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Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
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12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2014
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| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] |
Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Business
PDI, Inc., together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (PDI or the Company), is a leading provider of outsourced commercial services to established and emerging pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare companies in the United States and is also developing and commercializing molecular diagnostic tests to detect genetic alterations that are associated with gastrointestinal and endocrine cancers. The Company provides these services through its two reporting segments: Commercial Services and Interpace Diagnostics.
Through its Commercial Services segment, PDI is a leading provider of outsourced sales teams that target healthcare providers, offering a range of complementary sales support services designed to achieve its customers' strategic and financial product objectives. In addition to outsourced sales teams in the United States, PDI also provides other promotional services, including clinical educator services, teledetailing and full product commercialization services. PDI's Commercial Services segment offer customers a range of both personal and non-personal promotional options for the commercialization of their products throughout their lifecycles, from development through maturity. These services include product distribution, personal and non-personal product detailing, full supply chain management, operations, sales, marketing, compliance, and regulatory/medical management. PDI provides innovative and flexible service offerings designed to drive customers' businesses forward and successfully respond to a continually changing market. The Company's services provide a vital link between its customers and the medical community through the communication of product information to physicians and other healthcare professionals for use in the care of their patients.
Through its Interpace Diagnostics segment, PDI has taken action on its stated strategy focused on becoming a leading commercialization company for the molecular diagnostics industry via in-licensing, acquiring or partnering. Leveraging PDI's core sales and marketing and full commercialization capabilities, the Company believes this is a natural extension for itself and the strength of its core capabilities. During 2014, the Company made acquisitions in connection with this strategy. In October 2014 and August 2014, the Company acquired RedPath Integrated Pathology, Inc. (RedPath) and certain assets from Asuragen, Inc. (Asuragen), respectively. The Company's Interpace Diagnostics segment currently offers PancraGen™ (formerly known as PathFinderTG® Pancreas), a diagnostic test designed for determining risk of malignancy in pancreatic cysts, and ThyGenX™, a next-generation sequencing test designed to assist physicians in distinguishing between benign and malignant genotypes in indeterminate thyroid nodules. In addition, the Company has three diagnostic tests in late stage development that are designed to detect genetic alterations that are associated with gastrointestinal cancers and one diagnostic test in late stage development that is designed to detect genetic alterations that are associated with endocrine cancers. See Note 3, Acquisitions for further information.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PDI, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: PDI BioPharma, LLC; and Interpace Diagnostics Corporation; Interpace Diagnostics, LLC. Discontinued operations includes the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries: Group DCA, LLC (Group DCA); InServe Support Solutions (Pharmakon); and TVG, Inc. (TVG, dissolved December 31, 2014). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Accounting Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management's estimates are based on historical experience, facts and circumstances available at the time, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Significant estimates include accounting for business combinations, valuation allowances related to deferred income taxes, self-insurance loss accruals, allowances for doubtful accounts and notes, income tax accruals, asset impairments and facilities realignment accruals. The Company periodically reviews these matters and reflects changes in estimates as appropriate. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash accounts, money market investments and highly liquid investment instruments with original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Commercial Services segment: Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Management reviews a customer’s credit history before extending credit. The Company records a provision for estimated losses based upon the inability of its customers to make required payments using historical experience and periodically adjusts these provisions to reflect actual experience. Additionally, the Company will establish a specific allowance for doubtful accounts when it becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability or unwillingness to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing). There was a $9,000 allowance for doubtful accounts for trade accounts receivables as of December 31, 2013 and no allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2014.
Interpace Diagnostics segment: The Company’s accounts receivable are generated using its proprietary tests. The Company’s services are fulfilled upon completion of the test, review and release of the test results. In conjunction with fulfilling these services, the Company bills the third-party payor or hospital. The Company recognizes accounts receivable related to billings for Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and hospitals on an accrual basis, net of contractual adjustment, when collectability is reasonably assured. Contractual adjustments represent the difference between the list prices and the reimbursement rate set by Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or the amounts billed to hospitals.
Interpace Diagnostics provided to commercial insurance carriers or governmental program that do not have a contract in place for its proprietary tests may or may not be covered by these entities existing reimbursement policies. In addition, the Company does not enter into direct agreements with patients that commit them to pay any portion of the cost of the tests in the event that their commercial insurance carrier or governmental program does not pay the Company for its services. In the absence of an agreement with the patient, or other clearly enforceable legal right to demand payment from commercial insurance carriers or governmental agencies, no accounts receivable is recognized.
Unbilled Costs and Accrued Profits
In general, contractual provisions, including predetermined payment schedules or submission of appropriate billing detail, establish the prerequisites for billings. Unbilled costs and accrued profits arise when services have been rendered and payment is assured but customers have not been billed. These amounts are classified as a current asset.
Unearned Contract Revenue
Normally, the customers agree to pay the Company a portion of the fee due under a contract in advance of performance of services because of large recruiting and employee development costs associated with the initial phase of a contract performance and effort required in the development of interactive digital communications. The excess of amounts billed over revenue recognized represents unearned contract revenue, which is classified as a current liability.
Loans and Investments in Privately Held Entities
From time-to-time, the Company makes investments in and/or loans to privately-held companies. The Company determines whether the fair values of any investments in privately held entities have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If the Company considers any such decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, asset quality and the overall health of the investee’s industry), a write-down to estimated fair value is recorded. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had an investment in a privately held non-controlled entity of $1.5 million within Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 325-20 Investments Other - Cost Method Investments. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company identified events that have had an adverse effect on the fair value of this cost-method investment and recorded a charge within continuing operations.
On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews outstanding loans receivable to determine if a provision for doubtful notes is necessary. These reviews include discussions with senior management of the investee, and evaluations of, among other things, the investee’s progress against its business plan, its product development activities and customer base, industry market conditions, historical and projected financial performance, expected cash needs and recent funding events. Subsequent cash receipts on the outstanding interest are applied against the outstanding interest receivable balance and the corresponding allowance. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had loan receivable balances of $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, which were both fully reserved for.
See Note 18, Investment in Privately Held Non-Controlled Entity and Other Arrangements for further information.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis, using the estimated useful lives of: seven to ten years for furniture and fixtures; two to five years for office and computer equipment; five to seven years for lab equipment; and leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated service lives or the terms of the related leases which are currently four to five years. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Upon disposition, the asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the related accounts and any gains or losses are reflected in operations.
Software Costs
Internal-Use Software - It is the Company’s policy to capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized software costs are included in property and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet and amortized over the software’s useful life, generally three to seven years. Software costs that do not meet capitalization criteria are expensed immediately.
External-Use Software - It is the Company’s policy to capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining external-use software. Capitalized software costs are included in property and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet and amortized over the software’s useful life, generally three years. Software costs that do not meet capitalization criteria are expensed immediately.
See Note 6, Property and Equipment and Note 19, Discontinued Operations for further information.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities. The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions. The Company also holds investments in Treasury money market funds that maintain an average portfolio maturity less than 90 days and deposits held with financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits; however, management believes the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the financial institutions in which those deposits are held and the nature of the investments.
Acquisition Accounting
The Company accounts for business combinations by applying the acquisition method of accounting. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of the assets transferred, liabilities incurred, equity instruments issued, and costs directly attributable to the acquisition. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date. The excess of the cost of the acquisition over our interest in the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based on various assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring considerable management judgment. The most significant variables in these valuations are discount rates, terminal values, the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as the assumptions and estimates used to determine the cash inflows and outflows. Management determines discount rates to be used based on the risk inherent in the related activity’s current business model and industry comparisons. Terminal values are based on the expected life of products and forecasted life cycle and cash flows over that period. Although we believe that the assumptions applied in the determination are reasonable based on information available at the date of acquisition, actual results may differ materially from the forecasted amounts. See Note 3, Acquisitions included for further information.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The Company allocates the cost of acquired companies to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the remaining amount classified as goodwill. Since the entities the Company has acquired do not have significant tangible assets, a significant portion of the purchase price has been allocated to intangible assets and goodwill. The identification and valuation of these intangible assets and the determination of the estimated useful lives at the time of acquisition, as well as the completion of impairment tests require significant management judgments and estimates. These estimates are made based on, among other factors, reviews of projected future operating results and business plans, economic projections, anticipated highest and best use of future cash flows and the market participant cost of capital. The use of alternative estimates and assumptions could increase or decrease the estimated fair value of goodwill and other intangible assets, and potentially result in a different impact to the Company’s results of operations. Further, changes in business strategy and/or market conditions may significantly impact these judgments and thereby impact the fair value of these assets, which could result in an impairment of the goodwill or intangible assets.
