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Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Accounting Policies
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include balances with banks as well as deposits that have terms to maturity of three months or less. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost and typically consist of term deposits, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and short-term interest bearing investment-grade securities of major banks in the countries in which we operate.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for doubtful accounts
From time to time, we may sell certain accounts receivable to a financial institution on a non-recourse basis for cash, less a discount. Proceeds from the sale of receivables approximate their discounted book value are included in operating cash flows on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make payments. We evaluate the creditworthiness of our customers prior to order fulfillment and based on these evaluations, we adjust our credit limit to the respective customer. In addition to these evaluations, we conduct on-going credit evaluations of our customers' payment history and current creditworthiness. The allowance is maintained for 100% of all accounts deemed to be uncollectible and, for those receivables not specifically identified as uncollectible, an allowance is maintained for a specific percentage of those receivables based upon the aging of accounts, our historical collection experience and current economic expectations. To date, the actual losses have been within our expectations. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the accounts receivable balance as of June 30, 2019 and 2018.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, and shown net of depreciation which is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Gains and losses on asset disposals are taken into income in the year of disposition. Fully depreciated property and equipment are retired from the consolidated balance sheet when they are no longer in use. We did not recognize any significant property and equipment impairment charges in Fiscal 2019, Fiscal 2018, or Fiscal 2017. The following represents the estimated useful lives of property and equipment as of June 30, 2019:
Furniture and fixtures
5 years
Office equipment
5 years
Computer hardware
3 years
Computer software
3 to 7 years
Capitalized software
3 to 5 years
Leasehold improvements
Lesser of the lease term or 5 years
Building
40 years

Capitalized Software
We capitalize software development costs in accordance with ASC Topic 350-40 "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal-Use". We capitalize costs for software to be used internally when we enter the application development stage. This occurs when we complete the preliminary project stage, management authorizes and commits to funding the project, and it is feasible that the project will be completed and the software will perform the intended function. We cease to capitalize costs related to a software project when it enters the post implementation and operation stage. If different determinations are made with respect to the state of development of a software project, then the amount capitalized and the amount charged to expense for that project could differ materially.
Costs capitalized during the application development stage consist of payroll and related costs for employees who are directly associated with, and who devote time directly to, a project to develop software for internal use. We also capitalize the direct costs of materials and services, which generally includes outside contractors, and interest. We do not capitalize any general and administrative or overhead costs or costs incurred during the application development stage related to training or data conversion costs. Costs related to upgrades and enhancements to internal-use software, if those upgrades and enhancements result in additional functionality, are capitalized. If upgrades and enhancements do not result in additional functionality, those costs are expensed as incurred. If different determinations are made with respect to whether upgrades or enhancements to software projects would result in additional functionality, then the amount capitalized and the amount charged to expense for that project could differ materially.
We amortize capitalized costs with respect to development projects for internal-use software when the software is ready for use. The capitalized software development costs are generally amortized using the straight-line method over a 3 to 5 year period. In determining and reassessing the estimated useful life over which the cost incurred for the software should be amortized, we consider the effects of obsolescence, technology, competition and other economic factors. If different determinations are made with respect to the estimated useful life of the software, the amount of amortization charged in a particular period could differ materially.
As of June 30, 2019 and 2018 our capitalized software development costs were $95.7 million and $81.1 million, respectively. Our additions, relating to capitalized software development costs, incurred during Fiscal 2019 and Fiscal 2018 were $14.3 million and $14.6 million, respectively.
Acquired intangibles
Acquired intangibles consist of acquired technology and customer relationships associated with various acquisitions.
Acquired technology is initially recorded at fair value based on the present value of the estimated net future income-producing capabilities of software products acquired on acquisitions. We amortize acquired technology over its estimated useful life on a straight-line basis.
Customer relationships represent relationships that we have with customers of the acquired companies and are either based upon contractual or legal rights or are considered separable; that is, capable of being separated from the acquired entity and being sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged. These customer relationships are initially recorded at their fair value based on the present value of expected future cash flows. We amortize customer relationships on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
We continually evaluate the remaining estimated useful life of our intangible assets being amortized to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.
