Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization and Business. Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Neurocrine Biosciences, the Company, we, our or us) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and delivering innovative therapies to help ease the burden of debilitating disorders and diseases. We operate in a single business segment, which includes all activities related to the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of neurological, neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric disorders and reflects the way in which internally-reported financial information is regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to analyze performance, make decisions and allocate resources. Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Neurocrine Biosciences as well as our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash Equivalents. We consider all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash without penalty and have an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents . Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are recorded net of customer allowances for prompt payment discounts, chargebacks, and any allowance for credit losses. Our estimate for the allowance for credit losses, which has not been significant to date, is determined based on existing contractual payment terms, actual payment patterns of our customers, and individual customer circumstances. Our exposure to credit losses may increase if our customers are adversely affected by changes in healthcare laws, coverage and reimbursement, economic pressures or uncertainty associated with local or global economic recessions, or other customer-specific factors. Inventory. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine the cost of inventory using the standard-cost method, which approximates actual cost based on the first-in, first-out method. We perform an assessment of the recoverability of our inventory on a quarterly basis and write down any excess and obsolete inventory to its net realizable value in the period in which the impairment is first identified. When future commercialization is considered probable and the future economic benefit is expected to be realized, based on management’s judgment, we capitalize pre-launch inventory costs prior to regulatory approval. Debt Securities. Debt securities consist of investments in certificates of deposit, corporate debt securities and securities of government-sponsored entities. We classify debt securities as available-for-sale. Debt securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. We exclude accrued interest from both the fair value and amortized cost basis of debt securities. A debt security is placed on nonaccrual status at the time any principal or interest payments become 90 days delinquent. Interest accrued but not received for a debt security placed on nonaccrual status is reversed against interest income. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective interest rate method. Gains and losses on sales of debt securities are recorded on the trade date in investment income and other, net, and determined using the specific identification method. Allowance for Credit Losses. For debt securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position, we first assess whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through earnings. For debt securities available-for-sale that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, we evaluate whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, we consider the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes in interest rates, and any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security is compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss, as applicable. Accrued interest receivables on debt securities available-for-sale were $11.2 million and $4.7 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. We do not measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. For the purposes of identifying and measuring an impairment, accrued interest is excluded from both the fair value and amortized cost basis of the debt security. Uncollectible accrued interest receivables associated with an impaired debt security are reversed against interest income upon identification of the impairment. No accrued interest receivables were written off during 2023, 2022 or 2021. Fair Value of Financial Instruments. We record cash equivalents, debt securities available-for-sale and equity security investments at fair value based on a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels: Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability when there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. Investments in debt securities available-for-sale are classified as Level 2 and carried at fair value. We estimate the fair value of debt securities available-for-sale by utilizing third-party pricing services. These pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market-based approaches, for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, to estimate fair value. Such inputs include market pricing based on real-time trade data for similar instruments, issuer credit spreads, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes and other observable inputs. We validate valuations obtained from third-party pricing services by understanding the models used, obtaining market values from other pricing sources and analyzing data in certain instances. We deem transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy to have occurred at the end of the reporting period during which the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurred. Equity Investments. We account for certain equity investments subject to the equity method of accounting, or through which we have the ability to exercise significant influence (but not control) over the operating and financial policies of an investee, under the fair value option. In assessing whether we exercise significant influence, we consider the nature and magnitude of such an investment, the voting and protective rights we hold, any participation in the governance of the investee and other relevant factors, such as the presence of a collaborative or other business relationship. Such investments in publicly traded companies are currently classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and carried at fair value, with any changes in the fair value of such investments recognized in earnings. Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Equipment is depreciated over an average estimated useful life of 3 to 7 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term. Depreciation expense was $17.8 million for 2023, $15.1 million for 2022 and $10.9 million for 2021. Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method of accounting, we allocate the fair value of the total consideration transferred to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. These valuations require us to make estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. We record the excess consideration over the aggregate fair value of tangible and intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed, as goodwill. In addition, costs that we incur to complete the business combination, such as legal and other professional fees, are expensed as selling, general and administrative when incurred. Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets. Assets acquired, including intangible assets and in-process research and development (IPR&D) and liabilities assumed are measured at fair value as of the acquisition date. Goodwill, which has an indefinite useful life, represents the excess of cost over fair value of the net assets acquired. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination that are used for IPR&D activities are considered indefinite lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. Upon reaching the end of the relevant research and development project (i.e., upon commercialization), the IPR&D asset is amortized over its estimated useful life. If the relevant research and development project is abandoned, the IPR&D asset is expensed in the period of abandonment. Goodwill and IPR&D are not amortized; however, they are reviewed for impairment at least annually, as of October 1, and more frequently if an event occurs indicating the potential for impairment. Goodwill and IPR&D are considered to be impaired if the carrying value of the reporting unit or IPR&D asset exceeds its respective fair value. We perform our goodwill impairment analysis at the reporting unit level, which aligns with our reporting structure and availability of discrete financial information. During the goodwill impairment review, we assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, including goodwill. The qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, and our overall financial performance. If, after assessing the totality of these qualitative factors, we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then no additional assessment is deemed necessary. Otherwise, we proceed to compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with the carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceed the fair value, we record an impairment loss based on the difference. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment in a period and proceed to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Our identifiable intangible assets with a finite life are typically comprised of acquired product rights. The cost of identifiable intangible assets with finite lives is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the assets’ respective estimated useful lives. We perform regular reviews to determine if any event has occurred that may indicate that intangible assets with finite useful lives and other long-lived assets are potentially impaired. If indicators of impairment exist, an impairment test is performed to assess the recoverability of the affected assets by determining whether the carrying amount of such assets exceeds the undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the affected assets are not recoverable, we estimate the fair value of the assets and record an impairment loss if the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value. Factors that may indicate potential impairment include a significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization compared to the net book value, significant changes in the ability of a particular asset to generate positive cash flows for our strategic business objectives, and the pattern of utilization of a particular asset. Leases. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at contract inception. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. When determining the lease term, we include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised. As none of our operating leases provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our incremental borrowing rate is determined using a secured borrowing rate for the same currency and term as the associated lease. The lease payments used to determine our ROU assets may include prepaid or accrued lease payments and any lease incentives received and are recognized in ROU assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Our lease agreements may include both lease and non-lease components, which we account for as a single lease component when the payments are fixed. Variable payments included in lease agreements are expensed as incurred. Our operating leases are reflected in ROU assets, noncurrent operating lease liabilities, and other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Foreign currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into the reporting currency using the exchange rates in effect on the consolidated balance sheet dates. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates, except for the change in retained earnings during the period, which is the result of the income statement translation process. Revenue and expense accounts are translated using the weighted average exchange rate during the period. The cumulative translation adjustments associated with the net assets of foreign subsidiaries are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue when the customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for such goods or services. Revenue is recognized using a five-step model: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation. We only apply the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services we transfer to the customer. Net Product Sales. In the U.S., we sell INGREZZA ® (valbenazine) primarily to specialty pharmacy providers and distributors. We recognize net product sales when the customer obtains control of our product, which occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery of our product to the customer. Revenues from product sales are recorded net of reserves established for applicable discounts and allowances that