Table of Contents

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

FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 20172018

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission file number:                                           0-24347

THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 65-0694077
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
or organization)  

2000 Ultimate Way, Weston, FL 33326
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(954) 331 - 7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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   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 twelve months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes   No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 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 reviews 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 Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
As of July 31, 2017,August 2, 2018, there were 29,827,38331,199,901 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01, outstanding.

THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Certifications 


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Table of Contents

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.Financial Statements
THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
As of June 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
ASSETS      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$98,039
 $73,773
$184,855
 $155,685
Investments in marketable securities12,924
 15,541
3,274
 9,434
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $900 for 2017 and 2016168,920
 162,240
Prepaid expenses and other current assets72,458
 61,901
Deferred tax assets, net
 1,125
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,300 for 2018 and $900 for 2017195,247
 190,989
Deferred contract costs, prepaid expenses and other current assets78,116
 71,602
Total current assets before funds held for customers352,341
 314,580
461,492
 427,710
Funds held for customers489,618
 465,167
624,110
 563,062
Total current assets841,959
 779,747
1,085,602
 990,772
Property and equipment, net220,589
 179,558
274,841
 243,664
Goodwill35,563
 35,322
35,484
 35,808
Investments in marketable securities
 8,547
Intangible assets, net22,371
 23,860
19,227
 20,862
Other assets, net50,995
 47,432
Deferred contract costs and other assets, net114,623
 53,409
Deferred tax assets, net70,735
 78,115
30,242
 32,696
Total assets$1,242,212
 $1,152,581
$1,560,019
 $1,377,211
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
  
 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
 
  
Accounts payable$13,835
 $13,519
$14,125
 $16,099
Accrued expenses and other liabilities38,562
 50,973
93,990
 60,394
Deferred revenue184,408
 171,669
212,997
 197,088
Capital lease obligations5,305
 5,056
6,511
 5,474
Total current liabilities before customer funds obligations242,110
 241,217
327,623
 279,055
Customer funds obligations491,661
 466,423
625,511
 564,031
Total current liabilities733,771
 707,640
953,134
 843,086
Deferred revenue2,547
 2,307
1,431
 1,773
Deferred rent6,208
 6,022
8,695
 5,349
Capital lease obligations4,707
 3,985
6,346
 4,477
Other long-term liabilities4,875
 
2,375
 4,250
Deferred income tax liability441
 519
380
 251
Total liabilities752,549
 720,473
972,361
 859,186
Stockholders’ equity: 
  
 
  
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
 

 
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
 

 
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 34,479,553 and 34,003,036 shares issued as of 2017 and 2016, respectively345
 340
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 35,287,303 and 34,787,986 shares issued as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively353
 348
Additional paid-in capital565,326
 520,524
629,156
 609,160
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(6,611) (7,023)(7,013) (5,912)
Accumulated earnings141,962
 129,626
176,521
 125,788
701,022
 643,467
799,017
 729,384
Treasury stock, 4,657,995 shares, at cost, for 2017 and 2016(211,359) (211,359)
Treasury stock, 4,657,995 shares, at cost, for 2018 and 2017(211,359) (211,359)
Total stockholders’ equity489,663
 432,108
587,658
 518,025
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,242,212
 $1,152,581
$1,560,019
 $1,377,211

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues:              
Recurring$195,147
 $158,479
 $385,128
 $311,230
$239,458
 $195,147
 $476,045
 $385,128
Services29,545
 28,058
 68,055
 62,521
31,704
 29,545
 71,872
 68,055
Total revenues224,692
 186,537
 453,183
 373,751
271,162
 224,692
 547,917
 453,183
Cost of revenues: 
  
     
  
    
Recurring52,539
 42,951
 102,608
 82,408
66,623
 52,539
 129,488
 102,608
Services31,715
 29,342
 71,346
 62,146
35,949
 31,715
 77,857
 71,346
Total cost of revenues84,254
 72,293
 173,954
 144,554
102,572
 84,254
 207,345
 173,954
Gross profit140,438
 114,244
 279,229
 229,197
168,590
 140,438
 340,572
 279,229
Operating expenses: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Sales and marketing67,015
 54,548
 136,375
 111,130
66,207
 67,015
 137,404
 136,375
Research and development34,997
 29,053
 71,155
 56,568
50,004
 34,997
 96,978
 71,155
General and administrative31,472
 22,180
 61,676
 43,709
32,270
 31,472
 63,992
 61,676
Total operating expenses133,484
 105,781
 269,206
 211,407
148,481
 133,484
 298,374
 269,206
Operating income6,954
 8,463
 10,023
 17,790
20,109
 6,954
 42,198
 10,023
Other (expense) income: 
  
  
  
Other income (expense): 
  
  
  
Interest and other expense(165) (180) (445) (364)(100) (165) (297) (445)
Other income, net81
 102
 307
 205
794
 81
 1,179
 307
Total other expense, net(84) (78) (138) (159)
Total other income (expense), net694
 (84) 882
 (138)
Income before income taxes6,870
 8,385
 9,885
 17,631
20,803
 6,870
 43,080
 9,885
Benefit (provision) for income taxes(1,868) (2,263) 2,451
 (4,909)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes(7,123) (2,341) (8,406) 1,884
Net income$5,002
 $6,122
 $12,336
 $12,722
$13,680
 $4,529
 $34,674
 $11,769
Net income per share: 
  
     
  
    
Basic$0.17
 $0.21
 $0.42
 $0.44
$0.45
 $0.15
 $1.14
 $0.40
Diluted$0.16
 $0.20
 $0.40
 $0.42
$0.44
 $0.15
 $1.11
 $0.38
Weighted average shares outstanding: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Basic29,751
 28,895
 29,645
 28,860
30,619
 29,751
 30,512
 29,645
Diluted30,623
 30,240
 30,639
 30,240
31,113
 30,623
 31,164
 30,639
 
The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)

 For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income$5,002
 $6,122
 $12,336
 $12,722
Other comprehensive (loss) income:   
    
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments in marketable available-for-sale securities(94) 47
 (324) 237
Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation adjustments445
 29
 607
 1,506
Other comprehensive income, before tax 351
 76
 283
 1,743
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income37
 (17) 129
 (93)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax$388
 $59
 $412
 $1,650
Comprehensive income$5,390
 $6,181
 $12,748
 $14,372
 For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income$13,680
 $4,529
 $34,674
 $11,769
Other comprehensive (loss) income:   
    
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments in marketable available-for-sale securities90
 (94) (232) (324)
Unrealized (loss) gain on foreign currency translation adjustments(501) 445
 (962) 607
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax (411) 351
 (1,194) 283
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income2
 37
 92
 129
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax$(409) $388
 $(1,102) $412
Comprehensive income$13,271
 $4,917
 $33,572
 $12,181

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
For the Six Months Ended June 30,For the Six Months Ended June 30,
2017 20162018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income$12,336
 $12,722
$34,674
 $11,769
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization16,551
 12,575
19,068
 16,551
Provision for doubtful accounts3,364
 2,136
4,836
 3,364
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense73,144
 55,057
67,353
 73,144
Income taxes(2,961) 4,671
7,618
 (2,394)
Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on available-for-sale securities262
 277
(269) 262
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable(10,044) (19,097)(9,094) (10,044)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(10,557) (6,476)
Other assets(3,563) (7,902)
Deferred contract costs, prepaid expenses and other current assets(28,831) (10,557)
Deferred contract costs and other assets(13,956) (3,563)
Accounts payable316
 1,494
(1,974) 316
Accrued expenses, other liabilities and deferred rent(2,333) (2,843)24,997
 (2,333)
Deferred revenue12,979
 12,992
13,657
 12,979
Net cash provided by operating activities89,494
 65,606
118,079
 89,494
Cash flows from investing activities: 
  
 
  
Purchases of property and equipment(43,540) (33,643)(41,062) (43,540)
Payments for acquisitions
 (9,125)
Purchases of marketable securities(122,625) (138,157)(168,199) (122,625)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities73,069
 56,130
99,553
 73,069
Net change in money market securities and other cash equivalents held to satisfy customer funds obligations35,684
 71,972
13,795
 35,684
Net cash used in investing activities(57,412) (52,823)(95,913) (57,412)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
 
  
Repurchases of Common Stock
 (29,685)
Net proceeds from issuances of Common Stock4,541
 2,729
2,923
 4,541
Withholding taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards(34,745) (18,564)
Shares acquired to settle employee tax withholding liabilities(51,766) (34,745)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations(3,148) (2,810)(3,217) (3,148)
Repayments of other borrowings
 (200)
Payments of other long-term liabilities(1,875) 
Net change in customer funds obligations25,238
 7,883
61,480
 25,238
Net cash used in financing activities(8,114) (40,647)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities7,545
 (8,114)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash298
 857
(541) 298
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents24,266
 (27,007)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
29,170
 24,266
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period73,773
 109,325
155,685
 73,773
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$98,039
 $82,318
$184,855
 $98,039
      
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: 
  
 
  
Cash paid for interest$238
 $208
$270
 $238
Cash paid for taxes$1,048
 $1,223
$3,617
 $1,048
 
  
 
  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:      
Capital lease obligations to acquire new equipment$4,119
 $4,112
$6,123
 $4,119
Cash held in escrow for acquisitions$
 $1,000
Stock based compensation for capitalized software$2,021
 $1,958
$1,782
 $2,021
Software agreement$6,500
 $
$
 $6,500
The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.Nature of Operations
The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Ultimate,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading cloud provider of peoplecloud-based human capital management solutions, often referred to as human capital management (“HCM”). Ultimate's UltiPro product suite (“UltiPro”) is a comprehensive, engaging solution that has human resources ("HR"), payroll, and benefits management at its core and includes global people management, available in twelve14 languages with more than 3537 country-specific localizations. The solution is delivered via software-as-a-service ("SaaS"), now more commonly known as the cloud computing model, to organizations based in the United States and Canada, including those with global workforces. UltiPro is designed to deliver the functionality businesses need to manage the complete employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement. We market our UltiPro solutions primarily to enterprise companies, which we define as organizations with 2,501 or more employees, including those with 10,000 or more employees; mid-market companies, which we define as those having 501-2,500 employees; and strategic market companies, which we define as those having 100-500 employees. UltiPro is marketed primarily through our enterprise, mid-market and strategic direct sales teams.

