2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Anika Therapeutics, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Anika Securities, Inc. (a Massachusetts Securities Corporation), and Anika Therapeutics S.r.l. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. There was no impact on operating income.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our foreign subsidiary is the euro. Assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiary are translated using the exchange rate existing on each respective balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated using the monthly average exchange rates prevailing throughout the year. The translation adjustments resulting from this process are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. The accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

•	Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 1 instruments include securities traded on active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange.

•	Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

•	Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect our own estimates of assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Our significant financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

	December 31, 2011
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash equivalents - money market accounts	$	20,263,766	$	-	$	-	$	20,263,766

	December 31, 2010
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash equivalents - money market accounts	$	20,244,955	$	-	$	-	$	20,244,955

The carrying value of our debt instrument was $11,200,000 and $12,800,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The estimated fair value of our debt instrument approximated book value at both dates using market observable inputs and interest rate measurements.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, management specifically analyzes individual accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic conditions, accounts receivable aging trends and changes in our customer payment terms. Our allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable was $334,473 and $30,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Balance, beginning of the year	$	30,000		$	29,261
Amounts provided		306,520			302,723
Amounts written off		(2,047	)		(301,984	)
Balance, end of the year	$	334,473		$	30,000

Uncollectible trade accounts receivable written-off were $2,047 and $301,984 in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Provisions for bad debt expense were $306,520 and $302,723 in 2011 and 2010, respectively, and are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition - General

We recognize revenue from product sales when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collection from the customer is reasonably assured.

Product Revenue

Revenues from product sales are recognized when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, which is typically upon shipment to the customer. Amounts billed or collected prior to recognition of revenue are classified as deferred revenue. When determining whether risk of loss has transferred to customers on product sales, or if the sales price is fixed or determinable, the Company evaluates both the contractual terms and conditions of its distribution and supply agreements as well as its business practices.

Product revenue also includes royalties. Royalty revenue is based on our distributors’ sales and recognized in the same period our distributors record their sale of products manufactured by us. On a quarterly basis we record royalty revenue based upon sales projections provided to us by our distributor customers. If necessary we adjust our estimates based upon final sales data received prior to issuing our annual audited financial statements.

Licensing, Milestone and Contract Revenue

Licensing, milestone, and contract revenue consist of revenue recognized on initial and milestone payments, as well as contractual amounts received from partners. The Company’s business strategy includes entering into collaborative license, development and/or supply agreements with partners for the development and commercialization of the Company’s products.

The terms of the agreements typically include non-refundable license fees, funding of research and development, and payments based upon achievement of certain milestones. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2009-13, Revenue Recognition, in January 2011, which amends ASC Subtopic 605-25, Multiple Element Arrangements (“ASC 605-25”) to require the establishment of a selling price hierarchy for determining the allocable selling price of an item. Under ASC 605-25, as amended by ASU 2009-13, in order to account for an element as a separate unit of accounting, the element must have objective and reliable evidence of selling price of the undelivered elements. In general, non-refundable upfront fees and milestone payments that do not relate to other elements are recognized as revenue over the term of the arrangement as the Company completes its performance obligations.

Grant Research Contract

With the Anika S.r.l. acquisition, the Company assumed two grant contracts with the European Community related to cell-based tissue engineered products and disc regeneration research. Anika S.r.l. coordinates the fiscal activities for a group of participating companies and universities, and accounts for these contracts by recording a reduction to expense and a related accounts receivable for the reimbursable expenses incurred under the contract. Amounts due to the other participants are refunded as expenses and accounts payable as the amounts are incurred.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investments

We consider only those investments which are highly liquid, readily convertible to cash, and that mature within three months from date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Marketable investments are those with original maturities in excess of three months.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, cash equivalents were comprised of money market funds secured by U.S. Treasury obligations, which approximates fair market value. We had no marketable investments at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers

The Company has no significant off-balance sheet risks related to foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements. The Company currently maintains its cash equivalent balance with one major national financial institution.

The Company, by policy, routinely assesses the financial strength of its customers. As a result, the Company believes that its accounts receivable credit risk exposure is limited.

As of December 31, 2011, DePuy Mitek, Inc., Bausch and Lomb, Medtronic Xomed, Azienda USL Roma, and A.T. Grade, combined, represented 58% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance. As of December 31, 2010, DePuy Mitek, Bausch and Lomb, Medtronic Xomed, Azienda USL Roma, and Nycomed / Biomeks, combined, represented 55% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Work-in-process and finished goods inventories include materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead.

The Company’s policy is to write-down inventory when conditions exist that suggests inventory may be in excess of anticipated demand or is obsolete based upon assumptions about future demand for the Company’s products and market conditions. The Company regularly evaluates the ability to realize the value of inventory based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to: historical usage rates, forecasted sales or usage, product end of life dates, and estimated current or future market values. Purchasing requirements and alternative usage avenues are explored within these processes to mitigate inventory exposure.

When recorded, inventory write-downs are intended to reduce the carrying value of inventory to its net realizable value. Inventory of $7,302,483 and $8,949,745 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is stated net of inventory write-downs of $1,375,150 and $631,028, respectively. If actual demand for the Company’s products deteriorates, or market conditions are less favorable than those projected, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Computer hardware and software are typically amortized over three to five years, and furniture and fixtures over three to eight years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the remaining terms of the related leases which range from six months to 26 years at December 31, 2011. Property and equipment under capital leases are amortized over the lesser of the lease terms or their estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred; additions and improvements are capitalized. When an item is sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation is relieved, and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognized in income.

Subsequent Event

In January of 2012, the Company received FDA approval to sell ORTHOVISC, HYVISC, and INCERT manufactured in our Bedford facility. Our Bedford facility is already approved to manufacture all our CE marked products.

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the amount by which the purchase price of acquired net assets in a business combination exceeded the fair values of net identifiable assets on the date of acquisition. Acquired In-Process Research and Development (“IPR&D”) represents the fair value assigned to research and development assets that we acquire that have not been completed at the date of acquisition or are pending regulatory approval in certain jurisdictions. The value assigned to acquired IPR&D is determined by estimating the costs to develop the acquired technology into commercially viable products, estimating the resulting revenue from the projects, and discounting the net cash flows to present value.

Goodwill and IPR&D are evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Factors we consider important, on an overall company basis, that could trigger an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends, a significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period, or a reduction of our market capitalization relative to net book value.

To conduct impairment tests of goodwill, the fair value of the acquired reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. We estimate the fair value for reporting units using discounted cash flow valuation models which require the use of significant estimates and assumptions including but not limited to: risk free rate of return on an investment, weighted average cost of capital, future revenue, operating margin, working capital and capital expenditure needs. Our annual assessment for impairment of goodwill as of November 30, 2011 indicated that the fair value of our reporting units exceeded the carrying value of the reporting units. Anika S.r.l. is our only acquired reporting unit and currently holds 100% of the goodwill associated with the 2009 acquisition of that company. There can be no assurance that, at the time future impairment tests are completed, a material impairment charge will not be recorded.

To conduct impairment tests of IPR&D, the fair value of the IPR&D project is compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value of the IPR&D project exceeds its fair value. We estimate the fair values for IPR&D projects using discounted cash flow valuation models which require the use of significant estimates and assumptions including but not limited to: estimating the timing of and expected costs to complete the in process projects, projecting regulatory approvals, estimating future cash flows from product sales resulting from completed projects and in process projects, and developing appropriate discount rates. Our annual assessment for impairment of IPR&D indicated that the fair value of our IPR&D as of November 30, 2011 exceeded their respective carrying values. There can be no assurance that, at the time future impairment tests are completed, a material impairment charge will not be recorded.

During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company did not record any impairment losses.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets primarily include property and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives (including purchased software and trade names). Purchased software is amortized over 2 to 10 years and trade names are amortized over 10 years. We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of those assets are no longer appropriate. Each impairment test is based on a comparison of the undiscounted cash flows to the recorded value of the asset. If impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow analysis.

Research and Development

Research and development costs consist primarily of salaries and related expenses for personnel and fees paid to outside consultants and outside service providers, including costs associated with licensing, milestone and contract revenue. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

Our income tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes. Certain items of income and expense are not reported in tax returns and financial statements in the same year. The tax effects of these differences are reported as deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are recognized for the estimated future tax effects of deductible temporary differences, tax operating losses, and credit carry-forwards (including investment tax credits). Changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in the provision for income taxes. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized, we establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we include an expense within the tax provision in the consolidated statement of operations.

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure the compensation cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the underlying award. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. See Note 10 for a description of the types of stock-based awards granted, the compensation expense related to such awards, and detail of equity-based awards outstanding. See Note 14 for detail of the tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statement of operations related to stock-based compensation.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss), which includes foreign currency translation adjustments. For the purposes of comprehensive income disclosures, we do not record tax provisions or benefits for the net changes in the foreign currency translation adjustment, as we intend to reinvest permanently undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiary. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is reported as a component of stockholders' equity and, as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, was comprised solely of cumulative translation adjustment losses.

Segment Information

Operating segments, as defined under U.S. GAAP, are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. Based on the criteria established by ASC 280, Segment Reporting, the Company has one reportable operating segment the results of which are disclosed in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-13, Revenue Recognition. The purpose of this Update is to provide guidance: (1) on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables in a revenue arrangement should be separated, and how the consideration should be allocated; (2) requiring an entity to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of deliverables if a vendor does not have vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of selling price; and (3) eliminating the use of the residual method and requiring an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling price method. Adoption of this guidance effective January 1, 2011 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-02, A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring. The provisions of ASU No. 2011-02 provide additional guidance related to determining whether a creditor has granted a concession, include factors and examples for creditors to consider in evaluating whether a restructuring results in a delay in payment that is insignificant, prohibit creditors from using the borrower’s effective borrowing rate test to evaluate whether a concession has been granted to the borrower, and add factors for creditors to use in determining whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. The provisions of ASU No. 2011-02 are effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2011. Adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

On May 12, 2011, the FASB, together with the International Accounting Standards Board, jointly issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The provisions of ASU 2011-04 give fair value the same meaning between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, and improve consistency of disclosures relating to fair value. For public entities, the amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application by public entities is not permitted. We believe the adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this ASU require all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We believe the adoption will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. This ASU's objective is to simplify the process of performing impairment testing for Goodwill. With this update a company is allowed to first assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the fair value of its Goodwill and intangible assets is less than the carrying amount. This step is done prior to performing the two-step goodwill impairment testing, as prescribed by Topic 350. This ASU is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. We believe the adoption of this amendment will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.