Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

v3.3.1.900
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Cash

Cash

Cash represents on-demand accounts with financial institutions that are denominated in U.S. dollars and foreign currencies. At each balance sheet date, cash on hand that is denominated in a foreign currency is adjusted to reflect the exchange rate that existed at the balance sheet date. The difference is reported as a gain or loss in our statement of operations each period. Historically, such gains or losses have been immaterial.

Concentration of Risk

Concentration of Risk

We have a concentration of credit risk in our accounts receivable with our top customers as shown in the table below. Target, Kohl’s, and Amazon are major retailers in the United States to which we make significant sales during the year-end holiday season. A significant downturn in sales with or loss of any of these customers, would have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.

 

Customer Receivables as a Percent of Total Gross Receivables

   2015     2014  

Target

     34     50

Kohl’s

     23     11

Amazon

     17     9
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Other Accounts Receivable Reserves

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Other Accounts Receivable Reserves

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We make estimates of the collectability of our accounts receivable by analyzing historical bad debts, specific customer creditworthiness, and current economic trends. It is our policy to write off receivables after all avenues of collection have been pursued and the probability of collection is considered remote. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate such that their ability to make payments to us was impaired, additional allowances could be required.

We record allowances for product returns to be received in future periods at the time we recognize the original sale. We record a reduction in revenue and a corresponding reduction in cost of sales. We estimate the amount of returns based on historical experience and future expectations.

We also maintain reserves for other deductions taken by our customers - such as co-op advertising and markdowns. These are estimated based on historical experience and future expectations. We estimate the amount of these deductions at the time revenue is recognized and record a reduction of revenue for markdowns, or an expense for co-op advertising.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had bad debt reserves of $1.0 and $0.4 million, respectively, and we had accounts receivable reserves for returns and other deductions totaling $6.1 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory consists primarily of finished goods held for sale and is stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. We identify the inventory items to be written down for obsolescence based on the item’s current sales status and condition. We write down discontinued or slow moving inventories based on an estimate of the markdown required to sell off the inventory. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we estimated obsolete or slow-moving inventory to be $0.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

We expense other advertising and promotional costs as incurred. Amounts recorded as advertising expense were $15.5 million, $16.4 million, and $15.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, and we include these amounts in selling and operating expense.

We record sales discounts or other sales incentives as a reduction to revenue. We identify and record any cooperative advertising expenses we pay, which are for advertisements meeting the separable benefit and fair value tests, as part of selling and operating expense.

Prior to December 2014, we deferred advertising costs related to the preparation, printing, advertising and distribution of catalogs. Those costs were deferred for financial reporting purposes until the catalogs were distributed, and then they were amortized over succeeding periods based on forecasted sales, typically within 6 months.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

We state property and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We include in property and equipment the cost of internal-use software, including software used in connection with our websites. We expense all costs related to the development of internal-use software other than those incurred during the application development stage. We capitalize the costs we incur during the application development stage and amortize them over the estimated useful life of the software, which is typically three years. We compute depreciation of property and equipment on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives, generally three to forty-five years. We amortize leasehold and building improvements over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the remaining term of the lease or remaining life of the building, respectively. Depreciation expense is included in Selling and operating expense, and Corporate, general and administration expense in the accompanying statements of operations.

Investments

Investments

We account for investments in equity securities that have readily determinable fair values that are not trading securities as available-for-sale securities. Unrealized changes in the fair value of an available-for-sale security are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, until disposed of or determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, at which time the realized changes are reported in our statement of operations.

Purchase Accounting

Purchase Accounting

We account for the attainment of a controlling interest in a business using the acquisition method. In determining the estimated fair value of certain acquired assets and liabilities, we make assumptions based upon many different factors, such as historical and other relevant information and analyses performed by independent parties. Assumptions may be incomplete, and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that could affect the validity of such assumptions, estimates, or actual results.

