Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K
xAnnual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20142017
OR
 ¨
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number: 001-35580

SERVICENOW, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Delaware 20-2056195
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
ServiceNow, Inc.
3260 Jay Street2225 Lawson Lane
Santa Clara, California 95054
(408) 501-8550

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices) 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Not applicable
__________________________
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes x No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” andfiler,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer  ¨ Non-accelerated filer  ¨ Smaller reporting company  ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Emerging growth company  ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  ¨ No x
Based on the closing price of the Registrant’s Common Stock on the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, which was June 30, 2014,2017, the aggregate market value of its shares (based on a closing price of $61.96$106.00 per share on June 30, 20142017 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange) held by non-affiliates was approximately $5.9$12.6 billion.
As of January 31, 2015,2018, there were approximately 150.5174.7 million shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 20152018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”),(Proxy Statement) to be filed within 120 days of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2014,2017, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Report on Form 10-K. Except with respect to information specifically incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, the Proxy Statement is not deemed to be filed as part of this Form 10-K.





TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
  
Item 1
Item 1A
Item 1B
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4
   
  
Item 5
Item 6
Item 7
Item 7A
Item 8
Item 9
Item 9A
Item 9B
   
  
Item 10
Item 11
Item 12
Item 13
Item 14
   
  
Item 15
Item 16
 
Index to Exhibits 
   
 
 




PART I

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are based on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business, our results of operations, the industry in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “intend” and “expect,” variations of these words, and similar expressions are intended to identify those forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this Report under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I and elsewhere herein, and in other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable expectations of our management at the time that they are made, you should not rely on them. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
 
ITEM 1.BUSINESS

Overview
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS


ServiceNow is a leading provider of cloud-basedenterprise cloud computing solutions that define, structure, manage and automate services across thefor global enterprise. By applying a service-oriented lens to the activities, tasksenterprises. We help our customers improve service quality and processes that comprise day-to-day work life, we help the modern enterprise operate fasterreduce costs while scaling and be more scalable than ever before.automating their businesses.

Services are anyWe offer a comprehensive set of the variedcloud-based services that automate workflow within and frequent transactions acrossbetween departments in an enterprise. Historically, our focus was on solving challenges found in enterprise between a requester and a provider, such as: a request for a new cell phone; asking about employer benefits; a request to on-board a new employee; reporting a facilities or information technology (IT) problem; or provisioningdepartments, and we pioneered the use of the cloud to deliver IT service management applications. We now provide workflow solutions that go beyond the scope of the IT department to include service management for customer service, human resources, security operations and other enterprise departments where a new server or application. These transactionspatchwork of semi-automated and manual processes had been used in the past. Using our cloud services, users can easily request business services from these departments, actions and responses can be internal to the enterprise or with outside parties such as customers, suppliers or partners.

Typically, many of these interactions are through email, phone or voicemail and are not systematically tracked or are tracked in spreadsheets or other disparate databases. This lack of a single, structured and persistent system to manage all enterprise services reduces efficiencies and limits scalability. For example, when services are delivered through email, providers generally have no systematic view into what causes requests and how to reduce or eliminate them. In addition, the enterprise often gains little insight into team workloads, service quality or how departments are faring against service level agreements. Further, the lack of a single system to manage servicesautomated within the enterprise, can create a fragmentationthe quality of toolsservice provided by these departments improves, and databases that is difficult and expensive to manage, leads to poor communication between departments, and hinders or prevents compliance with reporting and other regulatory obligations.overall the business runs more efficiently.

To address these issues, the IT industry has developed a standard framework to define and automate IT services. Among its attributes, this model helps enterprises define and structureAll of our cloud services and workflows, provide an intuitive user experience and knowledge base, implement service delivery, establish service level agreements and provide analytics. This service model improves IT service quality, efficiency and scalability and is a best practice that can be applied to other departments throughout the enterprise.

In 2004, ServiceNow pioneered the cloud-based delivery of this IT service management model. Today, we provide cloud-based service management solutions that address the needs of many departments within an organization including IT, human resources (HR), facilities, field service, marketing, legal and finance. Our service management solutions are built on our proprietary service automation platform, thatwhich features one code base and one data model. Our platform also allowsenables customers to easily create, by themselves or with our partners, their own service-oriented business applications for use in departments across the enterprise. Our solutions, and the custom solutions built by customers and partners, are empowering enterprises to change the way people work.

We also provide business management and IT operations management solutions that facilitate the delivery of services across the enterprise by increasing visibility, simplifying compliance, improving end-to-end supplier accountability, managing costs and integrating automated workflows.

Ourdeliver our software applications are delivered via the Internet or "cloud",as a service, through an easy-to-use, consumer-likeconsumer product-like interface, which means theyit can be easily configured and rapidly deployed and easily configured.deployed.


1


We market our services to enterprises in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, consumer products, IT services, health care, government, education and technology. We sell our solutionssubscription services primarily through direct sales and, to a lesser extent, through indirect channel sales. We also provideoffer a portfolio of comprehensive professional and other services, to customersboth directly and through our professional services experts and a network of partners.

We were incorporated as Glidesoft, Inc. in California in June 2004 and changed our name to Service-now.com in February 2006. In May 2012, we reincorporated intoin Delaware as ServiceNow, Inc.

Key Business BenefitsOur Cloud Services
Now Platform

Key customer benefitsAll of our services include:
Automation. Implementing work through standardized and automated workflows can improveproducts are built on a single platform, which is the speed and accuracy of service delivery within the enterprise and increase the amount of work completed.
Extensibility and scalability.A common data model and ease of customization and development enable customers to leverage their existing ServiceNow implementations to expand into additional service management applications and functionality across the enterprise.
Speed and ease of implementation.A comprehensive set of feature-rich service management applications delivered via the cloud enable rapid and cost-effective implementation of solutions.
Governance and compliance. The consolidation of previously disparate applications enables integrated auditing, governance, transparency and reporting. Powerful reporting features deliver visibility into key costs and service performance, including access to key performance indicators (KPIs), benchmarking and executive dashboards.
User satisfaction. A mobile-enabled, consumerized storefront, with personalized dashboards and reporting, embedded user self-help and collaboration features, increases user satisfaction and use of service management applications.
Reduced infrastructure requirements.We provide and support an infrastructure designedfoundation for high-availability and security and which enables us to simplify the installation and management of software updates.
Expertise.We provide access to highly skilled professional services, training, technical support, and dedicated peer support engagement programs, including annual user conferences, local user groups, special interest groups, online forums and blogs, collaboration and knowledge sharing for end users, partners and application developers.
Our Strategy
ServiceNow is changing the way people work by removing dependencies on inefficient manual processes to manage the flow of work within the corporate environment. Our goal is to be the recognized leader of cloud-based solutions to automate service management across the enterprise. Key elementsall of our growth strategy include:

Expand our customer base.We believe the global market for next-generation service management is underserved, and we will continue to make investments to capture market share. To expand our customer base, we will invest in our direct sales force and strategic resellers as well as our infrastructure and capacity, including our data center footprint.

Further penetrate our existing customer base. We intend to increase the number of subscription licenses purchased by our current customers as they expand their use of the ServiceNow solution and deploy additional purchased and custom-built applications to manage more services across the enterprise.

Expand internationally. We have eight paired data centers on five continents. We are investing in new geographies, including investment in direct and indirect sales channels, data centers, professional services, customer support and implementation partners. We also plan to increase investment in our existing international locations in order to achieve scale efficiencies in our sales and marketing efforts.

Continue to innovate and enhance our service offerings. We have made, and will continue to make, significant investments in research and development to strengthen our existing applications, expand the number of applications on ourcloud-based services. Our platform and develop additional automation technologies. We typically offer multiple upgrades each year that allowallows our customers to benefit from ongoing innovation.

2



Strengthen our customer community. Our customer community contributes to our success through their willingness to share their ServiceNow experiences with other potential customers. To support our customer community and encourage collaboration, we host our annual user conference, Knowledge. Also, our ServiceNow Community and Share websites provide an online forum for customers, partners and ServiceNow employees to interact and collaborate, as well as share custom applications and other ServiceNow platform content. We will continue to leverage our customer community to expose our existing customers to new use cases and increase awareness of our service management solutions.

Develop our partner ecosystem. We intend to further develop our existing partner ecosystem by establishing agreements with strategic resellers, system integrators, global service providers and independent software vendors to provide broader customer coverage, access to senior executives and solution delivery capabilities, as well as extending the breadth of application coverage through complementary partner offerings.

Further promote our extensible platform. Our platform is currently being used by customers to address the needs of various departments within an organization, including IT, HR, facilities, field service, marketing, legal and finance organizations. We plan to continue to enhance our platform to enable the creation of business applications.

Our Cloud Solutions

Service Management

Our service management solutions help enterprises define services, provide an intuitive service experience, deliver services to requesters, assure service availability and analyze critical service metrics. Although, we provide applications specific to IT, HR, facilities and field services, our service management solutions are also utilized by marketing, legal and finance departments looking to manage services in the contemporary workplace. Each of these solutions includes the foundational capabilities of Incident Management, Problem Management, Change Management, Request Management and Cost Management. Service Catalog and Knowledge Base are other capabilities included within our service management solutions that allow organizations to offer easy-to-use solutions that offer a user experience more consistent with that of consumer-oriented applications outside of the enterprise. Employees can now use a single system of engagement to request services such as benefit information from HR, collateral from marketing, contract reviews from legal or purchase orders from finance.

IT Service Management solutions give IT managers and administrators end-to-end visibility into processes and infrastructure throughcreate a single system of record for IT. This enables ITtheir systems and workflows, and it is the foundation of our ability to consolidatedeliver specific enterprise applications and automate service management processes, increase efficiency, lower costs and devote more time to creating and delivering the consumer-like experiences that users expect.

HR Service Management solutions help HR professionals focus their resources on strategic priorities. Using ServiceNow, HR can create a system of engagement for the enterprise that complements existing HR applications.

Facilities Service Management solutions help facilities teams reduce the burden of reactive, day-to-day operations and increase productivity, optimize resource utilization, reduce costs and align services with company priorities.

Field Service Management solutions ensure that work orders are assigned to the right person, with the right inventory and tools, at the right time. Companies can replace spreadsheets, email and homegrown management tools with a single system of engagement that delivers efficient, fast and effective services.

IT Operations Management

Our IT Operations Management solutions consolidate resource data, including virtualized and cloud infrastructure environment data, into a single system of record. This enables IT to see how resources are performing at all times, automate key processes and take a business-centric approach to service mapping, delivery and assurance.

Service Mapping solutions, including ServiceWatch and Discovery, inspect and discover services in operation and map their relationships and dependencies across the technology infrastructure to ensure that IT has visibility into impact that changes in the infrastructure could have on those services.

Service Delivery solutions, including Orchestration, Configuration Automation, Configuration Management, and Cloud Provisioning, speed up and automate the delivery of infrastructure and services for the business.


3


Service Assurance solutions, including Event Management, combine the capabilities of event management with analytics to assure business service performance and availability.

Business Management

Our Business Management solutions help enterprises manage costs, projects, compliance and vendors. Our solutions consolidate business data into a single system of record enabling enterprisesalso allows customers to more effectively align investments, utilize resources, automatecomplement their other vertical applications and achieve various business objectives such as better data integrity, faster updates and better responsiveness to user needs. Among the most popular services that our platform supports are workflow automation, electronic service catalogs and portals, configuration management of projects, ensure regulatory compliancesystems, data benchmarking, performance analytics, encryption and manage business relationships.

Financial Management provides a way forcollaboration and development tools. Our platform also enables developers in IT to gain insight into spending by mapping actual costs to consumption or usage across business services, applications, projects and infrastructure. It allows chief information officers (CIOs) to ensure IT costs are correctly aligned to business goals.

Project Portfolio Suite provides the capabilities to plan, organize and manage projects, including associated tasks and resources. Demand Management centralizes strategic requests from the business and streamlines the investment decision process for new products and services. Software Development Lifecycle provides the capabilities to manage the software development and maintenance process, from product inception to deployment.

Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) provides clarity into compliance and audit initiatives, helps companies mitigate compliance exposure, and automates the work of organizations rising to the challenge of complex regulatory environments.

Vendor Performance Management helps customers manage, evaluate and compare vendors based on predefined criteria.

Performance Analytics helps improve services and processes across the enterprise by providing actionable insights on a daily basis.

Application Development

ServiceNow's CreateNow Development Suite reduces the complexities and inefficiencies of developing applications for service management. Using our pre-built templates optimized for service management applications,other departments across the enterprise such as legal, marketing, HR and finance, can quickly build,to create, test and publish customer-specific service managementdeploy their own applications such as request processing, events managementwithin an integrated development environment while leveraging the single data model and rebate processing.common services of our platform.

ComprehensiveInformation Technology (IT)

We have three product suites focused on meeting the challenges of enterprise IT management and operations. Our IT Service Management (ITSM) product suite defines, structures, consolidates, manages and automates IT services that are offered to an enterprise’s employees, customers and partners. Among its capabilities, our ITSM product suite records incidents, remediates problems and automates IT asset management. Our second product suite, IT Operations Management (ITOM), connects a customer's physical and cloud-based IT infrastructure with our applications and platform. It identifies a customer's IT infrastructure components (e.g., servers) and associated business services (e.g., email) which are dependent upon that infrastructure. It also maintains a single data record for all IT configurable items, which allows our customers to exercise control over their on-premises or cloud-based infrastructures and orchestrate key processes and tasks. Finally, our IT Business Management (ITBM) product suite enables customers to manage their IT priorities, including the scope and cost of IT projects, the development of software related to those projects and the overall management of the customer's IT project portfolio.

Customer Service

Our customer service management product defines, structures, consolidates, manages and automates customer service cases and requests. It allows common customer requests such as password resets to be automated with out-of-the-box self-service, and for other cases it routes work from the customer service agent to field service, engineering, operations, finance or legal personnel to resolve the underlying issues. Our field service management application allows field service agents to be effectively assigned, deployed and managed on the same underlying customer service management platform that created and managed the customer incident.

Human Resources (HR) Service Delivery

Our HR service delivery product defines, structures, consolidates, manages and automates HR services related to employee requests. HR service delivery capabilities include HR case management, employee self-service, knowledge management and management of employee lifecycle events such as onboarding, transfers and off-boarding.

Security Operations

Our security operations product defines, structures, consolidates, manages and automates security operations management requirements of third-party and other sources of security alerts from a customer's infrastructure. Security operations management capabilities include security incident management, threat enrichment intelligence, vulnerability response management and security incident intelligence sharing. Our governance, risk and compliance product defines, structures, consolidates, manages and automates cross-functional governance, risk and compliance workflows such as compliance controls and risk mitigation.

Professional Services
 
Our professional services include process design, implementation and configuration, and optimization services to help customers achieve their business objectives and derive value from their ServiceNow investment. We also offer astrategic services to customers embarking on significant business transformations to reimagine their service management strategy and roadmap - from first insight to final implementation. Our network of partners also provides professional services and training to our customers.

We provide an expansive portfolio of comprehensive services thattraining and certification programs for service management across IT, HR, customer service, and other departments. Flexible training options, plus topic- and role-based content, help ensure customer success. These offerings include Professional Services, Education Servicesengage our customers' employees, optimize business processes and Customer Support.enhance efficiency.

Professional Services. Through an ecosystem of ServiceNow and partner resources, we provide professional services that advise and assist customers with implementation and drive value realization of the ServiceNow platform.Customer Support

Education Services.We offer extensive training services and a certification program for different levelsAs part of ServiceNow expertise. Our training portfolio is customized for various skill levels and individual schedules.

Customer Support. Customerstheir subscription, customers receive free support 24 hours a day, seven days a week around the globe, from technical resources located in Orlando, San Diego and Santa Clara in the United States as well as internationally in Amsterdam, London, and Sydney.internationally. We also offer self-service technical support through our support portal, which provides access to documentation, knowledge base articles, online support forums and online incident filing.
 

Our Technology and Operations

We designed our cloud-based serviceservices to support global enterprises. TheWe operate a multi-instance architecture design, deploymentthat provides each customer with its own dedicated application logic and management of our services are focused on:
Scalability. Our services aredatabase. This architecture is designed to support concurrent user sessions within a global enterprise. We process billionsdeliver high-availability, scalability, performance, security and ease of record-producing transactions per month and manage multiple petabytes of data across our customer base while optimizing transaction processing time.

4


Availability. Our customers are highly dependent on our services for the day-to-day operations of their IT infrastructure. Our services are designed as an “always on” solution.
Security and Compliance. We employ a number of technologies, policies and procedures designed to protect customer data. We offer services that have received SSAE 16 (SOC 1 Type 1 and Type 2), SOC 2 and ISO 27001 third-party attestation. Our U.S. federal services have received a FISMA Moderate Authorization (ATO) attestation that can be used by our U.S. federal customer base. Additionally, our data center providers have received an ISO27001 or SSAE 16 attestation or equivalent.

upgrading. We have a standardized Java-based development environment, with the majority of our software written in industry standardindustry-standard software programming languages. We also use Web2.0 technologies like HTTPS and XML that give users an intuitive and familiar experience. Our cloud infrastructure primarily consists of industry standardindustry-standard servers and network components. Our standard operating system and databasedatabases are Linux, and MySQL respectively. The system is also highly portable and has been deployed across multiple environments including Microsoft Windows and Oracle databases.MariaDB.

Unlike many cloud vendors where most customers run on shared infrastructure serversOur data centers operate in paired configurations to enable replication for high-availability and databases, weredundancy. We operate a unique architecture that provides each customer with their own dedicated applicationdata centers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and database processes. This reduces the risk associated with infrastructure outages, improves system scalability and security, and allows for flexibility in deployment location and version upgrading. United States.

We are also investing in enhancements to our cloud infrastructure, which are designed to provide all our customers with increased data reliability and availability.
For an increased subscription fee, we offer our customers the option to be deployeddeploy our services on dedicated hardware in our data centers. In limited circumstances, we grant certain customers the right to deploy our subscription service on the customers' own servers. Our architecture also gives us the added flexibility to deploy our serviceservices on-premises at a customer data center in order to support regulatory or security requirements. Whenrequirements, and a minority of our software is installed on-premises, we define the hardware requirements that the customers must install and manage. We then work with the customershave elected to remotely install the service and provide ongoingdo so. The customer support we provide for on-premises customers is similar to the waysupport we support customer instancesprovide to customers deployed in our own managed data centers.

Sales and Marketing
 
We sell our services primarily through our global direct sales organization. We alsoAdditionally, we sell our services indirectly through third- partythird-party channels by partnering with systems integrators, managed services providers and resale partners, particularly in less developed markets. In the past year, we made significant investments in direct sales in many markets outside of the United States, and we intend to continue to invest in our direct sales force globally.

Our marketing efforts and lead generation activities consist primarily of customer referrals, Internet advertising (including via our website), trade shows, industry events and press releases. We also host our annual Knowledge global user conference, webinars and webinarsother user forums where customers and partners both participate in and present on a variety of programs designed to help accelerate marketing success with our services and platform.

We are investingcontinuing to expand our sales capabilities in new geographies, including investmentthrough investments in direct and indirect sales channels, professional services capabilities, customer support resources and implementation partners. In addition to adding new geographies, we also plan to increase our investment in our existing locations in order to achieve scale efficiencies in our sales and marketing efforts.

Customers
 
We primarily marketsell our services to large enterprise customers. We have proven scalability supportinghost and support large enterprise-wide deployments.deployments for our customers. As of December 31, 2014,2017, we had 2,725approximately 4,400 enterprise customers, including more than 25%40% of the Global 2000, an annual ranking of the top 2000 public companies in the world by Forbes magazine.2000. Our customers operate in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, consumer products, IT services, health care, government, education and technology. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenuerevenues for any of the periods presented.

Backlog

Backlog represents future unearned revenue amounts to be invoiced under our existing agreements and isthat are not included in the deferred revenue.revenue on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, we had backlog of approximately $956 million$2.6 billion and $608 million,$1.9 billion, respectively. We expect backlog will changeto fluctuate from period to period for several reasons,due to a number of factors, including the timing and duration of customer subscription and professional services agreements, varyingvariations in the billing cyclescycle of subscription agreements, and the timing of customer renewals.renewals and foreign exchange rate fluctuations.



5


Financial Information about Segments and Geographic Areas

We manage our operations and allocate resources as a single organizational entity, and therefore we manage, monitor and report our financials as a single reporting segment. For information regarding our revenue, revenue by geographic area and long-lived assets by geographic area, please refer to Note 2 and Note 1917 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For financial information about our segment, please refer to the section entitled “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of Part II and to our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For information regarding risks associated with our international operations, please refer to the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Data Center Operations
We currently run our services from data centers located in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Our data centers operate in a mirrored configuration to provide high availability. We plan to add data centers, or expand our existing data center operations, as required to meet regulatory requirements and accommodate growth.
Research and Development
 
Our research and development organization is responsible for the design, development, testing and certification of our software solutions. We focus on developing new services and core technologies and further enhancing the functionality, reliability and performance and flexibility of our existing solutions. We focus our efforts on anticipating customer demand and then bringing new services and new versions of existing services to market quickly in order to remain competitive in the marketplace. We have made, and will continue to make, significant investments in research and development to strengthen our existing applications, expand the number of applications on our platform, enhance our user experience, and develop additional mobile, automation and machine intelligence technologies. Total research and development expense was $148.3$377.5 million, $78.7$285.2 million and $39.3$217.4 million for the years ended in December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.

Acquisitions and Investments
In addition to continuing to invest in our own research and development efforts, we have made acquisitions and investments in the past and will continue to assess opportunities for strategic acquisitions and investments to complement our technology and skill sets and expand our product reach. We are focused on building out the core capabilities of our platform through both acquisitions and investments that will satisfy growing customer needs.

Competition
 
The markets in which we compete to manage service across the enterprisefor our solutions generally are fragmented, rapidly evolving and highly competitive, with relatively low barriers to entry. As the market for service management matures,markets in which we operate continue to mature, we expect competition to intensify. We face competition fromcompete primarily with large, well-established, enterprise application software vendors, in-house solutions, large integrated systems vendors, and established and emerging cloud vendors and vendors of products and services for development operations. Many prospective customers have invested substantial personnel and financial resources to implement and integrate their current enterprise software vendors.into their businesses and therefore may be reluctant or unwilling to migrate away from their current solution to an enterprise cloud solution. Accordingly, we compete with both enterprise application software vendors that provide on-premises software and with vendors providing cloud-based services. Our competitors vary in size and in the breadth and scope of the products and services offered. Our primary competitors include BMC Software, Inc., CA, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company and International Business Machines Corporation. Further, other potential competitors not currently offering competitive products may expand their servicesAs we continue to compete with our services. Moreover, as we expand the breadth of our services to include offerings for service domains outside of IT, and offerings for small and medium sized businesses, we face and will face additionalexpect increasing competition from platform vendors including Salesforce.com and from application development vendors focused on these other markets.

The principal competitiveVarious factors influence purchase decisions in our industry, includeincluding total cost of ownership, level of customer satisfaction, breadth and depth of product functionality, breadth of offerings,security, adherence to industry standards, brand awareness, flexibility and performance. We believe that we compete favorably with our competitors on each of these factors. However, many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and other resources and may be able to respond more quickly and effectively than we can to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards and customer requirements. An existing competitor or new entrant could introduce new technology that reduces demand for our services. In addition, some of our competitors offer their products or services at a lower price, which has resulted in pricing pressures. Some of our larger competitors also have the operating flexibility to bundle competing products and services with other software offerings, including offeringwhich may enable them to offer such products and services at a lower price as part of a larger sale. As competition intensifies, we expect pricing competition to continue or increase.

Intellectual Property
 
We rely upon a combination of copyright, trade secret, patent and trademark laws in the United States and other jurisdictions as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual restrictions, such as confidentiality and license agreements, to establish, protect and grow our intellectual property (IP) rights. We also enter into confidentiality and proprietary rights agreements with our employees, partners, vendors, consultants and other third parties and control access to our IP and other proprietary information. We also purchase or license technology that we incorporate into our products or services.

We continue to grow our patent portfolio and IP rights around the world that relate to our platform, applications, services, research and development and other activities, and our success depends in part upon our ability to protect our core technology and IP. We have over 350 U.S. and foreign patents, including patents acquired from third parties, and over 250 pending patent applications. We do not believe that our proprietary technology is dependent on any single patent or other IP right or groups of related patents or IP rights. We file patent applications to protect our IP and have in the past and may in the future acquire additional patents, patent portfolios, or patent applications. However, we cannot be certain that any of our patent applications will result in the issuance of a patent or whether the examination process will result in patents of value or applicability. In addition, any patents that have been or may be issued or acquired may be contested, circumvented, found unenforceable or invalidated, and we are seeking patent protection for our technology. We pursue the registration of our domain names and trademarks and service marks in the United States and in certain locations outside the United States.may not be able to prevent third parties from infringing them.


6


Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or obtain and use our technology to develop products and services that provide features and functionality that are similar to our service offerings.solutions. Policing unauthorized use of our technology is difficult. The laws of the countries in which we market our services may offer little or no effective protection of our proprietary technology. Our competitors could also independently develop services equivalent to ours, and our intellectual property rights may not be broad enough for us to prevent competitors from doing so. Reverse engineering, unauthorized copying or other misappropriation of our proprietary technology could enable third parties to benefit from our technology without paying us for it, which would significantly harm our business.

Companies in ourOur industry own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks,is characterized by frequent claims and trade secretsrelated litigation regarding patent and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement, misappropriation or other violations of intellectual property or other rights. We currently face, and we expect we will face in the future, allegations that we have infringed the trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secretsFrom time to time, third parties may assert patent, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights of third parties, includingagainst us, our competitorschannel partners or our customers. In addition, based on our greater visibility, expanding solutions footprint, and non-practicing entities. Asmarket exposure as a public company, we face increasing competition and as our business grows, we will likely face morea higher risk of being the subject of intellectual property infringement claims of infringement.from third parties. For example, on February 6, 2014, Hewlett-Packard Company filedin 2016 we settled two patent-related litigation matters and recorded a lawsuit against us in the U.S. District Courtone-time charge of $270.0 million related to aggregate legal settlements. See “Risk Factors–Claims by others that we infringe their proprietary technology or other rights could harm our business” for the Northern District of California that alleges that some of our services infringe the claims of eight of Hewlett-Packard's patents. Hewlett-Packard is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction. On September 23, 2014, BMC Software, Inc. filed a lawsuit against us in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas that alleges that some of our services willfully infringe the claims of seven of BMC’s patents. BMC is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction. For additional information, see the sections entitled "Risk Factors" in Item 1A and "Legal Proceedings" in Item 3 of Part I in this Annual Report.information.

Employees
 
As of December 31, 2014,2017, we had 2,8266,222 full-time employees worldwide, including 8941,498 in cloud operations, professional services, training and customer support, 1,0112,413 in sales and marketing, 5851,419 in research and development and 336892 in general and administrative roles. None of our U.S. employees is represented by a labor union with respect to his or her employment. Employees in certain European countries are represented by workers' councils and also have the benefits of collective bargaining arrangements at the national level. We have not experienced any work stoppages and we believeconsider our relations with our employees to be good.very good and have not experienced interruptions of operations or work stoppages due to labor disagreements.

Available Information

You can obtain copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings with the SEC, and all amendments to these filings, free of charge from our website at www.servicenow.com as soon as reasonably practicable following our filing of any of these reports with the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials we have filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. The contents of these websites are not incorporated into this filing and our references to the URLs for these websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.


7


ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS



Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes, before making an investment decision. We have identified the following risks and uncertainties that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects. Our business could be harmed by any of these risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. In assessing these risks, you should also refer to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

We expect our revenue growth rate to continue to decline, butand we may not accurately predict the rate or magnitude of such decline. Our capacity is largely driven by production factors such as facilities, data centers and a trained workforce that require long term investments and expense commitments which we cannot easily adjustcontinue to incur losses in the short term. As our costs increase, we may not be able to generate sufficientaccordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

We have experienced significant revenue to generate or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operations.
From the year ended June 30, 2009 to the year ended December 31, 2014, our revenues grew from $19.3 million to $682.6 million. We expect thatgrowth in prior periods; however, our revenue growth rate is declining, and we expect that it will continue to decline into the foreseeable future. We also expect our costs to increase in future periods as we continue to invest in our capacity in order to support anticipated growth. These investments may not result in increased revenues or growth in our business. Even if our revenue continuesrevenues continue to increase, we expect to continue to incur a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) loss in accordance with GAAP during future periods due to increased costs such as non-cash charges associated with equity awards, and business combinations and other expenses. Additionally, we may encounter unforeseen operating expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknownunforeseen or unpredictable factors that may result in increased costs. Furthermore, it is difficult to predict the size and growth rate of our market, customer demand for our products, customer adoption and renewal rates, and the entry of competitive products or the success of existing competitive products. As a result of these and other factors, we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability and wein the future, our gross margins may be unablenegatively impacted, and our ability to generate positive cash flow from operations.operations may be negatively impacted. If we fail to growincrease our revenues sufficiently to keep pace with our growing investments and other expenses, our operating results will be harmed.

Our quarterly results may fluctuate, and if we fail to meet the expectations of analysts or investors or our previously issued financial guidance, or if any forward-looking financial guidance we give does not meet the expectation of analysts or investors, our stock price could decline substantially.
Our quarterly financial results may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control. If our quarterly financial results fall below the expectations of investors or any securities analysts who follow our stock, or we fail to meet or exceed any forward-looking financial guidance we have issued, or if any forward-looking financial guidance we give is below the expectations of investors or any securities analysts who follow our stock, the price of our common stock could decline substantially. Some of the important factors that may cause our revenues,business, operating results and cash flows to fluctuate from quarter to quarter, or which could impact any forward-looking financial guidance we give for any period, include:
our ability to retain and increase sales to existing customers, attract new customers and satisfy our customers’ requirements;
the number of new employees added;
the rate of expansion and productivity of our sales force;
the cost, timing and management effort for our development of new services;
the length of the sales cycle for our services;
changes in our pricing policies, whether initiated by us or as a result of competition;
the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures related to the operation and expansion of our business;
significant security breaches, technical difficulties or interruptions of our services;
new solutions, products or changes in pricing policies introduced by our competitors;
changes in foreign currency exchange rates;
changes in effective tax rates;
general economic conditions that maygrowth prospects will be adversely affect either our customers’ ability or willingness to purchase additional subscriptions, delay a prospective customer’s purchasing decision, reduce the value of new subscription contracts or affect renewal rates;
seasonality in terms of when we enter into customer agreements for our services;
changes in the average duration of our customer agreements;
changes in our renewal and upsell rates;
the timing of customer payments and payment defaults by customers;
extraordinary expenses such as litigation costs or damages, including settlement payments;
the impact of new accounting pronouncements;
changes in laws or regulations impacting the delivery of our services; and
the amount and timing of stock awards and the related financial statement expenses.

8



Many of these factors are outside of our control, and the occurrence of one or more of them might cause our operating results to vary widely. As such, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our revenues, operating results and cash flows are not meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.affected.

We faceIf we suffer a cyber-security risks, including but not limited to, unauthorized use or disclosure of customer data, theft of proprietary information, denial of service attacks, loss or corruption of customer data, and computer hacking attacks. If any of these risks occur, our reputation may be harmed, our services may be perceived as not secure,event, we may lose prospective customers existing customers may curtail or stop using our services, our ability to operateand incur significant liabilities, any of which would harm our business may be impaired, and we may incur significant liabilities.operating results.

Our operations involve the storage, transmission and processing of our customers’ confidential, proprietary and sensitive information, including in some cases personally identifiable information, protected health information proprietary intellectual property and credit card and other sensitive financial information. We do not control or monitor the information that customers processWhile we have security measures in our services, we are unaware of the type, sensitivity and value of theplace designed to protect customer information processedand prevent data loss, these measures may be breached as a result of third-party actions, including intentional misconduct by computer hackers, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise, and result in our services and we do not vary our service offering and security measures due to the content of customer data. We have legal and contractual obligations to protect the confidentiality and appropriate use of customer data. Cyber-security risks, including but not limited to,someone obtaining unauthorized use or disclosure of customer data, theft of proprietary information, denial of service attacks, loss or corruption of customer data, and computer hacking attacks could expose us to substantial litigation expenses and damages, indemnity and other contractual obligations, government fines and penalties, mitigation expenses and other liability. Additionally, unauthorized persons may obtain access to our own sensitive, proprietarycustomers’ data or confidential information or systemsour data, including our intellectual property and other confidential business informationinformation. Moreover, computer malware, viruses and hacking, phishing and denial of service attacks by third parties have become more prevalent in our information technology systems. Such access could be used to compromiseindustry, and have occurred on our competitive position,systems in the past and may occur on our ability to deliver our services or our ability to manage and operate our business. The security measures protecting our customers' and our own information and systems could be breached as a result of third party action, employee error or employee misconduct.in the future. Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or to sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until successfully launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. If an actualAs cyber-security threats develop and evolve, it may be necessary to make significant further investments to protect data and infrastructure. A security breach or perceived breachunauthorized access or loss of data could result in a disruption to our security occurs, we could suffer severeservice, litigation, the triggering of indemnification and other contractual obligations, regulatory investigations, government fines and penalties, reputational damage, adversely affecting customer or investor confidence, the market perceptionloss of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed, we could lose potential sales and existing customers, our ability to operate our business may be impaired, we may be subject to litigation or regulatory investigations or orders,mitigation and we may incur significantremediation expenses and other liabilities. We do not have insurance sufficient to compensate us for the potentially significant losses that may result from security breaches.


If we do not accurately predict, prepare for, and respond promptly to rapidly evolving technological and market developments, our competitive position and business prospects may be harmed.

The markets in which we compete have evolved rapidly, and the pace of innovation will continue to accelerate, as cloud, mobile, workflow, consumer product-like user experiences, social, collaboration, machine learning, artificial intelligence, internet connected devices, robotic automation, security, cryptography, development tools and other digital technologies increasingly become the basis for customer purchases. At the same time, our customers and prospective customers are facing their own competitive imperatives to adopt digital technologies, resulting in the ongoing disruption of almost every sector of the global economy. Accordingly, to compete effectively in our rapidly changing markets, we must: identify and innovate in the right emerging technologies among the many in which we could make investments knowing that we cannot make substantial investments in all of them; accurately predict our customers’ changing business needs; successfully deliver new platform technologies and products that meet these business needs; efficiently integrate with other technologies within our customers’ digital environments; profitably market and sell new products in markets where our sales and marketing teams have less experience; and effectively deliver, either directly or through our ecosystem of partners, the business process planning, IT systems architecture planning, and product implementation services that our customers require to be successful. If we fail to meet any of these requirements, our competitive position and business prospects may be harmed.

Delays in the release of, or actual or perceived defects in, new or updated products may slow the adoption of our most recent technologies, reduce our ability to efficiently provide our services, decrease customer satisfaction, increase our vulnerability to cyber attacks, and adversely impact sales of additional products to our customers.

We must successfully continue to release new products and updates to existing products. The success of any release depends on a number of factors, including our ability to manage the risks associated with quality or other defects or deficiencies, delays in the timing of releases, and other complications that may arise during the early stages of introduction. If releases are delayed or if customers perceive that our releases contain bugs or other defects, customer adoption of our new products or updates may be adversely impacted, customer satisfaction may decrease, our ability to efficiently provide our services may be reduced, and our growth prospects may be harmed.

Various factors, including our customers’ business, integration, migration and security requirements, or errors by us or our partners, may cause implementations of our products to be delayed, inefficient or otherwise unsuccessful.

Our business depends upon the successful implementation of our products by our customers. Increasingly, we, as well as our customers, rely on our network of partners to deliver implementation services, and there may not be enough qualified implementation partners available to meet customer demand. Further, various factors, including our customers’ business, integration, migration and security requirements, or errors by us or our partners, may cause implementations to be delayed, inefficient or otherwise unsuccessful. For example, changes in the functional requirements of our customers, delays in timeline, or deviation from recommended best practices may occur during the course of an implementation project. As a result of these and other risks, we or our customers may incur significant implementation costs in connection with the purchase and implementation of our products. Some customer implementations may take longer than planned or fail to meet our customers’ expectations, which may delay our ability to upsell additional products or result in customers canceling or failing to renew their subscriptions before our products have been fully implemented. Unsuccessful, lengthy, or costly customer implementation and integration projects could result in claims from customers, harm to our reputation, and opportunities for competitors to displace our products, each of which could have an adverse effect on our business and operating results.


Disruptions or defects in our services could damage our customers’ businesses, subject us to substantial liability and harm our reputation and financial results.

Our customers use our services to manage important aspects of their businesses, and any disruptions in our services could damage our customers' businesses, subject us to substantial liability and harm our reputation and financial results. From time to time, we have foundexperience defects in our services, and new defects may be detected in the future. WeFor example, we provide regular updates to our services, which frequently contain undetected defects when first introduced or released. Defects may also be introduced by our use of third-party software, including open source software. Disruptions may also result from errors we make in delivering, configuring or hosting our services, or designing, installing, expanding or maintaining our cloud infrastructure. Disruptions in service can also result from incidents that are outside of our control.control, including denial of service attacks. We currently serve our customers primarily using equipment managed by us and co-located in third-party data center facilities operated by several different providers located around the world. These centers are vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, floods, fires, power loss and similar events. They may also be subject to break-ins, sabotage, intentional acts of vandalism and similar misconduct, equipment failure and adverse events caused by operator error. We cannot rapidly switch to new data centers or move customers from one data center to another in the event of any adverse event. Despite precautions taken at these facilities, problems at these facilities could result in lengthy interruptions in our services and the loss of customer data. In addition, our customers may use our services in ways that cause disruptions in service for other customers. Our customers use our services to manage important aspects of their own businesses, and our reputation and business will be harmedadversely affected if our customers and potential customers believe our services are unreliable. Disruptions or defects in our services may reduce our revenues, cause us to issue credits or pay penalties, subject us to claims and litigation, cause our customers to delay payment or terminate or fail to renew their subscriptions, and adversely affect our ability to attract new customers. The occurrence of payment delays, or service credit, warranty, termination for material breach or other claims against us, could result in an increase in our bad debt expense, an increase in collection cycles for accounts receivable, an increase to our warranty provisions or service level credit accruals or other increased expenses or risks of litigation. We do not have insurance sufficient to compensate us for the potentially significant losses that may result from claims arising from disruptions in our services.



9


We depend on our senior management teamOur operating results may vary significantly from period to period, and if we lose key employeesfail to meet the financial performance expectations of investors or are unable to attract and retainsecurities analysts, the employees we need to supportprice of our operations and growth, our businesscommon stock could be harmed.decline substantially.

Our success depends largely uponoperating results may vary significantly from period to period as a result of various factors, some of which are beyond our control. For any quarterly or annual period, there is a risk that our financial performance will not meet the continued servicesfinancial guidance we have previously given for that period, or that we may otherwise fail to meet the financial performance expectations of the securities analysts who issue reports on our company and our common stock price, or of investors in our common stock. There is also a risk that we may issue forward-looking financial guidance for a quarterly or annual period that fails to meet the expectations of such securities analysts or investors. If any of the foregoing occurs, for any reason either within or outside of our management teamcontrol, the price of our common stock could decline substantially and many key individual contributors. From time to time, there may be changesinvestors in our management team resulting fromcommon stock could incur substantial losses. Some of the hiringimportant factors that may cause our revenues, operating results and cash flows to vary widely, or departurecause our forward-looking financial guidance, to fall below the expectations of employees, which could disrupt our business. Our employees are generally employed on an at-will basis, which means that our employees could terminate their employment with us at any time. The loss of onesuch securities analysts or more members of our management team or other key employees could have a serious impact on our business. In the technology industry, there is substantial and continuous competition for engineers with high levels of experience in designing, developing and managing software and Internet-related solutions, as well as competition for sales executives and operations personnel. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. We have from time to time experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, difficulty in hiring and retaining highly skilled employees with appropriate qualifications. In particular, competition for experienced software and cloud-based infrastructure engineers in the San Francisco Bay area, San Diego, Seattle, London and Amsterdam, our primary operating locations, is intense. If we fail to attract new personnel or fail to retain and motivate our current personnel, our business and future growth prospects could be harmed.investors, include:

If we are not able to enhance our existing service, develop new applications and promote our services for the development of custom applications, our business and operating results could be harmed.
Our ability to attract new customers, retain and increase revenues fromsales to existing customers, depends onand satisfy our customers’ requirements;
changes in our mix of products and services;
changes in foreign currency exchange rates and our ability to enhanceeffectively hedge our servicesforeign currency exposure;
the rate of expansion and provide itproductivity of our sales force;
the number of new employees added;
the cost, timing and management effort for our development of new products and services;
general economic conditions that may adversely affect either our customers’ ability or willingness to purchase additional subscriptions, delay a prospective customer’s purchasing decision, reduce the value of new subscription contracts or adversely affect renewal rates;
the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures related to the operation and expansion of our business;
seasonality in a way that is broadly accepted. In particular,terms of when we needenter into customer agreements for our services;
the length of the sales cycle for our services;
changes to continuously modify and enhance our services to keep pace with management team;
changes in user expectations,our pricing policies, whether initiated by us or as a result of competition;
significant security breaches, technical difficulties or interruptions of our services;
new solutions, products or changes in pricing policies introduced by our competitors;
changes in effective tax rates;
changes in the average contract term of our customer agreements, changes in timing of renewals and changes in billings duration;
changes in our renewal and upsell rates;
the timing of customer payments and payment defaults by customers;
extraordinary expenses such as litigation costs or damages, including increased demandsettlement payments;

the costs associated with acquiring new businesses and technologies and the follow-on costs of integration, including the tax effects of acquisitions;
the impact of new accounting pronouncements, including the new revenue recognition standards that were effective for intuitiveus beginning January 1, 2018;
changes in laws or regulations impacting the delivery of our services;
our ability to comply with privacy laws and attractive user interfaces, Internet software practices,regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR);
the amount and communication, database, hardwaretiming of equity awards and security technologies. the related financial statement expenses; and
our ability to accurately estimate the total addressable market for our products and services.

