Significant Judgments, Estimates and Assumptions
Judgments
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of expenses, assets, liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, at the end of the reporting period. However, uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability affected in future periods.
Estimates and assumptions
Because a precise determination of many assets and liabilities is dependent upon future events, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be significant. Significant estimates made by management affecting our consolidated financial statements include:
Revenue recognition
We entered into an Agreement which provides, among other payments, for upfront license fees in exchange for a regional license to our intellectual property. Management uses its judgment in applying the input method when determining the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue recognition requires assumptions and estimates regarding total estimated costs, the complexity of the work to be performed, and the length of time to complete the performance obligation, among other variables.
Share based payments
Part of our share based payment expense is measured by reference to the fair value of our stock options at the date at which they are granted. Estimating fair value for granted stock options requires determining the most appropriate valuation model which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. This estimate also requires determining the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including the expected life of the option, volatility, dividend yield, and rate of forfeitures and making assumptions about them. The value of the share based payment expense for the year along with the assumptions and model used for estimating fair value for share based compensation transactions are disclosed in Note 8.
Taxes
Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation of complex tax regulations and the amount and timing of future taxable income. Currently, we are accumulating tax loss carry forward balances in various tax jurisdictions creating a deferred tax asset. Deferred tax assets are recognized for all unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the losses can be utilized. Management judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and the level of future taxable profits together with future tax planning strategies.
To date we have determined that none of our deferred tax assets should be recognized. Our deferred tax assets are mainly comprised of our net operating losses from prior years, prior year research and development expenses, and non-refundable investment tax credits. These tax pools relate to entities that have a history of losses, have varying expiry dates, and may not be used to offset taxable income within our other subsidiaries. As well, there are no taxable temporary differences or any tax planning opportunities available that could partly support the recognition of these losses as deferred tax assets.
