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Summary of business and significant accounting policies (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of presentation
Basis of presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for financial information set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC), as published by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31, and its fiscal quarters end on March 31, June 30 and September 30.
The Company’s operating results, financial position and cash flows for fiscal year 2021 were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the global impact of the pandemic continued to evolve in 2021, the Company utilized its direct-to-consumer sales channel strategy to maximize its reach to customers. This action, along with a reduction in on-going operating expenses, helped accelerate the Company’s ability to achieve consistent profitability in 2021. The Company’s operating results for the first nine months of 2022 were negatively impacted by a stronger U.S. dollar as well as inflationary pressure on operating costs such as wages, and component price increases.
The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, that management believes are necessary for the fair statement of the Company's financial statements, but are not necessarily indicative of the results expected in future periods. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2021, has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all the disclosures required by GAAP. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (Annual Report) for the year ended December 31, 2021.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470- 20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (ASU 2020-06), which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. This accounting standard update, which was adopted effective January 1, 2022, has a significant impact on the ongoing accounting of the 2022 and 2025 Convertible Senior Notes. Due to the adoption of this accounting standard update under the modified retrospective method, prior periods were not restated. Refer to the Recent Accounting Standards section below for additional details on the adoption of this accounting standard update. There have been no other material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in its Annual Report.
Principles of consolidation Principles of consolidation. These condensed consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates Use of estimates. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management include those related to revenue recognition and the allocation of the transaction price (including sales incentives, sales returns and implied post contract support), inventory valuation, product warranty liabilities, the valuation, impairment and useful lives of long-lived assets (property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets, intangible assets and goodwill), fair value of convertible senior notes, and income taxes. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, including but not limited to the potential impacts arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, 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. The extent and continued impact of COVID-19 has been taken into account by management in making the significant assumptions and estimates related to the above; however, if the duration and spread of the outbreak, the impact on the Company’s customers, and the effect on the Company’s contract manufacturers, vendors and supply chains is different from the Company’s estimates and assumptions, then actual results could differ materially. Given the uncertainty with respect to COVID-19, the Company’s estimates and assumptions may evolve as conditions change. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations could be affected.
Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss). For all periods presented, comprehensive income (loss) approximated net income (loss). Therefore, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) have been omitted
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities Cash equivalents and marketable securities. Cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Marketable securities consist of commercial paper, government securities and corporate debt securities, and are classified as available-for-sale securities. The Company views these securities as available to support current operations and has classified all available-for-sale securities as current assets. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, if any, included in stockholders’ equity. Unrealized gains and losses are charged against other income (expense), net, for declines in fair value below the cost of an individual investment that is deemed to be other than temporary. The Company has not identified any marketable securities as other-than-temporarily impaired for the periods presented. The cost of securities sold is based upon a specific identification method.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy Restricted cash. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had an outstanding letter of credit collateralized by a money market account of zero and $— million, respectively, for certain duty related requirements.
Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy Accounts receivable. Accounts receivable are stated at invoice value less estimated allowances for doubtful accounts. Allowances are recorded based on the Company’s assessment of various factors, such as: historical experience, credit quality of its customers, age of the accounts receivable balances, geographic related risks, economic conditions and other factors that may affect a customer’s ability to pay. The allowance for doubtful accounts as of September 30, 2022 and 2021 was $0.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
Inventory, Policy Inventory. Inventory consists of finished goods and component parts, which are purchased directly from contract manufacturers or from suppliers. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and estimated market value plus the estimated cost to sell. The Company’s assessment of market value is based upon assumptions around market conditions and estimated future demand for its products within a specified time horizon, generally 12 months, product life cycle status, product development plans and current sales levels. Adjustments to reduce inventory to net realizable value are recognized in cost of revenue.
Advertising Costs, Policy, Capitalized Direct Response Advertising Point of purchase (POP) displays. The Company provides retailers with POP displays, generally free of charge, in order to facilitate the marketing of the Company’s products within retail stores. The POP displays contain a display that broadcasts video images taken by GoPro cameras along with product placement available for cameras and accessories. POP display costs are capitalized as long-term assets and charged to sales and marketing expense over the expected period of benefit, which generally ranges from 24 to 36 months. Cash outflows and amortization related to POP displays are classified as operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.Amortization expense for POP displays was $2.8 million, $2.8 million and $4.2 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy
Property and equipment, net. Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets, ranging from one to nine years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or their expected useful life. Property and equipment pending installation, configuration or qualification are classified as construction in progress. Costs of maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed as incurred.
