| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 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 statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not impact previously reported net income (loss), total assets or net operating, investing or financing cash flows. Reverse Stock Split Effective July 30, 2021, we effected a 2:1 reverse stock split of our common stock. As a result of the reverse stock split, all share and per share figures contained in the consolidated financial statements have been retroactively restated as if the reverse stock split occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. Special Dividend On July 30, 2021, our board of directors declared a special one-time cash dividend (the "Special Dividend"), to be paid following the effectiveness of, and after giving effect to, the reverse stock split, equal to $1.50 per share of common stock issued and outstanding as of August 9, 2021. The Special Dividend in the aggregate amount of $237.2 million was paid on August 24, 2021. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles ("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; • income taxes; and • loss contingencies. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is determined in accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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. 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, 2023 and 2022. 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. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements During the year ended December 31, 2023, there have been no recently adopted accounting pronouncements that had a material impact to our financial positions, results of operations or cash flow. New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-07 "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures." The updated guidance expands segment disclosures by requiring additional disclosure of significant segment expenses included within segment profit or loss along with other segment information. The updated guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and early adoption is permitted. We currently operate as a single reportable segment and while we do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, we will be required to provide enhanced segment disclosures beginning in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and subsequent interim periods. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures" to expand the disclosure requirements for income taxes, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The updated guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption permitted. We currently do not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 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. 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 revenues earned from customer relationships and the developed product technologies 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 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 Our goodwill was derived from the Take Private transaction and acquisitions where the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying value. An impairment of goodwill is recognized when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. For purposes of the impairment test, 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. For “Step 0,” the qualitative factors we assess include events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of our reporting unit, including the significance of the amount of excess fair value over carrying value, consistency of operating margins and cash flows, budgeted-to-actual performance, overall change in economic climate, changes in the industry and competitive environment, key management turnover, and earnings quality and sustainability. 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 (or "quantitative assessment") by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. We utilize a combination of both an income and market approach to determine the fair value of our reporting unit. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill in that reporting unit. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we experienced declines in our stock price resulting in the total market value of our shares of stock outstanding (our "market capitalization"), being less than the carrying value of our reporting unit. We considered the decline in our market capitalization and the impact of current macroeconomic conditions on the assumptions used in determining the fair value of our reporting unit and determined it appropriate to perform interim quantitative assessments of our reporting unit as of June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022. The macroeconomic conditions considered included the continued deterioration in the equity markets, which reduced the market multiples used in our analysis, along with an increase in the weighted-average cost of capital primarily driven by an increase in interest rates and ongoing effects from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. As a result of the interim impairment analyses, our reporting unit was determined to have a carrying value that exceeded its fair value and therefore, we recorded non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $612.4 million and $278.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022, respectively. Throughout the period since the quantitative analysis performed on September 30, 2022, we have experienced increases in our market capitalization and determined there were no indicators of impairment that would negatively impact the fair value of our reporting unit. On October 1, 2023, we performed our annual goodwill impairment analysis and assessed the above qualitative factors, including the increase in our market capitalization, along with several events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of our reporting unit. As of the date of our annual goodwill impairment analysis and throughout the fourth quarter, there were no unanticipated changes or negative indicators in the qualitative factors or valuation assumptions that would negatively impact the fair value of our reporting unit. As such, we determined there were no indicators of impairment and that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit was greater than its carrying value at December 31, 2023. Fair value determination of our reporting unit requires considerable judgment and is sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the goodwill impairment tests will prove to be an accurate prediction of future results. Examples of events or circumstances that could reasonably be expected to negatively affect the underlying key assumptions and ultimately impact the estimated fair value of our reporting unit may include such items as: (i) volatility in the equity and debt markets or other macroeconomic factors, (ii) an increase in the weighted-average cost of capital due to further increases in interest rates, (iii) timing and success of new products introduced in our evolution from monitoring to observability, (iv) the ongoing impact of the Cyber Incident including higher than estimated costs to respond and adverse loss exposure from fines or penalties resulting from government investigations and litigation; and (v) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that may negatively impact our reported results of operations. Accordingly, if our current cash flow assumptions are not realized, we experience sustained declines in our stock price or market capitalization, or there are declines in the market multiplies used in our analysis, it is possible that an impairment charge may be recorded in the future, which could be material. 