Impairment of long-lived assets
We account for the impairment and disposition of long-lived assets in accordance with ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (Topic 360). We test long-lived assets or asset groups, such as property and equipment and definite lived intangible assets, for recoverability when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Circumstances which could trigger a review include, but are not limited to: significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors; current period cash flow or operating losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset; and a current expectation that the asset will more likely than not be sold or disposed of before the end of its estimated useful life.
Recoverability is assessed based on comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the aggregate pre-tax undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposal of the asset or asset group. Impairment is recognized when the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the asset or asset group. The impairment loss, if any, is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value, which for this purpose is based upon the discounted projected future cash flows of the asset or asset group.
We have not recorded any significant impairment charges for long-lived assets during Fiscal 2019, Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017.
Business combinations
We apply the provisions of ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations” (Topic 805), in the accounting for our acquisitions. It requires us to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities, including contingent consideration where applicable, assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement, particularly since these assumptions and estimates are based in part on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill in the period identified. Furthermore, when valuing certain intangible assets that we have acquired, critical estimates may be made relating to, but not limited to: (i) future expected cash flows from software license sales, cloud SaaS, DaaS and PaaS contracts, support agreements, consulting agreements and other customer contracts (ii) the acquired company's technology and competitive position, as well as assumptions about the period of time that the acquired technology will continue to be used in the combined company's product portfolio, and (iii) discount rates. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments would be recorded to our Consolidated Statements of Income.
For a given acquisition, we may identify certain pre-acquisition contingencies as of the acquisition date and may extend our review and evaluation of these pre-acquisition contingencies throughout the measurement period in order to obtain sufficient information to assess whether we include these contingencies as a part of the purchase price allocation and, if so, to determine the estimated amounts.
If we determine that a pre-acquisition contingency (non-income tax related) is probable in nature and estimable as of the acquisition date, we record our best estimate for such a contingency as a part of the preliminary purchase price allocation. We often continue to gather information and evaluate our pre-acquisition contingencies throughout the measurement period and if we make changes to the amounts recorded or if we identify additional pre-acquisition contingencies during the measurement period, such amounts will be included in the purchase price allocation during the measurement period and, subsequently, in our results of operations.
Uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date. We review these items during the measurement period as we continue to actively seek and collect information relating to facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. Changes to these uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances made subsequent to the measurement period, or if they relate to facts and circumstances that did not exist at the acquisition date, are recorded in the "Provision for (recovery of) income taxes" line of our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The carrying amount of goodwill is periodically reviewed for impairment (at a minimum annually) and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of this asset may not be recoverable.
Our operations are analyzed by management and our chief operating decision maker (CODM) as being part of a single industry segment: the design, development, marketing and sales of Enterprise Information Management (EIM) software and solutions. Therefore, our goodwill impairment assessment is based on the allocation of goodwill to a single reporting unit.
We perform a qualitative assessment to test our reporting unit's goodwill for impairment. Based on our qualitative assessment, if we determine that the fair value of our reporting unit is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than 50 percent) to be less than its carrying amount, the second step of the impairment test is performed. In the second step of the impairment test, we compare the fair value of our reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and we are not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the net assets of our reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss equal to the difference, but not exceeding the total carrying value of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit, would be recorded.
Our annual impairment analysis of goodwill was performed as of April 1, 2019. Our qualitative assessment indicated that there were no indications of impairment and therefore there was no impairment of goodwill required to be recorded for Fiscal 2019 (no impairments were recorded for Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017).
Derivative financial instruments
We use derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency rate risk. We account for these instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (Topic 815), which requires that every derivative instrument be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value as of the reporting date. Topic 815 also requires that changes in our derivative financial instruments' fair values be recognized in earnings; unless specific hedge accounting and documentation criteria are met (i.e. the instruments are accounted for as hedges). We recorded the effective portions of the gain or loss on derivative financial instruments that were designated as cash flow hedges in "Accumulated other comprehensive income", net of tax, in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any ineffective or excluded portion of a designated cash flow hedge, if applicable, was recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Asset retirement obligations
We account for asset retirement obligations in accordance with ASC Topic 410, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” (Topic 410), which applies to certain obligations associated with “leasehold improvements” within our leased office facilities. Topic 410 requires that a liability be initially recognized for the estimated fair value of the obligation when it is incurred. The associated asset retirement cost is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and depreciated over the remaining life of the underlying asset and the associated liability is accreted to the estimated fair value of the obligation at the settlement date through periodic accretion charges recorded within general and administrative expenses. When the obligation is settled, any difference between the final cost and the recorded amount is recognized as income or loss on settlement in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Revenue recognition
In accordance with Topic 606, we account for a customer contract when we obtain written approval, the contract is committed, the rights of the parties, including the payment terms, are identified, the contract has commercial substance and consideration is probable of collection. Revenue is recognized when, or as, control of a promised product or service is transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for our products and services (at its transaction price). Estimates of variable consideration and the determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based on readily available information, which may include historical, current and forecasted information, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and specific facts and circumstances of each arrangement. We report revenue net of any revenue-based taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue producing transactions. Refer to note 3 "Revenues" for our full revenue recognition policy.
