| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SolarWinds Corporation and the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiaries. We have eliminated all intercompany balances and transactions. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not result in any change in previously reported net income (loss), total assets or stockholders' equity. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. The actual results that we experience may differ materially from our estimates. The accounting estimates that require our most significant, difficult and subjective judgments include: • the valuation of goodwill, intangibles, long-lived assets and contingent consideration; • revenue recognition; • stock-based compensation; and • income taxes. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is determined in accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB. We translate assets and liabilities for these subsidiaries at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. We translate income and expense accounts for these subsidiaries at the average monthly exchange rates for the periods. We record resulting translation adjustments as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity (deficit). We record gains and losses from currency transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency as other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of operations. There were no equity transactions denominated in foreign currencies for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 . Local currency transactions of international subsidiaries that have the U.S. dollar as the functional currency are remeasured into U.S. dollars using current rates of exchange for monetary assets and liabilities and historical rates of exchange for non-monetary assets and liabilities. We recorded a net transaction gain related to the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities of $0.3 million within our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 , a net transaction loss of $14.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 and a net transaction gain of $54.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 , primarily related to various intercompany loans. We established a foreign currency denominated intercompany loan as part of the Take Private to provide a conduit to utilize foreign earnings effectively. As of July 1, 2018, this foreign currency denominated intercompany loan was designated as long-term due to a change in our investment strategy and the new Tax Act (as defined below). Therefore, beginning on July 1, 2018, the foreign currency transaction gains and losses resulting from remeasurement of this foreign currency denominated intercompany loan were recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). In September 2019, we determined that the intercompany loan will not be repaid and it was reclassified as a capital contribution. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Under the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act, or the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to non-public companies. Subsequent to our IPO in October 2018, we were an emerging growth company within the meaning of the JOBS Act. As a result of the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates at the end of our second fiscal quarter, we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company as of December 31, 2019 and can no longer take advantage of the extended transition period for adopting new or revised accounting standards. Accordingly, we have revised our planned adoption dates below from the non-public company effective dates to the public company effective dates. In January 2017, FASB issued an accounting standard to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. The new guidance removes step two of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The updated guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and may be adopted early for any interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. We will adopt the updated guidance in fiscal year 2020. We do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Revenue On January 1, 2019 we adopted the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC , No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” or ASC 606, which replaced all existing revenue guidance under ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition,” including prescriptive industry-specific guidance, or ASC 605. This standard’s core principle is that an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We adopted ASC 606 using the modified-retrospective method. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019 are presented in compliance with the new revenue recognition standard ASC 606. Historical financial results for reporting periods prior to 2019 are presented in conformity with amounts previously disclosed under the prior revenue recognition standard, ASC 605. These financial statements include additional information regarding the impacts from the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard on our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2019 . This includes the presentation of financial results for the year ended December 31, 2019 under ASC 605 for comparison to the prior year period. The most significantly impacted areas are the following: • License and Recurring Revenue. The adoption of the new standard resulted in changes to the classification and timing of our revenue recognition. Under the new guidance, the requirement to establish VSOE to recognize license revenue separately from the other elements is eliminated. This change impacted the allocation of the transaction price and timing of our revenue recognition between deliverables, or performance obligations, within an arrangement. In addition, we now recognize time-based license revenue upon the transfer of the license and the associated maintenance revenue over the contract period under the new standard instead of recognizing both the license and maintenance revenue ratably over the contract period. The overall adoption impact to total revenue is immaterial, though we have experienced some changes to the timing and classification between license and recurring revenue. Additionally, some historical deferred revenue, primarily from arrangements involving time-based licenses, will never be recognized as revenue and instead has been recorded as a cumulative effect adjustment within accumulated deficit. • Contract Acquisition Costs. We expensed all sales commissions as incurred under the previous guidance. The new guidance requires the deferral and amortization of certain direct and incremental costs incurred to obtain a contract. This guidance requires us to capitalize and amortize certain sales commission costs over the remaining contractual term or over an expected period of benefit, which we have determined to be approximately four to six years . • Other Items. The impact of the adoption of the new standard on income taxes resulted in an increase of deferred income tax liabilities. The adoption of this standard did not impact our total operating cash flows. The cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 for the adoption of ASC 606 to all contracts with customers that were not completed as of December 31, 2018 was recorded as an