| The Company And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2014 |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Yahoo! Inc. and its majority-owned or otherwise controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in entities in which the Company can exercise significant influence, but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control, are accounted for using the equity method and are included as investments in equity interests on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has included the results of operations of acquired companies from the date of the acquisition. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. |
| The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (“U.S.”) requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue, the useful lives of long-lived assets including property and equipment and intangible assets, investment fair values, stock-based compensation, goodwill, income taxes, contingencies, and restructuring charges. Actual results may differ from these estimates. |
| Concentration of Risk | Concentration of Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk and equity price consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities (including Alibaba Group Holding Limited (“Alibaba Group”) and Hortonworks, Inc. (“Hortonworks”) equity securities), accounts receivable, and derivative financial instruments. The primary focus of the Company’s investment strategy is to preserve capital and meet liquidity requirements. A large portion of the Company’s cash is managed by external managers within the guidelines of the Company’s investment policy. The Company’s investment policy addresses the level of credit exposure by limiting the concentration in any one corporate issuer or sector and establishing a minimum allowable credit rating. To manage the risk exposure, the Company maintains its portfolio of cash and cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments in marketable securities, including U.S. and foreign government, agency, municipal and highly rated corporate debt obligations and money market funds. |
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| The fair value of the equity investments in Alibaba Group and Hortonworks will vary over time and is subject to a variety of market risks including: company performance, macro-economic, regulatory, industry, and systemic risks of the equity markets overall. Consequently, the carrying value of the Company’s investment portfolio will vary over time as the value of the Company’s investments in marketable securities, including Alibaba Group and Hortonworks changes. |
| Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from revenue earned from customers. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses. Historically, such losses have been within management’s expectations. |
| The Company’s derivative instruments, including the convertible note hedge transactions, expose the Company to credit risk to the extent that its derivative counterparties become unable to meet their financial obligations under the terms of the agreements. The Company seeks to mitigate this risk by limiting its derivative counterparties to major financial institutions and by spreading the risk across several major financial institutions. In addition, the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from this type of credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. See “Note 9—Foreign Currency Derivative Financial Instruments” for additional information related to the Company’s derivative instruments. |
| The Company also holds warrants in Hortonworks, which expose the Company to variability in fair value based on changes in the stock price as an input to the Black-Scholes model. |
| As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, no one customer accounted for 10 percent or more of the accounts receivable balance and no one customer accounted for 10 percent or more of the Company’s revenue for 2012, 2013, or 2014. See Note 19 “Search Agreement with Microsoft Corporation” for revenue under the Company’s Search and Advertising Services and Sales Agreement (the “Search Agreement”) with Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”). |
| Comprehensive Income | Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income refers to revenue, expenses, and gains and losses that under GAAP are recorded as an element of stockholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. The Company’s other comprehensive income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments from those subsidiaries or equity method investments where the local currency is the functional currency, unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale, unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net changes in fair value of derivative instruments related to our net investment hedges, as well as the Company’s share of its equity investees’ other comprehensive income. |
| Foreign Currency | Foreign Currency. The functional currency of the Company’s international subsidiaries is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is often the local currency. The financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, historical rates of exchange for equity, and average rates of exchange for the period for revenue and expenses. Translation gains (losses) are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of stockholders’ equity. In addition, the Company records translation gains (losses) related to its foreign equity method investments in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company records foreign currency transaction gains and losses, realized and unrealized and foreign exchange gains and losses due to re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies in other income, net in the consolidated statements of income. The Company recorded $1 million, $6 million and $15 million of net losses in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short- and Long-Term Marketable Securities | Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short- and Long-Term Marketable Securities. The Company invests its excess cash in money market funds, time deposits, and liquid debt securities of the U.S. and foreign governments and their agencies, U.S. municipalities, and high-credit corporate issuers which are classified as marketable securities and cash equivalents. All investments in debt securities with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Investments in debt securities with remaining maturities of less than 12 months from the balance sheet date are classified as current assets, which are available for use to fund current operations. Investments with remaining maturities greater than 12 months from the balance sheet date are classified as long-term assets. |
| Operating cash deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate its credit risk by spreading such risk across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties. |