2.Basis of Presentation, Consolidation and the Use of Estimates
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Ultimate have been prepared, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The information in this quarterly report should be read in conjunction with Ultimate’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162017 filed with the SEC on February 24, 201726, 2018 (the “Form 10-K”).
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of Ultimate’s management, necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Interim results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the full fiscal year or for any future periods.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the financial position and operating results of Ultimate and include its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
3.Summary ofAccounting Standards and Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Summary of SignificantRecently Adopted Accounting Policies
Ultimate’s significant accounting policies discussed in Note 3 to its audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, included in the Form 10-K, have not significantly changed.Standards
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issuedApril 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, “No. 2018-02, Improvements"Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," ("ASU 2018-02"). ASU 2018-02 allows companies to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting(“reclassify stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets reflect the reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company's policy for releasing disproportionate income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income utilizes the aggregate approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-09”). The standard amends2018-02 did not have an impact on the accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. We elected to early adopt the new guidance in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. Therefore, the prior year numbers in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income, our unaudited condensed consolidated statement ofor cash flows, our non-GAAP financial measures and our notes to unaudited condensed financial statements reflect revised numbers in accordance with the adoption of this guidance. Our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were not impacted.flows.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Ultimate's financial instruments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, investments in marketable securities, funds held for customers and the related obligations, accounts receivable, accounts payable, capital lease obligations and other long-term liabilities, approximated fair value (due to their relatively short maturity) as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In May 2014, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("(Topic 606)” (“Topic 606)”606”).Topic 606 supersedes the revenue requirements in ASU Topic 605, Revenue Recognition ("Topic 605") and requires the recognition of revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services and includes Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers, which discusses the deferral ifof incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer, including the period of amortization of such costs. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenuerevenues and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Collectively, we refer to Topic 606 and Subtopic 340-40 as the "new standard". Topic 606 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, it is possible more judgment and estimates may be required withinstandard."


Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted the revenue recognition process than are required under existing GAAP, including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amountrequirements of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation, among others.
We began assessing the new standard, utilizing the modified retrospective method of transition with the new standard applied to all customer contracts that were not completed on the effective date of the new standard. Adoption of the new standard resulted in 2016changes to our accounting policies for revenue recognition, as detailed below.

The impact of adopting the new standard on our revenues resulted in an immaterial increase to deferred revenue and have continued our assessment during the first half of 2017 to address the potentialhad a material impact that Topic 606 could have on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the required resources to implement the new standard. Our assessmentbalance sheet, as a result of the impact included an evaluation of the five step process along with the enhancement of disclosures that will be required under the new standard. We have developed our initial plan for implementing the new standard, which includes, but is not limited to, identifying contract populations and "in scope" customer contracts, identifying performance obligations in those customer contracts, and evaluating any impact of variable consideration. Our assessment also includes determining the impact the new standard may have on the revenue reporting processes, including disclosures, ensuring internal controls will operate effectively with the new standard and performing gap analyses on collected data and determining the relative accounting positions where applicable. Included in our assessment of the new standard, we will focus on the potential impact on sales commissions and the termamortization period over which they will amortize.
We anticipate this standard will not have a material impact on the way we recognize revenues. The new standard will require us to defer incremental commissiondeferred contract costs to obtain related subscription contracts over the period of benefit. Whileare recognized. Under Topic 605, we are still assessing the period of benefit, we have concluded that it will be longer than the amortization period under existing GAAP. Under current GAAP, we defer only direct anddeferred incremental commission costs to obtain a contract and amortizeamortized those costs over the initial term of the related subscription contract, which is generally 2-3 years. During our assessment of the new standard, we did not identify any incremental contract costs from what was capitalized under Topic 605. We are still evaluatinganalyzed our customer contract term periods and our customer life, taking into consideration technological changes for our UltiPro product offering, and based on our assessment of the overallnew standard, we amortize the deferred contract costs over 7 years on a systematic basis, consistent with the pattern of transfer of the goods or services to which the asset relates.

The cumulative effect of the changes made to our January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of the new standard willwere as follows (in thousands):
  Balance as of December 31, 2017 Adjustments Due to Adoption of Topic 606 Balance as of January 1, 2018
Assets      
Deferred contract costs, prepaid expenses and other current assets $71,602
 $(22,318) $49,284
Total current assets 990,772
 (22,318) 968,454
Deferred contract costs and other assets, net 53,409
 47,259
 100,668
Deferred tax assets, net 32,696
 (6,803) 25,893
Total assets $1,377,211
 $18,138
 $1,395,349
Liabilities      
Deferred revenue $197,088
 $1,909
 $198,997
Total current liabilities 843,086
 1,909
 844,995
Deferred income tax liability 251
 170
 422
Total liabilities 859,186
��2,079
 861,265
Stockholders' Equity      
Accumulated earnings 125,788
 16,059
 141,847
Total stockholders' equity 518,025
 16,059
 534,084
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $1,377,211
 $18,138
 $1,395,349

In accordance with the requirements of the new standard, the disclosure for the quantitative effect and the significant changes between the reported results under the new standard and those that would have been reported under legacy GAAP (i.e., Topic 605) on our unaudited consolidated condensed income statement and balance sheet was as follows (in thousands):


  For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
  As Reported - Topic 606 Balances Without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) As Reported - Topic 606 Balances Without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Income Statement            
Revenues            
Recurring revenues $239,458
 $239,776
 $(318) $476,045
 $476,806
 $(761)
  
 
 
      
Operating Expenses            
Sales and marketing 66,207
 71,325
 (5,118) 137,404
 148,479
 (11,075)
             
Net income $13,680
 $8,879
 $4,801
 $34,674
 $24,359
 $10,315
  As of June 30, 2018
  As Reported - Topic 606 Balances Without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Balance Sheet      
Assets      
Deferred contract costs, prepaid expenses and other current assets $78,116
 $99,189
 $(21,073)
Deferred contract costs and other assets, net 114,623
 57,365
 57,258
Liabilities      
Deferred revenue 212,997
 210,212
 2,785
Stockholders' Equity      
Accumulated earnings 176,521
 143,121
 33,400
In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118,” ("SAB 118"). The ASU amends Topic 740 to incorporate SEC guidance issued in its Staff Bulletin SAB 118. SAB 118 addressed the application of generally accepted accounting principles in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The amendments in this update were effective upon issuance, at which time the Company adopted the standard. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Except for the accounting policy for revenue recognition that was updated as a result of adopting Topic 606, there have been no changes to our significant accounting policies described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2018, that have had a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.notes.
Revenue Recognition
Effective January 1, 2018, we recognize revenues in accordance with Topic 606. The core principle of Topic 606 is effectivethat revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for Ultimatethose products or services. To achieve the core principle of Topic 606, we perform the following steps:

1)    Identify the contract(s) with a customer;
2)    Identify the performance obligations in the contract;
3)    Determine the transaction price;
4)    Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
5)    Recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation.

The significant majority of our two major revenue sources-recurring and services is derived from contracts with customers. Recurring revenues are primarily related to our subscription-based SaaS performance obligations. Services revenues are primarily related to implementation services for our SaaS customers (including activation services as well as post-live work typically billed on January 1, 2018 using eithera time and materials basis) and, to a much lesser extent, fees for other services, including the provision of two transition methods including several practical expedients: (1) full retrospective method,payroll-related forms, sales of time clocks and the printing of W-2 and Affordable Care Act ("ACA") forms for certain customers, as well as certain client reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses. Fees charged to subscription-based SaaS performance obligations are each priced on a per-employee-per-month (“PEPM”) basis for a given calendar month based on usage and fees charged for implementation services and are typically priced on a fixed fee basis for activating the product offering. A majority of our SaaS subscription revenues are satisfied over time, because they are simultaneously received and consumed by the customer, with certain SaaS performance obligations satisfied at a point in whichtime. Our activation services revenues are satisfied over time because they are simultaneously received and consumed by the new standard would be applied tocustomer.

Our SaaS performance obligations are each prior reporting period presented or (2)priced based on the modified retrospective method, in whichnumber of active customer employees, as of the cumulative effectsigning of initially applying the new standard would be recognizedcontract, at the contract PEPM rate over the initial contract term. Our activation services are based on a fixed fee charged to our customers. There is typically no variable consideration related to our SaaS performance obligations or our activation services, nor do they include a significant financing component, non-cash consideration, or consideration payable to a customer. Our SaaS performance obligations are typically billed quarterly in advance while our activation services are billed over the implementation period.
Our SaaS arrangements include multiple performance obligations and transaction price allocations are based on the stand-alone selling price ("SSP") for each performance obligation. There is an observable input for SSP for each of the SaaS performance obligations. Since activation services do not have directly observable pricing, the SSP is estimated using market conditions and observable inputs, which is calculated based on historical average discounts off our standard price list.
For our performance obligations, the consideration allocated to cloud subscription revenues is recognized as recurring revenues, typically using the output method, over the initial contract period, as those subscription-based services are consumed, typically commencing with the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosuresthe customer processes their first live payroll using UltiPro (referred to as defined pergoing "Live"). The consideration allocated to activation services is recognized as services revenues based on the new standard. Ultimate has not yet selected a transition method.proportion performed, using reasonably dependable estimates (in relation to progression through activation phases), by product.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases" ("ASU 2016-02"), to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard is effective for Ultimate on January 1, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The standard requires lessees and lessors to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet determined the effect the standard will have on our ongoing financial reporting.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes" ("ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 requires entities to offset all deferred tax assets and liabilities (and valuation allowances) for each tax-paying jurisdiction within each tax-paying component and present the net deferred tax as a single noncurrent amount in a classified balance sheet. Effective January 1, 2017 the Company adopted ASU 2015-17. Subsequent to adoption, all deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The changes have been applied prospectively as permitted by the ASU and prior years have not been restated. The adoption of this ASU does not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
4.    Funds held for Customers, Corporate Investments in Marketable Securities and Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We classify our investments in marketable securities with readily determinable fair values as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities consist of debt and equity securities not classified as trading securities or as securities to be

held to maturity. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are reported as a net amount in accumulated other comprehensive lossincome in stockholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains and losses resulting from available-for-sale securities are included in other income, net, in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. There were no significant reclassifications of realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 2016.2017.
Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined using the specific identification method.   There was $469$844 thousand of net unrealized loss and $145$704 thousand of net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.
The amortized cost, net unrealized gainloss and fair value of our funds held for customers and corporate investments in marketable available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 are shown below (in thousands):

As of June 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
Amortized Cost Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Fair Value (1) Amortized Cost Net Unrealized (Loss)/Gain Fair Value (1)Amortized Cost Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Fair Value (1) Amortized Cost Net Unrealized (Loss)/Gain Fair Value (1)
Type of issue:                      
Funds held for customers – money market securities and other cash equivalents$280,669
 $
 $280,669
 $316,353
 $
 $316,353
$340,517
 $
 $340,517
 $354,312
 $
 $354,312
Available-for-sale securities:                      
Corporate debentures – bonds4,185
 (4) 4,181
 10,175
 (3) 10,172

 
 
 2,848
 (4) 2,844
Commercial paper
 
 
 1,446
 
 1,446
1,338
 
 1,338
 
 
 
U.S. Agency bonds209,391
 (442) 208,949
 148,939
 (125) 148,814
284,437
 (844) 283,593
 209,443
 (693) 208,750
U.S. Treasury bills7,330
 (21) 7,309
 9,586
 (18) 9,568
1,487
 
 1,487
 5,876
 (6) 5,870
Asset-Backed securities1,436
 (2) 1,434
 2,901
 1
 2,902
449
 