Depreciation expense was $9.8 million, $9.8 million and $14.5 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In 2020, the Company recorded accelerated depreciation charges in connection with its plans to vacate certain leased office facilities as disclosed in Note 11 Restructuring charges.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy
Fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date. The Company estimates and categorizes the fair value of its financial assets by applying the following hierarchy:
Level 1
Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to directly access.
Level 2
Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; valuations for interest-bearing securities based on non-daily quoted prices in active markets; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3
Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Leases
Leases. The Company leases its office space and facilities under cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases. Operating leases are presented as operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets, short-term operating lease liabilities and long-term operating lease liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to control the use of an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.
Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of future lease payments. The Company determines its incremental borrowing rate based on the approximate rate at which the Company would borrow, on a secured basis, to calculate the present value of future lease payments. Lease expenses are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain leases include an option to renew with terms that can extend the lease term from one to five years. The exercise of a lease renewal option is at the Company’s sole discretion and is included in the lease term when the Company is reasonably certain it will exercise the option.
Prior to January 1, 2019, the Company recognized leases under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840, Leases, which had the following differences from the current lease standard, ASC 842, Leases:
Operating leases were previously not recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company calculated a liability for future costs to be incurred under a lease for its remaining term without economic benefit to the Company upon determination of a cease-use date. The fair value of the liability was determined based on remaining lease payments, estimated sublease income and the effects of any prepaid or deferred items recognized under the lease.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy Goodwill and acquired intangible assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination. Acquired intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives unless the lives are determined to be indefinite. For intangible assets acquired in a business combination, the determination of the estimated fair values of the assets received involves significant judgments and estimates. These judgments can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future, technology obsolescence, and the appropriated weighted-average cost of capital. Valuation approaches consistent with the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach are used to measure fair value.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets. The Company performs an annual assessment of its goodwill during the fourth quarter of each calendar year or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist, such as an adverse change in business climate or a decline in the overall industry demand, that would indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of its single reporting unit is less than its carrying value. There was no impairment of goodwill recorded for any periods presented. For the Company’s annual impairment testing in 2022, the Company did not identify any indicators of potential impairment of its single reporting unit. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment at least annually. If their carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, the difference is recorded as an impairment.
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, intangible assets subject to amortization and right-of-use assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If it is determined that an asset group is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value. The Company recorded a $12.5 million right-of-use asset impairment in 2021 primarily related to its headquarter campus as described further in Note 11 Restructuring charges. The Company used the following significant assumptions to determine the impairment charge: future sublease rental rates, future sublease market conditions and a discount rate based on the weighted-average cost of capital. The Company did not record any impairment charges in 2021 or 2019.
Standard Product Warranty, Policy Warranty. The Company records a liability for estimated product warranty costs at the time product revenue is recognized. The Company’s standard warranty obligation to its end-users generally provides a 12-month warranty coverage on all of its products except in the European Union where the Company provides a 24-month warranty. The Company also offers extended warranty programs for a fee. The Company’s estimate of costs to service its warranty obligations is based on its historical experience of repair and replacement of the associated products and expectations of future conditions. The warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates and the related use of materials, labor costs and freight incurred in correcting any product failure.
Debt, Policy
Convertible Senior Notes. In April 2017, the Company issued $175.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes due April 15, 2022 (2022 Notes). In November 2020, the Company issued $143.8 million aggregate principal amount of 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due November 15, 2025 (2025 Notes). Concurrently with the issuance of the 2025 Notes, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds to repurchase part of the 2022 Notes. See Note 4 Financing Arrangements for additional details.
The Company accounts for its 2022 Notes and 2025 Notes in accordance with ASC 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options. As the Company’s 2022 Notes and 2025 Notes have a net settlement feature and may be settled wholly or partially in cash upon conversion, the Company is required to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instrument. The carrying amount of the liability component of the instrument is determined by estimating the fair value of a similar liability without the conversion option using income and market based approaches. The amount of the equity component is then calculated by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal amount of the instrument. The difference between the principal amount and the liability component represents a debt discount that is amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the convertible senior notes using an effective interest rate method. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. In accounting for the issuance costs related to the 2022 Notes and 2025 Notes, the allocation of issuance costs incurred between the liability and equity components were based on their relative values.