are offered within contracts with our customers, payors, and other third parties. Such estimates are based on information received from external sources (such as written or oral information obtained from our customers with respect to their period-end inventory levels and sales to end-users during the reporting period), as supplemented by management’s judgement. Our process for estimating reserves established for these variable consideration components does not differ materially from historical practices. The transaction price, which includes variable consideration reflecting the impact of discounts and allowances, may be subject to constraint and is included in the net sales price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period. Actual amounts may ultimately differ from our estimates. If actual results vary, we adjust these estimates, which could have an effect on earnings in the period of adjustment. Our significant categories of sales discounts and allowances are as follows: Product Discounts. Product discounts are based on payment terms extended to our customers at the time of sale, which include incentives offered for prompt payment. We maintain a reserve for product discounts based on our historical experience, including the timing of customer payments. To date, actual product discounts have not differed materially from our estimates. Government Rebates. We are obligated to pay rebates for discounts including under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and Medicare Part D. The liability for such rebates consists of invoices received for claims from prior quarters that remain unpaid, or for which an invoice has not been received, and estimated rebates for the current applicable reporting period. Such estimates are based on actual historical rebates by state, estimated payor mix, state and federal regulations, and relevant contractual terms, as supplemented by management’s judgement. Our rebate accrual calculations require us to project the magnitude of our sales that will be subject to these rebates. There is a significant time-lag in our receiving rebate notices from each state (generally, several months or longer after a sale is recognized). Estimated rebates are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related sale is recognized. To date, actual government rebates have not differed materially from our estimates. Chargebacks. The difference between the list price, or the price at which we sell our products to our customers, and the contracted price, or the price at which our customers sell our products to qualified healthcare professionals, is charged back to us by our customers. In addition to actual chargebacks received, we maintain a reserve for chargebacks based on estimated contractual discounts on product inventory levels on-hand in our distribution channel. To date, actual chargebacks have not differed materially from our estimates. Payor and Pharmacy Rebates. We are obligated to pay rebates as a percentage of sales under payor and pharmacy contracts. We estimate these rebates based on actual historical rebates, contractual rebate percentages, sales made through the payor channel, and purchases made by pharmacies. To date, actual payor and pharmacy rebates have not differed materially from our estimates. Patient Financial Assistance. To help patients afford our products, we offer financial assistance to qualified patients with prescription drug copay requirements. We accrue for patient financial assistance based on estimated claims and the cost per claim we expect to receive in connection with inventory that remains in the distribution channel at period end. To date, actual patient financial assistance has not differed materially from our estimates. Distributor and Other Fees. In connection with the sales of our products, we pay distributor and other fees, which are generally recorded as a reduction of revenue, to certain customers that provide us with inventory management, data, and/or distribution services. Costs associated with such services are expensed as selling, general and administrative to the extent we can demonstrate a separable benefit and fair value for such services. To date, actual distributor and other fees have not differed materially from our estimates. Product Returns. We offer our customers product return rights primarily limited to errors in shipment, damaged product, and expiring product, provided it is within a specified period of the product expiration date, as set forth in the associated distribution agreement. Where actual returns history is not available, we estimate a returns allowance based on benchmarking data for similar products and industry experience. Such estimates are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related sale is recognized. Once product is returned, it is destroyed. To date, actual product returns have not differed materially from our estimates. Collaboration Revenues. We have entered into collaboration and license agreements under which we out-license certain rights to our product candidates to third parties. The terms of these arrangements typically include payment to us for one or more of the following: non-refundable, up-front license fees; development, regulatory, and/or commercial milestone payments; and royalties on net sales of the out-licensed products. Licenses of Intellectual Property. If the license to our intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, we recognize revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer and the customer is able to use, and benefit from, the license. For licenses that are bundled with other promises, we assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether it is satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees. We evaluate the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjust the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. Milestones. At the inception of each arrangement that includes development, regulatory, and/or commercial milestones, we evaluate whether achieving the milestones is considered probable and estimate the amount to be included in the transaction price using the most likely amount method. If it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur, the value of the associated milestone is included in the transaction price. Amounts for milestones that are not within our control, such as when achievement of a specified event is dependent on the development activities of a third party or approvals from regulators, are not considered probable of being achieved until such specified event occurs. Revenue is recognized from the satisfaction of performance obligations in the amount billable to the customer. Royalties. For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, and under which the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, we recognize revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur, or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied). Each quarterly period, sales-based royalties are recorded based on estimated quarterly net sales of the associated collaboration products. Differences between actual results and estimated amounts are adjusted for in the period in which they become known, which typically follows the quarterly period in which the estimate was made. To date, actual royalties received have not differed materially from our estimates. Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and debt securities available-for-sale. We have established guidelines to limit our exposure to credit risk by diversifying our investment portfolio with low-risk investment-grade debt securities with maturities of up to three years and by placing our investments with high-credit-quality financial institutions to maintain liquidity. To date, we have not experienced any credit losses and do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk in connection with these financial instruments. We have entered into agreements for the distribution of INGREZZA with a limited number of specialty pharmacy providers and distributors and all of our product sales of INGREZZA are to these customers. Four of these customers represented approximately 91% of our total product sales for 2023 and approximately 98% of our accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2023. Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues includes third-party manufacturing, transportation, freight, and indirect overhead costs primarily for the manufacture and distribution of INGREZZA drug product sold, manufacturing costs in connection with our supply of valbenazine drug product under our collaboration with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, royalty fees on net sales of elagolix, amortization of intangible assets, and adjustments for excess and obsolete inventory to the extent management determines that the cost cannot be recovered based on estimates about future demand. Research and Development, or R&D. R&D expenses primarily consist of preclinical and clinical trial costs, payroll and benefits costs, including stock-based compensation associated with employees involved in R&D activities, certain facility-based costs, and costs associated with our collaborative arrangements, including event-based milestones. All such costs are expensed as R&D when incurred. Asset Acquisitions. We account for acquisitions of assets (or groups of assets) that do not meet the definition of a business using the cost accumulation method, whereby the cost of the acquisition, including certain transaction costs, is allocated to the assets (or group of assets) acquired on the basis of their relative fair value(s) on the measurement date. No goodwill is recognized in an asset acquisition. Intangible assets acquired in an asset acquisition for use in R&D activities which have no alternative future use are expensed as IPR&D on the acquisition date. Future costs to develop these assets are expensed as R&D when incurred. Advertising Expense. Advertising costs are expensed as selling, general and administrative when incurred. Advertising expense was $159.9 million for 2023, $149.7 million for 2022 and $139.8 million for 2021. Stock-Based Compensation. We grant stock options to purchase our common stock to eligible employees and directors and also grant certain employees restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance-based restricted stock units (PRSUs). Additionally, we allow employees to participate in an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). We estimate the fair value of stock options and shares to be issued under the ESPP using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model on the date of grant. RSUs are valued based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of equity instruments expected to vest is recognized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally three Income Taxes. Our income tax provision is computed under the asset and liability method. Significant estimates are required in determining our income tax provision. Some of these estimates are based on interpretations of existing tax laws or regulations. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their respective financial reporting amounts (temporary differences) at enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets, including net operating losses and tax credits, will not be realized. We periodically re-assess the need for a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets based on various factors including our historical earnings experience by taxing jurisdiction, and forecasts of future operating results and utilization of net operating losses and tax credits prior to their expiration. Significant judgment is required in making this assessment and, to the extent that a reversal of any portion of our valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets is deemed appropriate, a tax benefit will be recognized against our income tax provision in the period of such reversal. We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on the technical merits of the position. An adverse resolution of one or more of these uncertain tax positions in any period could have a material impact on the results of operations for that period. Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the treasury stock and if-converted methods and reflect the weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the period, excluding those which effect would be anti-dilutive. In 2021, we entered into the First Supplemental Indenture to the 2017 Indenture, pursuant to which we irrevocably elected to settle the principal amount of the 2.25% fixed-rate convertible senior notes due May 15, 2024 in cash upon conversion and to settle any conversion premium in either cash or shares of our common stock. As a result, only the shares required to settle any conversion premium are considered dilutive under the if-converted method. Further, PRSUs for which the performance condition has not been achieved are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. |