adjustment to accumulated deficit as of the adoption date as follows: December 31, 2018 January 1, 2019 As reported Adjustments As adjusted (in thousands) Assets: Prepaid and other current assets (1) $ 16,267 $ 1,300 $ 17,567 Other assets, net (1) 11,382 3,857 15,239 Total assets (1) 5,194,649 5,157 5,199,806 Liabilities: Current portion of deferred revenue (2) 270,433 (2,338 ) 268,095 Deferred revenue, net of current portion (2) 25,699 (434 ) 25,265 Non-current deferred taxes 147,144 1,662 148,806 Total liabilities 2,578,549 (1,110 ) 2,577,439 Stockholders' equity (deficit): Accumulated deficit (412,328 ) 6,267 (406,061 ) _______ (1) Adjustment represents the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on deferred contract acquisition costs related to the capitalization of certain sales commissions. See Deferred Commissions below for further discussion. (2) Adjustment represents the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on our deferred revenue balances. See Deferred Revenue below for further discussion. The impact of adoption of ASC 606 on our consolidated statement of operations and consolidated balance sheet was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 As reported ASC 606 ASC 606 impact Without adoption of ASC 606 (in thousands) Revenue: Subscription $ 320,747 $ 314 $ 321,061 Maintenance 446,450 1,191 447,641 Total recurring revenue 767,197 1,505 768,702 License 165,328 (3,109 ) 162,219 Total revenue $ 932,525 $ (1,604 ) $ 930,921 Gross profit 677,071 (1,604 ) 675,467 Total operating expenses 541,898 5,273 547,171 Operating income (loss) 135,173 (6,877 ) 128,296 Net income (loss) $ 18,642 $ (6,877 ) $ 11,765 December 31, 2019 As reported ASC 606 ASC 606 impact Without adoption of ASC 606 (ASC 605) (in thousands) Assets: Prepaid and other current assets $ 23,480 $ (2,543 ) $ 20,937 Other assets, net 27,829 (8,081 ) 19,748 Total assets 5,310,742 (10,624 ) 5,300,118 Liabilities: Current portion of deferred revenue 312,227 3,607 315,834 Deferred revenue, net of current portion 31,173 826 31,999 Non-current deferred taxes 97,884 (1,662 ) 96,222 Total liabilities 2,661,220 2,771 2,663,991 Stockholders' equity (deficit): Accumulated deficit (387,419 ) (13,395 ) (400,814 ) Leases On December 31, 2019, as we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we retroactively adopted the FASB ASC No. 2016-02 “Leases,” or ASC 842, as of January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method in which an entity can apply the new standard at the adoption date without adjusting comparative prior periods. Historical financial results for reporting periods prior to 2019 are presented in conformity with amounts previously disclosed under the prior lease accounting standard. The new lease accounting standard replaces existing lease accounting standards and expands disclosure requirements. The adoption of the new standard resulted in leases currently designated as operating leases being reported on our consolidated balance sheet at their net present value. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which, among other things, allowed us to carry forward our historical lease classification and not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases. Additionally, we elected to not separate lease and non-lease components for certain classes of assets and we excluded all the leases with original terms of one year or less. As of January 1, 2019, we recorded $98.3 million in operating lease assets, $13.7 million in current operating lease liabilities and $99.3 million in non-current operating lease liabilities due to the adoption of ASC 842. The standard did not have a material impact to our consolidated statement of operations or consolidated statement of cash flows including for the interim periods of 2019. See Note 7. Leases for additional information. Acquisitions The purchase price of our acquired businesses is allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values, with the excess recorded as goodwill. If applicable, we estimate the fair value of contingent consideration payments in determining the purchase price. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units expected to benefit from the business combination based on the relative fair value at the acquisition date. During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including the deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. We include the operating results of acquisitions in our consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the acquisitions. Acquisition related costs are expensed separately from the acquisition as incurred and are primarily included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based on significant judgments made by management. We typically engage third party valuation appraisal firms to assist us in determining the fair values and useful lives of the assets acquired. The valuation estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and information obtained by management, and include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows earned from the product technology and discount rates applied in determining the present value of those cash flows. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that could affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results. Acquired identifiable intangible assets are amortized on the straight-line method over their estimated economic lives, which are generally two to ten years for trademarks, customer relationships, customer backlog, non-competition covenants and acquired developed product technologies and ten years for intellectual property. We include amortization of acquired developed product technologies in cost of revenue and amortization of other acquired intangible assets in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Impairment of Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets Goodwill We test goodwill for impairment annually, in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level using a fair value approach. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a “Step 0” analysis. If, based on a review of qualitative factors, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value we perform “Step 1” of the goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with its carrying amount, the “Step 2” analysis. In 2019 and 2018 , we performed a qualitative, “Step 0,” assessment for our reporting units and determined there were no indicators of impairment. No impairment charges have been required to date. Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets We review our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if a triggering event occurs. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative test. If necessary, the quantitative test is performed by comparing the fair value of indefinite lived intangible assets to the carrying value. In the event the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets, the assets are written down to their fair value. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , we performed a qualitative, “Step 0,” assessment and determined there were no indicators that our indefinite-lived intangible assets were impaired. Long-lived Assets We evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets and other assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Events or changes in circumstances that could result in an impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, and significant negative industry or economic trends. In the event that the net book value of our long-lived assets exceeds the future undiscounted net cash flows attributable to such assets, an impairment charge would be required. Impairment, if any, is recognized in the period of identification to the extent the carrying amount of an asset or asset group exceeds the fair value of such asset or asset group. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , there were no indicators that our long-lived assets were impaired. Fair Value Measurements We apply the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements for financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and non-financial assets and liabilities, such as goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The guidance establishes a three-tiered fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used in fair value calculations. The three levels of inputs are defined as follows: Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets accessible by us. Level 2: Inputs that are observable in the marketplace other than those inputs classified as Level 1. Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable in the marketplace and significant to the valuation. See Note 5. Fair Value Measurements for a summary of our financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. The carrying amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets for cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued expenses approximate fair value due to relatively short periods to maturity. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable represent trade receivables from customers when we have sold subscriptions, perpetual licenses or related maintenance services and have not yet received payment. We present accounts receivable net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. In doing so, we consider the current financial condition of the customer, the specific details of the customer account, the age of the outstanding balance and the current economic environment. Any change in the assumptions used in analyzing a specific account receivable might result in an additional allowance for doubtful accounts being recognized in the period in which the change occurs. We have historically had insignificant write-offs related to bad debts. Property and Equipment We record property and equipment at cost and depreciate them using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows: Useful Life Equipment, servers and computers 3 - 5 Furniture and fixtures 5 - 7 Software 3 - 5 Leasehold improvements Lesser of lease term or useful life Upon retirement or sale of property and equipment, we remove the cost of assets disposed of and any related accumulated depreciation from our accounts and credit or charge any resulting gain or loss to operating expense. We expense repairs and maintenance as they are incurred. Research and Development Costs Research and development expenses primarily consist of personnel costs and contractor fees related to the development of new software products and enhancements to existing software products. Personnel costs include salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation and related employer-paid payroll taxes, as well as an allocation of our facilities, depreciation, benefits and IT costs. Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred with the exception of those software development costs that may qualify for capitalization. Software development costs incurred subsequent to establishing technological feasibility through the general release of the software products are capitalized. Our new software products and significant enhancements to our existing products are available for general release soon after technological feasibility has been established. Due to the short time period between technological feasibility and general release, capitalized software development costs were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . Internal-Use Software and Website Development Costs We capitalize costs related to developing new functionality for our suite of products that are hosted and accessed by our customers on a subscription basis. We also capitalize costs related to specific upgrades and enhancements when it is probable the expenditures will result in additional functionality. Costs incurred in the preliminary stages of development are expensed as incurred. Once an application has reached the development stage, internal and external costs, if direct and incremental, are capitalized until the software is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Capitalized costs are recorded as part of other assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets. Maintenance and training costs are expensed as incurred. Internal-use software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, generally three years , and included in cost of recurring revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. There were no impairments to internal-use software and we did not incur any significant website development costs during the periods presented. We had $7.9 million and $5.0 million of internal-use software, net capitalized as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Amortization expense of internal-use software and website development costs was $3.5 million , $2.5 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs for our credit facilities outstanding are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on our consolidated balance sheets and amortized on an effective interest rate method over the term of the associated debt as interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Amortization of debt issuance costs included in interest expense was $9.2 million , $11.7 million and $18.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. See Note 9. Debt for discussion of our credit facilities. Contingencies We account for claims and contingencies in accordance with authoritative guidance that requires we record an estimated loss from a claim or loss contingency when information available prior to issuance of our consolidated financial statements indicates a liability has been incurred at the date of our consolidated financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that it is reasonably possible but not probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred, we disclose the amount or range of estimated loss if material or that the loss cannot be reasonably estimated. Accounting for claims and contingencies requires us to use our judgment. We consult with legal counsel on those issues related to litigation and seek input from other experts and advisors with respect to matters in the ordinary course of business. See Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies for a discussion of contingencies. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component are summarized below: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 75,294 $ 75,294 Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassification (58,251 ) (58,251 ) Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — — Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (58,251 ) (58,251 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 17,043 17,043 Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassification (22,290 ) (22,290 ) Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — — Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (22,290 ) (22,290 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (5,247 ) $ (5,247 ) Revenue Recognition We generate recurring revenue from fees received for subscriptions and from the sale of maintenance services associated with our perpetual license products and license revenue from the sale of our perpetual license products. We recognize revenue related to contracts from customers when we transfer promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This is determined by following a five-step process which includes (1) identifying the contract with a customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price, and (5) recognizing revenue when or as we satisfy a performance obligation, as described below. • Identify the contract with a customer. We generally use a purchase order, an authorized credit card, an electronic or manually signed license agreement, or the receipt of a cash payment as evidence of a contract with a customer provided that collection is considered probable. We sell our products through our direct inside sales force and through our distributors and resellers. Our distributors and resellers do not carry inventory of our software and we generally require them to specify the end user of the software at the time of the order. If the distributor or reseller does not provide end-user information, then we will generally not fulfill the order. Our distributors and resellers have no rights of return or exchange for software that they purchase from us and payment for these purchases is due to us without regard to whether the distributors or resellers collect payment from their customers. Sales through resellers and distributors are typically evidenced by a reseller or distributor agreement, together with purchase orders or authorized credit cards on a transaction-by-transaction basis. • Identify the performance obligations in the contract. Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer that are separately identifiable from other promises in the contract, or distinct. If not considered distinct, the promised goods or services are combined with other goods or services and accounted for as a combined performance obligation. Determining the distinct performance obligations in a contract requires judgment. Our performance obligations primarily include perpetual and time-based licenses, maintenance support including unspecified upgrades or enhancements to new versions of our software products and software-as-a-service, or SaaS, offerings. See additional discussion of our performance obligations below. • Determine the transaction price. We determine the transaction price based on the contractual consideration and the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services to the customer. We account for sales incentives to customers, resellers or distributors as a reduction of revenue at the time we recognize the revenue from the related product sale. We report revenue net of any sales tax collected. Our return policy generally does not allow our customers to return software products. • Allocate the transaction price. We allocate the transaction price of the contract to each distinct performance obligation based on a relative standalone selling price basis. Determining standalone selling prices for our performance obligations requires judgment and are based on multiple factors including, but not limited to historical selling prices and discounting practices for products and services, internal pricing policies and pricing practices in different regions and through different sales channels. For our subscription products and maintenance services, our standalone selling prices are generally observable using standalone sales or renewals. For our perpetual and time-based license products, given there are no observable standalone sales, we estimate our standalone selling prices by evaluating our historical pricing and discounting practices in observable bundled transactions. We review the standalone selling price for our performance obligations periodically and update, if needed, to ensure that the methodology utilized reflects our current pricing practices. • Recognize revenue when or as we satisfy a performance obligation. Revenue is recognized when or as performance obligations are satisfied either over time or at a point in time by transferring a promised good or service. We consider this transfer to have occurred when risk of loss transfers to the customer, reseller or distributor or the customer has access to their subscription which is generally upon electronic transfer of the license key or password that provides immediate availability of the product to the purchaser. See further discussion below regarding the timing of revenue recognition for each of our performance obligations. The following summarizes our performance obligations from which we generate revenue: Performance obligation When performance obligation is typically satisfied Subscription revenue SaaS offerings Over the subscription term, once the service is made available to the customer (over time) Time-based licenses Upon the delivery of the license key or password that provides immediate availability of the product (point in time) Time-based technical support and unspecified software upgrades Ratably over the contract period (over time) Maintenance revenue Technical support and unspecified software upgrades Ratably over the contract period (over time) License revenue Perpetual licenses Upon the delivery of the license key or password that provides immediate availability of the product (point in time) Recurring Revenue. Recurring revenue consists of subscription and maintenance revenue. • Subscription Revenue . We primarily derive subscription revenue from fees received for subscriptions to our SaaS offerings and our time-based license arrangements. We generally invoice subscription agreements monthly based on usage or in advance over the subscription period on either a monthly or annual basis. Subscription revenue for our SaaS offerings is generally recognized ratably over the subscription term once the service is made available to the customer or when we have the right to invoice for services performed. Revenue for the license performance obligation of our time-based license arrangements is recognized at a point in time upon delivery of the license key and the revenue for the technical support performance obligation of our time-based license arrangements is recognized ratably over the contract period. The amount of revenue related to the license performance obligations of our time-based license arrangements included in subscription revenue is less than 10% of our total consolidated revenue. Our subscription revenue includes our MSP, application performance management and IT service management, or ITSM, products. • Maintenance Revenue . We derive maintenance revenue from the sale of maintenance services associated with our perpetual license products. We typically include one year of maintenance service as part of the initial purchase price of each perpetual software offering and then sell renewals of this maintenance agreement. Customers with maintenance agreements are entitled to recei |
