Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Foreign Currency Translation For our non-U.S. operations where the functional currency is the local currency, we translate assets and liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and record translation adjustments in stockholders’ equity. For our non-U.S. operations where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, we remeasure monetary assets and liabilities using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and nonmonetary assets and liabilities at historical rates and record resulting exchange gains or losses in foreign currency net losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We translate income statement amounts at average rates for the period. Transaction gains and losses are recorded in foreign currency net losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Revenue Recognition Our sources of revenue include: (1) license and subscription, (2) support and (3) professional services. We record revenues in accordance with the guidance provided by ASC 985-605, Software-Revenue Recognition when the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred (generally, FOB shipping point or electronic distribution), (3) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (4) collection is probable. We exercise judgment and use estimates in connection with determining the amounts of software license and services revenues to be recognized in each accounting period. Our primary judgments involve the following: • determining whether collection is probable; • assessing whether the fee is fixed or determinable; • determining whether service arrangements, including modifications and customization of the underlying software, are not essential to the functionality of the licensed software and thus would result in the revenue for license and service elements of an agreement being recorded separately; and • determining the fair value of services and support elements included in multiple-element arrangements, which is the basis for allocating and deferring revenue for such services and support. Our software is distributed primarily through our direct sales force. In addition, we have an indirect distribution channel through alliances with resellers. Revenue arrangements with resellers are recognized on a sell-through basis; that is, when we deliver the product to the end-user customer. We record consideration given to a reseller as a reduction of revenue to the extent we have recorded revenue from the reseller. We do not offer contractual rights of return, stock balancing, or price protection to our resellers, and actual product returns from them have been insignificant to date. As a result, we do not maintain reserves for reseller product returns. At the time of each sale transaction, we must make an assessment of the collectability of the amount due from the customer. Revenue is only recognized at that time if management deems that collection is probable. In making this assessment, we consider customer credit-worthiness and historical payment experience. At that same time, we assess whether fees are fixed or determinable and free of contingencies or significant uncertainties. In assessing whether the fee is fixed or determinable, we consider the payment terms of the transaction, including transactions with payment terms that extend beyond our customary payment terms, and our collection experience in similar transactions without making concessions, among other factors. We have periodically provided financing to credit-worthy customers with payment terms up to 24 months. If the fee is determined not to be fixed or determinable, revenue is recognized only as payments become due from the customer, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria are met. Our software license arrangements generally do not include customer acceptance provisions. However, if an arrangement includes an acceptance provision, we record revenue only upon the earlier of (1) receipt of written acceptance from the customer or (2) expiration of the acceptance period. Generally, our contracts are accounted for individually. However, when contracts are closely interrelated and dependent on each other, it may be necessary to account for two or more contracts as one to reflect the substance of the group of contracts. License and Subscription License and subscription revenue includes revenue from three primary sources: (1) sales of perpetual licenses, (2) subscription-based licenses, and (3) cloud services. Under perpetual license arrangements, we generally recognize license revenue up front upon shipment to the customer. We use the residual method to recognize revenue from perpetual license software arrangements that include one or more elements to be delivered at a future date when evidence of the fair value of all undelivered elements exists, and the elements of the arrangement qualify for separate accounting as described below. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements (i.e., support and services) based on our vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value is deferred and the remaining portion of the total arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered elements (i.e., perpetual software license). If evidence of the fair value of one or more of the undelivered elements does not exist, all revenues are deferred and recognized when delivery of all of those elements has occurred or when fair values can be established. We determine VSOE of the fair value of services and support revenue based upon our recent pricing for those elements when sold separately. For certain transactions, VSOE is determined based on a substantive renewal clause within a customer contract. Our current pricing practices are influenced primarily by product type, purchase volume, sales channel and customer location. We review services and support sold separately on a periodic basis and update, when appropriate, our VSOE of fair value for such elements to ensure that it reflects our recent pricing experience. Subscription-based licenses include the right for a customer to use our licenses and receive related support for a specified term and revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement. When sold in arrangements with other elements, VSOE of fair value is established for the subscription-based licenses through the use of a substantive renewal clause within the customer contract for a combined annual fee that includes the term-based license and related support. Cloud services reflect recurring revenues that include fees for hosting and application management of customers’ perpetual or subscription-based licenses. Generally, customers have the right to terminate the cloud services contract and take possession of the licenses without a significant penalty. When cloud services are sold as part of a multi-element transaction, revenue is allocated to cloud services based on VSOE, and recognized ratably over the contractual term beginning on the commencement dates of each contract, which is the date the services are made available to the customer. VSOE is established for cloud services either through a substantive stated renewal option or stated contractual overage rates, as these rates represent the value the customer is willing to pay on a standalone basis. In addition, cloud