ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization

Organization:

CEVA, Inc. (“CEVA” or the “Company”) was incorporated in Delaware on November 22, 1999. The Company was formed through the combination of Parthus Technologies plc (“Parthus”) and the digital signal processor (DSP) cores licensing business and operations of DSP Group, Inc. in November 2002. The Company had no business or operations prior to the combination.

CEVA licenses a family of signal processing IPs, including programmable DSP cores and application-specific platforms for vision, imaging, audio and voice, and communications technologies, including wireless and wired modems, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Serial ATA (SATA) and Serial Attached SCSI (SAS).

CEVA’s technologies are licensed to leading semiconductor and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) companies in the form of intellectual property (IP). These companies design, manufacture, market and sell application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”) and application-specific standard products (“ASSPs”) based on CEVA’s technology to wireless, consumer electronics and automotive companies for incorporation into a wide variety of end products.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of presentation:

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared according to U.S Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Use of Estimates

Use of estimates:

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions. The Company’s management believes that the estimates, judgments and assumptions used are reasonable based upon information available at the time they are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Financial Statements in U.S. Dollars

Financial statements in U.S. dollars:

A majority of the revenues of the Company and its subsidiaries is generated in U.S. dollars (“dollars”). In addition, a portion of the Company and its subsidiaries’ costs are incurred in dollars. The Company’s management has determined that the dollar is the primary currency of the economic environment in which the Company and its subsidiaries principally operate. Thus, the functional and reporting currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the dollar.

Accordingly, monetary accounts maintained in currencies other than the dollar are remeasured into dollars in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” All transaction gains and losses from remeasurement of monetary balance sheet items are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as financial income or expenses, as appropriate, which is included in “financial income, net.” The foreign exchange losses arose principally on the Euro and the NIS liabilities as a result of the currency fluctuations of the Euro and the NIS against the dollar.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of consolidation:

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents:

Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash with original maturities of three months or less from the date acquired.

Short-term Bank Deposits

Short-term bank deposits:

Short-term bank deposits are deposits with maturities of more than three months but less than one year from the balance sheet date. The deposits are presented at their cost, including accrued interest. The deposits bear interest annually at an average rate of 1.88%, 1.58% and 1.51% during 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities:

Marketable securities consist mainly of corporate bonds. The Company determines the appropriate classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation at each balance sheet date. In accordance with FASB ASC No. 320 “Investments- Debt and Equity Securities,” the Company classifies marketable securities as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of taxes. Realized gains and losses on sales of marketable securities, as determined on a specific identification basis, are included in financial income, net. The amortized cost of marketable securities is adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount to maturity, both of which, together with interest, are included in financial income, net. The Company has classified all marketable securities as short-term, even though the stated maturity date may be one year or more beyond the current balance sheet date, because it is probable that the Company will sell these securities prior to maturity to meet liquidity needs or as part of risk versus reward objectives.

The Company recognizes an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of its investments in debt securities below the cost basis of such securities is judged to be other-than-temporary. Factors considered in making such a determination include the duration and severity of the impairment, the reason for the decline in value and the potential recovery period. For securities that are deemed other-than-temporarily impaired (“OTTI”), the amount of impairment is recognized in the statement of operations and is limited to the amount related to credit losses, while impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company did not recognize OTTI on its marketable securities in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Long-term Bank Deposits

Long-term bank deposits:

Long-term bank deposits are deposits with maturities of more than one year as of the balance sheet date. The deposits presented at their cost, including accrued interest. The deposits bear interest annually at an average rate of 2.14%, 1.74% and 1.82% during 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net:

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, at the following annual rates:

	%
Computers, software and equipment	10-33
Office furniture and equipment	7-33
Leasehold improvements	10-25
	(the shorter of the expected lease term or useful economic life)

The Company’s long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with FASB ASC No. 360-10-35, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the carrying amount of an asset to be held and used is measured by a comparison of its carrying amount to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by such asset. If such asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of such asset exceeds its fair value. In determining the fair value of long-lived assets for purposes of measuring impairment, the Company’s assumptions include those that market participants would consider in valuations of similar assets.

An asset to be disposed is reported at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less selling costs. No impairment was recorded in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Goodwill

Goodwill:

Goodwill is carried at cost and is not amortized but rather is tested for impairment at least annually or between annual tests in certain circumstances. The Company conducts its annual test of impairment for goodwill on October 1st of each year.