 449
 721
 (1) 720
Total corporate investments and funds held for customers$503,011
 $(469) $502,542
 $489,400
 $(145) $489,255
$628,228
 $(844) $627,384
 $573,200
 $(704) $572,496
_________________
(1) Included within available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 are corporate investments with fair values of $12.9$3.3 million and $24.1$9.4 million, respectively. Included within available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 are funds held for customers with fair values of $208.9$283.6 million and $148.8$208.8 million, respectively. All available-for-sale securities were included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The unrealized losses and fair values of available-for-sale securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for a period of less than and greater than 12 months as of June 30, 20172018 are as follows (in thousands):
 Securities in unrealized loss position less than 12 months Securities in unrealized loss position greater than 12 months Total Securities in unrealized loss position less than 12 months Securities in unrealized loss position greater than 12 months Total
 Gross unrealized losses Fair market value Gross unrealized losses Fair market value Gross unrealized losses Fair market value Gross unrealized losses Fair market value Gross unrealized losses Fair market value Gross unrealized losses Fair market value
Corporate debentures – bonds $(4) $4,181
 $
 $
 $(4) $4,181
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Commercial paper 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Agency bonds (430) 195,572
 (12) 13,377
 (442) 208,949
 
 
 (883) 244,625
 (883) 244,625
U.S. Treasury bills (21) 7,309
 
 
 (21) 7,309
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-Backed securities (2) 1,434
 
 
 (2) 1,434
 
 449
 
 
 
 449
Total $(457) $208,496
 $(12) $13,377
 $(469) $221,873
 $
 $449
 $(883) $244,625
 $(883) $245,074
The unrealized losses and fair values of available-for-sale securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for a period of less than and greater than 12 months as of December 31, 20162017 are as follows (in thousands):
 Securities in unrealized loss position less than 12 months Securities in unrealized loss position greater than 12 months Total Securities in unrealized loss position less than 12 months Securities in unrealized loss position greater than 12 months Total
 Gross unrealized losses Fair market value Gross unrealized losses Fair market value Gross unrealized losses Fair market value Gross unrealized losses Fair market value Gross unrealized losses Fair market value Gross unrealized losses Fair market value
Corporate debentures – bonds $(4) $6,125
 $
 $
 $(4) $6,125
 $(1) $699
 $
 $
 $(1) $699
Commercial paper 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Agency bonds (131) 118,810
 
 
 (131) 118,810
 (408) 74,940
 (285) 133,811
 (693) 208,751
U.S. Treasury bills (18) 9,568
 
 
 (18) 9,568
 
 
 (6) 5,869
 (6) 5,869
Asset-Backed securities (1) 751
 
 
 (1) 751
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $(154) $135,254
 $
 $
 $(154) $135,254
 $(409) $75,639
 $(291) $139,680
 $(700) $215,319
The amortized cost and fair value of the marketable available-for-sale securities, by contractual maturity, as of June 30, 2017,2018, are shown below (in thousands):

 Corporate Investments Investments with Funds Held for Customers Total Corporate Investments Investments with Funds Held for Customers Total
 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
Due in one year or less $12,952
 $12,924
 $135,501
 $135,246
 $148,453
 $148,170
 $3,274
 $3,274
 $208,610
 $208,039
 $211,884
 $211,313
Due after one year 
 
 73,889
 73,703
 73,889
 73,703
 
 
 75,827
 75,554
 75,827
 75,554
Total $12,952
 $12,924
 $209,390
 $208,949
 $222,342
 $221,873
 $3,274
 $3,274
 $284,437
 $283,593
 $287,711
 $286,867
The amortized cost and fair value of the marketable available-for-sale securities, by contractual maturity, as of December 31, 2016,2017, are shown below (in thousands):
 Corporate Investments Investments with Funds Held for Customers Total Corporate Investments Investments with Funds Held for Customers Total
 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
Due in one year or less $15,546
 $15,541
 $104,688
 $104,649
 $120,234
 $120,190
 $9,445
 $9,434
 $164,072
 $163,641
 $173,517
 $173,075
Due after one year 8,562
 8,547
 44,251
 44,165
 52,813
 52,712
 
 
 45,371
 45,109
 45,371
 45,109
Total $24,108
 $24,088
 $148,939
 $148,814
 $173,047
 $172,902
 $9,445
 $9,434
 $209,443
 $208,750
 $218,888
 $218,184
We classify and disclose fair value measurements in one of the following three categories of fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 -Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets and liabilities.
Level 2 -Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 -Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Our assets that are measured by management at fair value on a recurring basis are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We have had assets in the past, and may have assets in the future, classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. No assets or investments were classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 20172018 or as of December 31, 2016.2017. We did not have any transfers into and out of Level 1 or Level 2 during the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 or the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.2017. No assets or investments were classified as Level 3 as of June 30, 20172018 or as of December 31, 2016.

2017.
The types of instruments valued by management, based on quoted prices in less active markets, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency, include corporate debentures and bonds, commercial paper, U.S. agency bonds and U.S. Treasury bills and asset-backed securities owned by Ultimate. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Ultimate uses consensus pricing, which is based on multiple pricing sources, to value its fixed income investments. The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, financial assets accounted for at fair value as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 (in thousands):
As of June 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
Corporate debentures – bonds$4,181
 $
 $4,181
 $
 $10,172
 $
 $10,172
 $
$
 $
 $
 $
 $2,844
 $
 $2,844
 $
Commercial paper
 
 
 
 1,446
 
 1,446
 
1,338
 
 1,338
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Agency bonds208,949
 
 208,949
 
 148,814
 
 148,814
 
283,593
 
 283,593
 
 208,750
 
 208,750
 
U.S. Treasury bills7,309
 
 7,309
 
 9,568
 
 9,568
 
1,487
 
 1,487
 
 5,870
 
 5,870
 
Asset-Backed securities1,434
 
 1,434
 
 2,902
 
 2,902
 
449
 
 449
 
 720
 
 720
 
Total$221,873
 $
 $221,873
 $
 $172,902
 $
 $172,902
 $
$286,867
 $
 $286,867
 $
 $218,184
 $
 $218,184
 $

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 20172018 and the audited consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20162017 as short-term and long-term investments in marketable securities. There were no financial liabilities accounted for at fair value as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.
5.Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 2 to 15 years. Leasehold improvements and assets under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease, which range from 3 to 15 years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred; betterments are capitalized. Upon the sale or retirement of assets, the cost, accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is recognized.
Property and equipment as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 consist of the following (in thousands):
As of June 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
Computer equipment$180,169
 $166,420
$198,262
 $185,034
Internal-use software147,714
 113,407
206,493
 178,093
Leasehold improvements41,330
 36,095
48,087
 43,556
Other property and equipment21,656
 18,661
24,446
 22,572
Property and equipment390,869
 334,583
477,288
 429,255
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization170,280
 155,025
202,447
 185,591
Property and equipment, net$220,589
 $179,558
$274,841
 $243,664
We capitalize computer software development costs related to software developed for internal use in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350-40, Intangibles Goodwill and Other-Internal Use Software. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, we capitalized $13.6$12.8 million and $26.2$27.4 million, , respectively, of computer software development costs related to a development project to be sold in the future as a cloud product only (the "Development Project"). There were $9.0$13.6 million and $17.0$26.2 million of software development costs related to the Development Project which were capitalized in the three and six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 2016,2017, these capitalized costs were primarily direct labor costs. As a component of these direct labor costs we capitalized $1.0$0.8 million and $2.0$1.8 million of stock-based compensation costs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, we capitalized $1.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation costs. These capitalized costs are included with internal-use software in property and equipment in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheetsheets and purchases of property and equipment in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Internal-use software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated

useful life, commencing after the software development is substantially complete and the software is ready for its intended use. At each balance sheet date, we evaluate the useful lives of these assets and test for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets. During the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 there were $1.0$2.1 million and $2.0$3.9 million, respectively, of amortization associated with certain product modules of the Development Project which were ready for their intended use. During the three and six months ended June 30, 20162017 there were $0.3$1.0 million and $0.5$2.0 million, respectively, of amortization associated with certain product modules of the Development Project which were ready for their intended use. The amortization of capitalized software is included in cost of recurring revenues.

6.Deferred Contract Costs, Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
PrepaidDeferred contract costs, prepaid expenses and other current assets as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 consist of the following (in thousands):
 As of June 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
Prepaid commissions on cloud sales$35,311
 $29,842
Other prepaid expenses19,899
 16,753
Other current assets17,248
 15,306
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets$72,458
 $61,901
 As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
Deferred contract costs$34,985
 $38,519
Prepaid expenses31,763
 20,088
Other current assets11,368
 12,995
Total deferred contract costs, prepaid expenses and other current assets$78,116
 $71,602
Deferred contract costs, which are primarily deferred sales commissions earned by our sales force and are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer, were $35.0 million as of June 30, 2018 and $38.5 million as of December 31, 2017. Amortization expense for the deferred contract costs was $5.5 million and $10.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Amortization expense for the deferred contract costs was $9.8 million and $18.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. There was no impairment loss in relation to the costs capitalized for the periods presented.

Included in deferred contract costs and other assets, net are deferred contract costs of $102.2 million as of June 30, 2018 and $45.5 million as of December 31, 2017. Deferred contract costs are primarily deferred sales commissions earned by our sales force and are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. The amortization of these deferred contract costs are expected to start after one year.

7.Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill amounts are not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based upon fair value at the date of acquisition and amortized over their estimated useful lives.
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill since December 31, 20162017 were as follows (in thousands):
Goodwill, December 31, 2016$35,322
Translation adjustment for the six months ended June 30, 2017 (1)241
Goodwill, June 30, 2017$35,563
Goodwill, December 31, 2017$35,808
Translation adjustment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 (1)(324)
Goodwill, June 30, 2018$35,484
__________________________
(1) Represents the impact of the foreign currency translation of the portion of goodwill that is recorded by our Canadian subsidiary whose functional currency is also its local currency. Such goodwill is translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at period end. Adjustments related to foreign currency translation are included in other comprehensive income (loss).

Intangible Assets
The following tables present our acquired intangible assets as of the dates specified below (in thousands):
June 30, 2017June 30, 2018
Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Cumulative Translation Adjustment (1) Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Remaining Useful LifeGross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Cumulative Translation Adjustment (1) Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life
Developed technology$23,300
 $(3,187) $(959) $19,154
 6.3$23,300
 $(5,521) $(959) $16,820
 5.7
Customer relationships4,700
 (1,599) 
 3,101
 4.94,700
 (2,409) 
 2,291
 4.3
Non-compete agreements300
 (300) 
 
 0.0300
 (300) 
 
 0.0
$28,300
 $(5,086) $(959) $22,255
 6.1$28,300
 $(8,230) $(959) $19,111
 5.6
                
December 31, 2016December 31, 2017
Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Cumulative Translation Adjustment (1) Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Remaining Useful LifeGross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Cumulative Translation Adjustment (1) Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life
Developed technology$23,300
 $(2,036) $(1,026) $20,238
 6.7$23,300
 $(4,355) $(895) $18,050
 6.0
Customer relationships4,700
 (1,194) 
 3,506
 5.34,700
 (2,004) 
 2,696
 4.5
Non-compete agreements300
 (300) 
 
 0.0300
 (300) 
 
 0.0
$28,300
 $(3,530) $(1,026) $23,744
 6.5$28,300
 $(6,659) $(895) $20,746
 5.9
____________________________
(1) Represents the impact of the foreign currency translation of the portion of acquired intangible assets that is recorded by our Canadian subsidiary whose functional currency is also its local currency. Such intangible assets are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at period end. Adjustments related to foreign currency translation are included in other comprehensive income (loss). income.
Acquired intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life, generally three to ten years, in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed. Included in acquired intangible assets as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017 were $0.1 million of assets with indefinite lives. Amortization expense for acquired intangible assets was $0.8 million and $1.61.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, respectively, and $0.30.8 million and $0.51.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, respectively.
8.Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders (the numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (the denominator) for the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive common shares had been issued.

