Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VIZIO and all subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The functional currency of most of the foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. The accounts of these remaining foreign subsidiaries have been translated using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. Gains or losses resulting from remeasurement of these accounts from local currencies into U.S. dollars were immaterial to the consolidated financial statements. Financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is the local currency are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and the transaction date exchange rate for statements of operations items. Currency translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity. Reclassifications The Company has reclassified certain amounts relating to its prior period results. In 2021, the Company reclassified research and development costs from Selling, general and administrative. Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns, reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, accrued price protection and rebates, accrued royalties, share-based compensation, intellectual property and related intangible assets, valuation of deferred tax assets and other contingencies. Supplier and customer concentrations also increase the degree of uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions. (b) Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid financial instruments with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less when purchased are presented as cash equivalents. (c) Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable consist of amounts due to VIZIO from sales arrangements executed under normal business activities and are recorded at invoiced amounts which is the amount VIZIO expects to be entitled to receive. The Company presents the aggregate accounts receivable balance net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and extends credit to its customers and mitigates a portion of the Company’s credit risk through credit insurance. Generally, collateral or other security is not required for outstanding accounts receivable. Credit losses, if any, are recognized based on management’s evaluation of the aging of accounts receivable, assessment of collectibility, retailer-specific financial conditions as well as an evaluation of current industry trends and general economic conditions. Past-due balances are assessed by management on a monthly basis and balances are written off when the customer’s financial condition no longer warrants pursuit of collections. Although VIZIO expects to collect amounts due, actual collections may differ from estimated amounts. (d) Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially create significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable and cash in banks. The Company maintains its cash balances at various financial institutions. At times, such balances may exceed federally insured limits. No losses have been experienced in any such accounts. (e) Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. Inventories are reviewed for excess and obsolescence based upon demand forecasts for a specific time horizon. The Company records a charge to cost of sales for the amount required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value. For inventories related to certain manufacturers, VIZIO may be contractually required to purchase this inventory if the product is (i) requested by VIZIO, (ii) received at the manufacturers’ warehouse on an agreed-upon receipt date, and (iii) remains unsold after a predetermined period, which generally exceeds 30 to 45 days. (f) Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment, if applicable. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based upon the following estimated useful lives: Years Buildings 39 Machinery and equipment 5 Furniture and fixtures 7 Computer and software 3 Automobiles 5 Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the assets. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized Software Development Costs The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with creating and enhancing internally developed software related to the Company’s technology infrastructure and records these amounts within property and equipment, net. These costs include personnel and related employee benefit expenses for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to software development projects and contractor costs. Software development costs that do not qualify for capitalization are expensed as incurred and recorded as selling, general and administrative or research and development expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Software development activities typically consist of three stages: (1) the preliminary project stage; (2) the application development stage; and (3) the post implementation stage. Costs incurred in the planning and post implementation phases, including costs associated with training and repairs and maintenance, are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes costs associated with software developed when the preliminary project stage is completed, management implicitly or explicitly authorizes and commits to funding the project and it is probable that the project will be completed and perform as intended. Costs incurred in the application development stage, including significant enhancements and upgrades, are capitalized. Capitalization ends once a project is substantially complete and the software is ready for its intended purpose. Software development costs are amortized using a straight-line method over the estimated useful life, commencing when the software is ready for its intended use. The straight-line recognition method approximates the manner in which the expected benefit will be derived. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company capitalized software development costs of $2.2 million, $3.1 million, and $3.8 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 amortization of capitalized software development costs was $2.8 million, $3.