The total consideration for the 2022 Notes partial repurchase was separated into liability and equity components by estimating the fair value of a similar liability without a conversion option and assigning the residual value to the equity component. The effective interest rate used to estimate the fair value of the liability component of the 2022 Notes partial repurchase is based on the income approach used to determine the effective interest rate of the 2025 Notes, adjusted for the remaining term of the 2022 Notes. The gain or loss on extinguishment of the debt was subsequently determined by comparing repurchase consideration allocated to the liability component to the sum of the carrying value of the liability component, net of the proportionate amounts of unamortized debt discount and remaining unamortized debt issuance costs.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470- 20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (ASU 2020-06), which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. This accounting standard update, which we adopted effective January 1, 2022, will have a significant impact on the ongoing accounting of the 2022 and 2025 Notes. Refer to section Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional details on the adoption of this accounting standard update.
Revenue recognition
Revenue recognition. The Company derives substantially all of its revenue from the sale of cameras, mounts, accessories, subscription and service, and implied post contract support to customers. The transaction price recognized as revenue represents the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to and is primarily comprised of product revenue, net of returns and variable consideration, which includes sales incentives provided to customers.
The Company’s camera sales contain multiple performance obligations that can include the following four separate obligations: a) a camera hardware component (which may be bundled with hardware accessories) and the embedded firmware essential to the functionality of the camera component delivered at the time of sale, b) a subscription and service, c) the implied right for the customer to receive post contract support after the initial sale (PCS), and d) the implicit right to the Company’s downloadable free apps and software solutions. The Company’s PCS includes the right to receive, on a when and if available basis, future unspecified firmware upgrades and features as well as bug fixes, and email, chat and telephone support.
The Company recognizes revenue from its sales arrangements when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to its customers, in an amount that reflects the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for the transferred goods or services. For the sale of hardware products, including related firmware and free software solutions, revenue is recognized when transfer of control occurs at a point in time, which generally is at the time the hardware product is shipped and collection is considered probable. For customers who purchase products directly from GoPro.com, the Company retains a portion of the risk of loss on these sales during transit, which are accounted for as fulfillment costs. For PCS, revenue is recognized ratably over 24 months, which represents the estimated period PCS is expected to be provided based on historical experience.
The Company recognizes subscription and service revenue ratably over the subscription term, with any payments received in advance of services rendered recorded as deferred revenue. The Company offers the GoPro subscription which offers a range of services, including unlimited cloud storage supporting source video and photo quality, camera replacement and damage protection, access to a high-quality live streaming service on GoPro.com as well as discounts on GoPro gear, mounts and accessories. The Company also offers the Quik subscription that provides access to a suite of simple single-clip and multi-clip editing tools.
For the Company’s camera sale arrangements with multiple performance obligations, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Standalone selling prices are based on observable price at which the Company separately sells its products, subscriptions, and services. If a standalone selling price is not directly observable, then the Company estimates the standalone selling prices considering market conditions and entity-specific factors. For example, the standalone selling price for PCS is determined based on a cost-plus approach, which incorporates the level of support provided to customers, estimated costs to provide such support, and the amount of time and costs that are allocated to efforts to develop the undelivered elements.
The Company's standard terms and conditions of sale for non-web-based sales do not allow for product returns other than under warranty. However, the Company grants limited rights of return, primarily to certain large retailers. The Company reduces revenue and cost of sales for the estimated returns based on analyses of historical return trends by customer class and other factors. An estimated return liability along with a right to recover assets are recorded for future product returns. Return trends are influenced by product life cycles, new
product introductions, market acceptance of products, product sell-through, the type of customer, seasonality and other factors. Return rates may fluctuate over time, but are sufficiently predictable to allow the Company to estimate expected future product returns.
The Company provides sales commissions to internal and external sales representatives which are earned in the period in which revenue is recognized, and are recognized as expenses as incurred.
Deferred revenue as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, includes amounts related to the Company’s subscription and PCS. The Company’s short-term and long-term deferred revenue balances totaled $53.9 million and $48.5 million as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Of the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $9.0 million and $6.6 million of revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $37.9 million and $24.6 million of revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Of the deferred revenue balance as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $18.4 million and $13.3 million of revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Revenue Recognition, Incentives Sales incentives. The Company offers sales incentives through various programs, including cooperative advertising, price protection, marketing development funds and other incentives. Sales incentives are considered to be variable consideration, which the Company estimates and records as a reduction to revenue at the date of sale. The Company estimates sales incentives based on historical experience, product sell-through and other factors.
Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy Shipping costs. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are classified as revenue, and the Company’s related shipping and handling costs incurred are classified as cost of revenue.
Sales Taxes Sales taxes. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to respective governmental authorities are recorded as liabilities and are not included in revenue.