Changes in our effective tax rate could impact our financial results.

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. We believe that our provision for income taxes is reasonable, but the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods in which such outcome is determined. Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings and losses in countries with differing statutory tax rates, certain non-deductible expenses, the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the effects of acquisitions. Increases in our effective tax rate would reduce our profitability or in some cases increase our losses.

Additionally, our future effective tax rate could be impacted by changes in accounting principles or changes in U.S. federal, state or international tax laws or tax rulings. The U.S. recently enacted significant tax reform, and certain provisions of the new law may adversely affect us. Many countries and organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development are actively considering changes to existing tax laws or have proposed or enacted new laws that could increase our tax obligations in countries where we do business or cause us to change the way we operate our business. Any changes in federal, state or international tax laws or tax rulings may increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our financial position and results of operations.

In addition, we must effectively makemay be subject to income tax audits by tax jurisdictions throughout the world, many of which have not established clear guidance on the tax treatment of cloud computing companies. Although we believe our services availableincome tax liabilities are reasonably estimated and accounted for in accordance with applicable laws and principles, an adverse resolution of one or more uncertain tax positions in any period could have a material impact on the results of operations for that period.

Uncertainties in the interpretation and application of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could materially affect our tax obligations and effective tax rate.

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) was enacted on December 22, 2017, and significantly changes how the U.S. imposes income tax on multinational corporations. The U.S. Department of Treasury has broad authority to issue regulations and interpretative guidance that may significantly impact how we will apply the law and affect our results of operations in the period issued.

The Tax Act requires complex computations not previously provided in U.S. tax law. As such, the application of accounting guidance for such items is currently uncertain. Further, compliance with the Tax Act and the accounting for such provisions require accumulation of information not previously required or regularly produced. As a result, we have provided a provisional estimate on the effect of the Tax Act in our financial statements. As additional ways, includingregulatory guidance is issued by the applicable taxing authorities, accounting treatment is clarified, we perform additional analysis on mobile devices. Ifthe application of the law, and we refine estimates in calculating the impact, our final analysis, which will be recorded in the period completed, may be different from our current provisional amounts, which could materially affect our tax obligations and effective tax rate.


Our financial results may be adversely affected by changes in accounting principles applicable to us.

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with GAAP, which are unablesubject to respondinterpretation or changes by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the SEC and other bodies formed to promulgate and interpret appropriate accounting principles. New accounting pronouncements and changes in accounting principles have occurred in the past and are expected to occur in the future, which may have a timely and cost-effective manner to these rapid developments, our services may become less marketable and less competitive or obsolete. Our success also dependssignificant effect on our abilityfinancial results. For example, in May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. Under this new standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to developreceive in exchange for those goods or services. This new applicationsstandard is effective for our interim and promote our services for the development of custom applications. We derive a substantial majority of our revenue from subscriptions to our suite of applications for use within IT,annual periods beginning January 1, 2018, and we expect this will continuenew standard to have a material impact on the timing of revenue and expense recognition for the foreseeable future. We are expanding the breadth of our servicescontracts related to includeon-premises offerings for service domains outside of IT and offerings for small and medium-sized businesses. The success of any enhancement or new application,on our deferred commissions asset and the success of our effortsrelated amortization expense. Refer to promoteNote 2 in the use of our services for development of custom applications, depends on several factors, including timely completion, adequate quality testing, introduction and market acceptance. Any new service that we develop may not be introduced in a timely or cost-effective manner, may not be priced appropriately, and may not achieve the broad market acceptance necessary to generate significant revenues. For instance, from time to time we have changed the way that we price and package our services, and we anticipate that we will continue to make periodic adjustmentsnotes to our pricingconsolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on the new guidance and packagingits impact on us. Adoption of this standard and any difficulties in implementation of changes in accounting principles, including the ability to modify our accounting systems and internal controls, could cause us to fail to meet our financial reporting obligations, which could result in regulatory discipline and harm investors’ confidence in us.

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could harm our financial results.

We conduct significant transactions, including revenue transactions and intercompany transactions, in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar or the functional operating currency of the transactional entities. In addition, our international subsidiaries maintain significant net assets that are denominated in currencies other than the functional operating currencies of these entities. Accordingly, changes in the future, and prospective or existing customersvalue of currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar may not accept any new pricing or services packaging we have adopted or may adopt in the future. In addition, sales of new services may erode sales ofimpact our existing similar services. If we are unable to enhance our existing service, successfully develop new applications or promote the use of our services for the development of custom applications, our businessconsolidated revenues and operating results due to transactional and translational remeasurement that is reflected in our earnings. It is particularly difficult to forecast any impact from exchange rate movements, so there is risk that unanticipated currency fluctuations could be harmed.adversely affect our financial results or cause our results to differ from investor expectations or our own guidance in any future periods. In addition, the June 23, 2016 referendum by British voters to exit the European Union adversely impacted global markets, including currencies, and resulted in a decline in the value of the British pound, as compared to the U.S. Dollar and other currencies. Volatility in exchange rates and global financial markets may continue due to a number of factors, including the continued negotiation of the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union and the recent political and economic uncertainty globally.

We mayWhile we have not timely and effectively scale and adapt our technology to meet our customers’ performance and other requirements.
Our future growth is dependent upon our ability to continue to meetengaged in the expanding needshedging of our customersforeign currency transactions to date, in 2018 we expect to begin using derivative instruments, such as their useforeign currency forwards, swaps and option contracts, to hedge certain exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. These hedging contracts may reduce, but cannot entirely eliminate, the impact of our services grows. We expectadverse currency exchange rate movements. Further, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged may vary. Moreover, for a number of users and transactions we manage, the amount of data we transfer, process and store, the number of locations from whichreasons, including our services are being accessed, and the number of processes and systems we manage to continue to grow. In the past, a few of our largest customers experienced reduced levels of availability, performance and functionality due to the scale at which they implemented our services. In order to meet the performance and other requirements of our customers, we intend to continue making significant investments to develop and implement new technologies in our services and cloud-based infrastructure operations. These technologies, which include databases, applications and server optimizations, network and hosting strategies, and automation, are often advanced, complex, new and untested. We may not be successful in developing or implementinglimited experience with these technologies. In addition, it takes a significant amount of time to plan, develop and test improvements to our technologies and infrastructure, andhedging contracts, we may not seek or be able to accurately forecast demandestablish a perfect or predicteffective correlation between such hedging instruments and the results we will realize fromportfolio holdings being hedged. Any such improvements. We are also dependent upon open source and other third-party technologies and may be unable to quickly effect changes to such technologies, whichimperfect correlation may prevent us from rapidly respondingachieving the intended hedge and expose us to evolving customer requirements. To the extent that we do not effectively scale our services and operations to meet the growing needsrisk of our customers, we may not be able to grow as quickly as we anticipate, our customers may reduce or cancel use of our services, we may be unable to compete effectively and our business and operating results may be harmed.
loss.


10


The markets in which we participate are intensely competitive, and if we do not compete effectively our business and operating results couldwill be harmed.adversely affected.

The markets in which we compete to manage services across thefor our enterprise cloud solutions are fragmented, rapidly evolving and highly competitive, with relatively low barriers to entry. As the market for service management matures, we expect competition to intensify. We face competition fromcompete primarily with large, well-established, enterprise application software vendors, in-house solutions, large integrated systems vendors, and established and emerging cloud vendors and software vendors. Our competitors vary in size and in the breadth and scopevendors of the products and services offered.for development operations. Many prospective customers have invested substantial personnel and financial resources to implement and integrate their current enterprise software into their businesses and therefore may be reluctant or unwilling to migrate away from their current solution to our enterprise cloud solutions. Many of our competitors and potential competitors are larger, have greater name recognition, longer operating histories, more established customer relationships, larger marketing budgets and greater resources than we do. Our primary competitors include BMC Software, Inc., CA, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company and International Business Machines Corporation. Further, other potential competitors not currently offering competitive products may expand their services to compete with our services. Moreover, as we expandWe have expanded the breadth of our services to include offerings in the markets for IT operations management, customer service domains outsidemanagement, security operations management, HR service delivery and use of IT, and offerings for small and medium sized businesses,our platform by developers of custom applications. As a result, we will face additionalexpect increasing competition from platform vendors including Salesforce.com, Inc. and from application development vendors focused on these other markets. Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively than we can to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards and customer requirements. An existing competitor or new entrant could introduce new technology that reduces demand for our services. In addition, to product and technology competition, we face pricing competition. Somesome of our competitors offer their products or services at a lower price, which has resulted in pricing pressures. SomeLarger competitors with more diverse product and service offerings may reduce the price of products or subscriptions that compete with ours or may bundle them with other products and subscriptions. We expect that smaller competitors and new entrants may accelerate pricing pressures, including in the IT service management market, which is our more mature offering and from which we derive the substantial majority of our larger competitors have the operating flexibility to bundle competing products and services with other software offerings, including offering them at a lower price as part of a larger sale.revenues. For all of these reasons, we may not be able to compete successfully and competition could result in reduced sales, reduced margins, losses or the failure of our servicessolutions to achieve or maintain market acceptance, any of which could harm our business.

We may acquire or invest in companies, which may divert our management’s attention, and result in additional dilution to our stockholders. We may be unable to integrate acquired businesses and technologies successfully or achieve the expected benefits of such acquisitions or investments.
We have acquired companies in the past and may evaluate and consider potential strategic transactions, including acquisitions of, or investments in, businesses, technologies, services, products and other assets in the future. We also may enter into relationships with other businesses to expand our service offerings or our ability to provide services in international locations, whichLawsuits against us by third-parties that allege we infringe their intellectual property rights could involve preferred or exclusive licenses, additional channels of distribution, discount pricing or investments in other companies. An acquisition, investment or business relationship may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. In particular, we may encounter difficulties assimilating or integrating the businesses, technologies, products, personnel or operations of the acquired companies, particularly if the key personnel of the acquired company choose not to work for us, their technology is not easily adapted to work with ours, or we have difficulty retaining the customers of any acquired business due to changes in ownership, management or otherwise.
Negotiating these transactions can be time-consuming, difficult and expensive, and our ability to close these transactions may often be subject to conditions or approvals that are beyond our control. Consequently, these transactions, even if undertaken and announced, may not close. For one or more of those transactions, we may:
issue additional equity securities that would dilute our stockholders;
use cash that we may need in the future to operate our business;
incur debt on terms unfavorable to us or that we are unable to repay;
incur large charges or substantial liabilities;
encounter difficulties retaining key employees of the acquired company or integrating diverse technologies, software or business cultures; and
become subject to adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation or deferred compensation charges.

Acquisitions may also disruptharm our business divert our resources and require significant management attention that would otherwise be available for development of our existing business. Moreover, the anticipated benefits of any acquisition, investment or business relationship may not be realized or we may be exposed to unknown risks or liabilities. For example, in July 2014 we completed the acquisition of a privately-held company based in Israel, Neebula Systems Ltd., or Neebula. To succeed with this acquisition, we need to successfully retain Neebula’s key personnel and implement Neebula’s technology on the ServiceNow platform. We may experience difficulties in this integration due to differences in operations, technology and culture between ServiceNow and Neebula, and other challenges associated with operating a business in a geography in which we did not previously have substantial engineering operations and which is currently involved in regional conflicts.



11


If the market for our technology delivery model develops more slowly than we expect, our growth may slow or stall, and our operating results would be harmed.
Use of cloud-based applications to automate and manage service relationships is at an early stage. We do not know whether the trend of adoption of enterprise cloud-based solutions we have experienced in the past will continue in the future. In particular, many organizations have invested substantial personnel and financial resources to integrate legacy software into their businesses over time, and some have been reluctant or unwilling to migrate to cloud-based solutions. Furthermore, some organizations, particularly large enterprises upon which we are dependent, have been reluctant or unwilling to use cloud-based solutions because they have concerns regarding the risks associated with the security of their data, the physical location of data centers in which their data is stored and processed, and the reliability of the technology delivery model associated with these solutions. It is possible that various governmental jurisdictions around the world in which we compete will adopt laws regarding access to, the processing of, or the location of storage of, data that prevents or imposes prohibitively expensive hurdles for us to provide our cloud-based solutions to enterprises within such jurisdictions. In addition, if either we or other cloud-based providers experience security incidents, loss of customer data, disruptions in delivery or other problems, the market for cloud-based solutions as a whole, including our services, will be negatively impacted. If the adoption of cloud-based solutions does not continue, the market for these solutions may stop developing or may develop more slowly than we expect, either of which would harm our operating results.

FailureThere is considerable patent and other intellectual property development activity in our industry. Many companies in our industry, including our competitors and other third parties, as well as non-practicing entities, own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, which they may use to effectively expandassert claims of patent infringement, misappropriation or other violations of intellectual property rights against us.

Moreover, the patent portfolios of most of our salescompetitors are larger than ours. This disparity may increase the risk that our competitors may sue us for patent infringement and marketing capabilities could harmmay limit our ability to increasecounterclaim for patent infringement or settle through patent cross-licenses. From time to time, our customer base and achieve broader market acceptancecompetitors or other third parties, including patent holding companies seeking to monetize patents they have purchased or otherwise obtained, may claim that we are infringing upon their intellectual property rights. For example, we recorded charges for aggregate legal settlements of $270.0 million in our services.
Increasing our customer base and achieving broader market acceptanceconsolidated statement of our services will depend, to a significant extent, on our ability to effectively expand our sales and marketing operations and activities. We are substantially dependent on our direct sales force to obtain new customers. Fromcomprehensive loss during the year ended December 31, 20132016. The charge covers the fulfillment by us of all financial obligations under settlement agreements with BMC and HPE, with no remaining financial obligations under either settlement.

In any intellectual property litigation, regardless of the scope or merits of the claims at issue, we may incur substantial attorney’s fees and other litigation expenses and, if the claims are successfully asserted against us and we are found to December 31, 2014,be infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others, we could be required to: pay substantial damages and make substantial ongoing royalty payments; cease offering our salesproducts and marketing organization increased from 615services; modify our products and services; comply with other unfavorable terms, including settlement terms; and indemnify our customers and business partners and obtain costly licenses on their behalf and refund fees or other payments previously paid to 1,011 employees. We planus. Further, upon expiration of the term of any third-party agreements that allow us to continue to expand our direct sales force both domestically and internationally. There is significant competition for direct sales personnel with the sales skills and technical knowledge that we require. Our ability to achieve significant revenue growth in the future will depend, in large part, on our success in recruiting, training and retaining a sufficient number of direct sales personnel anduse their intellectual property, we may be unable to hirerenew such agreements on favorable terms, if at all, in which case we may face intellectual property litigation. The mere existence of any lawsuit, or retain sufficient numbersany interim or final outcomes, and the course of qualified individuals. Further, new hires require significant trainingits conduct and time before they achieve full productivity, particularly in new sales territoriesthe public statements related to it (or absence of such statements) by the courts, press, analysts and litigants, could be unsettling to our recent hirescustomers and planned hires may not become as productive as quickly as we plan, or at all. Moreover, we do not have significant experience asprospective customers and could cause an organization developingadverse impact to our customer satisfaction and implementing overseasrelated renewal rates and cause us to lose potential sales, and marketing campaigns,could also be unsettling to investors or prospective investors in our common stock and such campaigns maycould cause a substantial decline in the price of our common stock. Accordingly, any claim or litigation against us could be expensivecostly, time-consuming and difficult to implement,divert the attention of our management and we may be unable to attractkey personnel from our business operations and retain qualified personnel to conduct such campaigns. Our business will be harmed ifharm our expansion efforts do not generate a significant increase in revenues.financial condition and operating results.


Our growth depends in part on the success of our strategic relationships with third parties and their continued performance.
We depend on various third parties, such as implementation partners, systems integrators, managed services providers and sales partners in order to grow our business. Our sales efforts have focused on large enterprise customers and there are a limited number of partners with the capacity to provide these customers a significant level of services. In order to continue our growth, we need to recruit these partners and these partners need to devote substantial resources to our solutions. Accordingly, we need to build services, implement partner programs, and provide training and other resources to recruit, retain and enable these partners. Our agreements with partners are typically non-exclusive and do not prohibit them from working with our competitors or from offering competing solutions. Our competitors may be effective in providing incentives to our partners to favor their solutions or otherwise disrupt the relationships we have with our partners. In addition, global economic conditions could harm the businesses of our partners, and it is possible that theyintellectual property protections may not be able to devote the additional resources we expect to the relationship. If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining our relationships with these third parties, our ability to compete in the marketplace or to grow our revenues could be impaired and our operating results would suffer. As we expand the breadth of our services to include offerings for service domains outside of IT, and offerings for small and medium sized businesses, we may need to establish relationships with additional sales and implementation partners. Further, reliance on third parties exposes us to risk of poor performance and failed customer expectations. If a customer is not satisfied with the quality of work performed by a third party, we could incur additional costs to address the situation, the profitability of that work might be impaired, and the customer’s dissatisfaction could damage our reputation or ability to obtain additional revenues from that customer or prospective customers.


12


Our business depends substantially on our existing customers purchasing additional subscriptions from us, and renewing their subscriptions upon expiration of the subscription term. Any decline in customer additional purchases or renewals would harm our operating results.
In order for us to maintain or improve our operating results, it is important that our existing customers expand their use of our service by adding new users and new applications of our service across the enterprise, and renew their subscriptions upon expiration of the subscription contract term. Our customers have no obligation to renew their subscriptions, and our customers may not renew subscriptions with a similar contract period or with the same or a greater number of users. Although our renewal rates have historically been high, some of our customers have elected not to renew their agreements with us and we cannot accurately predict renewal rates. Moreover, in some cases, some of our customers have the right to cancel their agreements prior to the expiration of the term. Our renewal rates may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including our customers' satisfaction with our subscription service, professional services, customer support, or prices, the prices of competing solutions, mergers and acquisitions affecting our customer base, the effects of global economic conditions, or reductions in our customers’ spending levels. Our growth also depends in part on our ability to sell more subscriptions and additional professional services to our current customers. If our customers do not renew their subscriptions, renew on less favorable terms or fail to add more authorized users or fail to purchase additional professional services, our revenues may decline, and our operating results would be harmed.

Because our sales efforts are targeted at large enterprise customers, we face longer sales cycles, substantial upfront pre-sales costs and less predictability in completing some of our sales. If our sales cycle lengthens, or if our sales investments do not result in sufficient sales, our operating results could be harmed.
We target our sales efforts at large enterprise customers. Because these customers are often making an enterprise-wide decision to deploy our services, sometimes on a global basis, we face long sales cycles, complex customer requirements, substantial upfront pre-sales costs and less predictability in completing some of our sales. Our sales cycle is generally six to nine months, but is variable and difficult to predict and can be much longer. Large enterprises often undertake a prolonged evaluation of our services, including whether they need professional services performed by us or a third party for their service management needs, and a comparison of our services to products offered by our competitors. Some of our large enterprise customers initially deploy our services on a limited basis, with no guarantee that these customers will deploy our services widely enough across their organization to justify our substantial pre-sales investment. If our sales cycle lengthens or our substantial upfront pre-sales investments do not result in sufficient subscription revenues to justify our investments, our operating results could be harmed.

We may be unable to develop or obtain intellectual property that providesprovide us with a competitive advantage, or prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our intellectual property. Defendingand defending our intellectual property may result in substantial expenses that harm our operating results.

Our success depends to a significant degree on our ability to protect our proprietary technology and our brand. We rely onbrand under a combination of copyright, trademark, trade secretpatent and other intellectual property laws of the United States and confidentiality procedures to protect our proprietary rights. We have recently begun toother jurisdictions. Though we seek patent protection for our technology. Wetechnology, we may not be successful in obtaining patent protection, and any patents issuedacquired in the future may not provide us with competitive advantages, or may be successfully challenged by third parties. Furthermore, legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights are uncertain. Any of our intellectual property rights may be challenged by others or invalidated through administrative process or litigation. Effective patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available to us in every country in which our services are available. The laws of some foreign countries may not be as protective of intellectual property rights as those in the United States, and mechanisms for enforcement of intellectual property rights may be inadequate. We may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and protect our intellectual property rights. We have, and in the future may, initiate claims or litigation against third parties for infringement of our proprietary rights or to establish the validity of our proprietary rights. Any litigation, whether or not it is resolved in our favor, could result in significant expense to us, divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel and may result in counter-claims with respect to infringement of intellectual property rights by us. If we are unable to prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our intellectual property, or are required to incur substantial expenses in defending our intellectual property rights, our business and operating results may be harmed.adversely affected.

We have been, and may in the future be, sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights.
There is considerable patent and other intellectual property development activity in our industry. Our success depends in part on not infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others. We may be unaware of the intellectual property rights of others that may cover some or all of our technology or services. From time to time, our competitors or other third parties may claim thatIf we are infringing upon their intellectual property rights, and we may be found to be infringing upon such rights.

13


For example, on February 6, 2014, Hewlett-Packard Company filed a lawsuit against usunsuccessful in increasing our penetration of international markets or managing the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California that alleges that some of our services infringe the claims of eight of Hewlett-Packard's patents. Hewlett-Packard is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction. We filed an answer to the complaint on March 28, 2014 denying the allegations and asserting various affirmative defenses. The court held case management conferences on June 26, 2014, September 4, 2014 and February 5, 2015. The parties are currently conducting discovery. Hewlett-Packard served infringement contentions on July 3, 2014 and November 18, 2014. We served invalidity contentions on January 9, 2015. A claim construction hearing is scheduled for June 12, 2015. Trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 16, 2016. We have filed petitions for inter partes review of all eight asserted patentsrisks associated with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

On September 23, 2014, BMC Software, Inc. filed a lawsuit against us in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas that alleges that some of our services willfully infringe the claims of seven of BMC’s patents.  BMC is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction. Motions to dismiss and transfer venue are currently pending. BMC served infringement contentions on January 6, 2015. Our invalidity contentions are due March 3, 2015. A claim construction hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2015. Trial is currently scheduled to begin on March 14, 2016.

We intend to vigorously defend these lawsuits. These litigation matters are still in their early stages and the final outcome, including our liability, if any, with respect to the claims in the lawsuits, is uncertain. If an unfavorable outcome were to occur in either litigation, the impact could be material toforeign markets, our business financial condition, cash flow or results of operations, depending on the specific circumstances of the outcome.

Any claims or litigation could cause us to incur significant expenses and if successfully asserted against us, could require that we pay substantial damages or ongoing royalty payments, prevent us from offering our services, or require that we comply with other unfavorable terms. We may also be obligated to indemnify our customers or business partners in connection with any such litigation and to obtain licenses, modify our services or refund fees. Such disputes could also cause an adverse impact to our customer satisfaction and related renewal rates and could cause us to lose potential sales. Even if we were to prevail in the event of claims or litigation against us, any claim or litigation regarding our intellectual property could be costly and time-consuming and divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations and harm our operating results.

Our use of open source software could harm our ability to sell our services and subject us to possible litigation.
A significant portion of the technologies licensed or developed by us incorporate open source software and we may incorporate open source software into other services in the future. We attempt to monitor our use of open source software in an effort to avoid subjecting our services to adverse licensing conditions. However, there can be no assurance that our efforts have been or will be successful. There is little or no legal precedent governing the interpretation of the terms of open source licenses, and therefore the potential impact of these terms on our business is uncertain and enforcement of these terms may result in unanticipated obligations regarding our services and technologies. For example, depending on which open source license governs open source software included within our services or technologies, we may be subjected to conditions requiring us to offer our services to users at no cost; make available the source code for modifications and derivative works based upon, incorporating or using the open source software; and license such modifications or derivative works under the terms of the particular open source license. Moreover, if an author or other third party that distributes such open source software were to allege that we had not complied with the conditions of one or more of these licenses, we could be required to incur significant legal costs defending ourselves against such allegations, be subject to significant damages or be enjoined from the distribution of our services.

We need to continue to invest in the growth of our worldwide operations by opening new geographic markets. If our required investments in these markets are greater than anticipated, or if our customer growth in these markets does not meet our expectations, our financial results will be negatively impacted.adversely affected.

We are continuing to expand worldwide and have recently significantly expanded our presence in Brazil and Asia. We have made and will continue to make substantial investments as we enter these and other new geographic markets. These include investments in data centers and cloud-based infrastructure, sales, marketing and administrative personnel and facilities. Often we must make these investments when it is still unclear whether future sales in the new market will justify the investments. In addition, these investments may be more expensive than we initially anticipate. If our required investments are greater than anticipated, or if our customer growth does not meet our expectations, our financial results will be negatively impacted.

14


Sales to customers outside North America expose us to risks inherent in international sales.
Because we sell our services throughout the world, we are subject to risks and challenges that we would otherwise not face if we conducted our business only in North America. Sales outside of North America represented approximately 33% and 32% of our total revenues for each of the yearyears ended December 31, 2014,2017 and we intend to continue to expand our international sales efforts.2016, respectively. Our business and future prospects depend on increasing our international sales as a percentage of our total revenues, and the failure to grow internationally will harm our business. TheAdditionally, operating in international markets requires significant investment and management attention and will subject us to regulatory and economic risks and challenges associated with sales to customers outside North Americathat are different in some ways from those associated with sales in North America and we have a limited history addressing those risks and meeting those challenges. Furthermore, the business conduct and ethical standards of many other countries, including the emerging market countries that we are expanding into, are substantially different and much less rigorous than the United States. The risksWe have made, and challengeswill continue to make, substantial investments in data centers and cloud computing infrastructure, sales, marketing, personnel and facilities as we enter and expand in new geographic markets. When we make these investments, it is typically unclear whether, and when, sales in the new market will justify our investments, and we may significantly underestimate the level of investment and time required to be successful, or whether we will be successful. Our rate of acquisition of new Global 2000 customers, a key factor effecting our growth, has generally been lower in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, South America and other markets in which we are less established, as compared to North America, Australia and areas within Western Europe. Over time an increasing proportion of the Global 2000 companies that are not yet our customers are located in emerging markets where we are less established. We have experienced, and may continue to experience, difficulties in some of our investments in geographic expansion, including in hiring qualified sales management personnel and managing foreign operations.

Risks inherent with international sales include:include without limitation:
foreign currency fluctuations which may cause exchange and translation losses;
compliance with multiple, conflicting and changing governmental laws and regulations, including employment, tax, competition, privacy and data protection laws and regulations;
compliance by us and our business partners with international bribery and corruptionanti-corruption laws, including the UK Bribery Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
the risk that illegal or unethical activities of our business partners will be attributed to or result in liability to us;
compliance with regional data privacy laws that apply to the transmission of our customers’ data across international borders, many of which are stricter than the equivalent U.S. laws;
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;
different or lesser protection of our intellectual property;
longer and potentially more complex sales cycles;
longer accounts receivable payment cycles and other collection difficulties;
tax treatment of revenues from international sources and changes to tax codes, including being subject to foreign tax laws and being liable for paying withholding, income or other taxes in foreign jurisdictions;
different pricing and distribution environments;
foreign currency fluctuations which may cause transactional and translational remeasurement losses;
potential changes in international trade policies and agreements;
local business practices and cultural norms that may favor local competitors; and
localization of our services, including translation into foreign languages and associated expenses; and
regional economic and political conditions.expenses.

AnyIf we are unable to manage these risks, if our required investments in these international markets are greater than anticipated, or if we are unsuccessful in increasing sales in emerging markets, our revenue growth rate, business and operating results will be adversely affected.


If we lose key employees or are unable to attract and retain the employees we need, our business and operating results will be adversely affected.

Our success depends largely upon the continued services of these factorsour management team, including our Chief Executive Officer, and many key individual contributors. From time to time, there may be changes in our management team resulting from the hiring or departure of executives. For example, in 2017, Frank Slootman stepped down as our President and Chief Executive Officer, and John J. Donahoe was appointed as his successor. Such changes may result in a loss of institutional knowledge and cause disruptions to our business.

In the technology industry, there is substantial and continuous competition for engineers with high levels of experience in designing, developing and managing software and Internet-related solutions, as well as competition for sales executives and operations personnel. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. We have from time to time experienced, and we may continue to experience, difficulty in hiring and retaining highly skilled employees with appropriate qualifications, and may not be able to fill positions in desired geographic areas or at all. In particular, competition for experienced software and cloud computing infrastructure engineers in the San Francisco Bay area, San Diego, Seattle, London and Amsterdam, our primary operating locations, is intense. Our employees, including our executive officers, are employed by us on an “at-will” basis, which means they may terminate their employment with us at any time. If we fail to attract new personnel or fail to retain and motivate our current personnel, our business and future growth prospects could negativelybe adversely affected.

Privacy laws and concerns, evolving regulation of cloud computing, cross-border data transfer restrictions, other foreign and domestic regulations and standards related to personal data and the Internet may adversely affect our business.

National and local governments or agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the future adopt, laws and regulations affecting data privacy, the use of the Internet as a commercial medium, and data sovereignty requirements concerning the location of data centers that store and process data. Changing laws, regulations and standards applying to the collection, transfer, processing, storage or use of personal data could affect our customers’ ability to use and share data, potentially restricting our ability to store, process and share data with our customers in connection with providing our services, and in some cases, could impact our ability to offer our services in certain locations or our customers’ ability to deploy our services globally. For example, the European Union (EU) and United States agreed to a framework to facilitate the transfer of data from the EU to the United States, called Privacy Shield, but this new framework has been challenged by private parties and may face additional challenges by national regulators or private parties. Additionally, in 2016 the EU adopted a new regulation governing data privacy called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which takes effect in May 2018. Further, laws such as the EU’s proposed e-Privacy Regulation are increasingly aimed at the use of personal information for marketing purposes, and the tracking of individuals’ online activities.
The costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, GDPR, the e-Privacy Regulation and other privacy laws, regulations and standards may cause us to incur substantial operational costs or require us to modify our data handling practices, may limit the use and adoption of our services and reduce overall demand for our services. In addition, non-compliance could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities or others, significant fines, and may otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results.

In addition to government activity, privacy advocacy groups and the technology and other industries have established or may establish various new, additional or different self-regulatory standards that may place additional burdens on us. Our customers may expect us to meet voluntary certifications or adhere to other standards established by third parties. If we are unable to maintain these certifications or meet these standards, it could reduce demand for our applications and adversely affect our business.

Because we generally recognize revenues from our subscription service over the subscription term, a decrease in new or renewed subscriptions during a reporting period may not be immediately reflected in our operating results for that period.

We generally recognize revenues from customers ratably over the terms of their subscriptions. As a result, most of the revenues we report in each period are derived from the recognition of deferred revenues relating to subscriptions entered into during previous periods. Consequently, a decrease in new or renewed subscriptions in any single reporting period will have a limited impact on our revenues for that period. In addition, our ability to adjust our cost structure in the event of a decrease in new or renewed subscriptions may be limited.


Further, a decline in new or renewed subscriptions in a given period will negatively affect our revenues in future periods. Accordingly, the effect of significant downturns in sales and market acceptance of our services, and changes in our rate of renewals, may not be fully reflected in our results of operations.operations until future periods. Our subscription model also makes it difficult for us to rapidly increase our revenues through additional sales in any period, as revenues from new customers are generally recognized over the applicable subscription term. Additionally, due to the complexity of certain of our customer contracts, the actual revenue recognition treatment required under Topic 606 will depend on contract-specific terms and may result in greater variability in revenues from period to period.

A decrease in new or renewed subscriptions in a reporting period may not be immediately reflected in our billings results for that period due to factors that may offset the decrease.

A decrease in new or renewed subscriptions in a reporting period may not have an immediate impact on billings for that period due to factors that may offset the decrease, such as an increase in billings duration, the dollar value of contracts with future start dates, or the dollar value of collections in the current period related to contracts with future start dates.

As we acquire or invest in companies and technologies, we may not realize the expected business or financial benefits and the acquisitions and investments may divert our management’s attention and result in additional dilution to our stockholders.

We have acquired or invested in companies and technologies in the past as part of our business strategy and may continue to evaluate potential strategic transactions, including acquisitions of, or investments in, businesses, technologies, services, products and other assets in the future. We also may enter into relationships with other businesses to expand our service offerings, functionality or our ability to provide services in international locations, which could involve preferred or exclusive licenses, additional channels of distribution, discount pricing or investments in other companies. Acquisitions and investments involve numerous risks, including:

assimilating or integrating the businesses, technologies, products, personnel or operations of the acquired companies;
failing to achieve the expected benefits of the acquisition or investment;
potential loss of key employees of the acquired company;
inability to maintain relationships with customers and partners of the acquired business;
unanticipated expenses related to acquired technology and its integration into our existing technology;
potential adverse tax consequences;
inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset acquisition or investment costs;
disruption to our business and diversion of management attention and other resources;
potential financial and credit risks associated with acquired customers;
dependence on acquired technologies or licenses for which alternatives may not be available to us without significant cost or complexity;
in the case of foreign acquisitions, the challenges associated with integrating operations across different cultures and languages and any currency and regulatory risks associated with specific countries; and
potential unknown liabilities associated with the acquired businesses.

In addition, we may have to pay cash, incur debt, or issue equity or equity-linked securities to pay for any future acquisitions, each of which could adversely affect our financial condition or the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, if we finance acquisitions by issuing equity or convertible or other debt securities or loans, our existing stockholders may be diluted, or we could face constraints related to the terms of and repayment obligation related to the incurrence of indebtedness that could affect the market price of our common stock. The occurrence of any of these risks could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.


A portion of our revenues are generated by sales to government entities and heavily regulated organizations, which are subject to a number of challenges and risks.

A portion of our sales are to governmental agencies. Additionally, many of our current and prospective customers, such as those in the financial services and health care industries, are highly regulated and may be required to comply with more stringent regulations in connection with subscribing to and implementing our services. Selling to these entities can be highly competitive, expensive and time consuming, often requiring significant upfront time and expense without any assurance that we will successfully complete a sale. Furthermore, engaging in sales activities to foreign governments introduces additional compliance risks specific to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act and other similar statutory requirements prohibiting bribery and corruption in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Government and highly regulated entities often require contract terms that differ from our standard arrangements and impose compliance requirements that are complicated, require preferential pricing or “most favored nation” terms and conditions, or are otherwise time consuming and expensive to satisfy. If we undertake to meet special standards or requirements and do not meet them, we could be subject to increased liability from our customers or regulators. Even if we do meet them, the additional costs associated with providing our services to government and highly regulated customers could harm our margins. Moreover, changes in the underlying regulatory conditions that affect these types of customers could harm our ability to efficiently provide our services to them and to grow or maintain our customer base.


15


Because we recognize revenues fromOur use of open source software could harm our subscription service over the subscription term, downturns or upturns in new salesability to sell our services and renewals will not be immediately reflected in our operating results.subject us to possible litigation.

Our products incorporate software licensed to us by third-party authors under open source licenses, and we may continue to incorporate open source software into other services in the future. We generally recognize revenues from customers ratably overattempt to monitor our use of open source software in an effort to avoid subjecting our services to adverse licensing conditions. However, there can be no assurance that our efforts have been or will be successful. There is little or no legal precedent governing the interpretation of the terms of their subscriptions. As a result, mostopen source licenses, and therefore the potential impact of the revenues we report in each quarter are derived from the recognition of deferred revenues relating to subscriptions entered into during previous quarters. Consequently, a decline in new or renewed subscriptions in any single quarter will likely have only a small, and perhaps no apparent, impactthese terms on our revenue results for that quarter. Such a decline, however, will negatively affect our revenuesbusiness is uncertain and enforcement of these terms may result in future quarters. Accordingly, the effect of significant downturns in sales and market acceptance ofunanticipated obligations regarding our services and potential changes intechnologies. For example, depending on which open source license governs open source software included within our rate of renewals may not be fully reflected in our results of operations until future periods. Our subscription model also makes it difficult for us to rapidly increase our revenues through additional sales in any period, as revenues from new customers must be recognized over the applicable subscription term. In addition,services or technologies, we may be unablesubjected to adjustconditions requiring us to offer our cost structureservices to reflectusers at no cost; make available the changes in revenues.

We face exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
We conduct significant transactions, including revenue transactionssource code for modifications and intercompany transactions, in currencies other thanderivative works based upon, incorporating or using the U.S. dollaropen source software; and license such modifications or derivative works under the functional operating currencyterms of the transactional entities. In addition, our international subsidiaries maintain significant net assetsparticular open source license. Moreover, if an author or other third party that are denominated in currencies other thandistributes such open source software were to allege that we had not complied with the functional operating currencies of these entities. Accordingly, changes in the value of currencies relative to the U.S. dollar can affect our consolidated revenues and operating results due to transactional and translational remeasurement that is reflected in our earnings. For example, the U.S. dollar has recently begun to strengthen relative to the Euro and other currencies. If this trend continues, it would have a negative impact on our consolidated revenues. It is particularly difficult to forecast any impact from exchange rate movements, so there is a risk that unanticipated currency fluctuations could adversely affect our results or cause our results to differ from investor expectations or our own guidance in any future periods.

We do not currently maintain a program to hedge transactional exposures in foreign currencies. However, in the future, we may use derivative instruments, such as foreign currency forward and option contracts, to hedge certain exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The use of such hedging activities may not offset any or more than a portion of the adverse financial effects of unfavorable movements in foreign exchange rates over the limited time the hedges are in place. Moreover, the use of hedging instruments may introduce additional risks if we are unable to structure effective hedges with such instruments.
Unanticipated changes in our effective tax rate could harm our future results.
We are subject to income taxes in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions, and our domestic and international tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of earnings and losses in differing jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings and losses in countries with differing statutory tax rates, certain non-deductible expenses as a result of acquisitions, the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in federal, state or international tax laws and accounting principles. Increases in our effective tax rate would reduce our profitability or in some cases increase our losses.
In addition, we may be subject to income tax audits by tax jurisdictions throughout the world, many of which have not established clear guidance on the tax treatment of cloud-based companies. Although we believe our income tax liabilities are reasonably estimated and accounted for in accordance with applicable laws and principles, an adverse resolutionconditions of one or more uncertain tax positions in any periodof these licenses, we could have a material impact onbe required to incur significant legal costs defending ourselves against such allegations, be subject to significant damages or be enjoined from the resultsdistribution of operations for that period.our services.

If we are unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, the accuracy and timeliness of our financial reporting may be adversely affected.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us, among other things, to assess and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting annually and disclosure controls and procedures quarterly. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm is required to audit the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act annually. Our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating. Moreover, our testing, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, may reveal material weaknesses. If material weaknesses are identified or we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, our reported financial results could be materially misstated or could subsequently require restatement, we could receive an adverse opinion regarding our internal control over financial reporting from our independent registered public accounting firm, we could be subject to investigations or sanctions by regulatory authorities and we could incur substantial expenses.


16


Changes in laws, regulations New accounting principles, such as the new revenue recognition standards that became effective for us beginning January 1, 2018, require significant changes to our existing processes and standards relatedcontrols. We may not be able to the Internet may cause our business to suffer.
Federal, state or foreign government bodies or agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the future adopt, laws and regulations affecting data privacy, the use of the Internet as a commercial medium, and data sovereignty requirements concerning the location of data centers that storeeffectively implement system and process data. Industry organizations also regularly adopt and advocatechanges required for new standards on a timely basis. Any delays or failure to update our systems and processes could also lead to a material weakness.

Global economic conditions may harm our industry, business and results of operations.

