Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Iteris, Inc. and all its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the collectability of accounts receivable and related allowance for doubtful accounts, projections of taxable income used to assess realizability of deferred tax assets, warranty reserves, costs to complete long-term contracts, indirect cost rates used in cost plus contracts, the valuation of purchased intangible assets and goodwill, the valuation of equity instruments, estimates of future cash flows used to assess the recoverability of long-lived assets and the impairment of goodwill, and fair value of our stock option awards used to calculate the stock-based compensation.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in a gross amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. We generate all of our revenue from contracts with customers.

Product revenue related contracts with customers begin when we acknowledge a purchase order for a specific customer order of product to be delivered in the near term. These purchase orders are short-term in nature. Product revenue is recognized at a point in time upon shipment or upon customer receipt of the product, depending on shipping terms. The Company determined that this method best represents the transfer of goods as transfer of control typically occurs upon shipment or upon customer receipt of the product.

Service revenues, primarily derived from the Transportation Systems and Agriculture and Weather Analytics segments, are primarily from long-term engineering and consulting service contracts with governmental agencies. These contracts generally include performance obligations in which control is transferred over time. We recognize revenue on fixed fee contracts, over time, using the proportion of actual costs incurred to the total costs expected to complete the contract performance obligation. The Company determined that this method best represents the transfer of services as the proportion closely depicts the efforts or inputs completed towards the satisfaction of a fixed fee contract performance obligation. Time & Materials (“T&M”) and Cost Plus Fixed Fee (“CPFF”) contracts are considered variable consideration. However, performance obligations with these fee types qualify for the “Right to Invoice” Practical Expedient. Under this practical expedient, the Company is allowed to recognize revenue, over time, in the amount to which the Company has a right to invoice. In addition, the Company is not required to estimate such variable consideration upon inception of the contract and reassess the estimate each reporting period. The Company determined that this method best represents the transfer of services as, upon billing, the Company has a right to consideration from a customer in an amount that directly corresponds with the value to the customer of the Company’s performance completed to date.

Service revenues also consist of revenues derived from maintenance and support, as well as the use of the Company’s service platforms and APIs on a subscription basis. We generate this revenue from fees for maintenance and support, monthly active user fees, software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) fees, and hosting and storage fees. In most cases, the subscription or transaction arrangement is a single performance obligation comprised of a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer (i.e., distinct days of service). The Company applies a time-based measure of progress to the total transaction price, which results in ratable recognition over the term of the contract. The Company determined that this method best represents the transfer of services as the customer obtains equal benefit from the service throughout the service period.

The Company accounts for individual goods and services separately if they are distinct performance obligations, which often requires significant judgment based upon knowledge of the products and/or services, the solution provided and the structure of the sales contract. In SaaS agreements, we provide a service to the customer which combines the software functionality, maintenance and hosting into a single performance obligation. In product related contracts, a purchase order may contain different products, each constituting a separate performance obligation.

We generally estimate variable consideration at the most likely amount to which we expect to be entitled and in certain cases based on the expected value, which requires judgment. We include estimated amounts in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Our estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of our anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us. We review and update these estimates on a quarterly basis.

The Company’s typical performance obligations include the following:


	When Performance		How Standalone
	Obligation is Typically	When Payment is	Selling Price is
Performance Obligation	Satisfied	Typically Due	Typically Estimated

Product Revenues

Standard purchase orders for delivery of a tangible product	Upon shipment (point in time)	Within 30 days of delivery	Observable transactions

Engineering services where the deliverable is considered a product	As work is performed (over time)	Within 30 days of services being invoiced	Estimated using a cost-plus margin approach

Service Revenues

Engineering and consulting services	As work is performed (over time)	Within 30 days of services being invoiced	Estimated using a cost-plus margin approach

SaaS	Over the course of the SaaS service once the system is available for use (over time)	At the beginning of the contract period	Estimated using a cost-plus margin approach

Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers into reportable segments and the nature of the products and services. See Note 12 for our revenue by reportable segment.

