Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of 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. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to the grant date fair value of equity awards, the fair value of warrants to purchase shares of its Class A Common Stock, the fair value of the Class B Common Stock, the useful lives of property and equipment, the fair value of the Company’s membership units, the fair value of redeemable preferred units, and the fair value of the Company’s debt, among others. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash on deposit with multiple financial institutions. The balances of these cash accounts frequently exceed insured limits. There were no accounts receivable at December 31, 2016 and the balance of accounts receivable at December 31, 2015 was not significant. Two customers represented 100% of the revenue earned during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Three customers represented 98% of the revenue during the year ended December 31, 2014. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers any highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Collaboration Revenue and Accounts Receivable The majority of the Company’s collaboration revenue and accounts receivable is related to an exclusive global license agreement (the “License Agreement”) which the Company entered into on March 6, 2015 with Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (“Calithera”), granting Calithera exclusive world-wide rights to research, develop and commercialize the Company’s portfolio of hexokinase II inhibitors. Under the terms of the License Agreement, Calithera paid the Company an initial license fee of $0.6 million and may in the future pay potential development and regulatory milestone payments totaling up to $30.5 million for the first licensed product, an additional $77.0 million in potential sales-based milestones, as well as royalty payments, based on tiered sales of the first commercialized licensed product. In addition, Calithera agreed to fund up to $1.1 million during the first 12 months of the License Agreement for the costs associated with up to four full-time employees for the Company to develop additional hexokinase inhibitors under which the Company has recognized a total of $0.3 million from the inception of the contract through December 31, 2016. If Calithera develops additional licensed products, after achieving regulatory approval of the first licensed product, Calithera would owe additional regulatory milestone payments and additional royalty payments based on sales of such additional licensed products. Accounts receivable are stated at net realizable value. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance based on its history of collections and write-offs and the current status of all receivables. Property and Equipment and other Long-lived Assets The Company records property and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs of renewals and improvements that extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is determined on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the term of the related lease. Upon retirement or disposition of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gains or losses, if any, reflected in results of operations. The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows: Asset Category Useful Life (in years) Laboratory equipment 7 Computers and hardware 3-5 Furniture and office equipment 3-7 Software 3 Leasehold improvements Shorter of useful life or remaining term of lease The Company periodically assesses it property and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with the relevant accounting guidance. During 2014, the Company determined that certain of its land assets met the criteria for held-for-sale accounting treatment after making the decision to sell the property. Accordingly, the Company adjusted the carrying value of such assets to the amount of the expected proceeds less costs of disposal, which was lower than the original carrying value. One of these properties was sold during the year ended December 31, 2015 and the other properties were not assumed by the Company as part of the Reorganization Transactions. There were no assets held for sale at December 31, 2016 or 2015. Revenue Recognition The Company uses the revenue recognition guidance established by ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” The Company recognizes revenue when 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 2) the service has been provided to the customer; 3) collection of the fee is reasonably assured; and 4) the amount of the fee to be paid by the customer is fixed or determinable. In determining the accounting for collaboration and alliance agreements, the Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 605, Subtopic 25, “Multiple-Element Arrangements” (“ASC 605-25”) and ASC 808 (“Collaborative Arrangements”). ASC 605-25 provides guidance on whether an arrangement that involves multiple revenue-generating activities or deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting for revenue recognition purposes and, if division is required, how the arrangement consideration should be allocated among the separate units of accounting. If a deliverable has value on a stand-alone basis, the Company treats the deliverable as a separate unit of accounting. If the arrangement constitutes separate units of accounting according to the separation criteria of ASC 605-25, the consideration received is allocated among the separate units of accounting and the applicable revenue recognition criteria is applied to each unit. The Company determines how to allocate amounts received under agreements among the separate units based on the respective selling price of each unit. If the arrangement constitutes a single unit of accounting, the revenue recognition policy must be determined for the entire arrangement and the consideration received is recognized over the period of inception through the date the last deliverable within the single unit of accounting is expected to be delivered. Collaboration research and development revenue is earned and recognized as research is performed and related expenses are incurred. Non-refundable upfront fees are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized into revenue as license fees and milestones from collaborations on a straight-line basis over the estimated period of the Company’s substantive performance obligations. If the Company does not have substantive performance obligations, it recognizes non-refundable upfront fees into revenue ratably over the period during which the product deliverable is provided to the customer. Revenue for non-refundable payments based on the achievement of milestone events under collaborative arrangements is recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 605, Subtopic 28, “Milestone Method” (“ASC 605-28”). Milestone events under the Company’s collaboration agreements may include research, development, regulatory, commercialization, and sales events. Under ASC 605-28, a milestone payment is recognized as revenue when the applicable event is achieved if the event meets the definition of a milestone and the milestone is determined to be substantive. ASC 605-28 defines a milestone event as an event having all of the following characteristics: (1) substantive uncertainty regarding achievement of the milestone event exists at the inception of the arrangement; (2) the event can only be achieved based, in whole or in part, on either the Company’s performance or a specific outcome resulting from the Company’s performance; and (3) if achieved, the event will result in additional payment due to the Company. The Company also treats events that can only be achieved based, in whole or in part, on either a third party’s performance or a specific outcome resulting from a third party’s performance as milestone events if the criteria of ASC 605-28 are otherwise satisfied. Research and development costs that are reimbursable under collaboration agreements are recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 605, Subtopic 45, “Principal-Agent Considerations.” Amounts reimbursed under a cost-sharing arrangement are reflected as reductions of research and development expense. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. The hierarchy requires the Company to use observable inputs when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs, when determining fair value. The three tiers are defined as follows: • Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and • Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. Research and Development Major components of research and development costs include cash compensation, depreciation expense on research and development property and equipment, costs of preclinical studies, clinical trials and related clinical manufacturing, costs of drug development, costs of materials and supplies, facilities cost, overhead costs, regulatory and compliance costs, and fees paid to consultants and other entities that conduct certain research and development activities on the Company’s behalf. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company records accruals based on estimates of the services received, efforts expended and amounts owed pursuant to contracts with numerous contract research organizations. In the normal course of business, the Company contracts with third parties to perform various clinical study activities in the ongoing development of potential products. The financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation and variation from contract to contract and may result in uneven payment flows. Payments under the contracts depend on factors such as the achievement of certain events and the completion of portions of the clinical study or similar conditions. The objective of the Company’s accrual policy is to match the recording of expenses in its financial statements to the actual services received and efforts expended. As such, expense accruals related to clinical studies are recognized based on the Company’s estimate of the degree of completion of the event or events specified in the specific clinical study. The Company records nonrefundable advance payments it makes for future research and development activities as prepaid expenses. Prepaid expenses are recognized as expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the Company receives the related goods or services. Patent Costs Patent costs, including related legal costs, are expensed as incurred and recorded within general and administrative operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Income Taxes In connection with the IPO, vTv Therapeutics Inc. was formed. From August 1, 2015, vTv Therapeutics Inc. has been subject to corporate level income taxes. Prior to July 30, 2015, TTP and HPP were taxed as partnerships and all their income and deductions flowed through and were subject to tax at the partner level. As a result of the Reorganization Transactions, vTv Therapeutics Inc. acquired vTv Units and is required to recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the difference between the financial reporting and tax basis of its investment in vTv LLC. The Company’s income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. The Company is subject to income taxes in both the United States and various state jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events included in the financial statements. Under this method, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period in which the enactment date occurs. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent it believes these assets are more-likely-than-not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent results of operations. The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) it determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are included in the benefit (provision) for income taxes in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company has not incurred any significant interest or penalties related to income taxes in any of the periods presented. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units and Noncontrolling Interest The Company initially recorded the redeemable convertible preferred units of the Predecessors at their fair values at issuance, net of issuance costs. All of the redeemable convertible preferred units were presented outside of permanent members’ deficit as the units were redeemable at holders’ option at the greater of (a) such series’ liquidation value (i.e., the original cost for each unit of such series (as adjusted for any unit split, unit dividend or other similar events)) plus all declared and unpaid distributions on such series and (b) such series’ fair market value (plus all declared but unpaid distributions on such series). The Company’s policy is to record changes in the redemption value of the redeemable convertible preferred units immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying value to equal the redemption value at each reporting period. Similarly, the Company records the redeemable noncontrolling interest represented by the vTv Units and the Class B Common stock at the higher of (1) its initial fair value plus accumulated earnings/losses associated with the noncontrolling interest or (2) the redemption value as of the balance sheet date. See discussion and additional detail of the redeemable noncontrolling interest at Note 9. Segment and Geographic Information Operating segments are defined as an enterprise’s components (business activities from which it earns revenue and incurs expenses) for which discrete financial information is (1) available; and (2) is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s CODM is its President and Chief Executive Officer. The Company’s business operates in one reportable segment comprised of one operating segment. Share-Based Compensation Compensation expense for share-based compensation awards issued is based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant, and compensation expense is recognized for those awards earned over the service period. The grant date fair value of the awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula. Due to the lack of sufficient historical trading information with respect to its own shares, the Company estimates expected volatility based on a portfolio of selected stocks of companies believed to have market and economic characteristics similar to its own. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Due to a lack of historical exercise data, the Company estimates the expected life of its outstanding stock options using the simplified method specified under Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 14.D.2. The Company also estimates the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited based on historical employee turnover rates. Comprehensive Income The Company does not have any components of other comprehensive income recorded within its Consolidated Financial Statements, and, therefore, does not separately present a statement of comprehensive income in its Consolidated Financial Statements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers”, that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The ASU is based on the core principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict 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. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new standard. In addition, in March, April, and May 2016, the FASB issued final amendments to clarify the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations, identifying performance obligations and the accounting for licenses of intellectual property, and narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients, respectively. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”, which significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under GAAP and will require companies to reevaluate all previous consolidation conclusions. The Company adopted the provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this statement did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement”, (“ASU 2015-05”). The amendments in this update provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016 on a prospective basis for all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). The amendments in this update simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This ASU is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016 and did not retrospectively adjust prior period presentation. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as the Company’s deferred tax assets were already classified as non-current. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Lease (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”), which increases transparency and comparability among companies accounting for lease transactions. The most significant change of this update will require the recognition by a lessee of lease assets and liabilities on its balance sheet for operating lease arrangements with lease terms greater than 12 months. This update will require a modified retrospective application which includes a number of optional practical expedients related to the identification and classification of leases commenced before the effective date. This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 18, 2018. The adoption of this guidance will result in the recognition of additional assets and liabilities related to the Company’s operating leases within its Consolidated Balance Sheets. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”), which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance to determine the effect it will have on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. |