We operate globally and as a result our business and revenues are impacted by global macroeconomic conditions. Global financial developments seemingly unrelated to us or the software industry may harm us. From time to time, the United States and other key international economies have been impacted by geopolitical instability, high levels of bad debt globally, falling demand for a variety of goods and services, high levels of persistent unemployment and wage and income stagnation in this area. For instance, we believe increased regulation is likelysome geographic markets, restricted credit, poor liquidity, reduced corporate profitability, volatility in the area of data privacy,credit, equity and changing laws, regulationsforeign exchange markets, bankruptcies and standards applyingoverall uncertainty with respect to the solicitation, collection, processing or useeconomy. These conditions can arise suddenly and affect the rate of personal or consumer information technology spending and could adversely affect our customers’ ability or willingness to use and share data, potentially restrictingpurchase our ability to store, process and share data withservices, delay prospective customers’ purchasing decisions, reduce the value or duration of their subscriptions, or affect renewal rates, all of which could harm our customers in connection with providing our services.operating results. In addition, government agencies or private organizations may beginthe effects, if any, of global financial conditions on our business can be difficult to impose taxes, fees ordistinguish from the effects on our business from product, pricing, and other charges for accessingdevelopments in the Internet, commerce conducted via the Internet or validation that particular processes follow the latest standards. These changes could limit the viability of Internet-based services such as ours.markets specific to our products and our relative competitive strength. If we are not able to adjust to changing laws, regulations and standards related to the Internet,make incorrect judgments about our business mayfor this reason our business and results of operations could be harmed.adversely affected.  

Natural disasters and other events beyond our control could harm our business.

Natural disasters or other catastrophic events may cause damage or disruption to our operations, international commerce and the global economy, and thus could have a negative effect on us. Our business operations are subject to interruption by natural disasters, flooding, fire, power shortages, pandemics, terrorism, political unrest and other events beyond our control. Although we maintain crisis management and disaster response plans, such events could make it difficult or impossible for us to deliver our services to our customers, could decrease demand for our services, and wouldcould cause us to incur substantial expense. Our insurance may not be sufficient to cover losses or additional expense that we may sustain in connection with any natural disaster. The majority of our research and development activities, corporate offices, information technology systems, and other critical business operations are located near major seismic faults in California.California and Washington. Customer data could be lost, significant recovery time could be required to resume operations and our financial condition and operating results could be harmedadversely affected in the event of a major natural disaster or catastrophic event.

Weakened global economic conditions may harm our industry, business and results of operations.
Our overall performance depends in part on worldwide economic conditions. Global financial developments seemingly unrelated to us or the software industry may harm us. The United States and other key international economies have been impacted by falling demand for a variety of goods and services, restricted credit, poor liquidity, reduced corporate profitability, volatility in credit, equity and foreign exchange markets, bankruptcies and overall uncertainty with respect to the economy. These conditions affect the rate of information technology spending and could adversely affect our customers’ ability or willingness to purchase our services, delay prospective customers’ purchasing decisions, reduce the value or duration of their subscriptions, or affect renewal rates, all of which could harm our operating results.
Risks Related to Our 0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2022 (2022 Notes) and Our 0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2018 (the "Notes")

Although the Notes are referred to as convertible senior notes, they are effectively subordinated to any of our secured debt and any liabilities of our subsidiaries.

The Notes will rank senior in right of payment to any of our indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes; equal in right of payment to any of our liabilities that are not so subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of our subsidiaries. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other winding up, our assets that secure debt ranking senior in right of payment to the Notes will be available to pay obligations on the Notes only after the secured debt has been repaid in full from these assets, and the assets of our subsidiaries will be available to pay obligations on the Notes only after all claims senior to the Notes have been repaid in full. There may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of the Notes then outstanding. The indenture governing the Notes does not prohibit us from incurring additional senior debt or secured debt, nor does it prohibit any of our current or future subsidiaries from incurring additional liabilities.

As of December 31, 2014, we and our subsidiaries had $443.8 million in consolidated indebtedness, and our subsidiaries had $162.8 million of liabilities (including trade payables but excluding intercompany obligations and liabilities of a type not required to be reflected on a balance sheet of such subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP) to which the Notes would have been structurally subordinated.


17


Recent and future regulatory actions and other events may adversely affect the trading price and liquidity of the Notes.

We expect that many investors in, and potential purchasers of, the Notes will employ, or seek to employ, a convertible arbitrage strategy with respect to the Notes. Investors would typically implement such a strategy by selling short the common stock underlying the Notes and dynamically adjusting their short position while continuing to hold the Notes. Investors may also implement this type of strategy by entering into swaps on our common stock in lieu of or in addition to short selling the common stock.

The SEC and other regulatory and self-regulatory authorities have implemented various rules and taken certain actions, and may in the future adopt additional rules and take other actions, that may impact those engaging in short selling activity involving equity securities (including our common stock). Such rules and actions include Rule 201 of SEC Regulation SHO, the adoption by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and the national securities exchanges of a “Limit Up-Limit Down” program, the imposition of market-wide circuit breakers that halt trading of securities for certain periods following specific market declines, and the implementation of certain regulatory reforms required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. Any governmental or regulatory action that restricts the ability of investors in, or potential purchasers of, the Notes to effect short sales of our common stock, borrow our common stock or enter into swaps on our common stock could adversely affect the trading price and the liquidity of the Notes.

We may still incur substantially more debt or take other actions which would diminish our ability to make payments on the Notes when due.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional debt in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in our future debt instruments, some of which may be secured debt. We are not restricted under the terms of the indenture governing the Notes from incurring additional debt, securing existing or future debt, recapitalizing our debt or taking a number of other actions that are not limited by the terms of the indenture governing the Notes that could have the effect of diminishing our ability to make payments on the Notes when due.(2018 Notes)

We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to settle conversions of the Notesconvertible senior notes in cash or to repurchase the Notesconvertible senior notes upon a fundamental change, and our future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon conversion or repurchase of the Notes.convertible senior notes.

Holders of the 2022 Notes willand 2018 Notes have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture for each of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes, as applicable) at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any. In addition, uponif a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the indenture for each of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes, as applicable) occurs prior to the maturity date of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes, we will in some cases be required to increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. Upon conversion of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes, unless we elect to deliver solely shares of our common stock to settle such conversion (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), we will be required to make cash payments in respect of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes being converted. However, we may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to make repurchases of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes surrendered therefor or pay cash with respect to the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes being converted.

We and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional debt in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in our future debt instruments, some of which may be secured debt. We are not restricted under the terms of the indentures governing each of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes from incurring additional debt, securing existing or future debt, recapitalizing our debt or taking a number of other actions that could have the effect of diminishing our ability to make payments on the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes when due. Furthermore, the indentures for each of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes prohibit us from engaging in certain mergers or acquisitions unless, among other things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes and their respective indentures. These and other provisions in each of the indentures could deter or prevent a third party from acquiring us even when the acquisition may be favorable to holders of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes.


In addition, our ability to repurchase or to pay cash upon conversion of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes may be limited by law, regulatory authority or agreements governing our future indebtedness. Our failure to repurchase 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes at a time when the repurchase is required by theeach indenture or to pay cash upon conversion of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes as required by theeach indenture would constitute a default under the indenture.default. A default under theeach indenture or the fundamental change itself could also lead to a default under agreements governing our future indebtedness. Moreover, the occurrence of a fundamental change under theeach indenture could constitute an event of default under any such agreements. If the payment of the related indebtedness were to be accelerated after any applicable notice or grace periods, we may not have sufficient funds to repay the indebtedness and repurchase the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes, or to pay cash upon conversion of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes.

The conditional conversion feature of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes, if triggered, may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.

In the event the conditional conversion featureThe holders of the 2022 Notes is triggered, holders ofand 2018 Notes will be entitledmay elect to convert their notes during any calendar quarter (and only during such calendar quarter) if the last reported sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to $175.18, in the case of the 2022 Notes, or $96.04, in the case of the 2018 Notes (in each case, the Conversion Condition). The Conversion Condition was met for the 2018 Notes during the three months ended June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2017, respectively. Accordingly, the 2018 Notes were convertible at any timethe holders’ option during specified periodseach of the three months ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017 and will continue to be convertible at their option.the holders’ option through the three months ending March 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid cash to settle an immaterial principal amount of the 2018 Notes. Based on additional conversion requests we have received through the filing date, we expect to settle in cash an aggregate of $37.3 million in principal amount of the 2018 Notes during the first quarter of 2018 and $7.3 million in principal amount of the 2018 Notes during the second quarter of 2018. We may receive additional conversion requests that require settlement in the second quarter or the remainder of the year 2018. If one or more holders elect to convert their 2018 Notes (or 2022 Notes, if the Conversion Condition is triggered) in future periods, unless we elect to satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering solely shares of our common stock (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), we would be required tomay settle all or a portion or all of our conversion obligation in cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity. In addition, even if holders do not elect to convert their Notes, we could be required under applicable accounting rules to reclassify all or a portion of the outstanding principal of the Notes as a current rather than long-term liability, which wouldliquidity and result in a material reduction of our net working capital.


18


The accounting method for convertible debt securities that may be settled in cash, such as the Notes, could have a materialadverse effect on our reported financial results.

position, results of operations and cash flows. In May 2008, FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash uponaddition, to the extent we receive conversion requests, we may also record a loss on extinguishment of the 2018 Notes (or 2022 Notes, if the Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement), which has subsequently been codified as Accounting Standards Codification 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (“ASC 470-20”). Under ASC 470-20, an entity must separately account forCondition is triggered) converted by noteholders based on the difference between the fair market value allocated to the liability and equity components of the convertible debt instruments (such as the Notes) that may be settled entirely or partially in cash upon conversion in a manner that reflects the issuer’s economic interest cost. The effect of ASC 470-20component on the accounting for the Notes is that the equity component is required to be included in the additional paid-in capital section of stockholders’ equity on our consolidated balance sheet at the issuancesettlement date and the valuenet carrying amount of the equityliability component would be treated asand unamortized debt discount for purposes of accounting for the debt component of the Notes. As a result, we are required to record a greater amount of non-cash interest expense as a result of the amortization of the discounted carrying value of the Notes to their face amount over the term of the Notes. We will report lower net income (or larger net losses) in our financial results because ASC 470-20 requires interest to include both the amortization of the debt discount and the instrument’s non-convertible coupon interest rate, which could adversely affect our future financial results, the trading price of our common stock and the trading price of the Notes.

Holders of Notes will not be entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock, but they will be subject to all changes made with respect to them to the extent our conversion obligation includes shares of our common stock.

Holders of Notes will not be entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions on our common stock) prior to the conversion date relating to such Notes (if we have elected to settle the relevant conversion by delivering solely shares of our common stock (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share)) or the last trading day of the relevant observation period (if we elect to pay and deliver, as the case may be, a combination of cash and shares of our common stock in respect of the relevant conversion), but holders of Notes will be subject to all changes affecting our common stock. For example, if an amendment is proposed to our restated certificate of incorporation or restated bylaws requiring stockholder approval and the record date for determining the stockholders of record entitled to voteissuance on the amendment occurs prior to the conversion date related to a holder’s conversion of its Notes (if we have elected to settle the relevant conversion by delivering solely shares of our common stock (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share)) or the last trading day of the relevant observation period (if we elect to pay and deliver, as the case may be, a combination of cash and shares of our common stock in respect of the relevant conversion), such holder will not be entitled to vote on the amendment, although such holder will nevertheless be subject to any changes affecting our common stock.

The conditional conversion feature of the Notes could result in note holders receiving less than the value of our common stock into which the Notes would otherwise be convertible.

Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding July 1, 2018, holders of our Notes may convert their Notes only if specified conditions are met. If the specific conditions for conversion are not met, holders will not be able to convert their Notes, and they may not be able to receive the value of the cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock, as applicable, into which their Notes would otherwise be convertible.

Upon conversion of the Notes, note holders may receive less valuable consideration than expected because the value of our common stock may decline after holders exercise their conversion right but before we settle our conversion obligation.

Under the Notes, a converting holder will be exposed to fluctuations in the value of our common stock during the period from the date such holder surrenders Notes for conversion until the date we settle our conversion obligation.


19


Upon conversion of the Notes, we have the option to pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. If we elect to satisfy our conversion obligation in cash or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, the amount of consideration that a note holder will receive upon conversion of such holder’s Notes will be determined by reference to the volume weighted average prices of our common stock for each trading day in a 30 trading-day observation period. This period would be: (i) if the relevant conversion date occurs prior to July 1, 2018, the 30 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the second trading day immediately succeeding such conversion date; and (ii) if the relevant conversion date occurs during the period from, and including, July 1, 2018 to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding November 1, 2018, the 30 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the 32nd scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturitysettlement date. Accordingly, if the price of our common stock decreases during this period, the amount and/or value of consideration note holders receive will be adversely affected. In addition, if the market price of our common stock at the end of such period is below the average of the daily volume weighted average prices of our common stock during such period, the value of any shares of our common stock that note holders will receive in satisfaction of our conversion obligation will be less than the value used to determine the number of shares that holders will receive.

If we elect to satisfy our conversion obligation solely in shares of our common stock upon conversion of the Notes, we will be required to deliver the shares of our common stock, together with cash for any fractional share, on the third business day following the relevant conversion date (or, for conversions occurring on or after July 1, 2018, on the maturity date). Accordingly, if the price of our common stock decreases during this period, the value of the shares that holders receive will be adversely affected and would be less than the conversion value of the Notes on the conversion date.

The Notes are not protected by restrictive covenants.

The indenture governing the Notes does not contain any financial or operating covenants or restrictions on the payments of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness or the issuance or repurchase of securities by us or any of our subsidiaries. The indenture contains no covenants or other provisions to afford protection to holders of the Notes in the event of a fundamental change or other corporate transaction involving us except in certain cases described in the indenture connected with fundamental changes, consolidations, mergers or sales of assets.

The increase in the conversion rate for Notes converted in connection with a make-whole fundamental change may not adequately compensate holders of the Notes for any lost value of the Notes as a result of such transaction.

If a make-whole fundamental change occurs prior to maturity, under certain circumstances, we will increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares of our common stock for Notes converted in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. The increase in the conversion rate will be determined based on the date on which the specified corporate transaction becomes effective and the price paid (or deemed to be paid) per share of our common stock in such transaction. The increase in the conversion rate for Notes converted in connection with a make-whole fundamental change may not adequately compensate holders for any lost value of the Notes as a result of such transaction. In addition, if the price of our common stock in the transaction is greater than $250.00 per share or less than $53.73 per share (in each case, subject to adjustment), no additional shares will be added to the conversion rate. Moreover, in no event will the conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of Notes as a result of this adjustment exceed 18.6115 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment in the same manner as the conversion rate.

Our obligation to increase the conversion rate for Notes converted in connection with a make-whole fundamental change could be considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability thereof would be subject to general principles of reasonableness and equitable remedies.

The conversion rate of the Notes may not be adjusted for all dilutive events.

The conversion rate of the Notes is subject to adjustment for certain events, including, but not limited to, the issuance of certain stock dividends on our common stock, the issuance of certain rights or warrants, subdivisions, combinations, distributions of capital stock, indebtedness, or assets, cash dividends and certain issuer tender or exchange offers. However, the conversion rate will not be adjusted for other events, such as a third-party tender or exchange offer or an issuance of common stock for cash, that may adversely affect the trading price of the Notes or our common stock. An event that adversely affects the value of the Notes may occur, and that event may not result in an adjustment to the conversion rate.


20


Provisions in the indenture for the Notes may deter or prevent a business combination that may be favorable to note holders.

If a fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date of the Notes, holders of the Notes will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their Notes. In addition, if a make-whole fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date of the Notes, we will in some cases be required to increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. Furthermore, the indenture for the Notes prohibits us from engaging in certain mergers or acquisitions unless, among other things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the Notes and the indenture. These and other provisions in the indenture could deter or prevent a third party from acquiring us even when the acquisition may be favorable to note holders.

Some significant restructuring transactions may not constitute a fundamental change, in which case we would not be obligated to offer to repurchase the Notes.

Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, note holders have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of the Notes. However, the fundamental change provisions will not afford protection to holders of Notes in the event of other transactions that could adversely affect the Notes. For example, transactions such as leveraged recapitalizations, refinancings, restructurings, or acquisitions initiated by us may not constitute a fundamental change requiring us to offer to repurchase the Notes. In the event of any such transaction, the holders would not have the right to require us to repurchase the Notes, even though each of these transactions could increase the amount of our indebtedness, or otherwise adversely affect our capital structure or any credit ratings, thereby adversely affecting the holders of Notes.

In addition, absent the occurrence of a fundamental change or a make-whole fundamental change, changes in the composition of our board of directors will not provide holders with the right to require us to repurchase the Notes or to an increase in the conversion rate upon conversion.

We have not registered the Notes or the common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes, if any, which will limit the ability of note holders to resell them.

The Notes and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or any state securities laws. Unless the Notes and any shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes have been registered, they may not be transferred or resold except in a transaction exempt from or not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not intend to file a registration statement for the resale of the Notes and the common stock, if any, into which the Notes are convertible.

We cannot guarantee an active trading market for the Notes.

We have not listed and do not intend to apply to list the Notes on any securities exchange or to arrange for quotation on any automated dealer quotation system. Moreover, the initial purchasers of the Notes may cease making a market in the Notes at any time without notice. In addition, the liquidity of the trading market in the Notes, and the market price quoted for the Notes, may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for this type of security and by changes in our financial performance or prospects or in the prospects for companies in our industry generally. As a result, we cannot assure note holders that there will be an active trading market for the Notes. If an active trading market is not maintained, the market price and liquidity of the Notes may be adversely affected. In that case, note holders might not be able to sell the Notes at a particular time or at a favorable price.

Any adverse rating of the Notes may cause their trading price to fall.

We have not obtained and do not intend to seek a rating on the Notes. However, if a rating service were to rate the Notes and if such rating service were to lower its rating on the Notes below the rating initially assigned to the Notes or otherwise announces its intention to put the Notes on credit watch, the trading price of the Notes could decline.


21


Note holders may be subject to tax if we make or fail to make certain adjustments to the conversion rate of the Notes even though note holders do not receive a corresponding cash distribution.

The conversion rate of the Notes is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, including the payment of cash dividends. If the conversion rate is adjusted as a result of a distribution that is taxable to our common stockholders, such as a cash dividend, note holders may be deemed to have received a dividend subject to U.S. federal income tax without the receipt of any cash. In addition, a failure to adjust (or to adjust adequately) the conversion rate after an event that increases a note holder’s proportionate interest in us could be treated as a deemed taxable dividend to such note holder. If a make-whole fundamental change occurs prior to maturity, under some circumstances, we will increase the conversion rate for Notes converted in connection with the make-whole fundamental change. Such increase may also be treated as a distribution subject to U.S. federal income tax as a dividend. If a holder is a non-U.S. holder, any deemed dividend generally would be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable treaty, which may be set off against subsequent payments on the Notes.

Future sales of our common stock in the public market could lower the market price for our common stock and adversely impact the trading price of the Notes.

In the future, we may sell additional shares of our common stock to raise capital. In addition, a substantial number of shares of our common stock is reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options, the vesting of restricted stock, settlement of restricted stock units and issuance of performance shares pursuant to our employee benefit plans, for purchase by employees under our employee stock purchase plan, upon conversion of the Notes and in relation to the warrant transactions we entered into in connection with the pricing of the Notes. We cannot predict the size of future issuances or the effect, if any, that they may have on the market price for our common stock. The issuance and sale of substantial amounts of common stock, or the perception that such issuances and sales may occur, could adversely affect the trading price of the Notes and the market price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities.

The convertible note hedge and warrant transactions may affect the value of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes and our common stock.

In connection with the sale of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge ("(the 2022 Note Hedge")Hedge and 2018 Note Hedge, respectively) transactions with certain financial institutions (the “option counterparties”)(option counterparties). We also entered into warrant transactions with the option counterparties pursuant to which we sold warrants for the purchase of our common stock ("Warrants")(the 2022 Warrants and 2018 Warrants, respectively). The 2022 Note Hedge and 2018 Note Hedge transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution upon any conversion of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes and/or offset any cash payments we are required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes, as the case may be. The warrant transactions could separately have a dilutive effect to the extent that the market price per share of our common stock exceeds the strikeexercise price of the Warrants.2022 Warrants or 2018 Warrants, which is $203.40 and $107.46, respectively.

The option counterparties and/or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivatives with respect to our common stock and/or purchasing or selling our common stock in secondary market transactions prior to the maturity of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes (and are likely to do so during any observation period related to a conversion of 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes, or following any repurchase of 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes by us on any fundamental change repurchase date (as defined in the indentures for the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes) or otherwise). This activity could also cause or avoid an increase or a decrease in the market price of our common stock or the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes, which could affect note holders’ ability to convert the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes and, to the extent the activity occurs during any observation period related to a conversion of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes, it could affect the amount and value of the consideration that note holders will receive upon conversion of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes.


The potential effect, if any, of these transactions and activities on the market price of our common stock or the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes will depend in part on market conditions and cannot be ascertained at this time. Any of these activities could adversely affect the value of our common stock and the value of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes (and as a result, the value of the consideration, the amount of cash and/or the number of shares, if any, that note holders would receive upon the conversion of any 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes) and, under certain circumstances, the ability of the note holders to convert the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes.

We do not make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any potential effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes or our common stock. In addition, we do not make any representation that the option counterparties will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.


22


We are subject to counterparty risk with respect to the 2022 Note Hedge and 2018 Note Hedge transactions.

The option counterparties are financial institutions, and we will be subject to the risk that any or all of them may default under the 2022 Note Hedge or 2018 Note Hedge transactions. Our exposure to the credit risk of the option counterparties will not be secured by any collateral. Recent global economic conditions have resulted in the actual or perceived failure or financial difficulties of many financial institutions. If an option counterparty becomes subject to insolvency proceedings, we will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings, with a claim equal to our exposure at that time under our transactions with that option counterparty. Our exposure will depend on many factors but, generally, an increase in our exposure will be correlated to an increase in the market price and in the volatility of our common stock. In addition, upon a default by an option counterparty, we may suffer adverse tax consequences and more dilution than we currently anticipate with respect to our common stock. We can provide no assurances as to the financial stability or viability of the option counterparties.

Risks RelatingRelated to Ownership of Our Common Stock

The market price of our common stock has historically been and is likely to continue to be volatile could adversely impact the trading price of the Notes and could subject us to litigation.

The trading price of our common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. Since shares of our common stock were sold in our initial public offering in June 2012 at a price of $18.00 per share, our stock price has ranged from $22.62 to $71.80 through December 31, 2014. In addition, the trading prices of the securities of technology companies in general have been highly volatile, and the volatility in market price and trading volume of securities is often unrelated or disproportionate to the financial performance of the companies issuing the securities. Factors affecting the market price of our common stock, some of which are beyond our control, include:
variations in our growth rate, operating results, earnings per share, cash flows from operating activities, deferred revenue, and other financial metrics and non-financial metrics, and how those results compare to analyst expectations;
forward-looking statements related to future revenues and earnings per share;
the net increases in the number of customers, either independently or as compared with published expectations of industry, financial or other analysts that cover our company;
changes in the estimates of our operating results or changes in recommendations by securities analysts that elect to follow our common stock;
announcements of technological innovations, new solutionsproducts, services or technologies, new applications or enhancements to services, strategic alliances, acquisitions, or other significant agreementsevents by us or by our competitors;
announcements regardingfluctuations in the valuation of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us, such as high-growth or cloud companies;
changes to our efforts to expand our offerings for service domains outside of IT, and offerings for small and medium-sized businesses;
announcements by us or by our competitors of mergers or other strategic acquisitions, or rumors of such transactions involving us or our competitors;
announcements of customer additions and customer cancellations or delays in customer purchases;
recruitment or departure of key personnel;
disruptions in our services due to computer hardware, software or network problems, security breaches, or other man-made or natural disasters;
the economy as a whole, and market conditions in our industry and the industries of our customers;management team;
trading activity by directors, executive officers and significant stockholders, or the perception in the market that the holders of a limitedlarge number of stockholders who together beneficially own a majority of our outstanding common stock;shares intend to sell their shares;
the size of our market float and float;
the volume of trading in our common stock, including sales upon exercise of outstanding options or vesting of equity awards or sales and purchases of any common stock issued upon conversion of the 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes or in connection with the 2022 Note Hedge and 2022 Warrant transactions relating to the 2022 Notes, or 2018 Note Hedge and 2018 Warrant transactions relating to the 2018 Notes;
the economy as a whole, market conditions in our industry, and the industries of our customers; and
any other factors discussed herein.overall performance of the equity markets.


23


In addition, if the market for technology stocks or the stock market in general experiences uneven investor confidence, the market priceFollowing periods of our common stock could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, operating results or financial condition. The market price of our common stock might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies within, or outside, our industry even if these events do not directly affect us. A decreasevolatility in the market price of our common stock would likely adversely impact the trading price of our Notes. The price of our common stock could also be affected by possible sales of our common stock by investors who view the Notes as a more attractive means of equity participation in us and by hedging or arbitrage trading activity that we expect to develop involving our common stock. This trading activity could, in turn, affect the trading price of the Notes. Some companies that have experienced volatility in the trading price of their stock have been the subject ofcompany’s securities, securities class action litigation. If we are the subject of such litigation ithas often been brought against that company. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion ofdivert our management’s attention and resources.resources from our business. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.


We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock so any returns will be limited to changes in the value of our common stock.

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings for the development, operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. In addition, our ability to pay cash dividends on our common stock may be prohibited or limited by the terms of any future debt financing arrangement. Any return to stockholders will therefore be limited to the increase, if any, of our stock price.
Our directors and executive officers beneficially own a significant percentage of our stock and are able to exert control over matters subject to stockholder approval.
As of December 31, 2014, our directors and executive officers and their respective affiliates beneficially owned in the aggregate approximately 11% of our outstanding voting stock. Together, these stockholders have the ability to influence us through this ownership position. For example, these stockholders may be able to influence elections of directors, amendments of our organizational documents, or the approval of any merger, sale of assets, or other major corporate transaction. This may prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our common stock that you may feel are in your best interest as one of our stockholders.

Provisions in our charter documents, Delaware law, our 2022 Notes and our 2018 Notes might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our management and, therefore, depress the market price of our common stock.
 
Our restated certificate of incorporation and restated bylaws contain provisions that could depress the market price of our common stock by acting to discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or changes in our management that the stockholders of our company may deem advantageous. These provisions among other things:
 
establish a classified board of directors so that not all members of our board are elected at one time;
permit the board of directors to establish the number of directors;
provide that directors may only be removed “for cause” and only with the approval of 66 2/3% of our stockholders;
require super-majority voting to amend some provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and restated bylaws;
authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that our board could use to implement a stockholder rights plan;
eliminate the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders;
prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which requires all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders;
provide that the board of directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal our restated bylaws; and
establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at annual stockholder meetings.meetings (though our restated bylaws have implemented stockholder proxy access).

In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company. Section 203 imposes certain restrictions on merger, business combinations and other transactions between us and holders of 15% or more of our common stock.

Further, the fundamental change provisions of our 2022 Notes or 2018 Notes may delay or prevent a change in control of our company, because those provisions allow note holders to require us to repurchase such notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture for the Notes).change.


24




ITEM 1B.     
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS



None.


ITEM 2.     
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES


Our principal office is located at 3260 Jay Street in Santa Clara, California. On December 12, 2014, we entered into a lease agreement pursuant to which we will lease approximately 328,867 square feet of space, located at 2215 Lawson Lane, 2225 Lawson Lane, and 2235 Lawson Lane, Santa Clara, California. The initial term of the lease is expected to commence on August 15, 2015, although the commencement date may be extended in certain circumstances if specified improvements to the premises have not been completed by such date.

We also maintain offices in various North American, South American, European and Asian countries. All of our properties are currently leased. We believe our existing facilities are adequate to meet our current requirements. See Note 1816 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about our lease commitments. If we wereWe expect to require additional space, weexpand our facilities capacity as our employee base grows. We believe we will be able to obtain such space on acceptable and commercially reasonable terms.


ITEM 3.     
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On February 6, 2014, Hewlett-Packard Company filed a lawsuit against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California that alleges that some of our services infringe the claims of eight of Hewlett-Packard's patents. Hewlett-Packard is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction. We filed an answer to the complaint on March 28, 2014 denying the allegations and asserting various affirmative defenses. The court held case management conferences on June 26, 2014, September 4, 2014 and February 5, 2015. The parties are currently conducting discovery. Hewlett-Packard served infringement contentions on July 3, 2014 and November 18, 2014. We served invalidity contentions on January 9, 2015. A claim construction hearing is scheduled for June 12, 2015. Trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 16, 2016. We have filed petitions for inter partes review of all eight asserted patents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

On September 23, 2014, BMC Software, Inc. filed a lawsuit against us in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas that alleges that some of our services willfully infringe the claims of seven of BMC’s patents. BMC is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction. Motions to dismiss and transfer venue are currently pending. BMC served infringement contentions on January 6, 2015. Our invalidity contentions are due March 3, 2015. A claim construction hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2015. Trial is currently scheduled to begin on March 14, 2016.

We intend to vigorously defend these lawsuits. These litigation matters are still in their early stages and the final outcome, including our liability, if any, with respect to the claims in the lawsuits, is uncertain. If an unfavorable outcome were to occur in either litigation, the impact could be material to our business, financial condition, cash flow or results of operations, depending on the specific circumstances of the outcome.



From time to time, we may become involved inare party to litigation and other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. Other than as described above,While the results of any litigation or other legal proceedings are uncertain, we are not presently a party to any legal proceedings that, if determined adversely to us, we believe would individually or taken together have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows orposition, results of operations.operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4.     
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES



Not applicable.


25




PART II


ITEM 5.     
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES




Market Information for Common Stock

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NOW.”

The following table sets forth for the indicated periods the high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.
High LowHigh Low
Year ended December 31, 2014   
Year ended December 31, 2017   
First Quarter$71.80
 $54.36
$94.72
 $74.63
Second Quarter$63.96
 $44.17
$110.66
 $84.03
Third Quarter$64.98
 $54.11
$118.64
 $103.00
Fourth Quarter$70.90
 $54.05
$131.26
 $112.84
      
Year ended December 31, 2013   
Year ended December 31, 2016   
First Quarter$38.22
 $25.54
$85.67
 $46.00
Second Quarter$43.99
 $33.95
$77.76
 $60.05
Third Quarter$53.11
 $39.83
$80.31
 $64.31
Fourth Quarter$58.41
 $47.37
$89.79
 $72.80

Dividend Policy

We have never paid any cash dividends on our common stock. Our board of directors currently intends to retain any future earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of our business, and therefore does not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Any future determination related to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors.

Stockholders

As of December 31, 2014,2017, there were 2511 registered stockholders of record (not including an indeterminate number of beneficial holders of stock held in street names)name through brokers and other intermediaries) of our common stockstock.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The information required by this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Stock Performance Graph

The following shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any of our other filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended the(the Exchange Act,Act) or the Securities Act except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the NYSE Composite Index and the Standard & Poor Systems Software Index for each of the period beginning on June 29, 2012 (the date our common stock commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange)last five fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 through December 31, 2014,2017, assuming an initial investment of $100. Data for the NYSE Composite Index and the Standard & Poor Systems Software Index assume reinvestment of dividends.


The comparisons in the graph below are based upon historical data and are not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, future performance of our common stock.

26



Base Period          
Jun 29, 2012 Sep 30, 2012 Dec 31, 2012 Mar 31, 2013 Jun 30, 2013 Sep 30, 2013 Dec 31, 2013 Mar 31, 2014 Jun 30, 2014 Sep 30, 2014 Dec 31, 2014Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2013 Dec 31, 2014 Dec 31, 2015 Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2017
ServiceNow, Inc.100.00
 157.24
 122.07
 147.15
 164.19
 211.18
 227.68
 243.58
 251.87
 238.94
 275.81
$100.00
 $186.51
 $225.94
 $288.25
 $247.55
 $434.20
NYSE Composite100.00
 106.46
 109.60
 118.97
 120.54
 127.34
 138.40
 140.95
 147.96
 145.06
 147.74
100.00
 126.28
 134.81
 129.29
 144.73
 171.83
S&P Systems Software100.00
 101.19
 97.22
 102.05
 112.75
 113.91
 129.20
 139.18
 141.64
 150.50
 158.92
100.00
 132.90
 163.47
 180.59
 204.49
 280.92

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities which have not been previously disclosed in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q or a current report on Form 8-K during the year ended December 31, 2014.2017.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the yearquarter ended December 31, 2014,2017, we did not purchase any of our equity securities that are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.


27


ITEM 6.    SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA



The following selected consolidated financial data should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this filing. The selected consolidated financial data in this section are not intended to replace our consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our future results.
 
The selected consolidated statements of operations data for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and are included in this Form 10-K. The consolidated statements of operations data for the six monthsyear ended December 31, 2011, fiscal 20112014, and 20102013, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012, 2011,2015, 2014, and June 30, 2011 and 20102013 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In February 2012, we changed our fiscal year-end from June 30 to December 31. References to “fiscal 2010” and “fiscal 2011” are to The consolidated financial information below reflects the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2011, while references to 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 refer toimpact of the respective years ending on December 31.Company’s acquisitions.

 Year Ended December 31, 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2011 2010
 (in thousands, except share and per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:           
Revenues(1):
           
Subscription$567,217
 $349,804
 $204,526
 $64,886
 $79,191
 $40,078
Professional services and other115,346
 74,846
 39,186
 8,489
 13,450
 3,251
Total revenues682,563
 424,650
 243,712
 73,375
 92,641
 43,329
Cost of revenues(2)(3):
           
Subscription142,687
 87,928
 63,258
 15,073
 15,311
 6,378
Professional services and other106,089
 67,331
 40,751
 12,850
 16,264
 9,812
Total cost of revenues248,776
 155,259
 104,009
 27,923
 31,575
 16,190
Gross profit433,787
 269,391
 139,703
 45,452
 61,066
 27,139
Operating expenses(2)(3):
           
Sales and marketing341,119
 195,190
 103,837
 32,501
 34,123
 19,334
Research and development148,258
 78,678
 39,333
 7,030
 7,004
 7,194
General and administrative96,245
 61,790
 34,117
 10,084
 9,379
 28,810
Total operating expenses585,622
 335,658
 177,287
 49,615
 50,506
 55,338
Income (loss) from operations(151,835) (66,267) (37,584) (4,163) 10,560
 (28,199)
Interest and other income (expense), net(23,705) (4,930) 1,604
 (1,446) 606
 (1,226)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes(175,540) (71,197) (35,980) (5,609) 11,166
 (29,425)
Provision for income taxes3,847
 2,511
 1,368
 1,075
 1,336
 280
Net income (loss)$(179,387) $(73,708) $(37,348) $(6,684) $9,830
 $(29,705)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders:           
Basic$(179,387) $(73,708) $(37,656) $(6,996) $1,639
 $(30,345)
Diluted$(179,387) $(73,708) $(37,656) $(6,996) $2,310
 $(30,345)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:           
Basic$(1.23) $(0.54) $(0.51) $(0.33) $0.09
 $(1.31)
Diluted$(1.23) $(0.54) $(0.51) $(0.33) $0.08
 $(1.31)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:           
Basic145,355,543
 135,415,809
 73,908,631
 21,104,219
 18,163,977
 23,157,576
Diluted145,355,543
 135,415,808
 73,908,630
 21,104,219
 28,095,486
 23,157,576
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (in thousands, except share and per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:         
Revenues:         
Subscription$1,739,795
 $1,221,639
 $848,278
 $567,217
 $349,804
Professional services and other193,231
 168,874
 157,202
 115,346
 74,846
Total revenues1,933,026
 1,390,513
 1,005,480
 682,563
 424,650
Cost of revenues (1):
         
Subscription315,570
 235,414
 183,400
 142,687
 87,928
Professional services and other184,202
 163,268
 146,013
 106,089
 67,331
Total cost of revenues499,772
 398,682
 329,413
 248,776
 155,259
Gross profit1,433,254
 991,831
 676,067
 433,787
 269,391
Operating expenses (1):
         
Sales and marketing946,617
 700,464
 498,439
 341,119
 195,190
Research and development377,518
 285,239
 217,389
 148,258
 78,678
General and administrative210,533
 158,936
 126,604
 96,245
 61,790
Legal settlements (2)

 270,000
 
 
 
Total operating expenses1,534,668
 1,414,639
 842,432
 585,622
 335,658
Loss from operations(101,414) (422,808) (166,365) (151,835) (66,267)
Interest expense(53,394) (33,278) (31,097) (29,059) (3,498)
Interest income and other income (expense), net5,804
 6,035
 4,450
 5,354
 (1,432)
Loss before income taxes(149,004) (450,051) (193,012) (175,540) (71,197)
Provision for income taxes126
 1,753
 5,414
 3,847
 2,511
Net loss$(149,130) $(451,804) $(198,426) $(179,387) $(73,708)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted$(0.87) $(2.75) $(1.27) $(1.23) $(0.54)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share - basic and diluted171,175,577
 164,533,823
 155,706,643
 145,355,543
 135,415,809


28


(1)Revenues subsequent to July 1, 2010 reflect the prospective adoption of new revenue accounting guidance for arrangements with multiple deliverables. Please refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our revenue recognition policies.
(2)Stock-based compensation included in the statements of operations data above was as follows:
Year Ended December 31, Six Months Ended
December 31,
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 2012 2011 2011 20102017 2016 2015 2014 2013
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Cost of revenues:                    
Subscription$14,988
 $8,434
 $3,929
 $674
 $548
 $48
$35,334
 $28,420
 $23,416
 $14,988
 $8,434
Professional services and other13,116
 4,749
 1,574
 193
 117
 28
27,475
 26,442
 23,265
 13,116
 4,749
Sales and marketing54,006
 21,609
 10,189
 2,010
 1,004
 277
170,527
 131,571
 102,349
 54,006
 21,609
Research and development42,535
 16,223
 6,496
 704
 468
 90
92,025
 81,731
 70,326
 42,535
 16,223
General and administrative29,674
 14,566
 5,749
 2,056
 817
 102
68,717
 49,416
 38,357
 29,674
 14,566
Total stock-based compensation$394,078
 $317,580
 $257,713
 $154,319
 $65,581
 
(3)(2)Cost
For details regarding the legal settlements expenses of revenues and operating expenses for$270.0 million included in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 reflect compensation expense of $0.7 million and $30.1 million, respectively, relatedDecember 31, 2016, refer to Note 16 in the repurchase of shares from eligible stockholdersnotes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in connection with our sale and issuance of Series D preferred stock.this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 As of December 31, As of June 30,
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2011 2010
 (in thousands)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:           
Cash and cash equivalents$252,455
 $366,303
 $118,989
 $68,088
 $59,853
 $29,402
Working capital, excluding deferred revenue809,660
 722,214
 364,426
 95,033
 75,801
 33,080
Total assets1,425,079
 1,168,476
 478,114
 156,323
 108,746
 51,369
Deferred revenue, current and non-current portion422,238
 266,722
 170,361
 104,636
 74,646
 40,731
Convertible senior notes, net443,764
 414,777
 
 
 
 
Convertible preferred stock
 
 
 68,172
 67,860
 67,227
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)428,675
 394,259
 243,405
 (57,426) (58,381) (71,262)
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (in thousands)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:         
Cash and cash equivalents and investments$2,170,740
 $1,162,020
 $1,223,917
 $935,563
 $889,910
Working capital, excluding current portion of deferred revenue and convertible senior notes, net2,133,850
 1,132,819
 947,002
 809,660
 722,214
Total assets3,397,904
 2,033,767
 1,807,052
 1,424,752
 1,168,077
Deferred revenue, current and non-current portion1,320,383
 895,101
 603,754
 422,238
 266,722
Convertible senior notes, net, current and non-current portion1,173,436
 507,812
 474,534
 443,437
 414,378
Total stockholders’ equity584,132
 386,961
 566,814
 428,675
 394,259


29


ITEM 7.     
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing under "Consolidated“Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data"Data” in Item 8 of this filing. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this filing, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should carefully read the “Forward Looking Statements" and "Risk“Risk Factors” sectionssection of this filing for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Our billings and free cash flow measures included in the sections entitled “—Key Business Metrics—Billings,” and “—Key Business Metrics—Free Cash Flow” are not in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. We encourage investors to carefully consider our results under GAAP, as well as our supplemental non-GAAP results, to more fully understand our business.


Overview
 
ServiceNow is a leading provider of cloud-basedenterprise cloud computing solutions that define, structure, manage and automate services across thefor global enterprise. By applying a service-oriented lens to the activities, tasksenterprises. We help our customers improve service quality and processes that comprise day-to-day work life, we help the modern enterprise operate fasterreduce costs while scaling and be more scalable than ever before. automating their businesses.

