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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Business StemCells, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a biopharmaceutical company that operates in one segment, the research, development, and commercialization of stem cell therapeutics and related technologies. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis that we will continue as a going concern. Since inception, we have incurred annual losses and negative cash flows from operations and have an accumulated deficit of approximately $333 million at December 31, 2011. We have not derived significant revenue from the sale of products, and do not expect to receive significant revenue from product sales for at least several years. We may never be able to realize sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain profitability in the future. We expect to incur additional operating losses over the foreseeable future. We have limited liquidity and capital resources and must obtain significant additional capital and other resources in order to sustain our product development efforts, to provide funding for the acquisition of technologies and intellectual property rights, preclinical and clinical testing of our anticipated products, pursuit of regulatory approvals, acquisition of capital equipment, laboratory and office facilities, establishment of production capabilities, general and administrative expenses and other working capital requirements. We rely on our cash reserves, proceeds from equity and debt offerings, proceeds from the transfer or sale of intellectual property rights, equipment, facilities or investments, government grants and funding from collaborative arrangements, to fund our operations. Funding may not be available when needed — at all or on terms acceptable to us. If we exhaust our cash reserves and are unable to obtain adequate financing, we may be unable to meet our operating obligations and we may be required to initiate bankruptcy proceedings. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Reverse Stock Split We effected a 1-for-10 reverse stock split on July 6, 2011. As a result of the reverse stock split, the outstanding shares of common stock issued and outstanding were reduced from approximately 139 million to 13.9 million. Concurrent with the reverse stock split, we reduced the authorized number of common shares from 250 million to 75 million. The reverse stock split proportionately reduced all issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, as well as common stock underlying stock options, warrants and other common stock based equity grants outstanding immediately prior to the effectiveness of the reverse stock split. The exercise price on outstanding equity-based grants was proportionately increased, and the number of shares available under our equity-based plans was proportionately reduced. Share and per share data (except par value) for the periods presented reflect the effects of this reverse stock split. References to numbers of shares of common stock and per share data in the accompanying financial statements and notes thereto have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split on a retroactive basis. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of StemCells, Inc., and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, StemCells California, Inc., StemCells Property Holding LLC, Stem Cell Sciences Holdings Ltd., Stem Cell Sciences (U.K.) Ltd., and Stem Cell Sciences (Australia) Pty Ltd. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Significant estimates include the following:
| • |  | accrued wind-down expenses (see Note 11, “Wind-Down and Exit Costs”);
| • |  | the fair value of share-based awards recognized as compensation (see Note 10, “Stock-Based Compensation”);
| • |  | valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets (see Note 18, “Income Taxes”);
| • |  | the fair value of warrants recorded as a liability (see Note 13, “Warrant Liability”); and
| • |  | the fair value of intangible assets acquired (see Note 5, “Acquisition of SCS Operations”).
Financial Instruments Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities All money market and highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents. Highly liquid investments with maturities of 365 days or less not previously classified as cash equivalents are classified as marketable securities, current. Investments with maturities greater than 365 days are classified as marketable securities, non-current. Our marketable debt and equity securities have been classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in marketable debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates the available-for-sale designations as of each balance sheet date. These securities are carried at fair value (see Note 2, “Financial Instruments,” below), with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of stockholders’ equity. The cost of securities sold is based upon the specific identification method. If the estimated fair value of a security is below its carrying value, we evaluate whether we have the intent and ability to retain our investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery to the cost of the investment, and whether evidence indicating that the cost of the investment is recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs evidence to the contrary. Other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value of all marketable securities are charged to “Other income (expense), net.” Trade and Other Receivables Our receivables generally consist of interest income on our financial instruments, revenue from licensing agreements and grants, revenue from product sales, and rent from our sub-lease tenants. Since the majority of our product sales are prepaid, we regard the associated credit risk to be minimal. Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments The estimated fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, and the current portion of the bonds payable approximates their carrying values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The long-term portion of the bonds payable approximates its carrying value as the interest rate for the bond series approximates our current borrowing rate. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, including those held under capital lease, are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed by use of the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or the lease term if shorter, as follows:
Building and improvements |  |  | 3 - 20 years |
Machinery and equipment |  |  | 3 - 10 years |
Furniture and fixtures |  |  | 3 - 10 years |
Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Business Combinations The operating results of acquired companies or operations are included in our consolidated financial statements starting on the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recorded at the time of an acquisition and is calculated as the difference between the aggregate consideration paid for an acquisition and the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Accounting for acquisitions requires extensive use of accounting estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price to the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, including in-process research and development (IPR&D). Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Patent and License Costs) Goodwill of approximately $1,895,000 at December 31, 2011, relates to the acquisition of SCS operations. Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. If the assumptions and estimates used to allocate the purchase price are not correct, or if business conditions change, purchase price adjustments or future asset impairment charges could be required. We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist. Impairment evaluations involve management estimates of asset useful lives and future cash flows. Significant management judgment is required in the forecasts of future operating results that are used in the evaluations, and it is possible, even likely, that the plans and estimates used may be incorrect. If our actual results, or the plans and estimates used in future impairment analysis are lower than the original estimates used to assess the recoverability of these assets, we could incur additional impairment charges in a future period. We completed our annual impairment testing during the fourth quarter of 2011, and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill. Other intangible assets, net were approximately $2,011,000 at December 31, 2011. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized generally on a straight-line basis over the periods benefited. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In December 2011, in part because of management’s decision to focus on our therapeutic product development programs and not to allocate time and resources to the assays technology, we determined that we could not predict the future cash flows from the intangible IPR&D asset related to the assays technology. Therefore, we determined that the intangible asset was impaired and wrote off the approximately $655,000 carrying value of the asset. Prior to fiscal year 2001, we capitalized certain patent costs, which are being amortized over the estimated life of the patent and would be expensed at the time such patents are deemed to have no continuing value. Since 2001, all patent costs are expensed as incurred. License costs are capitalized and amortized over the estimated life of the license agreement. In 2010, we wrote-off the unamortized amount of approximately $67,000 for certain license agreements that we terminated. Impairment of Long-Lived Tangible Assets Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If property, plant, and equipment are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds its estimated fair market value. In 2010, we recorded a charge of approximately $63,000, to adjust the fair value of certain lab equipment we expect to dispose. No such impairment was recognized during the years 2011 and 2009. Warrant Liability We account for our warrants in accordance with U.S. GAAP which defines how freestanding contracts that are indexed to and potentially settled in a company’s own stock should be measured and classified. Authoritative accounting guidance prescribes that only warrants issued under contracts that cannot be net-cash settled, and are both indexed to and settled in the Company’s common stock can be classified as equity. As part of both our November 2008 and November 2009 financings, we issued warrants with five year terms to purchase 1,034,483 and 400,000 shares of our common stock at $23.00 and $15.00 per share respectively. As part of our December 2011 financing, we issued Series A Warrants with five year terms to purchase 8,000,000 shares at $1.40 per share and Series B Warrants with a ninety trading days terms to purchase 8,000,000 units at $1.25 per unit. Each unit underlying the Series B warrants consists of one share of our common stock and one Series A Warrant. As the warrant agreements did not meet the specific conditions for equity classification, we are required to classify the fair value of the warrants issued as a liability, with subsequent changes in fair value to be recorded as income (loss) on change in fair value of warrant liability. The fair value of the warrants related to the 2008 and 2009 financing is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton (Black-Scholes) option pricing model and the fair value of the warrants related to the 2011 financing is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value is affected by changes in inputs to these models including our stock price, expected stock price volatility, the contractual term and the risk-free interest rate. The use of the Monte Carlo simulation model requires input of additional assumptions including the progress of our R&D programs and its affect on potential future financings. We will continue to classify the fair value of the warrants as a liability until the warrants are exercised, expire or are amended in a way that would no longer require these warrants to be classified as a liability. Revenue Recognition We currently recognize revenue resulting from licensing agreements, government grants, and product sales. Licensing agreements — We currently recognize revenue resulting from the licensing and use of our technology and intellectual property. Such licensing agreements may contain multiple elements, such as up-front fees, payments related to the achievement of particular milestones and royalties. Revenue from up-front fees for licensing agreements that contain multiple elements are generally deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Fees associated with substantive at risk performance-based milestones are recognized as revenue upon completion of the scientific or regulatory event specified in the agreement, and royalties received are recognized as earned. Revenue from licensing agreements is recognized net of a fixed percentage due to licensors as royalties. Government grants — Grant revenue from government agencies are funds received to cover specific expenses and are recognized as earned upon either the incurring of reimbursable expenses directly related to the particular research plan or the completion of certain development milestones as defined within the terms of the relevant collaborative agreement or grant. Product sales — We currently recognize revenue from the sale of products when the products are shipped, title to the products are transferred to the customer, when no further contingencies or material performance obligations are warranted, and thereby earning the right to receive reasonably assured payments for products sold and delivered. Cost of product sales includes labor, raw materials and shipping supplies. Product sales are presented net of any sales or value-added taxes. Research and Development Costs Our research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and related personnel expenses; costs associated with clinical trials and regulatory submissions; costs associated with preclinical activities such as toxicology studies; certain patent-related costs such as licensing; facilities-related costs such as depreciation; lab equipment and supplies. Clinical trial expenses include payments to vendors such as clinical research organizations, contract manufacturers, clinical trial sites, laboratories for testing clinical samples and consultants. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Stock-Based Compensation We expense the estimated fair value of our stock-based compensation awards. The estimated fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes model. The compensation cost we record for these awards are based on their grant-date fair value as estimated and amortized over their vesting period. At the end of each reporting period we estimate forfeiture rates based on our historical experience within separate groups of employees and adjust stock-based compensation expense accordingly. See Note 10, “Stock-Based Compensation” for further information. Income Taxes When accounting for income taxes, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Income tax receivables and liabilities and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the amounts that more likely than not will be sustained upon ultimate settlement with taxing authorities. Developing our provision for income taxes and analyzing our uncertain tax positions requires significant judgment and knowledge of federal and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets. We assess the realization of our deferred tax assets to determine whether an income tax valuation allowance is required. Based on such evidence that can be objectively verified, we determine whether it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The main factors that we consider include:
| • |  | cumulative losses in recent years;
| • |  | income/losses expected in future years; and
| • |  | the applicable statute of limitations.
Tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions are recognized in the period in which one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) the more likely than not recognition threshold is satisfied; (2) the position is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation; or (3) the statute of limitations for the taxing authority to examine and challenge the position has expired. Tax benefits associated with an uncertain tax position are derecognized in the period in which the more likely than not recognition threshold is no longer satisfied. We concluded that the realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, if any, the timing and amount of which are uncertain. Accordingly, the net deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance. Net Loss per Share Basic net loss per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of our common stock and other dilutive securities. The following are the basic and dilutive net loss per share computations for the last three fiscal years:
|  | 2011 |  |  | 2010 |  |  | 2009 |
Net loss |  | $ | (21,328,536 | ) |  | $ | (25,243,551 | ) |  | $ | (27,026,411 | )
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share |  |  | 14,187,885 |  |  |  | 12,330,299 |  |  |  | 10,604,596 |
Basic and diluted net loss per share |  | $ | (1.50 | ) |  | $ | (2.05 | ) |  | $ | (2.55 | )
Outstanding options, warrants and restricted stock units were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive for all periods presented below:
|  | 2011 |  |  | 2010 |  |  | 2009 |
Outstanding options |  |  | 875,498 |  |  |  | 1,098,242 |  |  |  | 926,081 |
Restricted stock units |  |  | 357,541 |  |  |  | 469,505 |  |  |  | 243,790 |
Outstanding warrants |  |  | 17,434,483 |  |  |  | 1,434,483 |  |  |  | 1,434,483 |
Total |  |  | 18,667,522 |  |  |  | 3,002,230 |  |  |  | 2,604,354 |
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net losses and other comprehensive income (or “OCI”). OCI includes certain changes in stockholders’ equity that are excluded from net losses. Specifically, we include in OCI changes in unrealized gains and losses on our marketable securities and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translations. Comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 has been reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. The components of our accumulated OCI, as of December 31 of each year shown, are as follows:
|  | 2011 |  |  | 2010 |  |  | 2009 |
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities |  | $ | (2,694 | ) |  | $ | 116,348 |  |  | $ | 122,539 |
Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation |  |  | 43,407 |  |  |  | 3,374 |  |  |  | 272,184 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | 40,713 |  |  | $ | 119,722 |  |  | $ | 394,723 |
The activity in OCI is as follows:
|  | 2011 |  |  | 2010 |  |  | 2009 |
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities |  | $ | (119,041 | ) |  | $ | (6,191 | ) |  | $ | 130,287 |
Recognition in net loss, other than temporary impairment of marketable securities |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translations |  |  | 40,032 |  |  |  | (268,810 | ) |  |  | 272,184 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | (79,009 | ) |  | $ | (275,001 | ) |  | $ | 402,471 |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2011, the FASB issued additional authoritative guidance relating to fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. For fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the new guidance requires (1) disclosure of quantitative information about unobservable inputs; (2) a description of the valuation processes used by the entity; and (3) a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those unobservable inputs, if any. Entities must report the level in the fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities that are not recorded at fair value in the statement of financial position but for which fair value is disclosed. The new requirements clarify that the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise only apply to measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets. The new requirements also specify that in the absence of a Level 1 input, a reporting entity should incorporate a premium or a discount in a fair value measurement if a market participant would take into account such an input in pricing and asset or liability. Additionally, the new guidance introduces an option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities with offsetting positions on a net basis if certain criteria are met. For public entities, these new requirements become effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. These requirements are applicable to our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012. We do not expect this new guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which eliminates the current option to present other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. However, under the new guidance, comprehensive income and its components must still be presented under one of two new alternatives. Under the first alternative, the components of other comprehensive income and the components of net income may be presented in one continuous statement referred to as the statement of comprehensive income. Under the second alternative, a statement of other comprehensive income would immediately follow the statement of net income and must be shown with equal prominence as the other primary financial statements. Under either alternative, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. For public entities, these new requirements will become effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. It is applicable to our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012. We do not expect this new guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In September 2011, the FASB issued an update to previous guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The amendments in this update simplifies how entities, both public and nonpublic companies test goodwill for impairment. Under the amendments, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. An entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect this new guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18743-107790 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18854-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18861-107790 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18726-107790 + Details
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