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively, and are recorded in costs of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. (g) 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 at least annually for impairment as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist during the fiscal year. Events or circumstances which could trigger an impairment review include a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, loss of key customers, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant changes in the manner of the Company’s use of the acquired assets or the strategy for its overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends, or significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future results of operations. The Company assessed the conclusion regarding segments and reporting units in conjunction with its annual goodwill impairment test, which is performed on December 31, and has determined that it has one reporting unit for the purposes of allocating and testing goodwill. All of the Company’s goodwill is attributable to the Platform+ reporting unit. When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment. If the Company determines it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than the carrying amount, then a one-step impairment test is required. If the Company determines it is not more likely than not a reporting unit’s fair value is less than the carrying amount, then no further analysis is necessary. To identify whether impairment exists, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. If, however, the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then such balance would be recorded as an impairment loss. Any impairment loss is limited to the carrying amount of goodwill within the entity. There has been no impairment of goodwill for any periods presented. (h) Leases Under ASC 842, the Company determines whether an arrangement is a lease at contract inception. Operating leases right-of-use assets are included in other current assets and other assets, and lease liabilities are included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease charges are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components for all underlying asset classes. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate, it estimates the incremental borrowing rate, using the formula for the interest rate on the Company’s collateralized borrowing at the point in time of lease start or the adoption date (whichever is later), to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement. The Company determines the incremental borrowing rate for each lease based primarily on the lease term and the economic environment of the applicable country or region. The operating lease right-of-use asset also includes any prepaid lease payments and is reduced by existing lease incentive balances upon adoption. The Company does not include the cost of lease extensions in the right-of-use asset until it is reasonably certain such an option will be executed, and the cost can be determined. The Company recognizes lease expense for lease payments over the lease term, while variable lease payments, such as common area maintenance, are recognized as incurred. The Company elected the practical expedient to not recognize operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities that arise from short-term leases (i.e., leases with a term of 12 months or less). (i) Revenue Recognition The Company derives revenue primarily from the sale of televisions and sound bars, advertising and data services. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s retailers, in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company applies a five-step approach as defined in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identifying the contract with a customer; (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognizing revenue when the corresponding performance obligation is satisfied. The Company sells products to certain retailers under terms that allow them to receive price protection on future price reductions and may provide for limited rights of return, discounts and advertising credits. Device Revenue Each distinct promise to transfer products is considered to be an identified performance obligation for which revenue is recognized at a point in time upon transfer of control of the products to the retailer. Transfer of control occurs upon shipment or delivery to the retailer. Point in time recognition is determined as products to be sold represent an asset with an alternative use. Warranty returns have not been material, and warranty-related services are not considered a separate performance obligation. Pricing adjustments and estimates of returns are treated as variable consideration for purposes of determining the transaction price. Sales returns are generally accepted at the Company’s discretion. Variable consideration is estimated using the most likely amount considering all reasonably available information, including the Company’s historical experience and current expectations, and is reflected in the transaction price when sales are recorded. Revenue recorded excludes taxes collected on sales to retailers. Accounts receivable represents the unconditional right to receive consideration from retailers. Substantially all payments are collected within the Company’s standard terms, which do not include a significant financing component. There have been no material impairment losses on accounts receivable in any of the periods presented. There have been no material contract assets or contract liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheet in any of the periods presented. All of the Company’s products are directly shipped by vessel from manufacturers to third-party logistics and distribution centers in the United States. Generally, the Company ships the product to its retailers with freight carriers contracted by the Company. Shipping terms on sales of products are generally FOB destination but may vary depending upon the related contractual arrangement with the retailers. Amounts billed to retailers for shipping and handling costs are included in net revenue. Platform+ Revenue The Company generates Platform+ revenue through sales of advertising and related services, content distribution, subscription and transaction revenue shares, promotions, sales of branded channel buttons on remote controls and data licensing arrangements. The Company’s digital ad inventory consists of inventory on WatchFree+ and its home screen along with ad inventory it obtains through its content provider and other third-party application agreements. The Company also re-sells video inventory that it purchases from content publishers and directly sells third-party