The Company tests its goodwill for impairment at least annually (as of December 31) and whenever events or circumstances change that indicate impairment may have occurred. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate of the pharmaceutical industry; unanticipated competition; and slower growth rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and our consolidated financial results. If the Company's projected long-term sales growth rate, profit margins, or terminal rate change, or the assumed weighted-average cost of capital is considerably higher, future testing may indicate impairment in this reporting unit and, as a result, all or a portion of these assets may become impaired.
The Company tests its goodwill for impairment at the business (reporting) unit level, which is one level below its operating segments. The goodwill has been assigned to the reporting unit to which the value relates. One of the Company's reporting units, Gastrointestinal, has goodwill. The Company tests goodwill by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. The key assumptions used in the DCF model to determine the highest and best use of estimated future cash flows include revenue growth rates and profit margins based on internal forecasts, terminal value and an estimate of a market participant's weighted-average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows to their present value. While the Company uses available information to prepare estimates and to perform impairment evaluations, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates or related projections, resulting in impairment related to recorded goodwill balances.
During the Company's 2013 annual impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, management did not identify any potential indicators of impairment. See Note 4, Fair Value Measurements and Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for further information.
In connection with the Company's decision to dispose of its eDetailing business, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the Group DCA business unit was in excess of its fair value and the goodwill associated with the 2010 acquisition of Group DCA was impaired. The Company reclassified goodwill associated with Group DCA to held-for sale, included with other non-current assets, and reduced the net assets of Group DCA to their relative fair value. An impairment loss of $1.2 million has been recorded within Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2014. See Note 19, Discontinued Operations for further information.
Long-Lived Assets, including Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization of finite-lived acquired intangible assets is recognized on a straight-line basis, using the estimated useful lives of the assets of approximately two years to nine years in acquisition related amortization expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
The Company reviews the recoverability of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized by reducing the recorded value of the asset to its fair value measured by future discounted cash flows. This analysis requires estimates of the amount and timing of projected cash flows and, where applicable, judgments associated with, among other factors, the appropriate discount rate. Such estimates are critical in determining whether any impairment charge should be recorded and the amount of such charge if an impairment loss is deemed to be necessary. During the year ended December 31, 2014, $0.7 million of long-lived assets were impaired within loss from discontinued operations related to the disposition of Group DCA. See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for further information.
Self-Insurance Accruals
The Company is self-insured for benefits paid under employee healthcare programs. The Company’s liability for healthcare claims is estimated using an underwriting determination which is based on the current year’s average lag days between when a claim is incurred and when it is paid. The Company maintains stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit its total exposure on all of these programs. Periodically, the Company evaluates the level of insurance coverage and adjusts insurance levels based on risk tolerance and premium expense. Management reviews the self-insurance accruals on a quarterly basis. Actual results may vary from these estimates, resulting in an adjustment in the period of the change in estimate. Prior to October 1, 2008, the Company was also self-insured for certain losses for claims filed and claims incurred but not reported relating to workers’ compensation and automobile-related liabilities for Company-leased cars. Beginning October 1, 2008, the Company became fully-insured through an outside carrier for these losses. The Company’s liability for claims filed and claims incurred but not reported prior to October 1, 2008 is estimated on an actuarial undiscounted basis supplied by our insurance brokers and insurers using individual case-based valuations and statistical analysis. These estimates are based upon judgment and historical experience. However, the final cost of many of these claims may not be known for five years or more after filing of the claim. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had no outstanding claims filed and claims incurred but not reported for self-insured automobile-related liabilities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, self-insurance accruals totaled $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and are included in other accrued expenses on the balance sheet.