We generally offer our services on an annual subscription fee basis, which includes access to the ordered subscription service and related support, including updates to the subscribedsubscription service during the subscription term. We provide a scaled pricing model based on the duration of the subscription term, and we frequently extend discounts to our customers based on the number of users. We generate sales through our direct sales team and, to a lesser extent, indirectly through channelresale partners and third-party referrals. We also generate revenues from professional services and for implementation and training of customer and partner personnel. We generally bill our customers annually in advance for subscription services and monthly in arrears for our professional services as the work is performed.

A majority of our revenues come from large global enterprise customers. We continue to invest in the development of our services, infrastructure and sales and marketing to drive long-term growth. We increased our overall employee headcount to 2,8266,222 as of December 31, 20142017 from 1,8304,801 as of December 31, 2013.2016.

New Revenue Recognition Standard under Topic 606
Key Factors Affecting Our Performance
Upsell rate. To growIn May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a new standard related to revenue recognition from contracts with customers (Topic 606), which is effective beginning January 1, 2018. Topic 606 supersedes the prior revenue recognition standard (Topic 605) for periods beginning January 1, 2018. The most significant impacts of the standard relate to the timing of revenue recognition related to our business it is important for us to generate additional sales from existing customers,on-premises offerings, in which we refergrant customers the right to deploy our software on the customer’s own servers without significant penalty, the accounting for incremental costs to obtain a contract and the classification of proceeds from Knowledge and other user forums as our upsell rate. We calculate our upsell rate as the annualized contract value, or ACV,a reduction in sales and marketing expenses instead of upsells, net of losses during the period, divided by our total ACV signed during the period. The upsell rate was 36%, 31%professional services and 30% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our upsells are primarily derived by an increase in the number of seat licenses purchased by our customers and are also derived from the addition of other subscription services.revenues.

Renewal rate. We calculateOur results of operations below are presented under Topic 605. Our expectations for 2018 revenues, cost of revenues and operating expenses, including the comparison period amounts used to derive the expected trends, are based on Topic 606. In addition, our renewal rate by subtracting our attrition rate from 100%. Our attrition rateexpectations for a period is equal to the ACV from lost customers, divided by the total ACV from all customers that renewed during the period2018 revenues, cost of revenues and from all lost customers. A lost customer is a customer that did not renew a contract expiring in the period and that, in our judgment, will not renew. Typically a customer that reduces its subscription upon renewal is not considered a lost customer. However, in instances where the subscription decrease represents the majority of the customer's ACV, we may deem the renewaloperating expenses are based on foreign exchange rates as a lost customer. Our renewal rate was 97%, 96% and 97% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Total customers. We believe our total customer count is a key indicator of our market penetration, growth and future revenues. We have aggressively invested in, and intend to continue to invest in, our direct sales force and additional partnerships with our indirect sales channel. We generally define a customer as an entity with an active subscription contract as of the measurement date. In situations where there is a single contract that applies to entities with multiple subsidiaries or divisions, universities or governmental organizations, each entity that has contracted for a separate production instance of our services are counted as a separate customer. As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012,2017. Refer to Note 2 in the notes to our total customer count was 2,725, 2,061 and 1,512, respectively. Our customer count excludes customers of our Express product offering, which is our recently launched standardized IT service management solution.consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details regarding Topic 606, including adjusted amounts for historical periods.

Key Business Metrics
Number of customers with ACV greater than $1 million.We count the total number of customers with ACVannualized contract value (ACV) greater than $1 million as of the end of the period. We had 129, 67500, 350 and 37231 customers with ACV greater than $1 million as of December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively. For purposes of customer count, a customer is defined as an entity with a unique Dunn & Bradstreet Global Ultimate (GULT), Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and an active subscription contract as of the measurement date. The DUNS number is a global standard for business identification and tracking. We make exceptions for holding companies, government entities and other organizations for which the GULT, in our judgment, does not accurately represent the ServiceNow customer. For example, while all U.S. government agencies roll up to “Government of the United States” under the GULT, we count each government agency that we contract with as a separate customer. Our customer count is subject to adjustments for acquisitions, spin-offs and other market activity. Previously disclosed number of customers with ACV greater than $1 million as well as our average contract term calculations are restated to allow for comparability. ACV is calculated based on the foreign exchange rate in effect at the time the contract was signed. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations could cause some variability in the number of customers with ACV greater than $1 million.


30


G2K customer count.The Global 2000 ("G2K")(G2K) customer count is defined as the total number of G2K companies in our customer base as of the end of the period. The Forbes Global 2000 is an annual ranking of the top 20002,000 public companies in the world by Forbes magazine. The ranking is based on a mix of four metrics: sales, profit, assets, and market value. The Forbes listGlobal 2000 is updated annually in the second quarter of the calendar year. Current and prior period G2K customer counts are based on the most recent list for comparability purposes. We adjust the G2K count for acquisitions, spin-offs and other market activity to ensure theactivity. For example, we add a G2K customer count is accurately captured. For example, when a G2K company that is not our customer acquires a company in our existing customer base that is not a G2K company, a new G2K customer will be added in the quarter the acquisition occurs.company. When we enter into a contract with a G2K parent company, or any of its related subsidiaries, or any combination of entities within a G2K company, we count only one G2K customer will be counted. Furthercustomer. We do not count further penetration into entities within thea given G2K customer is not counted as a new customer in the G2K customer count. Our G2K customer count also excludes customers that have only purchased our Express product offering, which is our entry-level IT service management solution. Our G2K customer count was 522, 400840, 737 and 265637 as of December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.

Average ACV per G2K customer. We calculate average ACV for our G2K customers by taking aggregate ACV from G2K customers as of the end of the period divided by the total number of G2K customers as of the end of the period. ACV is calculated based on the foreign exchange rate in effect at the time the contract was entered into, and as a result, foreign currency rate fluctuations could cause variability in the average ACV per G2K customer. Prior G2K customer counts used in calculating ACV per G2K are adjusted for the most recent Forbes Global 2000 list for comparability purposes. Our average ACV per G2K customer was approximately $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Renewal rate. We calculate our renewal rate by subtracting our attrition rate from 100%. Our attrition rate for a period is equal to the ACV from customers lost during the period, divided by the total ACV from all customers that renewed during the period, excluding changes in price or users, and total ACV from all customers lost during the period. Accordingly, our renewal rate is calculated based on ACV and is not based on the number of customers that have renewed. A lost customer is a customer that did not renew an expiring contract and that, in our judgment, will not be renewed. Typically, a customer that reduces its subscription upon renewal is not considered a lost customer. However, in instances where the subscription decrease represents the majority of the customer's ACV, we may deem the renewal as a lost customer. For our renewal rate calculation, we define a customer as an entity with a separate production instance of our service and an active subscription contract as of the measurement date, instead of an entity with a unique GULT or DUNS number. Our renewal rate was 97% for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 98% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. As our renewal rate is impacted by the timing of renewals, which could occur in advance of, or subsequent to the original contract end date, period-to-period comparison of renewal rates may not be meaningful.

Billings. We define billings, a non-GAAP financial measure, as revenues recognized plus the change in total deferred revenue as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The change in total deferred revenue as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows represents the change in deferred revenues in local currencies translated into U.S. dollars using an average foreign currency exchange rate, and aligns actual billings with the exchange rates in effect at the time of the billings. We believe billings is a useful leading indicator regarding the performance of our business.

A calculation of billings is provided below:
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 (dollars in thousands)
Billings:     
Total revenues$1,933,026
 $1,390,513
 $1,005,480
Change in deferred revenue from the consolidated statements of cash flows381,562
 300,167
 195,900
Total billings$2,314,588
 $1,690,680
 $1,201,380
Year-over-year percentage change in total billings37% 41% 41%

Billings consists of amounts invoiced for subscription contracts with existing customers, renewals, upsells and new customers, and contracts for professional services, training, and our Knowledge and other user forum events. Factors that may cause our billings results to vary from period to period include the following:

Billings duration. While we typically bill customers annually for our subscription services, customers sometimes request, and we accommodate, billings with durations less than or greater than the typical 12-month term.


Contract start date. From time to time, we enter into contracts with a contract start date in the future, and we exclude these amounts from billings as these amounts are not included in our consolidated balance sheets, unless such amounts have been paid as of the balance sheet date.

Foreign currency exchange rates. While a majority of our billings have historically been in U.S. Dollars, an increasing percentage of our billings in recent periods has been in foreign currencies, particularly the Euro and British Pound Sterling.

Timing of contract renewals. While customers typically renew their contracts at the end of the contract term, from time to time customers may do so either before or after the scheduled expiration date. For example, in cases where we are successful in upselling additional products or services, a customer may decide to renew its existing contract early to ensure that all its contracts expire on the same date. In other cases, prolonged negotiations or other factors may result in a contract not being renewed until after it has expired.

Accordingly, while we believe billings is a useful leading indicator regarding the performance of our business, an increase or decrease in new or renewed subscriptions in a reporting period may not have an immediate impact on billings for that reporting period.

To facilitate greater year-over-year comparability in our billings results, we disclose the impact that foreign currency rate fluctuations and fluctuations in billings duration had on our billings. The impact of foreign currency rate fluctuations is calculated by translating the current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. Dollars into U.S. Dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the prior period presented, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the current period. The impact of fluctuations in billings duration is calculated by replacing the portion of multi-year billings in excess of 12 months during the current period with the portion of multi-year billings in excess of 12 months during the prior period presented. Notwithstanding the adjustments described above, the comparability of billings results from period to period remains subject to the impact of variations in the dollar value of contracts with future start dates and the timing of contract renewals, for which no adjustments have been presented.

Foreign currency rate fluctuations had a favorable impact of $8.3 million and an unfavorable impact of $8.4 million on billings for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Changes in billings duration had a favorable impact of $1.6 million and $16.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a new standard related to revenue recognition from contracts with customers (Topic 606), which is effective beginning on January 1, 2018. Under Topic 606, due to the change in timing of revenue recognition under certain of our contracts, our definition of billings will be revenues recognized plus the change in total deferred revenue, unbilled receivables, and customer deposits as presented on or derived from our consolidated statements of cash flows. Refer to Note 2 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details regarding Topic 606.

Free cash flow. We define free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, as GAAP net cash provided by operating activities reduced by purchases of property and equipment. Purchases of property and equipment are otherwise included in cash used in investing activities under GAAP. We believe information regarding free cash flow provides useful information to investors because it is an indicator of the strength and performance of our business operations. However, our calculation of free cash flow may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. A calculation of free cash flow is provided below:
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 (dollars in thousands)
Free cash flow:     
Net cash provided by operating activities$642,825
 $159,921
 $317,754
Purchases of property and equipment(150,510) (105,562) (87,481)
Free cash flow (1)
$492,315
 $54,359
 $230,273

(1) Free cash flow includes the effect of a $267.5 million payment for aggregate legal settlements for the year ended December 31, 2016. Refer to Note 16 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details.


Average contract term. We calculate the average contract term for new customers, upsells and renewals based on the term of those contracts entered into during the period weighted by their ACV. The average new customer contract term was 32 months for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. The average upsell contract term was 26 months for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. The average renewal contract term was 27 months, 28 months, and 25 months for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 Components of Results of Operations
 
Revenues

Subscription revenues. Subscription revenues are primarily comprised of fees that give customers access to the ordered subscription service, and related support and updates, if any, to the subscribedsubscription service during the subscription term. Pricing includes multiple instances, hosting and support services, data backup and disaster recovery services, as well as future upgrades,updates, when and if available, offered during the subscription period.term. We typically invoice our customers for subscription fees in annual increments upon execution of the initial contract or subsequent renewal. Our contract iscontracts are generally non-cancelable during the subscription term, though a customer can terminate for breach if we materially fail to perform.

We generate sales directly through our sales team and, to a lesser extent, through our channel partners. Sales to our channel partners are made at a discount and revenues are recorded at the discounted price when all revenue recognition criteria are met. From time to time, our channel partners also provide us referrals for which we pay a referral fee. We pay referral fees to channel partners and other third parties, which is typically 15% of the customer's ACV. The referral fees paid could vary depending on the level of activity the partner performs in the sales process. These fees are included in sales and marketing expense.
Professional services and other revenues. Professional services revenues consist of fees associated with the implementation and configuration of our subscription service.professional services. Our pricingarrangements for professional services are primarily on a time-and-materials basis. We generally invoice our professional services monthly in arrears based on actual hours and expenses incurred. Other revenues include primarily consist of fees from customer training delivered on-site or through publicly available classes royalties from licensing training materials, attendanceand registration and sponsorship fees for our annual Knowledge user conference and other customeruser forums. Typical payment terms require our customers to pay us within 30 days of invoice.

ReferWe generate sales directly through our sales team and, to “Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates” below for further discussiona lesser extent, through our resale partners. Revenues from our direct sales organization represented 88% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and 89% of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015. We make sales to our resale partners at a discount and record those revenues at the discounted price when all revenue recognition accounting policy.criteria have been met. From time to time, other third parties provide us referrals for which we pay a referral fee. We include revenues associated with these referrals as part of revenues from our direct sales organization. Referral fees paid to these third parties are between 5% and 15% of the customer's ACV, depending on the level of activity these third parties perform in the sales process. We include these fees in sales and marketing expense.

Allocation of Overhead Costs

Overhead costs associated with office facilities, IT and certain depreciation related to non-cloud-based infrastructure that is not dedicated for customer use or research and development use are allocated to cost of revenues and operating expenses based on headcount. Facility costs associated with our data centers (included as part of data center capacity costs) as well as depreciation related to our cloud-based infrastructure hardware equipment are classified as cost of subscription revenues.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of subscription revenues. Cost of subscription revenues consists primarily of expenses related to hosting our services and providing support to our customers. These expenses are comprised of data center capacity costs, which include facility costs associated with our data centers as well as interconnectivity between data centers, depreciation related to our cloud-based infrastructure hardware equipment dedicated for customer use, amortization of acquired developed technology intangibles, personnel relatedintangible assets and personnel-related costs directly associated with our cloud-based infrastructuredata center operations and customer support, including salaries, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation and allocated overhead.

Cost of professional services and other revenues. Cost of professional services and other revenues consists primarily of personnel relatedpersonnel-related costs directly associated with our professional services and training departments, including salaries, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation, the costs of contracted third-party vendorspartners, travel expenses and allocated overhead.


31


Professional services associated with the implementation and configuration of our subscription services are performed directly by our services team, as well as by contracted third-party vendors.partners. Fees paid to third-party vendorspartners are primarily recognized as cost of revenues as the professional services are delivered. Cost of revenues associated with our professional services engagements contracted with third-party vendorspartners as a percentage of professional services and other revenues was 17%, 17% and 26%19% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017 and 2012, respectively.2016 and 21% for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Sales and Marketing Expenses

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel relatedpersonnel-related expenses directly associated with our sales and marketing staff, including salaries, benefits, bonuses, commissions and stock-based compensation. Sales and marketing expenses also includesinclude third-party referral fees, marketing and promotional events, includingexpenses related to our annual Knowledge user conference, onlineother marketing productprogram expenses, which include events other than Knowledge, and costs associated with purchasing advertising and marketing data, and allocated overhead.

Research and Development Expenses
 
Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel relatedpersonnel-related expenses directly associated with our research and development staff, including salaries, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation and allocated overhead. Research and development expenses also include data center capacity costs, costs associated with outside services contracted for research and development purposes, amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of infrastructure hardware equipment that is used solely for research and development purposes.
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel relatedpersonnel-related expenses for our executive, finance, legal, human resources, facilities and administrative personnel, including salaries, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation, external legal, accounting and other professional services fees, other corporate expenses, amortization of intangible assets and allocated overhead.
 
Legal Settlements

Legal settlements consist of one-time aggregate charges related to the settlement agreements with Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE) and BMC Software, Inc. (BMC). Refer to Note 16 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details regarding these matters.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provisionProvision for income taxes consists of federal, state and foreign income taxes. Due to cumulative losses, we maintain a valuation allowance against our U.S. deferred tax assets as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013.2016. We consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including but not limited to earnings history, projected future outcomes, industry and market trends and the nature of each of the deferred tax assets in assessing the extent to which a valuation allowance should be applied against our U.S. deferred tax assets.


32


Results of Operations
 
To enhance comparability, the following table sets forth our results of operations for the periods presented. The period-to-period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Revenues:



 



 
Subscription$567,217

$349,804

$204,526
$1,739,795

$1,221,639

$848,278
Professional services and other115,346

74,846

39,186
193,231

168,874

157,202
Total revenues682,563

424,650

243,712
1,933,026

1,390,513

1,005,480
Cost of revenues(1):




 



 
Subscription142,687

87,928

63,258
315,570

235,414

183,400
Professional services and other106,089

67,331

40,751
184,202

163,268

146,013
Total cost of revenues248,776

155,259

104,009
499,772

398,682

329,413
Gross profit433,787

269,391

139,703
1,433,254

991,831

676,067
Operating expenses(1):




 



 
Sales and marketing341,119

195,190

103,837
946,617

700,464

498,439
Research and development148,258

78,678

39,333
377,518

285,239

217,389
General and administrative96,245

61,790

34,117
210,533

158,936

126,604
Legal settlements (2)

 270,000
 
Total operating expenses585,622

335,658

177,287
1,534,668

1,414,639

842,432
Loss from operations(151,835)
(66,267)
(37,584)(101,414)
(422,808)
(166,365)
Interest and other income (expense), net(23,705)
(4,930)
1,604
Loss before provision for income taxes(175,540)
(71,197)
(35,980)
Interest expense(53,394) (33,278) (31,097)
Interest income and other income (expense), net5,804

6,035

4,450
Loss before income taxes(149,004)
(450,051)
(193,012)
Provision for income taxes3,847

2,511

1,368
126

1,753

5,414
Net loss$(179,387)
$(73,708)
$(37,348)$(149,130)
$(451,804)
$(198,426)
 
(1)Stock-based compensation included in the statements of operations data above was as follows:
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Cost of revenues:          
Subscription$14,988
 $8,434
 $3,929
$35,334
 $28,420
 $23,416
Professional services and other13,116
 4,749
 1,574
27,475
 26,442
 23,265
Sales and marketing54,006
 21,609
 10,189
170,527
 131,571
 102,349
Research and development42,535
 16,223
 6,496
92,025
 81,731
 70,326
General and administrative29,674
 14,566
 5,749
68,717
 49,416
 38,357
Total stock-based compensation$394,078
 $317,580
 $257,713

(2)
For details regarding the legal settlements expenses of $270.0 million included in the year endedDecember 31, 2016, refer to Note 16 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

33


 Year Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Revenues:     
Subscription83 % 82 % 84 %
Professional services and other17
 18
 16
Total revenues100
 100
 100
Cost of revenues:
 
  
Subscription21
 21
 26
Professional services and other16
 16
 17
Total cost of revenues37
 37
 43
Gross profit63
 63
 57
Operating expenses:
 
  
Sales and marketing50
 46
 42
Research and development22
 18
 16
General and administrative14
 14
 14
Total operating expenses86
 78
 72
Loss from operations(23) (15) (15)
Interest and other income (expense), net(2) (1) 1
Loss before provision for income taxes(25) (16) (14)
Provision for income taxes1
 1
 1
Net loss(26)% (17)% (15)%

 Year Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
 (in thousands)
Revenues by geography     
North America$465,332
 $295,400
 $173,001
Europe173,635
 105,177
 60,579
Asia Pacific and other43,596
 24,073
 10,132
Total revenues$682,563
 $424,650
 $243,712
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Revenues:     
Subscription90 % 88 % 84 %
Professional services and other10
 12
 16
Total revenues100
 100
 100
Cost of revenues (1):

 
  
Subscription16
 17
 18
Professional services and other10
 12
 15
Total cost of revenues26
 29
 33
Gross profit74
 71
 67
Operating expenses (1):

 
  
Sales and marketing49
 50
 50
Research and development19
 21
 22
General and administrative11
 11
 12
Legal settlements (2)

 19
 
Total operating expenses79
 101
 84
Loss from operations(5) (30) (17)
Interest expense(3) (2) (3)
Interest income and other income (expense), net
 
 1
Loss before income taxes(8) (32) (19)
Provision for income taxes
 
 1
Net loss(8)% (32)% (20)%
 
(1)Stock-based compensation included in the statements of operations above as a percentage of revenues was as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Revenues by geography     
North America68% 69% 71%
Europe26
 25
 25
Asia Pacific and other6
 6
 4
Total revenues100% 100% 100%
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 (in thousands)
Cost of revenues:     
Subscription2% 2% 2%
Professional services and other1
 2
 2
Sales and marketing9
 9
 10
Research and development5
 6
 8
General and administrative3
 4
 4
Total stock-based compensation20% 23% 26%
(2)
For details regarding the legal settlements expenses of $270.0 million included in the year endedDecember 31, 2016, refer to Note 16 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



34


Comparison of the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 20132016

As described above under the section entitled “New Revenue Recognition Standard under Topic 606,” the results of operations below are presented under Topic 605. Our expectations for 2018 revenues, cost of revenues and operating expenses, including the comparison period amounts used to derive the expected trends are based on the new Topic 606 revenue recognition standard. In addition, our expectations for 2018 revenues, cost of revenues and operating expenses are based on foreign exchange rates as of December 31, 2017. Refer to Note 2 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details regarding Topic 606, including adjusted amounts for historical periods.

Revenues
 
Year Ended December 31, % Change    Year Ended December 31, % Change    
2014 2013 2017 2016 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
Revenues:          
Subscription$567,217
 $349,804
 62%$1,739,795
 $1,221,639
 42%
Professional services and other115,346
 74,846
 54%193,231
 168,874
 14%
Total revenues$682,563
 $424,650
 61%$1,933,026
 $1,390,513
 39%
Percentage of revenues:          
Subscription83% 82%  90% 88%  
Professional services and other17
 18
  10
 12
  
Total100% 100%  100% 100%  
 
Subscription revenues increased $217.4$518.2 million during the year endedDecember 31, 2014,2017, compared to the prior year, driven by our upsells renewals and an increase in our customer count. The numberWe expect subscription revenues to grow in absolute dollars and as a percentage of deals with new ACV greater than $1 million entered into duringtotal revenues in the yearsyear ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were 36 and 14, respectively. We define new ACV2018 as ACV fromwe continue to add new customers and upsellsupsell to existing customers. The average new customer contract term were 34 months and 33 months for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The average upsell contract term and average renewal contract term remained at 24 months and 26 months, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. We calculate the average contract term for new customers, upsells, and renewals based on the term of those contracts entered into during the period weighted by their ACV. Revenues from our direct sales organization and channel partners represented 87% and 13%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 88% and 12%, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Subscription revenues consist of the following:
 Year Ended December 31, % Change    
 2017 2016 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Service management products$1,526,382
 $1,108,846
 38%
ITOM products213,413
 112,793
 89%
Total subscription revenues$1,739,795
 $1,221,639
 42%

Our service management products include our platform, ITSM, ITBM, customer service management, HR service delivery and security operations, which have similar features and functions and are generally priced on a per user basis. Our ITOM products, which improve visibility, availability and agility of enterprise services, are generally priced on a per node basis.

Professional services and other revenues increased $40.5$24.4 million during the year endedDecember 31, 2014,2017, compared to the prior year, due to an increase in the services provided to our growing customer base. In addition,Included within our total professional services and other revenues are the revenues from our annual Knowledge user conference, which increased to $8.2$17.1 million during the year endedDecember 31, 20142017, compared to $5.0$12.8 million in the prior year, due to increasedan increase in registration and sponsorship and paid registrationsfees in the current year.

Our annual totalWe expect professional services and other revenues per customer increased to approximately $287,000under Topic 606 for the year endedending December 31, 2014,2018 to remain flat in absolute dollar terms when compared to approximately $238,000 for the year endedDecember 31, 2013. Our annual total revenues per customer is the sum of average quarterlyprofessional services and other revenues for the trailing four quarters. We calculate average quarterly revenues per customer by dividingyear ended December 31, 2017, as adjusted for Topic 606. This reflects our plan to focus on deploying our internal professional services organization as a strategic resource while relying on our partner ecosystem to contract directly with customers for service delivery. As described above under the quarter’s revenues bysection entitled “New Revenue Recognition Standard under Topic 606,” with the average numberadoption of customersTopic 606, proceeds from Knowledge and other user forums will be classified as a reduction in the quarter. In the second quartersales and marketing expense instead of 2014, we madeas professional services and other revenues.


Our international operations have provided and will continue to provide a change to our calculation to improve the accuracysignificant portion of our averagetotal revenues. Revenues outside North America represented 33% and 32% of total revenues per customer. In this filing, we have used this updated calculation for each of the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013. The change2016, respectively. Because we primarily transact in methodology increasedforeign currencies for sales outside of the annual total revenues per customer thatUnited States, the general weakening of the U.S. Dollar relative to other major foreign currencies (primarily the Euro and British Pound Sterling) from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 had a favorable impact on our revenues. For entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, if we had disclosedtranslated our results for the year ended December 31, 2017 at the average exchange rates in effect for the prior year by 3%.ended December 31, 2016 rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the period, our reported subscription revenues would have been $6.3 million lower. The impact from the foreign currency movements from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 is not material to professional services and other revenues.


35


Cost of Revenues and Gross Profit Percentage
 
Year Ended December 31, % Change    Year Ended December 31, % Change    
2014 2013 2017 2016 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
Cost of revenues:          
Subscription$142,687
 $87,928
 62%$315,570
 $235,414
 34%
Professional services and other106,089
 67,331
 58%184,202
 163,268
 13%
Total cost of revenues$248,776
 $155,259
 60%$499,772
 $398,682
 25%
Gross profit percentage:          
Subscription75% 75%  82% 81%  
Professional services and other8% 10%  5% 3%  
Total gross profit percentage63% 63%  74% 71%  
Gross profit:$433,787
 $269,391
 61%$1,433,254
 $991,831
 45%
Headcount (at period end)          
Subscription478
 341
 40%936
 729
 28%
Professional services and other416
 295
 41%562
 496
 13%
Total headcount894
 636
 41%1,498
 1,225
 22%
 
Cost of subscription revenues increased $54.8$80.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount resulting in an increase of $22.9$30.8 million in personnel relatedpersonnel-related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $6.6$8.0 million in other overhead expenses and an increase of $6.9 million in stock-based compensation,compensation. In addition, there was an increase of $6.3$17.8 million in depreciation expense primarily due to purchases of cloud-based infrastructure hardware equipment for our data centers, an increase of $7.2 million in data center capacity costs primarily due to the addition of new data centers and the expansion of existing data centers, and an increase of $4.4$2.3 million in other overhead expenses. Data center capacity costs increased $5.4 million primarily due to the expansionamortization of our data centers. Amortization of intangible assets increased $5.4 millionintangibles as a result of acquisitions. Service and technical support agreement and software subscription costs increased $5.0 million, and outside service costs increased $1.2 million during year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the acquisition of Neebula Systems, Ltd., or Neebula, in July 2014.prior year.

Our subscription gross profit percentage was 75%increased to 82% for each of the yearsyear ended December 31, 20142017, from 81% for the year ended December 31, 2016, due to improved data center utilization and 2013.economies of scale. We expect our cost of subscription revenues to increase in absolute dollar terms as we provide subscription services to more customers and increase the number of users within our customer instances, but we expect such increase to be at a slower rate than the increase in our subscription revenue,revenues, leading to a slight increase in our subscription gross profit percentage for the year ended December 31, 20152018 as we continue to leverage the investments we have made in our existing data center infrastructure. To the extent future acquisitions are consummated, our cost of subscription revenues may increase due to additional non-cash charges associated with the amortization of intangible assets acquired.

We expect to incur a GAAP loss for the year ended December 31, 2015, due to increased costs such as non-cash charges associated with equity awards and business combinations and other expenses. 

Cost of professional services and other revenues increased $38.8$20.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 as2017 compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount resulting in an increase of $21.6$11.7 million in personnel relatedpersonnel-related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $8.4 million in stock-based compensation, an increase of $3.2$2.1 million in overhead expenses, and an increase of $6.0$1.0 million in stock-based compensation. Outside service costs increased $4.6 million during year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased utilization of contracted third-party vendor costs.partners for the implementation and configuration of our subscription services.


Our professional services and other gross profit percentage decreasedincreased to 8%5% during the year ended December 31, 20142017, compared to 10%3% in the prior year, primarily due to increased stock-based compensation. The decrease in gross profit percentage was partially offset by the increase in revenues from our annual Knowledge user conference. Costs associated with Knowledge are included in sales and marketing expense. Knowledge contributed $8.2$17.1 million, or 710 percentage points, to the professional services and other gross profit percentage for the year ended December 31, 2014.2017. Knowledge contributed $5.0$12.8 million, in revenue, or 68 percentage points, to the professional services and other gross profit percentage for the year ended December 31, 2013. We expect our gross profit percentage2016.

The impact from professional services and other to remain relatively flat forthe foreign currency movements from the year ended December 31, 2015.2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 is not material to cost of revenues.
 

36


Sales and Marketing

Year Ended December 31 % Change    Year Ended December 31 % Change    
2014 2013 2017 2016 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
Sales and marketing$341,119
 $195,190
 75%$946,617
 $700,464
 35%
Percentage of revenues50% 46%  49% 50%  
Headcount (at period end)1,011
 615
 64%2,413
 1,875
 29%
 
Sales and marketing expenses increased $145.9$246.2 million during the year endedDecember 31, 2014,2017, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount that resultedresulting in an increase of $67.5$120.7 million in personnel relatedpersonnel-related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $32.4$39.0 million in stock-based compensation, an increase of $8.6$22.0 million in overhead expenses, and an increase of $21.6$30.2 million in commission expense. Commissions and referral fee expenses amounted to 10%7% of subscription revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013.

In addition, expenses2016. Expenses related to our annual Knowledge user conference increased $7.0$8.2 million, from $8.3$24.0 million for the year endedDecember 31, 20132016 to $15.3$32.2 million for the year endedDecember 31, 2014,2017, due to a 29% increase in registrations year-over-year. Other marketing program expenses, which include expenses related to events other than Knowledge and costs associated with purchasing advertising and marketing data, increased $17.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year. Outside services increased $7.0 million primarily due to an increase in attendancecontractors and professional fees to support our sales and marketing functions.

Because we primarily transact in foreign currencies for sales and marketing expenses outside of morethe United States, the general weakening of the U.S. Dollar relative to other major foreign currencies from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 had an unfavorable impact on our sales and marketing expenses. For entities reporting in currencies other than 50% year-over-year. All other marketing program expenses, which include events, advertising and market data, increased $6.1 millionthe U.S. Dollar, if we had translated our results for the year endedDecember 31, 2014 compared to2017 at the prior year.average exchange rates in effect for the year ended December 31, 2016 rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the period, our sales and marketing expenses would have been $2.5 million lower.

We expect sales and marketing expenses to increase for the year ended December 31, 20152018 in absolute dollar terms when compared to sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017, as adjusted for Topic 606, but remain relatively flatdecrease slightly as a percentage of total revenues as we continue to expand our direct sales force, increase our marketing activities, grow our international operations, build brand awareness and sponsor additional marketing events. As described above under the section entitled “New Revenue Recognition Standard under Topic 606,” with the adoption of Topic 606, proceeds from Knowledge and other user forums will be classified as a reduction in sales and marketing expense instead of professional services and other revenues.


Research and Development
Year Ended December 31 % Change    Year Ended December 31 % Change    
2014 2013 2017 2016 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
Research and development$148,258
 $78,678
 88%$377,518
 $285,239
 32%
Percentage of revenues22% 18%  19% 21%  
Headcount (at period end)585
 352
 66%1,419
 1,054
 35%
 
Research and development expenses increased $69.6$92.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount which resultedresulting in an increase of $34.9$60.2 million in personnel relatedpersonnel-related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $26.3$14.4 million in stock-based compensationoverhead expenses, and an increase of $6.7$10.3 million in overheadstock-based compensation. Outside services increased $3.6 million primarily due to an increase in contractors and consultants that support our research and development functions. Research and development expenses also increased $1.8 million due to depreciation of infrastructure hardware equipment that are used solely for research and development purposes.

Because we primarily transact in foreign currencies for research and development expenses outside of the United States, the general weakening of the U.S. Dollar relative to other major foreign currencies from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 had an unfavorable impact on our research and development expenses. For entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, if we had translated our results for the year ended December 31, 2017 at the average exchange rates in effect for the year ended December 31, 2016 rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the period, our research and development expenses would have been $1.3 million lower.

 
We expect research and development expenses to increase for the year ended December 31, 20152018 in absolute dollar terms, but remain flatdecrease slightly as a percentage of total revenues as we continue to improve the existing functionality of our services, develop new applications to fill market needs and continue to enhance our core platform.


37


General and Administrative

Year Ended December 31 % Change    Year Ended December 31 % Change    
2014 2013 2017 2016 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
General and administrative$96,245
 $61,790
 56%$210,533
 $158,936
 32%
Percentage of revenues14% 14%  11% 11%  
Headcount (at period end)336
 227
 48%892
 647
 38%
 
General and administrative expenses increased $34.5$51.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount which resultedresulting in an increase of $10.3$22.4 million in personnel relatedpersonnel-related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $15.1$19.3 million in stock-based compensation, and an increase of $3.0$2.3 million in overhead expenses. OutsideSoftware subscription costs increased $4.6 million, and outside services costs, which include costs related to contractors and consultants, increased $4.5$2.3 million primarily due to an increase in legal fees associated with our litigation, an increase in the number of contractors to support our administrative functionsfunction. Amortization of intangibles increased $1.5 million, and acquisition-related costs associated withincreased $1.4 million from acquisitions in 2017.

The impact from the acquisition of Neebula.foreign currency movements from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 is not material to general and administrative expenses.

We expect general and administrative expenses to increase for the year ended December 31, 20152018 in absolute dollar terms as we continue to hire people and incur costs associated with our litigation,new employees, but to decreaseremain relatively flat as a percentage of total revenues as we continue to grow.

Stock-based CompensationLegal Settlements

 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2014 2013 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Cost of revenues:     
Subscription$14,988
 $8,434
 78%
Professional services and other13,116
 4,749
 176%
Sales and marketing54,006
 21,609
 150%
Research and development42,535
 16,223
 162%
General and administrative29,674
 14,566
 104%
Total stock-based compensation$154,319
 $65,581
 135%
Percentage of revenues23% 15%  
 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2017 2016 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Legal settlements$
 $270,000
 NM
Percentage of revenues% 19%  

Stock-based compensation increased $88.7NM - Not meaningful. 

Legal settlements expense decreased $270.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2014,2017 compared to the prior year, reflecting the legal settlement agreements with HPE and BMC in the prior year. Refer to Note 16 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details.

Stock-based Compensation
 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2017 2016 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Cost of revenues:     
Subscription$35,334
 $28,420
 24%
Professional services and other27,475
 26,442
 4%
Sales and marketing170,527
 131,571
 30%
Research and development92,025
 81,731
 13%
General and administrative68,717
 49,416
 39%
Total stock-based compensation$394,078
 $317,580
 24%
Percentage of revenues20% 23%  

Stock-based compensation expense increased $76.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount an increase in theand increased weighted-average grant date fair value of stock awards, and performance RSUs granted to our executives in the current year. The new equity incentive awards granted in the current year, including the performance RSUs, resulted in an increase of $75.1 million in stock-based compensation. The weighted-average grant date exercise price per stock option share was $61.40 and $38.07 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value per restricted stock unit was $61.13 and $38.15 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In addition, stock-based compensation increased $19.9 million related to equity incentive awards granted in the prior year, for which a partial year of expense was recognized in the prior year and $2.4 million related to increased participation in our employee stock purchase plan. The increase in stock-based compensation was partially offset by stock awards forfeited in the current year and stock awards fully vesting in the current year.awards.

Stock-based compensation expense is inherently difficult to forecast due to fluctuations in our stock price. Based upon our stock price and the uncertainty around the achievementas of performance criteria associated with our performance RSUs. WeDecember 31, 2017, we expect stock-based compensation expense to continue to increase for the year ended December 31, 20152018 in absolute dollar terms, andbut decrease as a percentage of total revenues. 

We expectrevenues as we continue to incur a GAAP loss for the year ended December 31, 2015, due to increased costs such as non-cash charges associated with equity awards and business combinations and other expenses. 


38


Interest and Other Income (Expense), net
 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2014 2013 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Interest expense related to the Notes$(29,059) $(3,498) 731 %
Interest income2,964
 1,053
 181 %
Foreign currency exchange gain/(loss)2,490
 (2,493) (200)%
Other(100) 8
 NM
Interest and other income/(expense), net$(23,705) $(4,930) NM
Percentage of revenues(2)% (1)%  
grow. 

Interest and otherExpense

 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2017 2016 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Interest expense$(53,394) $(33,278) 60%
Percentage of revenues(3)% (2)%  

Interest expense net, increased $18.8$20.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, compared to the prior year, primarily due to a $25.6 millionthe increase in amortization expense of debt discount and issuance costs related to our convertible senior notes, (the "Notes")including the 2022 Notes issued in November 2013, partially offset by a gain from foreign currency transactions and increased interest income. We had a foreign currency transaction gain of $2.5 million for the yearthree months ended December 31, 2014, compared to a loss of $2.5 million for the prior year, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against other major currencies and an increase in our foreign operations. Interest income increased $1.9 million due to the higher investment balances during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.June 30, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2015,2018, we expect to incur approximately $31.1$63.3 million in amortization expense of debt discount and issuance costs related to the Notes. convertible notes.

Interest Income and Other Income (Expense), net
 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2017 2016 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Interest income$16,677
 $8,528
 96 %
Foreign currency exchange loss(11,117) (2,248) NM
Other244
 (245) NM
Interest income and other income (expense), net$5,804
 $6,035
 (4)%
Percentage of revenues% %  

NM - Not meaningful. 

Interest income and other income (expense), net decreased $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased foreign exchange loss, partially offset by increased interest income. Foreign exchange losses increased $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Interest income increased $8.1 million due to the higher cash balances and higher yields on our invested balances during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year.

Our expanding international operations will continue to increase our exposure to currency risks, though we cannot presently predict the impact of this exposure on our consolidated financial statements.

While we have not engaged in the hedging of our foreign currency transactions to date, we are presently evaluating the costs and benefits of initiating suchcurrently expect to initiate a hedging program and mayto hedge selected significant transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollarDollar in the future.2018.
 
 Provision for Income Taxes
 
Year Ended December 31 % Change    Year Ended December 31 % Change    
2014 2013 2017 2016 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
Loss before income taxes$(175,540) $(71,197) 147%$(149,004) $(450,051) (67)%
Provision for income taxes3,847
 2,511
 53%126
 1,753
 (93)%
Effective tax rate(2)% (4)%   %  %  
 
Our effective tax rate was (2)%0% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to (4)% for the prior year.2017 and 2016. Our tax expense increased $1.3decreased $1.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, compared to the prior year, primarily due to a higher proportionthe tax effects of taxable earningsunrealized gains in foreign jurisdictions.investment securities. See Note 1615 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K for our reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory federal rate to the provision for income taxes.

On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) was enacted into law, changing how the U.S. imposes income tax on multinational corporations. Significant changes include, but are not limited to, a reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, a transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings, and a transition from a worldwide to a territorial tax system. We are required to recognize the effect of the Tax Act in the period of enactment, such as remeasuring our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as reassessing the net realizability of our deferred tax assets and liabilities.

In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (SAB 118), which allows us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend more than one year beyond the Tax Act enactment date. Since the Tax Act was passed late in the fourth quarter of 2017, and ongoing guidance and accounting interpretation are expected over the next 12 months, we consider the accounting for deferred tax remeasurements, the impact of the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and other provisions to be incomplete due to the forthcoming guidance and our ongoing analysis. We expect to complete our analysis within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118.

We continue to maintain a full valuation allowance on our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets, and the significant components of the tax expense recorded are current cash taxes payable in various jurisdictions. The cash tax expenses are impacted by each jurisdiction’s individual tax rates, laws on timing of recognition of income and deductions, and availability of net operating losses and tax credits. Given the full valuation allowance, sensitivity of current cash taxes to local rules and our foreign structuring, we expect that our effective tax rate could fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis and could be adversely affected to the extent earnings are lower than anticipated in countries that have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher statutory rates. We considerPrior to the enactment of the Tax Act, we considered earnings of ourfrom foreign subsidiariesoperations to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States. We are currently evaluating whether to change our indefinite reinvestment assertion in light of the Tax Act and consider that assessment to be incomplete as permitted under guidance issued by the SEC. We expect to reach a final determination within the measurement period described above.


Net Loss

39

 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2017 2016 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Net loss$(149,130) $(451,804) (67)%
Percentage of revenues(8)% (32)%  

Net loss decreased $302.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting the settlement agreements we entered into with HPE and BMC during the prior year. Refer to Note 16 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. We expect to continue to incur a GAAP loss for the year ended December 31, 2018, due to increased costs and expenses including non-cash charges associated with equity awards, amortization of purchased intangibles from acquisitions, and other expenses. 

