SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Transgenomic, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Risks and Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties.

Certain risks and uncertainties are inherent in the Company’s our day-to-day operations and to the process of preparing our financial statements. The more significant of those risks are presented below and throughout the notes to the financial statements.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. In addition, estimates and assumptions associated with the determination of the fair value of certain assets and related impairments require considerable judgment by management. The key estimates included in the consolidated financial statements include stock option valuations, goodwill and intangible valuations, accounts receivable and inventory valuations, warrant valuations and contractual allowances. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing these consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”).Supplemental cash flows from discontinued operations are presented in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements “Discontinued Operations.” The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2015 for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided in Note 15 “Subsequent Events”.

On January 15, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a reverse split of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01, at a ratio of one-for twelve. This reverse stock split became effective on January 27, 2014 and, unless otherwise indicated, all share amounts, per share data, share prices, exercise prices and conversion rates set forth in these notes and the accompanying consolidated financial statements have, where applicable, been adjusted retroactively to reflect this reverse stock split.

Fair Value

Fair Value.

Unless otherwise specified, book value approximates fair market value. The Company’s Level 1 financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents. The Company’s Level 3 financial instruments include the common stock warrant liability, preferred stock warrant liability and conversion feature, and debt. Due to its variable interest component, debt approximates fair value.  The common stock warrant liability and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) warrant liability and conversion feature are recorded at fair value. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Current Assets.

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and investments with original maturities at the date of acquisition of three months or less. Such investments presently consist of temporary overnight investments.

Concentrations of Cash

Concentrations of Cash.

From time to time, we may maintain a cash position with financial institutions in amounts that exceed federally insured limits.

Accounts Receivable

While payment terms are generally 30 days, we have also provided extended payment terms of up to 90 days in certain cases. We operate globally and some of the international payment terms can be greater than 90 days. Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount and shown net of allowance for doubtful accounts and contractual allowances. The estimate made for doubtful accounts is based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a quarterly basis. The estimate for contractual allowances is based on contractual terms or historical reimbursement rates and is recorded when revenue is recorded. We determine the allowance for doubtful accounts and contractual allowances by regularly evaluating individual payor receivables and considering a payor’s financial condition, credit history, reimbursement rates and current economic conditions. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible and after all collection efforts have been exhausted. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded as a reduction in bad debt expense when received.

Inventories

Inventories.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market net of allowance for obsolete and slow moving inventory. Cost is computed using standard costs for finished goods and average or latest actual cost for raw materials and work in process, which approximates the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. We write down slow-moving and obsolete inventory by the difference between the value of the inventory and our estimate of the reduced value based on potential future uses, the likelihood that overstocked inventory will be sold and the expected selling prices of the inventory. If our ability to realize value on slow-moving or obsolete inventory is less favorable than assumed, additional write-downs of the inventory may be required.

Inventory Obsolescence

We determine the allowance for obsolescence by evaluating inventory quarterly for items deemed to be slow moving or obsolete.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment.

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows:

Leasehold improvements	1 to 10 years
Furniture and fixtures	3 to 7 years
Production equipment	3 to 7 years
Computer equipment	3 to 7 years
Research and development equipment	2 to 7 years

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets.

Intangible assets include intellectual property, patents and acquired products.

1. Intellectual Property.    Initial costs paid to license intellectual property from independent third parties are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the license period. Ongoing royalties related to such licenses are expensed as incurred.

2. Patents.    We capitalize legal costs, filing fees and other expenses associated with obtaining patents on new discoveries and amortize these costs using the straight-line method over the shorter of the legal life of the patent or its economic life beginning on the date the patent is issued.

3. Acquired Products.    As part of the FAMILION acquisition and acquisition of certain intangible assets from Axial, the Company acquired technology, in process technology, trademarks/tradenames, customer relationships, covenants not to compete and third party relationships. These costs will be amortized pursuant to the straight-line method over their estimated economic life of seven to fifteen years. See Footnote 5 “Intangible Assets and Other Assets”.

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually. We perform this impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of each year or whenever events indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. We test our intangible assets for impairment when factors are present that indicate the carrying value of an intangible asset (group) may not be recoverable. Impairment occurs when the carrying value is determined to be not recoverable, thereby causing the carrying value of the goodwill or intangible asset (group) to exceed its fair value. If impaired, the asset’s carrying value is reduced to its fair value.

