Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates—The accompanying condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal accruals) considered for a fair presentation have been included. Significant estimates made in preparing these financial statements include (a) assumptions to calculate the fair values of financial instruments, derivatives, warrants and equity instruments and other liabilities and the deferred tax asset valuation allowance and (b) the useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included.
 
 Restricted Cash—Restricted cash at September 30, 2015 represents cash held within a certificate of deposit with a financial institution which serves as collateral for our corporate credit cards. The restriction on the cash will lapse in conjunction with the expiration of the use of the corporate credit cards. There was no restricted cash as of December 31, 2014.
 
Investments—Securities held-to-maturity: Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Investment/Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when we have the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity computed under the effective interest method. Such amortization is included in investment income. Interest on securities classified as held-to-maturity is included in investment income.
 
With respect to debt securities, when the fair value of a debt security classified as held-to-maturity or available for sale is less than its amortized cost, management assesses whether or not: (i) we have the intent to sell the security or (ii) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met, we must recognize an other-than-temporary impairment earnings for the difference between the debt security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value, and includes such amounts in net securities gains (losses).

For debt securities that do not meet the above criteria and are not expected to be recovered at the amortized cost basis, the security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired. For these debt securities, we separate the total impairment into the credit loss component and the amount of the loss related to other factors. In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a debt security, we calculate the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows management expects to recover. The discount rate is the effective interest rate implicit in the underlying debt security. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss is recognized in earnings and is included in net securities gains (losses). The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. For debt securities that have recognized as other-than-temporary impairment through earnings, if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in the cash flow expected, the difference between the amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as interest income.
 
From January through September 2015, we invested in debt securities and federally insured certificates of deposit that we have classified as held-to-maturity as we currently meet the criteria for this investment classification. As of September 30, 2015, the amortized cost value is $5.0 million with an unrealized loss of $3,000 and a fair value of $5.0 million. The investments mature in various increments from October 2015 through February 2016. Investments representing $2.0 million are a foreign debt security which matured on October 22, 2015 and investments representing $3.0 million are federally insured certificates of deposit that mature at various amounts from February 5, 2016 through February 25, 2016. We have not recognized an other-than-temporary impairment gain or loss or a comprehensive gain or loss to-date. We have recorded investment income of $5,000 and $21,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, associated with these investments. There were no investment securities as of September 30, 2014.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments—We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, including cash equivalents, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, approximate fair value due to their short maturities.
 
The carrying amount of our warrant liabilities and our derivative liability related to the Senior Convertible Notes were marked to market each reporting date until the warrants and derivative liability were settled. Prior to the IPO Date, the fair value of the financing warrant liability and derivative liability (see Note 3 and Note 4) were estimated using a Monte Carlo option-pricing model, which takes into consideration the market values of comparable public companies, considering among other factors, the use of multiples of earnings, and adjusted to reflect the restrictions on the ability of our securities to trade in an active market. As of the IPO Date, the fair value of the remaining warrants and the financing warrant liability and derivative liability, were estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation technique as it embodies all of the requisite assumptions (including trading volatility, remaining term to maturity, market price, strike price, and risk free rates) necessary to fair value these instruments. Estimates of expected term were based on the estimated time to expiration. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a term consistent with the estimated expected term. We have never declared or paid any cash dividends and do not presently plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, we use an expected dividend yield of zero. Our expected volatility was derived from the historical volatilities of several public companies in similar industries because we have limited information on the volatility of the price of our common stock because we have no trading history. When making the selections of our industry peer companies to be used in the volatility calculation, we consider operational area, size, business model, industry and the business of potential comparable companies. These historical volatilities are weighted based on certain qualitative factors and combined to produce a single volatility factor. All of the warrant liabilities and the derivative liability are valued using level 3 inputs (see Note 6 for the range of assumptions used).

Prior to the IPO Date,  the determination of the value of our common stock, and for purposes of establishing the value of the warrants and derivatives related to the bridge financing, the senior convertible notes, the subordinated convertible notes and the consulting warrants, management considered several factors and the probability of achieving each one of them. The significant factors were (1) securing adequate funding to complete the single-band commercial surface acoustic wave, or SAW, duplexer design under the terms of the development agreement with our first customer; (2) developing a working duplexer product that meets the specifications of our first customer; and (3) our first customer exercising its licensing option if the duplexer product met its specifications. The probabilities for achieving each of these factors changed during the periods from January 31, 2013 to June 16, 2013 and December 31, 2013. These probabilities were affected by our ability to hire technical personnel to develop the technology and design the product, establish a management team to develop a business plan, secure financing, execute the business plan, and interact with our first customer to achieve the milestones contained in the development agreement with them. As we made progress in each of these areas over the period from January 31, 2013 through December 31, 2013 the probability elements in each of these factors changed and increased. These increases resulted in higher valuations of our common stock and accordingly the values of the warrants and derivatives at each of these periods. Following the IPO Date, we used the current market value of our common stock to assist in determining the value of the warrants and stock options using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents—We consider all liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk—We maintain checking accounts at one financial institution. These accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000 per account. Management believes we are not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institution in which these deposits are held.
 
Property and Equipment—Property and equipment consists of leasehold improvements associated with our new corporate office, software purchased during the normal course of business, computer equipment and office furniture and fixtures, all of which are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization is recorded using the straight-line method over the respective useful lives of the assets ranging from three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lease term. Long-lived assets, including software are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable.
 
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization—At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, intangible assets subject to amortization include patents and a domain name purchased for use in operations. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable.
 
Deferred Finance Costs—Costs relating to our senior convertible note and subordinated convertible note financings were capitalized and amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Due to the conversion of these notes to common stock in connection with the IPO, the unamortized deferred finance costs of $358,000 were fully expensed as of the IPO Date. Amortization of deferred financing costs, including the write-off due to the conversion, were charged to interest expense and totaled $0 and $745,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. There were no deferred financing costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Research and Development—Costs and expenses that can be clearly identified as research and development are charged to expense as incurred in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 730-10, Research and Development.
 
Stock-Based Compensation—We account for employee stock options in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. For stock options issued to employees and directors we use the Black-Scholes option valuation model for estimating fair value at the date of grant. For stock options issued for services rendered by non-employees, we recognize compensation expense in accordance with the requirements of ASC 505-50, Equity, or ASC 505-50, as amended. Non-employee option grants that do not vest immediately upon grant are recorded as an expense over the vesting period. At the end of each financial reporting period prior to performance, the value of these options, as calculated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, is determined, and compensation expense recognized or recovered during the period is adjusted accordingly. Since the fair market value of options granted to non-employees is subject to change in the future, the amount of the future compensation expense is subject to adjustment until the common stock options or warrants are fully vested.

We account for restricted stock units issued to employees at fair value, based on the market price of our stock on the date of grant, net of estimated forfeitures. Compensation expense is recognized for the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest over the period during which the recipient renders the required services to the Company generally using the straight-line single option method. The fair value of non-employee restricted stock units awarded are remeasured as the awards vest, and the resulting increase or decrease in fair value, if any, is recognized as an increase or decrease to compensation expense in the period the related services are rendered.
 
Earnings Per Share, or EPS—EPS is computed in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share, and is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS assumes the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential common stock equivalents unless the effect is to reduce a loss or increase the income per share. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options (using the treasury stock method), the exercise and/or conversion of our convertible notes and warrants (using the if-converted method).
 
The following table presents the number of shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the periods below:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
Common stock warrants
1,033,484

 
804,463

Common stock options
421,500

 
566,300

Total shares excluded from net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
1,454,984

 
1,370,763


 
Derivative Instruments—We account for free-standing derivative instruments and hybrid instruments that contain embedded derivative features in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, or ASC 815, as well as related interpretations of this topic. In accordance with this topic, derivative instruments and hybrid instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and are measured at fair values with gains or losses recognized in earnings. Embedded derivatives that are not clearly and closely related to the host contract are bifurcated and are recognized at fair value with changes in fair value recognized as either a gain or loss in earnings. We determined the fair value of derivative instruments and hybrid instruments based on available market data using appropriate valuation models, giving consideration to all of the rights and obligations of each instrument.
 
We estimated the fair values of derivative instruments and hybrid instruments using various techniques (and combinations thereof) that are considered to be consistent with the objective of measuring fair values. In selecting the appropriate technique, we considered, among other factors, the nature of the instrument, the market risks that it embodies and the expected means of settlement. For less complex instruments, such as free-standing warrants, we generally used the Black-Scholes option valuation model, adjusted for the effect of dilution, because it embodies all of the requisite assumptions (including trading volatility, estimated terms, dilution and risk free rates) necessary to fair value these instruments. Estimating fair values of derivative financial instruments requires the development of significant and subjective estimates that may, and are likely to, change over the duration of the instrument with related changes in internal and external market factors. Under ASC 815, increases in the trading price of our common stock and increases in fair value during a given financial quarter result in the application of non-cash derivative expense. Conversely, decreases in the trading price of our common stock and decreases in fair value during a given financial quarter would result in the application of non-cash derivative income. In situations where the Black-Scholes option valuation model was not deemed appropriate, we used a Monte Carlo option-pricing model to determine the fair value of derivative instruments.

Income Taxes—We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, or ASC 740, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future consequences of events that have been recognized in our condensed consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of the deferred items is based on enacted tax laws. In the event the future consequences of differences between financial reporting bases and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities result in a deferred tax asset, ASC 740 requires an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset. A valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income tax expense in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We also assess temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting differences. We record a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. For the period when we were organized as a limited liability company, we were treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes under the entity classification domestic default rules. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, no liability for unrecognized tax benefits was required to be reported. We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income taxes, and there were none for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2015, respectively.
 
We have filed, or are in the process of filing, tax returns that are subject to audit by the respective tax authorities. Although the ultimate outcome would be unknown, we believe that any adjustments that may result from tax return audits are not likely to have a material, adverse effect on our condensed consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern - In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organizations ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendment is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted for annual or interim reporting periods for which the financial statements have not previously been issued. We are evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-15 and plan to adopt once it becomes effective.