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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Basis of Presentation

We have incurred significant net losses since our inception and have an accumulated deficit of $291 million. In 2015, we incurred a net loss of $8.6 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $8.5 million. In 2014, we had an accumulated deficit of $282 million, a net loss of $8.3 million and negative cash flows from operations of $10 million. At December 31, 2015, we had $7.5 million in cash. Our cash resources will not be sufficient to fund our business for the next 12 months. We will need to grow our revenues from commercial operations and/or raise additional funds over the next 12-months to meet our working capital needs. Additional financing may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. If we issue additional equity securities to raise funds, the ownership percentage of our existing stockholders would be reduced. New investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of common stock. If we cannot raise any needed funds, we might be forced to make changes to, or delay aspects of, our business plan, which could adversely affect our ability to implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a company. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

Our plans regarding improving our future liquidity will require us to successfully use our expertise and our technology to generate revenues in various ways, including commercial operations, joint ventures and licenses. We have invested and will continue to invest significant capital in our Austin, Texas manufacturing facility to enable us to produce our Conductus wire products. However, delays in the timing of our ability to, including but not limited to, raise additional capital, unexpected production delays, and our ability to sell our Conductus wire products in large scale could substantially impact our estimates used in the determination of expected future cash flows and/or expected future profitability. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of the uncertainties set forth above.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The amendments to this update supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The standard was originally set to become effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 Revenue from Contracts with Customers; Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year, thereby delaying the effective date of the standard to January 1, 2018, with an option that would permit companies to adopt the standard as early as the original effective date. Early adoption prior to the original effective date is not permitted. The core principle of this Topic is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. This Topic defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, it is possible more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than required under existing GAAP including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. We have not yet assessed the impact of ASU 2014-09.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Sub-Topic 205-40)”, which provides guidance in GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. This update is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. We have early adopted this guidance.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which provides new guidance regarding the measurement of inventory. The new guidance requires most inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The standard defines net realizable value as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The standard applies to companies other than those that measure inventory using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method. The standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those reporting periods. Early application is permitted. We have not yet evaluated the impact of the adoption of this accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases,” which replaces the existing guidance in ASC 840, Leases. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years and requires retrospective application. We will adopt in Fiscal 2019 and are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 to our consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Superconductor Technologies Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with what management believes to be quality financial institutions and from time to time exceed FDIC limits. Historically, we have not experienced any losses due to such concentration of credit risk.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

We grant uncollateralized credit to our customers. We perform usual and customary credit evaluations of our customers before granting credit. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience. Past due balances are reviewed for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we deem it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Commercial revenues are principally derived from the sale of our SuperLink, AmpLink and SuperPlex family of products and are recognized once all of the following conditions have been met: a) an authorized purchase order has been received in writing, b) the customer’s credit worthiness has been established, c) shipment of the product has occurred, d) title has transferred, and e) if stipulated by the contract, customer acceptance has occurred and all significant vendor obligations, if any, have been satisfied.

We currently have no contract revenues. Historically, contract revenues were principally generated under research and development contracts. Contract revenues were recognized utilizing the percentage-of-completion method measured by the relationship of costs incurred to total estimated contract costs. If the current contract estimate were to indicate a loss, utilizing the funded amount of the contract, a provision would be made for the total anticipated loss. Revenues from research related activities were derived primarily from contracts with agencies of the U.S. Government. Credit risk related to accounts receivable arising from such contracts was considered minimal. These contracts included cost-plus, fixed price and cost sharing arrangements and were generally short-term in nature.

All payments to us for work performed on contracts with agencies of the U.S. Government are subject to adjustment upon audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Contract audits through 2006 are closed. Based on historical experience and review of current projects in process, we believe that any future audits will not have a significant effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net commercial product revenues. Shipping and handling fees associated with freight are generally included in cost of commercial product revenues.

Warranties

Warranties

We offer warranties generally ranging from one to five years, depending on the product and negotiated terms of purchase agreements with our customers. Such warranties require us to repair or replace defective product returned to us during such warranty period at no cost to the customer. Our estimate for warranty related costs is recorded at the time of sale based on our actual historical product return rates and expected repair costs. Such costs have been within our expectations.

Indemnities

Indemnities

In connection with the sales and manufacturing of our commercial products, we indemnify, without limit or term, our customers and contract manufacturers against all claims, suits, demands, damages, liabilities, expenses, judgments, settlements and penalties arising from actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any intellectual property relating to our products or other claims arising from our products. We cannot reasonably develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of payments that might be made under our indemnities because of the uncertainty as to whether a claim might arise and how much it might total. Historically, we have not incurred any expenses related to these indemnities.