Common Stock Warrants

Common Stock Warrants.

Our issued and outstanding 2012 warrants to purchase common stock do not qualify to be treated as equity and accordingly, are recorded as a liability (“Common Stock Warrant Liability”). The Common Stock Warrant Liability was initially recorded at fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation model. We are required to present these instruments at fair value at each reporting date and any changes in fair values are recorded as an adjustment to earnings. The Common Stock Warrant Liability is considered a Level 3 financial instrument.

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Based Compensation.

All stock-based awards to date have exercise prices equal to the market price of our common stock on the date of grant and have ten-year contractual terms. Unvested options as of December 31, 2015 had vesting periods of one or three years from the date of grant. None of the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 are subject to performance or market-based vesting conditions.

We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options. Compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is based on the calculated fair value of the awards as measured at the grant date and is expensed over the service period of the awards.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities at each balance sheet date using tax rates expected to be in effect in the year the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will not be realized. Our policy is to record interest and penalties directly related to income taxes as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Net Sales Recognition

Net Sales Recognition.

Revenue is realized and earned when all of the following criteria are met:

• Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;

• Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;

• The seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and

• Collectability is reasonably assured.

In our Biomarker Identification laboratory, we perform services on a project by project basis. When we receive payment in advance, we recognize revenue when we deliver the service. These projects typically do not extend beyond one year. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, deferred net sales associated with pharmacogenomics research projects, included in the balance sheet in deferred revenue, was $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Net sales from Patient Testing laboratories are recognized on an individual test basis and take place when the test report is completed, reviewed and sent to the client less the reserve for insurance, Medicare and Medicaid contractual adjustments. There are no deferred net sales associated with our Patient Testing services. Adjustments to the allowances, based on actual receipts from third party payers, are reflected in the estimated contractual allowance applied prospectively. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we adjusted our contractual allowance rates to better reflect the reimbursement level we expect to achieve on Patient Testing billings. The adjustment negatively impacted our fourth quarter of 2015 Patient Testing revenues. Our Patient Testing revenues are reported as part of discontinued operations (See Note 3 - “Discontinued Operations”).

Net sales of Genetic Assays and Platforms products, reported as discontinued operations (See Note 3 - “Discontinued Operations”) are recognized in accordance with the terms of the sales arrangement. Such recognition is based on receipt of an unconditional customer order and transfer of title and risk of ownership to the customer, typically upon shipment of the product under a purchase order. Our sales terms do not provide for the right of return unless the product is damaged or defective. Net sales from certain services associated with the analytical instruments, to be performed subsequent to shipment of the products, is deferred and recognized when the services are provided. Such services, mainly limited to installation and training services that are not essential to the functionality of the instruments, typically are performed in a timely manner subsequent to shipment of the instrument. We also enter into various service contracts that cover installed instruments. These contracts cover specific time periods and net sales associated with these contracts are deferred and recognized ratably over the service period.

Taxes collected from customers and remitted to government agencies for specific net sales producing transactions are recorded net with no effect on the income statement.

Research and Development

Research and Development.

Research and development and various collaboration costs are charged to expense when incurred.

Translation of Foreign Currency

Translation of Foreign Currency.

Our foreign subsidiary, which is included within discontinued operations uses the local currency of the country in which it is located as its functional currency. Its assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date.

Loss Per Share

Loss Per Share.

Basic loss per share is calculated based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted loss per share includes shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, warrants or conversion rights that have exercise or conversion prices below the market value of our common stock, as long as the effect is not anti-dilutive.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer. ASU No. 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. when it becomes effective. In July 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date of this new accounting guidance by one year. As a result, ASU No. 2014-09 will be effective for us for all annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption would be permitted as of the original effective date. The new standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We do not expect to early adopt this guidance and we have not selected a transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). The new guidance addresses management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The standard will be effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect to early adopt this guidance and do not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, rather than as a deferred charge asset. ASU No. 2015-03 is effective for us beginning on January 1, 2016. ASU No. 2015-03 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, “Leases”. The new standard amends the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases currently classified as operating leases and amends disclosure requirements associated with leasing arrangements. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. We are currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.