inventory on a revenue share or cost-per-thousand (“CPM”) basis. Revenue for advertising and related services is primarily generated by the sale of video and display advertising. Advertising is sold directly on a CPM basis and is evidenced by an Insertion Order, (“IO”). The Company recognizes revenue as the number of impressions is measured and delivered, up to the amount identified in the IO. An IO may include multiple performance obligations to the extent it contains distinct advertising products or services. Advertising inventory may also be sold programmatically by which net revenues generated by the Company’s supply-side platforms are recognized. The Company recognizes revenue for advertising and related services on either a gross or net basis based on its determination as to whether it is acting as the principal in the revenue generation process or as an agent. Subscription and transaction revenue is generated through revenue share agreements with content providers. These revenue share agreements generally apply to new subscriptions for accounts that sign up for new services or to purchases or rentals through the Company’s SmartCast operating system. The Company recognizes revenue on a net basis as it is deemed to be the agent between content publishers and consumers. The Company sells content publishers placements of buttons on its remote controls that provide one-touch access to a third-party applications’ content. The Company typically receives a fixed fee per button for each Device or individually packaged remote unit sold over a defined distribution period. The Company’s only performance obligations for these arrangements are placement of the app button on the remote and delivery of the TV and remote to the retailer. Revenue is recognized at the point in time which transfer of title to the retailer occurs. For revenue from data licensing agreements with customers, each promise to transfer an individual data license in the contract also is separately identifiable; the individual data licenses do not, together, constitute a single overall promise to the customer. Each distinct license of data has substantial standalone functionality at the point in time they are transferred to the customer because the data can be utilized and processed in accordance with the rights provided in the contract without any further participation by the Company. Therefore, each distinct data license is a right to use the Company’s functional intellectual property. Control of each distinct data license transfers when it is uploaded or delivered to the customer. Data is delivered at least on a monthly basis during the data delivery phase of the contract. The transaction price for data services revenue includes both fixed and variable consideration. The fixed consideration within the customer contract is allocated to each performance obligation as the performance obligations are satisfied. The performance obligations are satisfied over time during the data delivery period. Revenue for the fixed consideration is recognized ratably beginning upon the first delivery of data throughout the remainder of the contract. Variable consideration is recorded when it is earned in accordance with the sales or usage-based royalty exception. The revenue recognized from the contract liabilities consisted of the Company satisfying performance obligations during the normal course of business. The Company did not identify nor record material contract assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Additionally, no costs associated with obtaining contracts with customers were capitalized, nor any costs associated with fulfilling its contracts. All costs to obtain contracts were expensed as incurred as a practical expedient. (j) Shipping and Handling Costs All shipping and handling costs related to purchases of inventory are included in the purchase price of each product negotiated with the manufacturer and recorded in inventory and classified in cost of goods sold. All shipping and handling costs charged to customers are treated as fulfillment costs and are presented within cost of goods sold. (k) Recycling Costs The Company incurs recycling costs in order to comply with electronic waste recycling programs within certain states. These fees are assessed by the states using current market share and actual costs incurred on administration of such programs and are expensed as incurred. Recycling costs were $7.9 million, $9.3 million, and $10.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are recorded in cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. (l) Customer Allowances The Company periodically grants certain sales discounts and incentives to customers, such as rebates and price protection, which are treated as variable consideration for purposes of determining the transaction price. In certain instances, the Company will, in turn, negotiate with its manufacturers for reimbursement of a portion of the incentives so that the manufacturers are responsible for absorbing some of the rebates and price protection. The Company’s procedures for estimating customer allowances recorded as a reduction of revenue are based upon historical experience, as adjusted for the current environment, and management judgment. Customer allowances are accrued for when the related product sale is recognized. The accrued customer allowances are presented on the consolidated balance sheets in accrued expenses and recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as a reduction of net revenue. The Company offers sales incentives through various programs, consisting primarily of discounts, cooperative advertising and market development fund programs. The Company records cooperative advertising and market development fund programs with customers as a reduction to revenue unless the Company receives a distinct benefit in exchange for credits claimed by the customer and can reasonably estimate the fair value of the benefit received. These arrangements are recorded as accrued liabilities. Cooperative advertising arrangements recorded as a reduction of net revenue totaled $3.1 million, $6.6 million and $14.