Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2017 | |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when four basic criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence exists of an arrangement with the customer reflecting the terms and conditions under which the products or services will be provided; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been provided; (3) the fee is fixed or determinable; and (4) collection is reasonably assured. We consider a signed agreement, a binding insertion order or other similar documentation to be persuasive evidence of an arrangement. Collectability is assessed based on a number of factors, including transaction history and the creditworthiness of a customer. If it is determined that collection is not reasonably assured, revenue is not recognized until collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash. We record cash received in advance of revenue recognition as deferred revenue.
Gross versus net revenue recognition. We report revenue on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether we act as a principal or agent in the transaction. To the extent we act as the principal, revenue is reported on a gross basis. The determination of whether we act as a principal or an agent in a transaction is based on an evaluation of whether we have the substantial risks and rewards of ownership under the terms of an arrangement.
Advertising revenue. We generate advertising revenue primarily from audio, display and video advertising. We generate the majority of our advertising revenue through the delivery of advertising impressions sold on a cost per thousand, or CPM, basis. In determining whether an arrangement exists, we ensure that a binding arrangement, such as an insertion order or a fully executed customer-specific agreement, is in place. We generally recognize revenue based on delivery information from our campaign trafficking systems.
We also generate advertising revenue pursuant to arrangements with advertising agencies and brokers. Under these arrangements, we provide the agencies and brokers the ability to sell advertising inventory on our service directly to advertisers. We report this revenue net of amounts due to agencies and brokers because we are not the primary obligor under these arrangements, we do not set the pricing nor do we establish or maintain the relationships with the advertisers.
Subscription and other revenue. Subscription and other revenue is generated primarily through the sale of monthly or annual paid subscriptions to Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium. Pandora Plus is a paid, ad-free version of the Pandora service that includes replays, additional skipping, offline listening, higher quality audio on supported devices and longer timeout-free listening. Pandora Premium is a paid, ad-free version of the Pandora service that also offers a unique, on-demand experience, providing users with the ability to search, play and collect songs and albums, build playlists on their own or with the tap of a button and automatically generates playlists based on their listening activity. Subscription revenue derived from direct sales to listeners is recognized on a straight-line basis over the duration of the subscription period and is recognized net of sales tax amounts collected from subscribers. Subscription revenue derived from sales through some mobile device app stores may be subject to refund or cancellation terms which may affect the timing or amount of the subscription revenue recognition. When refund rights exist, we recognize revenue when services have been provided and the rights lapse or when we have developed sufficient transaction history to estimate a reserve.
Multiple-element arrangements. We enter into arrangements with customers to sell advertising packages that include different media placements or ad services that are delivered at the same time, or within close proximity of one another. We recognize the relative fair value of the media placements or ad services as they are delivered assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
We allocate arrangement consideration in multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements at the inception of an arrangement to all deliverables or those packages in which all components of the package are delivered at the same time, based on the relative selling price method in accordance with the selling price hierarchy, which includes: (1) vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") if available; (2) third-party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available; and (3) best estimate of selling price ("BESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available.
We determine VSOE based on our historical pricing and discounting practices for the specific product or service when sold separately. In determining VSOE, we require that a substantial majority of the selling prices for these services fall within a reasonably narrow pricing range. We have not historically priced our advertising products within a narrow range. As a result, we have not been able to establish VSOE for any of our advertising products.
When VSOE cannot be established for deliverables in multiple element arrangements, we apply judgment with respect to whether it can establish a selling price based on TPE. TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately. Generally, our go-to-market strategy differs from that of our peers and our offerings contain a significant level of differentiation such that the comparable pricing of services cannot be obtained. Furthermore, we are unable to reliably
determine what similar competitor services' selling prices are on a stand-alone basis. As a result, we have not been able to establish selling price based on TPE.
When we are unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, we use BESP in our allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which we would transact a sale if the service were sold on a stand-alone basis. BESP is generally used to allocate the selling price to deliverables in our multiple element arrangements. We determine BESP for deliverables by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, prices we charge for similar offerings, market conditions, competitive landscape and pricing practices. We limit the amount of allocable arrangement consideration to amounts that are fixed or determinable and that are not contingent on future performance or future deliverables. We regularly review BESP. Changes in assumptions or judgments or changes to the elements in the arrangement may cause an increase or decrease in the amount of revenue that we report in a particular period.