The Company operates in one operating segment and this segment comprises the only reporting unit.

There is a two-phase process for impairment testing of goodwill. The first phase screens for potential impairment, while the second phase (if necessary) measures impairment. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. In such case, the second phase is then performed, and the Company measures impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the implied fair value of that goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, no impairment of goodwill has been identified.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible assets, net:

Acquired intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company amortizes intangible assets on a straight-line basis with definite lives over periods ranging from one and a half to five and a half years.

Intangible assets with definite lives are 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 comparison of their carrying amounts to future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds its fair market value. The Company did not record any impairments during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015.

Investments in Other Companies

Investments in other company:

The Company’s investment in one private company, in which it holds minority equity interests, is presented at cost because the Company does not have significant influence over the underlying investee. The investment is reviewed periodically to determine if its value has been impaired and adjustments are recorded as necessary. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, no impairment loss was identified.

During 2014 and 2015, the Company received consideration of 774 Euro (approximately $1,032) and 99 Euro (approximately $111), respectively, when one of its private companies, Antcor Advanced Network Technologies S.A. (“Antcor”), a company in which the Company had a minority investment, was acquired. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, the Company may receive additional proceeds from the buyer within five years after closing of the acquisition based on achievement of certain performance and other milestones by Antcor. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a loss of $404 from the sale of its investment in Antcor.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue recognition:

The Company generates its revenues from (1) licensing intellectual property, which in certain circumstances is modified for customer-specific requirements, (2) royalty revenues, and (3) other revenues, which include revenues from support, training and sale of development systems.

The Company accounts for its IP license revenues and related services in accordance with FASB ASC No. 985-605, “Software Revenue Recognition.” Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and no further obligation exists, delivery has occurred, the license fee is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. A license may be perpetual or time limited in its application. Revenue earned on licensing arrangements involving multiple elements are allocated to each element based on the “residual method” when vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value exists for all undelivered elements and VSOE does not exist for one of the delivered elements. VSOE of fair value of the undelivered elements is determined based on the substantive renewal rate as stated in the agreement.

Extended payment terms in a licensing arrangement may indicate that the license fees are not deemed to be fixed or determinable. If the fee is not fixed or determinable, revenue is recognized as payments become due from the customer unless collection is not considered reasonably assured, then revenue is recognized as payments are collected from the customer, provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Revenues from license fees that involve significant customization of the Company’s IP to customer-specific specifications are recognized in accordance with the principles set out in FASB ASC No. 605-35-25, “Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts Recognition ,” using contract accounting on a percentage of completion method. The amount of revenue recognized is based on the total license fees under the agreement and the percentage of completion achieved. The percentage of completion is measured by the actual time incurred to date on the project compared to the total estimated project requirements, which corresponds to the costs related to earned revenues. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made during the period in which such losses are first determined, in the amount of the estimated loss on the entire contract.

Revenues that are derived from the sale of a licensee’s products that incorporate the Company’s IP are classified as royalty revenues. Royalty revenues are recognized during the quarter in which the Company receives a report from the licensee detailing the shipment of products that incorporate the Company’s IP, which receipt is in the quarter following the licensee’s sale of such products to its customers. Royalties are calculated either as a percentage of the revenues received by the Company’s licensees on sales of products incorporating the Company’s IP or on a per unit basis, as specified in the agreements with the licensees. Non-refundable payments on account of prepaid units (prepaid royalties) are included within the Company’s licensing and related revenue line on the consolidated statements of operations.

In addition to license fees, contracts with customers generally contain an agreement to provide for post contract support and training, which consists of telephone or e-mail support, correction of errors (bug fixing) and unspecified updates and upgrades. Fees for post contract support, which takes place after delivery to the customer, are specified in the contract and are generally mandatory for the first year. After the mandatory period, the customer may extend the support agreement on similar terms on an annual basis. The Company recognizes revenue for post contract support on a straight-line basis over the period for which technical support is contractually agreed to be provided to the licensee, typically 12 months. Revenues from training are recognized as the training is performed.

Revenues from the sale of development systems are recognized when title to the product passes to the customer and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

The Company usually does not provide rights of return. When rights of return are included in the license agreements, revenue is deferred until rights of return expire.

