Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Principles Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make certain estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We base these estimates on historical and anticipated results, trends, and other assumptions with respect to future events that we believe are reasonable and evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. Given that estimates and judgments are required, actual results may differ from our estimates and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Revenue Recognition The company derives revenue primarily from subscription services. Our subscription services consist of our SaaS applications and related access to our databases. Subscription contracts are generally based on the number of users that access our applications, the level of functionality that they can access, and the amount of data that a customer integrates with their systems. Our subscriptions contracts typically have a term of 1 to 3 years and are non-cancelable. We typically bill for services annually, semi-annually, or quarterly in advance of delivery. The Company accounts for revenue contracts with customers through the following steps: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price; and (5) recognize revenue when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation. We recognize revenue for subscription contracts on a ratable basis over the contract term based on the number of calendar days in each period, beginning on the date that our service is made available to the customer. Unearned revenue results from revenue amounts billed to customers in advance or cash received from customers in advance of the satisfaction of performance obligations. Determining the transaction price often involves judgment and making estimates that can have a significant impact on the timing and amount of revenue reported. At times, the Company may adjust billing under a contract based on the addition of services or other circumstances, which are accounted for as variable consideration. The Company estimates these amounts based on historical experience and reduces revenue recognized. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid marketable debt securities with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. We classify our investments in marketable securities as “available-for-sale.” We carry these investments at fair value, based on quoted market prices or other readily available market information. Unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, which is reflected as a separate component of stockholders’ equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method and recognized when realized on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. If we were to determine that an other-than-temporary decline in fair value has occurred, the amount of the decline related to a credit loss will be recognized in income. Fair Value Measurements The Company measures assets and liabilities at fair value based on an expected exit price, which represents the amount that would be received on the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value may be based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The authoritative guidance on fair value measurements establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis whereby inputs, used in valuation techniques, are assigned a hierarchical level. The following are the hierarchical levels of inputs to measure fair value: Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities Level 2 - Other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity, including the Company’s own assumptions in determining fair value The inputs or methodology used for valuing financial assets and liabilities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Concentrations of Credit Risk and Significant Customers Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and accounts receivable. The Company holds cash at major financial institutions that often exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured limits. The Company manages its credit risk associated with cash concentrations by concentrating its cash deposits in high-quality financial institutions and by periodically evaluating the credit quality of the primary financial institutions holding such deposits. The carrying value of cash approximates fair value. Our investment portfolio is comprised of highly rated securities with a weighted-average maturity of less than 12 months in accordance with our investment policy which seeks to preserve principal and maintain a high degree of liquidity. Historically, the Company has not experienced any losses due to such cash concentrations. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable and revenue are limited due to a large, diverse customer base. We do not require collateral from clients. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the expected collectability of accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for possible losses, which, when realized, have been within the range of management’s expectations. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 or accounted for more than 10% of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Net assets located outside of the United States were immaterial as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets Accounts receivable is comprised of invoices of revenue, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and does not bear interest. We consider receivables past due based on the contractual payment terms. Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts considers historical collection experience, changes in customer payment profiles, the aging of receivable balances, as well as current economic conditions, all of which may impact a customer’s ability to pay. Account balances are written-off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have significant bad debt experience with customers, and therefore, the allowance for doubtful accounts is immaterial as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The assessment of variable consideration to be constrained is based on estimates, and actual consideration may vary from current estimates. As adjustments to these estimates become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known. Changes in variable consideration are recorded as a component of net revenue. Contract assets represent a contractual right to consideration in the future. Contract assets are generated when contractual billing schedules differ from revenue recognition timing. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. All repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization costs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remainder of the lease term for leasehold improvements. Qualifying internal use software costs incurred during the application development stage, which consist primarily of internal product development costs, outside services, and purchased software license costs, are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Estimated useful lives range from 3 years to 10 years. Deferred Commissions Certain sales commissions earned by our sales force are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. These sales commissions for initial contracts are capitalized and included in Deferred costs and other assets, net of current portion on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred sales commissions are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated period of benefit from the customer relationship which we have determined to be 1 and 3 years for renewals and new clients, respectively. We determined the period of benefit by taking into consideration our customer contracts, our technology, and other factors. Amortization expense is included in Sales and marketing expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Commissions payable at December 31, 2021 were $34.1 million, of which the current portion of $31.4 million was included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the long-term portion of $2.7 million was included in Other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Commissions payable at December 31, 2020 were $25.6 million, of which the current portion of $23.3 million was included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the long-term portion of $2.3 million was included in Other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain commissions are not capitalized as they do not represent incremental costs of obtaining a contract. Such commissions are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalized $61.0 million and $44.9 million of costs to obtain revenue contracts and amortized $41.7 million and $25.1 million to sales and marketing expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Costs capitalized to obtain a revenue contract, net on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets totaled $59.6 million and $40.3 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were no impairments of costs to obtain revenue contracts in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Advertising and Promotional Expenses The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses of $22.7 million, $13.2 million, and $9.8 million were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Advertising expenses are included in Sales and marketing on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Research and Development Research and development expenses consist primarily of compensation expense for our employees, including employee benefits, certain IT program expenses, facilities and related overhead costs. We continue to focus our research and development efforts on developing new products, adding new features and services, integrating acquired technologies, and increasing functionality. Expenditures for software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized and amortized over a four-year period on a straight-line basis. Restructuring and Transaction-Related Expenses The Company defines restructuring and transaction related expenses as costs directly associated with acquisition or disposal activities. Such costs include employee severance and termination benefits, contract termination fees and penalties, and other exit or disposal costs. In general, the Company records involuntary employee-related exit and disposal costs when there is a substantive plan for employee severance and related costs that are probable and estimable. For one-time termination benefits for key members of management (i.e., no substantive plan) expense is recorded when the employees are entitled to receive such benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Transaction related bonuses and employee retention costs are recognized over the relevant service period. Contract termination fees and penalties and other exit and disposal costs are generally recorded when incurred. Business Combinations We allocate purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The purchase price is determined based on the fair value of the assets transferred, liabilities assumed and equity interests issued, after considering any transactions that are separate from the business combination. The fair value of equity issued as part of a business combination is determined based on grant date stock price of the Company. The excess of fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets and contingent liabilities. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired customer bases, acquired technology and acquired trade names, useful lives, royalty rates, and discount rates. The estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to revision as additional information is obtained during the measurement period for an acquisition, which may last up to one year from the acquisition date. During the measurement period, we may record adjustments to the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with a corresponding offset to goodwill. After the conclusion of the measurement period or the final determination of the fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings. In addition, uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation allowances assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date. We reevaluate these items based upon the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, with any revisions to our preliminary estimates being recorded to goodwill, provided that the timing is within the measurement period. Subsequent to the measurement period, changes to uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation allowances will be recorded to earnings. Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase consideration paid in a business combination over the fair value of the assets acquired less liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually or when events and circumstances indicate that fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. The company has one reporting unit. We first assess qualitative factors to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount or elect to bypass such assessment. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, or we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, we perform a quantitative test by determining the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. Acquired technology, customer lists, trade names or brand portfolios, and other intangible assets are related to previous acquisitions (refer to Note 7 - Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets). Acquired intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated period over which we expect to realize economic value related to the intangible asset. The amortization periods range from 2 years to 15 years. Any costs incurred to renew or extend the life of an intangible or long-lived asset are reviewed for capitalization. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of brand portfolios acquired from Pre-Acquisition ZI and represent costs paid to legally register phrases and graphic designs that identify and distinguish products sold by the Company. Brand portfolios are not amortized, rather potential impairment is considered on an annual basis in the fourth quarter, or more frequently upon the occurrence of a triggering event, when circumstances indicate that the book value of trademarks are greater than their fair value. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than the carrying value as a basis to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. No impairment charges relating to acquired goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019. Impairment of Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and acquired intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or group of assets. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated future cash flows of the asset. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded impairment charges of $1.5 million to reduce the carrying value of our existing Waltham right-of-use asset and $1.2 million to reduce the carrying value of the related leasehold improvements to their respective fair values. No impairment charges were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded an impairment charge of $1.1 million to reduce the carrying value of a right-of-use asset acquired in the Pre-Acquisition ZI acquisition to its fair value. Leases We determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception. Determining if a contract contains a lease requires judgement. In certain of our lease arrangements, primarily those related to our data center arrangements, judgment is required in determining if a contract contains a lease. For these arrangements, there is judgment in evaluating if the arrangement involves an identified asset that is physically distinct or whether we have the right to substantially all of the capacity of an identified asset that is not physically distinct. In arrangements that involve an identified asset, there is also judgment in evaluating if we have the right to direct the use of that asset. We do not have any finance leases. Operating leases are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are measured at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the fixed minimum remaining lease payments over the lease term, determined using the discount rate for the lease at the commencement date. Because the rates implicit in our leases are not readily determinable, we use our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for each respective lease, which approximates the interest rate at which we could borrow on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments and in similar economic environments. Some leases include options to extend or options to terminate the lease prior to the stated lease expiration. Optional periods to extend a lease, including by not exercising a termination option, are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised (or not exercised in the case of termination options). Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We account for lease and non-lease components, principally common area maintenance and related taxes for our facilities leases, as a single lease component. Short term leases, defined as leases having an original lease term less than or equal to one year, are excluded from our right-of-use assets and liabilities. Unearned Revenue Unearned revenue consists of customer payments and billings in advance of revenue being recognized from our subscription services. Unearned revenue that is anticipated to be recognized within the next 12 months is recorded as Unearned revenue, current portion and the remaining portion is included in Unearned revenue, net of current portion on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Debt Issuance Costs Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and amortized as interest expense over the terms of the related debt using the effective interest method for term debt and on a straight-line basis for revolving debt. Debt issuance costs are generally presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the outstanding borrowings, consistent with debt discounts. However, the Company classifies the debt issuance costs related to its first lien revolving credit facility within Deferred costs and other assets, net of current portion on our Consolidated Balance Sheets regardless of whether the Company has any outstanding borrowings on our first lien revolving credit facility. Upon a refinancing or amendment, the Company evaluates the modified debt instrument in accordance with ASC 470-50-40-10. When the present value of the cash flows under the modified debt instrument have changed by greater than 10 percent from the present value of the remaining cash flows under the terms of the original debt instrument, the Company accounts for the amendment as a debt extinguishment and all previously-capitalized debt issuance costs are expensed and included in Loss on debt modification and extinguishment. If the change in the present value of cash flows is less than 10 percent, any previously-capitalized debt issuance costs are amortized as interest expense over the term of the new debt instrument. The company performs assessments of debt modifications at a lender-specific level for all syndicated financing arrangements. Tax Receivable Agreements In connection with our IPO, we entered into two Tax Receivable Agreements ("TRAs") with certain non-controlling interest owners (the “TRA Holders”). The TRAs generally provide for payment by the Company to the TRA Holders of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that the Company actually realizes or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances. The Company will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these net cash savings. Amounts payable under the TRA are accrued by a charge to income when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount is estimable. TRA related liabilities are classified as current or noncurrent based on the expected date of payment and are included on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets under the captions Current portion of tax receivable agreements liability and Tax receivable agreements liability, net of current portion, respectively. Subsequent changes to the measurement of the TRA liability are recognized on our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of Other (income) expense, net . Refer to Note 18 - Tax Receivable Agreements for further details on the TRA liability. Income Taxes ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. is a corporation and has historically been subject to U.S. federal as well as state income tax related to its ownership percentage in ZoomInfo Holdings LLC. ZoomInfo Holdings LLC is a limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and files a U.S. Return of Partnership Income. Consequently, the members of ZoomInfo Holdings are taxed individually on their share of earnings for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. During the three months ended December 31, 2021, ZoomInfo Technologies LLC, our operating entity below ZoomInfo Holdings LLC, made an election to be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal and state income taxes. As such, ZoomInfo Technologies LLC is now subject to U.S. federal and state income tax as a result of our operations. Refer to Note 19 - Income Taxes for additional information regarding income taxes. Deferred taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method, whereby tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. We regularly evaluate the valuation allowances established for deferred tax assets for which future realization is uncertain. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider both positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax assets and liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and results of recent operations. If, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. Equity-Based Compensation Expense The Company periodically grants incentive awards to employees and non-employees, which generally vest over periods up to four-years. Incentive awards may be in the form of various equity-based awards such as Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units, and Class A Common Stock Options. Historically, the Company also granted awards in one of the Company’s legacy subsidiary partnerships and such awards were typically in the form of profits interests. Profits interests are an interest in the increase in the value of the entity over a participation threshold. Prior to the IPO, the participation threshold was based on the valuation determined by the Board of Managers of OpCo Units on or around the grant date. Subsequent to the IPO, the participation threshold was determined by reference to the closing price of our Class A Common Stock from the preceding trading day. The holders of profits interests had the right to participate in distributions of profits only in excess of the participation threshold. Previously awarded profits interests were converted into restricted stock awards in connection with the elimination of the UP-C Corporate Structure and Multi-Class Voting Structure Elimination (refer to Note 1 - Organization and Background). Compensation expense for incentive awards is measured at the estimated fair value of the incentive units and is included as compensation expense over the vesting period during which an employee provides service in exchange for the award. The Company uses a Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options and profits interests, as profits interests have certain economic similarities to options. The Black-Scholes option pricing model includes various assumptions, including the expected life of incentive units, the expected volatility, and the expected risk-free interest rate. These assumptions reflect the Company’s best estimates, but they involve inherent uncertainties based on market conditions generally outside the control of the Company. As a result, if other assumptions are used, compensation cost could be materially impacted. The Company measures employee, non-employee, and board of director equity-based compensation on the grant date fair value basis. Equity-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards. For equity awards that have a performance condition, the Company recognizes compensation expense based on its assessment of the probability that the performance condition will be achieved. The Company classifies equity-based compensation expense on its Consolidated Statements of Operations in the same manner in which the award recipient’s salary and related costs are classified or in which the award recipient’s service payments are classified. Bonus Accruals The Company has bonus programs for eligible employees. Bonuses are determined based on various criteria, including the achievement of corporate, departmental and individual goals. Bonus accruals are estimated based on various factors, including target bonus percentages per level of employee and probability of achieving the goals upon which bonuses are based. The Company’s management periodically reviews the progress made towards the goals under the bonus programs. As bonus accruals are dependent upon management’s judgments of the likelihood of achieving the various goals, it is possible for bonus expense to vary significantly in future periods if changes occur in those management estimates. Bonus accruals of $28.7 million and $11.5 million were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and were included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Employee Retirement Benefits The Company has a 401(k) plan that all eligible employees can contribute pre-tax and after-tax (Roth) to up to the maximum annual amount established by the Internal Revenue Code. In 2021 and 2020, the Company matched 50% of the employee’s contribution to the 401(k) plan up to the first 7% of their contribution. In 2019, the Company matched 35% of the employee's contribution to the 401(k) plan up to the first 6% of their contribution. Matching contributions made by the Company were approximately $5.4 million, $3.0 million, and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Matching contributions vest 33% per year until fully vested. Employee contributions are 100% vested immediately. The increased headcount contributed to the increase in the Company’s matching contribution in 2021. The increased match percentage combined with increased headcount contributed to the increase in the Company’s matching contribution in 2020. Israeli Severance Pay Law Under Section 14 of the Israeli Severance Pay Law, employees in Israel are entitled to have monthly deposits, at a rate of 8.33% of their monthly salary, made on their behalf to their insurance funds which relieves the Company from future obligations under this law. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company recorded $4.8 million, $2.0 million, and $0.7 million, respectively, in severance expenses related to these employees. The increased headcount contributed to the increase in the Company’s matching contribution in 2021 and 2020. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. The standard applies to contract modifications that replace a reference rate affected by reference rate reform and contemporaneous modifications of other contract terms related to the replacement of the reference rate. Further, the standard provides exceptions to certain guidance in ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging , related to changes to the critical terms of a hedging relationship due to reference rate reform and provides optional expedients for fair value, cash flow, and net investment hedging relationships for which the component excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness is affected by reference rate reform. The standard is effective |