Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Operating Segment (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Spectrum,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a biotechnology company, with a primary strategy comprised of acquiring, developing, and commercializing a broad and diverse pipeline of clinical and commercial products. We have an in-house clinical development organization with regulatory and data management capabilities, a commercial infrastructure, and a field sales force for our marketed products. Currently, we have six approved oncology/hematology products (FUSILEV, FOLOTYN, ZEVALIN, MARQIBO, BELEODAQ, and EVOMELA) that target different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma ("NHL"), advanced metastatic colorectal cancer ("mCRC"), acute lymphoblastic leukemia ("ALL"), and multiple myeloma ("MM").

We also have three drugs in mid-to-late stage development (in Phase 2 or Phase 3 clinical trials):


•	POZIOTINIB, a novel pan-HER inhibitor used in the treatment of patients with a variety of solid tumors, including breast and lung cancer.


•	ROLONTIS (formerly referred to as SPI-2012 or LAPS-G-CSF) for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.


•	QAPZOLA (formerly referred to as APAZIQUONE) for immediate intravesical instillation in post-transurethral resection of bladder tumors in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, or ("NMIBC").

Basis of Presentation

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These financial statements include the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Spectrum and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned (except for Spectrum Pharma Canada ("SPC")), as discussed below. All inter-company accounts and transactions among these legal entities have been eliminated in consolidation.

Variable Interest Entity

We own fifty-percent of SPC, a legal entity organized in Quebec, Canada in January 2008. Some of our clinical studies are conducted through this “variable interest entity” (as defined under applicable GAAP). We fund all of SPC’s operating costs, and since we assume all risks and rewards for this entity, we meet the GAAP criteria as being its “primary beneficiary.” Accordingly, SPC’s balance sheets and statements of operations are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements as if it were a wholly-owned subsidiary for all periods presented.

Operating Segment

We operate in one reportable operating segment that is focused exclusively on developing and commercializing oncology and hematology drug products. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, all of our revenue and related expenses were solely attributable to these activities. Substantially all of our assets (excluding our cash held in certain foreign bank accounts and our ZEVALIN distribution rights for the ex-U.S. territory) are held in the U.S.

Revenue Recognition

(a) Product Sales: We sell our products to wholesalers/distributors (i.e., our customers), except for our U.S. sales of ZEVALIN in which case the end-user (i.e., clinic or hospital) is our customer. Our wholesalers /distributors in turn sell our products directly to clinics, hospitals, and private oncology-based practices. Revenue from product sales is recognized when title and risk of loss have transferred to our customer, and the following additional criteria are met:


(1)	appropriate evidence of a binding arrangement exists with our customer;


(2)	price is substantially fixed or determinable;


(3)	collection from our customer is reasonably assured;


(4)	our customer’s obligation to pay us is not contingent on resale of the product;


(5)	we do not have significant continued performance obligations to our customer; and


(6)	we have a reasonable basis to estimate returns.

Our gross revenue is reduced by our gross-to-net (“GTN”) estimates each period, resulting in our reported “product sales, net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. We defer revenue recognition in full if these estimates are not reasonably determinable at the time of sale. These estimates are based upon information received from external sources (such as written or oral information obtained from our customers with respect to their period-end inventory levels and their sales to end-users during the period), in combination with management’s informed judgments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of estimates, the actual amount we incur may be materially different than our GTN estimates, and require prospective revenue adjustments in periods after the initial sale was recorded.

Our GTN estimates are comprised of the following categories:

Product Returns Allowances: Our FUSILEV, MARQIBO, and BELEODAQ customers are permitted to return purchased products beginning at its expiration date and within six months thereafter. Our EVOMELA customers are permitted to return purchased product beginning at six months prior to its expiration date, and within 12 months thereafter (as well as for overstock inventory, as determined by end-users). Returned product is generally destroyed and not resold. Returns outside of the above-referenced criteria or for expiry of ZEVALIN and FOLOTYN are not contractually, or customarily, allowed. We estimate expected product returns for our allowance based on our historical return rates.

