Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Jan. 28, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Fiscal Year
The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31 and results in either a 52-week or 53-week fiscal year. References to years in this report relate to fiscal years, rather than to calendar years. The Company’s most recently completed fiscal year, fiscal 2016, ended on January 28, 2017, and consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2015 ended on January 30, 2016 and consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2014 ended on January 31, 2015 and consisted of 52 weeks.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable
Revenue is recognized at the time merchandise is shipped or when services are provided. Shipping and handling fees charged to customers are recognized as merchandise is shipped and are classified as revenue in the accompanying statements of operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The Company classifies shipping and handling costs in the accompanying statements of operations as a component of cost of sales. Revenue is reported net of estimated sales returns and excludes sales taxes. Sales returns are estimated and provided for at the time of sale based on historical experience.
Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from customers for merchandise sales and from credit card companies, and are reflected net of reserves for estimated uncollectible amounts of $6,022,000 at January 28, 2017 and $6,870,000 at January 30, 2016. The Company utilizes an installment payment program called ValuePay that entitles customers to purchase merchandise and generally pay for the merchandise in two or more equal monthly credit card installments. As of January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, the Company had approximately $91,839,000 and $108,921,000, respectively, of net receivables due from customers under the ValuePay installment program. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Provision for doubtful accounts receivable primarily related to the Company’s ValuePay program were $11,949,000, $11,795,000 and $13,007,000 for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively.
Cost of Sales and Other Operating Expenses
Cost of sales includes primarily the cost of merchandise sold, shipping and handling costs, inbound freight costs, excess and obsolete inventory charges, distribution facility depreciation and customer courtesy credits. Purchasing and receiving costs, including costs of inspection, are included as a component of distribution and selling expense and were approximately $9,557,000, $10,730,000 and $10,984,000 for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. Distribution and selling expense consist primarily of cable and satellite access fees, credit card fees, bad debt expense and costs associated with purchasing and receiving, inspection, marketing and advertising, show production, website marketing and merchandising, telemarketing, customer service, warehousing and fulfillment. General and administrative expense consists primarily of costs associated with executive, legal, accounting and finance, information systems and human resources departments, software and system maintenance contracts, insurance, investor and public relations and director fees.
Cash
Cash consists of cash on deposit. The Company maintains its cash balances at financial institutions in demand deposit accounts that are federally insured. The Company has not experienced losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on its cash.
Restricted Cash and Investments
The Company had restricted cash and investments of $450,000 for both fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. The Company’s restricted cash and investments consist of certificates of deposit. Interest income is recognized when earned.
Inventories
Inventories, which consists of consumer merchandise held for resale, are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value, giving consideration to obsolescence provision write downs of $5,589,000, $7,172,000 and $3,838,000 for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively.
Marketing and Advertising Costs
Marketing and advertising costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of contractual marketing fees paid to certain cable operators for cross channel promotions and online advertising, including amounts paid to online search engine operators and customer mailings. Total marketing and advertising costs and online search marketing fees totaled $3,723,000, $3,300,000 and $1,946,000 for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. The Company includes advertising costs as a component of distribution and selling expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Improvements and renewals that extend the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are removed from the related accounts, and any residual values are charged or credited to operations. Depreciation and amortization for financial reporting purposes are provided on the straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives. Costs incurred to develop software for internal use and for the Company’s websites are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. Costs related to maintenance of internal-use software and for the Company’s website are expensed as incurred.
Intangible Assets
The Company’s primary identifiable intangible assets include an FCC broadcast license; an Evine trademark and brand name; and an acquired online watch retailer customer list and trade name. Identifiable intangibles with finite lives are amortized and those identifiable intangibles with indefinite lives are not amortized. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Identifiable intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events warrant. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount.
Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation is recognized for all stock-based compensation arrangements by the Company, including employee and non-employee stock options granted. The estimated grant date fair value of each stock-based award is recognized as compensation over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The estimated fair value of each option is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for time-based vesting awards and a Monte Carlo valuation model for market-based vesting awards.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method of accounting whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of the enactment of such laws. The Company assesses the recoverability of its deferred tax assets in accordance with GAAP.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within income tax expense.
Net Loss Per Common Share
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing reported loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reported period. Diluted net loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock of the Company during reported periods.
A reconciliation of net loss per share calculations and the number of shares used in the calculation of basic net loss per share and diluted net loss per share is as follows:
 
 
For the Years Ended
 
 
January 28,
2017
 
January 30,
2016
 
January 31,
2015
Net loss (a)
 
$
(8,745,000
)
 
$
(12,284,000
)
 
$
(1,378,000
)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — Basic
 
59,784,594

 
57,004,321

 
53,458,662

Dilutive effect of stock options, non-vested shares and warrants (b)
 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — Diluted
 
59,784,594

 
57,004,321

 
53,458,662

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss per common share
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
(0.22
)
 
$
(0.03
)
Net loss per common share — assuming dilution
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
(0.22
)
 
$
(0.03
)

(a) The net losses for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 includes executive and management transition costs of $4,411,000, $3,549,000 and $5,520,000, respectively. In addition, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 includes distribution facility consolidation and technology upgrade costs of $677,000 and $1,347,000, respectively. The net loss for fiscal 2014 includes activist shareholder response charges $3,518,000.
(b) For fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, approximately 119,000, -0- and 3,118,000, respectively, incremental in-the-money potentially dilutive common share stock options and, with respect to fiscal 2016, warrants have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, as the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
GAAP requires disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. GAAP excludes certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments from its disclosure requirements.
The Company used the following methods and assumptions in estimating its fair values for financial instruments. The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate the fair value for cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, trade payables and accrued liabilities, due to the short maturities of those instruments. The fair value of the Company’s $85 million Credit Facilities are estimated based on rates available to the Company for issuance of debt. As of January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, the Company's Credit Facilities had a carrying amount and an estimated fair value of $85 million and $72 million, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis relate primarily to the Company's tangible fixed assets and intangible FCC broadcasting license asset, which are remeasured when estimated fair value is below carrying value on the consolidated balance sheets. For these assets, the Company does not periodically adjust its carrying value to fair value except in the event of impairment. If the Company determines that impairment has occurred, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to fair value and the difference is recorded as a loss within operating income in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company had no remeasurements of such assets or liabilities to fair value during fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during reporting periods. These estimates relate primarily to the carrying amounts of accounts receivable and inventories, the realizability of certain long-term assets and the recorded balances of certain accrued liabilities and reserves. Ultimate results could differ from these estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, Subtopic 835-30 (Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03). ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by ASU 2015-03. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, applying it retrospectively. The consolidated balance sheet as of January 30, 2016 reflects the reclassification of debt issuance costs of $266,000 from other assets to long term credit facilities. The amount of debt issuance costs included in long term credit facilities as of January 28, 2017 was $1.4 million. In August 2015, the FASB issued Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, Subtopic 835-30 (ASU No. 2015-15), which clarifies that absent authoritative guidance in ASU 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the revolving line of credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the revolving line of credit arrangement. As of January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, debt issuance costs of $589,000 and $694,000, respectively, related to our PNC Credit Agreement revolving line of credit were included within other assets. We continue to include these costs within other assets, amortizing them over the term of the PNC Credit Agreement.
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, Subtopic 205-40 (ASU No. 2014-15). ASU 2014-15 requires management to assess whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statements are issued. If substantial doubt exists, additional disclosures are required.  The Company adopted this standard during the year ended January 28, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, Topic 740 (ASU No 2015-17). ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, applying it retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Topic 606 (ASU No. 2014-09), which provides a framework for the recognition of revenue, with the objective that recognized revenues properly reflect amounts an entity is entitled to receive in exchange for goods and services. The guidance, also includes additional disclosure requirements regarding revenue, cash flows and obligations related to contracts with customers. In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board approved a one year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09. The standard will now become effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of this ASU, related amendments and interpretive guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, financial systems and controls. In addition, we are still determining the application of several aspects of the ASU, including; principal versus agent, identification of performance obligations, the determination of when control of goods transfers to our customers, our transition method and related disclosure requirements.
In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, Topic 330 (ASU No 2015-11). ASU 2015-11 changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost or net realizable value. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-11 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Leases, Topic 842 (ASU No 2016-02). ASU 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. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Compensation-Stock Compensation, Topic 718 (ASU No. 2016-09). This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. In addition, the ASU also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and has elected to continue estimating forfeitures each period. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-09 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Cash Flows, Topic 230 (ASU No. 2016-15). This amendment provides guidance on the presentation and classification of specific cash flow items to improve consistency in practice. The new standard is effective retrospectively for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-15 on our consolidated financial statements.