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Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Accounting Policies | 2. Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) as contained in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Use of Estimates The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although we believe the estimates we use are reasonable, due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual results reported in future periods could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates embedded in the consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition, income taxes and the related valuation allowance, costs to obtain a contract with a customer, and stock-based compensation. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Appian and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Segment Reporting Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. We have determined our CODM is our Chief Executive Officer. We operate one operating and reportable segment, representing our consolidated business that helps organizations build applications and workflows rapidly with our low-code platform to maximize their resources and improve business results. Our reportable segment determination is based on our management and internal reporting structure, the nature of the subscriptions and services we offer, and the financial information evaluated regularly by our CODM. Revenue Recognition Refer to Note 3 for a detailed discussion on specific revenue recognition principles related to our major revenue streams. Concentration of Credit and Customer Risk Our financial instruments exposed to concentration of credit and customer risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and our short- and long-term investments. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits; however, we believe the financial institutions holding our cash deposits are financially sound and, accordingly, minimal credit risk exists with respect to these balances. With regard to our customers, credit evaluation and account monitoring procedures are used to minimize the risk of loss. Revenue generated from government agencies represented 19.2%, 19.6%, and 18.1% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, of which the top three U.S. federal government agencies generated 4.5%, 5.6%, and 6.6% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Additionally, 33.5%, 34.0%, and 33.8% of our revenue during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, was generated from international customers. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase, as well as overnight repurchase agreements, to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash consists of cash designated to settle an escrow liability stemming from our acquisition of Lana Labs GmbH (“Lana Labs”). The remaining balance as of December 31, 2022 is due on August 11, 2023. The following table presents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2022 |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 148,132 |  |  | $ | 100,796 |  |  | $ | 112,462 |
Restricted cash, current | 2,249 |  |  | 791 |  |  | — |
Restricted cash, non-current | — |  |  | 2,373 |  |  | — |
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 150,381 |  |  | $ | 103,960 |  |  | $ | 112,462 |
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are stated at realizable value, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our assessment of the collectability of accounts and incorporates an estimation of expected lifetime credit losses on our receivables. We regularly review the composition of the accounts receivable aging, historical bad debts, changes in payment patterns, customer creditworthiness, and current economic trends. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in their inability to make required payments, additional provisions for doubtful accounts would be required and would increase bad debt expense. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2022 |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Beginning balance | $ | 1,400 |  |  | $ | 1,400 |  |  | $ | 600 |
Additions | 1,298 |  |  | 410 |  |  | 984 |
Less: Write-offs, net of recoveries | (573) |  |  | (410) |  |  | (184) |
Ending balance | $ | 2,125 |  |  | $ | 1,400 |  |  | $ | 1,400 |
Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer We capitalize incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer, which consists of sales commissions paid to our sales team. These costs are recorded as deferred commissions in the consolidated balance sheets. Costs to obtain a contract for a new customer or upsell are amortized over an estimated economic life of five years as sales commissions on initial sales are not commensurate with sales commissions on contract renewals. We determine the estimated economic life based on both qualitative and quantitative factors such as customer attrition, expected renewals, product life cycles, and contractual terms. We periodically review the carrying amount of deferred contract acquisition costs to determine whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that could impact the estimated economic life. Commissions paid relating to contract renewals are deferred and amortized over the related renewal period. Costs to obtain a contract for professional services arrangements are expensed as incurred as the contractual period of our professional services arrangements are one year or less. Amortization associated with deferred commissions is recorded to sales and marketing expense in our consolidated statements of operations. The following table summarizes the activity of costs to obtain a contract with a customer for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2022 |  | 2021
Beginning balance | $ | 73,685 |  |  | $ | 52,097 |
Additional contract costs deferred | 49,816 |  |  | 51,283 |
Amortization of deferred contract costs | (37,517) |  |  | (29,695) |
Ending balance | $ | 85,984 |  |  | $ | 73,685 |
Commission expense was $39.4 million, $32.4 million, and $23.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Significant additions or improvements extending the useful life of an asset are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance costs which do not significantly improve the related assets or extend their useful lives are charged to expense as incurred. The following table outlines the useful lives of our major asset categories:
Asset Category |  | Useful Life (in years)
Computer software |  | 3
Computer hardware |  | 3
Equipment |  | 5
Office furniture and fixtures |  | 10
Leasehold improvements |  | (a)
(a) - Leasehold improvements have an estimated useful life of the shorter of the useful life of the assets or the lease term. Business Combinations We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting as of the business combination date. Under this method, we allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce, non-contractual relationships, and expected future synergies. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires us to use significant judgments and estimates, including the selection of valuation methodologies, estimates of future revenue, costs, and cash flows, and discount rates. During the measurement period, which can be up to one year from the acquisition date, these estimates may be refined, as necessary, and we may record adjustments to the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon 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 our consolidated statements of operations. Acquisition related expenses and post-acquisition integration costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived tangible assets and intangible assets with definite useful lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable through undiscounted cash flows from the use of the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the assets are written down to their estimated fair value. Goodwill is accounted for at the segment level and allocated to, and tested for impairment at, a level referred to as the reporting unit. We have determined our one segment consists of a single reporting unit. We test for impairment annually on the first day of our fourth quarter or between annual tests if events or changes in circumstances indicate the fair value of our reporting unit may be below its carrying amount. We have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not the fair value our reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If we elect to perform a qualitative assessment and conclude it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is equal to or greater than its carrying value, no further assessment of that reporting unit’s goodwill is necessary; otherwise, goodwill must be tested for impairment. In 2022, we elected to not perform the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill and instead performed the quantitative impairment test. When performing the quantitative test, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the reporting unit’s goodwill is impaired, and we must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit. We estimate the fair value of our reporting unit using a market-based valuation methodology, which is primarily based on our consolidated market capitalization plus a reasonable control premium. In the fourth quarter of 2022, we completed our annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting unit, and the results of the test indicated the estimated fair value of our reporting unit significantly exceeded the carrying value. Investments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Refer to Note 17 for a detailed discussion on our policies specific to investments and determining fair value. Stock-Based Compensation We account for stock-based compensation expense related to stock-based awards based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant date. We calculate the fair value of stock options containing only a service condition using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is based on the closing market price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on the date of grant. For service-based awards such as RSUs, stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For awards that contain market conditions, compensation expense is measured using a Monte Carlo simulation and is recognized using the accelerated attribution method over the derived service period based on the expected market performance as of the grant date. We account for forfeitures as they occur rather than estimating expected forfeitures. Refer to Note 11 for additional information related to stock-based compensation. Leases We combine and account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for leases of our facilities. The discount rates related to the our lease liabilities are based on estimates of our incremental borrowing rate on a secured basis, as the discount rates implicit in our lease agreements cannot be readily determined. Basic and Diluted Loss per Common Share We compute net loss per common share using the two-class method required for multiple classes of common stock and participating securities. The rights, including the liquidation and dividend rights, of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock are substantially identical, other than voting and conversion rights. Accordingly, the Class A common stock and Class B common stock share equally in our net losses. Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period increased by common shares that could be issued upon the conversion or exercise of other outstanding securities to the extent those additional common shares would be dilutive. The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted net loss per share by application of the treasury stock method. Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recoverable or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates as income and expense in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our tax positions are subject to income tax audits by multiple tax jurisdictions throughout the world. We recognize the tax benefit of an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the position is sustainable upon examination by the taxing authority. We measure the tax benefit recognized as the largest amount of benefit which is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement with the taxing authority. We recognize penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. We calculate the current and deferred income tax provision based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed in subsequent years and record adjustments based on filed income tax returns when identified. The amount of income taxes paid is subject to examination by U.S. federal, state, and foreign tax authorities. The estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to our assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time. To the extent the assessment of such tax position changes, we record the change in estimate in the period in which we make that determination. Foreign Currency Our operations located outside of the United States where the local currency is the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars using the current rate method. Results of operations are translated at the average rate of exchange for the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rates on the balance sheet date. Gains and losses on translation of these accounts are accumulated and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive loss. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as a component of Other expense (income), net. Gains and losses from transactions denominated in foreign currencies resulted in net transaction losses of $6.1 million, net transaction losses of $3.7 million, and net transaction gains of $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Research and Development Research and development expenses include payroll, employee benefits, and other headcount-related costs associated with product development. Our product utilizes a common codebase, whether accessed by customers via the cloud or via an on-premises installation. Since our software is sold and licensed externally, we consider our software as external-use software for purposes of applying the capitalized software development guidance. Product development costs are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established, which is defined as the completion of all planning, designing, coding, and testing activities necessary to establish products that meet design specifications including functions, features, and technical performance requirements. We have determined technological feasibility for our software products is reached shortly before they are released for sale. Costs incurred after technological feasibility is established are not significant, and accordingly we expense all research and development costs when incurred. Advertising Expenses We expense advertising costs as they are incurred. Advertising expenses were $5.8 million, $4.4 million, and $6.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements We did not adopt any new accounting guidance in 2022 that had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. Additionally, there is no pending accounting guidance that we expect to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for the basis of presentation and significant accounting policies concepts. Basis of presentation describes the underlying basis used to prepare the financial statements (for example, US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting, IFRS). Accounting policies describe all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2122369 + Details
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