Research and development costs
Research and development costs internally incurred in creating computer software to be sold, licensed or otherwise marketed are expensed as incurred unless they meet the criteria for deferral and amortization, as described in ASC Topic 985-20, “Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed” (Topic 985-20). In accordance with Topic 985-20, costs related to research, design and development of products are charged to expense as incurred and capitalized between the dates that the product is considered to be technologically feasible and is considered to be ready for general release to customers. In our historical experience, the dates relating to the achievement of technological feasibility and general release of the product have substantially coincided. In addition, no significant costs are incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological
feasibility. As a result, we do not capitalize any research and development costs relating to internally developed software to be sold, licensed or otherwise marketed.
Income taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (Topic 740). Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. These temporary differences are measured using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the extent that we consider it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In determining the valuation allowance, we consider factors such as the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected taxable income, and the character of income tax assets and tax planning strategies. A change to these factors could impact the estimated valuation allowance and income tax expense.
We account for our uncertain tax provisions by using a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not, based solely on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the appropriate amount of the benefit to recognize. The amount of benefit to recognize is measured as the maximum amount which is more likely than not to be realized. The tax position is derecognized when it is no longer more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit. On subsequent recognition and measurement the maximum amount which is more likely than not to be recognized at each reporting date will represent the Company's best estimate, given the information available at the reporting date, although the outcome of the tax position is not absolute or final. We recognize both accrued interest and penalties related to liabilities for income taxes within the "Provision for (recovery of) income taxes" line of our Consolidated Statements of Income (see note 14 "Income Taxes" for more details).
Fair value of financial instruments
Carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable (trade and accrued liabilities) approximate their fair value due to the relatively short period of time between origination of the instruments and their expected realization.
The fair value of our total long-term debt approximates its carrying value since the interest rate is at market.
We apply the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, to our derivative financial instruments that we are required to carry at fair value pursuant to other accounting standards (see note 15 "Fair Value Measurement" for more details).
Foreign currency
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars. In general, the functional currency of our subsidiaries is the local currency. For each subsidiary, assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the previous month of the transaction. The effect of foreign currency translation adjustments not affecting net income are included in Shareholders' equity under the “Cumulative translation adjustment” account as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income”. Transactional foreign currency gains (losses) included in the Consolidated Statements of Income under the line item “Other income (expense), net” for Fiscal 2019, Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 were $(4.3) million, $4.8 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
Restructuring charges
We record restructuring charges relating to contractual lease obligations and other exit costs in accordance with ASC Topic 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations” (Topic 420). Topic 420 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized and measured initially at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. In order to incur a liability pursuant to Topic 420, our management must have established and approved a plan of restructuring in sufficient detail. A liability for a cost associated with involuntary termination benefits is recorded when benefits have been communicated and a liability for a cost to terminate an operating lease or other contract is incurred, when the contract has been terminated in accordance with the contract terms or we have ceased using the right conveyed by the contract, such as vacating a leased facility.
The recognition of restructuring charges requires us to make certain judgments regarding the nature, timing and amount associated with the planned restructuring activities, including estimating sub-lease income and the net recoverable amount of
equipment to be disposed of. At the end of each reporting period, we evaluate the appropriateness of the remaining accrued balances (see note 17 "Special Charges (Recoveries)" for more details).
Loss Contingencies
We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Quarterly, we review the status of each significant legal matter and evaluate such matters to determine how they should be treated for accounting and disclosure purposes in accordance with the requirements of ASC Topic 450-20 "Loss Contingencies" (Topic 450-20). Specifically, this evaluation process includes the centralized tracking and itemization of the status of all our disputes and litigation items, discussing the nature of any litigation and claim, including any dispute or claim that is reasonably likely to result in litigation, with relevant internal and external counsel, and assessing the progress of each matter in light of its merits and our experience with similar proceedings under similar circumstances.