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 20132016 and 20122015
 
Revenues
 
Year Ended December 31, % Change    Year Ended December 31, % Change    
2013 2012 2016 2015 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
Revenues:          
Subscription$349,804
 $204,526
 71%$1,221,639
 $848,278
 44%
Professional services and other74,846
 39,186
 91%168,874
 157,202
 7%
Total revenues$424,650
 $243,712
 74%$1,390,513
 $1,005,480
 38%
Percentage of revenues:          
Subscription82% 84%  88% 84%  
Professional services and other18
 16
  12
 16
  
Total100% 100%  100% 100%  
 
Subscription revenues increased $145.3$373.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2013,2016, compared to the prior year, driven by our upsells renewals and an increase in our customer count.

Subscription revenues consist of the following:
 Year Ended December 31, % Change    
 2016 2015 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Service management products$1,108,846
 $783,603
 42%
ITOM products112,793
 64,675
 74%
Total subscription revenues$1,221,639
 $848,278
 44%

Our upsell rateservice management products include our platform, ITSM, ITBM, customer service management, HR service delivery and renewal rate for the trailing twelve months ending December 31, 2013 were 31%security operations, which have similar features and 96%, respectively, compared to 30%functions and 97%, respectively, for the trailing twelve months ending December 31, 2012. Total customer count at December 31, 2013 was 2,061 compared to 1,512 at December 31, 2012, an increaseare generally priced on a per user basis. Our ITOM products, which improve visibility, availability and agility of 36%. Revenues from our direct sales organization and channel partners represented 88% and 12%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.enterprise services, are generally priced on a per node basis.

Professional services and other revenues increased $35.7$11.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2013,2016, compared to the prior year, due to an increase in the services provided to our growing customer base, increase in utilization and improvements in pricing of our professional services engagements.base. In addition, revenues from our annual Knowledge user conference increased to $5.0$12.8 million during the year ended December 31, 20132016, compared to $2.0$10.9 million in the prior year, due to increased sponsorship and paid registrations.registrations in the current year.


Our annualinternational operations have provided and will continue to provide a significant portion of our total revenues per customer increased to approximately $238,000 for the year endedDecember 31, 2013, compared to approximately $199,000 for the year endedDecember 31, 2012. Our annualrevenues. Revenues outside North America represented 32% and 30% of total revenues per customer is the sum of average quarterly revenues for the trailing four quarters. We calculate average quarterly revenues per customer by dividingyear ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Because we primarily transact in foreign currencies for sales outside of the quarter’s revenues byUnited States, the general strengthening of the U.S. Dollar relative to other major foreign currencies (primarily Euro and the British Pound Sterling) from the year ended December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016 had an unfavorable impact on our revenues. For entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, if we had translated our results for the year ended December 31, 2016 at the average number of customersexchange rates in effect for the quarter. In the second quarter of 2014, we made a change to our calculation to improve the accuracy of our average revenues per customer. In this filing, we have used this updated calculation for each of the yearsyear ended December 31, 20132015 rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the period, our subscription revenues would have increased by an additional $6.3 million. The impact from the foreign currency movements from the year ended December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016 is not material to professional services and 2012. The change in methodology increased the annual total revenues per customer that we had disclosed in the prior year by 5%.other revenues.



40


Cost of Revenues and Gross Profit (Loss) Percentage
 
Year Ended December 31, % Change    Year Ended December 31, % Change    
2013 2012 2016 2015 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
Cost of revenues:          
Subscription$87,928
 $63,258
 39%$235,414
 $183,400
 28%
Professional services and other67,331
 40,751
 65%163,268
 146,013
 12%
Total cost of revenues$155,259
 $104,009
 49%$398,682
 $329,413
 21%
Gross profit (loss) percentage:     
Gross profit percentage:     
Subscription75% 69 %  81% 78%  
Professional services and other10% (4)%  3% 7%  
Total gross profit percentage63% 57 %  71% 67%  
Gross profit:$269,391
 $139,703
 93%$991,831
 $676,067
 47%
Headcount (at period end)          
Subscription341
 218
 56%729
 579
 26%
Professional services and other295
 183
 61%496
 486
 2%
Total headcount636
 401
 59%1,225
 1,065
 15%
 
Cost of subscription revenues increased $24.7$52.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount resulting in an increase of $14.6 million in personnel related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $4.5 million in stock-based compensation, an increase of $4.7 million in depreciation expense primarily due to purchases of cloud-based infrastructure hardware equipment for our data centers and an increase of $2.7 million in other overhead expenses. Data center capacity costs decreased $1.8 million primarily due to the migration of customers from our managed service data centers to our co-location data centers.

Our subscription gross profit percentage was 75% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 69% for the prior year.

Cost of professional services and other revenues increased $26.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 as2016, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount resulting in an increase of $17.3 million in personnel relatedpersonnel-related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $5.0 million in stock-based compensation, and an increase of $7.2 million in other overhead expenses. In addition, there was an increase of $10.3 million in depreciation expense primarily due to purchases of infrastructure hardware equipment for our data centers, an increase of $5.3 million in data center capacity costs primarily due to the expansion of our data centers, and an increase of $1.5 million in amortization of intangible assets as a result of acquisitions in 2016.

Our subscription gross profit percentage increased to 81% for the year ended December 31, 2016, from 78% for the year ended December 31, 2015, due to improved data center utilization and economies of scale.

Cost of professional services and other revenues increased $17.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount resulting in an increase of $8.0 million in personnel-related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $3.2 million in stock-based compensation, an increase of $2.1 million in overhead expenses, and an increase of $3.7$3.4 million in outside services costs.overhead expenses.

Our professional services and other gross profit (loss) percentage increaseddecreased to 10%3% during the year ended December 31, 20132016, compared to (4)%7% in the prior year, due to improved scopinglower utilization rates as we invested in specialized resources to support our newer products and pricing on customer engagements, better resource utilizationhigher growth rate in our stock-based compensation of 14% compared to the growth rate in our professional services and another revenues of 7%, partially offset by the increase in revenues from our annual Knowledge user conference whichconference. Costs associated with Knowledge are included in sales and marketing expense. Knowledge contributed six$12.8 million, or 8 percentage points, to the professional services and other gross profit percentage for each of the yearsyear ended December 31, 20132016. Knowledge contributed $10.9 million, or 7 percentage points, to the professional services and 2012. All related expensesother gross profit percentage for the year ended December 31, 2015.


Because we primarily transact in foreign currencies for cost of revenues outside of the United States, the general strengthening of the U.S. Dollar relative to other major foreign currencies from the year ended December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016 had a favorable impact on our annual Knowledge user conference are recordedcost of revenues. For entities reporting in salescurrencies other than the U.S. Dollar, if we had translated our results for the year ended December 31, 2016 at the average exchange rates in effect for the year ended December 31, 2015 rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the year ended December 31, 2016, our cost of subscription revenues would have increased by an additional $3.3 million and marketing.our cost of professional services and other revenues would have increased by an additional $1.6 million.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
Year Ended December 31 % Change    Year Ended December 31 % Change    
2013 2012 2016 2015 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
Sales and marketing$195,190
 $103,837
 88%$700,464
 $498,439
 41%
Percentage of revenues46% 42%  50% 50%  
Headcount (at period end)615
 350
 76%1,875
 1,416
 32%
 

41


Sales and marketing expenses increased $91.4$202.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 as2016, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount that resultedresulting in an increase of $45.2$106.4 million in personnelpersonnel-related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $29.2 million in stock-based compensation, an increase of $23.2 million in overhead expenses, and an increase of $15.7 million in commission expense. Commissions and referral fee expenses amounted to 7% and 8% of subscription revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Outside services expenses increased $3.7 million primarily due to an increase in contractors and professional fees to support our sales and marketing functions

In addition, expenses related to our annual Knowledge user conference increased $3.0 million, from $21.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 to $24.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, due to a 35% increase in registration year-over-year. All other marketing program expenses, which include expenses related to events other than Knowledge and costs associated with purchasing advertising and marketing data, increased $18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the prior year.

Because we primarily transact in foreign currencies for sales and marketing expenses outside of the United States, the general strengthening of the U.S. Dollar relative to other major foreign currencies from the year ended December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016 had a favorable impact on our sales and marketing expenses. For entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, if we had translated our results for the year ended December 31, 2016 at the average exchange rates in effect for the year ended December 31, 2015 rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the period, our sales and marketing expenses would have increased by an additional $6.3 million.

Research and Development
 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2016 2015 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Research and development$285,239
 $217,389
 31%
Percentage of revenues21% 22%  
Headcount (at period end)1,054
 756
 39%
Research and development expenses increased $67.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount resulting in an increase of $39.9 million in personnel-related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $11.4 million in stock-based compensation, an increase of $5.2 million in overhead expenses and an increase of $17.5$10.2 million in commissions expense. Commissionsoverhead expenses. Outside services expenses increased $2.0 million primarily due to growthincrease in bookingsprofessional fees to support our research and currentdevelopment functions. Research and development expenses also increased $2.5 million due to an increase in data center capacity costs and depreciation of infrastructure hardware equipment that are used solely for research and development purposes. Amortization of intangible assets increased $1.2 million as a result of acquisitions in 2016.


The impact from the foreign currency movements from the year changes to our commission plans that place more emphasis on achieving quarterly targets and allow for participants in the plan to increase their compensation at a higher rate for exceeding their annual targets. Commissions and referral fees amounted to 10% and 8% of subscription revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Marketing and event expenses increased $10.7 million, which included a $4.7 million increase in expenses related to our annual Knowledge user conference due to attendance more than doubling compared2015 to the prior year.year ended December 31, 2016 is not material to research and development expenses.

ResearchGeneral and DevelopmentAdministrative
 
Year Ended December 31 % Change    Year Ended December 31 % Change    
2013 2012 2016 2015 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
Research and development$78,678
 $39,333
 100%
General and administrative$158,936
 $126,604
 26%
Percentage of revenues18% 16%  11% 12%  
Headcount (at period end)352
 200
 76%647
 449
 44%
 
ResearchGeneral and developmentadministrative expenses increased $39.3$32.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 as2016, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount which resultedresulting in an increase of $23.9$13.3 million in personnel relatedpersonnel-related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $9.7$11.1 million in stock-based compensation, an increase of $4.0 million in overhead expenses and an increase of $1.5$6.1 million in outside services relatedoverhead expenses.

The impact from the foreign currency movements from the year ended December 31, 2015 to increased use of consultants.the year ended December 31, 2016 is not material to general and administrative expenses.

General and AdministrativeLegal Settlements

 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2013 2012 
 (dollars in thousands)  
General and administrative$61,790
 $34,117
 81%
Percentage of revenues14% 16%  
Headcount (at period end)227
 126
 80%
 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2016 2015 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Legal settlements$270,000
 $
 NM
Percentage of revenues19% NM
  

General and administrativeNM - Not meaningful. 

Legal settlements expenses increased $27.7$270.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 as2016, compared to the prior year, related to the settlement agreements with HPE and BMC. Refer to Note 16 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details regarding these matters.
Stock-based Compensation
 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2016 2015 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Cost of revenues:     
Subscription$28,420
 $23,416
 21%
Professional services and other26,442
 23,265
 14%
Sales and marketing131,571
 102,349
 29%
Research and development81,731
 70,326
 16%
General and administrative49,416
 38,357
 29%
Total stock-based compensation$317,580
 $257,713
 23%
Percentage of revenues23% 26%  

Stock-based compensation expenses increased $59.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount which resulted in an increase of $13.4 million in personnel related costs excluding stock-based compensation, an increase of $8.8 million in stock-based compensationequity grants to new employees and an increase of $2.8 million in overhead expenses. Outside services increased $2.9 million primarily dueadditional grants to our international expansion and the acquisition of Mirror42 Holding B.V. The increase is also related to costs associated with our first full year of being a public company.current employees.

Stock-based Compensation
Interest Expense

 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2013 2012 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Cost of revenues:     
Subscription$8,434
 $3,929
 115%
Professional services and other4,749
 1,574
 202%
Sales and marketing21,609
 10,189
 112%
Research and development16,223
 6,496
 150%
General and administrative14,566
 5,749
 153%
Total stock-based compensation$65,581
 $27,937
 135%
Percentage of revenues15% 11%  

42


 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2016 2015 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Interest expense$(33,278) $(31,097) 7%
Percentage of revenues(2)% (3)%  
Stock-based compensation
Interest expense increased $37.6$2.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2013,2016, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased headcount and anthe increase in the weighted-average grant date fair value of stock awards. The new equity incentive awards granted in the year ended December 31, 2013 resulted in an increase of $29.0 million in stock-based compensation. The weighted-average grant date exercise price per stock option share was $38.07 and $15.03 for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value per restricted stock unit was $38.15 and $17.02 for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In addition, stock-based compensation increased $7.4 million related to equity incentive awards granted in the prior year, for which a partial year of expenses was recognized in the prior year and $2.7 million related to our employee purchase plan which became effective on June 28, 2012. The increase in stock-based compensation was partially offset by stock awards forfeited in the current year and stock awards fully vesting in the current year.

Interest and Other Income (Expense), net
 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2013 2012 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Interest expense related to the Notes$(3,498) $
 NM
Interest income1,053
 351
 200 %
Foreign currency exchange gain/(loss)(2,493) 1,067
 (334)%
Other8
 186
 (96)%
Interest and other income/(expense), net$(4,930) $1,604
 NM
Percentage of revenues(1)% 1%  

Interest and other income, net, decreased $6.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the prior year, primarily due to a loss from foreign currency transactions and $3.5 million in amortization expense of debt discount and issuance costs related to our Notesconvertible senior notes issued in November 2013.

Interest Income and Other Income (Expense), net
 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2016 2015 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Interest income$8,528
 $4,858
 76 %
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss)(2,248) 51
 NM
Other(245) (459) (47)%
Interest income and other income (expense), net$6,035
 $4,450
 36 %
Percentage of revenues% 1%  

NM - Not meaningful.

Interest income and other income (expense), net increased $1.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased interest income, partially offset by increased foreign exchange losses. We had a foreign currency transaction lossexchange losses of $2.5$2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as2016, compared to a gaingains of $1.1$0.1 million for the prior year primarily due to the strengtheningended December 31, 2015, as a result of the Euro against other major currencies and an increasefluctuations in our foreign operations. The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $0.7currency exchange rates. Interest income increased $3.7 million in interest income due to the higher investment balancesyields during the year ended December 31, 20132016 compared to the prior year.

 Provision for Income Taxes
 
Year Ended December 31 % Change    Year Ended December 31 % Change    
2013 2012 2016 2015 
(dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands)  
Loss before income taxes$(71,197) $(35,980) 98%$(450,051) $(193,012) 133 %
Provision for income taxes2,511
 1,368
 84%1,753
 5,414
 (68)%
Effective tax rate(4)% (4)%   % (3)%  
 
Our effective tax rate remained at (4)% duringwas 0% for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.2016 compared to (3)% for the prior year. Our tax expense increased $1.1decreased $3.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 as2016, compared to the prior year, primarily due to a higher proportionpartial release of earningsvaluation allowance in foreign jurisdictionsconnection with high statutory tax rates, a higher loss from U.S. operations, the tax effect of acquired companies, and the issuance of the Notes.business combinations. See Note 1615 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for our reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory federal rate to the provision for income taxes.


Net Loss

43

 Year Ended December 31 % Change    
 2016 2015 
 (dollars in thousands)  
Net loss$(451,804) $(198,426) 128%
Percentage of revenues(32)% (20)%  

Net loss increased $253.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the prior year, primarily due to legal settlements. Refer to Note 16 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details regarding these matters.


Quarterly Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our unaudited quarterly consolidated statements of operations. We have prepared the quarterly data on a consistent basis with the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, the financial information reflects all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of this data. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of historical periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year or any future period.

For the Three Months EndedFor the Three Months Ended
Dec 30,
2014
 Sep 30,
2014
 June 30,
2014
 March 31,
2014
 Dec 30,
2013
 Sep 30,
2013
 June 30,
2013
 March 31,
2013
Dec 31,
2017
 Sep 30,
2017
 June 30,
2017
 March 31,
2017
 Dec 31,
2016
 Sep 30,
2016
 June 30,
2016
 March 31,
2016
(in thousands, except per share data)(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues:                              
Subscription$166,751
 $150,367
 $132,724
 $117,375
 $104,878
 $92,992
 $80,376
 $71,558
$497,232
 $455,421
 $411,007
 $376,135
 $344,604
 $318,934
 $290,679
 $267,422
Professional services and other31,253
 28,345
 34,033
 21,715
 20,352
 18,267
 21,846
 14,381
49,138
 42,749
 60,696
 40,648
 41,062
 38,722
 50,633
 38,457
Total revenues198,004
 178,712
 166,757
 139,090
 125,230
 111,259
 102,222
 85,939
546,370
 498,170
 471,703
 416,783
 385,666
 357,656
 341,312
 305,879
Cost of revenues:                              
Subscription40,330
 37,925
 33,243
 31,189
 25,968
 23,429
 20,219
 18,312
87,524
 81,878
 75,793
 70,375
 64,707
 61,566
 56,360
 52,781
Professional services and other30,308
 28,161
 25,695
 21,925
 19,410
 18,146
 15,779
 13,996
46,836
 45,402
 45,892
 46,072
 40,229
 41,271
 40,289
 41,479
Total cost of revenues70,638
 66,086
 58,938
 53,114
 45,378
 41,575
 35,998
 32,308
134,360
 127,280
 121,685
 116,447
 104,936
 102,837
 96,649
 94,260
Gross profit127,366
 112,626
 107,819
 85,976
 79,852
 69,684
 66,224
 53,631
412,010
 370,890
 350,018
 300,336
 280,730
 254,819
 244,663
 211,619
Operating expenses:                              
Sales and marketing95,764
 84,002
 91,937
 69,416
 57,337
 47,336
 52,291
 38,226
260,292
 227,015
 247,224
 212,086
 188,857
 166,491
 186,506
 158,610
Research and development42,026
 39,683
 35,439
 31,110
 23,869
 20,819
 17,951
 16,039
104,559
 98,465
 90,005
 84,489
 73,933
 75,018
 70,364
 65,924
General and administrative26,260
 23,440
 24,914
 21,631
 18,007
 16,179
 15,325
 12,279
60,291
 52,465
 51,526
 46,251
 41,543
 40,085
 36,071
 41,237
Legal settlements (1)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 270,000
Total operating expenses164,050
 147,125
 152,290
 122,157
 99,213
 84,334
 85,567
 66,544
425,142
 377,945
 388,755
 342,826
 304,333
 281,594
 292,941
 535,771
Loss from operations(36,684) (34,499) (44,471) (36,181) (19,361) (14,650) (19,343) (12,913)(13,132) (7,055) (38,737) (42,490) (23,603) (26,775) (48,278) (324,152)
Interest and other income (expense), net(6,562) (5,949) (5,231) (5,963) (4,326) 600
 (1,323) 119
Loss before provision for income taxes(43,246) (40,448) (49,702) (42,144) (23,687) (14,050) (20,666) (12,794)
Provision for income taxes1,417
 602
 661
 1,167
 545
 663
 739
 564
Interest expense(16,813) (16,566) (11,337) (8,678) (8,532) (8,389) (8,248) (8,109)
Interest income and other income (expense), net5,065
 853
 (7,830) 7,716
 1,290
 1,783
 2,260
 702
Loss before income taxes(24,880) (22,768) (57,904) (43,452) (30,845) (33,381) (54,266) (331,559)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes2,927
 1,420
 (1,431) (2,790) 1,744
 2,877
 (4,641) 1,773
Net loss$(44,663) $(41,050) $(50,363) $(43,311) $(24,232) $(14,713) $(21,405) $(13,358)$(27,807) $(24,188) $(56,473) $(40,662) $(32,589) $(36,258) $(49,625) $(333,332)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted$(44,663) $(41,050) $(50,363) $(43,311) $(24,232) $(14,713) $(21,405) $(13,358)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted$(0.30) $(0.28) $(0.35) $(0.30) $(0.17) $(0.11) $(0.16) $(0.10)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted$(0.16) $(0.14) $(0.33) $(0.24) $(0.20) $(0.22) $(0.30) $(2.06)

(1)For details regarding the legal settlements expenses of $270.0 million included in the three months ended March 31, 2016, refer to Note 16 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

44


Seasonality, Cyclicality and Quarterly Trends

We have historically experienced seasonality in terms of when we enter into customer agreements for our services. We sign a significantly higher percentage of agreements with new customers, as well as renewal agreements with existing customers, in the quarter ended December 31. The increase in customer agreements for the quarter ended December 31 is primarily a result of the terms of our commission plans, towhich incentivize our direct sales force to meet their annual quotas by December 31, and large enterprise account buying patterns typical in the software industry.industry, which are driven primarily by the expiration of annual authorized budgeted expenditures. Furthermore, we usually sign a significant portion of these agreements during the last month, and often the last two weeks, of each quarter. This seasonality in the timing of entering into customer contracts is sometimes not immediately apparent in our billings due to the fact that we exclude contracts with a future start date from our billings. Similarly, this seasonality is reflected to a much lesser extent, and sometimes is not immediately apparent in our revenues, due to the fact that we recognize subscription revenues over the term of the licensesubscription agreement, which is generally 12 to 36 months. Although these seasonal factors are common in the technology industry, historical patterns should not be considered a reliable indicator of our future sales activity or performance.
 
Our revenues have increased over the periods presented due to increased sales to new customers, as well as upsells to existing customers. We have historically seen an increase in professional services and other revenues in the quarter ended June 30, and a corresponding decrease in professional services and other revenues in the quarter ended September 30 due to the revenues earned from our annual Knowledge user conference that occurs in the quarter ended June 30. Our operating expenses have increased over the periods presented primarily due to increases in headcount and other related expenses to support our growth. We have historically seen an increase in marketing expenses in the quarter ended June 30, and a corresponding decrease in marketing expenses in the quarter ended September 30 due to the expenses incurred for our annual Knowledge user conference. Marketing expenses in the quarter ended December 31 are also historically higher due to user forums we conduct in that quarter. We anticipate operating expenses will continue to increase in future periods as we continue to focus on investing in the long-term growth of our business.

Our free cash flow is impacted by the timing of collections and disbursements, including the timing of capital expenditures. We have historically seen higher collections in the quarter ended March 31 due to seasonality in timing of entering into customer contracts as described above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 Year Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
 (dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities$138,900

$81,746
 $48,766
Net cash used in investing activities(316,928)
(402,795) (239,149)
Net cash provided by financing activities70,772

568,570
 241,839
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, net of impact of exchange rates on cash(113,848)
247,314
 50,901
 
Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents, investments, and cash generated from operations. As of December 31, 2014,2017, we had $668.8 million$1.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, of which $78.4$250.6 million represented cash located overseas.held by foreign subsidiaries. $191.5 million of the $1.8 billion are denominated in currencies other than U.S. Dollar. In addition, we had $266.8$391.4 million in long-term investments whichthat provide additional capital resources. We do not anticipate that we will need funds generated from foreign operations to fund our domestic operations.

Prior to the enactment of the Tax Act, we considered earnings from foreign operations to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States. We are currently evaluating whether to change our indefinite reinvestment assertion in light of the Tax Act and consider that assessment to be incomplete as permitted under guidance issued by the SEC. We expect to reach a final determination within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118.

In November 2013, we issued the 2018 Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million and concurrentlymillion. The 2018 Notes mature on November 1, 2018 unless converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms prior to such date. In connection with the issuance of the 2018 Notes, we entered into a hedge, orthe 2018 Note Hedge transactions and warrant transaction, or Warrants. The net proceeds of this debt issuance are being used for general corporate purposes, including potential acquisitions and strategic transactions. The Warrants are exercisable at a strike price of $107.46 per share. Upon conversion of2018 Warrant transactions with certain financial institutions (the option counterparties). We may elect to settle the 2018 Notes we may choose to pay or deliver, as the case may be,in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares. If the 2018 Note Hedges are exercised, we may elect to receive cash, shares of our common stock. Asstock, or a combination of cash and shares.

The price of our common stock was greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price of the 2018 Notes for at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the quarters ended June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2014,2017. Therefore, the 2018 Notes were not convertible.first became convertible at the holders’ option beginning on July 1, 2017 and continue to be convertible at the holders' option through March 31, 2018. The impact of the conversion of the 2018 Notes on our liquidity will depend on the settlement method we elect for each instrument described above. We currently intend to settle the principal amount of any converted 2018 Notes in cash.


During the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid cash to settle an immaterial principal amount of the 2018 Notes due to early conversion requests. Based on additional conversion requests we have received through the filing date, we expect to settle in cash an aggregate of $37.3 million in principal amount of the 2018 Notes during the first quarter of 2018 and $7.3 million in principal amount of the 2018 Notes during the second quarter of 2018. We may receive additional conversion requests that require settlement in the second quarter or the remainder of the year 2018.

In May and June 2017, we issued the 2022 Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $782.5 million. We currently intend to use approximately $575.0 million of the net proceeds from the 2022 Notes to repay the 2018 Notes. In connection with the issuance of the 2022 Notes, we entered into the 2022 Note Hedge transactions and 2022 Warrant transactions with certain financial institutions. Refer to Note 9 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements and the risk factors included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on the 2022 Notes, the 2022 Notes Hedges and the 2022 Warrants. In addition, in May 2017, we used approximately $55.0 million of the net proceeds from the 2022 Notes to repurchase shares of our common stock sold by certain purchasers of the 2022 Notes, and during the three months ended June 30, 2017, we used approximately $73.9 million to pay the cost of the 2022 Note Hedges (after such cost was partially offset by the proceeds from the issuance of the 2022 Warrants).

We anticipate our current cash and cash equivalents balance and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including the repayment of our 2018 Notes, expansion of data centers, lease obligations, expenditures related to the growth of our headcount and the acquisition of fixed assets, intangibles, and investments in office facilities, to accommodate our growth for at least the next 12 months. Whether these resources are adequate to meet our liquidity needs beyond that period will depend on our growth, operating results, cash utilized for acquisitions and/or debt retirements if any are consummated, and the capital expenditures required to meet possible increased demand for our services. If we require additional capital resources to grow our business at any time in the future, we may seek to finance our operations from the current funds available or seek additional equity or debt financing.

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 (dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities$642,825
 $159,921
 $317,754
Net cash used in investing activities (1)
(883,948) (108,238) (231,521)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities538,892
 (55,752) 80,330
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash net of foreign currency effect325,897
 (10,854) 160,050
(1)During the year ended December 31, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,” which requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. We have adopted changes to the consolidated statements of cash flows on a retrospective basis. The impact of the adoption for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is not material.

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities mainly consists of our net incomeloss adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, amortization of premiums on investments, amortization of deferred commissions, amortization of issuance cost and debt discount, stock-based compensation, tax benefits from employee stock plans and changes in operating assets and liabilities during the year.


45


Net cash provided by operating activities was $138.9$642.8 million for the year ended December 31, 20142017 compared to $81.7$159.9 million for the prior year. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily due to an increaseda decrease in net loss offset by a substantial$302.7 million. The remaining change was due to an increase in non-cash adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operations and the favorable impact on operating cash flow from changes in operating assets and liabilities. Net cash flow from the aggregate of changes in accounts receivable, deferred commissions and deferred revenue increased due to increased sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in net cash flows from the aggregate of changes in accrued liabilities, accounts payable and prepaid expenses due to the growth of our business and increased headcount of 54% for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $81.7$159.9 million for the year ended December 31, 20132016 compared to $48.8$317.8 million for the prior year. The increasedecrease in operating cash flow was primarily due to $267.5 million cash paid for aggregate legal settlements during the year ended December 31, 2016 (refer to Note 16 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details). The remaining change was due to an increased net loss offset by a substantial increase in non-cash adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operations and the favorable impact on operating cash flow from changes in operating assets and liabilities. Net cash flow from the aggregate of changes in accounts receivable, deferred commissions and deferred revenue increased due to increased sales for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase was offset by a decrease in net cash flows from the aggregate of changes in accrued liabilities, accounts payable and prepaid expenses due to the growth of our business and increased headcount of 70% for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $316.9 million compared to $402.8 million for the prior year. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was mainly due to a decrease in the net purchases of investments of $171.3 million. The decrease was offset by an increase of $86.5 million in acquisition activity due to the Neebula acquisition in 2014.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 20132017 was $402.8$883.9 million compared to $239.1$108.2 million for the prior year. The increase in cash used in investing activities was mainly due to increasesa $714.7 million increase in the net purchases of investments, of $136.8a $44.9 million andincrease in capital expenditures of $13.3 million related to the purchasepurchases of cloud-based infrastructure hardware equipment to support the expansion of our data centers as well as investments in leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment to support our headcount growth. Additionally,growth, a $23.9 million increase in 2013 we paid $13.3business combinations, net of cash and restricted cash acquired, and a $4.3 million increase in purchases of strategic investments. The increase in cash used in investing activities was partially offset by a $12.1 million decrease in purchases of other intangibles.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $108.2 million compared to $231.5 million for the acquisitionprior year. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was mainly due to a $181.6 million decrease in net purchases of Mirror42 Holding B.V.investments and a $10.0 million decrease in the purchases of strategic investments, partially offset by a $33.2 million increase in business combinations, net of cash and restricted cash acquired, a $17.0 million increase in purchases of other intangibles, and a $18.1 million increase in capital expenditures related to the purchase of infrastructure hardware equipment to support the expansion of our data centers as well as investments in leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment to support our headcount growth.

 Financing Activities
 
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 20142017 was $70.8$538.9 million compared to $568.6net cash used in financing activities of $55.8 million for the prior year. The decrease in cash provided by financing activitieschange was primarily due to a $698.2 million increase in net proceeds of $511.7 million from issuance of the 2022 Notes and Warrants and purchase of the 2022 Note Hedge in 2013. The decrease was offset by $13.2and 2022 Warrant transactions entered into during the year ended December 31, 2017 and a $16.2 million increase in proceeds from the exercise of employee stock optionsplans, partially offset by a $62.0 million increase in taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP and related tax benefit.a $55.0 million increase in cash used to repurchase shares of our common stock.

Net cash provided byused in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 20132016 was $568.6$55.8 million compared to $241.8net cash provided by financing activities of $80.3 million for the prior year. The increase in cash provided by financing activitieschange was primarily due to net proceeds of $511.7 million from issuance of the Notes and Warrants and purchase of the Note Hedge, and $38.8a $107.1 million increase in taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards as a result of a policy change to net settle shares for all U.S. employees starting in 2016 and a $27.0 million decrease in proceeds from exercise of employee stock plans due to a reduction in the number of stock options and $13.2 million proceeds from our ESPP. Forissued in the year ended December 31, 2012, we received $169.8 million net proceeds from our IPO, $50.6 million net proceeds from our follow-on offering, and $17.8 million net proceeds from the issuance of common stock.last four years.


46


Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Contractual obligations represent future cash commitments and liabilities under agreements with third parties, and exclude orders for goods and services entered into in the normal course of business that are not enforceable or legally binding.

The following table represents our knownfuture non-cancelable contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014,2017, aggregated by type:

 Payments Due by Period
Contractual ObligationsTotal 
Less
Than
1 Year
 
1 – 3
Years
 
3 – 5
Years
 
More
Than
5 Years
 (in thousands)
Operating leases:         
Data centers(1)
$20,009
 $9,561
 $9,186
 $1,238
 $24
Facilities space(2)
263,563
 15,511
 52,872
 51,337
 143,843
Convertible Senior Notes575,000
 
 
 575,000
 
Other4,876
 297
 1,018
 1,018
 2,543
Total contractual obligations$863,448
 $25,369
 $63,076
 $628,593
 $146,410
 Payments Due by Period
 Total 
Less
Than
1 Year
 
1 – 3
Years
 
3 – 5
Years
 
More
Than
5 Years
 (in thousands)
Operating leases (1)
$353,859
 $44,713
 $96,204
 $88,828
 $124,114
Purchase obligations (2)
80,974
 31,394
 34,434
 11,053
 4,093
Principal amount payable on our convertible senior notes (3)
1,357,494
 574,994
 
 782,500
 
Other3,923
 574
 1,148
 1,148
 1,053
Total contractual obligations$1,796,250
 $651,675
 $131,786
 $883,529
 $129,260

(1)OperatingConsists of future non-cancelable minimum rental payments under operating leases for some of our offices and data centers represent our principal commitment for co-location facilities for data center capacity.centers.
(2)Operating leases for facilities space representConsists of future minimum payments under non-cancelable purchase commitments primarily related to data center and IT operations and sales and marketing activities. Not included in the table above are certain purchase commitments related to our principalfuture annual Knowledge user conferences and other customer or sales conferences to be held in 2019 and 2020. If we were to cancel these contractual commitments which consistsas of obligations under office space leases.December 31, 2017, we would have been obligated to pay cancellation penalties of approximately $13.9 million in aggregate.
(3)For additional information regarding our convertible senior notes, refer to Note 9 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In addition to the obligations in the table above, approximately $2.9$4.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been recorded as liabilities as of December 31, 2014.2017. It is uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled. We have also recorded a liability for potential penalties of $0.2 million and interest of $0.2 million related to these unrecognized tax benefits.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
During all periods presented, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in those types of relationships.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates

Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us 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, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. These items are monitored and analyzed by us for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results for the period in which they become known. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and such differences could be material.

While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe that the following accounting policies are critical to the process of making significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our audited consolidated financial statements.
 
Revenue Recognition

We derive our revenues from two sources: (i) subscriptions and (ii) professional services and other. Subscription revenues are primarily comprised of subscription fees that give customers access to the ordered subscription service, related support and updates, if any, to the subscribed service during the subscription term.


Our contracts typically do not give the customer the right to take possession of the software supporting the services. Professional services and other revenues consist of fees associated with theservices provided to customers for process design, implementation, configuration and configurationoptimization of our services.

47


products. Professional services and other revenues also include customer training and attendanceregistration and sponsorship fees for Knowledge, our annual Knowledge user conference.conference and other user forums.

We commence revenue recognition when all of the following conditions are met:

There is persuasive evidence of an arrangement;
The service has been provided to the customer;
The collection of related fees is reasonably assured; and
The amount of fees to be paid by the customer is fixed or determinable.

We use a signed contract together with a signed order form or a purchase order, as evidence of an arrangement for a new customer. In subsequent transactions with an existing customer, including an upsell or a renewal, we consider the existing signed contract and either the new signed order form or new purchase order as evidence of an arrangement.

We recognize subscription revenues ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, the date we make our services available to our customers. Once our services are available to customers, we record amounts due in accounts receivable and in deferred revenue. We priceTo the extent we bill customers in advance of the contract commencement date, the accounts receivable and corresponding deferred revenue amounts are netted to zero on our consolidated balance sheets, unless such amounts have been paid as of the balance sheet date.

Our professional services arrangements are primarily on a time-and-materials basis and recognize professional services revenues on these arrangements are recognized as the services are delivereddelivered. Professional services revenues associated with fixed fee arrangements are recognized using a proportional performance model. Such services are delivered over a short period of time. In instances where final acceptance of the servicescertain milestones are required to be met before revenues are recognized, we defer professional services revenues and the associated costs until all acceptancemilestone criteria have been met.

We assess collectibility based on a number of factors such as past collection history with the customer and creditworthiness of the customer. If we determine collectibility is not reasonably assured, we defer revenue recognition until collectibility becomes reasonably assured. We assess whether the fee is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment. Our arrangements are generally non-cancelable and do not include general rights of return.contain refund-type provisions.

We have multiple element arrangements comprised of subscription fees and professional services. We account for subscription and professional services revenues as separate units of accounting. To qualify as a separate unit of accounting, the delivered item must have value to the customer on a standalone basis. We have concluded that our subscription service has standalone value as it is routinely sold separately by us. In addition, the applications offered through this subscription service are fully functional without any additional development, modification or customization. We provide customers access to our subscription service at the beginning of the contract term. In determining whether professional services have standalone value, we considered the following factors for each professional services agreement: availability of the services from other vendors, the nature of the professional services, the timing of when the professional services contract was signed in comparison to the subscription service start date and the contractual dependence of the subscription service on the customer’s satisfaction with the professional services work. Our professional services, including implementation and configuration services, are not so unique and complex that other vendors cannot provide them. In some instances, customers independently contract with third-party vendors to do the implementation and we regularly outsource implementation services to contracted third-party vendors. As a result, we concluded professional services, including implementation and configuration services, have standalone value.

We determineThe total arrangement consideration for a multiple element arrangement is allocated to the selling priceidentifiable separate units of each deliverable in the arrangement using theaccounting based on a relative selling price hierarchy. UnderWe determined the selling price hierarchy, therelative selling price for eacha deliverable is determined usingbased on its vendor-specific objective evidence or VSOE,(VSOE) of selling price or third-party evidence or TPE,(TPE) of selling price if VSOE does not exist. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a deliverable, the selling price is determined using the best estimate of selling price or BESP. The selling price for each unit of accounting is based on(BESP). We determine the BESP since VSOE and TPE are not available for our subscription service or professional services and other. The BESP for each deliverable is determined primarily by considering the historical selling price of these deliverables in similar transactions as well as other factors, including, but not limited to, market competition, review of stand-alone sales and current pricing practices. In determining the appropriate pricing structure, we consider the extent ofavailable information regarding the competitive pricing of similar products and marketing analysis. The total arrangement fee for these multiple element arrangements is then allocated to the separate units of accounting based on the relative selling price. The BESP for our subscription service is based upon the historical selling price of these deliverables.


In limited circumstances, we grant certain customers the right to deploy our subscription service on the customers’ own servers without significant penalty.servers. These arrangements are subject to software revenue recognition guidance since the customer deploys our software. WeAs we never sell the non-software elements separately from the software elements, we have analyzed all of the elements in these particular multiple element arrangements and determined that we do not have sufficient VSOE of fair value to allocate revenue to our subscription service and professional services.for all undelivered non-software elements. Consequently, we defer all revenue and related costs under the arrangement until the last element in the transaction has been delivered or startedstarts to be delivered. Once the subscription service anddelivery of the professional services havelast element has commenced, we recognize the entire fee and related costs from the arrangement ratably over the remaining period of the arrangement.


48


Deferred revenue consists primarily of payments received in advance of revenue recognition for our subscriptions and professional services and other revenues and is recognized as the revenue recognition criteria are met.

Deferred Commissions
 
Deferred commissions are the incremental selling costs that are directly associated with our customer contracts and consist of sales commissions paid to our direct sales force and referral fees paid to independent third-parties. The majority of commissions and referral fees are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable terms of the related customer contracts. We include amortization of deferred commissions in sales and marketing expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. We believe this is the preferable method of accounting as the commission charges are so closely related to the revenue from the customer contracts that they should be recorded as an asset and charged to expense over the same period that the revenue is recognized. The commission payments are generally paid in full the month after the customer’s initial service under the contract commences. 

Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long Lived Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The allocation of the purchase price requires us to make significant estimates in determining the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, especially with respect to intangible assets. These estimates are based upon a number of factors, including historical experience, market conditions and information obtained from the management of the acquired company. Critical estimates in valuing certain intangible assets included, but are not limited to, cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future, discount rates, the time and expense that would be necessary to recreate the assets and the profit margin a market participant would receive. These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.

We evaluate and test the recoverability of goodwill for impairment at least annually during our fourth quarter or more frequently if circumstances indicate that goodwill may not be recoverable. We perform the impairment testing by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we perform a two-stepgoodwill impairment test. The first step requires the identification of the reporting units and comparison ofTo calculate any potential impairment, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the second step of the impairment test is performed to compute the amount of the impairment. Under the second step, an impairment loss is recognized for anyAny excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the impliedits fair value is recognized as an impairment loss, and the carrying value of that goodwill.goodwill is written down. We have determined that we have only onea single reporting unit. We didhave not recognizerecognized any impairment charges related to goodwill during the years ended December 31, 20142017, 2016 and 2013.2015 because the aggregate fair value of our company has consistently and materially exceeded the carrying value of our single reporting unit.

Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 18 months to seven years. Each period we evaluate the estimated remaining useful life of purchased intangible assets to determine whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. We periodically review the carrying amounts of theselong-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and purchased intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying valueamount of thesethe assets may not be recoverable. We measure the recoverability of these assets by comparing the carrying amount of each asset to the future undiscounted cash flows we expect the asset to generate. If we consider any of these assets to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. In addition, we periodically evaluate the estimated remaining useful lives of long-lived assets to determine whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of depreciation or amortization. Our intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 18 months to ten years.