Advertising Cost Advertising costs. Advertising costs consist of costs associated with print, television and e-commerce media advertisements and are expensed as incurred. The Company incurs promotional expenses resulting from payments under event, resort and athlete sponsorship contracts. These sponsorship arrangements are considered to be executory contracts and, as such, the costs are expensed as performance under the contract is received. The costs associated with the preparation of sponsorship activities, including the supply of GoPro products, media team support, and activation fees are expensed as incurred. Prepayments made under sponsorship agreements are included in prepaid expenses or other long-term assets depending on the period to which the prepayment applies. Advertising costs were $35.8 million, $34.1 million and $67.3 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Employee benefit plans Equity incentive plans. The Company has outstanding equity grants from its three stock-based employee compensation plans: the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (2014 Plan), the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (2010 Plan) and the 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). No new options or awards have been granted under the 2010 Plan since June 2014. Outstanding options and awards under the 2010 Plan continue to be subject to the terms and conditions of the 2010 Plan. Options granted under the 2014 Plan generally expire within ten years from the date of grant and generally vest over one to four years. Restricted stock units (RSUs) granted under the 2014 Plan generally vest over two to four years based upon continued service and are settled at vesting in shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. Performance stock units (PSUs) granted under the 2014 Plan generally vest over three years based upon continued service and the Company achieving certain financial and operating targets, and are settled at vesting in shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. The Company accounts for forfeitures of stock-based payment awards in the period they occur. The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company’s Class A common stock through payroll deductions at a price equal to 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the stock as of the first date or the ending date of each six-month offering period. For additional information regarding the Company’s equity incentive plans, refer to the 2021 Annual Report.
Stock options
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is as follows:
Shares
(in thousands)
Weighted-average exercise price
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 20213,080 $9.18 5.92$8,735 
Granted321 8.70 
Exercised(44)4.70 
Forfeited/Cancelled(189)6.67 
Outstanding at September 30, 20223,168 $9.34 5.42$463 
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 20223,168 $9.34 5.42$463 
Exercisable at September 30, 20222,447 $10.05 4.55$259 
The aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2022 represents the value of the Company’s closing stock price on September 30, 2022 in excess of the exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding.
Restricted stock units
A summary of the Company’s RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is as follows:
Shares
(in thousands)
Weighted-average grant date fair value
Non-vested shares at December 31, 20218,714 $6.52 
Granted4,452 8.30 
Vested(4,116)6.27 
Forfeited(855)6.51 
Non-vested shares at September 30, 20228,195 $7.62 
Performance stock units
A summary of the Company’s PSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is as follows:
Shares
(in thousands)
Weighted-average grant date fair value
Non-vested shares at December 31, 20211,134 

$6.68 
Granted604 8.70 
Vested(620)6.55 
Forfeited(36)6.76 
Non-vested shares at September 30, 20221,082 $7.88 
Employee stock purchase plan. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company issued 0.7 million and 0.8 million shares under its ESPP, respectively, at weighted-average prices of $6.72 and $5.28, respectively.
Stock-based compensation expense. The Company measures compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards based on the estimated fair values on the date of the grant. The fair value of stock options granted and ESPP issuance is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of RSUs and PSUs are determined using the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s valuation assumptions from those disclosed in its 2021 Annual Report.
The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Three months ended September 30,Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2022202120222021
Cost of revenue
$441 $483 $1,371 $1,420 
Research and development
4,395 4,380 12,958 13,131 
Sales and marketing
1,819 1,950 6,171 5,968 
General and administrative
2,684 2,516 8,926 7,708 
Total stock-based compensation expense$9,339 $9,329 $29,426 $28,227 
The income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense was $2.1 million and $6.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. The income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense was $2.1 million and $6.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. See Note 8, Income taxes, for additional details.
At September 30, 2022, total unearned stock-based compensation of $57.3 million related to stock options, RSUs, PSUs and ESPP shares is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.99 years.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy Foreign currency. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The Company remeasures monetary assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar using exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date, and non-monetary assets and liabilities at historical rates. Foreign currency remeasurement and transaction gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net and have not been material for any periods presented.
Income Tax, Policy
Income taxes. The Company utilizes the asset and liability method for computing its income tax provision, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. Management makes estimates, assumptions and judgments to determine the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. The Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income in each tax jurisdiction and, to the extent the Company believes recovery is not likely, establishes a valuation allowance. In the period ended September 30, 2021, the Company assessed its deferred tax assets and based on the weight of available evidence, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that its United States federal and state deferred tax assets would be realized. Therefore, in 2022 the Company released $1.7 million of valuation allowances, which resulted in a non-cash net benefit to earnings for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized within income tax expense.
Segment information Segment information. The Company operates as one operating segment as it only reports financial information on an aggregate and consolidated basis to its Chief Executive Officer, who is the Company’s chief operating decision maker.