Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The Company We are a global software company that simplifies the development, deployment and management of business applications on-premise or in the cloud, on any platform or device, to any data source, with enhanced performance, minimal IT complexity and low total cost of ownership. Our comprehensive portfolio of products provides leading solutions for rapid development, broad data integration and efficient data analysis. Our solutions are used across a variety of industries. Our products are generally sold as perpetual licenses, but certain products also use term licensing models and our cloud-based offerings use a subscription based model. More than half of our worldwide license revenue is realized through relationships with indirect channel partners, principally application partners and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Application partners are independent software vendors (ISVs) that develop and market applications using our technology and resell our products in conjunction with sales of their own products that incorporate our technology. OEMs are companies that embed our products into their own software products or devices. We operate in North America and Latin America (the Americas); Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and the Asia Pacific region, through local subsidiaries as well as independent distributors. Accounting Principles We prepare our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries (all of which are wholly-owned). We eliminate all intercompany balances and transactions. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and records changes in estimates in the period in which they become known. These estimates are based on historical data and experience, as well as various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The most significant estimates relate to the timing and amounts of revenue recognition, the realization of tax assets and estimates of tax liabilities, fair values of investments in marketable securities, intangible assets and goodwill valuations, the recognition and disclosure of contingent liabilities, the collectability of accounts receivable, and assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of most of our foreign subsidiaries is the local currency in which the subsidiary operates. For foreign operations where the local currency is considered to be the functional currency, we translate assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. We translate income and expense items at average rates of exchange prevailing during each period. We accumulate translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of shareholders’ equity. For foreign operations where the U.S. dollar is considered to be the functional currency, we remeasure monetary assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date and non-monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates. We translate income and expense items at average rates of exchange prevailing during each period. We recognize remeasurement adjustments currently as a component of foreign currency loss, net in the statements of operations. Transaction gains or losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in foreign currency loss, net in the statements of operations as incurred. Cash Equivalents and Investments Cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments purchased with remaining maturities of three months or less. As of November 30, 2015, all of our cash equivalents were invested in money market funds. We classify investments, state and municipal bond obligations, U.S. treasury and government agency bonds, and corporate bonds and notes, as investments available-for-sale, which are stated at fair value. Prior period investments also included auction rate securities (ARS). We include aggregate unrealized holding gains and losses, net of taxes, on available-for-sale securities as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity. We include realized gains and losses in interest income and other, net on the consolidated statements of operations. We monitor our investment portfolio for impairment on a periodic basis. In the event that the carrying value of an investment exceeds its fair value and the decline in value is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and a new cost basis for the investment is established. In determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists, we consider the nature of the investment, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, and our intent and ability to continue holding the security for a period sufficient for an expected recovery in fair value. Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Credit Memos We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. We establish this allowance using estimates that we make based on factors such as the composition of the accounts receivable aging, historical bad debts, changes in payment patterns, changes to customer creditworthiness and current economic trends. We also record an allowance for estimates of potential sales credit memos. This allowance is determined based on an analysis of historical credit memos issued and current economic trends, and is recorded as a reduction of revenue. A summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (in thousands): November 30, 2015 November 30, 2014 November 30, 2013 Beginning balance $ 1,646 $ 2,250 $ 2,278 Charge to costs and expenses 271 365 649 Write-offs and other (512 ) (949 ) (688 ) Translation adjustments 16 (20 ) 11 Ending balance $ 1,421 $ 1,646 $ 2,250 A summary of activity in the allowance for sales credit memos is as follows (in thousands): November 30, 2015 November 30, 2014 November 30, 2013 Beginning balance $ 946 $ 903 $ 746 Charge to revenue 182 51 225 Write-offs and other (332 ) (6 ) (71 ) Translation adjustments (24 ) (2 ) 3 Ending balance $ 772 $ 946 $ 903 Concentrations of Credit Risk Our financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments, derivative instruments and trade receivables. We have cash investment policies which, among other things, limit investments to investment-grade securities. We hold our cash and cash equivalents, investments and derivative instrument contracts with high quality financial institutions and we monitor the credit ratings of those institutions. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, and the risk with respect to trade receivables is further mitigated by the diversity, both by geography and by industry, of the customer base. No single customer represented more than 10% of consolidated accounts receivable or revenue in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amount of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt approximates fair value due to the short-term nature or market interest rates of these items. We base the fair value of short-term investments on quoted market prices or other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets. Previous to their sale during fiscal year 2014, the fair value of ARS was based on a valuation methodology utilizing discounted cash flow models due to the absence of quoted market prices. We measure and record derivative financial instruments at fair value. See Note 4 for further discussion of financial instruments that are carried at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis. Derivative Instruments We record all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. We use derivative instruments to manage exposures to fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies, which exist as part of our ongoing business operations. Certain assets and forecasted transactions are exposed to foreign currency risk. Our objective for holding derivatives is to eliminate or reduce the impact of these exposures. We periodically monitor our foreign currency exposures to enhance the overall economic effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions. Principal currencies hedged include the euro, British pound, Brazilian real, Indian rupee, and Australian dollar. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes, nor do we hold or issue any derivative instruments for trading purposes. We enter into certain derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting and are not designated as hedges. Although these derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting, we believe that such instruments are closely correlated with the underlying exposure, thus managing the associated risk. The gains or losses from changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments that are not accounted for as hedges are recognized in earnings in foreign currency loss, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Property and Equipment We record property and equipment at cost. We record property and equipment purchased in business combinations at fair value, which is then treated as the cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or the useful lives of the assets. Useful lives by major asset class are as follows: computer equipment and software, 3 to 7 years; buildings and improvements, 5 to 39 years; and furniture and fixtures, 5 to 7 years. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Product Development and Internal Use Software Expenditures for product development, other than internal use software costs, are expensed as incurred. Product development expenses primarily consist of personnel and related expenses for our product development staff, the cost of various third-party contractor fees, and allocated overhead expenses. Software development costs associated with internal use software are incurred in three stages of development: the preliminary project stage, the application development stage, and the post-implementation stage. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Certain internal and external qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized as property and equipment. Internal use software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of three years, beginning when the software is ready for its intended use. During the fiscal years ended November 30, 2015, 2014, and 2013, there were $1.3 million , $4.1 million , and $0.8 million of internal use software development costs capitalized, respectively. Amortization expense related to internal use software totaled $1.3 million , $0.7 million , and $0 during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. During the second and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2015, we incurred impairment charges of $1.5 million and $1.0 million , respectively, related to software development costs capitalized for assets no longer deployed (Note 14). Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets Goodwill is the amount by which the cost of acquired net assets in a business combination exceeded the fair value of net identifiable assets on the date of purchase. We evaluate goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, if any, for impairment annually or on an interim basis when events and circumstances arise that indicate impairment may have occurred. In performing our annual assessment, we may first perform a qualitative test and if necessary, perform a quantitative test. To conduct the quantitative impairment test of goodwill, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. We estimate the fair values of our reporting units using discounted cash flow models or other valuation models, such as comparative transactions and market multiples. Intangible assets are comprised of purchased technology, customer-related assets, and trademarks and trade names acquired through business combinations (Note 8). All of our intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful life. We periodically review long-lived assets (primarily property and equipment) and intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever 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. We base each impairment test on a comparison of the undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value of the asset or asset group. If impairment is indicated, we write down the asset to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow analysis. In fiscal year 2013, we recorded an impairment loss of $0.1 million related to assets no longer deployed as part of cost reduction strategies associated with our 2012 restructuring action. In fiscal year 2015, we recorded impairment losses totaling $5.0 million , primarily as a result of the decision to replace existing technology with technology acquired from a business combination (Note 14). We recorded no impairment losses in fiscal years 2014 and 2013. Comprehensive Loss The components of comprehensive loss include, in addition to net (loss) income, unrealized gains and losses on investments and foreign currency translation adjustments. Accumulated other comprehensive loss by components, net of tax (in thousands): Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gains (Losses) on investments Total Balance, December 1, 2013 $ (9,249 ) $ (2,410 ) $ (11,659 