Government Chargebacks: Our products are subject to pricing limits under certain federal government programs (e.g., Medicare and 340B Drug Pricing Program). Qualifying entities (i.e., end-users) purchase products from our customers at their qualifying discounted price. The chargeback amount we incur represents the difference between our contractual sales price to our customer, and the end-user’s applicable discounted purchase price under the government program. There may be significant lag time between our reported net product sales and our receipt of the corresponding government chargeback claims from our customers.

Prompt Pay Discounts: Discounts for prompt payment are estimated at the time of sale, based on our eligible customers’ prompt payment history and the contractual discount percentage.

Commercial Rebates: Commercial rebates are based on (i) our estimates of end-user purchases through a group purchasing organization ("GPO"), (ii) the corresponding contractual rebate percentage tier we expect each GPO to achieve, and (iii) our estimates of the impact of any prospective rebate program changes made by us.

Medicaid Rebates: Our products are subject to state government-managed Medicaid programs, whereby rebates are issued to participating state governments. These rebates arise when a patient treated with our product is covered under Medicaid, resulting in a discounted price for our product under the applicable Medicaid program. Our Medicaid rebate accrual calculations require us to project the magnitude of our sales, by state, that will be subject to these rebates. There is a significant time lag in us receiving rebate notices from each state (generally several months or longer after our sale is recognized). Our estimates are based on our historical claim levels by state, as supplemented by management’s judgment.

Distribution, Data, and GPO Administrative Fees: Distribution, data, and GPO administrative fees are paid to authorized wholesalers/distributors of our products (except for U.S. sales of ZEVALIN) for various commercial services including: contract administration, inventory management, delivery of end-user sales data, and product returns processing. These fees are based on a contractually-determined percentage of our applicable sales.

(b) License Fees: Our out-license arrangements with licensees for their limited rights to market our product(s) may include one or more of the following forms of consideration: (a) upfront license fees, (b) royalties from our licensees’ sales, (c) milestone receipts from our licensees’ sales, and (d) milestone receipts upon regulatory achievements by us or our licensees. We recognize revenue from these categories based on the contractual terms that establish the legal rights and obligations between us and our licensees. We complete the following steps in determining the dollar amount and timing of revenue recognition from our license fees:

(i)

We first assess the number of “units of accounting” for the elements in our out-license arrangements in accordance with multiple element arrangement guidance. We consider if elements (deliverables) have standalone value, and if standalone value does not exist for a deliverable, it is combined (as applicable) with other deliverables until the "bundle" has standalone value (as a single unit of accounting).


(ii)	Next, we allocate arrangement consideration among the separate units of accounting (using the "relative selling price method").


(iii)	Finally, we evaluate the timing of revenue recognition, which is impacted by the nature of the consideration to which we are entitled, as follows:

(a)

Upfront license fees: We consider whether upfront license fees are earned (i.e., realized) at the time of contract execution (i.e., when the license rights transfer to the customer) or over the actual (or implied) contractual term of the out-license. We give specific consideration to whether we have any on-going contractual service obligations to the licensee, including any requirements for us to provide on-going support services, and/or for us to supply drug products for the licensee’s future sales. As a result, we may either recognize all upfront license fees as revenue in the period of contract execution, or recognize these fees over the actual (or implied) contractual term of the out-license.


(b)	Royalties: We recognize revenue in the period that our licensees report product sales to us in their territory for which we are contractually entitled to a percentage-based royalty receipt (i.e., representing the period when earned and realizable).


(c)	Sales milestones: We recognize revenue in the period that our licensees report achievement of annual or aggregate product sales levels in their territories for which we are contractually entitled to a specified lump-sum receipt (i.e., representing the period when earned and realizable).


(d)	Regulatory milestones: Under the terms of the respective out-license, regulatory achievements may either be our responsibility, or that of our licensee.


•	When our licensee is responsible for the achievement of the regulatory milestone (and we have no on-going obligations), we recognize this revenue in the period that our product achieves specified regulatory approvals for which we are contractually entitled to a fixed receipt (i.e., representing the period when earned and realizable).