| The Company’s marketable equity securities, including Alibaba Group and Hortonworks, are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The change in the classification of the Company’s investments in Alibaba Group and Hortonworks to available-for-sale marketable securities exposes our investment portfolio to increased equity price risk. The Company evaluates the marketable equity securities periodically for possible other-than-temporary impairment. A decline of fair value below cost basis is considered an other-than-temporary impairment if the Company has the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the entire cost basis. In those instances, an impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and the cost basis is recognized in earnings. Regardless of the Company’s intent or requirement to sell the marketable equity securities, an impairment is considered other-than-temporary if the Company does not expect to recover the entire cost basis; in those instances, a loss equal to the difference between fair value and the cost basis of the marketable equity security is recognized in earnings. |
| Realized gains or losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary, if any, on available-for-sale securities are reported in other income, net. The Company evaluates its marketable debt investments periodically for possible other-than-temporary impairment. A decline of fair value below amortized costs of debt securities is considered an other-than-temporary impairment if the Company has the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. In those instances, an impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis is recognized in earnings. Regardless of the Company’s intent or requirement to sell a debt security, an impairment is considered other-than-temporary if the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis; in those instances, a credit loss equal to the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected based on credit risk and the amortized cost basis of the debt security is recognized in earnings. The Company has no current requirement or intent to sell a material portion of debt securities as of December 31, 2014. The Company expects to recover up to (or beyond) the initial cost of investment for securities held. In computing realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, the Company determines cost based on amounts paid, including direct costs such as commissions to acquire the security, using the specific identification method. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable debt and equity securities were not material. |
| Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. The Company records its allowance for doubtful accounts based upon its assessment of various factors. The Company considers historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balances, the credit quality of its customers, current economic conditions, and other factors that may affect customers’ ability to pay to determine the level of allowance required. |
| Foreign Currency Derivative Financial Instruments | Foreign Currency Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign currency forward contracts and option contracts, to mitigate certain foreign currency exposures. The Company hedges, on an after-tax basis, a portion of its net investment in Yahoo Japan Corporation (“Yahoo Japan”). The Company has designated these foreign currency forward and option contracts as net investment hedges. The effective portion of changes in fair value is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and any ineffective portion is recorded in other income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The Company expects the net investment hedges to be effective, on an after-tax basis, and effectiveness will be assessed each quarter. Should any portion of the net investment hedge become ineffective, the ineffective portion will be reclassified to other income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The fair values of the net investment hedges are determined using quoted observable inputs. Gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income will not be reclassified into earnings until a sale of the Company’s underlying investment. |
| For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the unrealized gains or losses on these forward contracts is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and reclassified into revenue in the consolidated statements of income when the underlying hedged revenue is recognized. If the cash flow hedges were to become ineffective, the ineffective portion would be immediately recorded in other income, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. |
| The Company hedges certain of its net recognized foreign currency assets and liabilities with foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk that its earnings and cash flows will be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These balance sheet hedges are used to partially offset the foreign currency exchange gains and losses generated by the re-measurement of certain assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currency. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded in other income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The fair values of the balance sheet hedges are determined using quoted observable inputs. |
| The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as other assets or liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at fair value. See Note 9—“Foreign Currency Derivative Financial Instruments” for a full description of the Company’s derivative financial instrument activities and related accounting. |
| Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment. Buildings are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 25 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their expected useful lives and the remaining lease term. Computers and equipment and furniture and fixtures are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to five years. |
| Property and equipment to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on the lowest level of identifiable estimated undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value. No impairments of such assets were identified during any of the periods presented. |
| Capitalized Software and Labor | Capitalized Software and Labor. The Company capitalized certain software and labor costs totaling approximately $180 million, $130 million, and $85 million during 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. The estimated useful life of costs capitalized is evaluated for each specific project and ranges from one to three years. During 2012, 2013, and 2014, the amortization of capitalized costs totaled approximately $142 million, $175 million, and $161 million, respectively. Capitalized software and labor costs are included in property and equipment, net. Included in the capitalized amounts above are $24 million, $16 million, and $12 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014. |
