Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

v2.4.1.9
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Organization and Nature of Operations
Organization and Nature of Operations: Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Navidea, the Company, or we), a Delaware corporation, is a precision medicine company focused on the development and commercialization of precision diagnostics, therapeutics and radiopharmaceutical agents. Navidea is developing multiple precision-targeted products based on the Manocept™ platform 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 of the chemical backbone of the tilmanocept molecule to specifically target the CD206 mannose receptor expressed on 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, 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 various therapeutic agents 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. Thus, in January 2015, the Company formed a new subsidiary, Macrophage Therapeutics, Inc., to further explore therapeutic applications for the Manocept platform.

In addition, over the last year, the company’s Board of Directors made the decision to reduce our support while seeking to partner or out-license two of our development programs:

NAV4694 is a fluorine-18 (F-18) radiolabeled PET imaging agent being developed as an aid in the diagnosis of patients with signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. NAV4694 is in Phase 3 clinical development.
NAV5001 is an iodine-123 (I-123) radiolabeled SPECT imaging agent being developed as an aid in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, with potential use as a diagnostic aid in dementia. NAV5001 is in Phase 3 clinical development.

The company is in discussions with potential parties interested in sublicensing and/or assuming financial responsibility for the ongoing development of these two neuro tracer compounds and is currently evaluating term sheets.
  
Other than Lymphoseek, none of the Company’s drug product candidates have been approved for sale in any market.

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.

Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation: Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Navidea and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Cardiosonix. 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 is being accounted for using the equity method of accounting for investments and is therefore not consolidated.

Use of Estimates
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.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value
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 2.
 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
 
(1)
Cash, accounts receivable, 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, 2014 and 2013 primarily consists of the face amount of the notes less unamortized discounts. See Note 9. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 probability-weighted 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, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of our notes payable is approximately $37.9 million and $29.9 million, respectively.

(3)
Derivative liabilities: Derivative liabilities are related to certain outstanding warrants which are recorded at fair value. No derivative liabilities were outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The assumptions used to calculate fair value as of December 31, 2013 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. See Note 11.

Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation: At December 31, 2014, 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 day prior to 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 new 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 on the date of grant. 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are noted in the following table:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Expected volatility
61%-67%
 
60%-71%
 
63%-72%
Weighted-average volatility
65%
 
65%
 
65%
Expected dividends
 
 
Expected term (in years)
5.3-7.4
 
5.0-6.2
 
5.0-6.3
Risk-free rate
1.6%-2.0%
 
1.0%-1.9%
 
0.6%-1.2%

 
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 costs. See Note 3.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
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.

Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable 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 receivable and write off accounts when deemed uncollectible.  At December 31, 2014, approximately 99% of accounts receivable were due from Cardinal Health, and there was no allowance for doubtful accounts.  We do not believe we are exposed to significant credit risk related to Cardinal Health based on the overall financial strength and credit worthiness of the entity.  We believe that we have adequately addressed other credit risks in estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Inventory
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 5.
Property and Equipment
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.

Intangible Assets
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.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
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, 2014, 2013 or 2012. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Deferred Debt Issuance Costs
Deferred Debt Issuance Costs: We defer costs associated with the issuance of notes payable and amortize those costs over the term of the notes using the effective interest method. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we incurred $120,000 and $881,000 , respectively, of debt issuance costs related to notes payable. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded amortization of $94,000, $309,000, and $296,000, respectively, of deferred debt issuance costs. Other assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 includes net deferred debt issuance costs of $90,000 and $691,000, respectively. See Note 9.
Leases
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 16.

Derivative Instruments
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. See Note 11.
Revenue Recognition
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 from Cardinal Health’s national distribution center to another point of destination. 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.

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 is 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 revenue related to milestones as defined in our distribution agreements. Such revenue is recognized when the milestones are achieved with no future obligations and payments under the agreements have become contractually due. 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 incurred and payments under the grants become contractually due. Lastly, we recognize revenue from the provision of services to R-NAV, LLC and its subsidiaries. See Note 7.

Research and Development Costs
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.
Income Taxes
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, 2014 and 2013.

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, 2014 or 2013 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, 2014, tax years 2011-2014 remained subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities. See Note 14.
Recent Accounting Developments
Recent Accounting Developments: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is built on the contract between a vendor and a customer for the provision of goods and services. It attempts to depict the exchange of rights and obligations between the parties in the pattern of revenue recognition based on the consideration to which the vendor is entitled. To accomplish this objective, ASU 2014-09 requires five basic steps: (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Entities will generally be required to make more estimates and use more judgment than under current guidance, which will be highlighted for users through increased disclosure requirements. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. Three basic transition methods are available - full retrospective, retrospective with certain practical expedients, and a cumulative effect approach. Early adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard in 2017.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation-Stock Compensation. ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target included in a share-based payment award that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. Therefore, under the existing stock compensation guidance in Topic 718, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods therein. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments in ASU 2014-12 either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. If retrospective transition is adopted, the cumulative effect of applying ASU 2014-12 as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements should be recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance at that date. Additionally, if retrospective transition is adopted, an entity may use hindsight in measuring and recognizing the compensation cost. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-12 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 defines when and how companies are required to disclose going concern uncertainties, which must be evaluated each interim and annual period. ASU 2014-15 requires management to determine whether substantial doubt exists regarding the entity's going concern presumption. Substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern exists when relevant conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, indicate that it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). If substantial doubt exists, certain disclosures are required; the extent of those disclosures depends on an evaluation of management's plans (if any) to mitigate the going concern uncertainty. ASU 2014-15 is effective prospectively for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and to annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements; however, it may affect our disclosures.

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity. ASU 2014-16 does not change the current criteria in GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. Rather, ASU 2014-16 clarifies how current GAAP should be interpreted in evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share. Specifically, ASU 2014-16 clarifies that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features - including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation - in evaluating the nature of the host contract. Further, ASU 2014-16 clarifies that no single term or feature would necessarily determine the host economic characteristics and risks of the host contract. Rather, the nature of the host contract depends upon the economic characteristics and risks of the entire hybrid financial instrument. In addition, ASU 2014-16 clarifies that, in evaluating the nature of a host contract, an entity should assess the substance of the relevant terms and features (that is, the relative strength of the debt-like or equity-like terms and features given the facts and circumstances) when considering how to weight those terms and features. Specifically, the assessment of the substance of the relevant terms and features should incorporate a consideration of (1) the characteristics of the terms and features themselves, (2) the circumstances under which the hybrid financial instrument was issued or acquired, and (3) the potential outcomes of the hybrid financial instrument, as well as the likelihood of those potential outcomes. ASU 2014-16 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Initial adoption should be applied on a modified retrospective bases to existing hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which the amendments are effective. We are evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2014-16, however we do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-16 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.