Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

v3.3.1.900
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1.

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

a.

Organization and Nature of Operations:  Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Navidea, the Company, or we), a Delaware Corporation (NYSE MKT: NAVB), is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of precision immunodiagnostic agents and immunotherapeutics.  Navidea is developing multiple precision-targeted products and platforms including Manocept™ and NAV4694 to help identify the sites and pathways of undetected disease and enable better diagnostic accuracy, clinical decision-making, targeted treatment and, ultimately, patient care.

Navidea’s Manocept platform is predicated on the ability to specifically target the CD206 mannose receptor expressed on activated macrophages.  The Manocept platform serves as the molecular backbone of Lymphoseek® (technetium Tc 99m tilmanocept) injection, the first product developed by Navidea based on the platform.  Lymphoseek is a novel, state-of-the-art, receptor-targeted, small-molecule radiopharmaceutical used in the evaluation of lymphatic basins that may have cancer involvement in patients.  Lymphoseek is designed for the precise identification of lymph nodes that drain from a primary tumor, which have the highest probability of harboring cancer.  Lymphoseek is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in solid tumor cancers where lymphatic mapping is a component of surgical management and for guiding sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with clinically node negative breast cancer, melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.  Lymphoseek has also received European approval in imaging and intraoperative detection of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with melanoma, breast cancer or localized squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Building on the success of Lymphoseek, the flexible and versatile Manocept platform acts as an engine for the design of purpose-built molecules offering the potential to be utilized across a range of diagnostic modalities, including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), intra-operative and/or optical-fluorescence detection in a variety of disease states.

Recent preclinical data being developed by the Company using tilmanocept linked to a therapeutic agent also suggest that tilmanocept’s binding affinity to CD206 receptors demonstrates the potential for this technology to be useful in treating diseases linked to the over-activation of macrophages.  This includes various cancers as well as autoimmune, infectious, cardiovascular, and central nervous system diseases.  Our efforts in this area were further supported by the January 2015 formation of Macrophage Therapeutics, Inc. (MT), a majority-owned subsidiary that was formed specifically to further explore therapeutic applications for the Manocept platform.  Navidea owns 99.9% of MT.

Our focus on development of our proprietary Manocept platform technology further supports the 2014 decision by the Company’s Board of Directors to reduce our support for, while seeking to partner or out-license, our two neurological development programs, NAV4694 and NAV5001.

Other than Lymphoseek, none of the Company’s drug product candidates have been approved for sale in any market.

From our inception through August 2011, we also manufactured a line of gamma detection systems called the neoprobe® GDS system (the GDS Business).  We sold the GDS Business to Devicor Medical Products, Inc. (Devicor) in August 2011.  In exchange for the assets of the GDS Business, Devicor made net cash payments to us totaling $30.3 million, assumed certain liabilities of the Company associated with the GDS Business, and agreed to make royalty payments to us of up to an aggregate maximum amount of $20 million based on the net revenue attributable to the GDS Business through 2017.  We recorded net income of $759,000 in 2015 related to royalty amounts earned based on 2015 GDS Business revenue.  The royalty amount of $1.2 million was offset by $436,000 in estimated taxes which were allocated to discontinued operations, but were fully offset by the tax benefit from our net operating loss for 2015. We did not earn or receive any such royalty payments prior to 2015.

In December 2001, we acquired Cardiosonix Ltd. (Cardiosonix), an Israeli company with a blood flow measurement device product line in the early stages of commercialization. In August 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors decided to discontinue the operations and attempt to sell Cardiosonix. However, we were obligated to continue to service and support the Cardiosonix devices through 2013. The Company has not received significant expressions of interest in the Cardiosonix business and as such, we continue to wind down our activities in this area until a final shutdown of operations or a sale of the business unit is completed.

In 2005 we formed a new corporation, Cira Biosciences, Inc. (Cira Bio), to explore the development of patient-specific cellular therapies that have shown positive patient responses in a variety of clinical settings. Navidea owned 90% of the outstanding shares of Cira Bio with the remaining shares being held by the principals of Cira LLC. In October 2013, Cira Bio was dissolved in its entirety after several years of inactivity.

In July 2011, we established a European business unit, Navidea Biopharmaceuticals Limited, to address international development and commercialization needs for our technologies, including Lymphoseek. Navidea owns 100% of the outstanding shares of Navidea Biopharmaceuticals Limited.