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various contingencies. Contingencies are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable, or otherwise disclosed, in accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether a loss is reasonably estimable. In the event the Company determines that a loss is not probable, but is reasonably possible, and it becomes possible to develop what the Company believes to be a reasonable range of possible loss, then the Company will include disclosures related to such matter as appropriate and in compliance with ASC 450. To the extent there is a reasonable possibility that the losses could exceed the amounts already accrued, the Company will, when applicable, adjust the accrual in the period the determination is made, disclose an estimate of the additional loss or range of loss, indicate that the estimate is immaterial with respect to its financial statements as a whole or, if the amount of such adjustment cannot be reasonably estimated, disclose that an estimate cannot be made. The Company is currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, the Company has accrued its estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. These estimates are developed in consultation with outside counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. Predicting the outcome of claims and litigation, and estimating related costs and exposures, involves substantial uncertainties that could cause actual costs to vary materially from estimates.
In connection with the October 31, 2014 acquisition of RedPath the Company assumed a liability for a January 2013 settlement agreement entered into by the former owners of RedPath with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the Company is obligated to make payments to the DOJ. These payments are due March 31st following the calendar year that the revenue milestones are achieved. The Company has been indemnified by the former owners of RedPath for a substantial portion of the obligation and has recorded an indemnification asset and liability of that amount within other non-current assets and other long-term liabilities. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies for further information.
Revenue and Cost of Services
The Company recognizes revenue from services rendered when the following four revenue recognition criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; services have been rendered; the selling price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company's contracts containing multiple deliverables are accounted for in accordance with ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition: Multiple Element Arrangements.
Commercial Services
Revenue under Commercial Services contracts is generally based on the number of sales representatives utilized or the number of physician details made and, when applicable, the commercial operations services provided. If contracts include full commercial operations services, the Company has determined that there are two units of accounting in these arrangements: the sales team providing product detailing services; and the commercial operations providing full supply chain management, operations, marketing, compliance, and regulatory/medical management services. Revenue is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period or as the physician details are performed. A portion of revenues earned under certain contracts may be risk-based. The risk-based metrics may be based on activity metrics such as call activity, turnover, or other agreed upon measures, or on contractually defined percentages of prescriptions written. Revenue from risk-based metrics is recognized in the period which the metrics have been attained and when we are reasonably assured that payment will be made. Many of the Company's product detailing contracts also allow for additional periodic incentive fees to be earned if certain activities have occurred or client specific sales performance benchmarks have been attained. Revenue from incentive fees is recognized in the period earned when the performance benchmarks have been attained and when the Company is reasonably assured that payment will be made. Many contracts also stipulate penalties if agreed upon performance benchmarks have not been met. Revenue is recognized net of any potential penalties until the performance criteria relating to the penalties have been achieved. Commission based revenue is recognized when performance is completed.
The Company's Commercial Services contracts are generally for terms of one to three years and may be renewed or extended. The majority of these contracts, however, are terminable by the customer without cause upon 30 days' to 180 days’ prior written notice. Certain contracts include provisions mandating that such notice may not be provided prior to a pre-determined future date and also provide for termination payments if the customer terminates the agreement without cause. Typically, however, the total compensation provided by minimum service periods (otherwise referred to as minimum purchase obligations) and termination payments within any individual agreement will not fully offset the revenue the Company would have earned from fully executing the contract or the costs the Company may incur as a result of its early termination.
The Company maintains continuing relationships with its Commercial Services customers which may lead to multiple ongoing contracts with one customer. In situations where the Company enters into multiple contracts with one customer at or near the same time, the Company evaluates the various factors involved in negotiating the arrangements in order to determine if the contracts were negotiated in contemplation of one and other and should be accounted for as a single agreement.
The loss or termination of large pharmaceutical detailing contracts could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. Historically, the Company has derived a significant portion of its service revenue from a limited number of customers. Concentration of business in the pharmaceutical industry is common and the industry continues to consolidate. As a result, the Company is likely to continue to experience further customer concentration in future periods. See Note 13, Significant Customers, for additional information related to customers' who represented 10% or more of the Company's revenue.
