XML 121 R10.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013
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 cell-based 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 $388 million at December 31, 2013. 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. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of StemCells, Inc., and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, including StemCells California, Inc., Stem Cell Sciences Holdings Ltd, and Stem Cell Sciences (UK) 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:
| • |  | 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, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”).
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 are 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. Because dollar amounts for individual transactions related to our product sales are not material and because we have a broad customer base, 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 $2,139,000 at December 31, 2013, 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 2013, and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill. Other intangible assets, net were approximately $1,836,000 at December 31, 2013. 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. 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 2012, we recorded a charge of approximately $28,000 to adjust the fair value of certain lab equipment we expect to dispose. No such impairment was recognized during the year 2011 and 2013. 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 by us under contracts that cannot be net-cash settled, and are both indexed to and settled in our 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 a five year term to purchase 8,000,000 shares at $1.40 per share and Series B Warrants with a ninety trading day term to purchase 8,000,000 units at $1.25 per unit. Each unit underlying the Series B Warrants consisted of one share of our common stock and one Series A Warrant. In the first and second quarter of 2012, an aggregate of 2,700,000 Series B Warrants were exercised. For the exercise of these warrants, we issued 2,700,000 shares of our common stock and 2,700,000 Series A Warrants. The remaining 5,300,000 Series B Warrants expired unexercised by their terms on May 2, 2012. As terms of the warrants issued in 2008 and 2009, as well as the Series A and Series B Warrants, do not meet the specific conditions for equity classification, we are required to classify the fair value of these warrants as a liability, with subsequent changes in fair value to be recorded as income (loss) due to change in fair value of warrant liability. The fair value of the warrants issued in the 2008 and 2009 financings is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton (Black-Scholes) option pricing model and the fair value of the Series A and Series B Warrants is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model (see Note 13, “Warrant Liability”). 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 a 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. The estimated fair value of our warrant liability at December 31, 2013, was approximately $5,542,000. Revenue Recognition We 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. Deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite-lived assets that cannot be used as a source of taxable income to support the realization of deferred tax assets are reported as a net deferred tax liability. We reported as a long-term liability on our balance sheet, a net deferred tax liability of approximately $118,000 that is related to an indefinite-lived intangible acquired as part of the SCS operations. 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:
|  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |  |  | 2011 |
Net loss |  | $ | (26,439,159 | ) |  | $ | (28,491,153 | ) |  | $ | (21,328,536 | )
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share |  |  | 43,422,001 |  |  |  | 28,824,417 |  |  |  | 14,187,885 |
Basic and diluted net loss per share |  | $ | (0.61 | ) |  | $ | (0.99 | ) |  | $ | (1.50 | )
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:
|  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |  |  | 2011 |
Outstanding options |  |  | 428,258 |  |  |  | 447,359 |  |  |  | 875,498 |
Restricted stock units |  |  | 3,326,282 |  |  |  | 1,534,200 |  |  |  | 357,541 |
Outstanding warrants |  |  | 16,267,659 |  |  |  | 9,935,912 |  |  |  | 17,434,483 |
Total |  |  | 20,022,199 |  |  |  | 11,917,471 |  |  |  | 18,667,522 |
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. The components of our accumulated OCI, as of December 31 of each year shown, are as follows:
|  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (1,356 | )
Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation |  |  | 252,101 |  |  |  | 194,533 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |  | $ | 252,101 |  |  | $ | 193,177 |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2013-11 “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”, an update to Topic 740, Income Taxes. This Update applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. The amendments in this Update are expected to reduce diversity in practice by providing guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits and to better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- 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 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 2: 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 Reference 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration