SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2013 |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | ' |
Basis of Presentation | ' |
Basis of Presentation |
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The terms “Geron”, the “Company”, “we” and “us” as used in this report refer to Geron Corporation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management of Geron, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013 or any other period. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for each of the three years ended December 31, 2012, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 has been derived from audited financial statements at that date. |
Principles of Consolidation | ' |
Principles of Consolidation |
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The 2012 condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Geron and our former wholly-owned subsidiary, Geron Bio-Med Ltd. (Geron Bio-Med), a United Kingdom company. In March 2012, the board of directors and shareholders of Geron Bio-Med approved actions to commence a voluntary winding up of the company. The full wind up of Geron Bio-Med was completed in August 2012. Prior to 2013, we eliminated intercompany accounts and transactions and prepared the financial statements of Geron Bio-Med using the local currency as the functional currency. We translated the assets and liabilities of Geron Bio-Med at rates of exchange at the balance sheet date and translated income and expense items at average monthly rates of exchange. The resultant translation adjustments were included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity. |
Net Loss Per Share | ' |
Net Loss Per Share |
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Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential dilutive securities outstanding during the period. Potential dilutive securities primarily consist of outstanding stock options, restricted stock and warrants to purchase common stock and are determined using the treasury stock method at an average market price during the period. |
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Because we are in a net loss position, diluted loss per share excludes the effects of potential dilutive securities. Had we been in a net income position, diluted earnings per share would have included the shares used in the computation of basic net loss per share as well as an additional 7,183 and 16,061 shares for the 2013 and 2012 periods, respectively, related to outstanding stock options, restricted stock and warrants (as determined using the treasury stock method at the estimated average market value). |
Use of Estimates | ' |
Use of Estimates |
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The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On a regular basis, management evaluates these estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments | ' |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
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Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities |
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We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. We are subject to credit risk related to our cash equivalents and marketable securities. We place our cash and cash equivalents in money market funds and cash operating accounts. Our marketable securities include U.S. government-sponsored enterprise securities, commercial paper and corporate notes with original maturities ranging from five to 16 months. |
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We classify our marketable securities as available-for-sale. We record available-for-sale securities at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses are included in interest and other income and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold and have been insignificant to date. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned and included in interest and other income in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. We recognize a charge when the declines in the fair values below the amortized cost basis of our available-for-sale securities are judged to be other-than-temporary. We consider various factors in determining whether to recognize an other-than-temporary charge, including whether we intend to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell the security. Declines in market value associated with credit losses judged as other-than-temporary result in a charge to interest and other income. Other-than-temporary charges not related to credit losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded for our available-for-sale securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. See Note 2 on Fair Value Measurements. |
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Fair Value of Derivatives |
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For non-employee options classified as assets or liabilities, the fair value of these instruments is recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at inception and adjusted to fair value at each financial reporting date. The change in fair value of the non-employee options is recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives. Fair value of non-employee options is estimated using the Black Scholes option-pricing model. The non-employee options continue to be reported as an asset or liability until such time as the instruments are exercised or expire or are otherwise modified to remove the provisions which require this treatment, at which time these instruments are marked to fair value and reclassified from assets or liabilities to stockholders’ equity. For non-employee options classified as permanent equity, the fair value of the non-employee options is recorded in stockholders’ equity as of their respective vesting dates and no further adjustments are made. See Note 2 on Fair Value Measurements. |
Revenue Recognition | ' |
Revenue Recognition |
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We have entered into several license agreements with various oncology, diagnostics, research tools, agriculture and biologics production companies. With certain of these agreements, we receive nonrefundable license payments in cash or equity securities, option payments in cash or equity securities, cost reimbursements, milestone payments, royalties on future sales of products, or any combination of these items. Upfront non-refundable signing, license or non-exclusive option fees are recognized as revenue when rights to use the intellectual property related to the license have been delivered and over the term of the agreement if we have continuing performance obligations. Milestone payments, which are subject to substantive contingencies, are recognized upon completion of specified milestones, representing the culmination of the earnings process, according to contract terms. Royalties are generally recognized upon receipt of the related royalty payment. Deferred revenue represents the portion of research and license payments received which has not been earned. When payments are received in equity securities, we do not recognize any revenue unless such securities are determined to be realizable in cash. We recognize revenue under collaborative agreements as the related research and development services are rendered. |
Restricted Cash | ' |
Restricted Cash |
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Restricted cash consists of funds maintained in separate certificate of deposit accounts for specified purposes. The components of restricted cash were as follows: |
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| | September 30, | | December 31, | | | | | | | |
(In thousands) | | 2013 | | 2012 | | | | | | | |
Certificate of deposit for unused equipment line of credit | | $ | 530 | | $ | 530 | | | | | | | |
Certificate of deposit for credit card purchases | | 265 | | 264 | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 795 | | $ | 794 | | | | | | | |
Research and Development Expenses | ' |
Research and Development Expenses |
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Research and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in identifying, developing and testing product candidates resulting from our independent efforts as well as efforts associated with collaborations. These expenses include, but are not limited to, acquired in-process research and development deemed to have no alternative future use, payroll and personnel expense, lab supplies, preclinical studies, clinical trials, including support for investigator-sponsored clinical trials, raw materials to manufacture clinical trial drugs, manufacturing costs for research and clinical trial materials, sponsored research at other labs, consulting, costs to maintain technology licenses and research-related overhead. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, including payments made under our license agreements. |
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Clinical Trial Costs |
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A significant component of our research and development expenses is clinical trial costs. Substantial portions of our preclinical studies and all of our clinical trials have been performed by third-party contract research organizations, or CROs, and other vendors. We accrue expenses for preclinical studies performed by our vendors based on certain estimates over the term of the service period and adjust our estimates as required. We accrue expenses for clinical trial activities performed by CROs based upon the estimated amount of work completed on each study. For clinical trial expenses, the significant factors used in estimating accruals include the number of patients enrolled, the number of active clinical sites and the duration for which the patients have been enrolled in the study. Pass through costs from CROs include, but are not limited to, regulatory expenses, investigator fees, lab fees, travel costs and other miscellaneous costs, including shipping and printing fees. We accrue pass through costs based on estimates of the amount of work completed for the clinical trial. We monitor patient enrollment levels and related activities to the extent possible through internal reviews, review of contractual terms and correspondence with CROs. We base our estimates on the best information available at the time. However, additional information may become available to us which would allow us to make a more accurate estimate in future periods. In this event, we may be required to record adjustments to research and development expenses in future periods when the actual level of activity becomes more certain. |
Depreciation and Amortization | ' |
Depreciation and Amortization |
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We record property and equipment at cost and calculate depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally four years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or remaining term of the lease. |
Stock-Based Compensation | ' |
Stock-Based Compensation |
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We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, restricted stock awards and employee stock purchases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 which was allocated as follows: |
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| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
(In thousands) | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
Research and development | | $ | 483 | | $ | 594 | | $ | 1,394 | | $ | 1,861 | |
Restructuring charges | | — | | — | | 28 | | — | |
General and administrative | | 739 | | 669 | | 2,034 | | 2,155 | |
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses | | $ | 1,222 | | $ | 1,263 | | $ | 3,456 | | $ | 4,016 | |
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Modifications to the post-termination exercise period of outstanding options held by certain members of our executive management team resulted in additional stock-based compensation expense of $205,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. In addition, stock-based compensation expense has been recognized for the modification of the post-termination exercise period for certain stock options previously granted to employees affected by the April 2013 restructuring. Stock-based compensation resulting from these modifications has been reflected in the table above. See Note 3 on Restructurings for a further discussion of the April 2013 restructuring. |
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As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures, but at a minimum, reflects the grant-date fair value of those awards that actually vested in the period. Forfeitures have been estimated at the time of grant based on historical data and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. |
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Stock Options |
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We grant options with service-based vesting under our equity plans to employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The vesting period for employee options is generally four years. The fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 has been estimated at the date of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: |
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| | Nine Months Ended September 30, | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | | | | | | | | |
Dividend yield | | None | | None | | | | | | | | | |
Expected volatility range | | 0.742 to 0.759 | | 0.631 to 0.726 | | | | | | | | | |
Risk-free interest rate range | | 0.80% to 1.81% | | 0.81% to 1.25% | | | | | | | | | |
Expected term | | 6 yrs | | 6 yrs | | | | | | | | | |
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Employee Stock Purchase Plan |
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The fair value of employees’ purchase rights during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 has been estimated using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: |
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| | Nine Months Ended September 30, | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | | | | | | | | |
Dividend yield | | None | | None | | | | | | | | | |
Expected volatility range | | 0.506 to 1.391 | | 0.458 to 0.774 | | | | | | | | | |
Risk-free interest rate range | | 0.09% to 0.21% | | 0.06% to 0.21% | | | | | | | | | |
Expected term range | | 6 - 12 mos | | 6 - 12 mos | | | | | | | | | |
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Dividend yield is based on historical cash dividend payments. The expected volatility range is based on historical volatilities of our stock since traded options on Geron stock do not correspond to option terms and the trading volume of options is limited. The risk-free interest rate range is based on the U.S. Zero Coupon Treasury Strip Yields for the expected term in effect on the date of grant for an award. The expected term of options is derived from actual historical exercise and post-vesting cancellation data and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected term of employees’ purchase rights is equal to the purchase period. |
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Restricted Stock Awards |
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We grant restricted stock awards to employees and non-employee directors with three types of vesting schedules: (i) service-based, (ii) performance-based or (iii) market-based. Service-based restricted stock awards generally vest annually over four years. Performance-based restricted stock awards vest upon achievement of discrete strategic corporate goals within a specified performance period, generally three years. Market-based restricted stock awards vest upon achievement of certain market price thresholds of our common stock within a specified performance period, generally three years. |
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The fair value for service-based restricted stock awards is determined using the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value is amortized as stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting period, on a straight-line basis and is reduced for estimated forfeitures, as applicable. |
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The fair value for performance-based restricted stock awards is determined using the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense for awards with vesting based on performance conditions is recognized over the period from the date the performance condition is determined to be probable of occurring through the date the applicable condition is expected to be met and is reduced for estimated forfeitures, as applicable. If the performance condition is not considered probable of being achieved, no stock-based compensation expense is recognized until such time as the performance condition is considered probable of being met, if at all. If that assessment of the probability of the performance condition being met changes, the impact of the change in estimate would be recognized in the period of the change. If the requisite service period has been met prior to the change in estimate, the effect of the change in estimate would be immediately recognized. We have not recognized any stock-based compensation expense for performance-based restricted stock awards in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 as the achievement of the specified performance criteria was not considered probable during that time. |
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The fair value for market-based restricted stock awards is determined using a lattice valuation model with a Monte Carlo simulation. The model takes into consideration the historical volatility of our stock and the risk-free interest rate at the date of grant. In addition, the model is used to estimate the derived service period for the awards. The derived service period is the estimated period of time that would be required to satisfy the market condition, assuming the market condition will be satisfied. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the derived service period for the awards using the straight-line method and is reduced for estimated forfeitures, as applicable, but is accelerated if the market condition is achieved earlier than estimated. All market-based restricted stock awards have been cancelled as of September 30, 2013 as the market conditions were not achieved within the specified performance period. |
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Non-Employee Stock-Based Awards |
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For our non-employee stock-based awards, the measurement date on which the fair value of the stock-based award is calculated is equal to the earlier of (i) the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instrument is reached or (ii) the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete. We recognize stock-based compensation expense for the fair value of the vested portion of non-employee awards in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. |