Media Library

Media Library

Our media library asset represents the fair value of libraries of media acquired through business combinations, the purchase price of media rights to both video and audio titles, and the capitalized cost to produce media products, all of which we market to retailers and to e-commerce and subscription customers. Our media library is shown in the accompanying balance sheets net of accumulated amortization of $15.8 million and $14.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is amortized over the estimated useful lives of the titles, which range from five to fifteen years.

Capitalized media library production costs consist of costs incurred to produce the media content, net of accumulated amortization. We recognize these costs, as well as participation costs, as expenses on an individual title basis equal to the ratio that the current year’s gross revenues bear to our estimate of total ultimate gross revenues from all sources to be earned over a maximum seven-year period. We state capitalized production costs at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated fair value on an individual title basis. We continually review revenue forecasts, based primarily on historical sales statistics, and revise these forecasts when warranted by changing conditions. When estimates of total revenues and other events or changes in circumstances indicate that a title has an estimated fair value that is less than its unamortized cost, we recognize an impairment loss in the current period for the amount by which the unamortized cost exceeds the title’s estimated fair value.

Amortization expense for capitalized produced media content and acquired media rights is shown in the table below.

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  

(in thousands)

   2015      2014      2013  

Total media amortization expense

   $ 2,071       $ 1,021       $ 1,341   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on total media library costs at December 31, 2015 and assuming no subsequent impairment of the underlying assets or a material increase in the video productions or media acquired, we expect the amortization expense for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 to be $2.2 million, $1.5 million, $1.2 million $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the estimated fair value of assets acquired less liabilities assumed in a business acquisition. Our other intangibles consist of customer related assets. We review goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise on a goodwill reporting unit level. We have the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a goodwill reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined that the fair value for a goodwill reporting unit is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount for that goodwill reporting unit, then the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If it is determined that the two-step impairment test is necessary, then for step one, we compare the estimated fair value of a goodwill reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a goodwill reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, we consider the goodwill of the reporting unit not impaired. If the carrying amount of a goodwill reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss. We use either a comparable market approach or a traditional present value method to test for potential impairment. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is highly subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis. Application of alternative assumptions and definitions could yield significantly different results.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets held and used, other than goodwill, when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We consider the carrying value of a long-lived asset impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. We recognize a loss based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the long-lived asset. We determine the estimated fair value primarily using the projected cash flows from the asset discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

We provide for income taxes pursuant to the liability method. The liability method requires recognition of deferred income taxes based on temporary differences between financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, using current enacted income tax rates and regulations. These differences will result in taxable income or deductions in future years when the reported amount of the asset or liability is recovered or settled, respectively. Considerable judgment is required in determining when these events may occur and whether recovery of an asset, including the utilization of a net operating loss or other carryforward prior to its expiration, is more likely than not. Due to historical losses, we established a full valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets at the end of 2013.

Revenue

Revenue

We recognize revenue in our Gaiam Brand segment when the goods are shipped to the customer and collection is either probable or has occurred. The amount of revenue recognized is net of estimated returns and other chargebacks (or channel credits), which are estimated using historical return and credit rates. If the actual amount of returns and chargebacks were to vary significantly from our estimates, it could materially impact our results of operations in subsequent periods. We recognize amounts billed to customers for postage and handling as revenue at the same time we recognize the revenue arising from the product sale. Travel revenues are recognized in the period which the trip begins. We recognize revenue in our Gaia segment ratably over the subscription period after collection has occurred. We present revenue net of taxes collected from customers.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

We recognize compensation cost for share-based awards based on the estimated fair value of the award on date of grant. We measure compensation cost at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and recognize compensation cost upon the probable attainment of a specified performance condition over the estimated performance period or for time based awards over the service period. We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of the award. In estimating this fair value, we use certain assumptions, as disclosed in Note 13. Share-Based Compensation, consisting of the expected life of the option, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, and volatility. The use of a different estimate for any one of these components could have a material impact on the amount of calculated compensation expense.