Deferred revenues include unearned amounts received under license agreements, unearned technical support and amounts paid by customers not yet recognized as revenues.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue:

Cost of revenue includes the costs of products, services and royalty expense payments to the Office of the Chief Scientist of Israel (refer to Note 15c for further details). Cost of product revenue includes materials and the portion of development costs associated with product development arrangements. Cost of service revenue includes salary and related costs for personnel engaged in services, training and customer support, and travel, telephone and other support costs.

Income Taxes

Income taxes:

The Company recognizes income taxes under the liability method. It recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. These differences are measured using the enacted statutory tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred income taxes is recognized in the statements of operations during the period that includes the enactment date.

Valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets to the net amount that the Company believes is more likely than not to be realized. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, including historical levels of income, expectations and risks associated with estimates of future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.

Tax benefits are recognized from uncertain tax positions only if the Company believes that 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. Adjustments are made to these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. The provision for income taxes includes the effects of any reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest and penalties.

Research and Development

Research and development:

Research and development costs are charged to the consolidated statements of operations as incurred.

Government Grants and Tax Credits

Government grants and tax credits:

Government grants received by the Company relating to categories of operating expenditures are credited to the consolidated statements of operations during the period in which the expenditure to which they relate is charged. Royalty and non-royalty-bearing grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist of Israel for funding certain approved research and development projects are recognized at the time when the Company is entitled to such grants, on the basis of the related costs incurred, and included as a deduction from research and development expenses.

The Company recorded grants in the amounts of $3,304, $4,586 and $4,997 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The Company’s Israeli subsidiary is obligated to pay royalties amounting to 3%-3.5% of the sales of certain products the development of which received grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist of Israel in previous years. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent on actual sales of the products. Grants received from the Office of the Chief Scientist of Israel may become repayable if certain criteria under the grants are not met.

The French Research Tax Credit, Crédit d’Impôt Recherche (“CIR”), is a French tax incentive to stimulate research and development (“R&D”) which is relevant for the Company’s French subsidiaries (RivieraWaves and CEVA France). Generally, the CIR offsets the income tax to be paid and the remaining portion (if any) can be refunded. The CIR is calculated based on the claimed volume of eligible R&D expenditures by the Company. As a result, the CIR is presented as a deduction to “Research and development expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, the Company recorded CIR in the amount of $675 and $1,414, respectively.

Employee Benefit Plan

Employee benefit plan:

Certain of the Company’s employees are eligible to participate in a defined contribution pension plan (the “Plan”). Participants in the Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings into the Plan, which is run by an independent party. The Company makes pension contributions at rates varying up to 10% of the participant’s pensionable salary. Contributions to the Plan are recorded as an expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company’s U.S. operations maintain a retirement plan (the “U.S. Plan”) that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participants in the U.S. Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings, up to the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limit. The Company matches 100% of each participant’s contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s base pay. Each participant may contribute up to 15% of base remuneration. Contributions to the U.S. Plan are recorded during the year contributed as an expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Total contributions for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 were $338, $561 and $733, respectively.

Accrued Severance Pay

Accrued severance pay:

The liability of CEVA’s Israeli subsidiary for severance pay is calculated pursuant to Israeli severance pay law for all Israeli employees, based on the most recent salary of each employee multiplied by the number of years of employment for that employee as of the balance sheet date. The Israeli subsidiary’s liability is fully provided for by monthly deposits with severance pay funds, insurance policies and an accrual.

The deposited funds include profits and losses accumulated up to the balance sheet date. The deposited funds may be withdrawn only upon the fulfillment of the obligation pursuant to Israeli severance pay law or labor agreements. The value of these policies is recorded as an asset on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Severance pay expenses, net of related income, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, were $1,014, $1,113 and $1,285, respectively.

Equity-based Compensation

Equity-based compensation:

The Company accounts for equity-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC No. 718, “Stock Compensation” which requires the recognition of compensation expenses based on estimated fair values for all equity-based awards made to employees and non-employee directors.

The Company estimates the fair value of options and stock appreciation right (“SAR”) awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of an award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The Company recognizes compensation expenses for the value of its options and SARs, which have graded vesting based on the accelerated attribution method over the requisite service period of each of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures. Estimated forfeitures are based on actual historical pre-vesting forfeitures and the rate is adjusted to reflect changes in facts and circumstances, if any. Estimated forfeiture rate will be revised if actual forfeitures differ from the initial estimates.