 

b.

Principles of Consolidation:  Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Navidea and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Navidea Biopharmaceuticals Limited and Cardiosonix Ltd, as well as those of our majority-owned subsidiary, MT.  Our consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of our former wholly-owned subsidiary, Cira Bio, through the date of dissolution in October 2013.  All significant inter-company accounts were eliminated in consolidation.  Navidea's investment in R-NAV, LLC (R-NAV) is being accounted for using the equity method of accounting and is therefore not consolidated.

 

c.

Use of Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

d.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value:  In accordance with current accounting standards, the fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value, giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2 – Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

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.  In determining the appropriate levels, we perform a detailed analysis of the assets and liabilities whose fair value is measured on a recurring basis.  At each reporting period, all assets and liabilities for which the fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs or instruments which trade infrequently and therefore have little or no price transparency are classified as Level 3.  See Note 3.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

 

(1)

Cash, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities:  The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

(2)

Notes payable:  The carrying value of our debt at December 31, 2015 and 2014 primarily consists of the face amount of the notes less unamortized discounts.  See Note 12.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, certain notes payable were also required to be recorded at fair value.  The estimated fair value of our debt was calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis as well as a Monte Carlo simulation.  These valuation methods include Level 3 inputs such as the estimated current market interest rate for similar instruments with similar creditworthiness.  Unrealized gains and losses on the fair value of the debt are classified in other expenses as a change in the fair value of financial instruments in the consolidated statements of operations.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value of our notes payable is approximately $64.0 million and $37.9 million, respectively, compared to the carrying value of $61.1 million and $33.8 million, respectively.

 

(3)

Derivative liabilities:  Derivative liabilities are related to certain outstanding warrants which are recorded at fair value.  Derivative liabilities totaling $63,000 as of December 31, 2015 were included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.  No derivative liabilities were outstanding as of December 31, 2014.  The assumptions used to calculate fair value as of December 31, 2015 included volatility, a risk-free rate and expected dividends.  In addition, we considered non-performance risk and determined that such risk is minimal.  Unrealized gains and losses on the derivatives are classified in other expenses as a change in the fair value of financial instruments in the statements of operations.

 

e.

Stock-Based Compensation:  At December 31, 2015, we have instruments outstanding under two stock-based compensation plans; the Fourth Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2002 Plan) and the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2014 Plan).  In addition, we have stock options outstanding that were awarded as an employment inducement in connection with the appointment of our new CEO in October 2014.  Currently, under the 2014 Plan, we may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and restricted stock awards to full-time employees and directors, and nonqualified stock options and restricted stock awards may be granted to our consultants and agents.  Total shares authorized under each plan are 12 million shares and 5 million shares, respectively.  Although instruments are still outstanding under the 2002 Plan, the plan has expired and no new grants may be made from it.  Under both plans, the exercise price of each option is greater than or equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the date of the grant.

Stock options granted under the 2002 Plan and the 2014 Plan generally vest on an annual basis over one to four years.  The stock options that were awarded as an employment inducement in connection with the appointment of our CEO will vest in three tranches based on certain service and market conditions as defined in the agreement.  Outstanding stock options under the plans, if not exercised, generally expire ten years from their date of grant or up to 90 days following the date of an optionee’s separation from employment with the Company.  We issue new shares of our common stock upon exercise of stock options.

Stock-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of stock options, are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations based on their estimated fair values.  The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  Expected volatilities are based on the Company’s historical volatility, which management believes represents the most accurate basis for estimating expected future volatility under the current circumstances.  Navidea uses historical data to estimate forfeiture rates.  The expected term of stock options granted is based on the vesting period and the contractual life of the options.  The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of the grant. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock option awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are noted in the following table:

 

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Expected volatility

 

61%-64%

 

 

61%-67%

 

 

60%-71%

 

Weighted-average volatility

 

 

62%

 

 

 

65%

 

 

 

65%

 

Expected dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected term (in years)

 

5.1-6.3

 

 

5.3-7.4

 

 

5.0-6.2

 

Risk-free rate

 

1.5%-1.9%

 

 

1.6%-2.0%

 

 

1.0%-1.9%

 

 

The portion of the fair value of stock-based awards that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as compensation expense over either (1) the requisite service period or (2) the estimated performance period.  Restricted stock awards are valued based on the closing stock price on the date of grant and amortized ratably over the estimated life of the award.  Restricted stock may vest based on the passage of time, or upon occurrence of a specific event or achievement of goals as defined in the grant agreements.  In such cases, we record compensation expense related to grants of restricted stock based on management’s estimates of the probable dates of the vesting events.  Stock-based awards that do not vest because the requisite service period is not met prior to termination result in reversal of previously recognized compensation cost.  See Note 4.