| Goodwill | Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment on an annual basis and more frequently if impairment indicators are present. The Company’s reporting units are one level below the operating segments level. The reporting unit’s carrying value is compared to its fair value. The estimated fair values of the reporting units are determined using either the market approach, income approach or a combination of the market and income approach. Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. The income approach uses expected future operating results and failure to achieve these expected results may cause a future impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the carrying value of the goodwill in the reporting unit to its implied fair value. An impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied estimated fair value. The Company conducts its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31, 2014. See Note 5—“Goodwill” for results of the goodwill impairment test. |
| Intangible Assets | Intangible Assets. Intangible assets are carried at cost and amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally on a straight-line basis over one to eight years as the pattern of use is ratable. The Company reviews identifiable amortizable intangible assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on the lowest level of identifiable estimated undiscounted cash flows resulting from use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value. |
| Investments in Equity Interests | Investments in Equity Interests. Investments in the common stock of entities in which the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control are accounted for using the equity method and are included as investments in equity interests on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company records its share of the results of these companies one quarter in arrears within earnings in equity interests in the consolidated statements of income. Investments in privately held equity interests in which the Company cannot exercise significant influence are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. |
| The Company reviews its investments for other-than-temporary impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the investment may not be fully recoverable. Investments identified as having an indication of impairment are subject to further analysis to determine if the impairment is other-than-temporary and this analysis requires estimating the fair value of the investment. The determination of fair value of the investment involves considering factors such as the stock prices of public companies in which the Company has an equity investment, current economic and market conditions, the operating performance of the companies including current earnings trends and forecasted cash flows, and other company and industry specific information. |
| Operating and Capital Leases | Operating and Capital Leases. The Company leases office space and data centers under operating leases and certain data center equipment under a capital lease agreement with original lease periods up to 12 years. Assets acquired under capital leases are amortized over the remaining lease term. Certain of the lease agreements contain rent holidays and rent escalation provisions. For purposes of recognizing these lease incentives on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, the Company uses the date that the Company has the right to control the asset to begin amortization. Lease renewal periods are considered on a lease-by-lease basis and are generally not included in the period of straight-line recognition. For each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Company expensed $5 million of interest, which approximates the cash payments made for interest. As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company had net lease obligations included in capital lease and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets of $44 million and $47 million, respectively. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted tax rates and laws. The Company records a valuation allowance against particular deferred income tax assets if it is more likely than not that those assets will not be realized. The provision for income taxes comprises the Company’s current tax liability and change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities. |
| Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s uncertain tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. The Company establishes liabilities for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These liabilities are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite its belief that its tax return positions are in accordance with applicable tax laws. The Company adjusts these liabilities in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit, new tax legislation, developments in case law or interactions with the tax authorities. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The provision for income taxes includes the effect of changes to liabilities for tax-related uncertainties that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest and penalties. Income taxes paid, net of refunds received, were $2.3 billion, $208 million, and $90 million in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. Interest paid was not material in any of the years presented. See Note 16—“Income Taxes” for additional information. |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition. Revenue is generated from offerings, which include clicks on text-based links to advertisers’ Websites that appear primarily on search results pages (“search advertising”), the display of graphical and non-graphical advertisements (“display advertising”), and other sources. For revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables, the consideration is allocated based on the relative selling price for each deliverable. The selling price for each arrangement deliverable can be established based on vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) or third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available. An estimate of selling price is used if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. |
| The Company recognizes revenue from search advertising on Yahoo Properties and Affiliate sites. Search revenue is recognized based on Paid Clicks. A Paid Click occurs when an end-user clicks on a sponsored listing on Yahoo Properties and Affiliate sites for which an advertiser pays on a per click basis. The Company’s Search Agreement with Microsoft provides for Microsoft to be the exclusive algorithmic and paid search services provider on Yahoo Properties on desktop computers and non-exclusive provider of such services on Affiliate sites and for mobile devices. In transitioned markets, the Company is entitled to receive 88 percent of the revenue generated from Microsoft’s services on Yahoo Properties (the “Revenue Share Rate”) and the Company is also entitled to receive 88 percent of the revenue generated from Microsoft’s services on Affiliate sites after the Affiliate’s share of revenue. As the Company is not the primary obligor in the arrangement with the advertisers and publishers, the amounts paid to Affiliates are recorded as a reduction of revenue. See Note 19—“Search Agreement with Microsoft Corporation” for a description of the Search Agreement with Microsoft. |