The following table is a reconciliation of the shares of Ultimate's issued and outstanding $0.01 par value common stock ("Common Stock") used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 20162017 (in thousands):
For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
Basic weighted average shares outstanding29,751
 28,895
 29,645
 28,860
30,619
 29,751
 30,512
 29,645
Effect of dilutive equity instruments872
 1,345
 994
 1,380
494
 872
 652
 994
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding30,623
 30,240
 30,639
 30,240
31,113
 30,623
 31,164
 30,639
              
Options to purchase shares of Common Stock and other stock-based awards outstanding which are not included in the calculation of diluted income per share because their impact is anti-dilutive1
 
 5
 3

 1
 1
 5
9.Foreign Currency
The financial statements of Ultimate’s foreign subsidiary,subsidiaries, The Ultimate Software Group of Canada, Inc. (“Ultimate Canada”) and The Ultimate Software Group of Asia, PTE. LTD. ("Ultimate Asia"), have been translated into U.S. dollars. The functional currency of Ultimate Canada is the Canadian dollar. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments, representing unrealized gains or losses, are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss,(loss) income, a component of stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange transactions are included in total operating expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. There were no significant realized gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange transactions to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 2016.2017.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, Ultimate had unrealized translation losses of $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, Ultimate had unrealized translation gains of $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, Ultimate had unrealized translation gains of $0.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, as presented in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, are cumulative unrealized translation losses of $6.3$6.4 million as of June 30, 20172018 and $6.9$5.4 million as of December 31, 2016.2017.
10.Stock-Based Compensation
Summary of Plans
Our Amended and Restated 2005 Equity and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) authorizes the grant of options (“Options”) to non-employee directors, officers and employees of Ultimate to purchase shares of Common Stock.  The Plan also authorizes the grant to such persons of restricted and non-restricted shares of Common Stock, stock appreciation rights, stock units and cash performance awards (collectively, together with the Options, the “Awards”).
As of June 30, 2017,2018, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that were available to be issued under all Awards granted under the Plan was 705,3531,815,862 shares.

The following table sets forth the non-cash stock-based compensation expense resulting from stock-based arrangements that were recorded in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the periods indicated (in thousands):
For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense:              
Cost of recurring revenues$2,981
 $2,168
 $5,797
 $4,098
$3,994
 $2,981
 $7,426
 $5,797
Cost of services revenues1,935
 1,476
 3,924
 3,021
2,362
 1,935
 4,735
 3,924
Sales and marketing19,785
 15,015
 37,196
 28,683
17,074
 19,785
 33,411
 37,196
Research and development3,134
 1,920
 5,911
 3,767
4,241
 3,134
 7,550
 5,911
General and administrative11,443
 8,064
 20,316
 15,488
6,486
 11,443
 14,231
 20,316
Total non-cash stock-based compensation expense$39,278
 $28,643
 $73,144
 $55,057
$34,157
 $39,278
 $67,353
 $73,144
Stock-based compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 was $39.3$34.2 million and $73.1$67.4 million, respectively, as compared with stock-based compensation of $28.6$39.3 million and $55.1$73.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, respectively. The increasesdecreases of $10.6$5.1 million and $18.1$5.7 million in stock-based compensation for the three and six month periods, respectively, included increasesdecreases of $5.8$6.5 million and $10.5$7.4 million, respectively, associated with modifications and terminations made to the Company’s change in control plans in March 2015, February 2016, and February 2017.  These changes were made to better align management's incentives with long-term value creation for our shareholders. As part of the modifications in connection with the terminations of the change in control plans, time-based restricted stock awards (vesting over three years) were granted to certain senior officers in March 2015, February 2016, and February 2017.
Stock-based compensation expense associated with modifications and terminations made to the Company’s change-in-control plans in March 2015, February 2016, and February 2017, is shown in the table below (in thousands):

  For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Stock-based compensation expense:
        
Stock-based compensation expense $23,857
 $22,433
 $43,845
 42,245
Stock-based compensation expense related to change in control plans 10,300
 16,845
 23,508
 30,899
Total non-cash stock-based compensation expense $34,157
 $39,278
 $67,353
 $73,144
Net cash proceeds from the exercise of Options were $0.4 million and $2.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, and $3.0 million and $4.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, and $1.5 million and $2.7 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively.
Stock Option, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Activity
There were no Options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.2018. The following table summarizes stock option activity (for previously granted Options) for the six months ended June 30, 20172018 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Stock Options Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 344
 $28.76
 1.1 $52,797
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 114
 $29.24
 0.4 $21,476
Granted 
 
 0 
 
 
 0 
Exercised (159) 28.52
 0 
 (99) 29.54
 0 
Forfeited or expired 
 
 0 
 
 
 0 
Outstanding at June 30, 2017 185
 $28.98
 0.8 $33,413
Exercisable at June 30, 2017 185
 $28.98
 0.8 $33,413
Outstanding at June 30, 2018 15
 $27.24
 0.2 $3,377
Exercisable at June 30, 2018 15
 $27.24
 0.2 $3,377
The aggregate intrinsic value of Options in the table above represents total pretax intrinsic value (i.e., the difference between the closing price of Common Stock on the last trading day of the reporting period and the exercise price times the number of shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their Options on June 30, 2017.2018. The amount of the aggregate intrinsic value changes, based on the fair value of Common Stock. Total intrinsic value of Options exercised was $3.4 million and $20.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, and $18.2 million and $28.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, and $10.4 million and $18.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. All previously granted Options were fully vested as of December 31, 2011 and, therefore, no Options vested during the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 2016,2017, respectively.
As of June 30, 2017,2018, there were no unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested Options expected to be recognized as all previously granted Options were fully vested as of December 31, 2011.

The following table summarizes restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards granted during the three months ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 20162017 (in thousands):
 For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
Restricted Stock Awards:        
Non-Employee Directors 4
 2
 2
 4
Senior Officers 25
 
Total Restricted Stock Awards Granted 4
 2
 27
 4
        
Restricted Stock Unit Awards:        
Non-Senior Officers and Other Employees 13
 28
 27
 13
Total Restricted Stock Unit Awards Granted 13
 28
 27
 13
The following table summarizes the activity pertaining to Common Stock previously issued under restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards which vested during the three months ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 20162017 (in thousands):
 For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
 Shares VestedShares Retained (1)Amount Retained (in millions) (1)Shares Issued Shares VestedShares Retained (1)Amount Retained (in millions) (1)Shares Issued Shares VestedShares Retained (1)Amount Retained (in millions) (1)Shares Issued Shares VestedShares Retained (1)Amount Retained (in millions) (1)Shares Issued
Restricted Stock Awards:            
Non-Employee Directors 24

$0.024
 6

$0.06
 3

$0.03
 29

$0.029
Senior Officers 396
150
34.0
246
 278
109
21.2
169
Non-Senior Officers and Other Employees 5
2
0.3
3
 2
1
0.1
1
Total Restricted Stock Awards 24

$0.024
 6

$0.06
 404
152
$34.3252
 309
110
$21.3199
            
Restricted Stock Unit Awards:            
Non-Senior Officers and Other Employees 15
5
$1.29
 10
4
$0.76
 224
76
$17.5148
 187
69
$13.4118
Total Restricted Stock Unit Awards 15
5
$1.29
 10
4
$0.76
 224
76
$17.5148
 187
69
$13.4118

(1) During the threesix months ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 2016,2017, of the shares released, 5,457228,098 and 3,624178,564 shares, respectively, were retained by Ultimate and not issued, in satisfaction of withholding payroll tax requirements applicable to the payment of such awards.

The following table summarizes restricted stock award and restricted stock unit activity for the six months ended June 30, 20172018 (in thousands, except per share values):
 Restricted Stock Awards Restricted Stock Unit Awards Restricted Stock Awards Restricted Stock Unit Awards
 Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,161
 $164.77
 562
 $170.73
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 882
 $179.95
 630
 $170.73
Granted 361
 195.81
 288
 196.25
 230
 231.65
 322
 230.79
Vested and released (309) 158.18
 (187) 161.02
 (405) 170.23
 (224) 175.06
Forfeited or expired 
 
 (13) 184.19
 
 
 (20) 203.34
Outstanding at June 30, 2017 1,213
 $175.68
 650
 $184.55
Outstanding at June 30, 2018 707
 $202.33
 708
 $208.62
As of June 30, 2017, $141.02018, $109.6 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested restricted stock awards were expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.51.71 years. As of June 30, 2017, $91.72018, $113.0 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested restricted stock unit awards were expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.01.93 years.

11.     Deferred Revenue and Performance Obligations
During the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, $150.5 million and $124.7 million, respectively, of recurring revenues recognized, were included in the deferred revenue balances at the beginning of the respective periods. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, $159.0 million and $132.3 million, respectively, of recurring revenues recognized, were included in the deferred revenue balances at the beginning of the respective periods. Services revenues recognized in the same periods from deferred revenue balances at the beginning of the respective periods were not material.
Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
As of June 30, 2018, approximately $1.7 billion of revenue is expected to be recognized from remaining SaaS performance obligations which includes the remaining period of their initial contract term as well as the remaining renewal periods under contract as of June 30, 2018. We expect to recognize revenue on approximately 47 percent of these remaining performance obligations over the next 12 months, with the balance recognized thereafter. Revenue from remaining performance obligations for services as of June 30, 2018 was not material.
12. Immaterial Correction of Prior Period Financial Statements

As described in Note 17 in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2018, we revalued our net deferred tax assets to implement the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") which the federal government passed on December 22, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, immaterial errors were discovered in prior periods in the reporting of the GAAP income tax expense associated with the stock-based compensation for certain of our executive officers. While we have concluded that the impact of these errors on our previously-issued unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income was not material, we have revised our previously-reported unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. The revisions include a decrease to GAAP net income for the three months ended June 30, 2017 of $0.5 million, as a result of the increase to our GAAP income tax expense for the second quarter of 2017, and a decrease to GAAP net income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 of $0.6 million. For the second quarter of 2017, there was no impact on previously reported cash flows, pre-tax income and non-GAAP results. The revisions to our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of IncomeFor the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended
 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2017
 As Reported As Revised As Reported As Revised
Income before income taxes$6,870
 $6,870
 $9,885
 $9,885
(Provision) benefit for income taxes(1,868) (2,341) 2,451
 1,884
Net income$5,002
 $4,529
 $12,336
 $11,769
        
Net income per share:       
Basic$0.17
 $0.15
 $0.42
 $0.40
Diluted$0.16
 $0.15
 $0.40
 $0.38
        
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income       
Net income$5,002
 $4,529
 $12,336
 $11,769
Other comprehensive income, net of tax388
 388
 412
 412
Comprehensive income$5,390
 $4,917
 $12,748
 $12,181


13. Subsequent Event


On July 27, 2018, Ultimate acquired PeopleDoc SAS, a simplified joint-stock company (société par actions simplifiée) organized under the laws of France ("PeopleDoc"). Ultimate Software acquired PeopleDoc for approximately $300 million, using a combination of cash and shares of Ultimate Software common stock, with approximately $75 million of cash paid at the closing, 560,150 shares of Common Stock delivered at the closing, 43,522 restricted stock awards granted at the closing, 35,295 shares of Common Stock to be delivered at future dates and approximately $50 million of cash to be paid 12 months after the closing date. On August 5, 2018, our Board of Directors approved an Addendum to our Plan and a form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to allow the granting of Awards to French employees of PeopleDoc.

