Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) |
12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2016 | |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation | The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") and include the accounts of Pandora and our wholly owned subsidiaries. |
| Consolidation | All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
| Change in Presentation | Certain changes in presentation have been made to conform the prior period presentation to current period reporting. We have reclassified internal-use software costs from the purchases of property and equipment line item to the internal-use software costs line item of our consolidated statements of cash flows. We have also reclassified prepaid content acquisition costs from the prepaid expenses and other assets line item to the prepaid content acquisition costs line item of our consolidated balance sheets and our consolidated statements of cash flows. Lastly, we have reclassified interest expense from the other income (expense), net line item to the interest expense line item of our consolidated statements of operations. |
| Use of Estimates | The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosures at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Estimates are used in several areas including, but not limited to determining accrued content acquisition costs, amortization of minimum guarantees under content acquisition agreements, selling prices for elements sold in multiple-element arrangements, the allowance for doubtful accounts, the fair value of stock options, market stock units ("MSUs"), stock-settled performance-based RSUs ("PSUs") and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), the impact of forfeitures on stock-based compensation, the provision for (benefit from) income taxes, the subscription return reserve, the fair value of convertible debt, the fair value of acquired property and equipment, capitalized internal-use software, intangible assets and goodwill and the useful lives of acquired intangible assets. To the extent there are material differences between these estimates, judgments or assumptions and actual results, our financial statements could be affected. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting among available alternatives would not produce a materially different result. |
| 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. Our new subscription service, Pandora Plus, launched on September 15, 2016. Prior to the launch of Pandora Plus, our subscription service was Pandora One. Pandora Plus and Pandora One are premium monthly or annual paid versions of the Pandora service, which include advertisement-free access, higher quality audio on supported devices and longer timeout-free listening. Pandora Plus also includes additional features such as replays, additional skipping and offline listening. 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.
We were required to defer revenue for certain subscriptions purchased through mobile device app stores that contained refund rights until the refund rights lapsed or until we developed sufficient operating history to estimate a return reserve. As of December 31, 2013, we had deferred all revenue related to these mobile subscriptions subject to refund rights totaling approximately $14.2 million, as we did not have sufficient history to estimate a return reserve. Beginning in January 2014, we had sufficient historic transactional information which enabled us to estimate future returns. Accordingly, in January 2014, we began recording revenue related to these mobile subscriptions net of estimated returns. This change resulted in a one-time increase in subscription revenue in the quarter ended March 31, 2014 of approximately $14.2 million, as the previously deferred revenue was recognized. As of December 31, 2015 and 2016, the deferred revenue related to the return reserve was not significant.
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. Ticketing service revenue is 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 a fee per ticket, which generally increases as the face value of the ticket increases, 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.
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| 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. |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents | We classify our highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash equivalents. |
| Investments | 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 los s 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.
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| 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. Capitalization ceases upon completion of all substantial testing. 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. Maintenance and training costs are expensed as incurred.
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| Ticketing Contract Advances | Ticketing contract advances, which are either recoupable or non-recoupable, represent amounts paid in advance to clients pursuant to ticketing agreements. These amounts are reflected in prepaid expenses and other current assets if the amount is expected to be recouped or recognized over a period of twelve months or less or in other long-term assets if the amount is expected to be recouped or recognized over a period of more than twelve months. Recoupable ticketing contract advances are generally recoupable against future royalties earned by clients, based on the contract terms, over the lives of their contracts which typically range between three and five years. Non-recoupable ticketing contract advances are fixed incentives paid by Ticketfly to secure exclusive rights with certain clients and are amortized to sales and marketing expense over the life of the contract on a straight-line basis. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 was $0.7 million and $5.7 million. |
| Business Combinations | 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. |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net | 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 goodwill and intangible asset impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each year. As of December 31, 2016, no impairment of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets has been identified. For purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, we established reporting units based on our current reporting structure. As of December 31, 2016, our goodwill was allocated to our Pandora and Ticketfly reporting units.
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from two 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.
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| Stock-Based Compensation | 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 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 Black-Scholes option-pricing model is affected by 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 net of estimated forfeitures in the statement of operations for only those stock-based awards that we expect to vest. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on historical forfeitures of equity awards and adjust the rate to reflect changes in facts and circumstances, if any. We revise our estimated forfeiture rate if actual forfeitures differ from our initial estimates.
We have elected to use the "with and without" approach as described in Accounting Standards Codification 740 - Income Taxes in determining the order in which tax attributes are utilized. As a result, we will only recognize a tax benefit from stock-based awards in additional paid-in capital if an incremental tax benefit is realized after all other tax attributes currently available to us have been utilized. In addition, we have elected to account for the indirect effects of stock-based awards on other tax attributes, such as the research tax credit, through the statement of operations.