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| In non-transitioned markets during 2012 and 2013, the Company paid Affiliates TAC for the revenue generated from the search advertisements on the Affiliates’ Websites. The revenue derived from these arrangements was reported on a gross basis (before deducting the TAC paid to Affiliates, which is recorded as cost of revenue—TAC), as the Company continued to be the primary obligor to the advertisers. |
| The Company recognizes search revenue generated from mobile ads served through Yahoo Gemini from Yahoo Properties and Affiliate sites. The search revenue generated from mobile ads served through Yahoo Gemini that involve traffic supplied by Affiliates is reported gross of the TAC paid to Affiliates (reported as cost of revenue—TAC) as the Company performs the search service. Accordingly, the Company is considered the primary obligor to the advertisers who are the customers of the search advertising service. The Company also generates search revenue from a revenue sharing arrangement with Yahoo Japan for search technology and services and records the related revenue as reported. |
| The Company recognizes revenue from display advertising on Yahoo Properties and Affiliate sites as impressions of or clicks on display advertisements are delivered. Impressions are delivered when a sold advertisement appears in pages viewed by users. Clicks are delivered when a user clicks on a native advertisement. Arrangements for these services generally have terms of up to one year and in some cases the terms may be up to three years. For display advertising on Affiliate sites, the Company pays Affiliates for the revenue generated from the display of these advertisements on the Affiliate sites. Traffic acquisition costs (“TAC”) are payments made to third-party entities that have integrated the Company’s advertising offerings into their Websites or other offerings and payments made to companies that direct consumer and business traffic to Yahoo Properties. The display revenue derived from these arrangements that involve traffic supplied by Affiliates is reported gross of the TAC paid to Affiliates (reported as cost of revenue—TAC) when the Company is the primary obligor to the advertisers who are the customers of the display advertising service. |
| From time-to-time, the Company may offer customized display advertising solutions to advertisers. These customized display advertising solutions combine the Company’s standard display advertising with customized content, customer insights, and campaign analysis which are separate units of accounting. Due to the unique nature of these products, the Company may not be able to establish selling prices based on historical stand-alone sales or third-party evidence; therefore, the Company may use its best estimate to establish selling prices. The Company establishes best estimates within a range of selling prices considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, class of advertiser, size of transaction, seasonality, margin objectives, observed pricing trends, available online inventory, industry pricing strategies, and market conditions. The Company believes the use of the best estimates of selling price allows revenue recognition in a manner consistent with the underlying economics of the transaction. |
| Other revenue includes listings-based services revenue, transaction revenue, royalties, and fees revenue. Listings-based services revenue is generated from a variety of consumer and business listings-based services, including classified advertising such as Yahoo Local and other services. The Company recognizes listings-based services revenue when the services are performed. Transaction revenue is generated from facilitating commercial transactions through Yahoo Properties, principally from Yahoo Small Business, Yahoo Travel, and Yahoo Shopping. The Company recognizes transaction revenue when there is evidence that qualifying transactions have occurred. We also receive royalties from Yahoo Japan and Alibaba Group that are recognized when earned. Fees revenue consists of revenue generated from a variety of consumer and business fee-based services as well as services for small businesses. The Company recognizes fees revenue when the services are performed. |
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| In all cases, revenue is recognized only when the price is fixed or determinable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the service is performed, and collectability of the related fee is reasonably assured. The Company’s arrangements generally do not include a provision for cancellation, termination, or refunds that would significantly impact revenue recognition. |
| The Company accounts for cash consideration given to customers, for which it does not receive a separately identifiable benefit and cannot reasonably estimate fair value, as a reduction of revenue. |
| Current deferred revenue is comprised of contractual billings in excess of recognized revenue and payments received in advance of revenue recognition. Long-term deferred revenue includes amounts received for which revenue will not be earned within the next 12 months. |
| Cost of revenue-TAC | Cost of revenue—TAC. TAC consists of payments made to third parties that have integrated the Company’s advertising offerings into their Websites or other offerings and payments made to companies that direct consumer and business traffic to Yahoo Properties. TAC is either recorded as a reduction of revenue or cost of revenue. TAC recorded as a reduction of revenue is related to the Microsoft arrangement. TAC recorded as cost of revenue—TAC relates to the Company’s other offerings. The Company enters into Affiliate agreements of varying duration that involve TAC. There are generally two economic structures of the Affiliate agreements: fixed payments with or without a guaranteed minimum amount of traffic delivered or variable payments based on a percentage of the Company’s revenue or based on a certain metric, such as the number of searches or paid clicks. The Company expenses TAC under two different methods. Agreements with fixed payments are expensed ratably over the term the fixed payment covers or as the traffic is delivered. Agreements based on a percentage of revenue, number of searches, or other metrics are expensed based on the volume of the underlying activity or revenue multiplied by the agreed-upon price or rate. |
| Cost of revenue-other | Cost of revenue—other. Cost of revenue-other consists of bandwidth costs, stock-based compensation, content, and other expenses associated with the production and usage of Yahoo Properties, including amortization of developed technology and patents. Cost of revenue—other also includes costs for Yahoo’s technology platforms and infrastructure, including depreciation expense of facilities and other operating costs, directly related to revenue generating activities. |
