Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VIZIO and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company considers the U.S. dollar as its reporting currency. The functional currency of most of the foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Translation adjustments for subsidiaries where the functional currency is its local currency are included in other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) resulting from exchange rate fluctuation on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are reported in the consolidated statements of operations. 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, 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) Short-term investments Short-term investments consist of U.S. treasury bills purchased with an original maturity date of greater than three months, but less than 12 months as of the reporting date. (d) 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 certain 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, customer 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. (e) Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially create significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable and cash and cash equivalents in banks. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents at various financial institutions. At times, such balances may exceed federally insured limits. No losses have been experienced in any such accounts. (f) Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, using the average cost 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 goods sold 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. (g) Property, Equipment and Software, net Property, equipment and software are recorded at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment, if applicable. Depreciation and amortization 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 operating systems used in its Smart TVs and records these amounts within other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company capitalized $21.8 million and $0, respectively, of software development costs. Amortization expense of the costs capitalized will begin in 2024, as such no amortization expense has been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. These capitalized costs include personnel related costs for employees (including salaries, bonuses and benefits) who are directly associated with and who devote time to software development projects, as well as contractor costs. Software development costs that do not qualify for capitalization are expensed as incurred and recorded as cost of goods sold, selling, general and administrative or research and development expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Software production costs for computer software that is to be used as an integral part of a product or process shall not be capitalized until both of the following conditions have been met: a) technological feasibility has been established for the software and b) all research and development activities for the other components of the product or process have been completed. Capitalization of computer software costs shall cease when the product is available for general release to customers. Costs of maintenance and customer support shall be charged to expense when related revenue is recognized or when those costs are incurred, whichever occurs first. (h) 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 in the fourth 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 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. (i) Leases The Company determines whether an arrangement is a lease at contract inception. Operating lease right-of-use assets are included in 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 assets also include 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 assets 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). (j) Revenue Recognition The Company applies a five-step approach as defined in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“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. Device Net Revenue The Company derives revenue primarily from the sale of televisions and sound bars. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s retailers and distributors across the United States, as well as directly to consumers through our website, VIZIO.com, in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company sells its products to certain retailers under terms that allow the retailer to receive price protection on future price reductions and may provide for limited rights of return and discounts. 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 retailers or distributors, or upon the date the goods are delivered to consumers from a sale through our website. Transfer of control occurs upon shipment or delivery to the customer. 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 customers. Accounts receivable represents the unconditional right to receive consideration from customers. 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 customers 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 customers. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling costs are included in net revenue. Platform+ Net Revenue The Company generates Platform+ net revenue through sales of advertising and other services, such as content distribution, subscription and transaction revenue shares, promotions, sales of branded channel buttons on remote controls and data licensing arrangements. The Company’s digital advertising inventory consists of streaming inventory on WatchFree+ and third-party applications as well as banner placements on its SmartCast homescreen. The Company’s advertising revenue is recognized on a cost-per-thousand impressions delivered (“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 for 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 TV and remote package sold 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 customer. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when transfer of title to the customer occurs. For revenue from data licensing agreements with customers, the Company provides a right to access the entity's intellectual property as it exists throughout the license period. 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 performance obligations are satisfied over time during the license 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. (k) 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 in the consolidated balance sheets and then classified in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations. All shipping and handling costs are treated as fulfillment costs and are presented within cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations. (l) 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 $5.3 million, $5.2 million, and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are recorded in cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. (m) 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 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. Cooperative advertising arrangements and marketing development funds recorded as a reduction of net revenue totaled $9.2 million, $7.2 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. (n) 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. (o) Marketing Costs Marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising and marketing promotions of the Company’s brand and products, including merchandising and display costs, media advertisement costs, promotional material creation costs, trade show and event costs, and sponsorship costs. (p) Research and Development Costs Research and development expenses consist 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. (q) Product Warranty All products have a one two (r) 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. (s) Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation expense resulting from grants of employee stock options, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”) is recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on the respective grant date fair values of the awards. Stock option grant date fair values are estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The grant date fair value of the Company's RSAs and RSUs is determined based on the fair value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The grant date fair value for the PSUs is determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. 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, the expected term of the share-based awards, expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rates, and expected dividend yield. Generally, these assumptions are based on historical information and judgment is required to determine if historical trends may be indicators of future outcomes. For employee stock options in which the Company does not have significant history and that contain service conditions, the Company applies the simplified approach, in which the expected term of an award is presumed to be the mid-point between the vesting date and the expiration date of the award. As a result, if factors change or the Company uses different assumptions, share-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. (t) 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 earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of Class A and Class B common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders adjusts the basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the potentially dilutive impact of RSUs, PSUs and stock options using the treasury stock method. (u) Fair Value of Financial Instruments The accounting standard for fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This accounting standard established a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available. The following summarizes the three levels of inputs required: Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 – Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company’s Level 1 investments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, consist of its Short-term investments and equity investments (see Note 4 – Investments). The carrying amount of receivables, payables and other amounts arising out of the normal course of business approximates fair value because of the relatively short maturity of such instruments. (v) Recently Issued Accounting Guidance Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted: In November 2023, the FASB issued guidance, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The guidance in this ASU requires companies to enhance their disclosure on significant segment expenses, and also adds additional disclosures around how companies determine their reportable segments. This standard will be effective for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2023-07 in 2024. In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance, ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The guidance in this ASU requires companies to add additional disclosures surrounding income taxes, including rate reconciliation, and disaggregation of domestic and foreign revenue. This standard will be effective for the year ended December 31, 2025. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2023-09, but do not expect it to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they were either not applicable or not expected to have a significant impact to its consolidated financial statements. |