Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

v2.4.1.9
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions among the entities have been eliminated from consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosures. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates including, but not limited to, those related to contingent warrant liabilities, revenue recognition, research and development expense, long-lived assets, derivative instruments and stock-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other market-specific and other relevant assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under 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 significantly from these estimates, such as the Company’s billing under government contracts and the Company’s accrual for clinical trial expenses. Under the Company’s contracts with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (“NIAID”), a part of the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”), the Company bills using NIH provisional rates and thus are subject to future audits at the discretion of NIAID’s contracting office. These audits can result in an adjustment to revenue previously reported which potentially could be significant. The Company’s accrual for clinical trials is based on estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with clinical trial centers and clinical research organizations. Payments under the contracts depend on factors such as the achievement of certain events, successful enrollment of patients, and completion of portions of the clinical trial or similar conditions.
Correction of an Immaterial Error
Correction of an Immaterial Error

During the fourth quarter of 2014, we identified an immaterial error in our interim consolidated financial statements primarily pertaining to the three month period ended September 30, 2014 driven by certain stock-based compensation expense recorded in the period. We corrected the immaterial error in the fourth quarter of 2014, resulting in a decrease to operating expenses and net loss by $1.6 million and a decrease to basic and diluted loss per share of $0.01 and $0.02, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2014. The error does not affect results from operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. Based on management's evaluation of the materiality of the error from a qualitative and quantitative perspective as required by authoritative guidance, we concluded that correcting the error had no material impact on any of the Company's previously issued interim financial statements, would be immaterial to the fourth quarter results for 2014 and had no effect on the trend of financial results.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to the financial statements and accompanying notes to conform to the current period presentation. Prior period presentations of net product sales and royalty revenue have been reclassified into contract and other revenue because the net product sales and royalty revenue were not material for all periods presented. These reclassifications had no impact on the Company’s previously reported net loss or cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when the four basic criteria of revenue recognition are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) the fee is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. The determination of criteria (2) is based on management’s judgments regarding whether a continuing performance obligation exists. The determination of criteria (3) and (4) are based on management’s judgments regarding the nature of the fee charged for products or services delivered and the collectability of those fees. Allowances are established for estimated uncollectible amounts, if any.

The Company recognizes revenue from its license and collaboration arrangements, contract services, product sales and royalties. Revenue arrangements with multiple elements are divided into separate units of accounting if certain criteria are met, including whether the delivered element has stand-alone value to the customer and whether there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items. Each deliverable in the arrangement is evaluated to determine whether it meets the criteria to be accounted for as a separate unit of accounting or whether it should be combined with other deliverables. In order to account for the multiple-element arrangements, the Company identifies the deliverables included within the arrangement and evaluates which deliverables represent separate units of accounting. Analyzing the arrangement to identify deliverables requires the use of judgment, and each deliverable may be an obligation to deliver services, a right or license to use an asset, or another performance obligation. The consideration received is allocated among the separate units based on their respective fair values and the applicable revenue recognition criteria are applied to each of the separate units. Advance payments received in excess of amounts earned are classified as deferred revenue until earned.

License and Collaborative Fees

Revenue from non-refundable license, technology access or other payments under license and collaborative agreements where the Company has a continuing obligation to perform is recognized as revenue over the estimated period of the continuing performance obligation. The Company estimates the performance period at the inception of the arrangement and reevaluates it each reporting period. Management makes its best estimate of the period over which it expects to fulfill the performance obligations, which may include clinical development activities. Given the uncertainties of research and development collaborations, significant judgment is required to determine the duration of the performance period. This reevaluation may shorten or lengthen the period over which the remaining revenue is recognized. Changes to these estimates are recorded on a prospective basis. Cost reimbursement revenue under collaborative agreements is recognized as the related research and development costs are incurred, as provided for under the terms of these agreements.

License and collaboration agreements with certain third parties also provide for contingent payments to be paid to XOMA based solely upon the performance of the partner. For such contingent payments revenue is recognized upon completion of the milestone event, once confirmation is received from the third party, provided that collection is reasonably assured and the other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. Milestone payments that are not substantive or that require a continuing performance obligation on the part of the Company are recognized over the expected period of the continuing performance obligation. Amounts received in advance are recorded as deferred revenue until the related milestone is completed.
 
Contract Revenue

Contract revenue for research and development involves the Company providing research and development and manufacturing services to collaborative partners, biodefense contractors or others. Revenue for certain contracts is accounted for by a proportional performance, or output-based, method where performance is based on estimated progress toward elements defined in the contract. The amount of contract revenue and related costs recognized in each accounting period are based on management’s estimates of the proportional performance during the period. Adjustments to estimates based on actual performance are recognized on a prospective basis and do not result in reversal of revenue should the estimate to complete be extended. In 2014, the Company had a $1.8 million adjustment to decrease previously invoiced balances from the NIAID contract. Refer to Note 4 Collaborative, Licensing and Other Arrangements.

Up-front fees are recognized in the same manner as the final deliverable, which is generally ratably over the period of the continuing performance obligation. Given the uncertainties of research and development collaborations, significant judgment is required to determine the duration of the arrangement.

Royalty Revenue

Royalty revenue and royalty receivables are recorded in the periods these royalty amounts are earned, and collection is reasonably assured. The royalty revenue and receivables recorded in these instances are based upon communication with collaborative partners or licensees, historical information and forecasted sales trends.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and Development Expenses

The Company expenses research and development costs as incurred. Research and development expenses consist of direct costs such as salaries and related personnel costs, and material and supply costs, and research-related allocated overhead costs, such as facilities costs. In addition, research and development expenses include costs related to clinical trials. From time to time, research and development expenses may include up-front fees and milestones paid to collaborative partners for the purchase of rights to in-process research and development. Such amounts are expensed as incurred.