Research and Development Costs

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and include salary, facility, depreciation and material expenses. Research and development costs are charged to research and development expense. Research and development costs incurred solely in connection with research and development contracts were charged to government and other contract expense.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with costs primarily determined using standard costs, which approximate actual costs utilizing the first-in, first-out method. We review inventory quantities on hand and on order and record, on a quarterly basis, a provision for excess and obsolete inventory and/or vendor cancellation charges related to purchase commitments. If the results of the review determine that a write-down is necessary, we recognize a loss in the period in which the loss is identified, whether or not the inventory is retained. Our inventory reserves establish a new cost basis for inventory and are not reversed until we sell or dispose of the related inventory. Such provisions are established based on historical usage, adjusted for known changes in demands for such products, or the estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements. Costs associated with idle capacity are charged to operations immediately.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to five years. Leasehold improvements and assets financed under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the lease term. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated over seven years. Expenditures for additions and major improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for minor tooling, repairs and maintenance and minor improvements are charged to operations as incurred. When property or equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Gains or losses from retirements and disposals are generally recorded in other income or expense. In 2015 and 2014 there were disposals totaling $99,000 and $8 million, respectively, and gains of $1,000 and $96,000, respectively, from these disposals.

Patents, Licenses and Purchased Technology

Patents, Licenses and Purchased Technology

Patents and licenses are recorded at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or approximately seventeen years.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets

The realizability of long-lived assets is evaluated periodically as events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to recover the carrying amount. Long-lived assets that will no longer be used in the business are written off in the period identified since they will no longer be used in operations and generate any positive cash flows for us. Periodically, long-lived assets that will continue to be used by us will need to be evaluated for recoverability. Such evaluation is based on various analyses, including cash flow and profitability projections. The analyses necessarily involve significant management judgment. Market acceptance and significant revenues from our new Conductus wire is a key assumption in realization of our investment in long-lived assets. In the event the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than net book value of the assets, the carrying value of the assets will be written down to their estimated fair value. We tested our long lived assets for recoverability in each of the last three years and did not believe there was any impairment; however, for the year ended December 31, 2013 we charged $93,000 of patents pending to operations.

In July 2012, we contributed 14 issued and pending patents regarding our innovative Reconfigurable Resonance™ (RcR) technology, limited use of our Santa Barbara facility, experienced executive leadership and technical expertise as our minority investment in Resonant LLC. As of June 2013, our interest in Resonant was 30%, and the net value of the assets contributed, estimated to approximate fair value was $185,000. We had accounted for this investment using the equity method and included it in Other assets for both periods. At June 2013 we exchanged our equity interest in Resonant LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Resonant Inc., for a $2.4 million subordinated convertible note receivable from the new Resonant Inc. No gain was recognized for the exchange of our net equity interest on the date of issuance for the note receivable due to uncertainties in connection with the collectability of this subordinated note receivable. Our note was subordinated to a third party lender and was only convertible in the event Resonant, Inc. conducted an initial public offering and certain other conditions were met. We determined that our net equity interest of $185,000 approximated the fair value of the note receivable at December 31, 2013.

At May 29, 2014, the note receivable was converted into 700,000 common shares of Resonant. These common shares represented 10.2% of Resonant’s outstanding shares (including over-allotment) and could not be traded without the consent of the underwriter of the initial public offering for a period of twelve months after the initial public offering date of May 29, 2014. In late September 2014 we entered into a private transaction to sell this minority interest to various buyers for gross proceeds to us of $3.6 million, and net proceeds to us of $3.3 million after offering expenses.

We have invested and will continue to invest significant capital in our Austin, Texas manufacturing facility to enable us to produce our Conductus wire products. Delays in the timing of our ability to, including but not limited to, raise additional capital, unexpected production delays, our ability to sell our Conductus wire products in large scale could substantially impact our estimates used in the determination of expected future cash flows and/or expected profitability, and our ability to realize our investment in these assets. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

Loss Contingencies

Loss Contingencies

In the normal course of our business, we are subject to claims and litigation, including allegations of patent infringement. Liabilities relating to these claims are recorded when it is determined that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal fees are recorded as services are provided. The costs of our defense in such matters are charged to operations as incurred. Insurance proceeds recoverable are recorded when deemed probable.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

We recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets based on the differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) results from the change in net deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The guidance further clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and sets a consistent framework to determine the appropriate level of tax reserve to maintain for uncertain tax positions. This interpretation uses a two-step approach wherein a tax benefit is recognized if a position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. The amount of the benefit is then measured to be the highest tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized and sets out disclosure requirements to enhance transparency of our tax reserves.

Unrecognized tax positions, if ever recognized in the consolidated financial statements, are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as part of the income tax provision. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on uncertain tax positions, if any, as part of the income tax provision.

No liabilities for uncertain tax positions were recognized in the current year. No interest or penalties on uncertain tax positions have been charged to operations to date. We are not under examination by any taxing authorities. The California and federal statute of limitations for examination of us is open for 2011 and 2012, respectively, and subsequent filings.

Marketing Costs

Marketing Costs

All costs related to marketing and advertising our products are charged to operations as incurred or at the time the advertising takes place. Advertising costs were not material in each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015.

Net Loss Per Share

Net Loss Per Share

Basic and diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in each year. Net loss available to common stockholders is computed after deducting accumulated dividends on cumulative preferred stock, deemed dividends and accretion of redemption value on redeemable preferred stock for the period and beneficial conversion features on issuance of convertible preferred stock. Potential common shares are not included in the calculation of diluted loss per share because their effect is anti-dilutive.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation Expense

We have in effect several equity incentive plans under which stock options and awards have been granted to employees and non-employee members of the Board of Directors. We are required to estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. The value of the award is principally recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service periods. We have estimated the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model considers, among other factors, the expected life of the award and the expected volatility of our stock price. We evaluate the assumptions used to value stock options on a quarterly basis. The fair values generated by the Black-Scholes model may not be indicative of the actual fair values of our equity awards, as they do not consider other factors important to those awards to employees, such as continued employment and periodic vesting.

The following table presents details of total stock-based compensation expense that is included in each functional line item on our consolidated statements of operations:


	2015		2014		2013
Cost of revenue	$	10,000	$	—	$	1,000
Research and development		332,000		204,000		169,000
Selling, general and administrative		1,856,000		658,000		322,000

	$	2,198,000	$	862,000	$	492,000

The impact to the consolidated statements of operations for 2015, 2014 and 2013 on basic and diluted earnings per share was $0.11, $0.07 and $0.07, respectively. No stock compensation cost was capitalized during the three year period ended December 31, 2015.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The significant estimates in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements relate to the assessment of the carrying amount of accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, intangibles, goodwill, estimated provisions for warranty costs, accruals for restructuring and lease abandonment costs, contract revenues, income taxes and disclosures related to the litigation. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We have estimated the fair value amounts of our financial instruments using the available market information and valuation methodologies considered appropriate. We determined the book value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and other current liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 approximate fair value.

The fair value of our warrant derivative liability was estimated using the Binomial Lattice option valuation model.

Fair value for financial reporting purposes is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date, ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures”, also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 —quoted prices 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

Level 3 —inputs that are unobservable (for example cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions)

The fair value of our warrant liabilities was determined based on level 3 inputs. These derivative liabilities are adjusted to reflect fair value at each period end, with any increase or decrease in the fair value being recorded in results of operations as Adjustment to Fair Value of Derivatives. See Note 5 – Stockholders Equity - Warrants.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income

We have no items of other comprehensive income in any period and consequently have not included a Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Segment Information

Segment Information

We have historically operated in a single business segment: the research, development, manufacture and marketing of high performance products used in cellular base stations. We derived net commercial product revenues primarily from the sales of our AmpLink and SuperPlex products which we sold directly to wireless network operators in the United States. Net revenues derived principally from government contracts are presented separately on the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. As discussed in this Report, we are adapting our unique HTS material deposition techniques to produce our energy efficient, cost-effective and high performance Conductus wire. We expect commercial level sales of our Conductus wire products later this year.

Certain Risks and Uncertainties

Certain Risks and Uncertainties

Our long-term prospects are dependent upon the successful commercialization and market acceptance of our Conductus wire products.

We currently sell most of our products directly to wireless network operators in the United States and our product sales have historically been concentrated in a small number of customers. In 2015, we had two customers that represented 70% and 10% of total net revenues and 40% of our accounts receivable. In 2014, these two customers represented 52% and 31% of total net revenues and 95% of our accounts receivable. The loss of or reduction in sales, or the inability to collect outstanding accounts receivable, from any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We currently rely on a limited number of suppliers for key components of our products. The loss of any of these suppliers could have material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In connection with the sales of our commercial products, we indemnify, without limit or term, our customers against all claims, suits, demands, damages, liabilities, expenses, judgments, settlements and penalties arising from actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any intellectual property relating to our products or other claims arising from our products. We cannot reasonably develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of payments that might be made under our indemnities because of the uncertainty as to whether a claim might arise and how much it might total.

For more risks of our business, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this Report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.