Ticketing service revenue. Prior to the sale of Ticketfly, ticketing service revenue was generated primarily from service and merchant processing fees generated on ticket sales through the Ticketfly platform. Ticketfly sells tickets to fans for events on behalf of clients and charges either a fee per ticket or a percentage of the total convenience charge and order processing fee for its services at the time the ticket for an event is sold. Ticketing service revenue is recorded net of the face value of the ticket at the time of the sale, as Ticketfly generally acts as an agent with respect to the ticket price in these transactions.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, investments and trade accounts receivable. We maintain cash and cash equivalents with domestic financial institutions of high credit quality. We perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of such institutions.
We perform ongoing credit evaluations of customers to assess the probability of accounts receivable collection based on a number of factors, including past transaction experience with the customer, evaluation of their credit history, and review of the invoicing terms of the contract. We generally do not require collateral. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses on customer accounts when deemed necessary. Actual credit losses during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 were $1.1 million, $2.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, we had no individual customers that accounted for 10% or more of total revenue. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, there were no individual customers that accounted for 10% or more of our total accounts receivable.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments
We classify our highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash equivalents. Our investments consist of corporate debt securities. These investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of stockholders' equity. Management determines the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates the available-for-sale designations as of each balance sheet date. We classify our investments as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument's underlying contractual maturity date. Investments with maturities of twelve months or less are classified as short-term and those with maturities greater than twelve months are classified as long-term. The cost basis for investments sold is based upon the specific identification method.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon historical loss patterns, the number of days that billings are past due and an evaluation of the potential risk of loss associated with delinquent accounts. We also consider any changes to the financial condition of our customers and any other external market factors that could impact the collectability of our receivables in the determination of our allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable amounts that are deemed uncollectable are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when identified.
Prepaid Content Acquisition Costs
Prepaid content acquisition costs are primarily comprised of minimum guarantees under content license agreements. In 2015 and 2016, we signed direct license agreements with major and independent labels, distributors and publishers. Certain of these license agreements include minimum guarantee payments, some of which are paid in advance. These minimum
guarantees may take the form of either a contractually obligated minimum over a specified period of time that requires a true-up payment at the end of the specified period if the cumulative payments have not met or exceeded the specified minimum, or cash advance payments made at the beginning of, or at intervals during, the specified period, which cash payments are then recoupable against content acquisition costs over the specified period. On a quarterly basis, we record the greater of the cumulative actual content acquisition costs incurred or the cumulative minimum guarantee based on forecasted usage for the minimum guarantee period. The minimum guarantee period is the period of time that the minimum guarantee relates to, as specified in each agreement, which may be annual or a longer period. The cumulative minimum guarantee, based on forecasted usage, considers factors such as listening hours, revenue, subscribers and other terms of each agreement that impact our expected attainment or recoupment of the minimum guarantees on a non-straight line basis. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, we had prepaid content acquisition costs of $46.3 million and $55.7 million.
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, which typically range from three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or expected useful lives of the improvements.
Property and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If property and equipment are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair market value. If we reduce the estimated useful life assumption for any asset, the remaining unamortized balance would be amortized or depreciated over the revised estimated useful life.
Capitalized Internal-Use Software
We capitalize certain costs incurred to develop software for internal use. Costs incurred in the preliminary stages of development are expensed as incurred. Once software has reached the development stage, internal and external costs, if direct and incremental, are capitalized until the software is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. We also capitalize costs related to specific upgrades and enhancements when it is probable the expenditures will result in additional functionality. Capitalized costs are recorded as part of property and equipment. Costs related to minor enhancements, maintenance and training are expensed as incurred.
Capitalized internal-use software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over their three to five-year estimated useful lives. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, we had approximately $25.7 million and $50.9 million of capitalized internal use software and website development costs, net of accumulated amortization. We evaluate the useful lives of these assets and test for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets. There were no material impairments to internal-use software during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net
We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired users, acquired technology, and trade names from a market participant perspective, useful lives and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, which is one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.
We do not amortize goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, rather such assets are required to be tested for impairment at least annually or sooner whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. We perform our annual goodwill and intangible asset impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each year. In the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized $132.0 million impairment of goodwill, primarily related to the sale of Ticketfly.
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to eleven years. Acquired finite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of patents, customer relationships,
developed technology and trade names resulting from business combinations. We evaluate the recoverability of our intangible assets for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of intangible assets is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to the fair value.
