Summary of significant accounting policies | 2. Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of presentation and consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Emergent and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Reclassification The Company has reclassified amortization of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 from cost of product sales and contract manufacturing to amortization of intangible assets to conform to the current period presentation on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management continually re-evaluates its estimates, judgments and assumptions, and management’s evaluations could change. These estimates are sometimes complex, sensitive to changes in assumptions and require fair value determinations using Level 3 fair value measurements. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates. Estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include accounting for asset impairments, revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, inventory, depreciation and amortization, business combinations, stock-based compensation, income taxes, and other contingencies. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase and consist of time deposits and investments in money market funds with commercial banks and financial institutions. Also, the Company maintains cash balances with financial institutions in excess of insured limits. The Company does not anticipate any losses with such cash balances. Restricted cash includes cash that is not readily available for use in the Company's operating activities. Restricted cash is primarily comprised of cash pledged under letters of credit. Fair value measurements Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability, an exit price, in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value include: Level 1 — Observable inputs for identical assets or liabilities such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 — Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, which are therefore developed by the Company using estimates and assumptions that reflect those that a market participant would use. The Company measures and records contingent purchase consideration using level 3 fair value measurements in the accompanying financial statements. The carrying amounts of the Company's short-term financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. The carrying amounts of the Company’s long-term debt arrangements approximates their fair values due to variable interest rates which fluctuate with changes in market rates. Significant customers and accounts receivable Billed accounts receivable are stated at invoice amounts and consist primarily of amounts due from the USG, as well as amounts due under reimbursement contracts with other government entities and non-government organizations. If necessary, the Company records a provision for doubtful receivables to allow for amounts which may be unrecoverable. This provision is based upon an analysis of the Company's prior collection experience, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends. Unbilled accounts receivable relates to various service contracts for which work has been performed, though invoicing has not yet occurred. Concentrations Risk Customers The Company has long-term contracts with the USG that expire at various times from 2019 through 2027. The Company has derived a significant portion of its revenue from sales of BioThrax under contracts with the USG. The Company's current Centers for Disease Control ("CDC") contract does not necessarily increase the likelihood that it will secure future comparable contracts with the USG. The Company expects that a significant portion of the business will continue to be under government contracts that present a number of risks that are not typically present in the commercial contracting process. USG contracts for BioThrax are subject to unilateral termination or modification by the government. The Company may fail to achieve significant sales of BioThrax to customers in addition to the USG, which would harm its growth opportunities. The Company may not be able to manufacture BioThrax consistently in accordance with FDA specifications. Although the Company seeks expand its customer base and to renew its agreements with its customers prior to expiration of a contract, a delay in securing a renewal or a failure to secure a renewal or a renewal on less favorable terms may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s trade receivables do not represent a significant concentration of credit risk. The USG accounted for more than 76%, 78% and 86% of total consolidated revenues for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and more than 76% and 89% of total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Because accounts receivable consists primarily of amounts due from the USG for product sales and from government agencies under government grants and development contracts, management does not deem the credit risk to be significant. Financial Institutions Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. The Company has deposits held with banks that exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear minimal credit risk. Lender Counterparties There is a risk that the counterparties associated with the Company’s revolving credit facility will not be available to fund as obligated under the terms of the facility and that the Company may, at the time of such unavailability to fund. If funding under the revolving credit facility is unavailable, the Company may have to acquire a replacement credit facility from different counterparties at a higher cost or may be unable to find a suitable replacement. Typically, the Company seeks to manage such risks from its revolving credit facility by contracting with experienced large financial institutions and monitoring the credit quality of its lenders. As of December 31, 2018, the Company did not anticipate nonperformance by any of its counterparties. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost being determined using a standard cost method, which approximates average cost. Average cost consists primarily of material, labor and manufacturing overhead expenses (including fixed production-overhead costs) and includes the services and products of third-party suppliers. The Company analyzes its inventory levels quarterly and writes down, in the applicable period, inventory that has become obsolete, inventory that has a cost basis in excess of its expected net realizable value and inventory in excess of expected customer demand. The Company also writes off, in the applicable period, the costs related to expired inventory. Costs of purchased inventories are recorded using weighted-average costing. The Company determines normal capacity for each production facility and allocates fixed production-overhead costs on that basis. The Company records inventory acquired in business acquisitions utilizing the comparative sales method, which estimates the expected sales price reduced for all costs expected to be incurred to complete/dispose of the inventory with a profit on those costs. Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairments. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Buildings 31-39 years Building improvements 10-39 years Furniture and equipment 3-15 years Software 3-7 years or product life Leasehold improvements Lesser of the asset life or lease term Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to operations. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes internal-use software when both (a) the software is internally developed, acquired, or modified solely to meet the entity’s internal needs and (b) during the software’s development or modification, no substantive plan either exists or is being developed to market the software externally. Capitalization of qualifying internal-use software costs begins when the preliminary project stage is completed, management with the relevant authority, implicitly or explicitly, authorizes and commits to the funding of the software project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. The Company determines the fair value of the property, plant and equipment acquired in a business combination utilizing either the cost approach or the sales comparison approach. The cost approach is determined by establishing replacement cost of the asset and then subtracting any value that has been lost due to economic obsolescence, functional obsolescence, or physical deterioration. The sales comparison approach determines an asset is equal to the market price of an asset of comparable features such as design, location, size, construction, materials, use, capacity, specification, operational characteristics and other features or descriptions. Income taxes Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss and research and development tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred income tax effects of transactions reported in different periods for financial reporting and income tax return purposes are recognized under the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences of the deferred income tax items and immediately recognizes changes in income tax laws in the year of enactment. On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”). Further information on the tax impacts of the Tax Reform Act is included in Note 12 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company's ability to realize deferred tax assets depends upon future taxable income as well as the limitations discussed below. For financial reporting purposes, a deferred tax asset must be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized prior to expiration. The Company considers future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for valuation allowances. In general, if the Company determines that it is more likely than not to realize more than the recorded amounts of net deferred tax assets in the future, the Company will reverse all or a portion of the valuation allowance established against its deferred tax assets, resulting in a decrease to the provision for income taxes in the period in which the determination is made. Likewise, if the Company determines that it is not more likely than not to realize all or part of the net deferred tax asset in the future, the Company will establish a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, with an offsetting increase to the provision for income taxes, in the period in which the determination is made. Under sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code, if an ownership change occurs with respect to a "loss corporation", as defined therein, there are annual limitations on the amount of net operating losses and deductions that are available. The Company has recognized the portion of net operating losses and research and development tax credits acquired that will not be limited and are more likely than not to be realized. Because tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations, significant judgment is required. As a result, the Company makes certain estimates and assumptions, in (1) calculating the Company's income tax expense, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, (2) determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets and (3) evaluating the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, as well as the interest and penalties related to such uncertain tax positions. The Company's estimates and assumptions may differ significantly from tax benefits ultimately realized. Acquisitions In determining whether an acquisition is a business combination versus an asset acquisition, the accounting guidance requires an entity to first evaluate whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If that threshold is met, the set of assets and activities is not a business and therefore treated as an asset acquisition. If that threshold is not met, the entity evaluates whether the set meets the definition of a business. If an acquired asset or asset group does not meet the definition of a business, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. Otherwise, the acquisition is treated as a business combination. In a business combination, the acquisition method of accounting requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded as of the date of the merger or acquisition at their respective fair values with limited exceptions and generally use Level 3 fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Accordingly, the Company may be required to value assets at fair values that do not reflect the Company's intended use of those assets. Any excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements after the date of the merger or acquisition. If the Company determines the assets acquired do not meet the definition of a business under the acquisition method of accounting, the transaction will be accounted for as an asset acquisition and recorded at cost rather than a business combination and, therefore, no goodwill will be recorded. The fair values of intangible assets, including acquired in-process research and development ("IPR&D"), are determined utilizing information available at or near the merger or acquisition date based on expectations and assumptions that are deemed reasonable by management. Given the considerable judgment involved in determining fair values, the Company typically obtains assistance from third-party valuation specialists for significant items. Amounts allocated to acquired IPR&D