The Company’s accrual for clinical trials is based on estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with clinical trial centers and clinical research organizations. The Company may terminate these contracts upon written notice and are generally only liable for actual effort expended by the organizations to the date of termination, although in certain instances the Company may be further responsible for termination fees and penalties. The Company makes estimates of its accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date based on the facts and circumstances known to the Company at that time. Expenses resulting from clinical trials are recorded when incurred based, in part on estimates as to the status of the various trials. In 2014, the Company changed its methodology of accrual for the per-patient component of clinical trial expense from straight-line over the patient treatment period to scheduled costs as projected by the contract research organization. The change resulted in a $0.2 million adjustment to the Company’s accrued estimates for clinical trial activities from inception of the trials through December 31, 2014.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with maturities of three months or less at the time the Company acquires them and that can be liquidated without prior notice or penalty to be cash equivalents.

Short-term investments include debt securities classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, if any, reported in other comprehensive income (loss). The estimate of fair value is based on publicly available market information. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are also included in other income (expense). The Company reviews its instruments for other-than-temporary impairment whenever the value of the instrument is less than the amortized cost. The cost of investments sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in other income (expense).
Property and Equipment and Long-Lived Assets
Property and Equipment and Long-Lived Assets

Property and equipment is stated at cost less depreciation. Equipment depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to seven years). Leasehold improvements, buildings and building improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease terms or the useful lives (one to fifteen years).

The Company reviews the carrying values and depreciation lives of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in business circumstances or planned use of long-lived assets indicate that the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated future net cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset is less than its carrying amount. Long-lived assets include property and equipment and building and leasehold improvements.
Warrants
Warrants

The Company has issued warrants to purchase shares of its common stock in connection with financing activities. The Company accounts for some of these warrants as a liability at fair value and others as equity at fair value. The fair value of the outstanding warrants is estimated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (the “Black-Scholes Model”). The Black-Scholes Model requires inputs such as the expected term of the warrants, expected volatility and risk-free interest rate. These inputs are subjective and require significant analysis and judgment to develop. For the estimate of the expected term, the Company uses the full remaining contractual term of the warrant. In 2013, the Company changed its expected volatility assumption in the Black-Scholes Model from a volatility implied from warrants issued by XOMA in recent private placement transactions to a volatility based on historical stock price volatility observed on XOMA’s underlying stock. A historical stock price volatility rate was determined to be a more precise indicator for the fair value calculation of the Company’s warrants due to time elapsed since these warrants were granted. The assumptions associated with contingent warrant liabilities are reviewed each reporting period and changes in the estimated fair value of these contingent warrant liabilities are recognized in revaluation of contingent warrant liabilities within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). The application of income tax law and regulations are inherently complex.

Accounting standards provide for the recognition of deferred tax assets if realization of such assets is more likely than not. The Company assessed the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered as deductions from future taxable income. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 because it believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized as of December 31, 2014, and 2013.

 Based upon the weight of available evidence, which includes the Company’s historical operating performance and carry-back potential, the Company has determined that total deferred tax assets should be fully offset by a valuation allowance.
Net Loss per Share of Common Stock
Net Loss per Share of Common Stock

Basic net loss per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, adjusted to include the assumed conversion of certain stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and warrants for common stock. The calculation of diluted loss per share requires that, to the extent the average market price of the underlying shares for the reporting period exceeds the exercise price of the warrants and the presumed exercise of such securities are dilutive to loss per share for the period, adjustments to net income or net loss used in the calculation are required to remove the change in fair value of the warrants for the period. Likewise, adjustments to the denominator are required to reflect the related dilutive shares.

Potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation of loss per share if their inclusion is anti-dilutive. The following table shows the total outstanding securities considered anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Options for common stock
   
6,666
     
7,087
     
5,603
 
Warrants for common stock
   
2,073
     
15,839
     
13,840
 
Total
   
8,739
     
22,926
     
19,443
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2014
 
Numerator
   
Net loss before taxes
   
Basic
 
$
(38,301
)
Adjustment for revaluation of contingent warrant liabilities
   
(39,512
)
Diluted
 
$
(77,813
)
         
Denominator
       
Weighted average shares outstanding used for basic net loss per share
   
107,435
 
Effect of dilutive warrants
   
7,898
 
Weighted average shares outstanding for dilutive net loss per share
   
115,333
 

For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, all potentially dilutive securities outstanding were considered anti-dilutive, and therefore the calculations of basic and diluted net loss per share were the same.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance codified in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue Recognition — Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amends the guidance in former ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASC 606.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This ASU introduces an explicit requirement for management to assess if there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. In connection with each annual and interim period, management must assess if there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the issuance date. Disclosures are required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt. ASU 2014-15 is effective for all entities in the first annual period ending after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the potential effects of this ASU on the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, Determining whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Instrument issued in the form of a share is more akin to debt or to equity. This ASU introduces a requirement for management to separate an embedded derivative feature from the host contract and account for the feature as a derivative according to Subtopic 815-10 on derivatives and hedging if certain criteria are met. That is, management should determine the nature of the host contract by considering the economic characteristics and risks of the entire hybrid financial instrument, including the embedded derivative feature that is being evaluated for separate accounting from the host contract. ASU 2014-16 is effective date for public entities for annual and interim report beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption in an interim period, is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of this ASU on the consolidated financial statements.