In addition to the recoverability assessment, we routinely review the remaining estimated useful lives of finite-lived intangible assets. If we reduce the estimated useful life assumption for any asset, the remaining unamortized balance would be amortized over the revised estimated useful life. We record the amortization of intangible assets to the financial statement line item in our consolidated statement of operations that the asset directly relates to. To the extent that purchased intangibles are used in revenue generating activities, we record the amortization of these intangible assets to cost of revenue.
Stock-Based Compensation—Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options
Stock-based awards granted to employees, including grants of restricted stock units ("RSUs") and stock options, are recognized as expense in our statements of operations based on their grant date fair value. We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period of the award, which is generally three to four years. We estimate the fair value of RSUs at our stock price on the grant date. We generally estimate the grant date fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The inputs to the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are our stock price on the date of grant, the expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the award, which is based on projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the award and expected dividends.
Stock-based compensation expense is recorded in the statement of operations for only those stock-based awards that will vest. In the first quarter of 2017 we adopted new accounting guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") on stock compensation, or ASU 2016-09, as described in "Recently Adopted Accounting Standards" below and have elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimating expected forfeitures. In addition, we recognize all income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled as required by ASU 2016-09.
Stock-Based Compensation—Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We estimate the fair value of shares to be issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") on the first day of the offering period using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The inputs to the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are our stock price on the date of grant, the expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the award, which is based on projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the award and expected dividends. Stock-based compensation expense related to the ESPP is recognized on a straight-line basis over the offering period, net of estimated forfeitures.
Stock-Based Compensation—PSUs
We implemented a performance stock unit program in April 2016 for stock-settled performance-based RSUs to certain key executives.
We have determined the grant-date fair value of the PSUs granted in 2016 using a Monte Carlo simulation performed by a third-party valuation firm. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the probability that market conditions will be achieved. The variables used in these models are reviewed on an annual basis and adjusted, as needed. We recognize stock-based compensation for the PSUs over the requisite service period, which is approximately four years, using the accelerated attribution method.
Cost of Revenue—Content Acquisition Costs
Cost of revenue—content acquisition costs principally consist of licensing fees paid for streaming music or other content to our listeners. Content acquisition costs are currently calculated using negotiated rates documented in direct license agreements with major and independent record labels, music publishers and performing rights organizations ("PROs") for our ad-supported service, Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium. Depending on the applicable service, these license agreements generally require us to pay either a per-performance fee based on the number of sound recordings we transmit, a percentage of revenue associated with the service, or a per-subscriber minimum amount. Certain of these license agreements require minimum guarantee payments, some of which are paid in advance.
If we have not entered into a direct license agreement with the copyright owner of a particular sound recording that is streamed on our services, we stream that sound recording pursuant to a statutory license and pay the applicable rates set by the Copyright Royalty Board ("CRB") for the period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2020. Content acquisition costs for the streaming of musical works on our ad-supported service are calculated such that each copyright holder receives its usage-based and ownership-based share of a royalty pool equal to 20% of the content acquisition costs paid by us for sound recordings on our ad-supported service. Content acquisition costs for the streaming of musical works on our subscription services are equal to the rates determined in accordance with the statutory license set forth in 17 U.S.C. §115 ("Section 115").
Certain of our direct license agreements are also subject to minimum guarantee payments, some of which are paid in advance and amortized over the minimum guarantee period. For certain content acquisition arrangements, we accrue for estimated content acquisition costs based on the available facts and circumstances and adjust these estimates as more information becomes available. Several of our direct license agreements also include "most favored nations" provisions, which, if triggered, could cause our payments under those agreements to escalate. We recognize an accrual when it is probable that we will make additional payments under these provisions. The expense related to these accruals is recognized in cost of revenue—content acquisition costs.
Cost of Revenue—Ticketing Service
Prior to the sale of Ticketfly, cost of revenue—ticketing service consisted primarily of ticketing revenue share costs, credit card fees and intangible amortization expense. The majority of the cost was related to revenue share costs, which consist of royalties paid to clients for their share of convenience and order processing fees. Payments to clients were recorded as an expense to the extent that the fair value of the identifiable benefit received in the exchange exceeded the amount of the payment to the client. Intangible amortization expense was related to amortization of developed technology.
Cost of Revenue—Other
Cost of revenue—other consists primarily of ad and music serving costs, employee-related costs, facilities and equipment costs, other costs of ad sales and amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets and internal-use software. Ad and music serving costs consist of content streaming, maintaining our streaming radio and on-demand music services and creating and serving advertisements through third-party ad servers. We make payments to third-party ad servers for the period the advertising impressions are delivered or click-through actions occur, and accordingly, we record this as a cost of revenue in the related period. Employee-related costs include salaries and benefits associated with supporting music and ad-serving functions. Other costs of ad sales include costs related to music events that are sold as part of certain of our advertising arrangements.
Product Development
Product development consists primarily of employee-related costs, including salaries and benefits for employees in software engineering, music analysis and product management departments, information technology and amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets. We incur product development expenses primarily for improvements to our website and the Pandora app, development of new advertising products and development and enhancement of our personalized station generating system. We have generally expensed product development as incurred.
Certain website development and internal use software development costs are capitalized when specific criteria are met. In such cases, the capitalized amounts are amortized over the useful life of the related application once the application is placed in service.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing consists primarily of employee-related costs, including salaries, commissions and benefits for employees in sales, sales support, marketing, advertising and industry relations and artist marketing departments and facilities and equipment costs. In addition, sales and marketing expenses include commissions on subscription purchases through mobile app stores ("subscription commissions"), external sales and marketing expenses such as brand marketing, advertising, customer acquisition, direct response and search engine marketing costs, public relations expenses, costs related to music events, agency platform and media measurement expenses, infrastructure costs and amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets.
We expense the costs of producing advertisements as they are incurred and expense the cost of communicating advertisements at the time the advertisement airs or the event occurs, in each case as sales and marketing expense within the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, we recorded advertising expenses of $35.1 million, $45.7 million and $48.5 million, respectively.
General and Administrative
General and administrative consists primarily of employee-related costs, including salaries, benefits and severance expense for finance, accounting, legal, internal information technology and other administrative personnel and facilities and equipment costs. In addition, general and administrative expenses include legal expenses, professional services costs for accounting and other services, credit card fees and sales and other tax expense.
Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes
Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted statutory income tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
We recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. We will recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for (benefit from) income taxes in the accompanying statement of operations.
We calculate the current and deferred income tax provision based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed in subsequent years. Adjustments based on filed income tax returns are recorded when identified. The amount of income taxes paid is subject to examination by U.S. federal, state and international tax authorities. The estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to management's assessment of relevant risks, facts and circumstances existing at that time. To the extent that the assessment of such tax positions change, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made.
Net Loss per Common Share
Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by giving effect to all potential shares of common stock, including stock options, restricted stock units, market stock units, performance-based RSUs, potential ESPP shares and instruments convertible into common stock, to the extent dilutive. Basic and diluted net loss per common share were the same for each period presented as the inclusion of all potential common shares outstanding would have been anti-dilutive.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"), which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue. Under the guidance, revenue is recognized when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is effective for public entities with annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt the guidance. We expect to adopt ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. This method requires to retrospectively adjust open contracts as of December 31, 2017 to apply the guidance under Topic 606 and to make a cumulative adjustment for such impact to opening retained earnings in the year of adoption. It also requires additional disclosures in the first year of adoption on the impact of applying ASC 605 versus ASC 606 to reported results. We have completed our evaluation of the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on our revenue streams and found the impact of adoption primarily affects certain aspects of our advertising revenue. We have determined that the cumulative adjustment to retained earnings will not result in a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets and recognize expenses on their income statements and also eliminates the real estate-specific provisions for all entities. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We have completed our initial assessment and expect to adopt ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements and expect there to be a material impact related to the recognition of new right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on our balance sheet for operating leases.
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Credit Losses—Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 will replace today’s incurred loss approach with an expected loss model for instruments measured at amortized cost and require entities to record allowances for available-for-sale debt securities rather than reduce the carrying amount. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within that fiscal year, although early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard update will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-18, Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the total beginning and ending amounts for the periods shown on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective retrospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within that fiscal year. We will adopt ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of 2018. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have a material impact on our financial statements.
In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"). ASU 2017-09 clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-09 will have a material impact on our financial statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 requires all income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. Additionally, it allows an employer to repurchase more of an employee's shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2017 using the modified retrospective transition method. Upon adoption, we recognized the previously unrecognized excess tax benefits as of January 1, 2017 through retained earnings. The previously unrecognized excess tax benefits were recorded as a deferred tax asset, which was fully offset by a valuation allowance. As a result, the net impact resulted in no effect on net deferred tax assets or our accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2017. Without the valuation allowance, the Company’s net deferred tax assets would have increased by approximately $142.0 million. Additionally, we elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimating expected forfeitures. The net cumulative effect of this change was an increase to additional paid in capital as of January 1, 2017 of $1.2 million.
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