Trade Accounts Receivable and Contract Balances

We classify our right to consideration in exchange for goods and services as either a receivable or a contract asset. A receivable is a right to consideration that is unconditional (i.e. only the passage of time is required before payment is due). We present such receivables in trade accounts receivable, net in our consolidated balance sheet at their net estimated realizable value.

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that will not be collected. If warranted, the allowance is increased by the Company’s provision for doubtful accounts, which is charged against income. All recoveries on receivables previously charged off are included in income, while direct charge-offs of receivables are deducted from the allowance.

A contract asset is a right to consideration that is conditional upon factors other than the passage of time. Contract assets are presented as unbilled accounts receivable on the accompanying balance sheet. For example, we would record a contract asset if we record revenue on a professional services engagement, but are not entitled to bill until we achieve specified milestones.

Our contract assets and refund liabilities are reported in a net position on a contract basis at the end of each reporting period. Refund liabilities are consideration received in advance of the satisfaction of performance obligations.

Contract Fulfillment Costs

The Company evaluates whether or not we should capitalize the costs of fulfilling a contract. Such costs would be capitalized when they are not within the scope of other standards and: (1) are directly related to a contract; (2) generate or enhance resources that will be used to satisfy performance obligations; and (3) are expected to be recovered. As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was approximately $1,236,000 and $172,000, respectively, of contract fulfillment costs which are presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as prepaid and other current assets. These costs primarily relate to the satisfaction of performance obligations related to the set up of SaaS platforms. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the SaaS platform.

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was immaterial primarily as a result of termination provisions within our contracts which make the duration of the accounting term of the contract one year or less.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

T&M and CPFF contracts are considered variable consideration. However, performance obligations with an underlying fee type of T&M or CPFF qualify for the “Right to Invoice” Practical Expedient under ASC 606-10-55-18. Under this practical expedient, the Company is not required to estimate such variable consideration upon inception of the contract and reassess the estimate each reporting period.

The Company utilizes the practical expedient under ASC 606-10-50-14 of not disclosing information about its remaining performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration (i.e., contract term, determined based on the analysis of termination provisions described above) of 12 months or less.

The Company pays sales commissions on certain sales contracts. These costs are accrued in the same period that the revenues are recorded. Using the practical expedient under ASC 340-40-25-4, the Company recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred since the amortization period of the asset that the Company otherwise would have recognized is one year or less.

The Company utilizes the practical expedient under ASC 606-10-25-18B to account for shipping and handling as fulfillment costs, and not a promised service (a revenue element). Shipping and handling costs are included as cost of revenues in the period during which the products ship.

The Company excludes from the transaction price all sales taxes that are assessed by a governmental authority and that are imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected from a customer (for example, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes). This employs the practical expedient under ASC 606-10-32-2A. Sales taxes are presented on a net basis (excluded from revenues) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is comprised of refund liabilities related to billings and consideration received in advance of the satisfaction of performance obligations.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable.

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of demand deposits and money market funds maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with high quality financial institutions, and therefore are believed to have minimal credit risk.

Our accounts receivable are primarily derived from billings with customers located throughout North America, as well as in Europe, South America and Asia. We generally do not require collateral or other security from our domestic customers. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for potential credit losses, which losses have historically been within management’s expectations.

We currently have, and historically have had, a diverse customer base. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 ("Fiscal 2020"), no individual customer represented greater than 10% of our total revenues. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2019 ("Fiscal 2019") and March 31, 2018 (“Fiscal 2018”), one individual customer represented approximately 24% and 22%, respectively, of our total revenues. As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, no individual customer represented greater than 10% of our total accounts receivable.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The fair value of cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate carrying value because of the short period of time to maturity. Our investments are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The framework for measuring fair value and related disclosure requirements about fair value measurements are provided in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820"). This pronouncement defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy proscribed by ASC 820 contains three levels as follows:

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3—Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management's estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short‑term investments with initial maturities of 90 days or less.

Restricted cash as of March 31, 2020 consisted of $146,000 related to cash restricted for shares purchased under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") (see Note 9 for further details on the ESPP).