Cost of services consists primarily of the costs associated with executing product detailing programs, performance based contracts or other sales and marketing services identified in the contract and includes personnel costs and other direct costs, as well as the initial direct costs associated with staffing a product detailing program. Personnel costs, which constitute the largest portion of cost of services, include all labor related costs, such as salaries, bonuses, fringe benefits and payroll taxes for the sales representatives, sales managers and professional staff that are directly responsible for executing a particular program. Other direct costs include, but are not limited to, facility rental fees, travel expenses, sample expenses and other promotional expenses.
Initial direct program costs are the costs associated with initiating a product detailing program, such as recruiting and hiring and certain other direct incremental costs, excluding pass through costs that are billed to customers. Other direct costs include, but are not limited to, facility rental fees, travel expenses, sample expenses and other promotional expenses. Initial direct program costs are deferred and amortized to expense in proportion to the revenue recognized as driven by the terms of the underlying contract. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company deferred $0.4 million and $2.3 million of initial direct program costs, respectively. During each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company amortized $0.9 million of initial direct program costs into expense. All personnel costs and other direct costs, excluding initial direct program costs, are expensed as incurred.
Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses include those relating to travel, meals and entertainment, product sample distribution costs and other similar costs for which the Company is reimbursed at cost by its customers. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred are characterized as revenue and an identical amount is included as cost of services in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses were $27.4 million and $30.8 million, respectively.
Training costs include the costs of training the sales representatives and managers on a particular product detailing program so that they are qualified to properly perform the services specified in the related contract. For the majority of the Company’s contracts, training costs are reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses.
Interpace Diagnostics
Interpace Diagnostics revenue is generated using the Company's proprietary tests. The Company's performance obligation is fulfilled upon completion, review and release of test results and subsequently billing the third-party payor or hospital. Interpace Diagnostics recognizes revenue related to billings for Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and hospitals on an accrual basis, net of contractual adjustment, when there is a predictable pattern of collectability. Contractual adjustments represent the difference between the list prices and the reimbursement rate set by Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or the amounts billed to hospitals, which approximates the Medicare rate. Upon ultimate collection, the amount received from Medicare, Medicare Advantage and hospitals with a predictable pattern of payment is compared to the previous estimates and the contractual allowance is adjusted, if necessary. Amounts not collected are charged to bad debt expense.
Until a contract has been negotiated with a commercial insurance carrier or governmental program, the services may or may not be covered by these entities existing reimbursement policies. In addition, the Company does not enter into direct agreements with patients that commit them to pay any portion of the cost of the tests in the event that insurance declines to reimburse the Company. In the absence of an agreement with the patient or other clearly enforceable legal right to demand payment, the related revenue is only recognized upon the earlier of payment notification or cash receipt. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue from commercial insurance carriers and governmental programs without a contract, when payment is received.
Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and delivery is deemed to have occurred upon completion, review, and release of the test results by the Company and then subsequently billing the third-party payor or hospital. The assessment of the fixed or determinable nature of the fees charged for diagnostic testing performed, and the collectability of those fees, requires significant judgment by management. Management believes that these two criteria have been met when there is contracted reimbursement coverage or a predictable pattern of collectability with individual third-party payors or hospitals and accordingly, recognizes revenue upon delivery of the test results. In the absence of contracted reimbursement coverage or a predictable pattern of collectability, the Company believes that the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured only upon request of third-party payor notification of payment or when cash is received, and recognizes revenue at that time.
Cost of services consists primarily of the costs associated with operating the Company's laboratories and other costs directly related to the Company's tests. Personnel costs, which constitute the largest portion of cost of services, include all labor related costs, such as salaries, bonuses, fringe benefits and payroll taxes for laboratory personnel. Other direct costs include, but are not limited to, laboratory supplies, certain consulting expenses, and facility expenses.
Stock-Based Compensation
The compensation cost associated with the granting of stock-based awards is based on the grant date fair value of the stock award. The Company recognizes the compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, over the shorter of the vesting period or the period from the grant date to the date when retirement eligibility is achieved. Forfeitures are initially estimated based on historical information and subsequently updated over the life of the awards to ultimately reflect actual forfeitures. As a result, changes in forfeiture activity can influence the amount of stock compensation cost recognized from period to period.