are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets. Upon successful completion of each project, the Company will make a separate determination as to the remaining useful life of the asset and begin amortization. The judgments made in determining estimated fair values assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, as well as asset lives, can materially affect the Company’s results of operations. The fair values of identifiable intangible assets related to current products and product rights are primarily determined by using an income approach through which fair value is estimated based on each asset’s discounted projected net cash flows. The Company's estimates of market participant net cash flows consider historical and projected pricing, margins and expense levels, the performance of competing products where applicable, relevant industry and therapeutic area growth drivers and factors, current and expected trends in technology and product life cycles, the time and investment that will be required to develop products and technologies, the ability to obtain marketing and regulatory approvals, the ability to manufacture and commercialize the products, the extent and timing of potential new product introductions by the Company’s competitors, and the life of each asset’s underlying patent, if any. The net cash flows are then probability-adjusted where appropriate to consider the uncertainties associated with the underlying assumptions, as well as the risk profile of the net cash flows utilized in the valuation. The probability-adjusted future net cash flows of each product are then discounted to present value utilizing an appropriate discount rate. The fair values of identifiable intangible assets related to IPR&D are determined using an income approach, through which fair value is estimated based on each asset’s probability-adjusted future net cash flows, which reflect the different stages of development of each product and the associated probability of successful completion. The net cash flows are then discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are recognized at fair value if fair value can reasonably be estimated. If the acquisition date fair value of an asset acquired or liability assumed that arises from a contingency cannot be determined, the asset or liability is recognized if probable and reasonably estimable; if these criteria are not met, no asset or liability is recognized. Asset Impairment Analysis Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Goodwill is allocated to the Company's reporting units, which are one level below its operating segment. The Company evaluates goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of October 1 and earlier if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not recover the carrying value of the asset. If the Company believes that as a result of its qualitative assessment it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or other indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is not required. If however it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or other indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, a quantitative test is required. The quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed using a two-step process. The first step of the process is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired and the second step of the quantitative impairment test is not necessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test is required to be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. In other words, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit’s identifiable net assets excluding goodwill is compared to the fair value of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Following a qualitative assessment indicating that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible asset exceeds its carrying amount, impairment of other intangible assets not subject to amortization involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Determining fair value requires the exercise of judgment about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The Company used a qualitative assessment for our goodwill impairment testing for 2018 and 2017. The qualitative evaluation completed during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 indicated no impairment losses. The Company did not have material indefinite lived intangible assets until its acquisitions which were completed in the fourth quarter of 2018. Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets such as intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are not required to be tested for impairment annually. Instead, long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, such as when the disposal of such assets is likely or there is an adverse change in the market involving the business employing the related assets. If an impairment analysis is required, the impairment test employed is based on whether the Company’s intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. If the intent is to hold the asset for continued use, the impairment test first requires a comparison of undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset would not be deemed to be recoverable. Impairment would then be measured as the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. Fair value is typically determined by discounting the future cash flows associated with that asset. If the intent is to hold the asset for sale and certain other criteria are met, the impairment test involves comparing the asset’s carrying value to its fair value less costs to sell. To the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset’s fair value less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the difference. Significant judgments used for long-lived asset impairment assessments include identifying the appropriate asset groupings and primary assets within those groupings, determining whether events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, determining the future cash flows for the assets involved and assumptions applied in determining fair value, which include, reasonable discount rates, growth rates, market risk premiums and other assumptions about the economic environment. Contingent Consideration The Company records contingent consideration associated with sales-based royalties, sales-based milestones and development and regulatory milestones at fair value. The fair value model used to calculate this obligation is based on the income approach (a discounted cash flow model) that has been risk adjusted based on the probability of achievement of net sales and achievement of the milestones. The inputs the Company uses for determining the fair value of the contingent consideration associated with