| Amortization of Intangibles | Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization of customer, affiliate, and advertiser-related relationships and tradenames, trademarks and domain names are classified within amortization of intangibles. Amortization of developed technology and patents is included in cost of revenue—other. |
| Product Development | Product Development. Product development expenses consist primarily of compensation-related expenses (including stock-based compensation expense) incurred for research and development, the development of, enhancements to, and maintenance and operation of Yahoo Properties, advertising products, technology platforms, and infrastructure. Depreciation expense, third-party technology and development expense, and other operating costs are also included in product development. |
| Advertising Costs | Advertising Costs. Advertising production costs are recorded as expense the first time an advertisement appears. Costs of advertising are recorded as expense as advertising space or airtime is used. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense totaled approximately $103 million, $128 million, and $142 million for 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. |
| Restructuring Charges | Restructuring Charges. The Company has developed and implemented restructuring initiatives to improve efficiencies across the organization, reduce operating expenses, and/or better align its resources to market conditions. As a result of these plans, the Company has recorded restructuring charges comprised principally of employee severance and associated termination costs related to the reduction of its workforce, the consolidation of certain real estate facilities and data centers, losses on subleases, and contract termination costs. The Company’s restructuring plans include one-time termination benefits as well as certain contractual termination benefits or employee terminations under ongoing benefit arrangements. One-time termination benefits are recognized as a liability at estimated fair value when the approved plan of termination has been communicated to employees, unless employees must provide future service, in which case the benefits are recognized ratably over the future service period. Ongoing termination benefits arrangements are recognized as a liability at estimated fair value when the amount of such benefits becomes estimable and payment is probable. Contract termination costs are recognized at estimated fair value when the entity terminates the contract in accordance with the contract terms |
| These restructuring initiatives require management to make estimates in several areas including: (i) expenses for severance and other employee separation costs; (ii) realizable values of assets made redundant, obsolete, or excessive; and (iii) the ability to generate sublease income and to terminate lease obligations at the estimated amounts. |
| Stock-Based Compensation Expense | Stock-Based Compensation Expense. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate and therefore only recognizes compensation costs for those shares expected to vest over the service period of the award. Stock-based awards are valued based on the grant date fair value of these awards; the Company records stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, generally one to four years. |
| Calculating stock-based compensation expense related to stock options requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected term of the stock options, stock price volatility, and the pre-vesting forfeiture rate of stock awards. The Company estimates the expected life of options granted based on historical exercise patterns, which the Company believes are representative of future behavior. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock on the date of grant based on the implied volatility of publicly traded options on its common stock, with a term of one year or greater. The Company believes that implied volatility calculated based on actively traded options on its common stock is a better indicator of expected volatility and future stock price trends than historical volatility. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based awards represent the Company’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company uses different assumptions, the Company’s stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, the Company is required to estimate the expected pre-vesting award forfeiture rate, as well as the probability that performance conditions that affect the vesting of certain awards will be achieved, and only recognizes expense for those shares expected to vest. The Company estimates the forfeiture rate based on historical experience of the Company’s stock-based awards that are granted and cancelled before vesting. See Note 14—“Employee Benefits” for additional information. |
| The Company uses the “with and without” approach in determining the order in which tax attributes are utilized. As a result, the Company recognizes a tax benefit from stock-based awards in additional paid-in capital only if an incremental tax benefit is realized after all other tax attributes currently available to the Company have been utilized. When tax deductions from stock-based awards are less than the cumulative book compensation expense, the tax effect of the resulting difference (“shortfall”) is charged first to additional paid-in capital, to the extent of the Company’s pool of windfall tax benefits, with any remainder recognized in income tax expense. The Company determined that it had a sufficient windfall pool available through the end of 2014 to absorb any shortfalls. In addition, the Company accounts for the indirect effects of stock-based awards on other tax attributes, such as the research tax credit, through the consolidated statements of income. |
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, “Reporting of Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” which provides a narrower definition of discontinued operations than under existing U.S. GAAP. ASU 2014-08 requires that only a disposal of a component of an entity, or a group of components of an entity, that represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the reporting entity’s operations and financial results should be reported in the financial statements as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 also provides guidance on the financial statement presentations and disclosures of discontinued operations. The amendments in ASU 2014-08 are effective for all disposals of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015, with early application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. |
| In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early application not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. |