The Company recognizes compensation expenses for the value of its restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards, based on the straight-line method over the requisite service period of each of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures. The fair value of each RSU is the market value as determined by the closing price of the common stock on the day of grant.

The Company uses the Monte-Carlo simulation model for options and SARs granted. The Monte-Carlo simulation model uses the assumptions noted below. Expected volatility was calculated based upon actual historical stock price movements over the most recent periods ending on the grant date, equal to the expected option and SAR term. The Company has historically not paid dividends and has no foreseeable plans to pay dividends. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield from U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with an equivalent term. The Monte-Carlo model also considers the suboptimal exercise multiple which is based on the average exercise behavior of the Company’s employees over the past years, the contractual term of the options and SARs, and the probability of termination or retirement of the holder of the options and SARs in computing the value of the options and SARs.

The fair value for the Company’s stock options and SARs (other than share issuances in connection with the employee stock purchase plan, as detailed below) granted to employees and non-employees directors was estimated using the following assumptions:

	2013	2014	2015
Expected dividend yield	0%	0%	0%
Expected volatility	38%-54%	33%-52%	33%-49%
Risk-free interest rate	0.1%-2.5%	0.1%-2.5%	0.2%-2.4%
Expected forfeiture (employees)	10%	10%	10%
Expected forfeiture (executives)	5%	5%	5%
Contractual term of up to	10 years	10 years	10 years
Suboptimal exercise multiple (employees)	2.1	2.1	2.1
Suboptimal exercise multiple (executives)	2.4	2.4	2.4

The fair value for rights to purchase shares of common stock under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions:

	2013	2014	2015
Expected dividend yield	0%	0%	0%
Expected volatility	34%-53%	29%-52%	35%-36%
Risk-free interest rate	0.1%-0.2%	0.1%-0.2%	0.1%-0.3%
Expected forfeiture	0%	0%	0%
Contractual term of up to	24 months	24 months	24 months

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, the Company recognized equity-based compensation expense related to stock options, SARs, RSUs and employee stock purchase plan as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2013		2014		2015
Cost of revenue	$	312	$	193	$	155
Research and development, net		2,014		2,027		1,838
Sales and marketing		1,311		909		568
General and administrative		2,283		1,882		1,454
Total equity-based compensation expense	$	5,920	$	5,011	$	4,015

As of December 31, 2015, there was $2,242 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options, SARs and employee stock purchase plan . This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years. As of December 31, 2015, there was $3,475 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. To the extent the actual forfeiture rate is different from what the Company has estimated, equity-based compensation related to these awards will be different from the Company’s expectations.

FASB ASC No. 718 requires the cash flows resulting from the tax deductions in excess of the equity-based compensation costs recognized for those equity-based awards to be classified as financing cash flows. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, the Company classified $0, $0 and $112, respectively, of excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation as financing cash flows.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value of financial instruments:

The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, short term bank deposits, trade receivables, other accounts receivable, trade payables and other accounts payable approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Marketable securities and derivative instruments are carried at fair value. See Note 4 for more information.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss):

The Company accounts for comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with FASB ASC No. 220, “Comprehensive Income.” This statement establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income (loss) and its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income (loss) generally represents all changes in stockholders’ equity during the period except those resulting from investments by, or distributions to, stockholders. The Company determined that its items of other comprehensive income (loss) relate to unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on hedging derivative instruments and marketable securities.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of credit risk:

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits, marketable securities, foreign exchange contracts and trade receivables. The Company invests its surplus cash in cash deposits and marketable securities in financial institutions and has established guidelines relating to diversification and maturities to maintain safety and liquidity of the investments.

The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are invested in high grade certificates of deposits with major U.S., European and Israeli banks. Generally, cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits may be redeemed on demand and therefore minimal credit risk exists with respect to them. Nonetheless, deposits with these banks exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits or similar limits in foreign jurisdictions, to the extent such deposits are even insured in such foreign jurisdictions. While the Company monitors on a systematic basis the cash and cash equivalent balances in the operating accounts and adjust the balances as appropriate, these balances could be impacted if one or more of the financial institutions with which the Company deposit its funds fails or is subject to other adverse conditions in the financial or credit markets. To date the Company has experienced no loss of principal or lack of access to its invested cash or cash equivalents; however, the Company can provide no assurance that access to its invested cash and cash equivalents will not be affected if the financial institutions in which the Company holds its cash and cash equivalents fail. Furthermore, the Company holds an investment portfolio consisting principally of corporate bonds. The Company has the ability to hold such investments until recovery of temporary declines in market value or maturity; accordingly, as of December 31, 2015, the Company believes the losses associated with its investments are temporary and no impairment loss was recognized during 2015. However, the Company can provide no assurance that it will recover declines in the market value of its investments.