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash presented in the accompanying statements of cash flows consist of the following (in thousands):


	Year Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$	14,217	$	7,071
Restricted cash		146		—
	$	14,363	$	7,071

Investments

The Company’s investments are classified as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading, in accordance with ASC 320. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. Trading securities are those securities that the Company intends to sell in the near term. All other securities not included in the held-to-maturity or trading category are classified as available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost which approximates fair market value. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses charged to earnings. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded within accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available (see Note 4). As of March 31, 2020, all of our investments are available-for-sale.

Under ASC 320-10-35, a security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected are less than the security’s amortized cost basis (the difference being defined as the “Credit Loss”) or if the fair value of the security is less than the security’s amortized cost basis and the investor intends, or will be required, to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. If an other-than-temporary impairment exists, the charge to earnings is limited to the amount of Credit Loss if the investor does not intend to sell the security, and will not be required to sell the security, before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. Any remaining difference between fair value and amortized cost is recognized in other comprehensive loss, net of applicable taxes. The Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value of its investments is other-than-temporary at each quarter-end. This evaluation consists of a review by management, and includes market pricing information and maturity dates for the securities held, market and economic trends in the industry and information on the issuer’s financial condition and, if applicable, information on the guarantors’ financial condition. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which the investment’s fair value has been less than its cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and guarantors, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery of fair value.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The collectability of our accounts receivable is evaluated through review of outstanding invoices and ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. In cases where we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations subsequent to the original sale, we will record an allowance against amounts due, and thereby reduce the net recognized accounts receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. We also maintain an allowance based on our historical collections experience. When we determine that collection is not likely, we write off accounts receivable against the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Inventories

Inventories consist of finished goods, work‑in‑process and raw materials and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first‑in, first‑out method.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight‑line method over the estimated useful life ranging from three to eight years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with determinable economic lives are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed over the estimated useful life of each asset on a straight-line basis. The Company determines the useful lives of identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors the Company considers when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement related to the asset, the historical performance of the asset, the Company's long-term strategy for using the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions.

Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill and Long‑Lived Assets

The Company has the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. However, the Company may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment tests. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill. If the net book value exceeds its fair value, the Company would perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of the impairment loss. We perform an annual qualitative assessment of our goodwill during the fourth fiscal quarter, or more frequently, to determine if any events or circumstances exist, such as an adverse change in business climate or a decline in overall industry demand, that would indicate that it would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, including goodwill. If events or circumstances do not indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount, then goodwill is not considered to be impaired and no further testing is required, if otherwise, we compare the fair value of our reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the amount by which the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any, is recognized as an impairment loss. We monitor the indicators for goodwill impairment testing between annual tests. As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, we determined that no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were required.

We test long‑lived assets and purchased intangible assets (other than goodwill) for impairment if we believe indicators of impairment exist. We determine whether the carrying value of an asset or asset group is recoverable, based on comparisons to undiscounted expected future cash flows the asset or asset group is expected to generate. If an asset is not recoverable, we record an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. We primarily use the income valuation approach to determine the fair value of our long lived assets and purchased intangible assets. As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no impairment to our long-lived and intangible assets.

Income Taxes

We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more‑likely‑than‑not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, which increases our income tax expense in the period such determination is made. As such, we determined it was appropriate to record a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. We will continuously reassess the appropriateness of maintaining a valuation allowance.

Income tax positions must meet a more‑likely‑than‑not recognition threshold to be recognized. Income tax positions that previously failed to meet the more‑likely‑than‑not threshold are recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more‑likely‑than‑not threshold are derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock‑Based Compensation

We record stock-based compensation in our consolidated statements of operations as an expense, based on the estimated grant date fair value of our stock-based awards, whereby such fair values are amortized over the requisite service period. Our stock-based awards are currently comprised of common stock options and restricted stock units. The fair value of our common stock option awards is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula. While utilizing this model meets established requirements, the estimated fair values generated by it may not be indicative of the actual fair values of our common stock option awards as it does not consider certain factors important to those awards to employees, such as continued employment and periodic vesting requirements, as well as limited transferability. The fair value of our restricted stock units is based on the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested stock-based awards, we may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned stock-based compensation expense.