 

f.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:  Cash equivalents are highly liquid instruments such as U.S. Treasury bills, bank certificates of deposit, corporate commercial paper and money market funds which have maturities of less than 3 months from the date of purchase.

 

g.

Accounts and Other Receivables:  Accounts and other receivables are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a review and assessment of specific accounts and other receivables and write off accounts when deemed uncollectible.  See Note 6.

 

h.

Inventory:  All components of inventory are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.  We adjust inventory to market value when the net realizable value is lower than the carrying cost of the inventory.  Market value is determined based on estimated sales activity and margins.  We estimate a reserve for obsolete inventory based on management’s judgment of probable future commercial use, which is based on an analysis of current inventory levels, estimated future sales and production rates, and estimated shelf lives.  See Note 7.

 

i.

Property and Equipment:  Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation is generally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets.  Depreciation and amortization related to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements is recognized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the leased asset or the term of the lease.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while renewals and improvements are capitalized.

 

j.

Intangible Assets:  Intangible assets consist primarily of patents and trademarks.  Intangible assets are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization.  Patent costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the patents of approximately 5 to 15 years.  Patent application costs are deferred pending the outcome of patent applications.  Costs associated with unsuccessful patent applications and abandoned intellectual property are expensed when determined to have no recoverable value.  We evaluate the potential alternative uses of all intangible assets, as well as the recoverability of the carrying values of intangible assets, on a recurring basis.

 

k.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets:  Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.  No impairment was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

 

l.

Leases:  Leases are categorized as either operating or capital leases at inception.  Operating lease costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.  An asset and a corresponding liability for the capital lease obligation are established for the cost of capital leases.  The capital lease obligation is amortized over the life of the lease.  For build-to-suit leases, the Company establishes an asset and liability for the estimated construction costs incurred to the extent that it is involved in the construction of structural improvements or takes construction risk prior to the commencement of the lease.  Upon occupancy of facilities under build-to-suit leases, the Company assesses whether these arrangements qualify for sales recognition under the sale-leaseback accounting guidance.  If a lease does not meet the criteria to qualify for a sale-leaseback transaction, the established asset and liability remain on the Company's balance sheet.  See Note 19.

 

m.

Derivative Instruments:  Derivative instruments embedded in contracts, to the extent not already a free-standing contract, are bifurcated from the debt instrument and accounted for separately.  All derivatives are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value in accordance with current accounting guidelines for such complex financial instruments.  Derivative liabilities with expiration dates within one year are classified as current, while those with expiration dates in more than one year are classified as long term.  We do not use derivative instruments for hedging of market risks or for trading or speculative purposes.

 

n.

Revenue Recognition:  We currently generate revenue primarily from sales of Lymphoseek.  Our standard shipping terms are FOB shipping point, and title and risk of loss passes to the customer upon delivery to a carrier for shipment.  We generally recognize sales revenue related to sales of our products when the products are shipped.  Our customers have no right to return products purchased in the ordinary course of business, however, we may allow returns in certain circumstances based on specific agreements.

We earn additional revenues based on a percentage of the actual net revenues achieved by Cardinal Health on sales to end customers made during each fiscal year.  The amount we charge Cardinal Health related to end customer sales of Lymphoseek are subject to a retroactive annual adjustment.  To the extent that we can reasonably estimate the end-customer prices received by Cardinal Health, we record sales based upon these estimates at the time of sale.  If we are unable to reasonably estimate end customer sales prices related to products sold, we record revenue related to these product sales at the minimum (i.e., floor) price provided for under our distribution agreement with Cardinal Health.