Screening for and assessing whether impairment indicators exist or if events or changes in circumstances have occurred, including market conditions, operating fundamentals, competition and general economic conditions, requires significant judgment. Additionally, changes in the technology industry occur frequently and quickly. Therefore, there can be no assurance that a charge to operating expenses will not occur as a result of future goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets impairment tests.


 Stock-based Compensation
 
We recognize compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units or RSUs,(RSUs) on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting term of four years. For RSUs granted with a performance condition, the expenses are recognized on a graded vesting basis over the vesting period, after assessing the probability of achieving requisite performance criteria. This has the impact of greater stock-based compensation expense during the initial years of the vesting period as stock-based compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of the award as though the award were, in substance, multiple awards. We recognize compensation expense related to shares issued pursuant to the ESPP,employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) on a straight-line basis over the offering period. We estimate the fair value of options using the Black-Scholes options pricing model and fair value of RSU awards using the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. We recognize compensation expense net of estimated forfeiture activity, which is based on historical forfeiture rates. We evaluate the forfeiture rates at least annually or when events or circumstances indicate a change may be needed. This may cause a fluctuation in our stock-based compensation in the period of change.


49


Income Taxes
 
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be reversed. We recognize the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates as income and expense in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, we consider future growth, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, historical earnings, taxable income in prior years, if carryback is permitted under the law, carry-forwardcarryforward periods and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies.

Our tax positions are subject to income tax audits by multiple tax jurisdictions throughout the world. We recognize the tax benefit of an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the position is sustainable upon examination by the taxing authority, based on the technical merits. We measure the tax benefit recognized as the largest amount of benefit which is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement with the taxing authority. We recognize interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our tax provision. Significant judgment is required to evaluate uncertain tax positions. Our evaluations are based upon a number of factors, including changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law or guidance, correspondence with tax authorities during the course of audits and effective settlement of audit issues. Changes in the recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions could result in material increases or decreases in our income tax expense in the period in which we make the change, which could have a material impact on our effective tax rate and operating results.

We calculate the current and deferred income tax provision based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed in subsequent years and record adjustments based on filed income tax returns when identified. The amount of income taxes paid is subject to examination by U.S. federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts and circumstances existing at that time. To the extent the assessment of such tax position changes, we record the change in estimate in the period in which we make the determination.

RecentNew Accounting Pronouncements

On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) was enacted into law and significantly changed how the U.S. imposes income tax on multinational corporations. Changes include, but are not limited to, a reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, a transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings, and a transition from a worldwide to a territorial tax system. We are required to recognize the effect of the Tax Act in the period of enactment, such as remeasuring our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as reassessing the net realizability of our deferred tax assets and liabilities.

In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (SAB 118), which allows us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend more than one year beyond the Tax Act enactment date. Since the Tax Act was passed late in the fourth quarter of 2017, and ongoing guidance and accounting interpretation are expected over the next 12 months, we consider the accounting for deferred tax remeasurements, the impact of the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system and other provisions to be incomplete due to the forthcoming guidance and our ongoing analysis. We expect to complete our analysis within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or FASB, issued an updatea new standard related to ASC 606 Revenuerevenue recognition from Contractscontracts with Customers, or ASC 606, that will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance. Under this update, an entitycustomers (Topic 606), which is required to recognize revenue upon transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. As such, an entity will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. This update should be applied retrospectively either to each prior reporting period presented in the financial statements, or only to the most current reporting period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded in the retained earnings. This guidance will become effective for us for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2017. We2018. Topic 606 supersedes the prior revenue recognition standard (Topic 605). Under Topic 606, for our on‑premises offerings, we will recognize a portion of the subscription revenue when the on-premises offering is made available, resulting in a larger amount of upfront subscription revenue, and a smaller amount of deferred revenue compared with Topic 605, which required ratable revenue recognition over the contract period. Due to the complexity of certain customer contracts, the actual revenue recognition treatment required under Topic 606 will depend on contract-specific terms and may result in greater variability in revenue from period to period.

Under Topic 606, we will defer all incremental commission costs to obtain customer contracts, including indirect costs that are currently evaluatingnot tied to a specific contract. On initial contracts, only the impactportion equivalent to a renewal commission will be amortized over the contract term, while the portion incremental to a renewal commission will be amortized over a period of this update onbenefit that we have determined to be five years. On renewal contracts, these costs will be amortized over the renewal term. Additionally, for our on-premises offerings, consistent with the recognition of subscription revenue for on-premises offerings as described above, a portion of the commission costs will be expensed upfront when the on-premises offering is made available. Under Topic 605, we deferred only direct and incremental commission costs to obtain a contract and amortized those costs over the contract term, which is generally 12 to 36 months.

For details regarding these and other recently issued accounting standards, refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 7A.
QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We have foreign currency risks related to our revenue and operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar,Dollar, primarily the Euro and British Pound Sterling. We are a net receiver of Euro and therefore benefit from a weakening of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Euro and, conversely, are adversely affected by a strengthening of the U.S. dollarDollar relative to these currencies.the Euro. Revenues denominated in U.S. dollarDollar as a percentage of total revenuerevenues was 72%, 77% and 80%73% during the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017 and 2012, respectively.2016 and 74% during the year ended December 31, 2015. Changes in exchange rates have recently positively affected, and may continue to negativelypositively affect, our revenues as denominated in U.S. dollars.total revenues.
 
We have experienced and willexpect to continue to experience fluctuations in our net loss as a result of transaction gains or losses related to remeasuring certain monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the entities in which they are recorded. We are unable to accurately forecast the changes in exchange rates and consequent gains and losses from such fluctuations. We recognized a net foreign currency gain of $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and net foreign currency losses of $2.5$11.1 million and $1.3$2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 20132017 and 2012,2016, respectively. While we have not engaged in the hedging of our foreign currency transactions to date, we may do so in the future hedge selected significant transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.2018.

We estimate that a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar as measured against the other currencies in which our transactions are denominated would have widened our operating loss in the year ended December 31, 2014.  A hypothetical 10% decreaseincrease in the U.S. dollarDollar against other currencies would resulthave resulted in an increase in operating loss of approximately $3.5$13.7 million and $7.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The hypothetical increase in operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2014.2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 is due to an assumed decrease in the mix of foreign currency revenue relative to foreign currency expenses. This analysis disregards the possibilities that rates can move in opposite directions and that losses from one geographic area may be offset by gains from another geographic area.
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity
 
In February 2012, we began investingWe had an aggregate of $2.2 billion in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments as of December 31, 2017. This amount was invested primarily in money market funds, time deposits, corporate notes and bonds, government securities and other debt securities.securities with a minimum rating of BBB by Standard & Poor's, Baa2 by Moody's, or BBB by Fitch. The primary objectives of our investment activities are the preservation of capital and support of our liquidity requirements. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. Our investments are exposed to market risk due to fluctuations in interest rates, which may affect our interest income and the fair market value of our investments.

As of December 31, 2014,2017, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would resulthave resulted in an approximate $5.6$10.7 million decline of the fair value of our available-for-sale securities and a hypothetical 100 basis point decrease in interest rates would result in an approximate $5.0 million increase of the fair value of our available-for-sale securities. This estimate is based on a sensitivity model that measures market value changes when changes in interest rates occur.


As of December 31, 2016, we had an aggregate of $1.2 billion in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments, and a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would have resulted in an approximate $5.7 million decline of the fair value of our available-for-sale securities.

Market Risk

In November 2013, we issued the 2018 Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million, and in May and June 2017, we issued the 2022 Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $782.5 million. We carry this instrumentthese instruments at face value less unamortized discount on our consolidated balance sheet. Because this instrumentthese instruments does not bear interest, we have no financial statement risk associated with changes in interest rates. However, the fair value of fixed rate instruments fluctuatefluctuates when interest rates change, and in the case of convertible notes, when the market price of our stock fluctuates.

We hold cash balances with multiple financial institutions in various countries and these balances routinely exceed deposit insurance limits.

As of December 31, 2017, we had $5.8 million invested in privately-held companies that are in the development stage. The fair value of these investments may fluctuate depending on the financial condition and near-term prospects of these companies, and we may be required to record an impairment charge if the carrying value of these investments exceed their fair value.
50



ITEM 8.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA





SERVICENOW, INC.
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 Page
  
Consolidated Financial Statements 
  
  
  
  
  

The supplementary financial information required by this Item 8, is included in Part II, Item 7 under the caption Quarterly Results of Operations”, which is incorporated herein by reference.
51


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of ServiceNow, Inc.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

In our opinion,We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ServiceNow, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, of changes in convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity (deficit), and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ServiceNow, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20142017, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014,2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on thesethe Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits (which were integrated auditsaudits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in 2014accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and 2013). the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatementmisstatements, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessingstatements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, andas well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statement presentation.statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


 
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
San Jose, California
February 27, 201528, 2018

We have served as the Company’s auditor since2011.



52



SERVICENOW, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31,December 31,
2014 20132017 2016
Assets      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$252,455
 $366,303
$726,495
 $401,238
Short-term investments416,336
 268,251
1,052,803
 498,124
Accounts receivable, net159,171
 108,339
434,895
 322,757
Current portion of deferred commissions43,232
 31,123
118,690
 76,780
Prepaid expenses and other current assets35,792
 23,733
77,681
 43,636
Total current assets906,986
 797,749
2,410,564
 1,342,535
Deferred commissions, less current portion29,453
 21,318
85,530
 61,990
Long-term investments266,772
 255,356
391,442
 262,658
Property and equipment, net104,237
 75,560
245,124
 181,620
Intangible assets, net54,526
 5,796
86,916
 65,854
Goodwill55,016
 8,724
128,728
 82,534
Other assets8,089
 3,973
49,600
 36,576
Total assets$1,425,079
 $1,168,476
$3,397,904
 $2,033,767
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable$17,829
 $7,405
$32,109
 $38,080
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities79,497
 68,130
244,605
 171,636
Current portion of deferred revenue409,671
 252,553
1,280,499
 861,782
Current portion of convertible senior notes, net543,418
 
Total current liabilities506,997
 328,088
2,100,631
 1,071,498
Deferred revenue, less current portion12,567
 14,169
39,884
 33,319
Convertible senior notes, net443,764
 414,777
630,018
 507,812
Other long-term liabilities33,076
 17,183
43,239
 34,177
Total liabilities996,404
 774,217
2,813,772
 1,646,806
Commitments and contingencies

 


 
Stockholders’ equity:      
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
 

 
Common stock $0.001 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; 149,509,092 and 140,354,605 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively150
 140
Common stock $0.001 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; 174,275,864 and 167,430,773 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively174
 167
Additional paid-in capital799,221
 573,791
1,731,367
 1,405,317
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(12,113) (476)(889) (21,133)
Accumulated deficit(358,583) (179,196)(1,146,520) (997,390)
Total stockholders’ equity428,675
 394,259
584,132
 386,961
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,425,079
 $1,168,476
$3,397,904
 $2,033,767
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

53



SERVICENOW, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(in thousands, except share and per share data) 
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
20122017
2016
2015
Revenues:          
Subscription$567,217
 $349,804
 $204,526
$1,739,795
 $1,221,639
 $848,278
Professional services and other115,346
 74,846
 39,186
193,231
 168,874
 157,202
Total revenues682,563
 424,650
 243,712
1,933,026
 1,390,513
 1,005,480
Cost of revenues(1):
          
Subscription142,687
 87,928
 63,258
315,570
 235,414
 183,400
Professional services and other106,089
 67,331
 40,751
184,202
 163,268
 146,013
Total cost of revenues248,776
 155,259
 104,009
499,772
 398,682
 329,413
Gross profit433,787
 269,391
 139,703
1,433,254
 991,831
 676,067
Operating expenses(1):
          
Sales and marketing341,119
 195,190
 103,837
946,617
 700,464
 498,439
Research and development148,258
 78,678
 39,333
377,518
 285,239
 217,389
General and administrative96,245
 61,790
 34,117
210,533
 158,936
 126,604
Legal settlements
 270,000
 
Total operating expenses585,622
 335,658
 177,287
1,534,668
 1,414,639
 842,432
Loss from operations(151,835) (66,267) (37,584)(101,414) (422,808) (166,365)
Interest and other income (expense), net(23,705) (4,930) 1,604
Loss before provision for income taxes(175,540) (71,197) (35,980)
Interest expense(53,394) (33,278) (31,097)
Interest income and other income (expense), net5,804
 6,035
 4,450
Loss before income taxes(149,004) (450,051) (193,012)
Provision for income taxes3,847
 2,511
 1,368
126
 1,753
 5,414
Net loss$(179,387) $(73,708) $(37,348)$(149,130) $(451,804) $(198,426)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted:$(179,387) $(73,708) $(37,656)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted:$(1.23) $(0.54) $(0.51)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted:145,355,543
 135,415,809
 73,908,631
Other comprehensive loss:     
Net loss per share - basic and diluted$(0.87) $(2.75) $(1.27)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share - basic and diluted171,175,577
 164,533,823
 155,706,643
Other comprehensive income (loss):     
Foreign currency translation adjustments$(11,027) $(303) $(830)$14,867
 $(4,839) $(3,177)
Unrealized loss on investments(610) (137) (105)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(11,637) (440) (935)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax5,377
 588
 (1,592)
Other comprehensive income (loss)20,244
 (4,251) (4,769)
Comprehensive loss$(191,024) $(74,148) $(38,283)$(128,886) $(456,055) $(203,195)

(1)Includes stock-based compensation as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 2012Year Ended December 31,
     2017 2016 2015
Cost of revenues:          
Subscription$14,988
 $8,434
 $3,929
$35,334
 $28,420
 $23,416
Professional services and other13,116
 4,749
 1,574
27,475
 26,442
 23,265
Sales and marketing54,006
 21,609
 10,189
170,527
 131,571
 102,349
Research and development42,535
 16,223
 6,496
92,025
 81,731
 70,326
General and administrative29,674
 14,566
 5,749
68,717
 49,416
 38,357
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

5460


Table of Contents
SERVICENOW, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(in thousands, except share data)


 
Series C
Redeemable
Convertible
Preferred Stock
 
Series A
Redeemable
Convertible
Preferred Stock
 
Series B
Redeemable
Convertible
Preferred Stock
 
Series D
Convertible
Preferred Stock
  Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
(Deficit)
 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount  Shares Amount 
Balance at December 31, 2011983,606
 $5,957
 2,500,000
 $3,805
 3,988,636
 $7,165
 2,990,635
 $51,245
  22,229,978
 $22
 $9,793
 $(68,140) $899
 $(57,426)
Issuance of common stock upon initial public offering, net of offering costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  10,350,000
 10
 169,774
 
 
 169,784
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock upon initial public offering(983,606) (5,966) (2,500,000) (3,905) (3,988,636) (7,364) (2,990,635) (51,245)  83,703,016
 84
 68,396
 
 
 68,480
Issuance of common stock upon follow-on offering, net of issuance costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  1,897,500
 2
 49,848
 
 
 49,850
Common stock issued under employee stock plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  6,654,558
 6
 4,047
 
 
 4,053
Issuance of common stock to third party investors, net of issuance costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  1,750,980
 2
 17,846
 
 
 17,848
Tax benefit from employee stock plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 1,694
 
 
 1,694
Vesting of early exercised stock options
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 1,606
 
 
 1,606
Buyback of restricted common stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  (34,168) 
 
 
 
 
Buyback and retirement of common stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  (184,164) 
 (1,960) 
 
 (1,960)
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 28,067
 
 
 28,067
Accretion of preferred stock dividends and issuance costs
 9
 
 100
 
 199
 
 
  
 
 (308) 
 
 (308)
Other comprehensive loss, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 (935) (935)
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 (37,348) 
 (37,348)
Balance at December 31, 2012
 $
 
 $
 
 $
 
 $
  126,367,700
 $126
 $348,803
 $(105,488) $(36) $243,405

55


SERVICENOW, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(in thousands, except share data)


Series C
Redeemable
Convertible
Preferred Stock
 
Series A
Redeemable
Convertible
Preferred Stock
 
Series B
Redeemable
Convertible
Preferred Stock
 
Series D
Convertible
Preferred Stock
  Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
(Deficit)
Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount  Shares Amount Shares Amount 
Balance at December 31, 2014149,509,092
 $150
 $799,221
 $(358,583) $(12,113) $428,675
Common stock issued under employee stock plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  13,986,905
 14
 56,484
 
 
 56,498
11,276,672
 10
 93,338
 
 
 93,348
Tax benefit from employee stock plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 1,658
 
 
 1,658

 
 2,663
 
 
 2,663
Vesting of early exercised stock options
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 381
 
 
 381
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 65,694
 
 
 65,694
Equity component of the convertible notes, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 152,061
 
 
 152,061
Purchase of convertible note hedge
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 (135,815) 
 
 (135,815)
Sales of warrants
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 84,525
 
 
 84,525
Other comprehensive loss, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 (440) (440)
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 (73,708) 
 (73,708)
Balance at December 31, 2013
 $
 
 $
 
 $
 
 $
  140,354,605
 $140
 $573,791
 $(179,196) $(476) $394,259
Common stock issued under employee stock plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  9,154,487
 10
 68,723
 
 
 68,733
Tax benefit from employee stock plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 2,001
 
 
 2,001
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards
 
 (12,795) 
 
 (12,795)
Vesting of early exercised stock options
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 167
 
 
 167

 
 44
 
 
 44
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 154,539
 
 
 154,539

 
 258,074
 
 
 258,074
Other comprehensive loss, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

 

 
 
 (11,637) (11,637)    
 
 (4,769) (4,769)
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

 

 
 (179,387) 
 (179,387)    
 (198,426) 
 (198,426)
Balance at December 31, 2014
 $
 
 $
 
 $
 
 $
  149,509,092
 $150
 $799,221
 $(358,583) $(12,113) $428,675
Balance at December 31, 2015160,785,764
 $160
 $1,140,545
 $(557,009) $(16,882) $566,814
Cumulative effect adjustment for ASU 2016-09 adoption
 
 
 11,423
 
 11,423
Common stock issued under employee stock plans6,645,009
 7
 66,361
 
 
 66,368
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards
 
 (119,914) 
 
 (119,914)
Stock-based compensation
 
 318,325
 
 
 318,325
Other comprehensive loss, net
 
 
 
 (4,251) (4,251)
Net loss
 
 
 (451,804) 
 (451,804)
Balance at December 31, 2016167,430,773
 $167
 $1,405,317
 $(997,390) $(21,133) $386,961
Common stock issued under employee stock plans7,385,897
 7
 82,552
 
 
 82,559
Repurchases and retirement of common stock(540,806) 
 (55,000) 
 
 (55,000)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards
 
 (182,127) 
 
 (182,127)
Stock-based compensation
 
 394,680
 
 
 394,680
Equity component of the convertible notes, net
 
 159,891
 
 
 159,891
Purchase of convertible note hedge
 
 (128,017) 
 
 (128,017)
Issuance of warrants
 
 54,071
 
 
 54,071
Other comprehensive loss, net
 
 
 
 20,244
 20,244
Net loss
 
 
 (149,130) 
 (149,130)
Balance at December 31, 2017174,275,864
 $174
 $1,731,367
 $(1,146,520) $(889) $584,132
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

5661

Table of Contents
SERVICENOW, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)


 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net loss$(149,130) $(451,804) $(198,426)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Depreciation and amortization113,875
 83,082
 60,356
Amortization of premiums on investments3,092
 4,725
 7,064
Amortization of deferred commissions115,262
 81,217
 65,541
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs53,394
 33,278
 31,097
Stock-based compensation394,078
 317,580
 257,713
Deferred income tax(9,078) (3,424) (1,282)
Other(3,997) (962) (6,223)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of business combinations:     
Accounts receivable(98,432) (125,106) (50,855)
Deferred commissions(174,503) (136,459) (80,142)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(46,138) (21,500) (10,961)
Accounts payable(5,504) (3,554) 14,785
Deferred revenue381,562
 300,167
 195,900
Accrued expenses and other liabilities68,344
 82,681
 33,187
Net cash provided by operating activities642,825
 159,921
 317,754
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Purchases of property and equipment(150,510) (105,562) (87,481)
Business combinations, net of cash and restricted cash acquired(58,203) (34,297) (1,100)
Purchases of other intangibles(6,670) (18,750) (1,750)
Purchases of investments(1,189,511) (518,664) (712,782)
Purchases of strategic investments(4,750) (500) (10,500)
Sales of investments85,106
 297,998
 277,045
Maturities of investments440,590
 271,537
 305,047
Net cash used in investing activities(1)
(883,948) (108,238) (231,521)
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Net proceeds from borrowings on convertible senior notes772,127
 
 
Principal payments on convertible senior notes(4) 
 
Proceeds from issuance of warrants54,071
 
 
Purchases of convertible note hedges(128,017) 
 
Repurchases and retirement of common stock(55,000) 
 
Proceeds from employee stock plans82,567
 66,378
 93,348
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards(181,938) (119,907) (12,795)
Payments on financing obligations(4,914) (2,223) (223)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities538,892
 (55,752) 80,330
Foreign currency effect on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(1)
28,128
 (6,785) (6,513)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(1)
325,897
 (10,854) 160,050
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period(1)
401,932
 412,786
 252,736
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period(1)
$727,829
 $401,932
 $412,786
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period:     
Cash and cash equivalents$726,495
 $401,238
 $412,305
Current portion of restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets1,301
 694
 481
Non-current portion of restricted cash included in other assets33
 
 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows$727,829
 $401,932
 $412,786
Supplemental disclosures of other cash flow information:     
Income taxes paid, net of refunds$7,899
 $4,338
 $3,630
Non-cash investing and financing activities:     
Property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses$15,007
 $15,381
 $14,427
Intangible assets included in accrued expenses and other liabilities$6,750
 $
 $
Financing obligations for purchases of other intangibles$
 $6,210
 $
 Year Ended December 31, 
 2014 2013 2012 
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net loss$(179,387) $(73,708) $(37,348) 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization42,059
 24,152
 13,506
 
Amortization of premiums on investments8,084
 4,758
 1,337
 
Amortization of deferred commissions51,270
 29,364
 13,710
 
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs29,059
 3,498
 
 
Stock-based compensation154,319
 65,581
 27,937
 
Tax benefit from employee stock plans(2,037) (1,658) (1,694) 
Deferred income tax(1,198) (231) (746) 
Other(4,469) 558
 2,850
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable(56,785) (29,506) (33,341) 
Deferred commissions(73,786) (54,943) (29,175) 
Prepaid expenses and other assets(5,540) 3,471
 (2,904)
(1) 
Accounts payable10,223
 (252) 4,887
 
Deferred revenue168,393
 94,405
 64,845
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(1,305) 16,257
 24,902
 
Net cash provided by operating activities138,900
 81,746
 48,766
 
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Purchases of property and equipment(54,379) (55,321) (42,066) 
Acquisition, net of cash acquired(99,813) (13,330) 
 
Purchases of investments(521,393) (570,679) (240,626) 
Sale of investments166,997
 55,158
 1,025
 
Maturities of investments191,715
 181,554
 42,473
 
Restricted cash(55) (177) 45
 
Net cash used in investing activities(316,928) (402,795) (239,149) 
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Net proceeds from initial public offering
 
 169,784
 
Net proceeds from (offering costs paid in connection with) follow-on offering
 (698) 50,561
 
Net proceeds from borrowings on convertible senior notes
 562,941
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of warrants
 84,525
 
 
Purchase of convertible note hedge
 (135,815) 
 
Proceeds from employee stock plans68,735
 55,959
 3,912
 
Tax benefit from employee stock plans2,037
 1,658
 1,694
 
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
 
 17,848
 
Purchases of common stock and restricted stock from stockholders
 
 (1,960) 
Net cash provided by financing activities70,772
 568,570
 241,839
 
Foreign currency effect on cash and cash equivalents(6,592) (207) (555) 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(113,848) 247,314
 50,901
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period366,303
 118,989
 68,088
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$252,455
 $366,303
 $118,989
 
Supplemental disclosures of other cash flow information:      
Income taxes paid$12,604
 $920
 $1,524
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:      
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock$
 $
 $68,480
 
Property and equipment included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities16,474
 3,741
 1,234
 
Exercise of stock options included in prepaid and other assets4
 10
 1,089
 
Offering costs not yet paid
 
 711
 
 
(1)Includes $5.3 million payment received from our founder duringDuring the year ended December 31, 2012. Refer2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,” which requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. We have adopted changes to Note 17.the consolidated statements of cash flows on a retrospective basis. The impact of the adoption for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is not material.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

57


SERVICENOW, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to “ServiceNow,” the “Company,”, “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to ServiceNow, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

(1)    Description of the Business

ServiceNow is a leading provider of cloud-basedenterprise cloud computing solutions that define, structure, manage and automate services acrossfor global enterprises. We help our customers improve service quality and reduce costs while scaling and automating their businesses. We typically deliver our software via the global enterprise. By applyingInternet as a service-oriented lensservice, through an easy-to-use, consumer product-like interface, which means it can be easily configured and rapidly deployed. In a minority of cases, we deploy our software on-premises at a customer data center to the activities, tasks and processes that comprise day-to-day work life, we help the modern enterprise operate faster and be more scalable than ever before.support a customer's unique regulatory or security requirements.

(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S.accounting principles generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP,in the United States (U.S. GAAP), and include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.

Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such management estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the best estimate of selling price of the deliverables included in multiple elements revenue arrangements, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for business combinations, stock-based compensation expenses, the assessment of the useful life and recoverability of our property and equipment, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, and legal contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Segments
 
We define the term “chief operating decision maker” to be our Chief Executive Officer. Our chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses financial performance based upon discrete financial information at the consolidated level. Accordingly, we have determined that we operate inas a single reportingoperating and reportable segment. 
 
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
 
The functional currencies for our foreign subsidiaries are primarily their local currencies. Assets and liabilities of the wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollarsDollars at exchange rates in effect at each period end. Amounts classified in stockholders’ equity are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in interest income and other income (expense), net within the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.loss, and have not been material for all periods presented.
 
Allocation of Overhead Costs
 
Overhead costs associated with office facilities, IT and certain depreciation related to non cloud-based infrastructure hardware equipmentthat is not dedicated for customer use or research and development use are allocated to cost of revenues and operating expenses based on headcount. Facility costs associated with our data centers as well as depreciation related to our cloud-based infrastructure hardware equipment is classified as cost of subscription revenues.
 

Revenue Recognition
 
We derive our revenues from two sources: (i) subscriptions and (ii) professional services and other. Subscription revenues are primarily comprised of subscription fees that give customers access to the ordered subscription service, related support and updates to the subscribed service during the subscription term.

Our contracts typically do not give the customer the right to take possession of the software supporting the services. Professional services and other revenues consist of fees associated with theservices provided to customers for process design, implementation, configuration and configurationoptimization of our services.products. Professional services and other revenues also include customer training and attendanceregistration and sponsorship fees for Knowledge, our annual Knowledge user conference.conference and other user forums.

We commence revenue recognition when all of the following conditions are met:
 
There is persuasive evidence of an arrangement;
The service has been provided to the customer;
The collection of related fees is reasonably assured; and

58


The amount of fees to be paid by the customer is fixed or determinable.

Our arrangements are generally non-cancelable and do not contain refund-type provisions.

We recognize subscription revenues ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, the date we make our services available to our customers. Once our services are available to customers, we record amounts due in accounts receivable and in deferred revenue. To the extent we bill customers in advance of the contract commencement date, the accounts receivable and corresponding deferred revenue amounts are netted to zero on our consolidated balance sheets, unless such amounts have been paid as of the balance sheet date.

We recognize professionalProfessional services revenues on our time-and materials arrangements are recognized as the services are delivereddelivered. Professional services revenues associated with fixed fee arrangements are recognized using a proportional performance model. Such services are delivered over a short period of time. In instances where final acceptance of the servicescertain milestones are required to be met before revenues are recognized, we defer professional services revenues and the associated costs until all acceptancemilestone criteria have been met.
 
We have multiple element arrangements comprised of subscription fees and professional services. In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, ratified authoritative accounting guidance regarding revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Upon adoption of this authoritative accounting guidance, we began to account for subscription and professional services revenues as separate units of accounting. To qualify as a separate unit of accounting, the delivered item must have value to the customer on a standalone basis. We have concluded that our subscription service has standalone value as it is routinely sold separately by us. In addition, the applications offered through this subscription service are fully functional without any additional development, modification or customization. We provide customers access to our subscription service at the beginning of the contract term. In determining whether professional services have standalone value, we considered the following factors for each professional services agreement: availability of the services from other vendors, the nature of the professional services, the timing of when the professional services contract was signed in comparison to the subscription service start date and the contractual dependence of the subscription service on the customer’s satisfaction with the professional services work. Our professional services, including implementation and configuration services, are not so unique and complex that other vendors cannot provide them. In some instances, customers independently contract with third-party vendors to do the implementation and we regularly outsource implementation services to contracted third-party vendors. As a result, we concluded professional services, including implementation and configuration services, have standalone value.

We determineThe total arrangement consideration for a multiple element arrangement is allocated to the selling priceidentifiable separate units of each deliverable in the arrangement using theaccounting based on a relative selling price hierarchy. UnderWe determined the selling price hierarchy, therelative selling price for eacha deliverable is determined usingbased on its vendor-specific objective evidence or VSOE,(VSOE) of selling price or third-party evidence or TPE,(TPE) of selling price if VSOE does not exist. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a deliverable, the selling price is determined using the best estimate of selling price or BESP. The selling price for each unit of accounting is based on(BESP). We determine the BESP since VSOE and TPE are not available for our subscription service or professional services and other. The BESP for each deliverable is determined primarily by considering the historical selling price of these deliverables in similar transactions as well as other factors, including, but not limited to, market competition, review of stand-alone sales and current pricing practices. In determining the appropriate pricing structure, we consider the extent of competitive pricing of similar products and marketing analysis. The total arrangement fee for these multiple element arrangements is then allocated to the separate units of accounting based on the relative selling price. The BESP for our subscription service is based upon the historical selling price of these deliverables.
 
In limited circumstances, we grant certain customers the right to deploy our subscription service on the customers’ own servers without significant penalty.servers. These arrangements are subject to software revenue recognition guidance since the customer deploys our software. WeAs we never sell the non-software elements separately from the software elements, we have analyzed all of the elements in these particular multiple element arrangements and determined that we do not have sufficient VSOE of fair value to allocate revenue to our subscription service and professional services.for all undelivered non-software elements. Consequently, we defer all revenue and related costs under the arrangement until the last element in the transaction has been delivered or startedstarts to be delivered. Once the subscription service anddelivery of the professional services havelast element has commenced, we recognize the entire fee and related costs from the arrangement ratably over the remaining period of the arrangement.

Deferred revenue consists primarily of payments received in advance of revenue recognition for our subscriptions and professional services and other revenues and is recognized as the revenue recognition criteria are met.


Deferred Commissions

Deferred commissions are the incremental selling costs that are directly associated with our customer contracts and consist of sales commissions paid to our direct sales force and referral fees paid to independent third-parties. The majority of commissions and referral fees are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related customer contracts. We include amortization of deferred commissions in sales and marketing expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
 

59


Fair Value Measurements
 
We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We use a fair value hierarchy that is based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
 
Level 1—Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access;
 
Level 2—Inputs other than Level 1 that are directly or indirectly observable, such as quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities, such as interest rates, yield curves and foreign currency spot rates; and
 
Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original or remaining maturities of three months or less.less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
 
Investments
 
Investments consist of commercial paper, corporate notes and bonds, certificates of deposit and U.S. government and agency securities. We classify investments as available-for-sale at the time of purchase and reevaluate such classification as of each balance sheet date. All investments are recorded at estimated fair value. Unrealized gains and losses for available-for-sale securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss,income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity. We evaluate our investments to assess whether those with unrealized loss positions are other than temporarily impaired. We consider impairments to be other than temporary if they are related to deterioration in credit risk or if it is likely we will sell the securities before the recovery of their cost basis. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary are determined based on the specific identification method and are reported in interest income and other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

Strategic Investments

Our strategic investments consist of debt and non-marketable equity investments in privately-held companies. Debt investments in privately-held companies are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at their estimated fair value with changes in fair value recorded through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We report our investments in non-marketable equity securities in privately-held companies, in which we do not have a controlling interest or significant influence, at cost or fair value when an event or circumstance indicates an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred. We include these strategic investments in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Accounts Receivable
 
We record trade accounts receivable at the net invoice value and such receivables are non-interest bearing. We consider receivables past due based on the contractual payment terms. We review our exposure to accounts receivable and reserve for specific amounts if collectibilitycollectability is no longer reasonably assured.
 

Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment, net, are stated at cost, subject to review of impairment, and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Building39 years
Computer equipment and software  3—5 years
Furniture and fixtures  3—57 years
Leasehold and other improvements  shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life
 
When assets are sold, or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in cost of revenues or operating expenses.expenses depending on whether the asset sold is being used in our provision of services to our customers. Repairs and maintenance expenses are charged to our statements of comprehensive loss as incurred.
 
Capitalized Software Development Costs
 
Software development costs for software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed are expensed as incurred until the establishment of technological feasibility, at which time those costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers and amortized over the estimated life of the product. Technological feasibility is established upon the completion of a working prototype that has been certified as having no critical bugs and is a release candidate. To date, costs and time incurred between the establishment of technological feasibility and product release have not been significant, and all software development costs have been charged to research and development expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

Costs incurred to develop our internal administration, finance and accounting systems are capitalized during the application development stage and generally amortized over the software’s estimated useful life of three to five years.
 

60


Leases
 
Leases are reviewed and classified as capital or operating at their inception. For leases thatSome of our lease agreements contain rent escalations or periods duringescalation, rent holidays, lease incentives and renewal options. Rent escalation and rent holidays are included in the determination of rent expenses to be recorded over the lease term whereterm. Unless determined to be landlord assets, lease incentives to pay for our costs or assets are recognized as a reduction of rent is not required, we recognize rent expense based on allocating the total rent payable on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Renewals are not assumed in the determination of the lease excluding lease extension periods.term unless they are deemed to be reasonably assured at the inception of the lease. We begin recognizing rent expense on the date that we obtain the legal right to use and control the leased space. The difference between rent payments and straight-line rent expense is recorded as deferred rent in the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred rent that will be recognized during the ensuing 12-month period is recorded as the current portion of deferred rent included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and the remainder is recorded as long term deferred rent included in “Other long-term deferred rent.liabilities”.

Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long Lived Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. We evaluate and test the recoverability of goodwill for impairment at least annually, during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that goodwill may not be recoverable.

Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 18 months to seven years. Each period we evaluate We perform the estimated remaining useful life of purchased intangible assetsimpairment testing by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or changes in circumstances warrantleads to a revision todetermination that it is more likely than not that the remaining periodfair value of amortization.its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we perform a goodwill impairment test. To calculate any potential impairment, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over its fair value is recognized as an impairment loss, and the carrying value of goodwill is written down. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, we have one reporting unit.


We periodically review the carrying amounts of theselong-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and purchased intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying valueamount of thesethe assets may not be recoverable. We measure the recoverability of these assets by comparing the carrying amount of each asset to the future undiscounted cash flows we expect the asset to generate. If we consider any of these assets to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. In addition, we periodically evaluate the estimated remaining useful lives of long-lived assets to determine whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of depreciation or amortization. Our intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 18 months to ten years.

Convertible Preferred StockAdvertising Costs

PriorAdvertising costs, excluding costs related to our annual Knowledge user conference and other user forums, are expensed as incurred and are included in sales and marketing expense. These costs for the closingyears ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $57.3 million, $42.1 million and $26.0 million, respectively. Costs related to our annual Knowledge user conference and other user forums are deferred and expensed when the respective events occur.

Legal Contingencies
From time to time, we are a party to litigation and other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. We accrue for loss contingencies when we can reasonably estimate the initial public offering,amount of loss or IPO, we had four seriesrange of convertible preferred stock outstanding. We recorded the convertible preferred stock at fair valueloss and when, based on the datesadvice of issuance, netcounsel, it is probable that we will incur the loss. Because of issuance costs. We classifieduncertainties related to these matters, we base our estimate on the convertible preferred stock outside of stockholders’ equity becauseinformation available at the shares contained liquidation features that were not solely within our control.

Upon the closingtime of our IPO on July 5, 2012, all of the outstanding 10,462,877 shares of convertible preferred stock automatically converted into an aggregate of 83,703,016 shares of common stock.assessment. As of December 31, 2014additional information becomes available, we reassess our potential liability and 2013, we had no shares of preferred stock outstanding.may revise our estimate.

Stock-based Compensation
 
We recognize compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units or RSUs,(RSUs) on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting term of four years. For RSUs granted with a performance condition, the expenses are recognized on a graded vesting basis over the vesting period, after assessing the probability of achieving requisite performance criteria. This has the impact of greater stock-based compensation expense during the initial years of the vesting period as stock-based compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of the award as though the award were, in substance, multiple awards. We recognize compensation expense related to shares issued pursuant to the employee stock purchase plan or ESPP,(ESPP) on a straight-line basis over the offering period. We estimate the fair value of options using the Black-Scholes options pricing model and fair value of RSUs using the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. We recognize compensation expense net of estimated forfeiture activity, which is based on historical forfeiture rates. In some instances, shares are issued on the vesting dates net of the minimum statutory tax withholding requirements to be paid by us on behalf of our employees. In these instances, we record the liability for withholding amounts to be paid by us as a reduction to additional paid-in capital when paid, and include these payments as a reduction of cash flows from financing activities.
 
Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders

We compute net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders using the two-class method required for participating securities. We consider our convertible preferred stock that was outstanding prior to the close of our IPO and shares of common stock subject to repurchase resulting from the early exercise of stock options to be participating securities since they contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents in the event we declare a dividend for common stock. In accordance with the two-class method, earnings allocated to these participating securities, are subtracted from net income after deducting preferred stock dividends and accretion to the redemption value of the Series A, Series B and Series C to determine total undistributed earnings to be allocated to common stockholders. The holders of our convertible preferred stock did not have a contractual obligation to share in our net losses and such shares were excluded from the computation of basic earnings per share in periods of net loss.

61


Basic net income (loss)loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing net income (loss)loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. All participating securities are excluded from basic weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted net income (loss)loss per share is computed by dividing net income (loss)loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, adjusted for the effects of dilutive common shares, which are comprised of outstanding common stock options, convertible preferred stock, RSUs, common stock subject to repurchase, ESPP obligations, convertible senior notes and warrants. The dilutive potential common shares are computed using the treasury stock method or the as-if converted method, as applicable. In periods where the effect of the conversion of preferred stock is dilutive, net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders is adjusted by the associated preferred dividends and accretions. The effects of outstanding common stock options, convertible preferred stock, RSUs, common stock subject to repurchase, ESPP obligations, convertible senior notes and warrants are excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss)loss per common share in periods in which the effect would be antidilutive.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers
 
Financial instruments potentially exposing us to credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable. We maintainhold cash cash equivalents and investments at financial institutions that management believes are high credit, quality financial institutions. Weinstitutions and invest in securities with a minimum rating of ABBB by Standard & Poor's, and A-2Baa2 by Moody's.Moody's, or BBB by Fitch. We are also exposed to credit risk under the convertible note hedge (the "Note Hedge") transactions that may result from counterparties' non-performance.
 

Credit risk arising from accounts receivable is mitigated due to our large number of customers and their dispersion across various industries and geographies. As of December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, there were no customers that represented more than 10% of our accounts receivable balance. There were no customers that individually exceeded 10% of our revenues in any of the periods presented. For purposes of assessing concentration of credit risk and significant customers, a group of customers under common control or customers that are affiliates of each other are regarded as a single customer.
 
We review the composition of the accounts receivable balance, historical write-off experience and the potential risk of loss associated with delinquent accounts to determine if an allowance for doubtful accounts is necessary. Individual accounts receivable are written off when we become aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligation, and all collection efforts are exhausted. The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts (in thousands):
Balance at Beginning of Year Additions (deductions): Charged to Operations Additions (deductions): Charged to Deferred Revenue 
Less:
Write-offs
 Balance at End of YearBalance at Beginning of Year Additions (Deductions): Charged to Operations Additions (Deductions): Charged to Deferred Revenue 
Less:
Write-offs
 Balance at End of Year
Year ended December 31, 2014         
Year ended December 31, 2017         
Allowance for doubtful accounts$1,143
 395
 (523) 206
 $809
$2,323
 1,688
 194
 1,090
 $3,115
Year ended December 31, 2013         
Year ended December 31, 2016         
Allowance for doubtful accounts$742
 (43) 946
 502
 $1,143
$1,179
 2,219
 (391) 684
 $2,323
Year ended December 31, 2015         
Allowance for doubtful accounts$809
 841
 (70) 401
 $1,179

Warranties and Indemnification
 
Our cloud-based service to automate enterprise service operations iscloud computing solutions are typically warranted to perform in material conformance with their specifications.
 