Research and Development Expenditures

Research and development expenditures are charged to expense in the period incurred.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included as cost of revenues in the period during which the products ship.

Sales Taxes

Sales taxes are presented on a net basis (excluded from revenues) in the consolidated statements of operations.

Right-of-Use Assets and Lease Liabilities

We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception and determine the classification of the lease, as either operating or finance, at commencement.

Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recorded based on the present value of future lease payments which factors in certain qualifying initial direct costs incurred as well as any lease incentives received. If an implicit rate is not readily determinable, we utilize inputs from third-party lenders to determine the appropriate discount rate. Lease expense for operating lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Finance leases incur interest expense using the effective interest method in addition to amortization of the leased asset on straight-line basis, both over the applicable lease term. Lease terms may factor in options to extend or terminate the lease.

We adhere to the short-term lease recognition exemption for all classes of assets (i.e. facilities and equipment). As a result, leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In addition, for certain equipment leases, we account for lease and non-lease components, such as services, as a single lease component as permitted.

Warranty

We generally provide a one to three year warranty from the original invoice date on all products, materials and workmanship. Products sold to various original equipment manufacturer customers sometimes carry longer warranties. Defective products will be either repaired or replaced, usually at our option, upon meeting certain criteria. We accrue a provision for the estimated costs that may be incurred for product warranties relating to a product as a component of cost of sales at the time revenue for that product is recognized. The accrued warranty reserve is included within accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We do not provide any service-type warranties.

Repair and Maintenance Costs

We incur repair and maintenance costs in the normal course of business. Should the repair or maintenance result in a permanent improvement to one of our leased facilities, the cost is capitalized as a leasehold improvement and amortized over its useful life or the remainder of the lease period, whichever is shorter. Non‑permanent repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.

Comprehensive Loss

The difference between net loss and comprehensive loss was de minimis for the Fiscal 2020, Fiscal 2019, and Fiscal 2018.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU No. 2016-02 establishes a right-of-use model that requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either "finance" or "operating," with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. This update was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-02, on April 1, 2019, the Company recognized (a) an operating lease liability of $14.2 million, which represents the present value of our remaining lease payments and (b) a related right-of-use asset of $13.4 million. In addition, the Company derecognized approximately $827,000 of deferred rent liability. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 did not have a material impact on the Company's statement of operations, cash flows, or stockholders' equity. Due to the adoption of the standard using the modified retrospective cumulative-effect adjustment method, there are no changes to our previously reported results prior to April 1, 2019. See Note 7, Right-of-Use Assets and Lease Liabilities, for additional details.

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirement for Fair Value Measurements (“ASU 2018-13”), which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. We have completed our preliminary assessment and do not anticipate this pronouncement will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal Use Software (subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract ("ASU 2018-15"), which clarifies the accounting for implementation costs in cloud computing arrangements. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. We have completed our preliminary assessment and do not anticipate this pronouncement will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This update requires that certain financial assets be measured at amortized cost net of an allowance for estimated credit losses such that the net receivable represents the present value of expected cash collection. In addition, this standard update requires that certain financial assets be measured at amortized cost reflecting an allowance for estimated credit losses expected to occur over the life of the assets. The estimate of credit losses must be based on all relevant information including historical information, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the amounts. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates, which defers the effective date of ASU 2016-13 to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 for all entities except SEC reporting companies that are not smaller reporting companies. As a smaller reporting company, ASU 2016-13 will now be effective for our fiscal year 2024 beginning April 1, 2023; however, early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the timing and impact of adopting ASU 2016-13 on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-07, "Codification Updates to SEC Sections". This update simplifies the guidance in various sections that was duplicative, redundant or outdated. The Company adopted this update effective July 2019. It did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The ASU removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU, however we do not anticipate this pronouncement will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.