ITEM 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Ultimate,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) and in conjunction with Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016,2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 24, 201726, 2018 (the “Form 10-K”).
Business Overview
Ultimate Software is a leading cloud provider of cloud-based human capital management solutions, often referred to as human capital management (“HCM”) solutions. Ultimate's UltiPro product suite (“UltiPro”) is a comprehensive, engaging solution that has human resources ("HR"), payroll, and benefits management at its core and includes global people management, available in 14 languages with more than 3337 country-specific localizations. The solution is delivered via software-as-a-service ("SaaS"), now more commonly known as the cloud computing model, to organizations based in the United States and Canada, including those with global workforces. As of June 30, 2018, we had approximately 4,400 organizations as customers and approximately 40 million people records in our HCM cloud. Ultimate's UltiPro product suite (“UltiPro”) includes human resources (“HR”), payroll, talent, and time and labor management solutions that connect people with the information they need to work more effectively. UltiPro also includes global people management, and is available in twelve languages with more than 35 country-specific localizations. As of June 30, 2017, we have more than 3,700 customers with employees in 160 countries. We attained our leadership position, we believe, through our focus on unified HCM, people-centric product design, cloud technology, and strong customer relationships.
UltiPro is designed to deliver the functionality businesses need to manage the complete employee life cycle from recruitment to retirement and to facilitate high levels of employee engagement with their employers and each other.one another. The solution includes unified feature sets for talent acquisitionrecruiting and onboarding, HR management and compliance, benefits management and online enrollment, payroll, performance management, employee engagement surveying, compensation management with salary planning, budgeting, and development of incentive plans,award planning, succession management, learning management, reporting and analytical decision-making and predictive tools, and time capture, scheduling, attendance tracking, and attendance.absence accruals. UltiPro has role-based features for HR professionals, executives, managers, administrators, and employees whether they are in or out of the office, including access to business-critical information on mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and other smartphones and tablets.
Our customers tell us that UltiPro helps them to streamline talent management, HR and payroll processes to significantly reduce administrative and operational costs while also empowering them to manage the talent in their workforces more strategically. UltiPro provides our customers with tools to analyze workforce trends for better decision making, identify high-performing talent within their organizations, predict who future high-performers and retention risks will be with a high degree of accuracy, find critical information quickly, and perform routine business activities efficiently.
Our cloud offering of UltiPro provides Web-basedweb-based access to comprehensive HCM functionality for organizations that want to simplify delivery and support of their business applications. We have found that UltiPro is attractive to companies that want to focus on their core competencies to increase sales and profits. Through UltiPro,profits while we supply and manage the hardware, infrastructure, ongoing maintenance, and backup services for our customers. Customer systems are currently managed at four data centers--one located near Atlanta, Georgia, one near Phoenix, Arizona, one near Toronto, Canada, and another near Vancouver, Canada. All data centers are owned and operated by independent third parties.
We market our UltiPro solutions primarily to enterprise companies, which we define as organizations with 2,501 or more employees, including those with 10,000 or more employees;employees and larger; mid-market companies, which we define as those having 501-2,500 employees; and strategic market companies, which we define as those having 100-500 employees. UltiPro is marketed primarily through our enterprise, mid-market and strategic direct sales teams. Our mid-market and strategic market customers have access to nearly all the features that our larger enterprise companies have through UltiPro, plus a bundled services package. Since many companies in the mid- and strategic markets do not have information technology (“IT”) staff on their premises to help with system deployment or ongoing management issues, we have created a bundled services package to give these customers a high degree of convenience by handling system configuration, business rules, and other situations for them “behind the scenes.” UltiPro is marketed primarily through our enterprise, mid-market, and strategic direct sales teams.
In addition to UltiPro's HCM functionality, our customers have the option to purchase a number of additional capabilities on a per-employee-per-month (“PEPM”) basis, which are available to enhance and complement the core

functionality of UltiPro and which are based on the particular business needs of our customers. These optional UltiPro capabilities currently include (i) the talent acquisition suite (recruitment and onboarding); (ii) the talent management suite (performance management, talent predictors, and succession management); (iii) learning management; (iv) employee engagement surveys; (v) compensation management; (vi) benefits enrollment; (vii) time management; (viii) payment services (formerly referred to as “tax filing”);services; (ix) wage attachments; (x) UltiPro ACA toolkit and (x)(xi) other optional features (collectively, “Optional Capabilities”), which are described below.
In the fall of 2015, Ultimate began deploying a Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("ACA") toolkit that enabled our customers to comply with ACA regulations by the 2016 deadline. The toolkit is embedded in UltiPro and

automatically populates the Forms 1094-C and 1095-C with the appropriate information. In addition, Ultimate offers our customers additional optional ACA-related services, branded UltiPro ACA Employer Services. These include such services as printing and electronic filing of 1094-C and 1095-C forms with the IRS on our customer’s behalf and on-going proactive monitoring and managing of employee eligibility alerts, notices, and penalty responses. UltiPro’s tracking of hours worked in payroll ties to UltiPro’s benefits management, enabling automatic calculation of employees’ hours of service eligibility and providing HR leaders analytical insight into compliance risk related to the ACA delivered in the Healthcare Eligibility Dashboard and via our UltiPro ACA Toolkit..
All Optional Capabilities are priced solely on a subscription basis. Some of the Optional Capabilities are available to enterprise, mid-market and strategic market customers while others are available exclusively to either enterprise, mid-market or strategic market customers, and availability is based on the needs of the respective customers, the number of their employees and the complexity of their HCM environment.

The key drivers of our business are (i) growth in recurring revenues; (ii) operating income, excluding non-cash stock-based compensation, and amortization of acquired intangibles, and transaction costs for business combinations ("Non-GAAP Operating Income"); and (iii) retention of our customers once our solutions are sold (“Customer Retention”). For the three months ended June 30, 2017,2018, our (i) recurring revenues grew by 23.1%22.7%, compared with the same period in 2016,2017, and (ii) Non-GAAP Operating Income was $47.0$56.2 million, or 20.9%20.7% of total revenues, as compared with $37.4$47.0 million, or 20.0%20.9% of total revenues, for the same period in 2016.2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, our (i) recurring revenues grew by 23.7%23.6%, compared with the same period in 2016,2017, and (ii) Non-GAAP Operating Income was $84.7$112.2 million or 18.7%20.5% of total revenues, as compared with $73.4$84.7 million, or 19.6%18.7% of total revenues, for the same period in 2016.2017. As of June 30, 2017,2018, our Customer Retention, on a trailing twelve-month basis, was approximately 96% for our recurring revenue cloud customer base. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Our ability to achieve significant revenue growth in the future will depend upon the success of our direct sales force and our ability to adapt our sales efforts to address the evolving markets for our products and services. We provide our sales personnel with comprehensive and continuing training with respect to technology and market place developments. Aside from sales commissions, we also provide various incentives to encourage our sales representatives, including stock-based compensation awards based upon performance.
The HCM market is intensely competitive. We address competitive pressures through improvements and enhancements to our products and services, the development of additional features of UltiPro and a comprehensive marketing team and process that distinguishes Ultimate and its products from the competition.  Our focus on customer service, which enables us to maintain a high Customer Retention rate, also helps us address competitive pressures.
As our business has grown, we have become increasingly subject to the risks arising from adverse changes in domestic and global economic conditions. If general economic conditions were to deteriorate, we may experience delays in our sales cycles, increased pressure from prospective customers to offer discounts and increased pressure from existing customers to renew expiring recurring revenue agreements for lower amounts. We address continuing economic pressures by, among other things, efforts to control growth of our operating expenses through the monitoring of controllable costs and vendor negotiations.
Ultimate has two primary revenue sources: recurring revenues and services revenues. The primary component of recurring revenues is subscription revenues from our cloud offering of UltiPro. The majority of services revenues are derived from implementation consulting services.
As cloud units are sold, the recurring revenue backlog associated with UltiPro grows, enhancing the predictability of future revenue streams. Cloud revenues include ongoing monthly subscription fees, priced on a PEPM basis. Revenue recognition for our recurring revenue stream is typically triggered when the customer processes its first payroll using UltiPro (or goes “Live”).


Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.  Ultimate’s critical accounting estimates, as discussed in "Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included in the Form 10-K, have not significantly changed.changed with the exception of our revenue recognition policy due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“Topic 606”). See note 3 in our Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on Topic 606.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Ultimate's financial instruments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, investments in marketable securities, funds held for customers and the related obligations, accounts receivable, accounts payable, capital lease obligations and other long-term liabilities approximated fair value (due to their relatively short maturity) as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income data of Ultimate, as a percentage of total revenues, for the periods indicated:
For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues:              
Recurring86.9 % 85.0 % 85.0 % 83.3 %88.3 % 86.9 % 86.9 % 85.0 %
Services13.1
 15.0
 15.0
 16.7
11.7
 13.1
 13.1
 15.0
Total revenues100.0
 100.0
 100.0
 100.0
100.0
 100.0
 100.0
 100.0
Cost of revenues: 
  
     
  
    
Recurring23.4
 23.0
 22.6
 22.1
24.6
 23.4
 23.6
 22.6
Services14.1
 15.8
 15.8
 16.6
13.2
 14.1
 14.2
 15.8
Total cost of revenues37.5
 38.8
 38.4
 38.7
37.8
 37.5
 37.8
 38.4
Gross profit62.5
 61.2
 61.6
 61.3
62.2
 62.5
 62.2
 61.6
Operating expenses: 
  
     
  
    
Sales and marketing29.8
 29.2
 30.1
 29.7
24.4
 29.8
 25.1
 30.1
Research and development15.6
 15.6
 15.7
 15.1
18.5
 15.6
 17.7
 15.7
General and administrative14.0
 11.9
 13.6
 11.7
11.9
 14.0
 11.7
 13.6
Total operating expenses59.4
 56.7
 59.4
 56.5
54.8
 59.4
 54.5
 59.4
Operating income3.1
 4.5
 2.2
 4.8
7.4
 3.1
 7.7
 2.2
Other (expense) income: 
  
    
Other income (expense): 
  
    
Interest expense and other(0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1)0.1
 (0.1) 
 (0.1)
Other income, net0.1
 0.1
 0.1
 
0.3
 
 0.1
 0.1
Total other expense, net
 
 
 (0.1)
Total other income (expense), net0.4
 (0.1) 0.1
 
Income before income taxes3.1
 4.5
 2.2
 4.7
7.8
 3.0
 7.8
 2.2
Provision for income taxes(0.9) (1.2) 0.5
 (1.3)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes(2.6) (1.0) (1.5) 0.5
Net income2.2 % 3.3 % 2.7 % 3.4 %5.2 % 2.0 % 6.3 % 2.7 %