services include set-up fees, which are recognized ratably over the contract term or the expected customer life, whichever is longer. Support Support contracts generally include rights to unspecified upgrades (when and if available), telephone and internet-based support, updates and bug fixes. Support revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the support contract on a straight-line basis. Professional Services Our software arrangements often include implementation, consulting and training services that are sold under consulting engagement contracts or as part of the software license arrangement. When we determine that such services are not essential to the functionality of the licensed software, we record revenue separately for the license and service elements of these arrangements, provided that appropriate evidence of fair value exists for the undelivered services (i.e. VSOE of fair value). We consider various factors in assessing whether a service is not essential to the functionality of the software, including if the services may be provided by independent third parties experienced in providing such services (i.e. consulting and implementation) in coordination with dedicated customer personnel, and whether the services result in significant modification or customization of the software’s functionality. When professional services qualify for separate accounting, professional services revenues under time and materials billing arrangements are recognized as the services are performed. Professional services revenues under fixed-priced contracts are generally recognized as the services are performed using a proportionate performance model with hours or costs as the input method of attribution. When we provide professional services that are considered essential to the functionality of the software, the arrangement does not qualify for separate accounting of the license and service elements, and the license revenue is recognized together with the consulting services using the percentage-of-completion method of contract accounting. Under such arrangements, consideration is recognized as the services are performed as measured by an observable input. In these circumstances, we separate license revenue from service revenue for income statement presentation by allocating VSOE of fair value of the consulting services as service revenue, and the residual portion as license revenue. Under the percentage-of-completion method, we estimate the stage of completion of contracts with fixed or “not to exceed” fees based on hours or costs incurred to date as compared with estimated total project hours or costs at completion. Adjustments to estimates to complete are made in the periods in which facts resulting in a change become known. When total cost estimates exceed revenues, we accrue for the estimated losses when identified. The use of the proportionate performance and percentage-of-completion methods of accounting require significant judgment relative to estimating total contract costs or hours (hours being a proxy for costs), including assumptions relative to the length of time to complete the project, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed and anticipated changes in salaries and other costs. Reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenditures incurred in connection with providing consulting services are included in professional services revenue, with the offsetting expense recorded in cost of professional services revenue. Training services include on-site and classroom training. Training revenues are recognized as the related training services are provided. Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue primarily relates to software support agreements billed to customers for which the services have not yet been provided. The liability associated with performing these services is included in deferred revenue and, if not yet paid, the related customer receivable is included in other current assets. Billed but uncollected support and subscription-related amounts included in other current assets at September 30, 2015 and 2014 were $129.3 million and $116.2 million , respectively. Deferred revenue consisted of the following: September 30, 2015 2014 (in thousands) Deferred license and subscription revenue $ 42,418 $ 30,440 Deferred support revenue 331,793 335,827 Deferred professional services revenue 12,639 16,277 Total deferred revenue $ 386,850 $ 382,544 Cash, Cash Equivalents Our cash equivalents are invested in money market accounts and time deposits of financial institutions. We have established guidelines relative to credit ratings, diversification and maturities that are intended to maintain safety and liquidity. Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturity periods of three months or less when purchased. Concentration of Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments The amounts reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value due to their short maturities. Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of investments, trade accounts receivable and foreign currency derivative instruments. Our cash, cash equivalents, and foreign currency derivatives are placed with financial institutions with high credit standings. Our credit risk for derivatives is also mitigated due to the short-term nature of the contracts. Our customer base consists of large numbers of geographically diverse customers dispersed across many industries, and no individual customer comprised more than 10% of our trade accounts receivable as of September 30, 2015 or 2014 . Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. Generally accepted accounting principles prescribe a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: • Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; • Level 2: inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; or • Level 3: unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Our significant financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: September 30, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash equivalents (1) $ 91,216 $ — $ — $ 91,216 Forward contracts — 507 — 507 $ 91,216 $ 507 $ — $ 91,723 Financial liabilities: Contingent consideration related to ThingWorx & ColdLight acquisitions $ — $ — $ 13,000 $ 13,000 Forward contracts — 46 — 46 $ — $ 46 $ 13,000 $ 13,046 September 30, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash equivalents (1) $ 101,113 $ — $ — $ 101,113 Forward contracts — 339 — 339 $ 101,113 $ 339 $ — $ 101,452 Financial liabilities: Contingent consideration related to ThingWorx acquisition $ — $ — $ 15,191 $ 15,191 Forward contracts — 911 — 911 $ — $ 911 $ 15,191 $ 16,102 (1) Money market funds and time deposits. For a description of the inputs used to value the contingent consideration liability see Note E Acquisitions . Changes in the fair value of Level 3 contingent consideration liability associated with our acquisitions of ThingWorx and ColdLight were as follows: Contingent Consideration (in thousands) ThingWorx ColdLight Balance at October 1, 2013 — — Contingent consideration at acquisition 13,048 — Change in fair value of contingent consideration 2,143 — Balance at October 1, 2014 15,191 — Contingent consideration at acquisition — 3,800 Change in fair value of contingent consideration 2,809 200 Payment