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (4,484 ) 800 (3,684 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income — 1,617 1,617 Net other comprehensive (loss) income $ (4,484 ) $ 2,417 $ (2,067 ) Balance, December 1, 2014 $ (13,733 ) $ 7 $ (13,726 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (10,849 ) (53 ) (10,902 ) Net other comprehensive loss $ (10,849 ) $ (53 ) $ (10,902 ) Balance, November 30, 2015 $ (24,582 ) $ (46 ) $ (24,628 ) The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for fiscal year 2014 relate to realized losses on available-for-sale ARS, which are recorded in interest income and other, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The amounts reclassified are presented net of tax of $0.9 million for fiscal year 2014. The tax effect on accumulated unrealized losses on investments was minimal as of November 30, 2015 and November 30, 2014 and $1.4 million at November 30, 2013. Revenue Recognition We derive our revenue primarily from software licenses and maintenance and services. Our license arrangements generally contain multiple elements, including software maintenance services, consulting services, and customer education services. We do not recognize revenue until the following four basic criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) our product has been shipped or, if delivered electronically, the customer has the right to access the software, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collection of the fee is probable. Evidence of an arrangement generally consists of a contract or purchase order signed by the customer. In regard to delivery, we generally ship our software electronically and do not license our software with conditions of acceptance. If an arrangement does contain conditions of acceptance, we defer recognition of the revenue until the acceptance criteria are met or the period of acceptance has passed. Services are considered delivered as the work is performed or, in the case of maintenance, over the contractual service period. We assess whether a fee is fixed or determinable at the outset of the arrangement and consider the payment terms of the transaction, including transactions that extend beyond our customary payment terms. We do not license our software with a right of return. In assessing whether the collection of the fee is probable, we consider customer credit-worthiness, a customer’s historical payment experience, economic conditions in the customer’s industry and geographic location and general economic conditions. If we do not consider collection of a fee to be probable, we defer the revenue until the fees are collected, provided all other conditions for revenue recognition have been met. In determining when to recognize revenue from a customer arrangement, we are often required to exercise judgment regarding the application of our accounting policies to a particular arrangement. The primary judgments used in evaluating revenue recognized in each period involve: determining whether collection is probable, assessing whether the fee is fixed or determinable, and determining the fair value of the maintenance and services elements included in multiple-element software arrangements. Such judgments can materially impact the amount of revenue that we record in a given period. While we follow specific and detailed rules and guidelines related to revenue recognition, we make and use significant management judgments and estimates in connection with the revenue recognized in any reporting period, particularly in the areas described above. If management made different estimates or judgments, material differences in the timing of the recognition of revenue could occur. In regard to software license revenues, perpetual and term license fees are recognized as revenue when the software is delivered, no significant obligations or contingencies related to the software exist, other than maintenance, and all other revenue recognition criteria are met. We generally recognize revenue for products distributed through application partners and distributors on a sell-in basis. Revenue from maintenance is recognized ratably over the service period. Maintenance revenue is deferred until the associated license is delivered to the customer and all other criteria for revenue recognition have been met. Revenue from other services, which are primarily consulting and customer education services, is generally recognized as the services are delivered to the customer, provided all other criteria for revenue recognition have been met. We also offer products via a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, which is a subscription based model. Subscription revenue derived from these agreements is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the subscription term, provided persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, access to our software has been granted to the customer, the fee for the subscription is fixed or determinable, and collection of the subscription fee is probable. We generally sell our software licenses with maintenance services and, in some cases, also with consulting services. For these multiple element arrangements, we allocate revenue to the delivered elements of the arrangement using the residual method, whereby revenue is allocated to the undelivered elements based on vendor specific objective evidence (or VSOE) of fair value of the undelivered elements with the remaining arrangement fee allocated to the delivered elements and recognized as revenue assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met. For the undelivered elements, we determine VSOE of fair value to be the price charged when the undelivered element is sold separately. We determine VSOE for maintenance sold in connection with a software license based on the amount that will be separately charged for the maintenance renewal period. Substantially all license arrangements indicate the renewal rate for which customers may, at their option, renew their maintenance agreement. We determine VSOE for consulting services by reference to the amount charged for similar engagements when a software license sale is not involved. We review services sold separately on a periodic basis and update, when appropriate, our VSOE of fair value for such maintenance and services to ensure that it reflects our recent pricing experience. If VSOE of fair value for the undelivered elements cannot be established, we defer all revenue from the arrangement until the earlier of the point at which such sufficient VSOE does exist or all elements of the arrangement have been delivered, or if the only undelivered element is maintenance, then we recognize the entire fee ratably over the maintenance period. If payment of the software license fees is dependent upon the performance of consulting services or the consulting services are essential to the functionality of the licensed software, then we recognize both the software license and consulting fees using the completed contract method. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities are excluded from revenue. Deferred revenue generally results from contractual billings for which revenue has not been recognized and consists of the unearned portion of license, maintenance, and services fees. Deferred revenue expected to be recognized as revenue more than one year subsequent to the balance sheet date is included in long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $2.5 million , $1.8 million , and $1.6 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Warranty Costs We make periodic provisions for expected warranty costs. Historically, warranty costs have been insignificant. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards measured at the grant date and recognized over the relevant service period. We estimate the fair value of each stock-based award on the measurement date using either the current market price of the stock, the Black-Scholes option valuation model, or the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model. The Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo Simulation valuation models incorporate assumptions as to stock price volatility, the expected life of options or awards, a risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. We recognize stock-based compensation expense related to options and restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the service period of the award, which is generally 4 or 5 years for options and 3 years for restricted stock units. We recognize stock-based compensation expense related to performance stock units and our employee stock purchase plan using an accelerated attribution method. Acquisition-Related Costs Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and include those costs incurred as a result of a business combination. These costs consist of professional service fees, including third-party legal and valuation-related fees, as well as retention fees and earn-out payments treated as compensation expense. We incurred $4.2 million of acquisition-related costs, which are included in acquisition-related expenses in our consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2015 . Restructuring Charges Our restructuring charges are comprised primarily of costs related to property abandonment, including future lease commitments, net of any sublease income, and associated leasehold improvements; and employee termination costs related to headcount reductions. We recognize and measure restructuring liabilities initially at fair value when the liability is incurred. Income Taxes We provide for deferred income taxes resulting from temporary differences between financial and taxable income. We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We recognize and measure uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return utilizing a two-step approach. We first determine if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is that we measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in our provision for income taxes on our consolidated statements of operations. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17). ASU 2015-17 requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The ASU simplifies the current guidance, which requires entities to separately present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The guidance in ASU 2015-17 is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within the reporting period. We early adopted the provisions of this ASU during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015 and applied it retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 resulted in the reclassification of $9.4 million of current deferred tax assets to noncurrent deferred tax assets and $1.4 million of current deferred tax assets to a reduction in noncurrent deferred tax liabilities as of November 30, 2015. We retrospectively adjusted the November 30, 2014 consolidated balance sheet and related disclosures to reflect the reclassification of $10.1 million of current deferred tax assets, of which $9.8 million was reclassified to noncurrent deferred tax assets as $0.3 million in deferred tax liabilities was eliminated through netting. Adoption of this standard did not impact results of operations, retained earnings, or cash flows in the current or previous interim and annual reporting periods. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03). ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The guidance in ASU 2015-03 is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within the reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company is considering early adoption of the new standard and expects the impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets to be a reclassification of approximately $1.4 million from other assets to long-term debt as of December 1, 2015. In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (ASU 2014-12). ASU 2014-12 brings consistency to the accounting for share-based payment awards that require a specific performance target to be achieved in order for employees to become eligible to vest in the awards. This guidance is effective for all entities for reporting periods (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. In addition, all entities will have the option of applying the guidance either prospectively (i.e., only to awards granted or modified on or after the effective date of the ASU) or retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the effect that implementation of this update will have on our consolidated financial position and results of operations upon adoption. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified approach to adopt the guidance. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of this ASU by one year for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the original effective date. As a result, the new effective date for the Company will be December 1, 2018. This update could impact the timing and amounts of revenue recognized. Management is currently assessing the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |