Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Other than discussed below, there have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies as compared to those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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 review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. We first assess the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our single reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test under Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-08, Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). If we determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is performed. The first step, identifying a potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, the second step would need to be performed; otherwise, no further step is required. The second step, measuring the impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of the goodwill with the carrying amount of the goodwill. Any excess of the goodwill carrying amount over the fair value is recognized as an impairment loss, and the carrying value of goodwill is written down to fair value. As of September 30, 2015no impairment of goodwill has been identified.

Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from two to four 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.

Sales and Marketing Expenses - Advertising

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 condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 and the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, we recorded advertising expenses of $3.9 million, $15.9 million, $6.2 million and $22.2 million, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation — MSUs

We implemented a market stock unit program in March 2015 for certain key executives. Specifically, MSUs measure Pandora’s total stockholder return (“TSR”) performance against that of the Russell 2000 Index across three performance periods.

We have determined the grant-date fair value of the MSUs using a Monte Carlo simulation performed by a third-party valuation specialist. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the probability that market conditions will be achieved. These variables include our expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the award, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors and the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the award. The variables used in these models are reviewed on an annual basis and adjusted, as needed. We recognize stock-based compensation for the MSUs over the requisite service period using the accelerated attribution method.

Concentration of Credit Risk
 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, we had no customers that accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, we had no customers that accounted for more than 10% of our total accounts receivable.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16, Business Combinations ("ASU 2015-16"). ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Rather, the acquirer must recognize adjustments during the period in which the amounts are determined, including the effect on earnings of any amounts that would have been recorded in previous periods. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, although early adoption is permitted. We are currently planning to early adopt this standard beginning with the three months ended December 31, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires management of all entities to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued when applicable). The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-9”). ASU 2014-9 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 may be 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 are currently evaluating implementation methods and the effect that implementation of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.