of contingent consideration (9,000 ) — Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 9,000 $ 4,000 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, management specifically analyzes individual accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic conditions, and accounts receivable aging trends. Our allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable was $1.0 million as of September 30, 2015 , $1.6 million as of September 30, 2014 , $3.0 million as of September 30, 2013 and $3.4 million as of September 30, 2012 . Uncollectible trade accounts receivable written-off, net of recoveries, were $0.8 million , $0.6 million and $0.6 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Bad debt (credit) expense was $0.2 million , $(0.8) million and $0.2 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, and is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Financing Receivables and Transfers of Financial Assets We periodically provide extended payment terms for software purchases to credit-worthy customers with payment terms up to 24 months. The determination of whether to offer such payment terms is based on the size, nature and credit-worthiness of the customer, and the history of collecting amounts due, without concession, from the customer and customers generally. This determination is based on an internal credit assessment. In making this assessment, we use the Standard & Poor's (S&P) credit rating as our primary credit quality indicator, if available. If a customer, including both commercial and U.S. Federal government, has an S&P bond rating of BBB- or above, we designate the customer as a Tier 1. If a customer does not have an S&P bond rating, or has a S&P bond rating below BBB-, we base our assessment on an internal credit assessment which considers selected balance sheet, operating and liquidity measures, historical payment experience, and current business conditions within the industry or region. We designate these customers as Tier 2 or Tier 3, with Tier 3 being lower credit quality than Tier 2. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , amounts due from customers for contracts with original payment terms greater than twelve months (financing receivables) totaled $27.4 million and $58.1 million , respectively. Accounts receivable and other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets include current receivables from such contracts totaling $21.8 million and $44.6 million at September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets include long-term receivables from such contracts totaling $5.6 million and $13.5 million at September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 , respectively, $0.5 million and $0 of these receivables were past due. Our credit risk assessment for financing receivables was as follows: September 30, 2015 2014 (in thousands) S&P bond rating BBB- and above-Tier 1 $ 16,841 $ 41,152 Internal Credit Assessment-Tier 2 10,593 16,989 Internal Credit Assessment-Tier 3 — — Total financing receivables $ 27,434 $ 58,141 We evaluate the need for an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of these customers to make required payments. We write off uncollectible trade and financing receivables when we have exhausted all collection avenues. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we concluded that all financing receivables were collectible and no reserve for credit losses was recorded. We did not provide a reserve for credit losses or write off any uncollectible financing receivables in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . We periodically transfer future payments under certain of these contracts to third-party financial institutions on a non-recourse basis. We record such transfers as sales of the related accounts receivable when we surrender control of such receivables. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we sold $3.0 million , $24.5 million and $17.0 million , respectively, of financing receivables to third-party financial institutions. Derivatives Generally accepted accounting principles require all derivatives, whether designated in a hedging relationship or not, to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the derivative’s fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from one or more underlying financial instruments, such as foreign currency. We enter into derivative transactions, specifically foreign currency forward contracts, to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates that arise primarily from our foreign currency-denominated receivables and payables. The contracts are primarily denominated in European currencies, typically have maturities of approximately three months or less and require an exchange of foreign currencies for U.S. dollars at maturity of the contracts at rates agreed to at inception of the contracts. We do not enter into or hold derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Generally, we do not designate foreign currency forward contracts as hedges for accounting purposes, and changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized immediately in earnings. Because we enter into forward contracts only as an economic hedge, any gain or loss on the underlying foreign-denominated balance would be offset by the loss or gain on the forward contract. Gains and losses on forward contracts and foreign denominated receivables and payables are included in foreign currency net losses. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we had outstanding forward contracts with notional amounts equivalent to the following: September 30, Currency Hedged 2015 2014 (in thousands) Canadian/U.S. Dollar $ 17,448 $ 25,583 Euro/U.S. Dollar 82,917 61,751 British Pound/Euro 9,409 14,259 Israeli Sheqel/U.S. Dollar 4,607 6,144 Japanese Yen/Euro 25,133 — Swiss Franc/U.S. Dollar 5,149 1,200 All other 12,592 8,051 Total $ 157,255 $ 116,988 The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets include net assets of $0.5 million and $0.3 million in other current assets as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively and a net liability of $46.0 thousand and $0.9 million in accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, related to the fair value of our forward contracts. Net gains and losses on foreign currency exposures, including realized and unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, included in foreign currency net losses, were net losses of $2.7 million , $4.5 million and $2.0 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Excluding the underlying foreign currency exposure being hedged, net realized and unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts included in foreign currency net losses, were a net gain of $0.6 million in 2015 , a net loss of $3.8 million in 2014 , and a net gain of $3.4 million in 2013 . Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Computer hardware and software are typically amortized over three to five years, and furniture and fixtures over three to eight years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the remaining terms of the related leases. Property and equipment under capital leases are amortized over the lesser of the lease terms or their estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred; additions and improvements are capitalized. When an item is sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation is relieved, and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognized in income. Software Development Costs We incur costs to develop computer software to be licensed or otherwise marketed to customers. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, except for costs of internally developed or externally purchased software that qualify for capitalization. Development costs for software to be sold externally incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility, but prior to the general release of the product, are capitalized and, upon general release, are amortized using the greater of either the straight-line method over the expected life of the related products or based upon the pattern in which economic benefits related to such assets are realized. The straight-line method is used if it approximates the same amount of expense as that calculated using the ratio that current period gross product revenues bear to total anticipated gross product revenues. No development costs for software to be sold externally were capitalized in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . In connection with acquisitions of businesses described in Note E, we capitalized software of $13.6 million and $48.9 million in 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These assets are included in acquired intangible assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Goodwill, Acquired Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets Goodwill is the amount by which the purchase price in a business acquisition exceeds the fair values of net identifiable assets on the date of purchase. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, as of the end of the third quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Factors we consider important, on an overall company basis and reportable-segment basis, when applicable, that could trigger an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends, a significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period and a reduction of our market capitalization relative to net book value. We completed our annual goodwill impairment review as of July 4, 2015 and concluded that no impairment charge was required as of that date. To conduct these tests of goodwill, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value of goodwill and its implied fair value. We estimate the fair values of our reporting units using discounted cash flow valuation models. Those models require estimates of future revenues, profits, capital expenditures, working capital, terminal values based on revenue multiples, and discount rates for each reporting unit. We estimate these amounts by evaluating historical trends, current budgets, operating plans and industry data. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit was more than double its carrying value as of July 4, 2015 . Long-lived assets primarily include property and equipment and acquired intangible assets with finite lives (including purchased software, customer lists and trademarks). Purchased software is amortized over periods up to 11 years, customer lists are amortized over periods up to 12 years and trademarks are amortized over periods up to 12 years. We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of those assets are no longer appropriate. Each impairment test is based on a comparison of the undiscounted cash flows to the recorded value of the asset or asset group. If impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow analysis. Advertising Expenses Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expenses incurred were $1.1 million , $2.2 million and $4.2 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Income Taxes Our income tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes. Certain items of income and expense are not reported in tax returns and financial statements in the same year. The tax effects of these differences are reported as deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are recognized for the estimated future tax effects of deductible temporary differences and tax operating loss and credit carryforwards. Changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in the provision for income taxes. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized, we establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we include an expense within the tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), which includes foreign currency translation adjustments and changes in unrecognized actuarial gains and losses (net of tax) related to pension benefits. For the purposes of comprehensive income disclosures, we do not record tax provisions or benefits for the net changes in the foreign currency translation adjustment, as we intend to reinvest permanently undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. Accumulated other comprehensive loss is reported as a component of stockholders’ equity and, as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , was comprised of cumulative translation adjustment losses of $71.6 million and $24.5 million , respectively, and unrecognized actuarial losses related to pension benefits of $28.3 million ( $20.1 million net of tax) and $95.9 million ( $69.9 million net of tax), respectively. Earnings per Share (EPS) Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Unvested restricted shares, although legally issued and outstanding, are not considered outstanding for purposes of calculating basic earnings per share. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding stock options, restricted shares and restricted stock units using the treasury stock method. The calculation of the dilutive effect of outstanding equity awards under the treasury stock method includes consideration of proceeds from the assumed exercise of stock options, unrecognized compensation expense and any tax benefits as additional proceeds. The following table presents the calculation for both basic and diluted EPS: Year ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 (in thousands, except per share data) Net income $ 47,557 $ 160,194 $ 143,769 Weighted average shares outstanding 114,775 118,094 119,473 Dilutive effect of employee stock options, restricted shares and restricted stock units 1,237 1,890 1,767 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 116,012 119,984 121,240 Basic earnings per share $ 0.41 $ 1.36 $ 1.20 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.41 $ 1.34 $ 1.19 Stock-Based Compensation We measure the compensation cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. See Note K for a description of the types of stock-based awards granted, the compensation expense related to such awards and detail of equity-based awards outstanding. See Note G for detail of the tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to stock-based compensation. Related Party Transaction On November 27, 2013, we entered into a consulting agreement with Professor Michael Porter, who was a director of PTC at the time. In consideration for providing consulting services, we made a restricted stock unit grant valued at approximately $0.2 million ( 6,213 shares) to Professor Porter, half of which vested on November 15, 2014 and the other half of which vested on March 4, 2015 . P |