The following table sets forth the non-cash stock-based compensation expense resulting from stock-based arrangements that is recorded in our unaudited consolidated statements of income for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Cost of recurring revenues$2,981
 $2,168
 $5,797
 $4,098
Cost of services revenues1,935
 1,476
 3,924
 3,021
Sales and marketing19,785
 15,015
 37,196
 28,683
Research and development3,134
 1,920
 5,911
 3,767
General and administrative11,443
 8,064
 20,316
 15,488
Total stock-based compensation expense$39,278
 $28,643
 $73,144
 $55,057

Overview of Financial Results
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting(“ASU 2016-09”). The standard amends the accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. We elected to early adopt the new guidance in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. Therefore, the prior year numbers in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income, our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income, our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, our non-GAAP financial measures and notes to unaudited condensed financial statements reflect revised numbers in accordance with the adoption of this guidance. Our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were not impacted.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, compared with the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, total revenues increased by $38.2 million and $79.4 million, respectively, and the combination of our total cost of revenues and operating expenses ("Total Costs") increased by $39.7 million and $87.2 million, respectively, resulting in a decrease in our operating income of $1.5 million and $7.8 million, respectively. The increases in the Total Costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 included the impact of $10.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively, of non-cash stock-based compensation, discussed below.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, as compared with the same periods in 2016, our non-cash stock-based compensation expense increased $10.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively, primarily as the result of changes we made with respect to our change in control plans ("CIC Plans") for certain senior officers. As part of an on-going comprehensive review of the senior officer compensation arrangements, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee took actions to modify and terminate the CIC Plans primarily to better align management's incentives with long-term value creation for our shareholders, by significantly amending the CIC Plan I (in March 2015 and February 2016) and terminating the CIC Plan I (in February 2017), which covers Mr. Scott Scherr, our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Marc D. Scherr, our Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer, and Mr. Mitchell K. Dauerman, our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and terminating our CIC Plan II (in March 2015), which covered eight other senior officers of the Company (collectively, the "CIC Plan Revisions"). The CIC Plans were designed to provide cash payments to senior officers covered by the respective plans upon a “change in control” of Ultimate Software. The change in control plans were originally established in 2004 in lieu of granting time-based equity awards, and they were amended in 2007 to increase the size of the change in control awards, again in lieu of granting time-based equity awards. Under the terms of each of the CIC Plans, we were required to provide each covered senior officer with “comparable value” with respect to the reduction or termination of his or her change in control award. The comparable value given to each such senior officer was in the form of a restricted stock award. These restricted stock awards granted in March 2015, February 2016 and February 2017, in connection with the CIC Plan Revisions accounted for $5.8 million of the $10.6 million increase in our non-cash stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and $10.5 million of the $18.1 million increase in our non-cash stock-based compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2017.
Also included in the non-cash stock-based compensation expense increase in 2017 were the effects of new grants in the period and the impact of changes in our stock price.
Stock-based compensation expense and stock-based compensation expense associated with the CIC Revisions as discussed above are as follows (in thousands):
 For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Stock-based compensation expense:
       
Stock-based compensation expense$22,433
 $17,581
 $42,245
 $34,665
Stock-based compensation expense related to CIC Modifications16,845
 11,062
 30,899
 20,392
Total non-cash stock-based compensation expense$39,278
 $28,643
 $73,144
 $55,057
Our net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 decreased $1.1 million and $0.4 million respectively, in comparison with the same period last year, primarily as a result of the increase in non-cash stock-based compensation expense changes (described above), partially offset by a reduction in our provision for income taxes due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09.
 For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Cost of recurring revenues$3,994
 $2,981
 $7,426
 $5,797
Cost of services revenues2,362
 1,935
 4,735
 3,924
Sales and marketing17,074
 19,785
 33,411
 37,196
Research and development4,241
 3,134
 7,550
 5,911
General and administrative6,486
 11,443
 14,231
 20,316
Total stock-based compensation expense$34,157
 $39,278
 $67,354
 $73,144
Revenues
Our revenues are derived from recurring revenues and services revenues.

Total revenues increased 20.5%20.7% to $271.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $224.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $186.5and 20.9% to $547.9 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016 and 21.3% to2018 from $453.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $373.82017.
Recurring revenues, primarily consisting of subscription-based SaaS revenues, increased 22.7% to $239.5 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016.
Recurring revenues, consisting of subscription revenues2018, from cloud-based UltiPro, increased 23.1% to $195.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $158.5and 23.6% to $476.0 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016 and 23.7% to2018, from $385.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, from $311.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017. The increases for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 in cloudrecurring revenues, werewas primarily based on the revenue impact of incremental units sold to customers that have processed their first payroll using UltiPro (or gone "Live") since June 30, 2016,2017, including the UltiPro core product and, to a lesser extent, Optional Capabilities of UltiPro. Cloud subscriptionsubscription-based SaaS revenues are recognized as recurring revenues over the initial contract period, as those services are delivered, typically commencing with the Live date.
Our annual revenue customer retention rate for our recurring revenue cloud customer base was approximately 96% as of June 30, 20172018 (calculated on a 12-month rolling basis), which comparesis consistent with over 97% for the comparablesame period of the prior year. The impact on recurring revenues of UltiPro units sold has been a gradual increase from one reporting period to the next, based on the incremental effect of revenue recognition of the subscription fees over the terms of the related contracts as sales in backlog go Live.
Services revenues increased 5.3%7.3% to $31.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $29.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $28.1and 5.6% to $71.9 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016 and 8.9% to2018 from $68.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $62.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017. The increasesincrease in services revenues for the three- and six-month periods werethree month period was primarily due to additional implementation revenues to support increased sales, partially offset primarily by lowerfrom both Ultimate's implementation consultants as well as third party implementation partners. The increase in services revenues for the six month period was mainly attributable to additional implementation revenues to support increased sales, from time clocksboth Ultimate's implementation consultants as sales of time clocks are shiftingwell as third party implementation partners and, to more sold on a per device per month (or subscription) basis.
As a result oflesser extent, an increase in the number of enterprise sales being made to larger and more complex companies, the time-to-live periods (i.e., the period of time from the contract sale date through the Live date) in the enterprise backlog have expanded by an average of 2-3 months. We also experienced the same business effect with our mid-market sales for which the related backlog expanded by an average of 1-2 months. We anticipate these time-to-live extensions will cause our recurring revenues andother services revenues mainly attributable to be lower than originally estimated at the beginning of 2017. It is important to note that the extension of the time-to-live periods does not change the overall value of recurring revenues or our fixed fee implementation revenues (included withprint services revenues) from these customers and is essentially a timing issue.for certain customers.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues consists of the costs of recurring and services revenues. Cost of recurring revenues primarily consists of costs to provide customer support services ("Customer Support") to cloud customers, the cost of providing periodic updates and the cost of recurring subscription revenues, including hosting data center costs and, to a lesser extent, amortization of capitalized software. Cost of services revenues primarily consists of costs to provide implementation services and training to Ultimate’s customers and, to a lesser extent, costs related to sales of payroll-related forms, time clocks and print services, as well as costs associated with certain client reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses.
Total cost of revenues increased 16.5%21.7% to $102.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, from $84.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $72.3and 19.2% to $207.3 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016 and 20.3% to2018, from $174.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, from $144.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017.

Cost of recurring revenues increased 22.3%26.8% to $66.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $52.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $43.0and 26.2% to $129.5 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016 and 24.5% to2018 from $102.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $82.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017. The increases in the cost of recurring revenues for the three- and six-month periods were primarily due to increases in both cloud costs and Customer Support costs, as described below, and, to a lesser extent, increased amortization of capitalized software costs from the development costs related to a development project to be sold in the future as a cloud product only (the "Development Project") which resulted from another product modulemodules becoming available for itstheir intended use during December 2016:since June 30, 2017.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, the increaseincreases in cloud costs werewas principally as a result of the growth in cloud operations from increased sales, including increased labor costs and, to a lesser extent, increased variable costs associated with our cloud operations.
The increases in Customer Support costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 were primarily due to higher labor costs commensurate with the growth in the number of cloud customers serviced.

Cost of services revenues increased 8.1%13.4% to $35.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $31.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $29.3and 9.1% to $77.9 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016 and 14.8% to2018 from $71.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $62.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017. The increases in cost of services revenues for the three- and six-month periods were primarily due to the increased costcosts of implementation, including higher labor and related costs, (particularly in association with the increased number of billable consultants) and, to a lesser extent, the increased use of third partythird-party implementation partners, partially offset by lower costs associated with the timing of one of our national meetings for the services organization which was held in the quarter ended June 30, 2016 but, in 2017, is being held in the third fiscal quarter.partners.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, sales commissions, travel and promotional expenses, and facility and communication costs for direct sales offices, as well as advertising and marketing costs. Sales and marketing expenses increased 22.9%decreased 1.2% to $66.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $67.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $54.5and increased 0.8% to $137.4 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016 and 22.7% to2018 from $136.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 20172017. The decrease in the sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily due to lower sales commissions resulting from $111.1 millionthe adoption of Topic 606 due to the longer amortization period under this new standard, partially offset by increased labor and related costs (including the impact of an increase in sales personnel) and increased advertising and marketing expenses. See Note 3 in our Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more on Topic 606. The increase in sales and marketing expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The increases in sales and marketing expenses for the three- and six-month periods were2018 was primarily due to increased labor and related costs (including sales commissions and the impact of an increase in sales personnel) and, to a lesser extent, higher advertising and marketing expenses. Included inexpenses, partially offset by lower sales commissions resulting from the increased labor and related costs foradoption of Topic 606 due to the longer amortization period under this new standard. For the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018, there was a decrease in stock based compensation expense for a portion of certain non-cash, stock-based compensation expenses relating to one-time grants of restricted stock awards given to certain senior officers whose rights to receive cash payments upon a change in control of Ultimate were terminated. Under the terms of the applicable change in control plans, we were required to provide each such senior officer with “comparable value” with respectterminated due to the reduction or terminationfull vesting of his or her changethose restricted stock awards which were granted in control award. Commissions on cloud sales are amortized over the initial contract term (typically 24 to 36 months) typically commencing on the Live date, which corresponds with the related cloud revenue recognition.February 2015.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses consist primarily of software development personnel costs. Research and development expenses increased 20.5%42.9% to $50.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $35.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $29.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 25.8%36.3% to $71.1$97.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 20172018 from $56.6$71.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017. The increases in research and development expenses for the three- and six-month periods were principally due to higher labor and related costs associated with the ongoing development of UltiPro and Optional Capabilities, including the impact of increased personnel costs (predominantly from additional headcount), net of capitalized labor costs. During the three months ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 2016,2017, we capitalized a total of $13.6$12.8 million (including $1.0$0.8 million in non-cash stock-based compensation) and $9.0$13.6 million (including $1.0 million in non-cash stock-based compensation), respectively, for internal-use software costs from a development project that will be offered as a cloud product (the "Development Project").the Development Project. During the six months ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 2016,2017, we capitalized a total of $26.2$27.4 million (including $2.0$1.8 million in non-cash stock-based compensation) and $17.0$26.2 million (including $2.0 million in non-cash stock-based compensation), respectively, for the Development Project. The capitalized costs for this Development Project were from direct labor costs and, to a lesser extent, third party consulting fees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.2018. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, there were $1.0$2.1 million and $2.0$3.9 million respectively, of amortization associated with certain product modules of the Development Project which were ready for their intended use. The amortization of capitalized software is included in cost of recurring revenues.

General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits of executive, administrative and financial personnel, as well as facility costs, external professional fees and the provision for doubtful accounts. General and administrative expenses increased 41.9%2.5% to $32.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $31.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $22.2and 3.8% to $64.0 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016 and 41.1% to2018 from $61.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $43.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017. The increases in general and administrative expenses for the three- and six-month periods were primarily due to higher labor and related costs, including increased personnel to support Ultimate's growth in operations, an increase in facility costs to support the growth in headcount, including our Weston, Florida headquarter locations, increased professional fees and an increase in the provision for doubtful accounts, and a portion of certain non-cash, stock-based compensation expenses relating to one-time grants of restricted stock awards given to certain senior officers whose rights to receive cash payments upon a change in control of Ultimate were terminated. Under the terms of the applicable change in control plans, we were required to provide each such senior officer with “comparable value” with respect to the reduction or termination of his or her change in control award.

accounts.
Income Taxes
Income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 included a consolidated tax provision of $7.1 million and $8.4 million, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was 34.2% and 19.5%, respectively. Income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 included a consolidated tax provision of $1.9 million. Income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2017, included$2.3 million and a consolidated tax benefit of $2.5 million.$1.9 million, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 was 27.2%34.2% and (24.8)%(19.1%), respectively. Income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 (as restated for the effect of ASU 2016-09) included a consolidated provision of $2.3 million and $4.9 million, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 was 27.0%2018 included the reduction in the federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 due to the passing of the federal Tax Cuts and 27.8%, respectively. The changeJobs Act by the federal government on December 22, 2017. Although the statutory tax rate decreased, the increase in the effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to June 30, 2017 as compared withis primarily attributable to a significantly higher pre-tax net income for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and lower excess tax benefit from the application of ASU 2016-09. Consequentially, the impact (benefit) to the effective tax rate of the excess benefits resulting from the application of ASU 2016-09 was significantly lower for the six months ended June 30, 2018.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, was primarily due to2018, we realized an increase in the recognition of excess tax benefits in the threebenefit of $8.1 million and six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to June 30, 2016 resulting$9.0 million, respectively, from the adoptionapplication of ASU 2016-09. This was partially offset byFor the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, we realized an increase in non-deductible expenses, primarily stock based compensation, and a resulting higher ratioexcess tax benefit of non-deductible expenses to pre-tax income.$20.9 million from the application of ASU 2016-09.
At December 31, 2016,2017, we had approximately $148.5$135.0 million of net operating loss carryforwards for Federalfederal income tax reporting purposes available to offset future taxable income. Prior to January 1, 2016, the tax benefit of net operating loss carryforwards attributable to deductions from the exercise of non-qualified employee, and non-employee director, stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards, were credited to paid-in-capital and deferred tax asset only to the extent realized through a reduction of income taxes payable. As a result, prior to January 1, 2016, the excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation were included in net operating loss carryforwards but not reflected in deferred tax assets. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-09, the excess tax benefits associated with stock based compensation were reflected in deferred tax assets. These excess tax benefits combined with the associated financial statement expense (previously included in the stock-based compensation line of the annual tax footnote included in Ultimate’s Form 10-K), are currently reflected in the net operating loss line of the deferred tax schedule in Ultimate's Form 10-K.
During 2016, we realized a tax benefit of $49.0 million comprised of a $23.8 million and a $25.2 million credit to income tax expense and deferred tax asset, respectively. The carryforwards expire from 2018 through 2035, and from 2016 through 2035, for Federalfederal and state income tax reporting purposes, respectively.purposes. Utilization of such net operating loss carryforwards may be limited as a result of cumulative ownership changes in Ultimate’s equity instruments due to ownership change provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 382 and similar state law provisions. As of June 30, 2018, we are under an ongoing Internal Revenue Service examination of our U.S. Federal income tax return for the year ended December 31, 2014.
As of December 31, 2016,2017, we had $7.2$8.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits resulting from a research and development credit attributable to the years 1998 through 2016,2017, that if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate. While itIt is often difficult to predict the final outcome of any particular uncertain tax position,position. Consequently, management does not believe that it is reasonably possible thatwill adjust the estimatesamount of the unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly inupon expiration of the next twelve months.statute of limitations for the effected years or when new facts or circumstances arise that would support an adjustment.
We recognized $70.3$29.9 million of deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities, as of June 30, 2017.2018. If estimates of taxable income are decreased, a valuation allowance may need to be provided for some or all deferred tax assets, which will cause an increase in income tax expense. Management continues
On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118"), which provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the enactment date for companies to complete the accounting required. The Company, in accordance with SAB 118, will record and revise reasonable estimates of the income tax effects of the Tax Act in the first period after data or future guidance is available. For the current and subsequent tax years, we will continue to assert the position of indefinite re-investment of earnings in Canada and Singapore. We will apply the exception to the comprehensive recognition of deferred income taxes to the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiary,subsidiaries, The Ultimate Software Group of Canada, Inc. (“and The Ultimate Canada”). Accordingly, deferred incomeSoftware Group of Asia, PTE. LTD. The indefinite reinvestment criteria includes state taxes wereand withholding taxes that arise from repatriation under IRC Section 965(n), which are not recognized on the cumulative undistributed earnings of Ultimate Canada. The deferred tax liability, net of available foreign tax credits, resulting from such cumulative undistributed earnings were not deemed material.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In recent years, we have funded operations primarily from cash flows generated from operations.
As of June 30, 2017,2018, we had $111.0$188.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term corporate investments in marketable securities (collectively, "Cash"), reflecting a net increase of $21.6$23.0 million since December 31, 2016.2017.  The total increase in Cash for the six-monthsix month period was primarily from cash provided by operations of $89.5$118.1 million and proceeds from the issuances of Common Stock from employee and non-employee director stock option exercises of $4.5$2.9 million, partially offset by cash purchases of property and equipment (including principal payments on financed equipment) of $46.7 million (which includes $24.2 million of capitalized labor costs and third party consulting fees, paid in cash, associated with the Development Project) and cash used to settle the employee tax withholding liability for vesting of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units of $34.7 million.$51.8 million, cash purchases of property and equipment (including principal payments on financed equipment) of $44.3 million (which includes $25.6 million of capitalized labor costs and third party consulting fees, paid in cash, associated with the Development Project).
Our operating cash inflows primarily consist of payments received from our UltiPro customers. Our operating cash outflows primarily consist of cash we invest in personnel and infrastructure to support the anticipated growth of our business, payments to vendors directly related to our services, payments under arrangements with third party vendors who provide hosting infrastructure services in connection with UltiPro, related sales and marketing costs, costs of operations and systems development and programming costs. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $23.9$28.6 million during the six months

ended June 30, 20172018 to $89.5$118.1 million, as compared with $65.6$89.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017. This increase was primarily due to an increase in cash operating income (after adjusting for non-cash expenses) of $15.3$30.6 million, and increasedpartially offset by decreased cash from working capital, partially offset by increased cash paid for prepaid commissions (short- and long-term) in association with sales made during the six-month period.capital.
The net cash used in investing activities was $95.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared with a net cash outflow of $57.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, as compared with a net cash outflow of $52.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017.  The increase of $4.6$38.5 million was primarily

attributable to a net change in funds received from our customers using the UltiPro payment services offering (“UltiPro Payment Services”) of $36.3$21.9 million, and an increase in cashthe purchases of property and equipmentmarketable securities of $9.9$45.6 million (which includes purchases for the period of $164.9 million of funds held for customers being invested in marketable securities in addition to our corporate funds), partially offset by an increase in the maturities of marketable securities of $16.9$26.5 million (which includes the maturities for the period of $59.1$90.1 million of marketable securities originally purchased with funds held for customers in addition to our corporate funds), and a decrease in the purchases of marketable securities of $15.5 million (which includes purchases for the period of $119.8 million of funds held for customers being invested in marketable securities in addition to our corporate funds). During the six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, we capitalized software development costs related to the Development Project totaling $26.2$27.4 million (including $2.0$1.8 million from the non-cash impact of capitalized stock-based compensation expense), which was classified as property and equipment. We invest our customer funds in available for sale securities along with our corporate funds in accordance with our internal investment strategies. The portfolio predominantly consists of investment grade securities with long-term ratings of AAA and AA+ and short-term ratings A-1/P-1. Customer funds not invested in available for sale securities, temporarily held by us as a result of our UltiPro Payment Services, are invested in U.S. Government money market funds that invest in short-term, high quality money market instruments which consist of U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency obligations and repurchase agreements collateralized by such obligations. The money market funds are rated AAA by Standard & Poor's and Aaa by Moody's. Any residual customer funds are held primarily in our bank accounts.
Net cash used inprovided by financing activities was $8.1$7.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, as compared with $40.6$8.1 million net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017. The $32.5$15.6 million decreaseincrease in cash used inprovided by financing activities was primarily related to a decrease of $29.7 million in cash used for the repurchases of shares of our Common Stock under our Stock Repurchase Plan, a net change of $17.4$36.2 million in customer funds obligations for our UltiPro Payment Services, an increase in the net proceeds from issuances of Common Stock of $1.8 million and a decrease in cash used for the repayments of other borrowings of $0.2 million, partially offset by a decrease of $1.6 million in cash proceeds from the issuance of our Common Stock for stock option exercises, an increase of $16.2$17.0 million in cash used to settle employee tax withholding liabilities upon the vesting of their restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards, and an increase of $0.3 million in cash used for principalthe payments on capital lease obligations.of other liabilities of $1.9 million.
Days sales outstanding (or "DSOs"), calculated on a trailing three-month basis, as of June 30, 20172018 were 6866 days as compared with 7268 days as of June 30, 2016. The decrease of four days was associated with increased revenues and stronger collections during the second quarter of 2017.
Deferred revenues were $187.0$214.4 million at June 30, 2017,2018, as compared with $174.0$198.9 million at December 31, 2016.2017. The increase of $13.0$15.6 million in deferred revenues was primarily due to incremental sales.
We believe that cash and cash equivalents, investments in marketable securities, equipment financing, other borrowings and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months. This belief is based upon, among other factors, management’s expectations for future revenue growth, controlled expenses and collections of accounts receivable.
As of June 30, 2017,2018, we did not have any material commitments for capital expenditures, except for anticipated capitalized costs associated with the Development Project.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not, and, as of June 30, 2017,2018, we did not, have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as that term is defined in applicable SEC rules) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Quarterly Fluctuations
Our quarterly revenues and operating results have varied significantly in the past and are likely to vary substantially from quarter to quarter in the future. Our operating results may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, increased expenses (especially as they relate to product development, sales and marketing and the use of third-party consultants), timing of product releases, increased competition, variations in the mix of revenues, announcements of new products by us or our competitors and capital spending patterns of our customers. We establish our expenditure levels based upon our expectations as to future revenues, and, if revenue levels are below expectations, expenses can be disproportionately

high. A drop in near term demand for our products could significantly affect both revenues and profits in any quarter. Operating results achieved in previous fiscal quarters are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the full fiscal year or for any future periods. As a result of these factors, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain profitability on a quarterly basis. We believe that, due to the underlying factors for quarterly fluctuations, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of Ultimate’s operations are not necessarily meaningful and that such comparisons should not be relied upon as indications of future performance.
Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the following Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk contain certain forward-looking statements within the

meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements represent our expectations or beliefs, including, but not limited to, our expectations concerning our operations and financial performance and condition. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Ultimate’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, concentration of our product offerings, development risks involved with new products and technologies, competition, our contractual relationships with third parties, contract renewals with business partners, compliance by our customers with the terms of their contracts with us, and other factors disclosed in Ultimate’s filings with the SEC. Other factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this Form 10-Q and the Form 10-K, including the risk factors set forth in "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" of the Form 10-K. Ultimate undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Item 10 (e) of Regulation S-K, "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures in Commission Filings," defines and prescribes the use of non-GAAP financial information. Our measure of Non-GAAP Operating Income, which excludes non-cash stock-based compensation, and amortization of acquired intangibles and transaction costs related to business combinations, meets the definition of a non-GAAP financial measure.
Ultimate believesWe believe that this non-GAAP measure of financial results provides useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to Ultimate'sour financial condition and results of operations. Ultimate's managementManagement uses this non-GAAP result to compare Ultimate'sour performance to that of prior periods for trend analyses, for purposes of determining executive incentive compensation, and for budget and planning purposes. This measure is used in monthly financial reports prepared for management and in quarterly financial reports presented to Ultimate'sour Board of Directors. This measure may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.
This non-GAAP measure should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to such measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The principal limitation of this non-GAAP financial measure is that it excludes significant expenses that are required by GAAP to be recorded. In addition, it is subject to inherent limitations as it reflects the exercise of judgment by management about which expenses are excluded from the non-GAAP financial measure.
To compensate for these limitations, Ultimate presents itswe present our non-GAAP financial measure in connection with itsour GAAP result. UltimateWe strongly urgesurge investors and potential investors in Ultimate'sour securities to review the reconciliation of itsour non-GAAP financial measure to the comparable GAAP financial measure that is included in the table below and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate its business.
We exclude the following items from the non-GAAP financial measure, Non-GAAP Operating Income (and the related non-GAAP operating income, as a percentage of total revenue (or non-GAAP operating margin)), as appropriate:
Stock-based compensation expense. Ultimate'sOur non-GAAP financial measure excludes stock-based compensation expense, which consists of expenses for stock options and stock and stock unit awards recorded in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation.” For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, stock-based compensation expense was $39.3$34.2 million and $73.1$67.4 million, respectively, on a pre-tax basis. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, stock-based compensation expense was $28.6$39.3 million and $55.1$73.1 million, respectively, on a pre-tax basis. Stock-based compensation expense is excluded from the non-GAAP financial measures because it is a non-cash expense that Ultimate doeswe do not consider part of ongoing operations when assessing its financial performance. Ultimate believesWe believe that such exclusion facilitates the comparison of results of ongoing operations for current and future periods with such results from past periods. For GAAP net income periods, non-GAAP reconciliations are calculated on a diluted weighted average share basis.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets. In accordance with GAAP, operating expenses include amortization of acquired intangible assets over the estimated useful lives of such assets. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, the amortization of acquired intangible assets was $0.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, the amortization of acquired intangible assets was $0.3$0.8 million and $0.5$1.6 million, respectively. Amortization of acquired intangible assets is excluded from Ultimate’s non-GAAP financial measures because it is a non-cash expense that Ultimate does not consider part of ongoing operations when assessing its financial performance. We believe that such exclusion facilitates comparisons to its historical operating results and to the results of other companies in the same industry, which have their own unique acquisition histories.

Transaction costs related to business combinations. In accordance with GAAP, operating expenses include transaction costs for third-party professional services received in connection with business combinations. As we do not acquire or dispose of businesses on a predictable basis, the terms of each business combination are unique and can vary significantly from other business combinations. Significant expenses can be incurred in connection with a business combination that we would not have otherwise incurred in the periods presented as part of our continuing operations. For both the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the transactions costs incurred related to business combinations was $1.1 million. There were no transaction costs incurred related to business combinations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. Transaction costs related to business combinations are excluded from Ultimate's non-GAAP financial measures because it is an expense that Ultimate does not consider part of ongoing operations when assessing its financial performance. Ultimate believes that such exclusion facilitates comparisons to its historical operating results and to the results of other companies in the same industry, which have their own unique acquisitionbusiness combination histories.

The following table reconciles GAAP operating income with non-GAAP operating income (in thousands):
 For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30, For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Non-GAAP operating income reconciliation:                
Operating income $6,954
 $8,463
 $10,023
 $17,790
 $20,109
 $6,954
 $42,198
 $10,023
Operating income, as a % of total revenues 3.1% 4.5% 2.2% 4.8% 7.4% 3.1% 7.7% 2.2%
Add back:                
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 39,278
 28,643
 73,144
 55,057
 34,157
 39,278
 67,353
 73,144
Non-cash amortization of acquired intangible assets 776
 257
 1,556
 504
 783
 776
 1,569
 1,556
Transaction costs related to business combinations (1) 1,120
 
 1,120
 
Non-GAAP operating income $47,008
 $37,363
 $84,723
 $73,351
 $56,169
 $47,008
 $112,241
 $84,723
Non-GAAP operating income, as a % of total revenues 20.9% 20.0% 18.7% 19.6% 20.7% 20.9% 20.5% 18.7%
(1) See Note 13. Subsequent Events in our Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

ITEM 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
In the ordinary course of Ultimate’s operations, we are exposed to certain market risks, primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. Risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable, such as political, economic, tax, or regulatory risks, are not included in the following assessment of our market risks.
Interest Rate Risk. Ultimate is subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates which influence the valuations of our fixed income investment portfolio. Changes in interest rates could also impact Ultimate’s anticipated interest income from interest-bearing cash accounts, or cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities. We manage financial market risks, including interest rate risks, in accordance with our investment guideline objectives, including:
Maximum safety of principal;
Maintenance of appropriate liquidity for regular cash needs;
Maximum yields in relationship to guidelines and market conditions;
Diversification of risks; and
Fiduciary control of all investments.
Ultimate targets its fixed income investment portfolio to have maturities of 24 months or less. Investments are held to enhance the preservation of capital and not for trading purposes.
Cash equivalents consist of money market accounts with original maturities of less than three months. Short-term investments include obligations of U.S. government agencies, asset-backed securities and corporate debt securities. Corporate debt securities include commercial paper which, according to Ultimate’s investment guidelines, must carry minimum short-term ratings of P-1 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and A-1 by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service, a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”). Other corporate debt obligations must carry a minimum rating of A-2 by Moody’s or A by S&P. Asset-backed securities must carry a minimum AAA rating by Moody’s and S&P with a maximum average life of two years at the time of purchase.
As of June 30, 2017,2018, total corporate investments in available-for-sale marketable securities were $12.9$3.3 million. As of June 30, 2017,2018, total investments with customer funds in available-for-sale marketable securities were $208.9$283.6 million.
As of June 30, 2017,2018, virtually all of the investments in Ultimate’s corporate portfolio, and portfolio of investments with customer funds, were at fixed rates (with a weighted average interest rate of 1.3%2.4% and 1.2%2.2% per annum, respectively).
To illustrate the potential impact of changes in interest rates, Ultimate has performed an analysis based on its June 30, 20172018 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet and assuming no changes in its investments.  Under this analysis, an immediate and sustained 100 basis point increase in the various base rates would result in a decrease in the fair value of Ultimate’s corporate portfolio of approximately $81$17 thousand over the next 12 months and a decrease in the fair value of Ultimate's portfolio of investments with customer funds of approximately $1.6$2.0 million over the next 12 months. An immediate and sustained 100 basis point decrease in the various base rates would result in an increase in the fair value of Ultimate’s corporate portfolio of approximately $81$17 thousand over the next 12 months and an increase in the fair value of Ultimate's portfolio of investments with customer funds of approximately $1.6$2.0 million over the next 12 months.
Foreign Currency Risk. Ultimate has foreign currency risks related to its revenue and operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Management does not believe movements in the foreign currencies in which Ultimate transacts business will significantly affect future net income.

ITEM 4.Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Ultimate carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Ultimate’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Ultimate’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, Ultimate’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that, as of June 30, 2017,2018, Ultimate’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in Ultimate’s Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Ultimate’s disclosure controls and procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the achievement of these objectives. It should be noted that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and thus has inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can only provide reasonable assurance as to the achievement of their objectives.
(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There have been no changes during the quarter ended June 30, 20172018 in Ultimate’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Ultimate’s internal control over financial reporting. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”). Although Topic 606 is expected to have an immaterial impact on our revenues, we did implement changes to our processes related to revenue recognition, deferred contract costs and the control activities within them. These included the development of new policies based on the five-step model provided in Topic 606, ongoing contract review requirements, and gathering of information provided for disclosures.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases.
The number of shares of Common Stock repurchased by us during the three months ended June 30, 20172018 are indicated below:
  Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
April 1 - 30, 2017  $— 4,657,995 1,342,005
May 1 - 31, 2017 5,352 (1) $210.84 4,657,995 1,342,005
June 1 - 31, 2017 105 (1) $213.12 4,657,995 1,342,005
__________________        
(1) Represents 5,457 shares of Common Stock that were acquired by us at the fair market value of the Common Stock as of the period stated, in connection with the satisfaction of our employees' tax withholding liability resulting from the vesting of restricted stock holdings.
(2) Under a stock repurchase plan originally announced on October 30, 2000, and subsequently amended from time to time, Ultimate is authorized to purchase up to 6,000,000 shares of its Common Stock. As of June 30, 2017, Ultimate had purchased 4,657,995 shares of Common Stock under our stock repurchase plan, with 1,342,005 shares being available for repurchase in the future. There were no purchases of Common Stock under the stock repurchase plan for the three months ended June 30, 2017.
  Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
April 1 - 30, 2018 
 $
 4,657,995
 1,342,005
May 1 - 31, 2018 5,374 (1)
 $254.53
 4,657,995
 1,342,005
June 1 - 30, 2018 231 (1)
 $257.31
 4,657,995
 1,342,005
__________________        
(1) Represents shares of Common Stock that were acquired by us at the fair market value of the Common Stock as of the period stated, in connection with the satisfaction of our employees' tax withholding liability resulting from the vesting of restricted stock holdings.
(2) Under a stock repurchase plan originally announced on October 30, 2000, and subsequently amended from time to time, Ultimate is authorized to purchase up to 6,000,000 shares of its Common Stock. As of June 30, 2018, Ultimate had purchased 4,657,995 shares of Common Stock under our stock repurchase plan, with 1,342,005 shares being available for repurchase in the future. There were no purchases of Common Stock under the stock repurchase plan for the three months ended June 30, 2018.

ITEM 6.Exhibits
Number Description
 
 
 
 
 
101.1 
Interactive Data Files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, (ii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 2016,2017, (iii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 2016,2017, (iv) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 20172018 and June 30, 20162017 and (v) Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.*
____________________
* Filed herewith


Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
  The Ultimate Software Group, Inc.
    
Date:August 8, 20172018By:/s/ Mitchell K. DauermanFelicia Alvaro
    
   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Authorized Signatory and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)



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