| Description of business, basis of presentation, principles of consolidation, and summary of significant accounting policies | Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), located in Santa Clara, California, was incorporated in March 2005 under the laws of the State of Delaware and commenced operations in April 2005. We offer a security operating platform that empowers enterprises, service providers, and government entities to secure their organizations by safely enabling applications and data running in their networks, on their endpoints, and in the cloud, and by preventing breaches that stem from targeted cyberattacks. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) . The consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our annual results. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current-period presentation. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such management estimates include, but are not limited to the best estimate of selling price for our products and services, share-based compensation, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, the assessment of recoverability of our property and equipment, identified intangibles and goodwill, future taxable income, manufacturing partner and supplier liabilities, fair value of debt component of convertible notes, cease-use loss related to facility exit, and loss contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and also on assumptions that we believe are reasonable. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Concentrations Financial instruments that subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable, and derivative contracts. We invest only in high-quality credit instruments and maintain our cash and cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments in fixed income securities. Management believes that the financial institutions that hold our investments are financially sound and, accordingly, are subject to minimal credit risk. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Our derivative contracts expose us to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the arrangement. We mitigate this credit risk by transacting with major financial institutions with high credit ratings and also enter into master netting arrangements, which permit net settlement of transactions with the same counterparty. We are not required to pledge, and are not entitled to receive, cash collateral related to these derivative instruments. We do not enter into derivative contracts for trading or speculative purposes. Our accounts receivables are primarily derived from our distributors representing various geographical locations. We perform ongoing credit evaluations and generally do not require collateral on accounts receivable. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated potential credit losses. As of July 31, 2018 , four distributors represented 27.9% , 21.5% , 11.5% , and 11.0% of our gross accounts receivable. For fiscal 2018, three distributors represented 33.4% , 23.0% , and 10.7% of our total revenue. We rely on an electronics manufacturing services provider (“EMS provider”) to assemble most of our products and sole source component suppliers for a certain number of our components. Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive loss is comprised of net loss and other comprehensive income (loss). Our other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges. Foreign Currency Transactions The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies have been remeasured into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. Foreign currency denominated income and expenses have been remeasured using the average exchange rates in effect during each period. Foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses and foreign currency transaction gains and losses are not significant to the financial statements. Fair Value We define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities which are required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which to transact and the market-based risk. We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. Goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, only if impairment is indicated. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements approximate the fair value for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, due to their short-term nature. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments We classify our investments as available-for-sale at the time of purchase since it is our intent that these investments are available for current operations, and include these investments on our consolidated balance sheets as cash equivalents, short-term investments, or long-term investments depending on their maturity. We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments not considered cash equivalents and with maturities one year or less from the consolidated balance sheet date are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities greater than one year from the consolidated balance sheet date are classified as long-term investments. Investments are considered impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. We consult with our investment managers and consider available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of our investments on a quarterly basis. If the cost of an individual investment exceeds its fair value, we evaluate, among other factors, general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and our intent and ability to hold the investment. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and a new cost basis in the investment is established. Accounts Receivable Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of allowances for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our assessment of the collectability of accounts. Management regularly reviews the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts by considering the age of each outstanding invoice, each channel partner’s expected ability to pay, and the collection history with each channel partner, when applicable, to determine whether a specific allowance is appropriate. Accounts receivable deemed uncollectible are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when identified. As of July 31, 2018 and 2017 , the allowance for doubtful accounts activity was not significant. Derivatives Our derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value, on a gross basis, as either assets or liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Gains or losses related to our cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in our consolidated balance sheets and are reclassified into the financial statement line item associated with the underlying hedged transaction in our consolidated statements of operations when the underlying hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. If it becomes probable that the hedged transaction will not occur, the cumulative unrealized gain or loss is reclassified immediately from AOCI into the financial statement line item associated with the underlying hedged transaction in our consolidated statements of operations. Gains or losses related to non-designated derivative instruments are recognized in other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of operations for each period until the instrument matures, is terminated, is re-designated as a qualified cash flow hedge, or is sold. Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are classified in our consolidated statements of cash flows in the same manner as the underlying hedged transaction, primarily within cash flows from operating activities. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the remaining lease term. Business Combinations We include the results of operations of the businesses that we acquire as of the respective dates of acquisition. We allocate the fair value of the purchase price of our acquisitions to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired, based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Additional information existing as of the acquisition date but unknown to us may become known during the remainder of the measurement period, not to exceed 12 months from the acquisition date, which may result in changes to the amounts and allocations recorded. Intangible Assets Purchased intangible assets with finite lives are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Acquisition-related in-process research and development represents the fair value of incomplete research and development projects that have not reached technological feasibility as of the date of acquisition. Initially, these assets are not subject to amortization. Assets related to projects that have been completed are transferred to developed technology, which are subject to amortization. Impairment of Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Other Long-Lived Assets Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. We have elected to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our single reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our single reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative impairment test will be performed. Under the quantitative impairment test, if the carrying amount of our single reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we will recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess, but limited to the total amount of goodwill. We evaluate events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying amounts of purchased intangible assets and other long-lived assets may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, we assess the recoverability of these assets by determining whether or not the carrying amount will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the total of the future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset, we record an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Through July 31, 2018 , we have not recognized any impairment losses on our goodwill and intangible assets. During the year ended July 31, 2017, we recognized an impairment loss of $20.9 million on property and equipment related to the relocation of our corporate headquarters. We did not recognize any impairment losses on our other long-lived assets during the year ended July 31, 2018, or prior to fiscal 2017. Manufacturing Partner and Supplier Liabilities We outsource most of our manufacturing, repair, and supply chain management operations to our EMS provider and payments to it are a significant portion of our cost of product revenue. Although we could be contractually obligated to purchase manufactured products and components, we generally do not own the manufactured products and components. Product title transfers from our EMS provider to us and immediately to our channel partners upon shipment. Our EMS provider assembles our products using design specifications, quality assurance programs, and standards that we establish and it procures components and assembles our products based on our demand forecasts. These forecasts represent our estimates of future demand for our products based upon historical trends and analysis from our sales and product management functions as adjusted for overall market conditions. If the actual component usage and product demand are significantly lower than forecast, we record a liability for manufacturing purchase commitments in excess of our forecasted demand including costs for excess components or for carrying costs incurred by our manufacturing partners and component suppliers. Through July 31, 2018 , we have not accrued any significant costs associated with this exposure. Convertible Senior Notes In accounting for the issuance of our convertible senior notes, we separate the notes into liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component is calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated convertible feature. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option is determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the par value of the notes as a whole. This difference represents a debt discount that is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the notes. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. In accounting for the transaction costs related to the issuance of the notes, we allocate the total amount incurred to the liability and equity components using the same proportions as the proceeds from the notes. Transaction costs attributable to the liability component are netted with the liability component and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the notes. Transaction costs attributable to the equity component are netted with the equity component of the notes in additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. When the notes are convertible, the net carrying amount of the notes is classified as a current liability and a portion of the equity component representing the conversion option is reclassified to temporary equity in our consolidated balance sheets. The portion of the equity component classified as temporary equity is measured as the difference between the principal and net carrying amount of the notes, excluding debt issuance costs. Revenue Recognition We generate revenue from the sales of hardware and software products, subscriptions, support, and other services primarily through a direct sales force and indirect relationships with channel partners, and, to a lesser extent, directly to end-customers. Revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria are met: • Persuasive Evidence of an Arrangement Exists. We rely upon non-cancelable sales agreements and purchase orders to determine the existence of an arrangement. • Delivery has Occurred. We use shipping documents or transmissions of product or subscription and support contract registration codes to determine delivery. • The Fee is Fixed or Determinable. We assess whether the fee is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction. • Collectability is Reasonably Assured. We assess collectability based on credit analysis and payment history. We recognize product revenue at the time of shipment provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Our channel partners generally receive an order from an end-customer prior to placing an order with us. In addition, payment from our channel partners is not contingent on the partner’s success in sales to end-customers. Our channel partners generally do not stock appliances and only have limited stock rotation rights and no price protection rights. When necessary, we make certain estimates and maintain allowances for sales returns and other programs based on our historical experience. To date, these estimates have not been significant. We recognize subscription and support revenue ratably over the contractual service period, which is typically one to five years. Other services revenue is recognized as the services are rendered. Most of our arrangements, other than renewals of subscriptions and support contracts, are multiple-element arrangements with a combination of hardware, software, subscriptions, support, and other services. Products, subscriptions, support, and other services generally qualify as separate units of accounting. Our hardware deliverables typically include proprietary operating system software, which together deliver the essential functionality of our products. For multiple-element arrangements, we allocate revenue to each unit of accounting based on an estimated selling price at the arrangement inception. The estimated selling price for each element is based upon the following hierarchy: vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price, if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price, if VSOE of selling price is not available, or best estimate of selling price (“BESP”), if neither VSOE of selling price nor TPE of selling price are available. The total arrangement consideration is allocated to each separate unit of accounting using the relative estimated selling prices of each unit based on the aforementioned selling price hierarchy. We limit the amount of revenue recognized for delivered elements to an amount that is not contingent upon future delivery of additional products or services or meeting of any specified performance conditions. In multiple-element arrangements where software deliverables are included, revenue is allocated to each separate unit of accounting for each of the non-software deliverables and to the software deliverables as a group using the relative estimated selling prices of each of the deliverables in the arrangement based on the aforementioned estimated selling price hierarchy. The arrangement consideration allocated to the software deliverables as a group is then allocated to each software deliverable using the residual method when VSOE of fair value of the undelivered items exists. Under the residual method, the amount of revenue allocated to delivered elements equals the total arrangement consideration less the aggregate fair value of any undelivered elements. In determining VSOE of fair value, we evaluate whether a substantial majority of the historical prices charged for a product or service sold on a standalone basis, as represented by a percentage of list price, fall within a reasonably narrow range. If VSOE of fair value of one or more undelivered items does not exist, revenue from the software portion of the arrangement is deferred and recognized at the earlier of: (i) delivery of those elements or (ii) when fair value can be established unless support is the only undelivered element, in which case, the entire software arrangement fee is recognized ratably over the contractual service period. We account for multiple agreements with a single partner as one arrangement if the contractual terms and/or substance of those agreements indicate that they may be so closely related that they are, in effect, parts of a single arrangement. Revenues are reported net of sales taxes. Shipping charges billed to channel partners are included in revenues and related costs are included in cost of revenue. After receipt of a partner order, any amounts billed in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue. Deferred Commissions Sales commissions that are incremental and directly related to non-cancelable customer sales contracts are deferred and amortized over the term of the related contract in proportion to the recognized revenue. Short-term deferred commissions are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, while long-term deferred commissions are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The amortization of deferred commissions is included in sales and marketing expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Advertising Costs Advertising costs, which are expensed and included in sales and marketing expense when incurred, were $9.8 million , $13.7 million , and $6.6 million , during the years ended July 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. Software Development Costs Internally developed software includes security software developed to meet our internal needs to provide cloud-based subscription offerings to our end-customers and business software that we customize to meet our specific operational needs. These capitalized costs consist of internal compensation related costs and external direct costs incurred during the application development stage and will be amortized over a useful life of three to five years. The costs to develop software that is marketed externally have not been capitalized as we believe our current software development process is essentially completed concurrent with the establishment of technological feasibility. As such, all related software development costs are expensed as incurred and included in research and development expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Share-Based Compensation Compensation expense related to share-based transactions, including employee and non-employee director awards, is measured and recognized in the financial statements based on fair value on the grant date. We recognize share-based compensation expense for awards with only service conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the related award. We recognize share-based compensation expense for awards with market conditions and awards with performance conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award and, for awards with performance conditions, when it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. We account for forfeitures of all share-based payment awards when they occur. Leases We rent our facilities under operating lease agreements and recognize related rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Some of our lease agreements contain rent holidays, scheduled rent increases, lease incentives, and renewal options. Rent holidays and scheduled rent increases are included in the determination of rent expense to be recorded over the lease term. Lease incentives are recognized as a reduction of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Renewals are not assumed in the determination of the lease term unless they are deemed to be reasonably assured at the inception of the lease. We begin recognizing rent expense on the date that we obtain the legal right to use and control the leased space. Upon exiting a leased property before the lease term expires, we assess the fair value of our remaining obligation under the lease and record a cease-use loss, if needed. The cease-use loss is calculated as the present value of the amount by which the remaining lease obligation, adjusted for the effects of any deferred items recognized under the lease and related costs, exceeds the estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained. The cease-use loss will be adjusted as a result of the remeasurement of the cease-use liability if the timing or amount of estimated cash flows change. Income Taxes We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. In addition, deferred tax assets are recorded for the future benefit of utilizing net operating losses and research and development credit carryforwards. Valuation allowances are provided when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, and the feasibility of tax planning strategies. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. We apply the authoritative accounting guidance prescribing a threshold and measurement attribute for the financial recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. We record deferred tax charges in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. These deferred tax charges are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the associated assets as a component of provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations. Loss Contingencies We are subject to the possibility of various loss contingencies arising in the ordinary course of business. In determining loss contingencies, we consider the likelihood of loss or impairment of an asset, or the incurrence of a liability, as well as our ability to reasonably estimate the amount of loss. An estimated loss contingency is accrued when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is possible and the range of the loss can be reasonably determined, then we disclose the range of the possible loss. We regularly evaluate current information available to us to determine whether an accrual is required, an accrual should be adjusted or a range of possible loss should be disclosed. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Derivatives and Hedging In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new authoritative guidance on derivatives and hedging to better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships, and the presentation of hedge results. We early adopted the standard in our second quarter of fiscal 2018 on a modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Business Combinations - Definition of a Business In January 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance clarifying the definition of a business to assist companies with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The standard is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2019 and will be applied on a prospective basis. We do not expect the adoption of the standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash In November 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on the presentation of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. Under the new standard, restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2019 and will be applied on a retrospective basis. We do not expect the adoption of the standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements because our restricted cash balance has not been material. Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Asset Transfers In October 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring the recognition of income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The standard is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2019 and will be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated deficit as of the date of adoption. We will adopt the standard in our first quarter of fiscal 2019 and anticipate an increase in accumulated deficit of approximately $28.4 million upon adoption related to the reclassification of unrecognized income tax effects from intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory that occurred prior to the date of adoption. Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In August 2016, the FASB issued new authoritative guidance addressing eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice in how certain transactions are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2019 and will be applied on a retrospective basis. We do not expect the adoption of the standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments - Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued new authoritative guidance on the accounting for credit losses on most financial assets and certain financial instruments. The standard replaces the existing incurred loss model with an expected credit loss model for financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade receivables, and requires that credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. The standard is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2021 and will be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted beginning our first quarter of fiscal 2020. We are currently evaluating whether this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued new authoritative guidance on lease accounting. Among its provisions, the standard requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for operating leases and also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures about lease arrangements. The standard is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2020 and will be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with the option to elect certain practical expedients. Early adoption is permit |
