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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a) USE OF ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the period. Critical accounting policies involved in applying our accounting policies are those that require management to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made and those for which different estimates reasonably could have been used for the current period. Critical accounting estimates are also those which are reasonably likely to change from period to period, and would have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations. Our most critical accounting estimates relate to accounting policies for strategic collaborations and research contract revenues, research and development activities, and stock-based compensation. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

(b) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments, time deposits, and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less.

 

(c) INVESTMENTS

 

Our investments consist primarily of corporate stock and bonds, government agency bonds, and commercial paper. These investments are classified as available-for-sale securities, which are carried at fair value, with the unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific-identification basis.

 

A decline in the market value of any available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed to be other-than-temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. To determine whether impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider whether we have the ability and intent to hold the investment until a market price recovery and consider whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary. Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year-end, forecasted performance of the investee, and the general market condition in the geographic area or industry the investee operates. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.

 

(d) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, as reflected in the accompanying balance sheets, approximate fair value. Financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.

 

(e) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of assets, which are generally three to five years for equipment and seven years for furniture and fixtures. Leased property meeting certain criteria is capitalized at the lower of the present value of the future minimum lease payments or fair value at the inception of the lease. Amortization of capitalized leased assets is computed on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. We incur maintenance costs with respect to some of our major equipment. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

 

(f) REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

Revenue is recognized when all four of the following criteria are met (i) a contract is executed, (ii) the contract price is fixed and determinable, (iii) delivery of the services or products has occurred, and (iv) collectability of the contract amounts is considered probable.

 

Our collaborative research and development agreements provide for upfront license fees, research payments, and/or substantive milestone payments. Upfront non-refundable fees associated with license and development agreements where we have continuing involvement in the agreement are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized over the estimated service period. If the estimated service period is subsequently modified, the period over which the upfront fee is recognized is modified accordingly on a prospective basis. Upfront non-refundable license and development fees for which no future performance obligations exist are recognized when collection is assured. Substantive milestone payments are considered performance payments and are recognized upon achievement of the milestone if all of the following criteria are met: (i) achievement of the milestone involves a degree of risk and was not reasonably assured at the inception of the arrangement; (ii) substantive effort is involved in achieving the milestone; and (iii) the amount of the milestone payment is reasonable in relation to all of the deliverables and payment terms within the arrangement. Determination of whether a milestone meets the aforementioned conditions involves the judgment of management.

 

Research and development revenue from cost-reimbursement and cost-plus fixed-fee agreements is recognized as earned based on the performance requirements of the contract. Revisions in revenues, cost, and billing factors, such as indirect rate estimates, are accounted for in the period of change. Reimbursable costs under such contracts are subject to audit and retroactive adjustment. Contract revenues and accounts receivable reported in the financial statements are recorded at the amount expected to be received. Contract revenues are adjusted to actual upon final audit and retroactive adjustment. Estimated contractual allowances are provided based on management’s evaluation of current contract terms and past experience with disallowed costs and reimbursement levels. Payments received in advance of work performed are recorded as deferred revenue.

 

Research and development revenue from fixed-price best efforts arrangements is recognized as earned based on the performance requirements of the contract. Revenue under these arrangements is recognized when delivery to and acceptance by the customer has been received. During the period of performance, recoverable contract costs are accumulated on the balance sheet in other current assets, but no revenue or profit is recorded prior to customer acceptance of the contractually stated deliverables. Recoverable contract costs that are accumulated on the balance sheet include all direct costs associated with the arrangement and an allocation of indirect costs. Payments received in advance of customer acceptance are recorded as deferred revenue. Once customer acceptance has been received, revenue and recoverable contract costs are recognized. Over the course of the arrangement, we routinely evaluate whether revenue and profitability should be recognized in the current period. Any known or probable losses on projects are charged to operations in the period in which such losses are determined.

 

(g) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred. Advance payments to acquire goods or pay for services that will be consumed or performed in a future period in conducting research and development activities are recorded as an asset when the advance payments are made. Capitalized amounts are recognized as expense when the research and development activities are performed; that is, when the goods without alternative future use are acquired or the service is rendered.

 

Research and development costs include internal research and development expenditures (such as salaries and benefits, raw materials, supplies, and allocated facility expenses), contracted services (such as sponsored research, consulting, manufacture of drug supply, and testing services of proprietary research), and development activities and similar expenses associated with collaborative research agreements. These costs are expensed as incurred.

 

(h) INCOME TAXES

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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 income in the period that includes the enactment date. We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. We include any interest or penalties incurred in connection with income taxes as part of other expense.

 

We have significant net operating loss carryforwards to potentially reduce future federal and state taxable income, and research and experimentation tax credit carryforwards available to potentially offset future federal income taxes. Due to the Company’s prior equity transactions, the Company’s net operating loss and research and experimentation credit carryforwards may expire unutilized due to changes in our ownership as defined within Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making that assessment. We recorded a full valuation allowance against all estimated net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

(i) NET LOSS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share is computed based upon the net loss available to common stock stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of common stock equivalents is included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share only when the effect of the inclusion would be dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 all common stock equivalent shares associated with our stock option plans, unvested restricted shares, and stock equivalent shares associated with our warrants were excluded from the denominator in the diluted loss per share calculation as their inclusion would have been antidilutive.

 

(j) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net loss and unrealized holding gains and losses from available-for-sale securities.

 

(k) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

We use the modified prospective method to account for stock-based compensation. Under this method, we measure stock-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the awards which is then recognized over the period during which service is required to be provided. We estimate grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Stock-based compensation cost amounted to $0.9 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

(l) LONG-LIVED ASSETS

 

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset be tested for possible impairment, we first compare undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values, and third party independent appraisals, as necessary.

 

(m) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

 

(n) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which amends the guidance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Changes to the current guidance primarily affect the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the ASU clarifies guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and are to be adopted by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet at the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Early adoption is not permitted except for the provision to record fair value changes for financial liabilities under the fair value option resulting from instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This ASU is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 16, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of this standard will not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” This ASU provides clarification on whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a software license is included, the customer should account for the license consistent with its accounting of other software licenses. If a software license is not included, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. The update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities have the option of applying either a full retrospective approach to all periods presented or a prospective approach to all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date. The adoption of this standard will not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.”  To simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs, the amendments in this ASU 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 ASU.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption of the amendments in this ASU is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued.  The adoption of this standard will not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

 

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, “Income Statement — Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20):  Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items.” Extraordinary items are transactions or events that are both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence, and, currently, are required to be presented separately in an entity’s income statement, net of income tax, after income from continuing operations. The changes eliminate the concept of extraordinary items and, therefore, the presentation of such items will no longer be required.  Notwithstanding this change, an entity will still be required to present and disclose transactions or events that are both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence in the notes to the financial statements.  The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015.  The adoption of this standard will not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Topic 205),” which requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related disclosures in certain circumstances. Under the new standard, disclosures are required when conditions or events give rise to substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the financial statement issuance date. The new standard is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and all annual and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this standard will not have any impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations and, at this time, the Company does not expect any impact on its disclosures.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which supersedes all existing revenue recognition requirements, including most industry-specific guidance. The new standard requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the company expects to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 was originally going to be effective for us on January 1, 2017; however, the FASB recently issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Deferral of the Effective Date,” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to January 1, 2018. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2014-09 on our financial statements.

 

There are no other new accounting pronouncements issued by but not effective until after December 31, 2015 that could have a significant effect on our financial position or results of operations.