Stock-Based Compensation—Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In December 2013, our board of directors approved the Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), which was approved by our stockholders at the annual meeting in June 2014. We estimate the fair value of shares to be issued under the ESPP on the first day of the offering period using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The determination of the fair value is affected by our stock price on the first date of the offering period, as well as other assumptions including the risk-free interest rate, the estimated volatility of our stock price over the term of the offering period, the expected term of the offering period and the expected dividend rate. 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—MSUs
In March 2015, the compensation committee of the board of directors granted performance awards consisting of market stock units to certain key executives under our 2011 Plan. 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. 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.
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.
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| Cost of Revenue | 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 PROs. Prior to September 15, 2016, the majority of our content acquisition costs for sound recordings were based on a fee per public performance of a sound recording. Subsequent to September 15, 2016, 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, all generally subject to certain discounts. Prior to January 1, 2016, the majority of our content acquisition costs for the underlying musical works contained in sound recording were based on a percentage of our revenue. From January 1, 2016 until September 15, 2016, the majority of our content acquisition costs for the underlying musical works were based on a percentage of content acquisition costs paid for sound recordings.
Subsequent to September 15, 2016, the majority of our content acquisition costs for the underlying musical works contained in sound recordings are determined in the same manner they were prior to September 15, 2016, but this calculation only applies to the performance rights on our ad-supported service and content acquisition costs for the reproduction rights on our subscription services are determined in accordance with the statutory license set forth in 17 U.S.C. §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 so-called "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.
Prepaid Content Acquisition Costs
Prepaid content acquisition costs are primarily comprised of minimum guarantees under content acquisition 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.
Cost of Revenue—Ticketing Service
Cost of revenue—ticketing service consists primarily of ticketing revenue share costs, credit card fees and intangible amortization expense. The majority of the cost is related to revenue share costs which consist of royalties paid to clients for their share of convenience and order processing fees. Payments to clients are recorded as an expense to the extent that the fair value of the identifiable benefit received in the exchange exceeds the amount of the payment to the client. Intangible amortization expense is related to amortization of developed technology.
Cost of Revenue—Other
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| Product Development | Product development consists primarily of employee-related, facilities and equipment costs, including salaries and benefits related to employees in software engineering, music analysis and product management departments, information technology and costs associated with supporting consumer connected-device manufacturers in implementing our service in their products. 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.
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| Sales and Marketing, and General and Administrative | Sales and marketing consists primarily of employee-related and facilities and equipment costs, including salaries, commissions and benefits related to employees in sales, sales support, marketing, advertising and music maker group departments. In addition, sales and marketing expenses include transaction processing commissions on subscription purchases through mobile app stores, external sales and marketing expenses such as brand marketing, advertising, 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, 2014, 2015 and 2016, we recorded advertising expenses of $10.4 million, $35.1 million and $45.7 million, respectively.
General and Administrative
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| 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 b e 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.
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| Net Loss Per Share | Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by giving effect to all potential shares of common stock, including stock options, restricted stock units, market stock units and performance-based RSUs, to the extent dilutive. Basic and diluted net loss per 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 and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards | In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that fiscal year, although early adoption is permitted. We have completed our initial assessment and expect to adopt ASU 2016-09 as of January 1, 2017 using the prospective method. We do not expect the impact of adopting ASU 2016-09 will be material to the consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures. 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. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) (ASU 2016-08) which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to the customers. 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 expect to adopt ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018 using the full retrospective method. We have completed our initial assessment and do not believe there will be a material impact to our consolidated financial statements for the majority of our advertising and subscription revenue arrangements. We are currently continuing to evaluate the impact that the new principal versus agent guidance may have on certain of our advertising revenue arrangements and on our ticketing service revenue arrangements, and we are continuing to evaluate the expected impact on our business processes, systems and controls. We expect to complete our assessment of the effects of adopting ASU 2014-09 during 2017, and we will continue our evaluation of ASU 2014-09, including how it may impact new arrangements we enter into as well as new or emerging interpretations of the standard, through the date of adoption.
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 but recognize expenses on their income statement and 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, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. We expect the potential impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 to be material to our lease liabilities and assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
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 annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods thereafter. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements during the year ended December 31, 2016.
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| Commitments and Contingencies | We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Our management periodically evaluates developments that could affect the amount, if any, of liability that we have previously accrued and make adjustments as appropriate. Determining both the likelihood and the estimated amount of a loss requires significant judgment, and management’s judgment may be incorrect. |