The Company is exposed primarily to fluctuations in the level of U.S. interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, fixed interest investments may be adversely impacted, whereas a decline in interest rates may decrease the anticipated interest income for variable rate investments.

The Company is exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. The Company typically does not attempt to reduce or eliminate its market exposures on its investment securities because the majority of its investments are short-term.

The Company’s trade receivables are geographically diverse and are derived from sales to OEMs, mainly in the United States, Europe and Asia. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited by credit limits, ongoing credit evaluation and account monitoring procedures. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and to date has not experienced any material losses. The Company makes judgments on its ability to collect outstanding receivables and provides allowances for the portion of receivables for which collection becomes doubtful. Provisions are made based upon a specific review of all significant outstanding receivables. In determining the provision, the Company considers the expected collectability of receivables. Allowance for doubtful accounts amounted to $25 as of both December 31, 2014 and 2015.

The Company has no off-balance-sheet concentration of credit risk.

Derivative and Hedging Activities

Derivative and hedging activities:

The Company follows the requirements of FASB ASC No. 815,” Derivatives and Hedging” which requires companies to recognize all of their derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging transaction and further, on the type of hedging transaction. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, a company must designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Due to the Company’s global operations, it is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course of its business. The Company’s treasury policy allows it to offset the risks associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures through the purchase of foreign exchange forward or option contracts (“Hedging Contracts”). The policy, however, prohibits the Company from speculating on such Hedging Contracts for profit. To protect against the increase in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flow resulting from salaries paid in currencies other than the U.S. dollar during the year, the Company instituted a foreign currency cash flow hedging program. The Company hedges portions of the anticipated payroll of its non-U.S. employees denominated in the currencies other than the U.S. dollar for a period of one to twelve months with Hedging Contracts. Accordingly, when the dollar strengthens against the foreign currencies, the decline in present value of future foreign currency expenses is offset by losses in the fair value of the Hedging Contracts. Conversely, when the dollar weakens, the increase in the present value of future foreign currency expenses is offset by gains in the fair value of the Hedging Contracts. These Hedging Contracts are designated as cash flow hedges.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any gain or loss on a derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item is recognized in current earnings during the period of change. As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, the notional principal amount of the Hedging Contracts to sell U.S. dollars held by the Company was $4,200 and $3,200, respectively.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising expenses:

Advertising expenses are charged to consolidated statements of operations as incurred. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 were $660, $792 and $928, respectively.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock:

The Company repurchases its common stock from time to time pursuant to a board-authorized share repurchase program through open market purchases and repurchase plans in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The repurchases of common stock are accounted for as treasury stock, and result in a reduction of stockholders’ equity. When treasury shares are reissued, the Company accounts for the reissuance in accordance with FASB ASC No. 505-30, “Treasury Stock” and charges the excess of the repurchase cost over issuance price using the weighted average method to retained earnings . The purchase cost is calculated based on the specific identified method. In the case where the repurchase cost over issuance price using the weighted average method is lower than the issuance price, the Company credits the difference to additional paid-in capital.

In 2015, the Company identified an incorrect classification with respect to reissuance of treasury shares upon exercise of stock options granted previously to the Company’s employees and non-employee directors. As a result, the Company revised its retained earnings and additional paid in capital for periods beginning in 2012 through 2014 in the cumulative amount of $2,178. The Company evaluated the materiality of the adjustment quantitatively and qualitatively and concluded it was not material to any of the prior periods presented and that correction of retained earnings and additional paid in capital as an out of period adjustment in 2015 would not be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. Consolidated net income and total shareholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2015 were not impacted.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock

Net income (loss) per share of common stock:

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year, plus dilutive potential shares of common stock considered outstanding during the year, in accordance with FASB ASC No. 260, “Earnings Per Share.”