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (m) Selling, general and administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel related costs for employees, including salaries, bonuses, benefits, and share-based compensation, as well as consulting expenses, fees for professional services, facilities and information technology. (n) Research and Development Costs Research and development expense consists primarily of employee-related costs, including salaries and bonuses, share-based compensation expense, and employee benefits costs, third-party contractor costs, and related allocated overhead costs. In certain cases, costs are incurred to purchase materials and equipment for future use in research and development efforts. These costs are capitalized and expensed as consumed. (o) Marketing Costs Marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising and marketing promotions of the Company’s brand and products, including media advertisement costs, merchandising and display costs, trade show and event costs, and sponsorship costs. (p) Product Warranty All products have a one (q) Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon examination. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. Valuation allowances are recorded against tax assets when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. Interest related to income taxes is recorded in other income, net and penalties are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense. The Company makes estimates, assumptions and judgments to determine its provision for income taxes and also for deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets. Actual future operating results and the underlying amount and type of income could differ materially from the Company’s estimates, assumptions and judgments thereby impacting its consolidated financial position and results of operations. (r)Net Income (Loss) Per Share The Company computes earnings per share (“EPS”) of Class A and Class B common stock using the two-class method for participating securities. Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of Class A and Class B common shares outstanding. Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to common stockholders adjusts the basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to common stockholders and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the potentially dilutive impact of RSUs and stock options using the treasury stock method. (s) Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation expense resulting from grants of employee stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and common stock warrants is recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on the respective grant date fair values of the awards. Stock option and warrant grant date fair values are estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The grant date fair value of the Company's RSUs is determined based on the fair value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost are reported as an operating cash flow. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. Under the Black-Scholes-Merton model, the determination of the grant date fair value of share-based awards is affected by the estimated fair value per share of our common stock as well as other subjective assumptions, including, but not limited to, the expected term of the share-based awards, expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rates, and expected dividend yields, which are estimated as follows: • Fair value per share of the Company’s common stock . Prior to the IPO in 2021, the Company was privately held with no active public market for its common stock. Given the absence of an active market for the Company’s common stock, the board of directors approves the fair value of the common stock at the time of grant for each share-based award based upon several factors, including consideration of input from management and contemporaneous third-party valuations. Each fair value estimate was based on a variety of factors, including the forecasted financial performance, prices, rights, preferences and privileges of the Company’s preferred stock relative to those of its common stock, pricing and timing of transactions in the Company’s equity, the lack of marketability of the common stock, actual operating and financial performance, developments and milestones in the Company, the market performance of comparable publicly traded companies, the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event, and U.S. and global capital market conditions, among other factors. After the IPO, the fair value of the Company’s common stock is based on the closing market price on the date of grant. • Expected term . The Company determines the expected term of the awards using the simplified method due to the Company’s insufficient history of option exercise and forfeiture activity. The simplified method estimates the expected term based on the average of the vesting period and contractual term of the stock option. • Expected volatility. The Company estimates the expected volatility based on the volatility of similar publicly held entities (referred to as “guideline companies”) over a period equivalent to the expected term of the awards. In evaluating the similarity of guideline companies, the Company considered factors such as industry, stage of life cycle, size, and financial leverage. • Risk-free interest rate . The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury issues with terms approximately equal to the expected life of the option. • Estimated dividend yield . The expected dividend based on the Company’s historical dividend activity is zero. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based awards represent the Company’s best estimates, however, these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change or the Company uses different assumptions, share-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. (t) Subsequent Events In connection with the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, the Company evaluated any subsequent events after the balance sheet date of December 31, 2021 and through March 10, 2022, the date that the financial statements were available to be issued. (u) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance, ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, to reduce complexity in accounting standard. The guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 ("ASC 740") as well as by improving consistent application of the topic by clarifying and amending existing guidance. This standard was effective for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2021. The adoption of this standard did not result in a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |