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Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2023
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”). 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. 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 established against deferred tax assets, the amortization of deferred commissions, the amortization period of the cost to obtain the judgment preservation insurance (as discussed in Note 13), and stock-based compensation. 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, 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 21.3%, 19.2%, and 19.6% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, of which the top three U.S. federal government agencies generated 4.2%, 4.5%, and 5.6% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Additionally, 35.8%, 33.5%, and 34.0% of our revenue during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, was generated from international customers. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. As of December 31, 2023, we had one customer whose balance comprised 12.1% of total accounts receivable. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, as well as overnight repurchase agreements, to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash consisted of cash designated to settle an escrow liability stemming from a holdback agreement related to our acquisition of Lana Labs GmbH. We paid the remaining amount owed in August 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,
| 2023 |  | 2022 |  | 2021
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 149,351 |  |  | $ | 148,132 |  |  | $ | 100,796 |
Restricted cash, current | — |  |  | 2,249 |  |  | 791 |
Restricted cash, non-current | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,373 |
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 149,351 |  |  | $ | 150,381 |  |  | $ | 103,960 |
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,
| 2023 |  | 2022 |  | 2021
Beginning balance | $ | 2,125 |  |  | $ | 1,400 |  |  | $ | 1,400 |
Additions: Charged to costs and expenses | 1,091 |  |  | 1,298 |  |  | 410 |
Deductions: Write-offs, net of recoveries | (610) |  |  | (573) |  |  | (410) |
Ending balance | $ | 2,606 |  |  | $ | 2,125 |  |  | $ | 1,400 |
Deferred Commissions We capitalize costs of obtaining a contract with a customer, which consist of sales commissions paid to our sales team, and the associated incremental payroll taxes. These costs are recorded as deferred commissions in the consolidated balance sheets. Costs to obtain a contract for a new customer or upsell an existing customer 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. Commissions paid relating to contract renewals are deferred and amortized over the related renewal period. We determine the estimated economic life based on both qualitative and quantitative factors such as expected renewals, product life cycles, contractual terms, and customer attrition. 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. 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, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2023 |  | 2022
Beginning balance | $ | 85,984 |  |  | $ | 73,685 |
Additional contract costs deferred | 53,894 |  |  | 49,816 |
Amortization of deferred contract costs | (45,853) |  |  | (37,517) |
Ending balance | $ | 94,025 |  |  | $ | 85,984 |
Commission expense was $46.8 million, $39.4 million, and $32.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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 (in years):
|  | Useful Life
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. 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 the 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 2023 and 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. In the fourth quarter of 2023 and 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. Stock-Based Compensation Compensation expense related to stock-based awards is calculated by determining 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. Leases We combine lease and non-lease components and account for them as a single lease component for our facility leases. The discount rates related to 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 shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed similar to basic, except the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include additional outstanding shares from the assumed exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs, if dilutive. The dilutive effect, if any, of convertible shares is calculated using the treasury stock method. As we reported net losses for all periods presented, all outstanding shares would be considered antidilutive if they were assumed to be vested or exercised. 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 (income) expense, net’. Gains and losses from transactions denominated in foreign currencies resulted in net transaction gains of $8.7 million, net transaction losses of $6.1 million, and net transaction losses of $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Research and Development Expenses 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. Severance Costs During the first six months of 2023, we incurred severance costs related to involuntary reductions in our workforce designed to right-size our employee base and improve operations. Severance costs related to these actions totaled $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The majority of the costs incurred were paid to the impacted employees by December 31, 2023. No severance costs were incurred related to an involuntary reduction in our workforce in 2022 and 2021. Advertising Expenses We expense advertising costs as they are incurred. Advertising expenses were $4.2 million, $5.8 million, and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted We did not adopt any new accounting guidance in 2023 that had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. Not Yet Adopted In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvement to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07), which enhances the disclosure requirements for operating segments in our annual and interim consolidated financial statements. The new guidance is effective for us beginning with our annual reporting for fiscal year 2024 and for interim period reporting beginning in fiscal year 2025 and will be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The new ASU requires public companies to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. Additionally, it requires public companies to disclose the title and position of the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM). The ASU does not change how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates them, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. This guidance also applies to public entities that have only one segment. The new ASU will only impact our disclosures with no impacts to our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Tax (Topic 740): Improvement to Income tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09), which requires public companies to disclose, on an annual basis, a tabular rate reconciliation using both percentages and currency amounts, broken out into specified categories with certain reconciling items further broken out by nature and jurisdiction to the extent those items exceed a specified threshold. In addition, all entities are required to disclose income taxes paid, net of refunds received disaggregated by federal, state/local, and foreign and by jurisdiction if the amount is at least 5% of total income tax payments, net of refunds received. The new guidance is effective for our annual reporting for fiscal year 2025 on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The new ASU will only impact our disclosures with no impacts to our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

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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 -Topic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//235/tableOfContent + Details
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