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 determining the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets utilizing a relief from royalty valuation method and comparing the fair value 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 June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022, due to the factors discussed in the goodwill analysis above, we performed quantitative assessments of our indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined the estimated fair value of the SolarWinds trade name, recorded in connection with the Take Private, was less than its carrying value. As a result, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $9.4 million and $5.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expense On October 1, 2023, we performed a qualitative 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 June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022, prior to performing the goodwill impairment analyses discussed above, we performed recoverability tests of our long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets, by comparing the net book value of our long-lived assets or asset groups, to the future undiscounted net cash flows attributable to such assets, and determined no impairment was required. As of December 31, 2023, we assessed the qualitative factors above and determined it was more likely than not the carrying value of our long-lived assets was recoverable. Investments Our investments, classified as available-for-sale securities, consist of marketable securities such as corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury securities, commercial paper and asset-backed securities. We determine the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of purchase and reevaluate such determination at each balance sheet date. We may classify our available-for-sale securities as either short-term or long-term investments. We classify an investment as short-term if we have both the intent and ability to convert the security into cash to fund current operations. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is a component of shareholders' equity except for any unrealized losses determined to be related to credit losses, which we record within other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of operations. Any premiums or discounts are amortized or accreted, respectively, to maturity as a component of interest expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Cash flows from the amount of purchases, sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities are classified as cash flows from investing activities. Amortization and accretion of purchased premiums and discounts on securities are included as a non-cash adjustment to net income (loss) within cash flows from operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific-identification method. In determining if and when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary, we evaluate, among other factors: the duration and extent to which the fair value has been less than the carrying value and the intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair market value. Declines in fair value deemed other-than-temporary are included as a component of other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of operations. We have not recorded any other-than-temporary impairments related to marketable securities. See Note 5. Investments for a summary of our investments. 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. We determine the fair value of our available-for-sale securities based on inputs obtained from multiple pricing vendors, who may use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs) in determining fair value. However, we classify all of our available-for-sale securities as being valued using Level 2 inputs. The valuation techniques used to determine the fair value of our financial instruments having Level 2 inputs are derived from unadjusted, non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data, quoted market prices for similar instruments, or pricing models. Our procedures include controls to ensure that appropriate fair values are recorded by a review of the valuation methods and assumptions. See Note 6. 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 credit losses. We maintain an allowance 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 credit losses 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 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. Capitalized Software Development Costs For our software to be sold, including our perpetual and time-based licensed products, software development costs incurred subsequent to establishing technological feasibility through the general release of the software products are capitalized. Our new software license 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 related to our licensed products were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. For our software solutions that are hosted and accessed by our customers on a subscription basis, we capitalize development costs related to developing new functionality in accordance with the guidance for internal-use software. 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 internal-use software 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 during the period. We had $25.5 million and $19.3 million of internal-use software, net capitalized as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Amortization expense of internal-use software was $9.0 million, $4.2 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, 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 $10.7 million, $9.1 million and $9.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. See Note 10. 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. We record loss recovery assets related to recognized loss contingencies for expected insurance proceeds we believe are probable of recovery. 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 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 1,306 $ — $ 1,306 Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassification (49,302) (118) (49,420) Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — — — Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (49,302) (118) (49,420) Balance at December 31, 2022 (47,996) (118) (48,114) Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassification 19,893 118 20,011 Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — — — Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 19,893 118 20,011 Balance at December 31, 2023 $ (28,103) $ — $ (28,103) Revenue Recognition We primarily 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 directly to technology professionals 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 software-as-a-service, or SaaS, offerings, perpetual and time-based licenses, maintenance support including unspecified upgrades or enhancements to new versions of our software products and professional services. 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 offerings or cancel purchased maintenance and professional service contracts. • 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 SaaS 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 prices 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 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) Professional services As delivered (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 ar |