	Year ended December 31,
	2013		2014			2015
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	6,685	$	(819	)	$	6,267
Denominator (in thousands):
Basic weighted-average common stock outstanding		22,009		20,622			20,480
Effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units		456		—			509
Diluted weighted-average common stock outstanding		22,465		20,622			20,989
Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.30	$	(0.04	)	$	0.31
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.30	$	(0.04	)	$	0.30

The weighted-average number of shares related to outstanding options, SARs and RSUs excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share, since their effect was anti-dilutive, were 820,631 shares for the year ended December 31, 2015. The total number of shares related to the outstanding options excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share was 3,316,380 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The weighted-average number of shares related to outstanding options and SARs excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share, since their effect was anti-dilutive, were 1,732,154 shares for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncement

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncement:

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. Under this guidance, revenue is recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. As currently issued and amended, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, although early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November, 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17 (ASU 2015-17) “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” ASU 2015-17 simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by eliminating the separate classification of deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the consolidated balance sheet statement of financial position. The amendments in the update require that all deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheet. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2015 on a retrospective basis. Prior years have been retrospectively adjusted.

As a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-17, the Company made the following adjustments to the 2014 balance sheet: a $1,868 decrease to current deferred tax assets, a $864 increase to noncurrent deferred tax asset, a $464 decrease to current deferred tax liability and a $540 decrease to noncurrent deferred tax liability.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which will replace the existing guidance in ASC 840, “Leases.” The updated standard aims to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requiring disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods; early adoption is permitted and modified retrospective application is required. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance to determine the impact it will have on its financial statements.

Acquisition of RivieraWaves

On July 4, 2014 (the “Closing Date”), the Company acquired 100% of RivieraWaves SAS (“RivieraWaves”), a privately-held, French-based company and a provider of wireless connectivity intellectual property for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. The Company agreed to pay an aggregate of $18,378 to acquire RivieraWaves with $14,678 paid on the Closing Date and the remaining amount of $3,700 payable upon the satisfaction of certain milestones (the “Contingent Consideration”). The Contingent Consideration was recognized as a liability at fair value. As of December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Contingent Consideration was estimated to be $3,603. Accretion of the Contingent Consideration liability was included in financial income, net. During 2015, the Company fully paid the Contingent Consideration.

In addition, the Company incurred acquisition-related costs in an amount of $310, which were included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The acquisition was accounted in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 805, “Business Combinations.” Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price was allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets of RivieraWaves acquired in the acquisition, based on their fair values on the Closing Date.

The results of operations of RivieraWaves are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the Closing Date. The primary rationale for this acquisition was to further expand CEVA’s non-cellular baseband business into advanced technology offerings in connectivity, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth IP. The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies resulting from the acquisition.

In addition, as part of the acquisition, the Company established an employee retention plan for the RivieraWaves employees at a cost of approximately $3,400, to be payable on a semiannual basis for a period of two years after the Closing Date. During 2015, the Company paid $971 of the employee retention plan.

Details of the fair value of consideration transferred and the purchase price allocation are as follows:

(a) Consideration transferred:

Cash	$	14,678
Fair value of Contingent Consideration		3,434
Total	$	18,112

(b) Under business combination accounting, the total purchase price was allocated to RivieraWaves’ net tangible and intangible assets based on their estimated fair values as set forth below. The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets was recorded as goodwill.

Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,189
Bank deposits		1,384
Other assets		2,898
Intangible assets		6,161
Goodwill		10,114
Total assets		21,746
Current liabilities		(2,201	)
Deferred tax liabilities, net		(1,433	)
Total liabilities		(3,634	)
Total	$	18,112

In performing the purchase price allocation, the Company considered, among other factors, analysis of historical financial performance, highest and best use of the acquired assets and estimates of future performance of RivieraWaves’ products. In its allocation, the Company also considered the fair value of intangible assets based on a market participant approach to valuation performed by a third party valuation firm using an income approach and estimates and assumptions provided by management. The following table sets forth the components of intangible assets associated with the RivieraWaves acquisition:

	Fair value
Core technologies (1)	$	5,796
Customer relationships (2)		272
Customer backlog (3)		93
Total intangible assets	$	6,161

(1) Core technologies represent a combination of RivieraWaves’ processes and trade secrets related to the design and development of its products. This proprietary know-how can be leveraged to develop new technology and improve the Company’s products and is amortized using the straight line method.

(2) Customer relationships represent the underlying relationships and agreements with RivieraWaves’ installed customer base and are amortized using the straight line method.

(3) Customer backlog represents an order or production backlog arises from contracts or sales orders and are amortized using the straight line method.