We also earn revenues related to our licensing and distribution agreements.  The terms of these agreements may include payment to us of non-refundable upfront license fees, funding or reimbursement of research and development efforts, milestone payments if specified objectives are achieved, and/or royalties on product sales.  We evaluate all deliverables within an arrangement to determine whether or not they provide value on a stand-alone basis.  We recognize a contingent milestone payment as revenue in its entirety upon our achievement of a substantive milestone if the consideration earned from the achievement of the milestone (i) is consistent with performance required to achieve the milestone or the increase in value to the delivered item, (ii) relates solely to past performance and (iii) is reasonable relative to all of the other deliverables and payments within the arrangement.  We received a non-refundable upfront cash payment of $2.0 million from SpePharm AG upon execution of the SpePharm License Agreement in March 2015.  We have determined that the license and other non-contingent deliverables do not have stand-alone value because the license could not be deemed to be fully delivered for its intended purpose unless we perform our other obligations, including specified development work.  Accordingly, they do not meet the separation criteria, resulting in these deliverables being considered a single unit of account.  As a result, revenue relating to the upfront cash payment was deferred and is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated obligation period of two years.

We generate additional revenue from grants to support various product development initiatives.  We generally recognize grant revenue when expenses reimbursable under the grants have been paid and payments under the grants become contractually due.  Lastly, we recognize revenues from the provision of services to R-NAV and its subsidiaries.  See Note 10.

 

o.

Research and Development Costs:  Research and development (R&D) expenses include both internal R&D activities and external contracted services. Internal R&D activity expenses include salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation, as well as travel, supplies, and other costs to support our R&D staff. External contracted services include clinical trial activities, manufacturing and control-related activities, and regulatory costs. R&D expenses are charged to operations as incurred. We review and accrue R&D expenses based on services performed and rely upon estimates of those costs applicable to the stage of completion of each project.

 

p.

Income Taxes:  Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of the deferred tax assets in future tax returns, all of the deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Current accounting standards include guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements. Such standards also prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement model for the financial statement recognition of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company believes that the ultimate deductibility of all tax positions is highly certain, although there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. As a result, no liability for uncertain tax positions was recorded as of December 31, 2015 or 2014 and we do not expect any significant changes in the next twelve months. Should we need to accrue interest or penalties on uncertain tax positions, we would recognize the interest as interest expense and the penalties as a selling, general and administrative expense. As of December 31, 2015, tax years 2012-2015 remained subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities. See Note 16.

 

q.

Change in Accounting Principle:  In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.  ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability rather than as an asset.  The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by ASU 2015-03.  ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  Entities must apply the amendments in ASU 2015-03 on a retrospective basis.

During the second quarter of 2015, the Company adopted ASU 2015-03.  The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 has been adjusted to reflect retrospective application of the new method of presentation.  Deferred debt issuance costs totaling $90,000 that were included in other assets as of December 31, 2014 were reclassified as discounts on notes payable, current, of $35,000 and discounts on notes payable, long term, of $55,000.  We have reflected all remaining unamortized costs as a reduction of the debt on the balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and will continue to do so in future periods.  The adoption of ASU 2015-03 had no impact on the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' deficit or cash flows.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.  ASU 2015-17 eliminates the requirement to bifurcate deferred taxes between current and noncurrent on the balance sheet and requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet.  ASU 2015-17 may be applied retrospectively or prospectively and early adoption is permitted.  We early-adopted ASU 2015-17 as of December 31, 2015 and the statement of financial position as of this date reflects the revised classification of current deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent.  Adoption of ASU 2015-17 resulted in a retrospective reclassification between current deferred tax assets and noncurrent deferred tax assets.

 

r.

Recent Accounting Developments:  In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.  ASU 2015-02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities.  All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model.  Specifically, the amendments: (i) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, (ii) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, and (iii) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships.  ASU 2015-02 is effective for public entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015.  The amendments may be applied using a modified retrospective approach or a full retrospective approach.  Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period.  The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.  ASU 2015-11 applies to all inventory that is measured using methods other than last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method, including inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost.  ASU 2015-11 requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.  ASU 2015-11 is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.  The amendments in ASU 2015-11 should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period.  We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-11 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  ASU 2015-14 defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year.  Public business entities should adopt the new revenue recognition standard for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that year.  Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that year.  We are currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases.  ASU 2016-02 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.  ASU 2016-02 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.  While we are still evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements, we expect that upon adoption we will recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities and that the amounts could be material.