The Company primarily uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options and stock-based stock appreciation rights (SARs). The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards is made on the date of grant and is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions made regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These assumptions include: expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards; actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors; the risk-free interest rate; and expected dividend yield. The fair value of restricted stock units (RSUs) and restricted shares is equal to the closing stock price on the date of grant.
In the first quarter of 2014, the Company issued market contingent SARs. The fair value estimate of market contingent SARs was calculated using a Monte Carlo Simulation model. The market contingent SARs are subject to a time-based vesting schedule, but will not vest unless and until certain additional, market-based conditions are satisfied.
See Note 12, Stock-Based Compensation for further information.
Treasury Stock
Treasury stock purchases are accounted for under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock. Upon reissuance of shares, the Company records any difference between the weighted-average cost of such shares and any proceeds received as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.
Rent Expense
Minimum rental expenses are recognized over the term of the lease. The Company recognizes minimum rent starting when possession of the property is taken from the landlord, which may include a construction period prior to occupancy. When a lease contains a predetermined fixed escalation of the minimum rent, the Company recognizes the related rent expense on a straight-line basis and records the difference between the recognized rental expense and the amounts payable under the lease as a deferred rent liability. The Company may also receive tenant allowances including cash or rent abatements, which are reflected in other accrued expenses and long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. These allowances are amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease. Certain leases provide for contingent rents that are not measurable at inception. These contingent rents are primarily based upon use of utilities and the landlord’s operating expenses. These amounts are excluded from minimum rent and are included in the determination of total rent expense when it is probable that the expense has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable.
Income taxes
Income taxes are based on income for financial reporting purposes calculated using the Company’s expected annual effective rate and reflect a current tax liability or asset for the estimated taxes payable or recoverable on the current year tax return and expected annual changes in deferred taxes. Any interest or penalties on income tax are recognized as a component of income tax expense.
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. This method requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between tax bases and financial reporting bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and rates. Deferred tax expense (benefit) is the result of changes in the deferred tax asset and liability. A valuation allowance is established, when necessary, to reduce the deferred income tax assets when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
The Company operates in multiple tax jurisdictions and pays or provides for the payment of taxes in each jurisdiction where it conducts business and is subject to taxation. The breadth of the Company’s operations and the complexity of the tax law require assessments of uncertainties and judgments in estimating the ultimate taxes the Company will pay. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions, outcomes of tax litigation and resolution of proposed assessments arising from federal and state audits. Uncertain tax positions are recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information. A recognized tax position is then measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company adjusts accruals for unrecognized tax benefits as facts and circumstances change, such as the progress of a tax audit. The Company believes that any potential audit adjustments will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or liquidity. However, any adjustments made may be material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows for a reporting period. Penalties and interest, if incurred, would be recorded as a component of current income tax expense.
Significant judgment is also required in evaluating the need for and magnitude of appropriate valuation allowances against deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets are regularly reviewed for recoverability. The Company currently has significant deferred tax assets resulting from net operating loss carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, which should reduce taxable income in future periods. The realization of these assets is dependent on generating future taxable income.
Loss per Share
Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year including any unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of shares outstanding and dilutive common shares under the treasury method. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid), are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. As a result of the losses incurred in both 2014 and 2013, the potentially dilutive common shares have been excluded from the earnings per share computation for these periods because its inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes net loss and the net unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, net of tax. Other comprehensive income (loss) is net of reclassification adjustments for items currently included in net loss, such as realized gains and losses on investment securities.
Subsequent Events
On February 27, 2015, we completed the sale of certain assets and liabilities of our subsidiary, Group DCA, LLC (Group DCA), to Haymarket Media, Inc. (Haymarket) in exchange for future services and potential future royalty payments. See Item 9B, Other Information, and Note 19, Discontinued Operation, for further information.
Reclassifications
The Company reclassified certain prior period activities and balances to conform to the current year presentation. See Note 19, Discontinued Operation, for further information.
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