Significant Accounting Policies | Significant Accounting Policies (a) Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aspen Technology, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Reclassifications Certain line items in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to currently reported presentations. (b) Management Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (c) Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with remaining maturities of three months or less when purchased. (d) Revenue Recognition We generate revenue from the following sources: (1) Subscription and software revenue; and (2) Services and other revenue. We sell our software products to end users primarily under fixed-term licenses. We license our software products primarily through a subscription offering which we refer to as our aspenONE licensing model, which includes software maintenance and support, known as our Premier Plus SMS offering, for the entire term. Our aspenONE products are organized into three suites: 1) engineering; 2) manufacturing and supply chain; and 3) asset performance management. The aspenONE licensing model provides customers with access to all of the products within the aspenONE suite(s) they license. We refer to these arrangements as token arrangements. Tokens are fixed units of measure. The amount of software usage is limited by the number of tokens purchased by the customer. We also license our software through point product term arrangements, which include our Premier Plus SMS offering for the entire term, as well as perpetual license arrangements. Four basic criteria must be satisfied before software license revenue can be recognized: persuasive evidence of an arrangement between us and an end user; delivery of our product has occurred; the fee for the product is fixed or determinable; and collection of the fee is probable. Persuasive evidence of an arrangement —We use a signed contract as evidence of an arrangement for software licenses and SMS. For professional services we use a signed contract and a work proposal to evidence an arrangement. In cases where both a signed contract and a purchase order are required by the customer, we consider both taken together as evidence of the arrangement. Delivery of our product —Software and the corresponding access keys are generally delivered to customers via electronic delivery or via physical medium with standard shipping terms of Free Carrier, our warehouse (i.e., FCA, AspenTech). Our software license agreements do not contain conditions for acceptance. Fee is fixed or determinable —We assess whether a fee is fixed or determinable at the outset of the arrangement. Significant judgment is involved in making this assessment. As a standard business practice, we offer fixed-term license arrangements, which are generally payable on an annual basis. We cannot assert that the fees under our aspenONE licensing model and point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS are fixed or determinable because of the rights provided to customers, economics of the arrangements, and because we do not have an established history of our arrangements going to term end date without providing concessions to customers. As a result, the amount of revenue recognized for these arrangements is limited by the amount of customer payments that become due. Collection of fee is probable —We assess the probability of collecting from each customer at the outset of the arrangement based on a number of factors, including the customer's payment history, its current creditworthiness, economic conditions in the customer's industry and geographic location, and general economic conditions. If in our judgment collection of a fee is not probable, revenue is recognized as cash is collected, provided all other conditions for revenue recognition have been met. Vendor-Specific Objective Evidence of Fair Value (VSOE) We have established VSOE for professional services and certain training offerings, but not for our software products or our SMS offerings. We assess VSOE for SMS, professional services, and training, based on an analysis of standalone sales of the offerings using the bell-shaped curve approach. We do not have a history of selling our Premier Plus SMS offering to customers on a standalone basis, and as a result are unable to establish VSOE for this deliverable. Subscription and Software Revenue Subscription and software revenue consists primarily of product and related revenue from our (i) aspenONE licensing model; (ii) point product arrangements with our Premier Plus SMS offering included for the contract term; and (iii) perpetual arrangements. When a customer elects to license our products under our aspenONE licensing model, our Premier Plus SMS offering is included for the entire term of the arrangement and the customer receives, for the term of the arrangement, the right to any new unspecified future software products and updates that may be introduced into the licensed aspenONE software suite. Due to our obligation to provide unspecified future software products and updates and because we do not have VSOE for our Premier Plus SMS offering, we are required to recognize revenue ratably over the term of the arrangement, once the other revenue recognition criteria noted above have been met. Our point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS include SMS for the term of the arrangement. Since we do not have VSOE for our Premier Plus SMS offering, the SMS element of our point product arrangements is not separable. As a result, revenue associated with point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS included for the contract term is recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement, once the other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Services and Other Revenue Professional Services Revenue Professional services are provided to customers on a time-and-materials (T&M) or fixed-price basis. We recognize professional services fees for our T&M contracts based upon hours worked and contractually agreed-upon hourly rates. Revenue from fixed-price engagements is recognized using the proportional performance method based on the ratio of costs incurred to the total estimated project costs. Project costs are typically expensed as incurred. The use of the proportional performance method is dependent upon our ability to reliably estimate the costs to complete a project. We use historical experience as a basis for future estimates to complete current projects. Additionally, we believe that costs are the best available measure of performance. Out-of-pocket expenses which are reimbursed by customers are recorded as revenue. In certain circumstances, professional services revenue may be recognized over a longer time period than the period over which the services are performed. If the costs to complete a project are not estimable or the completion is uncertain, the revenue and related costs are recognized upon completion of the services. In circumstances in which professional services are sold as a single arrangement with, or in contemplation of, a new aspenONE license or point product arrangement with Premier Plus SMS, revenue is deferred and recognized on a ratable basis over the longer of (i) the period the services are performed, or (ii) the license term. When we provide professional services considered essential to the functionality of the software, we recognize the combined revenue from the sale of the software and related services using the completed contract or percentage-of-completion method. We have occasionally been required to commit unanticipated additional resources to complete projects, which resulted in losses on those contracts. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts are made during the period in which such losses become probable and can be reasonably estimated. Training Revenue We provide training services to our customers, including on-site, Internet-based, public and customized training. Revenue is recognized in the period in which the services are performed. In circumstances in which training services are sold as a single arrangement with, or in contemplation of, a new aspenONE license or point product arrangement with Premier Plus SMS, revenue is deferred and recognized on a ratable basis over the longer of (i) the period the services are performed or (ii) the license term. Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue includes amounts billed or collected in advance of revenue recognition, including arrangements under the aspenONE licensing model, point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS, professional services, and training. Deferred revenue is recorded as each invoice becomes due. Other Licensing Matters Our standard licensing agreements include a product warranty provision. We have not experienced significant claims related to software warranties beyond the scope of SMS support, which we are already obligated to provide, and consequently, we have not established reserves for warranty obligations. Our agreements with our customers generally require us to indemnify the customer against claims that our software infringes third-party patent, copyright, trademark or other proprietary rights. Such indemnification obligations are generally limited in a variety of industry-standard respects, including our right to replace an infringing product. As of June 30, 2017 and 2016 , we had not experienced any material losses related to these indemnification obligations and no claims with respect thereto were outstanding. We do not expect significant claims related to these indemnification obligations, and consequently, have not established any related reserves. (e) Computer Software Development Costs Certain computer software development costs are capitalized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Capitalization of computer software development costs begins upon establishing technological feasibility defined as meeting specifications determined by the program design. Amortization of capitalized computer software development costs is provided on a product-by-product basis using the greater of (a) the amount computed using the ratio that current gross revenue for a product bears to total of current and anticipated future gross revenue for that product or (b) the straight-line method, beginning upon commercial release of the product, and continuing over the remaining estimated economic life of the product, not to exceed three years . Total computer software costs capitalized were $0.4 million , $0.3 million and $0.4 million during the years ended June 30, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Total amortization expense charged to operations was approximately $0.5 million , $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the years ended June 30, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Computer software development accumulated amortization totaled $74.3 million and $73.8 million as of June 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Weighted average remaining useful life of computer software development costs was 0.6 years and 0.7 years at June 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. At each balance sheet date, we evaluate the unamortized capitalized software costs for potential impairment by comparing the balance to the net realizable value of the products. During the years ending June 30, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , our computer software development costs were not considered impaired and as such, we did not recognize impairment losses during the periods then ended. (f) Foreign Currency Translation The determination of the functional currency of subsidiaries is based on the subsidiaries' financial and operational environment and is the local currency of the subsidiary. Gains and losses from foreign currency translation related to entities whose functional currency is their local currency are credited or charged to accumulated other comprehensive income included in stockholders' deficit in the consolidated balance sheets. In all instances, foreign currency transaction and remeasurement gains or losses are credited or charged to the consolidated statements of operations as incurred as a component of other income (expense), net. Net foreign currency transaction and remeasurement gains were less than $0.6 million in fiscal 2017 and losses were less than $0.1 million and $0.8 million in fiscal 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (g) Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are principally cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable and installments receivable. Our cash is held in financial institutions and our cash equivalents are invested in money market mutual funds that we believe to be of high credit quality. We diversify our investment portfolio by investing in multiple types of investment-grade securities and attempt to mitigate a risk of loss by using a third-party investment manager. Concentration of credit risk with respect to receivables is limited to certain customers to which we make substantial sales. To reduce risk, we assess the financial strength of our customers. We do not require collateral or other security in support of our receivables. As of June 30, 2017 , we had one customer receivable balances that represented approximately 18% of our total receivables. As of June 30, 2016 , we had two customer receivable balances that represented approximately 10% and 15% of our total receivables, and were collected subsequent to June 30, 2016 . (h) Computer Software Developed for Internal Use and Long-Lived Assets Computer Software Developed for Internal Use: Computer software developed for internal use is capitalized in accordance with ASC Topic 350-40, Intangibles Goodwill and Other—Internal Use Software . We capitalize direct labor costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development stage after determining software technological requirements and obtaining management approval for funding projects probable of completion. In fiscal 2017 and 2016 there were no capitalized direct labor costs associated with our development of software for internal use. In fiscal 2015 , we capitalized direct labor costs of $0.3 million associated with our development of software for internal use. These costs are included within property, plant and equipment in our consolidated balance sheets. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: We evaluate our long-lived assets, which include finite-lived intangible assets, property and leasehold improvements for impairment as events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or a group of assets may not be recoverable. We assess the recoverability of the asset or a group of assets based on the undiscounted future cash flows the asset is expected to generate, and recognize an impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset are less than its carrying value. If an asset or a group of assets are deemed to be impaired, the amount of the impairment loss, if any, represents the excess of the asset's or a group of assets' carrying value compared to their estimated fair values. (i) Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income and its components for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 are disclosed in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As of June 30, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of foreign translation adjustments of $1.5 million , $2.7 million $6.5 million , respectively, and net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities of less than $0.1 million , $(0.1) million and ($0.1) million , respectively. (j) Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. (k) Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the statutory tax rates and laws expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided against net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and the timing of the temporary differences becoming deductible. Management considers, among other available information, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, limitations of availability of net operating loss carryforwards, and other matters in making this assessment. We do not provide deferred taxes on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries since we intend to indefinitely reinvest either currently or sometime in the foreseeable future. Unrecognized provisions for taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, which are considered indefinitely reinvested, are not material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations. We are continuously subject to examination by the IRS, as well as various state and foreign jurisdictions. The IRS and other taxing authorities may challenge certain deductions and credits reported by us on our income tax returns. In accordance with provisions of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740), an entity should recognize a tax benefit when it is more-likely-than-not, based on the technical merits, that the position would be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. The amount to be recognized, if the more-likely-than-not threshold was passed, should be measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Furthermore, any change in the recognition, de-recognition or measurement of a tax position should be recorded in the period in which the change occurs. We account for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of the provision for income taxes. (l) Loss Contingencies We accrue estimated liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation and other sources when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the claim assessment or damages can be reasonably estimated. We believe that we have sufficient accruals to cover any obligations resulting from claims, assessments or litigation that have met these criteria. Refer to Note 16 for discussion of these matters and related liability accruals. (m) Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are classified as sales and marketing expenses. We incurred advertising expenses of $3.2 million , $2.3 million and $2.9 million during fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (n) Research and Development Expense We charge research and development expenditures to expense as the costs are incurred. Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses related to the creation of new products, enhancements and engineering changes to existing products and costs of acquired technology prior to establishing technological feasibility. During fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we acquired certain technologies for $2.3 million , $0.3 million and $3.3 million , respectively. At the time we acquired the technology, the project to develop a commercially available product did not meet the definition of having reached technological feasibility and as such, the entire cost of the acquired technology was expensed as research and development expense. (o) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . ASU No. 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) , and requires entities to recognize revenue when they transfer promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. As currently issued and amended, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, though early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We will adopt ASU No. 2014-09 during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Based on our preliminary assessment, the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 will impact the timing of a portion of the revenue recognized from our term contracts. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of ASU No. 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and implementing accounting system changes related to the adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . Under the amendment, lessees will be required to recognize virtually all of their leases on the balance sheet, by recording a right-of-use asset and lease liability. The ASU is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The amendment identifies several areas for simplification applicable to entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees, including income tax consequences, the option to recognize gross stock compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized when they occur, and certain classifications on the statements of cash flows. The ASU is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-09 on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). The amendment changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. Entities will be required to use a model that will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses for trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, the losses will be recognized as allowances rather than as reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. The ASU is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-13 on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) . The amendment updates the guidance as to how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified, and is intended to reduce the existing diversity in practice. The ASU is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-15 on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendment changes the definition of a business to assist entities in evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities constitutes a business. The ASU is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU No. 2017-01 will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other Topics (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendment eliminates Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test and requires goodwill impairment to be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of its goodwill. The ASU is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU No. 2017-04 will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. |