Defined Contribution Plan

Defined Contribution Plan

We have adopted a defined contribution retirement plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”), which covers substantially all employees. Eligible employees may contribute amounts to the plan, via payroll withholding, subject to certain limitations. The 401(k) plan permits, but does not require, us to make additional matching contributions to the 401(k) plan on behalf of all participants in the 401(k) plan. We match 50% of an employee’s contribution, up to an annual maximum matching contribution of $1,500. We made matching contributions to the 401(k) plan of $0.2 million, $0.2 million, and $0.3 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

Our foreign subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency. We translate assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. We translate income and expense accounts at the average monthly exchange rates during the year. We record resulting translation adjustments, net of income taxes, as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Assets and liabilities are valued based upon observable and non-observable inputs. Valuations using Level 1 inputs are based on unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs utilize significant other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly; and valuations using Level 3 inputs are based on significant unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment.

Derivative and Hedging Instruments

Derivative and Hedging Instruments

We use derivative instruments to manage a portion of our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates. Our eco-travel subsidiary makes a significant amount of payments to tour operators in Canadian dollars, and to a lesser extent in South African Rand, Australian dollars, Euros, Danish Krone, and New Zealand dollars. Our derivatives have consisted of forward and option contracts. We classify the cash flows from these instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Derivative instruments are measured at their fair values, using Level 2 inputs, and recognized as either assets or liabilities. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments is based on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Our derivative instruments have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes, therefore, gains or losses from changes in fair values are recognized in other expense, net in the accompanying statements of operations.

Comprehensive Loss

Comprehensive Loss

Our comprehensive loss is comprised of our net loss, noncontrolling interest net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax, and unrealized changes in the fair value of equity securities, net of tax.

The tax effects allocated to our accumulated other comprehensive loss components were as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  

(in thousands)

   2015      2014      2013  

Before-tax amount

   $ (463    $ (268    $ (262

Tax benefit

     (139      (89      (86
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net-of-tax amount

   $ (324    $ (179    $ (176
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable To Gaiam, Inc. Common Shareholders

Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable To Gaiam, Inc. Common Shareholders

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Gaiam, Inc. common shareholders excludes any dilutive effects of options. We compute basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Gaiam, Inc. common shareholders using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. We compute diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Gaiam, Inc. common shareholders using the weighted average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. We excluded weighted average common stock equivalents of 954,000, 725,000, and 1,440,000 from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Gaiam, Inc. common shareholders for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, because their effect was antidilutive.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per share attributable to Gaiam, Inc. common shareholders:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  

(in thousands, except per share data)

   2015      2014      2013  

Net income (loss) attributable to Gaiam, Inc. common shareholders:

        

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 397       $ (6,589    $ (20,757

Loss from discontinued operations

     (12,103      (3,327      (1,995
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Gaiam, Inc.

   $ (11,706    $ (9,916    $ (22,752
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares - basic

     24,510         24,228         22,972   

Effect of dilutive securities: weighted average stock options

     102         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares - diluted

     24,612         24,228         22,972   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share attributable to Gaiam, Inc. common shareholders - basic and diluted:

        

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 0.01       $ (0.27    $ (0.90

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.49      (0.14      (0.09
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Gaiam, Inc.

   $ (0.48    $ (0.41    $ (0.99

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate their fair values.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February of 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In May of 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The new standard supersedes most previously existing revenue recognition rules, and will become effective for us in the first quarter of 2017. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Our revenue transactions typically consist of one, distinct, fixed-price performance obligation which is delivered to the customer at a single point in time, or over a subscription period. We are monitoring the evolving interpretations and implementation guidance. Our preliminary assessment is that we do not expect the new standard to have a material impact on our reported financial position or results of operations.

Use of Estimates and Reclassifications

Use of Estimates and Reclassifications

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements and disclosures. Although we base these estimates on our best knowledge of current events and actions that we may undertake in the future, actual results may be different from the estimates. We have made certain reclassifications to prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentations.