Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

v2.4.0.8
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation

Since Row 44 was deemed the accounting acquirer in the Business Combination consummated on January 31, 2013, the historical financial information for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 reflects the financial information and activities only of Row 44. In conjunction with the Business combination on January 31, 2013, outstanding shares of Row 44 par value $0.0001 common stock were converted into Global Eagle par value $0.0001 common stock. As Row 44 was deemed the accounting acquirer in the Business Combination, the historical financial information for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 reflects the financial information and activities only of Row 44 as the predecessor entity. The historical equity of Row 44 has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the equity structure of GEAC, using the respective exchange ratios established in the Business Combination, which reflects the number of shares GEAC issued to equity holders of Row 44 at the Business Combination date. The retroactive revision of Row 44’s equity as of January 1, 2011 includes Row 44’s redeemable preferred stock, certain vested warrants and stock options had they been converted as of January 1, 2009, which is consistent with the terms of the transaction. Accordingly, all common and preferred shares and per share amounts for all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been adjusted retrospectively, where applicable, to reflect the respective exchange ratios established in the Business Combination. For details on the Row 44 share conversion to Global Eagle common stock, refer to the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed on schedule 14(a) on January 17, 2013.

The presented financial information for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes the financial information and activities of Row 44 for the period January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 (365 days) as well as the financial information and activities of GEE and AIA for the period January 31, 2013 to December 31, 2013 (335 days), PMG for the period July 10, 2013 to December 31, 2013 (174 days), and IFES for the period October 18, 2013 to December 31, 2013 (75 days).

Principles of Consolidation

Investments that the Company has the ability to control, through a majority voting interest or otherwise, or with respect to which it is the primary beneficiary, are consolidated. Earnings or losses attributable to any non-controlling interests in a Company subsidiary, such as the non-controlling interests in AIA, are included in net income (loss) in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Any investments in affiliates over which the Company has the ability to exert significant influence, but does not control and with respect to which it is not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in affiliates for which the Company has no ability to exert significant influence are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. During the year ended 2013, the Company acquired an approximate 18% interest in a privately held company for approximately $1.5 million. Unrealized gains or losses relating to available-for-sale securities are accounted for by adjusting the carrying amount of the securities to their fair value during each reporting period. Any unrealized gains or losses as a result of changes to the fair value of the available-for-sale securities is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Acquisitions are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The Company uses purchase accounting for its acquisitions, which results in all assets and liabilities of acquired businesses being recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition dates. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, including the shares that AIA owns in GEE through its historical investment in Row 44, which is accounted for as treasury stock in the consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue (relative selling price of deliverables) and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include revenue, allowance for doubtful accounts, fair value of issued common stock warrants, the assigned value of acquired assets and assumed and contingent liabilities associated with business combinations, valuation of media content inventory, useful lives and impairment of property and equipment, intangible assets, goodwill and other assets, the fair value of the Company's equity-based compensation awards, and deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates compared to historical experience and trends, which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when four basic criteria are met: persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists; performance of services has occurred; the sales price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company considers persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement to be the receipt of a signed contract. Collectability is assessed based on a number of factors, including transaction history and the credit worthiness of a customer. If it is determined that the collection is not reasonably assured, revenue is not recognized until collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash. The Company records cash received in advance of revenue recognition as deferred revenue.

For arrangements with multiple deliverables, the Company allocates revenue to each deliverable if the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis and, if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company. The fair value of the selling price for a deliverable is determined using a hierarchy of (1) Company specific objective and reliable evidence, then (2) third-party evidence, then (3) best estimate of selling price. The Company allocates any arrangement fee to each of the elements based on their relative selling prices.

When the Company enters into revenue sharing arrangements where it acts as the primary obligor, the Company recognizes the underlying revenue on a gross basis. In determining whether to report revenue gross for the amount of fees received from its customers, the Company assesses whether it maintains the principal relationship, whether it bears credit risk and whether it has latitude in establishing prices with the airlines.

The Company's revenue is principally derived from the following services:

Connectivity

Equipment Revenue. Equipment revenue is recognized when title and risk pass to the buyer, which is generally upon shipment or arrival at destination depending on the contractual arrangement with the customer. In determining whether an arrangement exists, the Company ensures that a binding arrangement is in place, such as a standard purchase order or a fully executed customer-specific agreement. In cases where a customer has the contractual ability to accept or return equipment within a specific time frame, the Company will provide for return reserves when and if necessary, based upon historical experience.

In certain cases where the Company sells its equipment on a stand-alone basis, it may charge a fee for obtaining Supplemental Type Certificates (“STCs”) obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration, which allow its equipment to operate on certain model/type of aircraft. To the extent that the Company contracts to sell STCs fees in equipment-only sales, the Company will record these fees as revenue. Total STC fees recognized as revenue in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $0.7 million, $0.2 million and $0, respectively.

Included in equipment revenue are certain deferred obligations that exist pursuant to the Company's contractual arrangements and typically include, but are not limited to, technical support, regulatory support, network support and installation support. These support-based arrangements are customarily bundled with the Company's contracts and are accounted for as a single unit of account. To the extent that these support services have value on a standalone basis, the Company allocates revenue to each element in the arrangement based upon their relative fair values. Fair value is determined based upon the best estimate of the selling price, and the fair value of undelivered elements is deferred and recognized over the performance or contractual period and is included in equipment revenue. The most significant of the deferred obligations are typically network support, which includes 24/7 operational support for the airlines for which the Company incurs significant and periodic external and internal costs to deliver on a daily basis.

Service Revenue. Service revenue includes in-flight Wi-Fi Internet services, live television, on-demand content, shopping and click-through advertising revenue from travel-related information. Service revenue is recognized after it has been rendered and the customer can use the service, which customarily is in the form of (i) enplanement for boarded passengers, (ii) usage by passengers, depending upon the specific contract, and (iii) other revenues such as advertising sponsorship. The Company assesses whether performance criteria have been met and whether its service fees are fixed or determinable based on a reconciliation of the performance criteria and an analysis of the payment terms associated with the transaction. The reconciliation of the performance criteria generally includes a comparison of third-party performance data to the contractual performance obligation and to internal or customer performance data in circumstances where that data is available.

In certain cases, the Company records service revenue based on available and preliminary information from its network operations. Amounts collected on the related receivables may vary from reported information based upon third party refinement of estimated and reported amounts owed that generally occurs typically within thirty days of the period end. For all years presented, the difference between the amounts recognized based on preliminary information and cash collected was not material.

Content

Licensing Revenue. Content licensing revenue is principally generated through the sale or license of media content, video and music programming, applications, and video games to the airlines, and to a lesser extent through various services such as encoding and editing of media content. Revenue from the sale or license of content is recognized when the content has been delivered and the contractual performance obligations have been fulfilled, generally at the time a customer's license period begins. For arrangements in which the license period commences after the delivery of content, revenue is not recognized until the license period commences even if delivery and performance obligations have already occurred. In certain cases, the Company estimates licensing revenues from airline customers. The Company believes it has the ability to reasonably estimate the amounts that will ultimately be collected such that it recognizes these amounts when earned.

Services Revenue. Content services revenue, such as technical services, the encoding of video products, development of graphical interfaces or the provision of materials, are billed and recognized as services are performed.

The Company extends credit to its customers. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Company's customers to make required payments. Management specifically analyzes the age of customer balances, historical bad debt experience, customer credit-worthiness, and changes in customer payment terms when making estimates of the collectability of the Company's trade accounts receivable balances. If the Company determines that the financial condition of any of its customers has deteriorated, whether due to customer specific or general economic issues, an increase in the allowance may be made. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off. The following table provides a reconciliation in the change in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31st (in thousands):
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Accounts receivable, gross
$
66,145

 
$
8,299

 
$
4,423

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
(1,929
)
 
$
(7
)
 
$
(7
)
Accounts receivable, net
$
64,216

 
$
8,292

 
$
4,416



Movements in the balance for allowance for doubtful accounts are not material. Increases during 2013 are primarily due to the acquisitions made during 2013, and the resulting increases in accounts receivables.


Cost of Sales

Connectivity

Connectivity costs of sales consist primarily of equipment fees paid to third party manufacturers, certain revenue recognized by the Company and shared with its customers or partners as a result of its revenue-sharing arrangements, Internet connection and satellite charges and other platform operating expenses associated with the Company's Connectivity business, including depreciation of internally developed software, website development costs, and hardware used to build and operate the Company's Connectivity platform, and personnel costs relating to information technology.

Content

Content costs of sales consist primarily of the costs to license or purchase media content, and direct costs to service content for the airlines. Included in Content cost of sales is amortization expense associated with the purchase of film content libraries acquired in business combinations and in the ordinary course of business.

Product Development

Product research and software development costs, other than certain internal-use software costs qualifying for capitalization, are expensed as incurred. Costs of computer software or websites developed or obtained for internal use that are incurred in the preliminary project and post implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Certain costs of developing internal-use software incurred during the application and development stage, which include employee and outside consulting compensation and related expenses, costs of computer hardware and software, website development costs and costs incurred in developing additional features and functionality of the services, are capitalized. The estimated useful life of costs capitalized is evaluated for each specific project. Capitalized costs are generally amortized using the straight-line method over a three year estimated useful life, beginning in the period in which the software is ready for its intended use. Unamortized amounts are included in property and equipment, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized software development costs totaled $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no software development costs capitalized in the same periods in 2012 and 2011.

The Company's product development expenditures are focused on developing new products and services, and obtaining STCs as required by the Federal Aviation Administration for each model/type of aircraft prior to providing Connectivity services. To the extent that the Company is contracted to obtain STCs, and customers reimburse these costs, the Company will record these reimbursements directly against its product development expenses.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period, on a straight-line basis. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the grant date fair value of stock options, none of which include market conditions. The Company estimates fair value of share-based awards using the Black-Scholes model. This model requires the Company to estimate the expected volatility and the expected term of the stock options which are highly complex and subjective variables. The variables take into consideration, among other things, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behavior. The Company uses a predicted volatility of its stock price during the expected life of the options that is based on the historical performance of the Company's stock price as well as including an estimate using similar companies. Expected term is computed using the simplified method as the Company's best estimate given its lack of actual exercise history. The Company has selected a risk-free rate based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury securities with a maturity equivalent to the expected term of the stock. Stock-based awards are comprised principally of stock options.

Stock-based awards issued to non-employees are accounted for at fair value determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Management believes that the fair value of the stock options is more reliably measured than the fair value of the services received. The fair value of each non-employee stock-based compensation award is re-measured each period until performance is completed, which is generally the vesting date.

Stock and Warrant Repurchases

Shares repurchased by the Company are accounted for when the transaction is settled. Repurchased shares held for future issuance are classified as treasury stock. Shares formally or constructively retired are deducted from common stock at par value and from additional paid in capital for the excess of cash paid over par value. If additional paid in capital has been exhausted, the excess over par value is deducted from retained earnings. Direct costs incurred to acquire the shares are included in the total cost of the repurchased shares.

Warrants repurchased are accounted for at their fair value on the date the transaction is settled. Any excess of cash paid, or the value of common stock exchanged, over the fair value of warrant repurchases on the settlement date is recorded as an expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an initial maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

The Company maintains certain letters of credit agreements with its airlines partners, which are secured by the Company’s cash for periods of less than one year and up to three years. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had restricted cash of $3.3 million and $0.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, $1.0 million and $2.5 million of restricted cash is included in other current and other long term assets, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedges

All derivatives are accounted for on a fair value basis. Embedded derivative instruments subject to bifurcation are also accounted for on a fair value basis. The change in fair value of derivatives is recorded through earnings. Cash flows from embedded derivatives subject to bifurcation are reported consistently with the host contracts within the statements of cash flows.

The Company sometimes uses derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps to hedge interest rate risks. These derivatives are recognized at fair value on the transaction date and subsequently remeasured at fair value. Derivatives are measured as financial assets when their fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when their fair value is negative. Gains or losses on changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized immediately in its consolidated statement of operations as a component of other income (expense) as they do not qualify for hedge accounting.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets with finite useful lives, including its infinite lived intangible assets acquired in business combinations, for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Such trigger events or changes in circumstances may include: a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used, significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, including those resulting from technology advancements in the industry, the impact of competition or other factors that could affect the value of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse deterioration in the amount of revenue or cash flows we expect to generate from an asset group, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development of a long-lived asset, current or future operating or cash flow losses that demonstrate continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset, or a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. The Company performs impairment testing at the asset group level that represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable and the expected undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset's carrying value over its fair value is recorded. Fair value is determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows. Through December 31, 2013, the Company has identified no such impairment loss. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented on the balance sheets and reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and would no longer be depreciated or amortized.

Inventory, net

Equipment inventory. Equipment inventory, which is classified as finished goods, is comprised of individual equipment parts and assemblies and are recorded at the lower of cost or market. The Company provides inventory write-downs based on excess and obsolete inventories determined primarily by future demand forecasts. The write-down is measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and market, based upon assumptions about future demand and charged to the provision for inventory, which is a component of cost of goods sold. At the point of the loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis.

At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there was approximately $6.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively, of deferred equipment costs included in inventory and other long-term assets. The deferred equipment costs pertain to certain costs expended in advance of services for one airline, and are amortized ratably over the underlying term of the agreement through 2020.

The Company is not directly responsible for warranty costs related to equipment it sells to its customers. The vendors that supply each of the individual parts, which comprise the assemblies sold by the Company to customers, are responsible for equipment warranty directly to the customer.

Content Library

The content library was acquired in the AIA stock purchase and was recorded at fair value. The useful life of licensed film rights within the content library corresponds to the respective period over which the film rights will be licensed and generate revenues over a period of 1.5 years. Licensed film rights are amortized ratably over their expected revenue streams and included in cost of sales. Certain film rights in the Company's portfolio may be used in perpetuity under certain conditions. The content library is tested for impairment periodically, but no less than annually. Considering the marketability of the given film right, an impairment loss is recognized as necessary. If the estimated future cash flows for a given film right are lower than its carrying amount as of the reporting date, an impairment loss is recognized in such period.

Subsequent to the AIA stock purchase, additions to the content library represent minimum guaranteed amounts or flat fees to acquire film rights from film studios. Amounts owed in excess of the capitalized minimum guarantees are expensed and accrued as a liability when the Company's revenues from exploiting the film right have fully recouped the minimum guarantee based on the contractual royalty rates.

Property, Plant, & Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and/or impairment losses. Straight-line depreciation is based on the underlying assets' useful lives. The estimated useful life of technical and operating equipment is 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Buildings are amortized on the straight-line method over 30 years.

Upon the sale or retirement of property or equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization is removed from the Company's financial statements with the resulting gain or loss reflected in the Company's results of operations. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. In the event that property and equipment is no longer in use, the Company will record a loss on disposal of the property and equipment, which is computed as the net remaining value (gross amount of property and equipment less accumulated depreciation expense) of the related equipment at the date of disposal.

During 2013, the Company purchased and capitalized $5.3 million of Connectivity equipment, which is installed on aircrafts of a single customer to facilitate expanded services over a five-year period free of charge. The Company capitalized the costs of this equipment on its balance sheet as it retained legal title to the equipment over the five-year use period, and will depreciate these costs over their five-year useful life period.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

The Company performs valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on each acquisition accounted for as a business combination, and allocates the purchase price of each acquired business to its respective net tangible and intangible assets. Acquired intangible assets principally include customer relationships, technology, and content library. The Company determines the appropriate useful life by performing an analysis of expected cash flows based on historical experience of the acquired businesses. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method, which approximates the pattern in which the majority of the economic benefits are expected to be consumed.

Amortization of film rights intangible assets with finite useful lives is recognized in the statements of operations under cost of sales.

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of the acquired net assets. Goodwill is not amortized, instead it is tested for impairment annually or when events or circumstances change that would indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Events or circumstances that could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant changes in the manner of the Company's use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the Company's overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends or significant under-performance relative to expected historical or projected future results of operations.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is one level below or the same as an operating segment. As of December 31, 2013, the Company determined that it has two reporting units, Content and Connectivity. When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform step one of a two-step annual goodwill impairment test for each reporting unit. The Company is required to perform step one only if it concludes that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value. Should this be the case, the first step of the two-step process is to identify whether a potential impairment exists by comparing the estimated fair values of the Company's reporting units with their respective book values, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds book value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired, and no additional steps are necessary. If, however, the fair value of the reporting unit is less than book value, then the second step is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The amount of the impairment loss is the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over its implied fair value. The estimate of implied fair value of goodwill is primarily based on an estimate of the discounted cash flows expected to result from that reporting unit, but may require valuations of certain internally generated and unrecognized intangible assets such as the Company's software, technology, patents and trademarks. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

As of December 31, 2013, the entire balance of goodwill of $52.3 million was attributed to the Company's Content reporting unit. The Company's most recent annual impairment analysis was performed on October 1, 2013 in the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2013 and based upon its qualitative assessment coupled with the recent acquisition by the Company in 2013, the Company determined that there was no impairment of its goodwill balance at December 31, 2013. Refer to Note 3. Business Combinations for changes during the year affecting the Goodwill balances since the business acquisition date.
 
Business Acquisitions and Supplemental Pro Forma Information

The Company accounts for acquisitions of businesses using the purchase method of accounting where the cost is allocated to the underlying net tangible and intangible assets acquired, based on their respective estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of certain acquired assets and liabilities is subjective in nature and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the selection of appropriate valuation methodology, projected revenue, expenses and cash flows, weighted average cost of capital, discount rates, estimates of advertiser and publisher turnover rates and estimates of terminal values. Additionally, any non-controlling interests in an acquired business are recorded at their acquisition date fair values. Business acquisitions are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements as of the date of the acquisition.

On January 31, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of 86% of the issued and outstanding shares of AIA, a media content distributor to the airline industry with corporate headquarters based in Munich, Germany. On July 9, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Post Modern Edit, LLC and related entities. On October 18, 2013, the Company completed the acquisitions of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of the U.K parent of IFES. All of these acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations. Refer to Note 3. Business Combinations for further information on the acquisitions of AIA, PMG and IFES in 2013.

Deferred Revenue and Costs

Deferred revenue consists substantially of amounts received from customers in advance of the Company's performance service period and fees deferred for future support services. Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue on a systematic basis that is proportionate to the period that the underlying services are rendered, which in certain arrangements is straight-line over the remaining contractual term or estimated customer life of an agreement.

In the event the Company sells its equipment at or below its cost, and a portion of the related equipment revenue was allocated to other elements in the arrangement, the Company will defer an equal amount of such equipment costs on its balance sheets. Deferred costs are amortized to expense concurrent with the recognition of the related revenue and the expense is included in cost of sales.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and the dilutive effect of contingent shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive contingent shares, which primarily consist of stock options issued to employees and warrants issued to third parties have been excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation because their effect is anti-dilutive.

Foreign Currency

The vast majority of the Company's foreign subsidiaries’ customers are airlines and major US-based studios. As the standard currency of transacting for service revenue and related costs of the worldwide airline industry is the U.S. dollar, the Company concluded that the financial position and results of operations of the majority of its foreign subsidiaries are determined using the US dollar currency as the functional currency. Current or liquid assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are remeasured at the exchange rate in effect at each period end. Long term assets such as goodwill, purchased intangibles and property and equipment are remeasured at historical exchange rates. The vast majority of the income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the period, with the exception of amortization and depreciation expense, which are remeasured using historical exchange rates. Adjustments arising from the fluctuations in exchange rates for the translation of financial statements from period to period are included in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the amounts that are reported in the income tax returns. Deferred taxes are evaluated for realization on a jurisdictional basis. The Company records valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making this assessment, management analyzes future taxable income, reversing temporary differences and ongoing tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in judgment about the realizability of deferred tax assets in future years, the Company will adjust related valuation allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding increase or charge to income. Due to the uncertainty over its ability to realize future taxable income in certain jurisdictions, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $48.9 million and $39.1 million against its domestic deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $1.9 million and $0.0 million against its domestic and foreign deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
The Company is subject to the accounting guidance for uncertain income tax positions. The Company's policy for recording interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions is to record such items as a component of income tax expense.

Fair Value Measurements

The accounting guidance for fair value establishes a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurement. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1: Observable quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2: Observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities 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: Model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.

Fair value is defined 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. The assets and liabilities which are fair valued on a recurring basis are described below and contained in the following tables. In addition, the Company may be required to record other assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These non-recurring fair value adjustments involve the lower of carrying value or fair value accounting and write downs resulting from impairment of assets.

The following tables summarize the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively (in thousands):

 
December 31, 2013
 
Quotes Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
 
 Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
 Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Earn-out liability (1)
$
1,421

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,421

Global Eagle warrants (2)
71,570

 
71,570

 

 

Total financial liabilities
$
72,991

 
$
71,570

 
$

 
$
1,421


(1) Includes $1.4 million earn-out liability for EIM, a subsidiary of AIA assumed in the Business Combination.
(2) Includes 15,571,050 public warrants and 333,333 sponsor warrants.

 
December 31, 2012
 
Quotes Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
 
 Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
 Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Series C warrants
$
5,482

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,482

Common stock warrants
2,696

 

 

 
2,696

Total financial liabilities
$
8,178

 
$

 
$

 
$
8,178



During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Series C warrants and common stock warrants were reclassified into equity and transferred out of level 3.

The valuation methodology used to estimate the fair value of the financial instruments in the table above is summarized as follows:

Earn-Out Liability. The fair value of the earn-out liability was largely comprised of an assumed obligation in the AIA stock purchase and is estimated by using the income approach. Based on the respective purchase agreements, management estimated best case, base case, and worst case scenarios and discounted it to a present value. The sum of the discounted weighted average probabilities was used to arrive at the fair value of the earn-out liability.

Derivative Warrants. The fair value of Global Eagle's warrants, recorded as derivative warrant liabilities, is determined by the Company using the quoted market prices for the Company's over the counter publicly traded warrants. During 2013, the Company (i) repurchased and retired 500,000 of the public warrants and (ii) exchanged 2.9 million of the public warrants into 0.9 million shares of its common stock. On reporting dates where there are no active trades, the Company uses the last reported closing trade price of the warrants to determine the fair value. The Company recorded an expense from the change in the fair value of these warrants during the year ended December 31, 2013 of approximately $64.0 million. There was no income (expense) from these warrants in the year ended December 31, 2012.

The fair values of warrants for Row 44's Series C warrants that were assumed by the Company upon the acquisition of Row 44 were determined using the Black-Scholes model, which utilizes level 3 unobservable inputs. Significant inputs used in valuing the derivatives included (i) the Company's current stock price, (ii) the Company's expected stock-price volatility, and (iii) the contractual term of the instrument. Significant increases (decreases) in any of these inputs could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the contracted term is accompanied by a change in the assumption used for the risk-free rate and the expected stock volatility. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Series C warrants were reclassified from derivative liabilities to stockholders' equity (deficit) due to certain exercise price adjustments that expired on June 7, 2013.

Prior to June 7, 2013, the change in the fair value of the Series C warrants derivative liabilities was presented as a part of changes in fair value of derivatives in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Income (expense) from the series C warrants for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $(0.1) million, $(3.6) million and $0.0 million, respectively. Refer to Note 12. Stock Options, Common Stock and Warrants for the level 3 assumptions used in the level 3 Black-Scholes model calculations on the warrants.

The following table shows both the carrying amounts, which approximate the fair values, of the Company's financial assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively (in thousands):

 
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes Payable
$
10,801

 
$
10,801

 
$

 
$



Notes Payable

The Company classifies the notes payable within the level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because it uses discount rates for similar credit-rated companies that are publicly available and widely observable as an input to estimate fair value. The fair value presented above is calculated based on the present value of expected principal and interest cash flows given the short term nature of its maturity.

The following tables present the fair value roll-forward reconciliation of level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value basis for the year ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively (in thousands):

 
Series C Warrants
 
Common Stock Warrants
 
Earn-Out Liabilities
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2012
$
5,482

 
$
2,696

 
$

 
$
8,178

  Reclassification to equity
(2,879
)
 
(2,696
)
 

 
(5,575
)
  Change in value
132

 

 

 
132

Elimination of Row 44 Series C-1 Preferred Warrants held by AIA
(2,735
)
 

 

 
(2,735
)
Level 3 EIM earn-out liability

 

 
1,421

 
1,421

Balance, December 31, 2013
$

 
$

 
$
1,421

 
$
1,421


 
Series C Warrants
 
Common Stock Warrants
 
Earn-Out Liability
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2011
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Issuance of warrants
4,323

 
279

 

 
4,602

  Change in value
1,159

 
2,417

 

 
3,576

Balance, December 31 2012
$
5,482

 
$
2,696

 
$

 
$
8,178



Reclassification

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2013, the Company adopted recently issued accounting guidance which updates the presentation of reclassifications from comprehensive income to net income in consolidated financial statements. Under this new guidance, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") either by the respective line items of net income or by cross-reference to other required disclosures. The new guidance does not change the requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. As the new guidance relates to presentation only, the adoption did not have any effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance ASU 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date”, on the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. Under this guidance the Company is required to measure its obligations under such arrangements as the sum of the amount it agreed to pay in the arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the Company expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The Company is also required to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements, which is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013.

In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance ASU 2013-10, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes”. The amendments in this Update permit the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (OIS) to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815, in addition to UST and LIBOR. The amendments also remove the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The adoption of the new guidance did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). This pronouncement provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 is intended to eliminate the diversity in practice in presenting such items. The Company will adopt this guidance as of January 1, 2014. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2013 the United States Treasury Department and the IRS issued final and proposed regulations (the “Tangible Property Regulations”) effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, that provided guidance on a number of matters with regard to tangible property, including whether expenditures qualified as deductible repairs, the treatment of materials and supplies, capitalization of tangible property, dispositions of property and related elections. The Company has evaluated the regulations and has determined that they do not have a material impact on the Company’s financial reporting.

Proposed Amendments to Current Accounting Standards. Updates to other existing accounting standards and exposure drafts, such as exposure drafts related to revenue recognition, lease accounting, loss contingencies and fair value measurements, that have been issued or proposed by FASB or other standards setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are being evaluated by the Company to determine whether adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.