•

When we are responsible for the achievement of the regulatory milestone, we recognize this revenue in the period that our product achieves specified regulatory approvals for which we are contractually entitled to a fixed receipt. Regulatory approvals by governmental agencies are inherently uncertain, and require our substantial cost and effort in completing our submission for potential approval. Therefore, these regulatory milestones are “substantive” and these fixed receipts remain at-risk (i.e. unearned and unrealizable) until the period of achievement. We believe the amounts we are entitled to receive upon our achievement relates solely to our past performance and is commensurate with either (i) our performance in achieving the milestone, or (ii) the resulting enhancement in value of the drug compound.

(c) Service Revenue: We receive fees under certain arrangements for (a) sales and marketing services, (b) supply chain services (c) research and development services, and (d) clinical trial management services. Payment for these services may be triggered by (i) an established fixed-fee schedule, (ii) the completion of product delivery in our capacity as a procurement agent, (iii) the successful completion of a phase of development, (iv) favorable results from a clinical trial, and/or (v) regulatory approval events.

We consider whether revenue associated with these service arrangements is “realizable and earned” each reporting period, based on our completed services or deliverables during the reporting period, and the contractual terms of the arrangement (which typically includes fee schedules). For any/all milestone achievements in the reporting period that contractually result in fixed payments due to us, we apply the “milestone method” of revenue recognition. Accordingly, this revenue recognition occurs as each “substantive” milestone (as discussed below) is achieved by us, since (1) all contingencies associated with each milestone is resolved upon its achievement, (2) the milestone achievement relates solely to our past performance, and (3) no remaining milestone performance obligations exist in relation to our receipt of payment.

In recognizing revenue under the milestone method, we first assess the number of “units of accounting” in the arrangement. We consider if the separate “deliverable” has standalone value to our licensee, and if standalone value does not exist for a deliverable, it is combined with other deliverables until the "bundle" has standalone value. The allocation of arrangement consideration and the recognition of revenue is determined for those combined deliverables as a single unit of accounting. This includes allocation of consideration associated with milestones achieved by our licensees.

Next, we measure and allocate arrangement consideration among the separate units of accounting. This fixed or determinable consideration is allocated to the units of accounting using the "relative selling price method". Variable fees subsequently earned (other than substantive milestone payments) are allocated to the units of accounting on the same basis.

We determine whether the milestone is substantive by considering (i) the extent of our effort to achieve the milestone and/or the enhancement of the value of the delivered item(s) as a result of milestone achievement, (ii) whether the milestone achievement relates solely to our past performance, and (iii) if the milestone payment is reasonable relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms (including other potential milestone consideration) within the arrangement.

For service contracts without milestones, we recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) services have been rendered, (iii) fees are fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.

(d) New Revenue Recognition Standard: ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), is effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. This new accounting standard requires that we recognize revenue in a manner that reasonably reflects the delivery of our goods or services to customers in return for expected consideration. To achieve this core principle, ASU 2014-09 provides the following steps in evaluating revenue arrangements: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

We have completed our evaluation of this new revenue standard, including (i) the impact on the value and timing of our revenue recognition for product sales, out-license arrangements, and service arrangements, and (ii) the financial reporting transition requirements for adoption on January 1, 2018. We will apply the "modified retrospective” transition method for open contracts to implement ASU 2014-09. This will result in the recognition of an aggregate $4.7 million increase to our January 1, 2018 retained earnings for the tax-effected cumulative effect of initially applying this new standard, with our prior period results not being recast. We will include expanded revenue footnote disclosure requirements under this new standard beginning with our Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2018.

We believe the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will not materially change our future revenue recognition for product sales and out-license arrangements, as compared to our current revenue recognition practices under the existing standard. We presently have no active service arrangements, though this new accounting standard would not have materially affected historical revenue accounting practices.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of bank deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the purchase date.

Marketable Securities

Our marketable securities consist of our holdings in mutual funds and bank certificates of deposit ("Bank CDs"). Since we classify these securities as “available-for-sale” under applicable GAAP, any unrealized gains or losses from their change in value is reflected in “unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss. Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in “other income (expense), net” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Accounts Receivable

Our accounts receivables are derived from our product sales and license fees (receivables related to our service revenue is recorded in "other receivables"), and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is management’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after appropriate collection efforts are exhausted.

