubled accounts, historical experience and other currently available evidence. Doubtful accounts are written-off upon final determination that the trade accounts will not be collected. The change in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

Year ended July 31 (in thousands)	Balance at beginning of year		Additions charged to costs and expenses		Deductions			Balance at end of year
2015
Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
2014
Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4	$	—	$	(4	)	$	—

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 is expected to reduce diversity in practice by providing guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits and will better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. This guidance is effective prospectively for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2014, ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” ("ASU 2014-09") was issued. The comprehensive new standard will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance and require revenue to be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance will also require that certain contract costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract, such as sales commissions, be capitalized as an asset and amortized as revenue is recognized. Adoption of the new rules could affect the timing of both revenue recognition and the incurrence of contract costs for certain transactions. The guidance permits two implementation approaches, one requiring retrospective application of the new standard with restatement of prior years and one requiring prospective application of the new standard with disclosure of results under old standards.

ASU 2014-09 was scheduled to be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of Effective Date" ("ASU 2015-14") which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09 is now effective for annual reporting periods after December 15, 2017 including interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company will adopt the new standard effective August 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption and the implementation approach to be used.

In June 2014, 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” (“ASU No. 2014-12”) was issued. ASU No. 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period is treated as a performance condition. An entity should recognize compensation cost in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. ASU 2014-12 becomes effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of adopting ASU 2014-12 on its consolidated financial statements but the adoption is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU No. 2014-15”) was issued. Before the issuance of ASU 2014-15, there was no guidance in U.S. GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern or to provide related footnote disclosures. This guidance is expected to reduce the diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards as specified in the guidance. ASU 2014-15 becomes effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016 and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of adopting ASU 2014-15 on its consolidated financial statements but the adoption is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items” (“ASU 2015-01”). ASU 2015-01 eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. ASU 2015-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company anticipates that the adoption of ASU 2015-01 will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU NO. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” (“ASU 2015-02”). The amendments in ASU 2015-02 change the analysis that reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. 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. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in ASU 2015-02 using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” ("ASU 2015-03") as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards (the Simplification Initiative). The Board received feedback that having different balance sheet presentation requirements for debt issuance costs and debt discount and premium creates unnecessary complexity. Recognizing debt issuance costs as a deferred charge (that is, an asset) also is different from the guidance in International Financial Reporting Standards, which requires that transaction costs be deducted from the carrying value of the financial liability and not recorded as separate assets. Additionally, the requirement to recognize debt issuance costs as deferred charges conflicts with the guidance in FASB Concepts Statement No. 6, "Elements of Financial Statements," which states that debt issuance costs are similar to debt discounts and in effect reduce the proceeds of borrowing, thereby increasing the effective interest rate. FASB Concepts Statement No. 6 further states that debt issuance costs cannot be an asset because they provide no future economic benefit. To simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, the amendments in this Update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this Update. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will evaluate the effects of adopting ASU 2015-03 if and when it is deemed to be applicable.

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standard if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date of this filing.