If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss in accordance with Topic 450-20. As of the date of this filing on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2019, we do not believe that the outcomes of any of these matters not already disclosed, individually or in the aggregate, will result in losses that are materially in excess of amounts already recognized (see note 13 "Guarantees and Contingencies" for more details).
Net income per share
Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding including contingently issuable shares where the contingency has been resolved. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of Common Shares and stock equivalents outstanding using the treasury stock method during the year (see note 21 "Earnings Per Share" for more details).
Share-based payment
We measure share-based compensation costs, in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation” (Topic 718) on the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award. We have elected to treat awards with graded vesting as a single award when estimating fair value. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the employee requisite service period, which in our circumstances is the stated vesting period of the award, provided that total compensation cost recognized at least equals the pro-rata value of the award that has vested. Compensation cost is initially based on the estimated number of options for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered. This estimate is adjusted in the period once actual forfeitures are known (see note 12 "Share Capital, Option Plans and Share-based Payments" for more details).
Accounting for Pensions, post-retirement and post-employment benefits
Pension expense is accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 715, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits” (Topic 715). Pension expense consists of: actuarially computed costs of pension benefits in respect of the current year of service, imputed returns on plan assets (for funded plans) and imputed interest on pension obligations. The expected costs of post retirement benefits, other than pensions, are accrued in the Consolidated Financial Statements based upon actuarial methods and assumptions. The over-funded or under-funded status of defined benefit pension and other post retirement plans are recognized as an asset or a liability (with the offset to “Accumulated other comprehensive income”, net of tax, within “Shareholders' equity”), respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see note 11 "Pension Plans and Other Post Retirement Benefits" for more details).
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal 2019
During Fiscal 2019, we adopted the following ASU's, in addition to those discussed in note 1 "Basis of Presentation". These ASU's did not have a material impact to our reported financial position, results of operations or cash flows:
ASU 2016-15 "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments". When classifying distributions received from equity method investees, the Company uses the cumulative earnings approach.
ASU 2017-01 "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business"
ASU 2018-05 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118"

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Retirement Benefits
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2018-14 “Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans - General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans” (ASU 2018-14), which modifies the disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension plans and other post retirement plans. ASU 2018-14 is effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2018-14 on our consolidated financial statements.
Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract” (ASU 2018-15). ASU 2018-15 clarifies the accounting treatment for implementation costs incurred as a customer in cloud computing arrangements. We will adopt ASU 2018-15 in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2018-15 will have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)” and also issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance under ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04 and ASU 2019-05 (collectively Topic 326). Topic 326 requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. This replaces the existing incurred loss model with an expected loss model and requires the use of forward looking information to calculate credit loss estimates. Topic 326 is effective for us in our first quarter of our fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 with earlier adoption permitted beginning in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. Topic 326 must be adopted by applying a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. We are currently evaluating Topic 326, including its potential impact to our process and controls. We believe the effect on our consolidated financial statements will largely depend on the composition and credit quality of our financial assets and the economic conditions at the time of adoption.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance under ASU 2017-13, ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11 and ASU 2018-20 (collectively, Topic 842). Topic 842 supersedes the guidance in former ASC Topic 840 “Leases”. Topic 842 requires companies to generally recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use (ROU) assets. For OpenText, the most significant change will result in the recognition of lease assets for the right to use the underlying asset and lease liabilities for the obligation to make lease payments by lessees, for those leases classified as operating leases under current guidance. Upon adoption, we expect to recognize ROU assets ranging from approximately $218 million to $228 million and lease liabilities ranging from approximately $255 million to $265 million. The new guidance will also require significant additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows related to leases. We will adopt Topic 842 in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending June 30, 2020 using the modified retrospective transition and by applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial adoption and not restating comparative periods, as allowed for under Topic 842. Upon adoption, we will also elect the transition provisions of permitted practical expedients, which among other things, allows the carryforward of the historical lease classification. Furthermore, upon adoption, we will make an accounting policy election that will keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off our Consolidated Balance Sheets and we will recognize these short-term lease payments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term.