Inventories

We value our inventory at the lower of (i) the actual cost of its purchase or manufacture, or (ii) its net realizable value. Inventory cost is determined on the first-in, first-out method. We regularly review our inventory quantities in process of manufacture and on hand. When appropriate, we record a provision for obsolete and excess inventory to derive its new cost basis, which takes into account our sales forecast by product and corresponding expiry dates of each product lot.

Manufacturing costs of drug products that are pending U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") approval are expensed through “research and development,” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations (rather than being capitalized to "inventories".

Property and Equipment

Our property and equipment is stated at historical cost, and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life that corresponds with its designated asset category. We evaluate the recoverability of “long-lived assets” (which includes property and equipment) whenever events or changes in circumstances in our business indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable through our on-going operations.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Our goodwill represents the excess of our business acquisition cost over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired in the corresponding transaction. Goodwill has an indefinite accounting life and is therefore not amortized. Instead, goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis (as of each October 1st), unless we identify impairment indicators that would require earlier testing.

We evaluate the recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually, or whenever events or changes in our business indicate that an intangible asset’s (whether indefinite or definite-lived) carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to the following:

(a) a significant decrease in the market value of an asset;

(b) a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used; or

Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. We review these assets for potential impairment if/when facts or circumstances suggest that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards granted to our employees and members of our Board of Directors is recognized on a straight-line basis over each award's vesting period. Recognized compensation expense is net of an estimated forfeiture rate, representing the percentage of awards that are expected to be forfeited prior to vesting, though is ultimately adjusted for actual forfeitures. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options (as of the date of grant) which carry service conditions for vesting, through recognized expense is ultimately adjusted for actual forfeitures. We use the Monte Carlo valuation model to value equity awards (as of the date of grant) which carry combined market conditions and service conditions for vesting.

The calculation of the fair value of stock options and the recognition of stock-based compensation expense requires uncertain assumptions, including (a) the pre-vesting forfeiture rate of the award, (b) the expected term of the stock option, (c) the stock price volatility over the expected term (and that of our designated peer group with respect to certain market-based awards), and (d) the "risk-free" interest rate over the expected term.

We estimate forfeiture rates based on our employees’ overall forfeiture history, which we believe will be representative of future results. We estimate the expected term of stock options granted based on our employees’ historical exercise patterns, which we believe will be representative of their future behavior. We estimate the volatility of our common stock on the date of grant based on historical volatility of our common stock for a look-back period that corresponds with the expected term. We estimate the risk-free interest rate based upon the U.S. Treasury yields in effect at award grant, for a period equaling the expected term of the stock option.

Foreign Currency Translation

We translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries that are stated in their functional currencies (i.e., local operating currencies), to U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at the reported balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated using the monthly average exchange rates during the reported period. Unrealized gains and losses from the translation of our subsidiaries’ financial statements (that are initially denominated in the corresponding functional currency) are included as a separate component of “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We record foreign currency transactions, when initially denominated in a currency other than the respective functional currency of our subsidiary, at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of the transaction. Resulting unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses from transactions with third parties are included in “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share

We calculate basic and diluted net loss per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. In periods of a net loss, basic and diluted loss per share are the same. For the diluted earnings per share calculation, we adjust the weighted average number of common shares outstanding to include only dilutive stock options, warrants, and other common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the financial statements, as well as operating losses and tax credit carry forwards using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, the timing and amount of which are uncertain.

We have recorded a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets, because we believe that, based upon a weighting of positive and negative factors, it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized. If/when we were to determine that our deferred tax assets are realizable, an adjustment to the corresponding valuation allowance would increase our net income in the period that such determination was made.

In the event that we are assessed interest and/or penalties from taxing authorities that have not been previously accrued, such amounts would be included in “benefit (provision) for income taxes” within the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period the notice was received.

Research and Development Costs

Our research and development costs are expensed as incurred, or as certain milestone payments become due, which are generally triggered by contractual clinical or regulatory events.

Fair Value Measurements

We determine measurement-date fair value based on the proceeds that would be received through the sale of the asset, or that we would pay to settle or transfer the liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible. Fair value measurements are based on a three-tier hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. These tiers include the following:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are publicly accessible at the measurement date.

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but that are corroborated by market data. These inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or quoted market prices in markets that are not active to the general public.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available.