Liberty Broadband Corp Revenue Disclosure
Revenue Recognition
As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) amending revenue recognition guidance using the modified retrospective method for all contracts reflecting the aggregate effect of modifications prior to the date of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.
Upon adoption, we recognized a net cumulative effect of applying the new revenue guidance as a net increase to the opening balance of retained earnings of $1.2 million, as well as an increase to other current assets of $0.3 million, an increase to deferred income tax liabilities of $0.4 million and a decrease to deferred revenue and other current liabilities of $1.3 million, primarily due to changes in the timing of revenue recognition. The impact of the new accounting guidance to our consolidated statement of operations was not meaningful for the year ended December 31, 2018, and we do not expect it to be meaningful going forward.
Skyhook earns revenue from the sale and integration of its Precision Location Solution (including the licensing of software and data components that make up that solution) and the licensing of Geospatial Insights data. In addition, Skyhook earns revenue through entering into licensing agreements with companies to utilize its underlying intellectual property.
Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to its customers in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those products and services.
Skyhook sells its Precision Location Solution and Geospatial Insights data via fixed fee, usage basis or revenue share licensing arrangements. Revenue for fixed fee arrangements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the performance period. Revenue for usage based contracts or revenue share arrangements is recognized upon transfer of the service to its customers. Contracts with customers often include multiple products and services, which in general are not distinct within the context of the contract. Transaction prices of individual products and services are not allocated to specific performance obligations and are recognized ratably.
Skyhook recognizes fees received from intellectual property licensing at the inception of a license term for perpetual licenses when there are no ongoing performance obligations. Revenue recognition is deferred when there are ongoing performance obligations. In such circumstances, revenue would be allocated to the performance obligation and recognized upon the transfer of control of the promised product or service.
Deferred Revenue. At January 1, 2018, deferred revenue liabilities consisted of $4.5 million and $2.3 million, included in deferred revenue and other current liabilities, and other liabilities, respectively. Of this $6.8 million that was recorded as deferred revenue, $4.2 million was recognized as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2018, the related balance consisted of $4.3 million and $1.9 million, included in deferred revenue and other current liabilities, and other liabilities, respectively. Of this $6.2 million that was recorded as deferred revenue, we expect to recognize approximately 96% over the next one to three years.
Accounting Policies Elected. The Company has elected to exclude all taxes assessed by a governmental authority from the measurement of the transaction price.
Practical Expedients Utilized. The Company has elected to apply the new revenue guidance only to those contracts that were not completed contracts as of December 31, 2017 and considered contract modifications that occurred prior to January 1, 2018 as combined with the original contract. Subsequent to January 1, 2018, the Company will consider each modification separately in accordance with the new guidance.
Significant Judgments. The Company estimates variable consideration at the most likely amount to which we expect to be entitled. The estimate 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 historical, current and forecast information that is reasonably available to us.
About Revenue Disclosures
Revenue disclosures under ASC 606 explain how a company identifies performance obligations, allocates transaction prices, and determines when revenue is recognized. This section is essential for understanding whether reported revenue reflects genuine economic activity or aggressive accounting choices. Analysts examine the mix of point-in-time versus over-time recognition, which directly affects revenue timing and comparability.
Key signals: rising contract liabilities (deferred revenue) suggest strong future revenue visibility, while declining contract assets may indicate slowing project milestones. Watch for variable consideration estimates — rebates, returns, and performance bonuses that require management judgment. Significant changes in disaggregated revenue by geography or product line can reveal shifting business mix before it appears in headline numbers. Compare revenue growth against contract liability growth to assess sustainability, and scrutinize any changes in the timing of recognition that coincide with earnings pressure.