We include service level commitments to our customers that permit those customers to receive credits in the event we fail to meet those service levels. We establish an accrual based on historical credits paid and an evaluation of the performance of our services including an assessment of the impact, if any, of any known service disruptions. Service level credit accrual charges are recorded against revenue. The following table presents the changes in the service level credit accrual (in thousands):revenue and were not material for all periods presented.
   Balance at Beginning of Year Additions: Charged Against Revenue Less: Usage Balance at End of Year
Year ended December 31, 2014         
Service level credit accrual  $648
 481
 201
 $928
Year ended December 31, 2013         
Service level credit accrual  $1,196
 430
 978
 $648

62


 
We have also agreed to indemnify our directors, executive officers and executivecertain other officers for costs associated with any fees, expenses, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any of these persons in any action or proceeding to which any of those persons is, or is threatened to be, made a party by reason of the person’s service as a director or officer, including any action by us, arising out of that person’s services as a director or officer of our company or that person’s services provided to any other company or enterprise at our request. We maintain director and officer insurance coverage that may enable us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. The fair values of these obligations are not material as of each balance sheet date.
 
Our arrangementsagreements include provisions indemnifying customers against intellectual property and other third-party claims. We have not incurred any costs as a result of such indemnificationsindemnification obligations and have not recorded any liabilities related to such obligations in the consolidated financial statements.
 
Income Taxes 

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be reversed. We recognize the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates within the provision for income taxes as income and expense in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, we consider future growth, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, historical earnings, taxable income in prior years, if carryback is permitted under the law, carry-forwardcarryforward periods and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies.


Our tax positions are subject to income tax audits by multiple tax jurisdictions throughout the world. We recognize the tax benefit of an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the position is sustainable upon examination by the taxing authority, based on the technical merits. We measure the tax benefit recognized as the largest amount of benefit which is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement with the taxing authority. We recognize interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our tax provision.

We calculate the current and deferred income tax provision based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed in subsequent years and record adjustments based on filed income tax returns when identified. The amount of income taxes paid is subject to examination by U.S. federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts and circumstances existing at that time. To the extent the assessment of such tax position changes, we record the change in estimate in the period in which we make the determination.

RecentNew Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2017

In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting,” which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. This new standard is effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this new guidance effective October 1, 2017 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20)-Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities,” which shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium to require such premiums to be amortized to the earliest call date unless applicable guidance related to certain pools of securities is applied to consider estimated prepayments. This new standard is effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this new guidance effective October 1, 2017 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. This standard requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. In addition, this new standard eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment. This new standard is effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2020, and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this new guidance effective October 1, 2017, and performed our annual impairment assessment in the fourth quarter of 2017 under this new guidance. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business,” which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This new standard is required to be applied on a prospective basis, effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this new guidance effective October 1, 2017 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force),” which requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This new standard is effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted ASU 2016-18 effective October 1, 2017 and have reclassified our consolidated statements of cash flow for each of the periods presented. The adoption did not have a material impact to our statements of cash flows.


In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. Among these issues, this standard requires, at the settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowings, the portion of the cash payment attributable to the accreted interest related to the debt discount to be classified as cash flows for operating activities, and the portion of the cash payments attributable to the principal to be classified as cash outflows for financing activities. This new standard is effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted ASU 2016-15 effective October 1, 2017 and applied this new standard in the cash flow presentation for the settlement of early conversion requests received for our 0% convertible senior notes due November 1, 2018 (2018 Notes). We currently expect to settle the remaining principal amount of our 2018 Notes in cash upon maturity. At that time, we expect to classify approximately $155.3 million of debt discount attributable to the difference between the 0% coupon interest rate and the 6.5% effective interest rate as an operating cash outflow in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The remaining $419.7 million will be presented as a financing cash outflow in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

New Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption

In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet made a provisional estimate as we have not yet completed our assessment or elected an accounting policy to either recognize deferred taxes for basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI or to record GILTI as period costs if and when incurred.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory,” which includes a revision of the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory to reduce the complexity in accounting standards. This new standard is effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The new standard is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The impact upon the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements will not be material.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which requires a financial asset measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. This new standard is effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which requires lessees to generally recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets, and to recognize on the income statement the expenses in a manner similar to current practice. This new standard, including related amendments recently issued by the FASB, is effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. While we are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements, we currently anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets given that we had operating lease commitments in excess of $300 million as of December 31, 2017. However, we do not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss because the expense recognition under this new standard will be similar to current practice.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments, and requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized through net income, which results in greater variability in our net income. This new standard allows a measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values to be measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus adjustments resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. This new standard is effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2018, and will be adopted by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with prospective adoption of the amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values existing as of the date of adoption. We expect the adoption of this standard to impact our strategic investments and our marketable equity securities, and plan to elect the measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values. We expect to reclassify $10.7 million of unrealized gains on our marketable equity securities as of December 31, 2017 to the accumulated deficit on our consolidated balance sheet effective January 1, 2018.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB issued an update to ASC 606 RevenueASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers or ASC(Topic 606).” Topic 606 that will supersede virtually all existingsupersedes the prior revenue guidance.recognition standard (Topic 605). Under this update, an entitythe Topic 606 standard, revenue is required to recognize revenue upon transferrecognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services to customers,and is recognized in an amount that reflects the expected consideration receivedwhich the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. As such, an entity will need to use more judgmentIn addition, this standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and make more estimates than underuncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Topic 606 also includes Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers, which requires the current guidance. This update should be applieddeferral of incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer.

The Topic 606 guidance permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively either to each prior reporting period presented in(full retrospective method) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application (modified retrospective method). We will adopt the standard using the full retrospective method to restate each prior reporting period presented.

In preparation for adoption of the standard on January 1, 2018, we have implemented internal controls and key system functionality to enable the preparation of financial statements, or onlyinformation and have reached conclusions on key accounting assessments related to the standard. The most significant impacts of the standard relate to the timing of revenue recognition related to our on-premises offerings, in which we grant customers the right to deploy our software on the customer’s own servers without significant penalty, the accounting for incremental costs to obtain a contract and the classification of proceeds for Knowledge and other user forums as a reduction in sales and marketing expenses instead of professional services and other revenues.

Under the Topic 606 standard, for our on-premises offerings, the requirement to have vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) for undelivered elements is eliminated. As a result, we will recognize as subscription revenues a portion of the sales price upon delivery of the software, compared to the current practice of recognizing the entire sales price ratably over an estimated subscription period due to the lack of VSOE. To the extent the amounts recognized as subscription revenues have not been billed, the revenue will be recorded as “unbilled receivables” and reported under “prepaid expenses and other current assets” for short-term unbilled receivables and “other assets” for long-term unbilled receivables on our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, refundable amounts associated with customer contracts will be recorded as “customer deposits” and presented under “accrued expenses and other current liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets.

In addition, we expect the Topic 606 standard to change the way we account for commissions paid on both our on-premises offerings and our cloud-based subscription offerings. Our current practice is to defer only direct and incremental commission costs to obtain a contract and amortize those costs over the contract term, which is generally 12 to 36 months, for both our on-premises offerings and our cloud-based subscription offerings. Under Topic 606, we will defer all incremental commission costs to obtain customer contracts, including indirect costs that are not tied to a specific contract, for both our on-premises offerings and our cloud-based subscription offerings. On initial contracts, only the portion equivalent to a renewal commission will be amortized over the contract term, while the portion incremental to a renewal commission will primarily be amortized over a period of benefit that we have determined to be approximately five years. On renewal contracts, these costs will be amortized over the renewal term. Additionally, for our on-premises offerings, consistent with the recognition of subscription revenue for on-premises offerings as described above, a portion of the commission cost will be expensed upfront when the on-premises offering is made available.

The direct effect on income taxes resulting from the above-mentioned changes to revenues and commission expenses would result in additional income tax expense being recorded in each of the prior reporting period presented in the financial statementsperiods that have been restated. The indirect effect of Topic 606 on income taxes associated with a cumulative effect adjustmentintercompany adjustments will be recorded in the retained earnings. This guidance will becomefirst quarter of 2018.

Impact on statements of operations

The table below provides specified line items from our consolidated statements of operations on (i) an actual basis and (ii) as adjusted to reflect the impact that the adoption of Topic 606 would have had on such line items if such adoption had been effective for us forthe applicable periods (in thousands, except share and per share data):


 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
 As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted
Revenues:       
Subscription and software$1,739,795
 $1,739,500
 $1,221,639
 $1,234,070
Professional services and other193,231
 178,994
 168,874
 156,915
Total revenues1,933,026
 1,918,494
 1,390,513
 1,390,985
Cost of revenues:       
Professional services and other184,202
 184,292
 163,268
 163,581
Total cost of revenues499,772
 499,862
 398,682
 398,995
Gross profit1,433,254
 1,418,632
 991,831
 991,990
Operating expenses:       
Sales and marketing946,617
 894,977
 700,464
 659,983
Total operating expenses1,534,668
 1,483,028
 1,414,639
 1,374,158
Loss from operations(101,414) (64,396) (422,808) (382,168)
Interest income and other income (expense), net5,804
 4,384
 6,035
 5,027
Loss before income taxes(149,004) (113,406) (450,051) (410,419)
Provision for income taxes126
 3,440
 1,753
 3,830
Net loss$(149,130) $(116,846) $(451,804) $(414,249)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted$(0.87) $(0.68) $(2.75) $(2.52)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share - basic and diluted171,175,577
 171,175,577
 164,533,823
 164,533,823

Impact on balance sheets

The table below provides specified line items from our interimconsolidated balance sheets on (i) an actual basis and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating(ii) as adjusted to reflect the impact that the adoption of this updateTopic 606 would have had on such line items if such adoption had been effective as of the applicable date (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31, 2017
 As Reported As Adjusted
Assets   
Accounts receivable, net$434,895
 $437,051
Current portion of deferred commissions118,690
 109,643
Prepaid expenses and other current assets77,681
 95,959
Deferred commissions, less current portion85,530
 224,252
Other assets49,600
 51,832
Liabilities   
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities244,605
 253,257
Current portion of deferred revenue1,280,499
 1,210,695
Deferred revenue, less current portion39,884
 36,120
Other long-term liabilities43,239
 65,884
Stockholder's equity   
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income(889) 5,767
Accumulated deficit(1,146,520) (958,564)


Impact on statements of cash flows

While there will be material changes within individual line items included as part of cash provided by (used in) operating activities, we do not expect the adoption of the Topic 606 standard to have a material impact on net cash provided by (used in) operating, financing, or investing activities in our consolidated cash flows statements.

Impact on footnote disclosures

In future periods, Topic 606 will also require us to disclose in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.statements the amount and timing of revenues expected to be recognized from remaining performance obligations under customer contracts.


63


(3)    Investments
 
Marketable Securities

The following is a summary of our investmentsavailable-for-sale investment securities, excluding those securities classified within cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
 December 31, 2017
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities:       
Commercial paper$258,348
 $1
 $(5) $258,344
Corporate notes and bonds1,006,302
 26
 (3,084) 1,003,244
Certificates of deposit33,084
 
 
 33,084
U.S. government agency securities129,494
 
 (638) 128,856
Marketable equity securities10,000
 10,717
 
 20,717
Total available-for-sale securities$1,437,228
 $10,744
 $(3,727) $1,444,245

 December 31, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities:       
Commercial paper$8,195
 $1
 $
 $8,196
Corporate notes and bonds554,421
 56
 (845) 553,632
Certificates of deposit27,251
 8
 (2) 27,257
U.S. government agency securities94,093
 2
 (72) 94,023
Total available-for-sale securities$683,960
 $67
 $(919) $683,108
December 31, 2013December 31, 2016
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities:              
Commercial paper$124,330
 $10
 $(21) $124,319
$56,839
 $
 $
 $56,839
Corporate notes and bonds399,519
 129
 (360) 399,288
628,054
 91
 (1,590) 626,555
Certificates of deposit35,355
 
 
 35,355
U.S. government agency securities42,088
 7
 (62) 42,033
Total available-for-sale securities$523,849
 $139
 $(381) $523,607
$762,336
 $98
 $(1,652) $760,782

As of December 31, 2014,2017, the contractual maturities of our investmentsinvestment securities, excluding marketable equity securities and those securities classified within cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets, did not exceed 24 months. The fair values of available-for-sale investments,investment securities, by remaining contractual maturity, are as follows (in thousands):
 December 31, 2014
Due in 1 year or less$416,336
Due in 1 year through 2 years266,772
Total$683,108
 December 31, 2017
Due in one year or less$1,032,086
Due in one year through two years391,442
Total$1,423,528

We had certain available-for-sale
The following table shows the fair values and the gross unrealized losses of these securities, classified by the length of time that the securities have been in a grosscontinuous unrealized loss position, substantially alland aggregated by investment types, excluding those securities classified within cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): 
 December 31, 2017
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Commercial paper$14,809
 $(5) $
 $
 $14,809
 $(5)
Corporate notes and bonds819,113
 (2,703) 141,874
 (381) 960,987
 (3,084)
U.S. government agency securities106,301
 (593) 22,555
 (45) 128,856
 (638)
Total$940,223
 $(3,301) $164,429
 $(426) $1,104,652
 $(3,727)

 December 31, 2016
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Corporate notes and bonds$492,503
 $(1,530) $47,940
 $(60) $540,443
 $(1,590)
U.S. government agency securities30,033
 (62) 
 
 30,033
 (62)
Total$522,536
 $(1,592) $47,940
 $(60) $570,476
 $(1,652)

 As of whichDecember 31, 2017, we had beena total of 405 available-for-sale securities, excluding those securities classified within cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet in such position for less than 12 months.an unrealized loss position. There were no impairments considered "other-than-temporary"“other-than-temporary” as it is more likely than not we will hold the securities until maturity or a recovery of the cost basis.

Strategic Investments

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the total amount of debt and equity investments in privately-held companies included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets was $5.8 million and $11.0 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we reclassified $10.0 million of non-marketable equity securities (at cost) to short-term investments on our consolidated balance sheets due to an initial public offering by the investee, and recorded an unrealized gain of $10.7 million within other comprehensive income (loss) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. We also acquired an additional $4.8 million in strategic investments during the year ended December 31, 2017. The following table showsfair value of our debt investments in privately-held companies included within our strategic investments is $1.5 million and $0.5 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These investments are recorded at fair value using significant unobservable inputs or data in an inactive market and the valuation requires our judgment due to the absence of quoted prices in active markets and inherent lack of liquidity and are categorized accordingly as Level 3 in the fair values and the gross unrealized lossesvalue hierarchy. We have not recorded any impairment charges for any of these available-for-sale securities aggregated by investment types (in thousands):
 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Commercial Paper
 
 81,467
 (21)
Corporate notes and bonds436,140
 (845) 293,642
 (360)
Certificates of deposit7,999
 (2) 
 
U.S. government agency securities80,014
 (72) 
 
Total$524,153
 $(919) $375,109
 $(381)
As of December 31, 2014, we had a total of 283 available-for-sale securitiesour investments in an unrealized loss position.privately-held companies.


64


(4)    Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents our fair value hierarchy for our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at as of December 31, 20142017 (in thousands): 
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Total
Cash and cash equivalents:       
Cash$201,314
 $
 $
 $201,314
Cash equivalents:     
Money market funds46,541
 
 
 46,541
$282,507
 $
 $282,507
Commercial paper
 4,600
 
 4,600

 100,456
 100,456
Corporate notes and bonds
 50,437
 50,437
Short-term investments:            
Commercial paper
 8,196
 
 8,196

 258,344
 258,344
Corporate notes and bonds
 342,864
 
 342,864

 688,316
 688,316
Certificates of deposit
 25,258
 
 25,258

 17,950
 17,950
U.S. government agency securities
 40,018
 
 40,018

 67,476
 67,476
Marketable equity securities20,717
 
 20,717
Long-term investments:            
Corporate notes and bonds
 210,768
 
 210,768

 314,928
 314,928
Certificates of deposit
 1,999
 
 1,999

 15,134
 15,134
U.S. government agency securities
 54,005
 
 54,005

 61,380
 61,380
Total$247,855
 $687,708
 $
 $935,563
$303,224
 $1,574,421
 $1,877,645
 
The following table presents our fair value hierarchy for our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis atas of December 31, 20132016 (in thousands): 

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Total
Cash and cash equivalents:       
Cash$69,333
 $
 $
 $69,333
Cash equivalents:     
Money market funds35,248
 
 
 35,248
$165,627
 $
 $165,627
Commercial paper
 261,722
 
 261,722
Short-term investments:            
Commercial paper
 124,319
 
 124,319

 56,839
 56,839
Corporate notes and bonds
 143,932
 
 143,932

 388,429
 388,429
Certificates of deposit
 35,355
 35,355
U.S. government agency securities
 17,501
 17,501
Long-term investments:            
Corporate notes and bonds
 255,356
 
 255,356

 238,125
 238,125
U.S. government agency securities
 24,533
 24,533
Total$104,581
 $785,329
 $
 $889,910
$165,627
 $760,782
 $926,409

We determine the fair value of our security holdings based on pricing from our service provider and market prices from industry-standard independent data providers. Such market prices may be quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or pricing determined using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs), such as yield curve, volatility factors, credit spreads, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments or debt, broker and dealer quotes, as well as other relevant economic measures.



See Note 3 for the fair value measurement of our debt investments in privately-held companies and Note 9 for the fair value measurement of our convertible senior notes, which are not included in the table above.



(5)    AcquisitionsBusiness Combinations
Neebula Systems Ltd.
2017 Business Combinations

SkyGiraffe

On July 11, 2014,October 31, 2017, we completed the acquisition of a privately-held company, Neebula SystemsSkyGiraffe Ltd. (SkyGiraffe), or Neebula, by acquiring all issued and outstanding common shares of NeebulaSkyGiraffe for approximately $100$32.3 million in an all-cash transaction. Neebula’s flagship product, ServiceWatch, automatestransaction to enhance the discovery, mapping and monitoring of IT-enabled enterprise services. The acquisition will expand the overall capabilitiesconsumer product-like mobile experience of our IT operations management offerings. solutions.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
Purchase Price Allocation
(in thousands)
 
 Useful Life
(in years)
Purchase Price Allocation
(in thousands)
 
Useful Life
(in years)
Net tangible assets acquired$102
 $675
 
Intangible assets:    
Developed technology56,200
 5.515,600
 5
Order backlog600
 1.5
Trade names300
 1.5
Goodwill53,788
 19,386
 
Net deferred tax liabilities (1)
(10,527) (3,341) 
Total purchase price$100,463
 $32,320
 
(1)Deferred tax liabilities, net primarily relates to purchased identifiable intangible assets and is shown net of deferred tax assets.

DxContinuum

On January 20, 2017, we completed the acquisition of a privately-held company, DxContinuum, Inc. (DxContinuum), by acquiring all issued and outstanding common shares of DxContinuum for approximately $15.0 million in an all-cash transaction to enhance the predictive capabilities of our solutions.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
 
Purchase Price Allocation
(in thousands)
 
Useful Life
(in years)
Net tangible assets acquired$37
  
Intangible assets:   
Developed technology6,400
 5
Goodwill11,159
  
Net deferred tax liabilities (1)
(2,561)  
Total purchase price$15,035
  

(1)Deferred tax liabilities, net primarily relates to purchased identifiable intangible assets and is shown net of deferred tax assets.

Other 2017 Business Combinations

We also completed the acquisitions of Qlue, Inc. and Digital Telepathy, Inc. (Telepathy) during the year ended December 31, 2017 for approximately $11.6 million in cash, and have included the results of operations of these companies in our consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of purchase. In allocating the aggregate purchase price based on the estimated fair value, we recorded $9.1 million of goodwill, $3.5 million of developed technology intangible assets (to be amortized over estimated useful life of five years) and $1.1 million of deferred tax liabilities. Amounts allocated to the remaining acquired tangible assets and assumed liabilities were not material. $4.1 million of the goodwill balance associated with these business combinations is deductible for income tax purposes. We are obligated to make cash payments of up to $5.0 million in connection with the acquisition of Telepathy, contingent upon the continued employment by us of certain former employees on specified future dates. We determined that this additional consideration was not part of the purchase price and will be recognized as post-acquisition expense over the related requisite service period.

For all of our 2017 business combinations, the excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. We believe the goodwill resulting from these business combinations represents the synergies expected from expanded market opportunities when integrating the acquired technologies with our offerings. Aggregate acquisition-related costs associated with our 2017 business combinations of $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 are included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.

2016 Business Combinations

BrightPoint Security

On June 3, 2016, we completed the acquisition of a privately-held company, BrightPoint Security, Inc. (BrightPoint), by acquiring all issued and outstanding common shares of BrightPoint for approximately $19.6 million in an all-cash transaction to expand our security operations solutions. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
 
Purchase Price Allocation
(in thousands)
 
Useful Life
(in years)
Intangible assets:   
Developed technology$8,100
 6
Customer contracts and related relationships500
 1.5
Goodwill15,258
  
Net tangible liabilities acquired(1,339)  
Net deferred tax liabilities (1)
(2,890)  
Total purchase price$19,629
  

(1)Deferred tax liabilities, net primarily relates to purchased identifiable intangible assets and is shown net of deferred tax assets.

ITapp

On April 8, 2016, we completed the acquisition of a privately-held company, ITapp Inc. (ITapp), by acquiring all issued and outstanding common shares of ITapp for approximately $14.5 million in an all-cash transaction to expand our IT Operations Management solutions. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
 
Purchase Price Allocation
(in thousands)
 
Useful Life
(in years)
Net tangible assets acquired$140
  
Intangible assets:   
Developed technology4,700
 5
Customer contracts and related relationships200
 1.5
Goodwill11,437
  
Net deferred tax liabilities (1)
(2,015)  
Total purchase price$14,462
  

(1)Deferred tax liabilities, net primarily relates to purchased identifiable intangible assets and is shown net of deferred tax assets.

For both of our 2016 business combinations, the excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. We believe the goodwill represents the synergies expected from expanded market opportunities when integrating Neebulathe acquired technologies with our offerings. The goodwill balance for both business combinations is not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. Acquisition-related costs of $1.2$1.0 million are primarily included in general and administrative expenses onin our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.


Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

The results of operations of Neebulaour 2017 and 2016 business combinations have been included in our consolidated financial statements from the datetheir respective dates of purchase. The following pro forma consolidated financial information combines the unaudited results of operations forfrom us and Neebulaall the companies that we acquired since January 1, 2016 for the yearyears ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, as if the acquisition of Neebulathese acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 20132016 (in thousands, except share and per share data):
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,2017 2016
2014 2013(Unaudited)
Revenue$683,426
 $425,515
$1,937,374
 $1,397,600
Net loss$(189,457) $(89,871)$(153,218) $(467,578)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted145,355,543
 135,415,809
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted$(1.30) $(0.66)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share - basic and diluted171,175,577
 164,533,823
Net loss per share - basic and diluted$(0.90) $(2.84)

The pro forma results as presented above are based on estimates and assumptions, which we believe are reasonable. They are not necessarily indicative of our consolidated results of operations in future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had we been a combined company during the periods presented. The pro forma results include adjustments primarily related to amortization of acquired intangible assets and acquisition-related costs.

Mirror42 Holding B.V.

On July 1, 2013, we acquired all the outstanding stock of Mirror42 Holding B.V., a cloud-based performance analytics company, for total cash consideration of $13.3 million. We believe this acquisition accelerates our ability to deliver on enterprise requirements for advanced business intelligence.


66



The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

 
Purchase Price Allocation
(in thousands)
 
 Useful Life
(in years)
Net tangible liabilities acquired$(595)  
Intangible assets:   
Developed technology5,530
 4
Contracts297
 1.5
Non-compete agreements31
 1.5
Goodwill8,218
  
Net deferred tax liabilities(139)  
Total purchase price$13,342
  

The excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. Management believes that the goodwill represents the synergies expected from expanded market opportunities when integrating the Mirror42 Holding B.V.’s technologies with our offerings. $8.1 million of the goodwill balance is deductible for income tax purposes.

The results of operations of Mirror42 Holding B.V. described above have been included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of purchase. Our business combination did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, and therefore pro forma disclosures have not been presented.

(6) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill balances are presented below (in thousands):
 Carrying Amount  Carrying Amount
Balance as of December 31, 2013 $8,724
Balance as of December 31, 2015Balance as of December 31, 2015 $55,669
Goodwill acquired 53,788
Goodwill acquired 26,695
Foreign currency translation adjustments (7,496)Foreign currency translation adjustments 170
Balance as of December 31, 2014 $55,016
Balance as of December 31, 2016Balance as of December 31, 2016 82,534
Goodwill acquiredGoodwill acquired 39,668
Foreign currency translation adjustmentsForeign currency translation adjustments 6,526
Balance as of December 31, 2017Balance as of December 31, 2017 $128,728

Intangible assets consistedconsist of the following (in thousands):
 December 31, 2014
 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
Developed technology$59,895
 $(6,727) $53,168
Backlog588
 (184) 404
Other acquisition-related intangible assets597
 (398) 199
     Acquisition-related intangible assets61,080
 (7,309) 53,771
Other intangible assets1,075
 (320) 755
Total intangible assets$62,155
 $(7,629) $54,526
 December 31, 2017
 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
Developed technology$102,349
 $(43,382) $58,967
Patents31,030
 (3,239) 27,791
Other1,575
 (1,417) 158
Total intangible assets$134,954
 $(48,038) $86,916


67



 December 31, 2013
 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
Developed technology$5,783
 $(723) $5,060
Other acquisition-related intangible assets348
 (115) 233
     Acquisition-related intangible assets6,131
 (838) 5,293
Other intangible assets650
 (147) 503
Total intangible assets$6,781
 $(985) $5,796
 December 31, 2016
 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
Developed technology$79,206
 $(30,858) $48,348
Patents17,610
 (867) 16,743
Other1,775
 (1,012) 763
Total intangible assets$98,591
 $(32,737) $65,854


Apart from the business combinations described in Note 5, we acquired $13.4 million and $25.0 million of intangible assets in patents and technology acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Weighted-average useful life for the patents and technology acquired during the year ended December 31, 2017 is approximately ten years. Weighted average useful life for the patents and technology acquired during the year ended December 31, 2016 is approximately nine years and five years, respectively.

Amortization expense for intangible assets was approximately $6.8$19.7 million, $0.9$15.1 million and $0.1$11.8 million respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012.2015, respectively.

The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets held at December 31, 20142017 (in thousands):
    Acquisition-related intangible assets Other intangible assets Total
Years Ending December 31, Years Ending December 31,
2015$11,853
 $199
 $12,052
201611,285
 199
 11,484
201710,575
 199
 10,774
20189,882
 119
 10,001
2018 $22,772
20199,882
 39
 9,921
2019 22,691
20202020 12,736
20212021 10,805
20222022 6,974
Thereafter294
 
 294
Thereafter 10,938
Total future amortization expense$53,771
 $755
 $54,526
Total future amortization expense $86,916

(7)    Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net consists of the following (in thousands):
December 31,December 31,
2014 20132017 2016
Computer equipment and software$128,546
 $90,617
Computer equipment$326,378
 $222,648
Computer software46,413
 32,132
Leasehold and other improvements56,232
 37,095
Furniture and fixtures18,253
 13,751
38,789
 31,574
Leasehold improvements14,929
 8,371
Building7,084
 6,379
Construction in progress9,762
 928
5,341
 2,535
171,490
 113,667
480,237
 332,363
Less: Accumulated depreciation(67,253) (38,107)(235,113) (150,743)
Total property and equipment, net$104,237
 $75,560
$245,124
 $181,620
 
Construction in progress consists primarily of leasehold improvements building and in-process software development costs. Depreciation expense was $35.3$93.2 million, $22.6$67.8 million and $13.5$48.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.


68


(8)    Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
December 31,December 31,
2014 20132017 2016
Taxes payable$7,625
 $4,187
$25,617
 $19,472
Bonuses and commissions28,228
 22,322
84,972
 67,259
Accrued compensation14,961
 16,610
45,428
 30,816
Other employee expenses16,080
 11,926
Other employee related liabilities44,284
 28,812
Other12,603
 13,085
44,304
 25,277
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities$79,497
 $68,130
$244,605
 $171,636


(9)    Convertible Senior Notes

In November 2013,May and June 2017, we issued $782.5 million of 0% convertible senior notes (the 2022 Notes), due NovemberJune 1, 2018 with aggregate principal amount of $575 million (the "Notes"). The Notes will not bear interest. The Notes mature on November 1, 20182022 unless earlier converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Weterms. In November 2013, we issued $575.0 million of 0% convertible senior notes (the 2018 Notes, and together with the 2022 Notes, the Notes), due November 1, 2018 unless earlier converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms. The Notes do not bear interest, and we cannot redeem the Notes prior to maturity.

The Notes are unsecured obligations and do not contain any financial covenants or restrictions on the payments of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness or the issuance or repurchase of securities by us or any of our subsidiaries.

Upon conversion of the Notes, we may choose to pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. We currently intend to settle the principal amount of the Notes with cash.

The Notes are convertible up to 7.8 million shares of our common stock at an initial conversion rate of approximately 13.54 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $73.88 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment.
 Convertible Date Initial Conversion Price per Share Initial Conversion Rate per $1,000 Par Value Initial Number of Shares
2022 NotesFebruary 1, 2022 $134.75
 7.42 shares 5,806,936
2018 NotesJuly 1, 2018 $73.88
 13.54 shares 7,783,023

Holders of the Notes may convert their Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding February 1, 2022 and July 1, 2018, for the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes, respectively (each, a Convertible Date), only under the following circumstances:

during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on March 31, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of theour common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price on each applicable trading day; or

during the five businessfive-business day period after any five consecutivefive-consecutive trading day period, (the “measurement period”)or the measurement period, in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notesthe Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the applicable conversion rate on each such trading day; or

upon the occurrence of specified corporate events.

On or after July 1, 2018,the applicable Convertible Date, a holder may convert all or any portion of its notesNotes at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date regardless of the foregoing conditions. Upon conversion, we will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our electionelection. As noted above, we currently intend to settle the principal amount of the Notes with cash.

The conversion price will be subject to adjustment in some events. Holders of the Notes who convert their notesNotes in connection with certain corporate events that constitute a “make-whole fundamental change” are, under certain circumstances, entitled to an increase in the conversion rate. Additionally, in the event of a corporate event that constitutes a “fundamental change,” holders of the Notes may require us to purchase with cash all or a portion of the Notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the respective Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest.special interest, if any.




In accounting for the issuance of the notes,Notes, we separated the Notes into liability and equity components. The carrying cost of the liability component was calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated convertible feature. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the par value of the Notes. The difference between the principal amount of the Notes and the proceeds allocated to the liability component, (“or the debt discount”)discount, is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the Note.respective Notes. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification.


In accounting for the transaction costs related to the issuance of the Notes, we allocated the total amount incurred to the liability and equity components based on their relative fair values. Transaction costs attributable to the liability component are being amortized to interest expense over the termrespective terms of the Notes, and transaction costs attributable to the equity component were netted with the equity component of the Notes in stockholders’ equity. Additionally, we recorded a net deferred tax liability of $6.6 million in connection with the Notes and convertible notes hedge transactions described below. The Notes consisted of the following (in thousands):
 December 31,
 2014 2013
Liability:   
Principal$575,000
 $575,000
Less: debt discount, net of amortization(131,236) (160,223)
Net carrying amount$443,764
 $414,777
    
Equity(1):
$152,061
 $152,061
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Liability component:   
Principal:   
2022 Notes$782,500
 $
2018 Notes574,994
 575,000
Less: debt issuance cost and debt discount, net of amortization   
2022 Notes(152,482) 
2018 Notes(31,576) (67,188)
Net carrying amount$1,173,436
 $507,812
 2022 Notes 2018 Notes
Equity component recorded at issuance:   
Note$162,039
 $155,319
Issuance cost(2,148) (3,257)
Net amount recorded in equity$159,891
 $152,062

(1)Included in the consolidated balance sheets within additional paid-in capital.
The price of our common stock was greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price of the 2018 Notes for at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the quarter ended June 30, 2017. Therefore, the 2018 Notes first became convertible at the holders’ option beginning on July 1, 2017 and continue to be convertible at the holders' option through March 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid cash to settle an immaterial principal amount of the 2018 Notes. Based on additional conversion requests we have received through the filing date, we expect to settle in cash an aggregate of $37.3 million in principal amount of the 2018 Notes during the first quarter of 2018 and $7.3 million in principal amount of the 2018 Notes during the second quarter of 2018. We may receive additional conversion requests that require settlement in the second quarter or the remainder of the year 2018.

As we have the option to settle the principal amount in shares and we are less than 12 months away from the maturity date, we have classified the net carrying amount of our 2018 Notes as a current liability and the equity component of our 2018 Notes continues to remain in permanent equity. Our 2018 Notes were not convertible as of December 31, 2016. Our 2022 Notes were not convertible as of December 31, 2017.

We consider the fair value of the Notes at December 31, 2014 and 20132017 to be a Level 2 measurement. The estimated fair values of the Notes at December 31, 2014 was $653.3 million. The fair value was determined2017 and December 31, 2016 based on the closing trading price per $100 of the Notes on December 31, 2014. Based on the closing price of our common stock of $67.85 and $56.01 on December 31, 2014 and 2013, the if-converted value of the Notes was less than its principal amount.were as follows (in thousands):

 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
2022 Notes$897,778
 N/A
2018 Notes$1,015,554
 $681,375


As of December 31, 2014,2017, the remaining life of the 2022 Notes is 46 months.and 2018 Notes are 53 months and 10 months, respectively. The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the Notes (in thousands):
 December 31,
 2014 2013
Amortization of debt issuance cost$1,558
 $188
Amortization of debt discount27,501
 3,310
Total$29,059
 $3,498
Effective interest rate of the liability component6.5%

There was no interest expense recognized in the year ended December 31, 2012 related to the Notes.
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Amortization of debt issuance cost     
2022 Notes$860
 $
 $
2018 Notes1,911
 1,785
 1,668
Amortization of debt discount     
2022 Notes16,921
 
 
2018 Notes33,702
 31,493
 29,429
Total$53,394
 $33,278
 $31,097
Effective interest rate of the liability component 
2022 Notes4.75%
2018 Notes6.50%

Note HedgeHedges

To minimize the impact of potential economic dilution upon conversion of the Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the 2022 Note Hedge and 2018 Note Hedge, respectively, and collectively, the Note Hedges) with certain investment banks, with respect to our common stock concurrentconcurrently with the issuance of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes.
 Purchase Shares
 (in thousands)  
2022 Note Hedge$128,017
 5,806,936
2018 Note Hedge$135,815
 7,783,023

The Note Hedge covers approximately 7.8 millionHedges cover shares of our common stock at a strike price per share that corresponds to the initial conversion price of the respective Notes, are also subject to adjustment, and are exercisable upon conversion of the Notes. If exercised, we may elect to receive cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares. We paid anhave accounted for the aggregate amount of $135.8 millionpurchase price for the Note Hedge.Hedges as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. The Note HedgeHedges will expire upon the maturity of the Notes. The Note Hedge isHedges are intended to reduce the potential economic dilution upon conversion of the Notes in the event that the fair value per share of our common stock at the time of exercise is greater than the conversion price of the Notes. The Note Hedge is aHedges are separate transactiontransactions and isare not part of the terms of the Notes. Holders of the Notes will not have any rights with respect to the Note Hedges. The Note Hedge doesHedges do not impact earnings per share, as it wasthey were entered into to offset any dilution from the Notes. As of December 31, 2017, 7,782,946 shares remain subject to the 2018 Note Hedge due to early conversions that have occurred during the year ended December 31, 2017.


Warrants
70


Warrants
 Proceeds Shares Strike Price First Expiration Date
 (in thousands)      
2022 Warrants$54,071
 5,806,936
 $203.40
 September 2022
2018 Warrants$84,525
 7,783,023
 $107.46
 February 2019

Separately, we entered into warrant transactions (the “Warrants”)with certain investment banks, whereby we sold warrants to acquire, upsubject to 7.8 millionadjustment, the number of shares of our common stock at a strike price of $107.46 per share, subject to adjustments. We received aggregate proceeds of $84.5 million fromshown in the sale oftable above (the 2022 Warrants and 2018 Warrants, respectively, and collectively, the Warrants.Warrants). If the average market value per share of our common stock for the reporting period, as measured under the Warrants, exceeds the strike price of the respective Warrants, thesuch Warrants willwould have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share.share to the extent we report net income. According to the terms of each of the Warrants, the Warrants will be automatically exercised over a 60 trading day period beginning on the first expiration date of the respective Warrants as set forth above. The Warrants are separate transactions and are not remeasured through earnings each reporting period. The Warrants are not part of the Notes or the Note Hedge,Hedges, and have been accounted for as part of additional paid-in capital.


(10)    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss net of tax, consist of the following (in thousands):

December 31,December 31,
2014 20132017 2016
Foreign currency translation adjustment$(11,261) $(234)$(4,410) $(19,277)
Net unrealized loss on investments(852) (242)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax3,521
 (1,856)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(12,113) $(476)$(889) $(21,133)

Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net loss were immaterial for all periods presented.

(11)    Stockholders' Equity

Common Stock
In February 2012, we issued and sold 1,750,980 shares of common stock at a price of $10.20 per share for gross proceeds of $17.9 million in a private placement with a new stockholder. As part of this private placement, our founder sold 700,000 shares of common stock at the same price per share to this new stockholder.

In July 2012, we closed our IPO of 13,397,500 shares of common stock at an offering price of $18.00 per share. The offering included 10,350,000 shares sold and issued by us and 3,047,500 shares sold by our founder. The 13,397,500 shares sold in the offering included the overallotment option exercised in full by the underwritersWe are authorized to purchase 1,350,000 shares and 397,500 shares from us and our founder, respectively. The net proceeds to us from the offering were $173.3 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, and before deducting total expenses in connection with the offering of $3.5 million.
In November 2012, we and the selling shareholders sold 16,100,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $28.00 per share. The offering included 1,897,500 shares sold and issued by us and 14,202,500 shares sold by the selling stockholders. The 16,100,000 shares sold included the overallotment option exercised in full by the underwriters to purchase 247,500 shares and 1,852,500 shares from us and the selling stockholders, respectively. The net proceeds to us from the offering were $51.0 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, and before deducting total expenses in connection with the offering of $1.2 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we repurchased and subsequently canceled 100,000 shares, 77,498 shares and 6,666 shares of common stock at a price of $10.00, $11.50 and $12.00 per share, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we issuedissue a total of 9,154,487 shares and 13,986,905 shares, respectively, from stock option exercises, vesting of RSUs and ESPP.

71


We were authorized to issue 600,000,000 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2014.2017. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to receive dividends unless declared by our board of directors. As of December 31, 2014,2017, we had 149,509,092174,275,864 shares of common stock outstanding and had reserved shares of common stock for future issuance as follows:
 
  December 31, 20142017
Stock option plan:plans:  
Options outstanding 15,897,4223,369,732
RSUs(1)
 9,941,07411,403,341
Stock awards available for future grants:  
2005 Stock Option Plan(1)

2012 Equity Incentive Plan(1)(2)
 14,444,89425,813,848
2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan(1)(2)
 6,529,5169,581,944
Total reserved shares of common stock for future issuance 46,812,90650,168,865
 
(1)Represents the number of shares issuable upon settlement of outstanding RSUs and performance RSUs, assuming 100% of the target number of shares for performance RSUs, as discussed under the section entitled “RSUs” in Note 12.
(2)Refer to Note 12 for a description of these plans.

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we issued a total of 7,385,897 shares and 6,645,009 shares, respectively, from stock option exercises, vesting of RSUs, net of employee payroll taxes and purchases from ESPP. In May 2017, we repurchased and retired 540,806 shares of our common stock for approximately $55.0 million, or $101.70 per share, from certain purchasers of the 2022 Notes in connection with the 2022 Notes offering. We had no similar repurchases or retirements of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2016.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by stockholders, to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Our board of directors may designate the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the preferred stock, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preference and number of shares constituting any series or the designation of any series. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of restricting dividends on our common stock, diluting the voting power of our common stock, impairing the liquidation rights of our common stock, or delaying or preventing a change in control. At December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, no shares of preferred stock were outstanding.

(12)    StockEquity Awards

We currently have atwo equity incentive plans, our 2005 Stock Option Plan or(the 2005 Plan, which provides for grants of stock awards, including options to purchase shares of common stock, stock purchase rightsPlan) and RSUs to certain employees, officers, directors and consultants. As of December 31, 2014, there were 53,355,641 total shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2005 Plan, which includes shares already issued under such plan and shares reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding options and RSUs.