sales-based royalties, sales-based milestones and development and regulatory milestones are Level 3 fair value measurements. The Company re-evaluates the fair value on a quarterly basis. Changes in the fair value can result from adjustments to the discount rates and updates in the assumed timing of or achievement of net sales and/or the achievement of development and regulatory milestones. Any future increase in the fair value of the contingent consideration associated with sales-based royalties and sales-based milestones along with development and regulatory milestones are based on an increased likelihood that the underlying net sales or milestones will be achieved. The associated payment or payments which will become due and payable for sales-based royalties and sales-based milestones associated with products will result in a charge to cost of product sales and contract manufacturing in the period in which the increase is determined. Similarly, any future decrease in the fair value of contingent consideration associated with sales-based royalties and sales-based milestones will result in a reduction in cost of product sales and contract manufacturing. The changes in fair value for potential future sales-based royalties associated with product candidates in development will result in a charge to selling, general and administrative expense in the period in which the increase is determined. Similarly, any future decrease in the fair value of contingent consideration associated with potential future sales-based royalties for products candidates will result in a reduction in selling, general and administrative expense. The associated payment or payments which will become due and payable for development and regulatory milestones will result in a charge to research and development expense in the period in which the increase is determined. Similarly, any future decrease in the fair value for development and regulatory milestones will result in a reduction in research and development expense. Revenue recognition On January 1, 2018 the Company adopted ASC topic 606 using the modified retrospective approach applied to those contracts in effect as of January 1, 2018. Under this transition method, results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with historical accounting under Topic 605. See further discussion of the adoption of Topic 606, including the impact to our 2018 financial statements within the recently issued accounting standards section below. The Company recognizes revenue when the Company's customers obtain control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services by analyzing the following five steps: (1) identify the contract with a customer(s); (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. To indicate the transfer of control for the Company’s product sales and contract manufacturing services, it must have a present right to payment, legal title must have passed to the customer, and the customer must have the significant risks and rewards of ownership. Revenue for long-term development contracts is generally recognized based upon the cost-to-cost measure of progress, provided that the Company meets the criteria associated with transferring control of the good or service over time. Multiple performance obligations A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct product or service to a customer and is the unit of account under ASC 606. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis using the Company’s best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct product or service in the contract. The primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the price observed in standalone sales to customers, however when prices in standalone sales are not available the Company may use third-party pricing for similar products or services or estimate the standalone selling price. Allocation of the transaction price is determined at the contracts’ inception. Transaction price and variable consideration Once the performance obligations in the contract have been identified, the Company estimates the transaction price of the contract. The estimate includes amounts that are fixed as well as those that can vary based on expected outcomes of the activities or contractual terms. The Company's variable consideration includes for example consideration transferred under its development contracts with the USG as consideration received can vary based on developmental progression of the product candidate(s). When a contract's transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company evaluates the estimate of the variable consideration to determine whether the estimate needs to be constrained; therefore, the Company includes the variable consideration in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Variable consideration estimates are updated at each reporting date. There were no constraints or material changes to the Company's variable consideration estimates as of or during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. Contract financing In determining the transaction price, the Company adjusts the promised amount of consideration for the effects of the time value of money if the timing of payments agreed to by the parties to the contract (either explicitly or implicitly) provides the customer with a significant benefit of financing the transfer of goods or services to the customer, which is called a significant financing component. The Company does not adjust transaction price for the effects of a significant financing component when the period between the transfer of the promised good or service to the customer and payment for that good or service by the customer is expected to be one year or less. Product sales CBRNE The Company's CBRNE The transaction price for product sales are based on a cost build-up model with a mark-up. For our product sales, we recognize revenue at a "point in time" when the Company’s performance obligations have been satisfied and control of the products transfer to the customer. This “point in time” depends on several factors, including delivery, transfer of legal title, transition of risk and rewards of the product to the customer and the Company's right to payment. The USG contracts for the sale of the Company's CBRNE products also include certain acceptance criteria before title passes to the USG. Travelers' diseases and Opioids The Company's travelers' disease and opioid products are as follows: Vivotif, Vaxchora and NARCAN ® Nasal Spray Provisions for returns, specialty distributor fees, wholesaler fees, government rebates and rebates under managed care plans are included within current liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Provisions for chargebacks and prompt payment discounts are shown as a reductio |