On April 27, 2012, the board of directors approved theour 2012 Equity Incentive Plan or(the 2012 Plan). Our 2005 Plan andwas terminated in connection with our initial public offering in 2012 but continues to govern the 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, orterms of outstanding stock options that were granted prior to the 2012 ESPP, which became effective on June 27, 2012 and June 28, 2012, respectively.termination of the 2005 Plan. We no longer grant equity awards pursuant to our 2005 Plan.
 

Our 2012 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs, performance-based stock awards and other forms of equity compensation or collectively, stock awards.(collectively, equity awards). In addition, the 2012 Plan provides for the grant of performance cash awards. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees. All other equity awards may be granted to employees, including officers, as well as directors and consultants. The share reserve may increase to the extent that outstanding stock options under the 2005 Plan expire or terminate unexercised. The share reserve also automatically increases on January 1 of each year until January 1, 2022, by up to 5% of the total number of shares of the common stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding year as determined by theour board of directors. As of December 31, 2014, there were 29,160,914 totalOn January 1, 2018, 8,713,793 shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2012 Plan, excluding 7,475,454 shares of common stockwere automatically added to the 2012 Plan on January 1, 2015 pursuant to the provision described in the preceding sentence.

Our 2012 ESPPEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (the 2012 ESPP) authorizes the issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to purchase rights granted to our employees. The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance automatically increases on January 1 of each year, from January 1, 2013 through January 1, 2022, by up to 1% of the total number of shares of the common stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding year. The price at which common stock is purchased under the 2012 ESPP is equal to 85% of the fair market value of theour common stock on the first or last day of the offering period, whichever is lower. Offering periods are six months long and begin on February 1 and August 1 of each year. AsThe number of December 31, 2014, we had 6,529,516 total shares of common stock reserved for issuance underautomatically increases on January 1 of each year until January 1, 2022, by up to 1% of the 2012 ESPP, excluding 1,495,090total number of shares of common stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding year as determined by our board of directors. On January 1, 2018, 1,742,758 shares of common stock were automatically added to the 2012 Plan on January 1, 2015.ESPP pursuant to the provision described in the preceding sentence.


72


Stock Options

The stockStock options are exercisable at a price equal to the market value of the underlying shares of common stock on the date of the grant as determined by our board of directors or, for those stock options issued subsequent to our IPO, the closing price of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. Stock options granted under our 2005 Plan and the 2012 Plan to new employees generally vest 25% one year from the date the requisite service period begins and continue to vest monthly for each month of continued employment over the remaining three years. Options granted generally are exercisable for a period of up to 10ten years. Option holders under the 2005 Plan can exercise unvested options to acquire restricted stock. Upon termination of service, we have the right to repurchase at the original purchase price any unvested (but issued) shares of common stock.
 
A summary of the stock option activity was as follows:
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 201236,115,460
 $5.05
    
Granted2,339,523
 38.07
    
Exercised(12,951,123) 3.34
   $446,054
Canceled/forfeited(2,104,486) 7.66
    
Outstanding at December 31, 201323,399,374
 9.07
    
Granted744,144
 61.40
    
Exercised(7,478,595) 6.76
   $406,630
Canceled/forfeited(767,501) 22.26
    
Outstanding at December 31, 201415,897,422
 $11.96
 6.88 $888,579
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 201415,714,142
 $11.69
 6.87 $882,474
Vested and exercisable as of December 31, 20149,474,046
 $6.71
 6.48 $579,267
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 20158,255,554
 $16.65
    
Granted617,985
 71.17
    
Exercised(2,587,173) 13.36
   $157,774
Canceled(467,931) 58.01
    
Outstanding at December 31, 20165,818,435
 20.57
    
Granted616,720
 86.33
    
Exercised(2,970,914) 12.44
   $277,670
Canceled(94,509) 68.88
    
Outstanding at December 31, 20173,369,732
 $38.43
 5.62 $309,892
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 20173,283,791
 $37.62
 5.54 $304,651
Vested and exercisable as of December 31, 20172,426,777
 $21.96
 4.38 $263,144
 
Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the estimated fair value of our common stock and the exercise price of outstanding, in-the-money options. The total intrinsic value of the options exercised was $84.2$523.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.2015. The weighted-average grant date fair value per share fair value of options granted was $29.66, $18.70$37.57, $28.01 and $7.68$32.64 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested was $39.1$11.8 million, $33.1$17.0 million and $19.2$34.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.
 
Included in the number of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2017 are 396,720 options with both service and market-based criteria, which were granted to our new President and Chief Executive Officer, who started his employment with us during the year. The fair values of the options granted and the corresponding derived service periods were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation, which estimates the potential outcome of reaching the market condition based on simulated future stock prices. The stock-based compensation expense associated with these options are recorded on a graded vesting basis.

As of December 31, 2014,2017, total unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to unvested stock options was approximately $54.1$23.7 million. The weighted-average remaining vesting period of unvested stock options at December 31, 20142017 was 2.343.16 years.
 

73


RSUs

Activity with respect to outstanding RSUsA summary of RSU activity was as follows:
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
(Per Share)
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
(in thousands)
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
(Per Share)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 20121,457,870
 $16.89
  
Outstanding at December 31, 201512,417,805
 $63.38
  
Granted4,558,929
 38.15
  6,870,285
 61.22
  
Vested(322,623) 15.15
 $13,510
(5,213,662) 59.95
 $354,320
Forfeited(266,667) 30.65
  (1,852,146) 63.18
  
Outstanding at December 31, 20135,427,509
 34.02
  
Outstanding at December 31, 201612,222,282
 63.66
  
Granted6,514,348
 61.13
  6,320,457
 95.70
  
Vested(1,264,521) 32.14
 $73,663
(5,502,004) 60.79
 $573,861
Forfeited(736,262) 45.22
  (1,637,394) 72.69
  
Outstanding at December 31, 20149,941,074
 $51.19
 $674,502
Expected to vest as of December 31, 20149,358,944
   $635,004
Outstanding at December 31, 201711,403,341
 $81.50
 $1,486,882
Expected to vest as of December 31, 201710,191,316
   $1,328,846

RSUs granted under the 2005 Plan and the 2012 Plan to employees generally vest over a four-year period. Included inThe total intrinsic value of the number of shares granted duringRSUs vested was $254.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 were 585,0002015.

Included in the RSU activity table above are shares with both service and performance-based vesting criteria that were granted to certain executives. TheseThe number of shares eligible to vest for these performance RSUs werewill depend upon achievement of a performance metric and are considered as eligible to vest when approved by the Compensation Committeecompensation committee in January 2015. Shares earnedof the year following the grant. The ultimate number of shares eligible to vest for performance RSUs range from 0% to 180% of the target number of shares depending on achievement relative to the performance metric over the applicable period. The shares granted in each year will primarily vest in four quarterly increments starting from February 2016,August of the following year contingent on the continuous employment of each executive. The number of RSUs granted in each year in the table above reflects the shares that could be eligible to vest at 100% of target for performance RSUs in each applicable period and includes adjustments for over or under achievement for performance RSUs granted in the prior year. We recognized $19.2$40.5 million, $36.1 million, and $30.8 million of stock-based compensation expense, net of actual and estimated forfeitures, associated with these performance RSUs on a graded vesting basis during the year ended December 31, 20142017., 2016, and 2015, respectively.

As of December 31, 20142017, total unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to unvested RSUs was approximately $383.4671.0 million and the weighted-average remaining vesting period was 3.152.77 years.


(13)    Stock-Based Compensation
 
We use the Black-Scholes options pricing model to estimate the fair value of our stock option grants. This model incorporates various assumptions including expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yields. The following assumptions were used for each respective period to calculate our stock-based compensation for each stock option grant on the date of the grant:
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
          
Stock Options:          
Expected volatility47% - 50%
 50% - 52%
 53% - 57%
39% - 42%
 41% - 42%
 41% - 46%
Expected term (in years)6.08
 6.02
 6.05
4.89
 4.89 - 5.60
 5.50 - 6.08
Risk-free interest rate1.78% - 2.06%
 0.91% - 2.05%
 0.83% - 1.18%
1.78% - 2.47%
 1.18% - 1.87%
 1.48% - 1.94%
Dividend yield% % %% % %
 

74


The following assumptions were used to calculate our stock-based compensation for each stock purchase right granted under the 2012 ESPP:
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
          
ESPP:          
Expected volatility33% - 49%
 35% - 42%
 42%28% - 49%
 31% - 49%
 31% - 49%
Expected term (in years)0.50
 0.50
 0.58
0.50
 0.50
 0.50
Risk-free interest rate0.05% - 0.08%
 0.08% - 0.16%
 0.16%0.40% - 1.15%
 0.17% - 0.47%
 0.05% - 0.17%
Dividend yield% % %% % %
 
Expected volatility. We usePrior to the third quarter of 2015, we used the historic volatility of publicly traded peer companies as an estimate for expected volatility. In considering peer companies, characteristics such as industry, stage of development, size and financial leverage are considered. Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, we began to include our own historical volatility in addition to publicly traded peers to calculate our expected volatility for a period similar to our expected term. We intend to continue to consistently apply this process using the same or similar public companies until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of our own common stock share price becomes available.
 
Expected term. We estimatePrior to the third quarter of 2015, we used the simplified method for calculating the expected term for stockof options usingas described in the simplified method due to the lack of historical exercise activity for our company.SEC's Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payment. The simplified method calculates the expected term as the mid-point between the vesting date and the contractual expiration date of the award. Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, we determined the expected term based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior, because we now believe there is sufficient historical information to derive a reasonable estimate. We estimate the expected term for ESPP using the purchase period.
 
Risk-free interest rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the stock-based award.
 
Expected dividend yield. Our expected dividend yield is zero, as we have not and do not currently intend to declare dividends in the foreseeable future.
Fair value of common stock. Prior to our IPO in June 2012, the fair value of our common stock was determined by our board of directors, which intended all options granted to be exercisable at a price per share not less than the per share fair value of the common stock underlying those options on the date of grant. The valuations of our common stock were determined in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Aid, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation. The assumptions used in the valuation model are based on future expectations combined with management judgment.
 
From March 2010 until our IPO in June 2012, we utilized the probability weighted expected return method, or PWERM, approach to allocate value to our common shares. The PWERM approach employs various market approach and income approach calculations depending upon the likelihood of various liquidation scenarios. For each of the various scenarios, an equity value is estimated and the rights and preferences for each stockholder class are considered to allocate the equity value to common shares. The common share value is then multiplied by a discount factor reflecting the calculated discount rate and the timing of the event. Lastly, the common share value is multiplied by an estimated probability for each scenario. The probability and timing of each scenario was based upon discussions between our board of directors and our management team. Under the PWERM, the value of our common stock was based upon four possible future events for our company: an IPO; a strategic merger or sale; remaining a private company; and dissolution.
For stock options granted subsequent to our IPO, the fair value is based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant.

75


(14)    Interest and other income/(expense), net

The components of interest and other income/(expense), net, consist of the following (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Interest expense related to the Notes$(29,059) $(3,498) $
Interest income2,964
 1,053
 351
Foreign currency exchange gain/(loss)2,490
 (2,493) 1,067
Other(100) 8
 186
Interest and other income/(expense), net$(23,705) $(4,930) $1,604

(15)(14)    Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders
 
The following tables present the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders (in thousands, except share and per share data):
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
Numerator:          
Net loss$(179,387) $(73,708) $(37,348)$(149,130) $(451,804) $(198,426)
Accretion of redeemable convertible preferred stock
 
 (308)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted$(179,387) $(73,708) $(37,656)
Denominator:          
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic and diluted145,355,543
 135,415,809
 73,908,631
171,175,577
 164,533,823
 155,706,643
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted$(1.23) $(0.54) $(0.51)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted$(0.87) $(2.75) $(1.27)
 
Potentially dilutive securities that are not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because doing so would be antidilutive are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
Common stock options15,897,422
 23,399,374
 36,115,460
3,369,732
 5,818,435
 8,255,554
Restricted stock units9,941,074
 5,427,509
 1,457,870
11,403,341
 12,222,282
 12,417,805
Common stock subject to repurchase13,597
 91,504
 235,066
ESPP obligations272,294
 226,093
 435,945
361,688
 366,529
 254,728
Convertible senior notes7,783,023
 7,783,023
 
Warrants related to the issuance of convertible senior notes7,783,023
 7,783,023
 
2018 Notes7,782,946
 7,783,023
 7,783,023
2018 Warrants7,783,023
 7,783,023
 7,783,023
2022 Notes5,806,933
 
 
2022 Warrants5,806,933
 
 
Total potentially dilutive securities41,690,433
 44,710,526
 38,244,341
42,314,596
 33,973,292
 36,494,133


76


(16)(15)    Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
Current provision:          
Federal$2
 $2
 $187
$(445) $(55) $682
State216
 287
 200
137
 135
 211
Foreign5,046
 2,454
 1,787
9,512
 5,097
 6,125
5,264
 2,743
 2,174
9,204
 5,177
 7,018
Deferred provision:          
Federal(232) 
 (55)(5,934) (4,462) 
State(24) 
 (5)(886) (746) 
Foreign(1,161) (232) (746)(2,258) 1,784
 (1,604)
(1,417) (232) (806)(9,078) (3,424) (1,604)
Provision for income taxes$3,847
 $2,511
 $1,368
$126
 $1,753
 $5,414
 

The components of loss before provision for income taxes by U.S. and foreign jurisdictions were as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
United States$(109,087) $(35,901) $(7,903)$(80,636) $(432,631) $(150,593)
Foreign(66,453) (35,296) (28,077)(68,368) (17,420) (42,419)
Total$(175,540) $(71,197) $(35,980)$(149,004) $(450,051) $(193,012)
 
The effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory income tax rate applied to the loss before provision for income taxes due to the following (in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
Tax computed at U.S. federal statutory rate$(59,684) $(24,207) $(12,234)$(50,661) $(153,017) $(65,624)
State taxes, net of federal benefit95
 148
 329
64
 37
 53
Tax rate differential for international subsidiaries26,169
 14,310
 10,967
29,312
 10,910
 18,681
Stock-based compensation9,049
 3,447
 3,926
(116,953) (27,133) 13,597
Tax credits(9,481) (12,529) (1,056)(21,038) (16,452) (11,961)
Tax contingencies121
 76
 452
Non-deductible expenses1,243
 550
 532
Purchased intangibles1,036
 504
 
Other(169) (91) (989)7,337
 7,850
 2,865
Valuation allowance35,468
 20,303
 (559)152,065
 179,558
 47,803
Provision for income taxes$3,847
 $2,511
 $1,368
$126
 $1,753
 $5,414

Significant components of our deferred tax assets are shown below (in thousands). A valuation allowance has been recognized to offset our deferred tax assets, as necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on evidence, are not expected to be realized.

77


December 31,December 31,
2014 20132017 2016
Deferred tax assets:      
Net operating loss carryforwards$11,537
 $4,306
$518,620
 $640,312
Deferred revenue2,989
 3,739
Accrued expenses4,073
 2,549
10,613
 10,424
Deferred rent1,883
 1,119
Credit carryforwards20,908
 14,871
75,879
 50,559
Stock-based compensation37,956
 15,464
35,782
 46,530
Note Hedge39,433
 48,241
Note hedge35,181
 20,520
Other3,197
 2,146
14,771
 13,733
Total deferred tax assets121,976
 92,435
690,846
 782,078
Less valuation allowance(62,439) (25,795)(614,177) (728,870)
59,537
 66,640
76,669
 53,208
Deferred tax liabilities:      
Depreciation(11,144) (9,608)
Depreciation and amortization(20,708) (18,914)
Convertible notes(44,995) (54,817)(43,616) (23,605)
Purchased intangibles
 (1,239)
Other(726) 
(1,759) 
Net deferred tax assets$2,672
 $976
$10,586
 $10,689
 

On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) was enacted into law and significantly changed how the U.S. imposes income tax on multinational corporations. Changes include, but are not limited to, a reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, a transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings and a transition from a worldwide to a territorial tax system. We are required to recognize the effect of the Tax Act in the period of enactment, such as remeasuring our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as reassessing the net realizability of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. The provisional amount related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, was $264.4 million and is offset by our valuation allowance. We have a cumulative deficit in foreign earnings. Accordingly, we estimated the transition tax did not have a material effect on our tax expense as of December 31, 2017.

In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (SAB 118), which allows us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend more than one year beyond the Tax Act enactment date. Since the Tax Act was passed late in the fourth quarter of 2017, and ongoing guidance and accounting interpretation are expected over the next 12 months, we consider the accounting for deferred tax remeasurements, the impact of the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system and other provisions to be incomplete due to the forthcoming guidance and our ongoing analysis. We expect to complete our analysis within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118.

As of December 31, 2014,2017, we had U.S. federal net operating loss and federal tax credit carryforwards of approximately $704.5 million$2.1 billion and $17.1$56.6 million, respectively. The federal net operating loss carryforwards and federal tax credits will begin to expire in 2024 if not utilized. In addition, we had state net operating loss and state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $244.7 million$1.2 billion and $12.8$48.0 million, respectively. The state net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 20192018 if not utilized.utilized, and the tax effected amount due to expire in 2018 is immaterial. State tax credits can be carried forward indefinitely. Utilization of our net operating loss and credit carryforwards may be subject to annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. Such an annual limitation could result in the expiration of the net operating loss and tax credit carry forwardscarryforwards before utilization.
Approximately $678.2 million of federal net operating losses and $215.9 million of state net operating losses relate to stock-based compensation deductions in excess of book expense, the tax effect of which would be to credit additional paid-in capital, if realized.
 
We maintain a full valuation allowance against our U.S. deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014.2017. We regularly assess the need for a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. In making that assessment, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets to determine, based on the weight of available evidence, whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Due to cumulative losses over recent years and based on all available evidence, we have determined that it is more likely than not that net deferred tax assets in the U.S.United States will not be realized. We have determined that $2.7$10.6 million related to deferred tax assets in certain foreign jurisdictions should be realizedare realizable since certainthe foreign entities have cumulative income and expected future income. We remeasured the U.S. non-current assets and liabilities at the applicable tax rate of 21% in accordance with the Tax Act. The valuation allowance increased $36.6decreased $114.7 million forduring the year ended December 31, 2014, increased $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and decreased $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The2017. This change in valuation allowance between the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is primarily attributable to a decrease ofin the deferred tax liabilities relatedbalance of $264.4 million due to the Notes and an increase ofreduction in the U.S. income tax rate, offset by increases in deferred tax assets primarily related to stock-based compensation, net operating losses, and the extension of the federal research and development tax credit for the year ended December 31, 2014.losses. We will continue to assess the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets in each of the applicable jurisdictions in future periods and will adjust the valuation allowance accordingly.

Prior to the enactment of the Tax Act, we considered earnings from foreign operations to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States. We have not recordedare currently evaluating whether to change our indefinite reinvestment assertion in light of the Tax Act and consider that assessment to be incomplete as permitted under guidance issued by the SEC. We expect to reach a provision for deferred U.S. tax expense that could result fromfinal determination within the remittance of foreign undistributed earnings since we intend to reinvest the earnings of these foreign subsidiaries indefinitely.measurement period in accordance with SAB 118 as described above.

Our share of the undistributed earnings of foreign corporations not included in our consolidated federal income tax returns that could be subject to additional U.S. income tax if remitted was approximately two thousand dollars and $0.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The determination of the amount of unrecognized U.S federal deferred income tax liability for undistributed earnings is not practicable.

78



A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of total unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
Balance, beginning period$4,810
 $1,725
 $710
$18,440
 $11,737
 $9,158
Tax positions taken in prior period:          
Gross increases45
 333
 827
398
 1,122
 2
Gross decreases(313) (14) (65)
 (50) (1,017)
Tax positions taken in current period:          
Gross increases4,704
 2,784
 264
8,810
 5,673
 3,768
Gross decreases
 
 (73)
Lapse of statute of limitations(88) (18) (11)
 (42) (101)
Balance, end of period$9,158
 $4,810
 $1,725
$27,648
 $18,440
 $11,737
 
As of December 31, 2014,2017, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $9.2$27.6 million, of which $2.9$4.8 million would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties included in our liability related to unrecognized tax benefits were $0.5 million and $0.4 million at December 31, 20142017 and 2013.2016, respectively. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced upon expiration of the applicable statutes of limitations. The potential reduction in unrecognized tax benefits during the next 12 months is not expected to be material. Interest and penalties accrued on these uncertain tax positions will be released upon the expiration of the statutes of limitations and these amounts are also not material.
 
We are subject to taxation in the United States and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2014,2017, our tax years of 20052004 to 20142016 remain subject to examination in most jurisdictions. We are currently protesting the results of the examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for the June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2011 tax years.

There are differing interpretations of tax laws and regulations, and as a result, disputes may arise with tax authorities involving issues of the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. We periodically evaluate our exposures associated with our tax filing positions. We believe that adequate amounts have been reserved for any adjustments that may ultimately result from these examinations, and we do not anticipate a significant impact to our gross unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve12 months related to these years. Although the timing of the resolution, settlement, and closure of any audit is highly uncertain, it is reasonably possible that the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next twelve12 months. However, given the number of years that remain subject to examination, we are unable to estimate the full range of possible adjustments to the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits.

(17)    Related Party Transactions
As part of our sale of Series C and Series D preferred stock, we recorded a liability of $5.3 million for withholding taxes associated with the repurchase of our founder’s shares plus potential interest and penalties that may be imposed by the tax authorities. We recorded an offsetting receivable of $5.3 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets at June 30, 2010, representing the total amount that was subsequently paid to us by our founder in February 2012 for these withholding taxes. In April 2012, we paid $5.3 million to the tax authorities for these withholding taxes.
(18)(16)    Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases and Other Contractual Commitments
 
We lease facilities forFor some of our offices and data center capacity and office space undercenters, we have entered into non-cancelable operating lease agreements with various expiration dates. Rent expense associated with data centeroffice space leases included in cost of revenues, was $13.1$39.7 million, $9.5$34.2 million and $13.3$22.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively. Rent expense associated with office space leases was $15.0
Payments for data center square footage as well as data center capacity for certain data centers, are primarily included in cost of revenues. These costs were $22.5 million, $8.1$17.3 million and $4.5$13.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.


79


Annual futureFuture minimum payments under theseour non-cancelable operating leases and other contractual commitments as of December 31, 20142017 are presented in the table below (in thousands).

:
 Data Centers Office Leases Total
Fiscal Period:     
2015$9,561
 $15,511
 $25,072
20167,093
 25,440
 32,533
20172,093
 27,432
 29,525
2018610
 26,690
 27,300
2019628
 24,647
 25,275
Thereafter24
 143,843
 143,867
Total minimum lease payments$20,009
 $263,563
 $283,572
Less: non-cancelable sublease income
 (6,689) (6,689)
 $20,009
 $256,874
 $276,883
 Operating Leases 
Purchase Obligations (1)
 Other Total
Years Ending December 31,       
2018$44,713
 $31,394
 $574
 $76,681
201947,986
 22,698
 574
 71,258
202048,218
 11,736
 574
 60,528
202145,590
 7,248
 574
 53,412
202243,238
 3,805
 574
 47,617
Thereafter124,114
 4,093
 1,053
 129,260
Total$353,859
 $80,974
 $3,923
 $438,756
 
In February 2012, we signed a lease for our new San Diego office that was subsequently amended in December 2013. The lease is for approximately 155,443 square feet of office space with total minimum lease commitments of approximately $27.8 million. The lease commenced in August 2012 and will expire in September 2022.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we relocated our San Diego office to another facility in San Diego. As part of this move, we incurred $2.5 million in lease abandonment costs, which primarily consists of a loss on disposal of assets recorded upon vacating our prior facility in August 2012. The lease on our prior San Diego facility does not expire until 2019 and we are currently subleasing the space. The cease-use loss was calculated as the present value of the remaining lease obligation offset by estimated sublease rental receipts during the remaining lease period, adjusted for deferred items and estimated lease incentives. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our facility exit obligation balance was $0.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The lease abandonment costs are included in general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

In September 2012, we signed a lease for a total of 43,590 square feet of office space located in Amsterdam. The square-footage for the first year is approximately 17,857 and increases incrementally over the term of the lease, with total minimum lease commitments of approximately $10.5 million. The lease commenced in October 2012 and has a term of 10.5 years.
In November, 2012, we entered into a lease agreement for 148,704 square feet of office space located in San Jose. The lease commenced in April 2013 and has a term of approximately 11 years. Rent is paid on a monthly basis and will increase incrementally over the term of the lease for total minimum lease payments of approximately $48.8 million.
(1)Consists of future minimum payments under non-cancelable purchase commitments primarily related to data center and IT operations and sales and marketing activities. Not included in the table above are certain purchase commitments related to our future annual Knowledge user conferences and other customer or sales conferences to be held in 2019 and 2020. If we were to cancel these contractual commitments as of December 31, 2017, we would have been obligated to pay cancellation penalties of approximately $13.9 million in aggregate.

In December 2014, we entered into a lease agreement for 328,867 square feet of space, located in Santa Clara.Clara, California. The lease commenced in August 2015 for an initial term of the lease is expected to commence on August 15, 2015, although the commencement date may be extended in certain circumstances if specified improvements have not been completed by such date. The initial term shall be for 12 years, following the commencement date, with two options to renew the lease for additional terms of five years each. Rent is paid on a monthly basis and will increase incrementally over the term of the lease. Total future minimum payments under this operating lease for total minimum lease paymentsas of approximately $151.1 million.December 31, 2017 was $131.8 million, which is included in the table above.

In January 2017, we entered into a lease agreement related to an expansion and lease term extension of our existing San Diego office facility. Rent is paid on a monthly basis and will increase incrementally over the term of the lease. Total future minimum payments under this operating lease as of December 31, 2017 was $46.2 million, which is included in the table above.

In addition to the amounts above, the repayment of our 2022 Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $782.5 million is due on June 1, 2022, and the repayment of our 2018 Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million is due on November 1, 2018. Refer to Note 9 for further information regarding our convertible senior notes.

Legal Proceedings
 
From time to time, we are party to litigation and other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. While the results of any litigation or other legal proceedings are uncertain, management does not believe the ultimate resolution of any pending legal matters is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, except as discussed below and for those matters for which we have recorded a loss contingency. We accrue for loss contingencies when it is both probable that we will incur the loss and when we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss or range of loss.

Generally, our subscription agreements require us to defend our customers for third-party intellectual property infringement and other claims. Any adverse determination related to intellectual property claims or other litigation could prevent us from offering our services and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.


80


On February 6, 2014, Hewlett-Packard Company (Hewlett-Packard) filed a lawsuit against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California that alleges that some of our services infringe the claims of eight of Hewlett-Packard's patents. Hewlett-Packard is seeking unspecifiedCalifornia. The lawsuit alleged patent infringement and sought damages and an injunction. The court held case management conferencesOn or about November 1, 2015, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE) separated from Hewlett-Packard as an independent company, and Hewlett-Packard assigned to HPE all right, title, and interest in the eight Hewlett-Packard patents in the lawsuit and HPE was substituted as plaintiff in the litigation. On March 4, 2016, we entered into a confidential settlement agreement resolving the lawsuit with HPE (HPE Settlement). As a result, on June 26, 2014, September 4, 2014 and February 5, 2015. The parties are currently conducting discovery. Hewlett-Packard served infringement contentions on July 3, 2014 and November 18, 2014. We served invalidity contentions on JanuaryMarch 9, 2015. A claim construction hearing is scheduled for June 12, 2015. Trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 16, 2016. We have filed petitions for inter partes review of all eight asserted patents with2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office.lawsuit was dismissed.

On September 23, 2014, BMC Software, Inc. (BMC) filed a lawsuitlawsuits against us in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas that alleges that someon September 23, 2014 and February 12, 2016, and in the Dusseldorf (Germany) Regional Court, Patent Division, on March 2, 2016. Each of our services willfully infringe the claims of seven of BMC’s patents. BMC is seeking unspecifiedlawsuits alleged patent infringement and sought damages and an injunction. Motions to dismissOn April 8, 2016, we entered into a confidential settlement agreement resolving all the lawsuits with BMC (BMC Settlement). As a result, the second Texas lawsuit was dismissed on April 14, 2016, and transfer venue are currently pending. BMC served infringement contentionseach of the initial Texas lawsuit and the German lawsuit was dismissed on January 6, 2015. Our invalidity contentions are due March 3, 2015. A claim construction hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2015. Trial is currently scheduled to begin on March 14,April 25, 2016.


These settlements are considered multiple element arrangements for accounting purposes. We intendevaluated the accounting treatment of these settlements by identifying each element of the arrangements, which included amongst other elements, a release of past infringement claims and a covenant not to vigorously defend these lawsuits. Thesesue for a specified term of years. The primary benefit we received from the arrangements was the settlement and termination of all existing litigation, matters are still in their early stagesthe avoidance of future litigation expenses and the final outcome, including our liability, if any, with respect to the claims in the lawsuits, is uncertain. If an unfavorable outcome were to occur in either litigation, the impact could be material to our business, financial condition, cash flow or resultsavoidance of operations, depending on the specific circumstancesfuture management and customer disruptions. We determined that none of the outcome. We cannot make a reasonable estimateelements of the potentialsettlement agreements have identifiable future benefits that would be capitalized as an asset. Accordingly, we recorded charges for aggregate legal settlements of $270.0 million in our consolidated statement of comprehensive loss or rangefor the year ended December 31, 2016. The charge covers the fulfillment by us of loss, if any, arising from these matters.all financial obligations under both the BMC Settlement and HPE Settlement with no remaining financial obligations under either settlement.

(19)(17)    Information about Geographic Areas and Products

Revenues by geographic area, based on the billing location of the customer,our users, were as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
Revenues by geography          
North America (1)
$465,332
 $295,400
 $173,001
$1,299,950
 $946,956
 $702,985
EMEA (2)
173,635
 105,177
 60,579
478,686
 339,341
 233,378
Asia Pacific and other43,596
 24,073
 10,132
154,390
 104,216
 69,117
Total revenues$682,563
 $424,650
 $243,712
$1,933,026
 $1,390,513
 $1,005,480

Long-lived assetsProperty and equipment, net by geographic area were as follows (in thousands):
December 31,December 31,
2014 20132017 2016
Long-lived assets:   
Property and equipment, net:   
North America (3)
$66,489
 $52,937
$164,040
 $132,671
EMEA (2)
27,032
 18,017
50,028
 37,449
Asia Pacific and other10,716
 4,606
31,056
 11,500
Total long-lived assets$104,237
 $75,560
Total property and equipment, net$245,124
 $181,620
 
(1)Revenues attributed to the United States were approximately 94% of North America revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, and 2012.95% for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
(2)Europe, the Middle East and Africa or EMEA(EMEA)
(3)Long-lived assetsProperty and equipment, net attributed to the United States were approximately 97%89% and 92% of property and equipment, net attributable to North America long-Lived asset for each of the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013.2016, respectively.

Subscription revenues consist of the following (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Service management products$1,526,382
 $1,108,846
 $783,603
ITOM products213,413
 112,793
 64,675
Total subscription revenues$1,739,795
 $1,221,639
 $848,278

Our service management products include our platform, ITSM, ITBM, customer service management, HR service delivery and security operations, which have similar features and functions, and are generally priced on a per user basis. Our ITOM products, which improve visibility, availability and agility of enterprise services, are generally priced on a per node basis.

(18)    Related Party Transactions
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors, executive officers and certain other officers. These agreements require us to indemnify such individuals, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, for certain liabilities to which they may become subject as a result of their affiliation with us.


ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINACIAL DISCLOSURE

None.


81



ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


(a) Evaluation of disclosure controlsDisclosure Controls and proceduresProcedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014.2017. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014,2017, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
(b) Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.2017.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20142017 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(c) Changes in internal controlInternal Control over financial reportingFinancial Reporting

During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, we implemented new revenue and commission accounting modules to our existing accounting system and related controls, which enabled us to prepare our financial statements under Topic 605, as well as prepare us for our adoption of Topic 606 on a full retrospective basis effective January 1, 2018. There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management'smanagement’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d)13a or 15d-15(d)15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
Our next Annual Meeting of Stockholders is scheduled for June 10, 2015.None.

PART III



ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE



The information required by this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.


82



ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES


The information required by this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.


PART IV

ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES



The following documents are filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

(a) Financial Statements

The information concerning our financial statements, and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm required by this Item is incorporated by reference herein to the section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K in Item 8, entitled “ Consolidated“Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

(b) Financial Statement Schedules

All schedules have been omitted because the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules, or because the information required is included in Item 8, entitled the Consolidated“Consolidated Financial Statements or accompanying notes thereto.and Supplementary Data.”

(c) Exhibits.Exhibits
 
The list of exhibits filed with this report is set forth in the Exhibit Index following the signature pages and is incorporated herein by reference.




83

ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY




None.

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document Incorporated by Reference 
Filed
Herewith
Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date 
 10-Q 001-35580 3.1 8/10/2012  
 8-K 001-35580 3.1 10/25/2017  
 S-1/A 333-180486 4.1 6/19/2012  
 8-K 001-35580 4.1 11/13/2013  
 8-K 001-35580 4.1 5/30/2017  
 10-K 001-35580 10.1 2/27/2015  
 S-1 333-180486 10.2 3/30/2012  
         X
 10-Q 001-35580 10.3 8/8/2017  
 10-Q 001-35580 10.4 8/8/2017  
 10-K 001-35580 10.4 3/8/2013 
 10-Q 001-35580 10.5 8/8/2017  
 S-1 333-180486 10.5 3/30/2012  
 10-Q 001-35580 10.1 8/7/2014  
 S-1 333-180486 10.6 3/30/2012  
 10-Q 001-35580 10.2 11/5/2014  
 10-Q 001-35580 10.2 8/8/2017  

Exhibit
Number
Description of Document Incorporated by Reference 
Filed
Herewith
Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date 
 S-1 333-180486 10.7 3/30/2012  
 10-Q 001-35580 10.1 11/5/2014  
 10-Q 001-35580 10.1 8/8/2017  
 8-K 001-35580 10.1 2/27/2017  
 10-Q 001-35580 10.1 11/6/2017  
 S-1/A 333-184674 10.12 11/9/2012  
 8-K 001-35580 10.1 12/15/2014  
 8-K 001-32224 99.1 11/13/2013  
 8-K 001-35580 99.1 5/30/2017  
 8-K 001-32224 99.2 11/13/2013  
 8-K 001-35580 99.2 5/30/2017  
 8-K 001-32224 99.3 11/13/2013  
 8-K 001-35580 99.1 6/22/2017  
 8-K 001-32224 99.4 11/13/2013  
 8-K 001-35580 99.2 6/22/2017  

 10-Q 001-35580 10.1 8/3/2016  
         X
         X
         X
         X

Exhibit
Number
Description of DocumentIncorporated by Reference
Filed
Herewith
FormFile No.ExhibitFiling Date
X
X
X
101.INS**XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL documentX
101.SCH**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema DocumentX
101.CAL**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase DocumentX
101.DEF**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase DocumentX
101.LAB**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase DocumentX
101.PRE**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase DocumentX

+    Registrant has omitted portions of the relevant exhibit and filed such exhibit separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment granted under Rule 406 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

*    Indicates a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

**    Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not “filed” for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act, are deemed not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those Sections.

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: February 27, 201528, 2018

 
SERVICENOW, INC.
    
 By: /s/ Frank SlootmanJohn J. Donahoe
   
Frank SlootmanJohn J. Donahoe
President and Chief Executive Officer


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Frank SlootmanJohn J. Donahoe and Michael P. Scarpelli, and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with the full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this report, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature Title Date
     
/s/ Frank SlootmanJohn J. Donahoe 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 February 27, 201528, 2018
Frank SlootmanJohn J. Donahoe   
     
/s/ Michael P. Scarpelli 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 February 27, 201528, 2018
Michael P. Scarpelli   
     
/s/ Frederic B. LuddyFrank Slootman Chief Product Officer and DirectorChairman of the Board of Directors February 27, 201528, 2018
Frederic B. Luddy
/s/ Paul V. BarberDirectorFebruary 27, 2015
Paul V. BarberFrank Slootman    
     
/s/ Susan L. Bostrom Director February 27, 201528, 2018
Susan L. Bostrom
/s/ Jonathan C. ChadwickDirectorFebruary 28, 2018
Jonathan C. Chadwick
/s/ Paul E. ChamberlainDirectorFebruary 28, 2018
Paul E. Chamberlain    
     
/s/ Ronald E.F. Codd Director February 27, 201528, 2018
Ronald E. F. Codd    
     
/s/ Charles GiancarloFrederic B. Luddy Director February 27, 201528, 2018
Charles Giancarlo
/s/ Douglas M. LeoneDirectorFebruary 27, 2015
Douglas M. LeoneFrederic B. Luddy    
     
/s/ Jeffrey A. Miller Director February 27, 201528, 2018
Jeffrey A. Miller    
     
/s/ Anita M. Sands Director February 27, 201528, 2018
Anita M. Sands    
     
/s/ William L. StraussDirectorFebruary 27, 2015
William L. Strauss




EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document Incorporated by Reference 
Filed
Herewith
Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date 
3.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation. 10-Q 001-35580 3.1 8/10/2012  
3.2Restated Bylaws. 8-K 001-35580 3.1 12/10/2014  
4.1Form of Common Stock Certificate. S-1/A 333-180486 4.1 6/19/2012  
4.2Indenture dated November 13, 2013 between ServiceNow, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. 8-K 001-35580 4.1 11/13/2013  
4.3Third Amended and Restated Investors Rights Agreement dated November 25, 2009 among the Registrant and certain of its stockholders. S-1 333-180486 4.2 3/30/2012  
10.1*Form of Indemnification Agreement.         x
10.2*2005 Stock Plan, Forms of Stock Option Agreement and Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement thereunder. S-1 333-180486 10.2 3/30/2012  
10.3*2012 Equity Incentive Plan, Forms of Stock Option Award Agreement, Restricted Stock Agreement, Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement thereunder. S-1/A 333-180486 10.3 6/19/2012  
10.4*Form of Stock Option Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under 2012 Equity Incentive Plan adopted as of January 27, 2015.         x
10.5*2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Form of Subscription Agreement thereunder. 10-K 001-35580 10.4 3/8/2013 
10.6*Form of Subscription Agreement under 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan adopted as of January 27, 2015.         x
10.7*Employment Agreement dated May 2, 2011 among the Registrant and Frank Slootman. S-1 333-180486 10.5 3/30/2012  
10.8*First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated April 23, 2014 among Registrant and Frank Slootman. 10-Q 001-35580 10.1 8/7/2014  
10.9*Employment Agreement dated May 12, 2011 among the Registrant and Michael P. Scarpelli. S-1 333-180486 10.6 3/30/2012  
10.10*First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated August 15, 2014 among Registrant and Michael P. Scarpelli. 10-Q 001-35580 10.2 11/5/2014  
10.11*Employment Agreement dated May 21, 2011 among the Registrant and David L. Schneider. S-1 333-180486 10.7 3/30/2012  
10.12*First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated July 3, 2014 among Registrant and David L. Schneider. 10-Q 001-35580 10.1 11/5/2014  
10.13*Employment Agreement dated August 1, 2011 among the Registrant and Daniel R. McGee. S-1 333-180486 10.8 3/30/2012  
10.14*First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated August 15, 2014 among Registrant and Daniel R. McGee. 10-Q 001-35580 10.3 11/5/2014  
10.15Lease Agreement dated November 8, 2012 between the Registrant and Jay Ridge LLC. S-1/A 333-184674 10.12 11/9/2012  



Exhibit
Number
Description of Document Incorporated by Reference 
Filed
Herewith
Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date 
10.16Office Lease dated December 12, 2014 between Registrant and S1 55 LLC 8-K 001-35580 10.1 12/15/2014  
10.17Form of Base Convertible Note Hedge Transaction Confirmation. 8-K 001-32224 99.1 11/13/2013  
10.18Form of Base Warrant Transaction Confirmation. 8-K 001-32224 99.2 11/13/2013  
10.19Form of Additional Convertible Note Hedge Transaction Confirmation. 8-K 001-32224 99.3 11/13/2013  
10.20Form of Additional Warrant Transaction Confirmation. 8-K 001-32224 99.4 11/13/2013  
21.1Subsidiaries of the Registrant.         x
23.1Consent of independent registered public accounting firm.         x
24.1Power of Attorney. Reference is made to the signature page hereto.         x
31.1Certification of Periodic Report by Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002         x
31.2
Certification of Periodic Report by Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

         x
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

         x
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

         x
101.INSXBRL Instance Document         x
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Schema Linkbase Document         x
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document         x
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document         x
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Labels Linkbase Document         x
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document         x

*Indicates a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
100